Bush Vacations in Florida

A U S T I N, Texas, Dec. 26 -- President-elect Bush, his parents and other familymembers flew to a Florida vacation spot Tuesday, while one ofBush’s twin daughters recovered in a Texas hospital afterundergoing an emergency appendectomy. The president-elect’s wife,Laura Bush, stayed behind to help care for her daughter.

“She’s feeling great,” Bush said of daughter Jenna, 19. “Mydaughter’s great,” he told reporters, joking that if she cannotjoin the rest of the family in Florida, “she can clean out herroom.”

Bush family members were heading to Boca Grande, Fla., a favoredGulf Coast fishing spot north of Fort Myers. They landed earlyTuesday afternoon at Charlotte County Aviation Authority andstepped into a waiting car.

Florida Gov. Jeb Bush was waiting in Boca Grande for his brotherand parents to arrive.

More Nominations on Deck

Bush, who was due for a national-security briefing upon arrivalin Florida, said it is possible he will make his next majorpersonnel announcement during a Washington visit that will beginThursday. “I’m obviously mindful that time’s running short,” hesaid.

With his Jan. 20 inauguration fast approaching, Bush still mustname about half his Cabinet members and fill numerous other topgovernment positions.

He said he talked to his incoming chief of staff, Andy Card,earlier in the day. “We’ve made great progress up to now. I’mproud of how our team has really come together and done a great jobin a short period of time,” Bush said.

The president-elect said he planned some fishing as well as “alot of phone calls” and transition work during the vacation.

Bush spokesman Gordon Johndroe said Jenna Bush was described bydoctors as stable and in good condition and probably would bereleased later Tuesday. “She slept well,” he said. She underwentsurgery at St. David’s Hospital on Christmas night.