Bush brothers celebrate

Jeb Bush: Expanding the dynasty

---

(Click here for interactive map of results)

---

Two sons of former President George Bush have won their races for governorships.

[an error occurred while processing this directive]Jeb Bush won the Florida position and his brother, who is always known as George W Bush rather than George Junior, held onto Texas.

It is only the second time in US political history that two brothers have held governorships at the same time.

The victory appears certain to extend the Republican family's influence in US politics.

George W Bush: Another step to the White House?

George W Bush, widely tipped as a presidential candidate in the 2000 race, beat Democrat challenger Garry Mauro.

Jeb Bush beat Democratic Lieutenant Governor Buddy MacKay in the race to replace retiring Democratic Governor Lawton Chiles.

The win will also make up for a defeat in the governor's race when he was perceived to be callous and mean-spirited.

This time around Jeb Bush, the younger son of the former president, campaigned hard for the votes of traditional Democrat supporters - African Americans, Jews and the elderly.

Jeb Bush shows his caring side

He also managed to remain true to Republican ideals while escaping the party's reputation for zealotry.

Many political commentators say he is doing for his party what Bill Clinton did for the Democrats.

On his way to the Governor's Mansion he was endorsed by the Jewish Journal newspaper, which endorsed him as a "mensch", meaning a strong man who cares.

And pensioners were tempted by Bush after he persuaded them he would not slash social security.

Texas and Spanish

George W Bush became very popular among Hispanics, largely by learning Spanish himself.

He frequently campaigned in Spanish to Hispanic audiences and warned against "policy and rhetoric that will wall Mexico off from America".

He also opposed the use of military to patrol the Mexico border.