I didn't emulate Bill Clinton, but I do admire his awesome listening skills ... It's really important to listen to people

Jeb Bush

His approach has sometimes brought him into conflict with less moderate Republicans, including his brother.

In April, the two men clashed over plans to allow oil and gas exploration in the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

Born on 11 February 1953 in Midland, Texas, Mr Bush graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin American Studies.

Political rise

In 1973, he married his Mexican wife Columba Garnica Gallo. The couple have three children.

The Bush brothers have clashed over environmental issues

After moving to Miami, Florida, in 1980 he helped form what would become a successful real estate company, the Codina Group.

Jeb Bush entered politics in 1984, when he was appointed Chairman of the Dade County Republican Party.

Former governor Bob Martinez later put him in charge of the state's commerce department.

In 1994, Mr Bush ran for governor against a popular incumbent, Lawton Chiles, losing by a small margin.

'A politician transformed'

He ran again four years later, but this time focused on issues normally regarded as Democratic Party territory: public school education, urban renewal, and medicaid funding, among other social issues.

Jeb Bush has praised the former president's people skills

In his successful second run, Mr Bush was described as "a politician transformed," in contrast with his 1994 candidacy, in which most commentators agreed he came across as mean-spirited.

More moderate Republicans see his easy, relaxed style as an example to his whole party of how to escape their reputation for zealotry without abandoning their traditional philosophy.

Many political observers believe Mr Bush is even seeking to emulate an arch Republican foe, former President Bill Clinton.

Clinton praised

Mr Bush himself told the BBC: "I didn't emulate Bill Clinton ... but I do admire his awesome listening skills which is something that I have had to learn. That's not something that God gives you. It's really important to listen to people."

Jeb Bush has pointedly rejected rumours of infidelity

And for Jeb Bush, listening to people does not only mean hearing traditional Republican supporters.

In 1998, Mr Bush targeted traditionally Democratic voters - African Americans, Jews and the elderly.

During the campaign, the Jewish newspaper, the Jewish Journal, endorsed him as a "mensch" - a Yiddish word for a strong man who cares.

Mr Bush's career has not been without controversy.

In May this year, he forcefully denied a rumoured relationship with a political appointee, and said he had never been unfaithful during his 27-year marriage.

Earlier this year, he voluntarily testified over his alleged involvement in voting "irregularities" in the hotly contested 2000 presidential election, which was decided on a handful of Florida votes.