George H. W. and Barbara Bush will endorse John McCain next week, making the announcement in Texas in an effort to enlist voters there to support the presumptive nominee against a formidable rival. Mike Huckabee is optimistic about his prospects in the state, where social conservatives has taken issue with both Bush presidents, CNN reports.
But Bush 41 still has pull with the state’s GOP establishment, and his nod represents a signal to unite behind McCain. The senior Bushes will also campaign for the 71-year-old candidate. Bush 43 hasn’t endorsed a candidate but did speculate recently about the source of some anti-McCain feeling, calling it “probably, some personal animosity toward me.” (More George HW Bush stories.)