If you want some insight into Sen. John McCain’s education ideas, check out this Associated Press story, which mentions a key adviser to his campaign.

Former Florida and fellow Republican Gov. Jeb Bush.

McCain, who was campaigning in Florida with Bush’s successor, Gov. Charlie Crist, said he’s been seeking Bush’s advice on education for the last couple of years, and would continue to do so if elected in November.

Bush, who was a big supporter of school vouchers, standardized testing, and merit pay for teachers during his 1999-2007 term in office, has been working on beefing up his education legacy through a new foundation he unveiled last month. In fact, the head of his foundation is also responsible for helping revive his voucher plan for failing schools, which was struck down by the Florida Supreme Court in 2004.

McCain doesn’t have an incredibly deep bench of education advisers, nor does he talk much about education. So relying on Bush, who made education a top priority (even if many didn’t agree with his methods), is probably a smart move for McCain.