Lieutenant Gov. Kay Ivey endorses Jeb Bush for president

Alabama Lieutenant Gov. Kay Ivey is endorsing Jeb Bush for president.

Ivey made the announcement Monday when filing papers with the Alabama Republican Party to qualify Bush, the former Florida governor, to run in Alabama’s Presidential Preference Primary.

“Jeb Bush was a strong Governor who provided conservative leadership in Florida. He has a positive vision for the future of America and is a leader who will restore us to greatness by increasing economic growth through his plans to reduce regulations and reform the tax code,” Ivey said. “He is the only candidate capable of providing leadership on an international level to handle the many crises the current administration has fumbled. I’m proud to run as a delegate for Jeb Bush and submit his qualifying papers.”

Ivey adds her name to the list of Alabama Bush supporters, which includes former Gov. Bob Riley, Congressman Mike Rogers, Mary Scott Hunter, who serves as a representative for the Board of Education District 8, and state Sen. J.T. Waggoner.

Alabama has become a more important player in the presidential nominating process, thanks in large part to what has been tagged the “SEC Primary.” Alabama joins Arkansas, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia for the Southern Super Tuesday on March 1.