    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [June 13, 2007]
    [Pages 740-741]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Announcing the Appointment of Edward W. Gillespie as White House Counselor to the President
    June 13, 2007

        When Dan told me that he was going to
    leave the White House so he could spend more time with his three young
    children and his wife, I never thought I'd be able to find somebody that
    could possibly do as good a job as he has done. I'm fortunate that Ed
    Gillespie has agreed to join the administration. He is a seasoned hand
    who has got excellent judgment. He's a good strategic thinker that I
    know will do a fine job.
        We're going to miss Dan. He's been a
    friend of mine for--gosh, since 1993, but I fully understand why a young
    dad needs to be with his family. And I admire the fact that he has set
    such an important priority. And I also--thank you for your service.
        And I also thank Ed for agreeing to come over here to the White
    House. We've got a lot to do. We've got to continue laying the
    foundation for peace. We've got an immigration bill that will help
    enforce our borders. We've got an energy bill that we need to get out
    that will make us less dependent on foreign oil. And we've got to remind
    the Congress that they need to be fiscally wise with the people's money;
    that we can balance this budget of ours without raising taxes.
        And so, Ed, I'm looking forward to working with you. I thank you for
    your service. And, Bartlett, good luck to
    you, brother. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 12:43 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House.

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