Washington, Iowa (CNN) Sometimes, if you want to go to Washington, first you have to go to Washington -- Iowa.

Such was the case for Jeb Bush on Wednesday morning at a meet-and-greet event in the town, population 7,266. Bush spoke to almost 100 Iowans gathered in a backyard for his first event in the first-in-the-nation caucus state since declaring his candidacy on Monday.

The former Florida governor knows Iowa well: In 1980, he quit his job to campaign for his father in the state.

"I went to about 60 of the counties here. I got to understand the spirit of Iowa. But it was not because I really cared much about politics, it was to pay back a man who has been the greatest father anybody could have," he said.

The candidate pitched his experience as governor as the crowd grazed on doughnuts and sipped coffee. He acknowledged his competitors in the crowded Republican field, and differentiated himself by his experience.

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