Jeb Bush to name out gay man as communications director
Jeb Bush is expected to name Tim Miller, who is openly gay, as communications director of his anticipated presidential campaign, multiple news outlets reported Friday.
The hire, first reported by The Wall Street Journal and Politico, was confirmed by Miller on Twitter:
Thanks yall. Thrilled and honored to work for a great person with the right message –@JebBush. http://t.co/6iouJJh2uo
— Tim Miller (@Timodc) February 20, 2015
According to Politico, Miller will serve as a senior adviser to Bush’s Right to Rise PAC. Should Bush officially launch a presidential campaign, Miller is expected to be named communications director.
For the past two years, the 33-year-old Miller has served as executive director of America Rising, a super PAC that has employed opposition researchers largely targeting Hillary Clinton and other Democratic candidates. Previously, Miller served as deputy communications director for the Republican National Committee and press secretary for Jon Huntsman’s 2012 presidential campaign. In 2008, he was John McCain’s communications director in Iowa.
In a statement to Politico, Kristy Campbell, a spokesperson for Bush’s PAC, described Miller as one of the most respected communicators in the nation. “His counsel will be critical to Governor Bush as the Right to Rise PAC works to support conservative candidates and conservative causes across the nation in the coming months,” Campbell said.
Bush announced on Dec. 16 via Facebook that he would “actively explore the possibility of running for President of the United States.” Considered the front runner for the Republican presidential nomination, Bush launched a social media blitz last month announcing in videos both in English and Spanish the formation of a political action committee, Right to Rise PAC, intended to support like-minded conservative candidates.
Notably, the former Florida governor has appeared to soften his tone on whether same-sex couples should be allowed to marry, particularly after marriage equality arrived in Florida last month.
In a statement released the same day same-sex marriages began in Florida, Bush made no mention of his personal opposition to same-sex marriage and instead expressed a sympathetic understanding of not just those who believe marriage should be between a man and a woman, but of same-sex couples seeking equality.
“We live in a democracy, and regardless of our disagreements, we have to respect the rule of law,” Bush said. “I hope that we can show respect for the good people on all sides of the gay and lesbian marriage issue — including couples making lifetime commitments to each other who are seeking greater legal protections and those of us who believe marriage is a sacrament and want to safeguard religious liberty.”
Huntsman, who came out in support of same-sex marriage after his bid for president, congratulated Miller on Twitter:
Proud of @Timodc. Not a better professional in the business. Carry on bravely!
— Jon Huntsman (@JonHuntsman) February 20, 2015
Support Metro Weekly’s Journalism
These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!
You must be logged in to post a comment.