    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [October 7, 2003]
    [Page 1264]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Senator Don Nickles' Decision Not
    To Seek Reelection
    October 7, 2003

        For more than two decades, Don Nickles has served the people of
    Oklahoma and America as a distinguished United States Senator. As a
    longtime member of the Senate leadership and most recently as chairman
    of the Senate Budget Committee, he has led efforts to keep Government
    spending in check and to keep more money in the pockets of American
    taxpayers. He has left his mark on virtually every major issue that has
    moved through the Senate. Senator Nickles is a friend and trusted
    adviser, and I look forward to working with him for the remainder of his
    time in the Senate and in the future.
        Laura and I extend our thanks and best wishes
    to Don, Linda, and their four children,
    Don, Jenny,
    Kim, and Robyn, for
    their commitment to public service, and we wish them all the best.