Possible 2016 GOP presidential contender Jeb Bush issued a statement Wednesday morning distancing himself from embattled New Hampshire Congressman Frank Guinta.
"Governor Bush does not believe Congressman Guinta's actions were appropriate," a spokesperson for Bush said. "It is incumbent on public servants to be transparent and ethical."
But Bush did not call on Guinta to resign, saying that decision "is up to Congressman Guinta, and ultimately to his constituents."
Guinta, a Republican, has been taking fire from members of his own party this week after the Federal Election Commission found that he broke the law by accepting more than $300,000 in campaign donations from his parents in 2010. U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte and other prominent New Hampshire Republicans have called on him to resign, but he has said he has no plans to do so.
Back on March 13, Bush was the "special guest" at a fundraiser for Guinta at the Manchester Country Club in Bedford. It was his first visit to the Granite State since forming an exploratory committee to consider a run for president in 2016. At the time, the Union Leader said Bush's appearance signaled that Guinta would be backing Bush in the New Hampshire primary.
This week's swing will be Bush's third visit to New Hampshire, and University of New Hampshire political scientist Dante Scala said he wouldn't be surprised if the former Florida governor is asked about Guinta given their history.
In addition to speaking at Guinta's March 13 fundraiser, The Washington Post reports that Bush's Right to Rise super PAC donated $5,200 to Guinta in February. Bush also personally donated $1,000 to Guinta's campaign last October.
Politics
He's not the only potential Republican presidential candidate who has given money to Guinta. Donald Trump and Rick Perry also donated to the congressman's campaign.
