Jeb to visit country music museum

Jeb Bush is paying a visit Thursday to a museum that documents the history of country music.

The former Florida governor plans to pass through the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, Va., according to The Bristol Herald.

The stop is part of a private fundraiser for the Virginia Senate Republican caucus, the report said.

“Governor Bush graciously accepted to attend an event with us,” said Jeff Ryer, the caucus press secretary. We’re very happy he’s willing to attend.”

Ryer said any money raised from the event would benefit the Virginia GOP and not Bush’s bid for the White House. He said the party is touting the candidate’s appearance as “Java with Jeb,” with 50 people expected to attend.

Ryer said Bush’s appearance is important, given that the Virginia Senate is “very divided” with 21 Republicans and 19 Democrats. All 40 of the Senate seats are up for election in November.

Bush has his own reasons to seek support in Virginia, which has become a key swing state in presidential elections. President Obama narrowly won the state in 2008 and 2012, helping to put him over the top in the Electoral College.

Bush’s stop in Bristol comes as he fights for momentum in one of the most crowded GOP presidential fields in recent memory.

He currently ranks fourth out of 15 candidates with 9.8 percent, according to the latest RealClearPolitics average of national polls.