COLUMBUS, Ohio - Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush is highlighting his experience cutting taxes and overhauling Florida's education system in an appeal to tea party conservatives.

Bush received polite applause from one of the nation's most active tea party conservative organizations at its annual meeting in Columbus, Ohio, on Friday.

Speaking to Americans for Prosperity's annual conference for the first time, the former Florida governor focused on his two terms in office.

Bush told more than 3,000 conservative activists from around the country that talking is fine "but now we need leadership."

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal also was speaking on Friday, a day before Saturday's tea party stars and GOP rivals, Sens. Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, and former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, will address the group.