Jeb Bush visits veterans in Colorado Springs

Potential Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush shared pancakes and coffee at IHOP with local retired generals and military veterans. But Bush’s visit wasn’t just about bacon and eggs.

“It’s always significant for this community to get in front of people who are in the position to make decisions about our national defense, about the military, about our veterans’ affairs,” said Wes Clark, a retired general in Colorado Springs.

“The take-home for me is that 40 percent of all the economy in this region is related directly or indirectly through the military,” Bush said.

Bush spoke briefly about an issue that hits close to home for many in southern Colorado: potential military cuts that could hit Fort Carson. The region could lose up to 16,000 soldiers.

“If we see these further cuts, it’s going to create a real problem for the economy,” Bush said.

Bush was welcomed warmly on Monday, but not everyone was pleased to see him.

“He’s politicking. This is a conservative stronghold, this is a swing state, and we have to stop him. I think he should be booed to Republicans at any chance. He should be shamed out of the race,” said Stephen Maxner, a Colorado Springs resident who visited IHOP to speak his mind about Bush’s potential run for the presidency.

“Bush expressing his points of views to the veterans is wonderful, but he should not run for president,” said Maxner.

“We had a great meeting today with the military defense council here that’s focused on veterans issues and a strong national defense,” said Bush.

“It is a win-win because he’s going to influence a lot of other people who may or may not be presidential contenders,” said Clark.

Bush will visit Denver to speak about energy development.

Colorado is a key state that both parties consider crucial for a shot at the presidency.