Bush's brother denies affair

It was Mr Bush's first comment on the issue

Florida governor Jeb Bush has publicly denied rumours of a sexual affair with a political appointee, saying he has never been unfaithful during his 27-year marriage.

But the fact you have to ask that question and I have to answer is sickening, it really is

Jeb Bush

"I cannot tell you how hurtful this is. I love my wife. There is nothing to this rumour. It is an outright lie," he said.

The rumours had circulated in Tallahassee and on Internet web pages for weeks.

Several newspapers recently linked the Republican governor with Cynthia Henderson, whom he appointed secretary of the Florida department of management services.

'Sickening'

"Lies were spread by gossip. Sadly, it's reached the point where it's being written about," Jeb Bush said.

"But the fact you have to ask that question and I have to answer is sickening, it really is" he added.

Henderson said the rumours were "absolutely false"

Jeb Bush, 48, has been married to Columba Bush for 27 years. They have three children.

His office previously denied rumours that Columba Bush had moved out of the governor's mansion.

Ms Henderson, 40, met the governor in the 1980s through his brother Neil, who was on the board of directors of a land development company where she served as counsel.

Political plans

Mr Bush appointed her to head the Florida department of business and professional regulation in 1999.

During her first year on the job, she faced questions about her ethics in running the agency.

Last year, Mr Bush transferred her to the department of management services.

Ms Henderson said the rumours were "absolutely false".

The Florida governor is expected to announce in coming weeks whether he will run for again for governor of Florida, a position he has held since 1998.

He said he will first discuss with his family the toll the job takes on his private life.