George W. Bush Won't Attend Republican National Convention

By Ashley Portero | July 20 2012 5:05 PM

Former President George W. Bush will not attend the Republican National Convention in Florida next month, Politico reported on Friday.

Reuters

George W. Bush and Laura Bush arrive at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital to see the government efforts in the prevention of transmission of HIV/AIDS in Tanzania's capital Dar es Salaam

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In an email to the publication, Bush spokesman Freddy Ford did not specify whether or not the nation's 43rd president was asked to speak at the event. Bush reportedly declined the invitiation before details were discussed, according to Ford.

President Bush was grateful for the invitation to the Republican National Convention, Ford wrote. He supports Governor Romney and wants him to succeed. President Bush is confident that Mitt Romney will be a great President. But he's still enjoying his time off the political stage and respectfully declined the invitation to go to Tampa.

Bush has kept a low profile since leaving the White House in 2009 and has been noticeably absent from the campaign trail this election year. It is customary for former presidents to attend party conventions, where they are typically asked to deliver a speech.

Bush's father, former Presdient George H.W. Bush, indicated last week that he also would not be attending this year's convention.

The two former president's have both endorsed Romney for president.