The former Florida governor is making a big public and private push for Rubio to become the Republican vice presidential nominee, personally lobbying Mitt Romney on his behalf and speaking to the media about it.

Bush told The Associated Press that Rubio is ready to be vice president, an opinion he shared with Romney in a recent conversation. He also said he’s been a fan of Rubio’s for years, and that Romney gave no indication of whom he’ll tap as his running mate.

Once considered a vice presidential contender himself, Bush said in an interview last month that he probably should have run for president this election cycle, although he didn’t rule out a future bid.