Republican Jeb Bush says he'd be an upbeat candidate

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, in his first weekend politicking in early-voting Iowa, previewed what he said would be an upbeat campaign should he continue toward his all-but-declared candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination.

Not yet a formal candidate, Bush acted like one during the two days he spent in Iowa, his first trip to the leadoff presidential caucus state since becoming a 2016 prospect.

"My hope is I will run a campaign, if I get there, that will be hopeful an optimistic," Bush told about 200 people packed into the back room of a popular pizza restaurant.

Bush is receiving the most attention in the wide open Republican race. On the Democratic side, Hillary Rodham Clinton has a commanding lead over other potential candidates, according to polls.

Bush joined eight other potential Republican candidates at an agricultural policy forum on Saturday, saying he would support allowing millions of immigrants in the U.S. illegally to stay, under certain conditions. That put him out of step with a good share of Republicans nationally as well as in the emerging field of candidates.

Bush spoke at a congressional fundraiser Friday night, met with state Repulican officials and potential supporters in the Des Moines area Saturday, and then traveled to Cedar Rapids.

"I'll be back here a lot and I'll be asking for your support," he said.

Bush is scheduled to travel next weekend to New Hampshire, home of the first presidential primary of 2016, and later in the month to South Carolina, which holds the second primary.