“He was attempting to block California-based activist Ward Connerly from putting an affirmative action referendum on the November 2000 Florida ballot. That same ballot would, it was widely presumed, feature George W. Bush as the Republican nominee for president. Florida was a crucial swing state. The Connerly referendum would probably bring out droves of African American, overwhelmingly Democratic voters who would oppose the measure and most likely vote against his big brother. Jeb Bush decided he couldn’t let any of that happen.”

Read full article