[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.