Bush eats with Sandoval, says running mate talk premature

RENO, Nev. (AP) - Gov. Brian Sandoval had breakfast with Jeb Bush at the governor’s mansion in Carson City, but both say it’s too early to discuss Sandoval’s prospects as a potential running mate if the former Florida governor decides to seek the Republican presidential nomination.

Bush told reporters after a town hall meeting in Reno Wednesday he’s a “big Brian Sandoval fan.” He said Sandoval has been a great governor and leader, and he enjoys their friendship.

But he said it’s premature for someone who’s not even in the race yet to be talking about a running mate.

Sandoval said Bush was the first potential candidate to approach him. He said he wanted to discuss issues important to Nevada.

Sandoval’s hand-picked lieutenant governor, Mark Hutchison, is running Florida Sen. Marco Rubio’s GOP campaign in Nevada.