It's upon us (God help us): ‘JEB! 2016′ campaign will downplay ‘Bush’

When his presidential bid begins June 15, he'll seek to distance himself from his brother and father.

(Portland Press Herald) - KENNEBUNKPORT — A banner in the town square says, “Happy 90th Barbara Bush.” Postcards read “Kennebunkport: 2 presidents, 1 town.” A local gift shop is selling unofficial “Jeb Bush 2016″ magnets.

In this coastal hamlet made famous by George H.W. Bush and his cigarette boat, it is hard to escape the Bush family – but Jeb Bush is trying hard to do so.

After festivities this weekend to celebrate his mother’s 90th birthday, Bush will jet overseas for a foreign-policy tour and then launch his 2016 presidential campaign 1,500 miles to the south, in Miami.

The iconic family compound here, called Walker’s Point, is a fitting metaphor for what has emerged as Jeb Bush’s central political challenge: how far to distance himself from his family’s political legacy.

The past month has brought into stark relief the fundamental dilemma posed by Bush’s lineage, even as his front-runner status fades. He repeatedly stumbled to answer questions about the now-unpopular Iraq War started by his brother and has been visibly conflicted about whether to embrace or play down the policies and reputations of his closest relatives. Read more.