Jeb Bush’s mother, former first lady, sends message to Iowans

DES MOINES - The next time you, the likely Iowa Republican caucusgoer, pick up the phone, it may be former first lady Barbara Bush on the line.

Barbara Bush, the wife of President George H.W. Bush, has recorded a phone message for her son Jeb Bush's presidential campaign.

The 50-second phone message is going out to Iowans this weekend.

'I know that Jeb is prepared to lead our nation and tackle the tough issues. Jeb is the only candidate in this race who can fix the challenges confronting America,” Barbara Bush says in the message. 'His record proves he knows how to get things done, how to face problems head on. Isn't that what we desperately need?

'He is without a doubt the tested, conservative leader America needs at this crucial time in our history.”

Barbara Bush also recorded a video for Jeb Bush's campaign and a handwritten letter --- her idea, according to the campaign --- that will be delivered to potential voters in Iowa and fellow early-voting states New Hampshire and South Carolina.

Jeb Bush is fifth in Iowa among Republican presidential candidates in Real Clear Politics' polling average, and sixth in New Hampshire.

The Iowa caucuses are Monday, Feb. 1.