Mainers are closely following the presidential aspirations of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who has been a frequent visitor to the family compound in Kennebunkport over the years.
Bush has announced that he's forming a political action committee to explore a presidential run.
Maine GOP Party Chairman Rick Bennett says Bush, and other potential Republican candidates for president, are stirring up interest two years before the presidential election.
"Talking with Republican activists, clearly people clearly are thinking about it," Bennett says. "The Republican Party is going through a period of re-definition, in my view, and part of that process will be the selection of a nominee for 2016."
Bennett says other potential candidates, like New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, visited Maine this year, and he expects other potential candidates to visit in 2015.
Bennett says he has long supported presidential primaries, and both major parties should consider establishing a primary election for the open 2016 presidential contest.
