UPDATE: The Bush campaign is no longer using the original version of the video set to the song "Halo" by Beyoncé. That version (which appears above) has been marked private and replaced with a much more subdued soundtrack.
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There's been a host of speculation about the political future of George W. Bush's nephew, but now it's finally official: George P. Bush is running for Texas land commissioner. Current commissioner Jerry Patterson plans to run for lieutenant governor in 2014, leaving the election wide open.
"Texas is an exceptional state because we as Texans are exceptional people," Bush said in a video announcing his candidacy. "If you believe as I do, that Texas is truly an exceptional place, with a rich heritage and a future of unbound potential, then I ask for your support as I run for Texas land commissioner in 2014."
The campaign has already enjoyed a higher-than-usual buzz due to the Bush family name.
More interesting than the predictable language of a political speech, though, was the background music.
As Buzzfeed first pointed out, the soundtrack for George P's historic announcement sounds strikingly similar to "Halo" by Beyoncé, a Houston native and noted supported of President Barack Obama.
Beyoncé hasn't commented on the video, but it wouldn't be the first time a political candidate used a popular song without permission and drew the artist's ire.
Mitt Romney ticked off the Silversun Pickups during the most recent presidential campaign, and the band Heart asked John McCain to stop playing "Barracuda" in 2008.
The state land commissioner isn't quite as high profile as the POTUS, but it is a powerful seat with a big name behind it. In addition to overseeing mineral rights and managing billions of dollars of state assets, the state land commissioner administers the Permanent School Fund.
The Bush family dynasty first noted the potential run in November 2012, when former Florida governor Jeb Bush sent out a fundraising letter testing the waters for his son, George P.
The campaign has already enjoyed a higher-than-usual buzz due to the family name.
Fort Worth residents George P. and his wife, Amanda, recently attended the Park Cities Quail Dinner and Auction. The couple has been known to frequent social events and even co-chaired A Celebration of Reading in November 2012. The event was a bit of a family affair, with Barbara and George H.W. Bush also in attendance.
George P. Bush, nephew of George W. Bush, confirmed his candidacy for Texas land commissioner on March 12.
