    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [March 11, 1991]
    [Page 248]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on Louisiana Governor Buddy
    Roemer's Republican Party Affiliation
    March 11, 1991

        The President today welcomed Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer's
    announcement that he has switched his party affiliation from the
    Democrat Party to the Republican Party. The President looks forward to
    working closely with Governor Roemer as the most recent addition to the
    ranks of Republican Governors.
        As Governor Roemer stated, ``The reason is simple. After more than
    10 years of public service, it has been my observation and increasing
    conviction that it is the Republican Party that is becoming most open to
    new ideas, new thinking, new people, most open to team building, to
    opportunity building.''
        Governor Roemer, a former four-term Congressman, was elected
    Governor in 1987 and is the first sitting Governor to switch parties in
    modern history. This follows a number of Democrat officeholders, more
    than 200, who have switched their affiliations in the past 2 years.
        Governor Roemer telephoned the President last week to discuss his
    decision to switch party affiliations. The President has invited the
    Governor to come to the White House on Monday, March 18, 1991.