January 30, 2002	Wednesday	Ziqa’ad 15, 1422

MIAMI, Jan 29: The daughter of Florida Governor Jeb Bush, brother of President George W. Bush, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with trying to obtain medication with a fraudulent prescription in Florida’s capital city, police said.

Noelle Bush, 22, was arrested in Tallahassee and released several hours later. Authorities did not immediately identify the substance she was trying to obtain.

CNN television reported she was trying to obtain Xanax, used to treat anxiety, panic disorder or insomnia.

Governor Bush and his wife Columba Bush issued a statement saying: “Columba and I are deeply saddened (...) This is a very serious problem. We ask the public and the media to respect our family’s privacy during this difficult time so that we can help our daughter.”

The only daughter of Jeb and Columba Bush, Noelle has two brothers, George P., 23, and Jebby, 15.

Jeb Bush is seeking re-election as Florida governor this year, a bid which could meet a stiff challenge from former US Attorney General Janet Reno.

Back in May he took the unusual step of denying publicly rumours of an adulterous relationship with a state employee.

President Geowrge W. Bush’s daughter Jenna in June had her driver’s license suspended for one month and was ordered to pay a fine of 500 dollars for violati ng laws against underage drinking in Texas.—AFP