(CNN) - For some families, like the Kennedys, the Bushes and the Roosevelts, politics runs in the blood. But as history shows, coming from a powerful political family doesn't mean a free ride to the top.
"It does help, and it hurts. It's a two-edged sword," said Doug Wead, a presidential historian and former adviser to President George H.W. Bush. "It initially helps the candidate with name recognition and more importantly with fundraising ... but many vote against the child as well."
The children of political families inherit a treasure chest of contacts, campaign workers and often endorsements, but the benefits have their limits.
Only two presidential sons have followed their fathers to the White House (John Quincy Adams and George W. Bush), and just one presidential family - the Bushes - has sent sons to the governor's mansion (Jeb Bush in Florida and George Bush in Texas).
"I conclude that a brand name - a famous family name - is typically worth one step up on the political ladder," said Stephen Hess, a senior fellow emeritus in governance studies at the Brookings Institution, who has researched and written about political dynasties dating back to colonial times. "They get one step up - and they are on their own."
From CNN Politics
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The era of BUSH is over with. Jeb will never step foot in the White House. His brother really screwed up any chance old Jeb had of running for office.
We are wonderin', now, about the Veep's wards. Seems like Cheney's daughter Liz is hoverin' around the political arena with some ulterior motives of mischief. Lord knows what she is upto.
What a timely and relevant article, CNN. With everything going on in the world, THIS is a pressing item that you just had to include? What's next? Are we going to be dazzled with an expose on Calvin Coolidge, or something equally as riveting??
Non-story.
EEEEEvil Bush doesn't exist anymore... now it's just your guy Barry, the economic-illiterate in chief.
Hopefully the era of KENNEDY is over with.
We should have listened to Jesse Jackson in 2000 when he warned America to "stay out of the Bushes!"
I really really hate this George Bush and all he did to our Great Nation.
I know you never will CNN; but please stop showing his face especially not after I have eaten.
Hasn't a bush destroyed this country enough, why would we want another destructive influence in the white house?
It is too soon for historians to judge what the history will say about this family.
A historian should know that. Remember FORD?
The Bush and Cheney names are political garbage, just as the GOP party has become the ins ane asy lum of politics.
We should never have had to suffer through Bush Redux but we can blame the Supreme Court for 8 miserable and economy-crushing years.
Personally, I would never vote for a child of any prominent politician. Enough is enough.
There is no greater shame than what the name Bush brings.
Come 2013 the two biggest political names to bring shame will be Obama and Pelosi. Heck, those names will bring shame to just about everything except communists, socialists, and lib-nuts.
I think we've had enough republicans and bush's to last a lifetime. Side note, I find it interesting that the repubs are attacking President Obama who is trying to clean up the mess left by their messiah bush.
Three years of democrats in control of congress and seven moths as president has not been a day at the beach, Hope is not a plan. I would like to thank all the Bush family for their service to our country.
Bush sons are the Good example of American coruption of the power.
I'm seating in dirt, no even money for food, but he, Bush-expresident, happy and wealthy and in good mood...!
The my question: " Where's the my money, my job, my hope and my life now after your 8 years in power? May be in your packet?
God help us recover from Bush's destruction and wars before we ever start talking about another Bush or family member in power.
GW sure crapped on all the rest of the bush's futures. IF this country ever elects another bush – they deserve the incompetence that will soon follow.
Being a cousin to the Bush family is not something I am proud of. But yah cant change yer blood.
All of the Bush's are losers in my opinion. Daddy Bush did nothing while he was President, except fill the chair, and his son wrecked our economy and is responsible for an immoral and illegal war that has killed thousands of people. Jeb Bush could not be any better coming from that family of idiots.
I don't see how the Bush name, now ruined by George W, could be of any help to the family. The pity is that it probably was up until after 2000 and a blatantly dishonest, arrogantly self-focused, irresponsible and unconscionable sociopath was elected president and we see what that cost us. Now they are trying to fluff over, without any family recognition but with the exact same personality traits, another 'puppet' to perform for the benefit of Special Interests and a select few in Sarah Palin. Heaven help us!
As a Floridian, anything name Bush is just plain stupid!!!!
Bush ruined our Insurance system. Both Bushes should
concentrate on their families. Jeb has a lot to do with his
due to many incidents with wife and children .
George left the country in the biggest mess. Both don't
like to clean up after themselves!!!!!
How about the Clinton name? Hillary made it all the way to an inch of the presidential nomination, is a former Senator and current Secretary of State. I know the article was speaking about offspring, but name value is name value.
I lived in Florida while Gov. Jeb Bush was the Gov. and he was a really good Gov. I have zero complaints about Jeb and I was a registered Dem. I voted for him in the General Gov. Election.
Now "W" is another story.....I voted for him in the his 1st Pres. race (the first 2 years I wasn't sorry I did, but there after, ahem!) and certainly "did not" in his 2nd race.....
Hopefully we are near the end of the scumbag Kennedy's. Most of them can't keep out the drunk tank now.