    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [February 25, 2007]
    [Page 188]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Dinner for the National Governors Association Conference
    February 25, 2007

        Laura and I are honored to have you here.
    Welcome. This is really one of the dinners that we look forward to the
    most. And we welcome the Governors and their spouses. We welcome
    Governors without their spouses. [Laughter]
        I appreciate members of my Cabinet for joining us. I also thank very
    much Governor Napolitano, who is the
    chairman of the Governors Association--National Governors Association,
    and Tim Pawlenty, the vice chairman of the
    Governors Association, for joining us.
        I thank the former Governors who are in my Cabinet who have joined
    us: Secretaries Kempthorne,
    Johanns, and Leavitt. There's life after being a Governor. [Laughter]
        I'm looking forward to our meetings tomorrow. It's a really good
    chance to talk about important issues for the country. I'm--I believe
    that Governors add a lot to the worth of our Nation. And I believe if we
    work together, we can do a lot of good things. I'm looking forward to
    talking about the issue of homeland security. We need to protect our
    country. I'm looking forward to talking about education and health care
    and good, sound immigration policy. I'm looking forward to reminding me
    and you that when we work together, we can do big things, that we have
    an obligation to serve all the people.
        And so tonight is a night to--a festive night. Our friend, Ronan
    Tynan, is going to entertain you. I'm looking
    forward to it. I hope you are as well.
        And before I call up Janet, I'd like to offer a toast to the
    Nation's Governors.

    Note: The President spoke at 7:30 p.m. in the State Dining Room at the
    White House. In his remarks, he referred to Gov. Janet A. Napolitano of
    Arizona and Gov. Timothy J. Pawlenty of Minnesota.