Jeb Bush in The Iowa Freedom Summit & Ag Summit (preparation for Iowa Caucus)

On Environment: Let the market decide on RFS' ethanol in gasoline

Bush acknowledged that the mandate, which passed in 2007, has helped lower dependence on foreign oil and boost corn-heavy economies. "But as we move forward over the long haul, there should be certainty for people to invest," he argued, saying ethanol will no longer need help from the government. "So at some point we'll see a reduction of the RFS need, because ethanol will be such a valuable part of the energy feedstock for our country." He declined, however, to suggest when exactly that may happen.

Bush's frank statements on the RFS indicated that he plans on sticking with his positions, no matter how unpopular they may be to certain audiences.

On Immigration: Immigrants are an engine of economic vitality

JEB BUSH (VIDEO CLIP): Immigrants are an engine of economic vitality. We need to find a way, a path to legalized status for those that have come here and have languished in the shadows. There's no way that they're going to be deported. No one is suggesting an organized effort to do that.

Q (to SEN. RICK SANTORUM): Is he right that immigration is the engine of economic vitality?

SANTORUM: Immigration can be, if immigration is done the right way. Immigration policy in America has to put America and American workers first. The focus of immigration policies [should be] on where we need certain skills or certain people to come to this country to help gin up and encourage our economy.