    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [July 2, 2001]
    [Page 819]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 819]]

    Remarks Prior to a Meeting With New Jersey Gubernatorial Candidate Bret
    Schundler and an Exchange With Reporters
    July 2, 2001

        The President. Mr. Mayor, congratulations. The Vice
    President and I are so honored you and
    Lynn came to the Oval Office. It gives us a
    chance to, one, congratulate you on winning the primary and congratulate
    you on being a great reformer in Jersey City. I don't think people
    understand, but that's a city with 6 percent Republicans, and yet he
    continues to win overwhelmingly because he's got great ideas. And we
    look forward to helping you become the Governor of New Jersey.
        I think you and I share something in common: We're always
    underestimated. And a lot of people didn't think I'd be sitting here. Of
    course, a lot of people didn't think you would be sitting here, either.
    And so, I appreciate your record.
        I'm intrigued by the idea of eliminating the tollbooth in New
    Jersey. I think the working people in New Jersey are going to really
    appreciate that idea, and when you couple that with your strong vision
    of education reform, I think you've got a good chance of winning.

    [At this point, Jersey City Mayor Schundler made brief remarks.]

        The President. You're going to win. [Laughter] We're glad to have
    you.

    Vice President Dick Cheney's Health

        Q. How do you feel, Mr. Vice President?
        The Vice President. Very good.
        Q. Are you sore?
        The Vice President. A little tender, still. It will pass.
        Q. Are you taking any painkillers or anything?
        The Vice President. No.

    Florida Offshore Drilling

        Q. Mr. President, did you talk to your brother about----
        The President. We were thinking about doing some jumping jacks
    before you came in, but----
        Q. Go right ahead. [Laughter]
        Q. Did you ask your brother about oil and gas leases, Mr. President?
        The President. What?
        Q. Have you had a chance to talk to your brother about oil and gas
    leases, as they were announced today?

    New Jersey Gubernatorial Election

        Q. Are you going to campaign for him? Make any stops?
        The President. What?
        Q. Are you going to campaign in New Jersey for him?
        The President. That's what we're going to discuss, how we can help
    him. We'd like to help him in any way we can. We want him to win.

    Note: The President spoke at 2:35 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to Lynn Schundler, wife of Mayor
    Schundler. A reporter referred to Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida. A tape was
    not available for verification of the content of these remarks.