DERRY, N.H.—Jeb Bush found a receptive audience for his economic arguments in New Hampshire Tuesday. But not everyone was on board.
Two swarms of protestors flanked the entrance of his campaign event. Liberals chanted the usual anti-Bush slogans while disgruntled conservatives protested Bush’s support for Common Core and alleged dealing with big banks.
Bush reiterated his pledge to boost economic growth to 4 percent a year. “We all want something better for our families and today we’re not getting it…we’re not at full potential,” he said.
Arguing that it is possible to downsize the government and balance the budget while simultaneously helping those who need it most, citing programs for the disabled, Bush touted his record as a governor. He stated that while serving as governor of Florida he reduced taxes every year and cut the government workforce by 13,000, all while creating jobs in the state.
“If you ever see my good friend Rick Perry, or even my brother George W, tell them we created more jobs than Texas,” Bush said to a laughing crowd.
Asked about Obamacare, Bush argued that the health care law damaged American economic growth and hurt jobs.
“Look, if the take-home is ‘Bush is for high-sustained economic growth where more people have a chance at earned success,’ then I’ve accomplished my mission here today,” he said. “That is what I believe in. That is the purpose of my candidacy.”
Traditionally a fiscally conservative state, many New Hampshire residents on hand nodded their heads in agreement with what Bush had to say.
“He’s in touch with people, I think New Hampshire will respond very favorably,” George Abraham, a New Hampshire entrepreneur and businessman said. “New Hampshire is an independent-minded state, the motto is ‘Live Free or Die.’ So less statutes, more instructive and constructive roles for government. It should be in the business of defending the country, not just doing everything in the daily life.”
Other voters said they were still undecided, but open-minded and optimistic about the 2016 Republican presidential field.
“I’m waiting for everything to sort out, but he’s up there for me, probably my top four right now,” said David Milz, a Derry state representative, who considers himself a moderate Republican. “He’s a very core conservative, which I think a lot of New Hampshire is … It’s true that New Hampshire flip-flops, but we’ll have to see what happens.”
Bush narrowly leads the RealClearPolitics polling average for New Hampshire, with Scott Walker, libertarian-leaning Rand Paul and Marco Rubio close behind.
