Bush says he hopes the state’s party leaders would stand up against offensive comments. Bush slams 'ignorant statements'

George P. Bush is slamming Texas Republicans for making “ignorant statements” regarding Hispanics.

“If we’re going to be successful and be considered credible in the Hispanic community, we’ve got to denounce some of the ignorant statements that are made about Hispanics and the contributions we make,” Bush told the Texas Tribune on Wednesday. “Whether it’s to the military, our nation’s economy or to the history of Texas.”


Bush, a Republican candidate for Texas land commissioner, said he hoped the state’s party leaders would stand up against what he called offensive comments like ones made last week by Denton County Republican Chairwoman Dianne Edmondson.

Edmondson referred to the state’s Democratic gubernatorial ticket, including Wendy Davis, as “abortion Barbie with Hispanic Sen. Leticia Van de Putte as her running mate.”

“I just think that it’s disappointing that people resort to those types of tactics,” Bush said.

Van de Putte is a Latina pharmacist from San Antonio. Her husband, Pete Van de Putte, traces his roots to Belgium.

Bush, co-counder of the Hispanic Republicans of Texas PAC, addressed a GOP Hispanic outreach event on Wednesday. In an effort to emphasize the need for Hispanic involvement in the party, he said it was important for the GOP to reach out to Hispanics all year round, not just during elections.

He also spoke on the need for public education reform in Texas, which he said has failed Hispanics.

Bush is the son of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and the nephew of former President George W. Bush.