    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book I)]
    [February 27, 2005]
    [Pages 322-323]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Dinner for the National Governors Association Conference
    February 27, 2005

        It's always a pleasure to host the Nation's Governors here in
    Washington. Laura and I are proud to have you
    here for our first state dinner of my second term.
        It's a joyous occasion, even made more so by the fact that I learned
    that the Blancos, Governor Blanco
    and her husband, are celebrating
    their 40th wedding anniversary tonight.
        Ever since a former Governor of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson, lived in
    this house, many of our Presidents have first served as Governors. And
    there's a reason why. The experience of running a State government, of
    pulling together a capable team, of setting an agenda and working with
    an elected legislative body, is critical to the success of any
    administration.
        My 6 years as Governor of Texas have been invaluable to me as I
    carry out my duties as the Presidency. And because I know firsthand
    how--the valuable experience Governors get, I've asked a lot to serve in
    my Cabinet. I had six Governors in my first Cabinet. I am pleased that
    Mike Johanns--Johanns--[laughter]--and
    Mike Leavitt--[laughter]--have agreed to
    serve in my second term. I'm proud you guys are here.
        When our Founders devised our Federal system two centuries ago, they
    recognized, in Jefferson's words, that ``our country is too large to
    have all its affairs directed by a single government.'' The President
    and the Governors are partners in our great enterprise, and that means
    we share great responsibilities. Together, we'll work to secure our
    homeland, to protect our environment, to strengthen our economy.
    Together, we will work to ensure that every child gets a good education
    and good health care. And together, we'll work to make sure that we care
    for those in our society who hurt and who need help. I'm proud of our
    work together during the last 4 years. I look forward to working with
    you for the next 4 years.
        I want to ask you to join me in a toast to our partners, the
    Governors and the administration, in building a more perfect

    [[Page 323]]

    Union. To the Governors of the United States.

    Note: The President spoke at 8:06 p.m. in the State Dining Room at the
    White House. In his remarks, he referred to Gov. Kathleen Babineaux
    Blanco of Louisiana and her husband, Raymond Blanco; Agriculture
    Secretary Mike Johanns and his wife, Stephanie Johanns; and Health and
    Human Services Secretary Michael O. Leavitt and his wife, Jacalyn S.
    Leavitt. The transcript of these remarks was released by the Office of
    the Press Secretary on February 28.