Dynasties

Jeb Closer to Senate Run

As Caroline Kennedy faces fresh criticism.

Jeb Bush has been talking to GOP leaders and potential contributors about a run for Florida's Senate seat—which will be up for grabs when Mel Martinez retires in 2010—and he's "getting green lights," Politico reports. "Everything indicates that he's in," said a strategist. "You're not making calls and laying the ground work for fundraising unless you're clearing the field for your candidacy." Though it's not a done deal, a source added: "I think he was a little surprised by the magnitude of support. It was so broad and so deep." While Bush will make an announcement in early January, another political dynasty is facing new criticism. Senate-hopeful Caroline Kennedy has "been largely AWOL" from New York politics, especially when it comes to donating to local Democratic candidates, the NY Daily News reports. The only local candidate she supported financially was Hillary Clinton—shelling out $30,000 over the past decade.