Jeb Bush, a rumored 2016 Republican presidential candidate, just decided to publish hundreds of thousands of emails sent to him during his time as governor of Florida. On its face it seems like a great idea in the name of transparency, but there's one huge problem: neither Bush nor those who facilitated the publication of the records decided to redact potentially sensitive personal information from them. "In the spirit of transparency, I am posting the emails of my governorship here," a note on Bush's website says. "Some are funny; some are serious; some I wrote in frustration." Some also contain the email addresses, home addresses, phone numbers, and social security numbers of Florida residents. The emails are available in Outlook format, and can be searched on the web at Bush's website.
The Verge did not receive a response from Mr. Bush or his Political Action Committee's office at the time of publication.
"IN THE SPIRIT OF TRANSPARENCY, I AM POSTING THE EMAILS OF MY GOVERNORSHIP."
We reviewed many of the emails released by Bush, and found a wide variety of communications — everything from religious parables, to praise of the governor's support of creationism, to routine bureaucratic correspondence. Some of the emails, though, appear to be highly sensitive or personal. Many, like the one excerpted below, share tales of personal struggle or sorrow.
This is just a sharing...today..i feel beaten down... ... want to help many and hope I can get there some day....through my empowerment it will be a testament to my message and the ability to share my future resources...its a lonely road...so many seem actively against you...your back is to the wall...you have many another two months of business survival... P.S. this is just sharing with a friend... please no action or follow-up or any communications or assistance sought of nay kind...its my struggle to work through and find a way...just feeling "beaten" today...at 37 I feel like 60 today :).....and tomorrow will be better. Confidential communications intended for indicated recipient only Other emails include potentially sensitive details about government operations. One email reviewed by The Verge discussed termination of a Florida Lottery employee; the email revealed the reasons for his termination, including "conduct unbecoming a public employee, insubordination, and neglect of duty." The employee had emailed then- governor Bush to appeal for reinstatement. Bush followed up with a lottery official to see if his request could be granted.
Some include personal appeals from citizens with medical or employment issues. Some of these people included their social security numbers in the clear, as in the email shown below. (The redactions are our own.)
