    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [February 24, 2008]
    [Pages 260-261]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Dinner for the National Governors Association Conference
    February 24, 2008

        Good evening. Laura and I are honored to have
    you here, and it's a pleasure to be here with a lot of friends. You
    know, I've developed a unique perspective on this event. For 6 years, I
    sat and watched the President speak; for 8 years, I was the President
    and spoke. [Laughter] And next year, I'll be watching on C-SPAN.
    [Laughter]
        I appreciate Tim Pawlenty and Ed
    Rendell, for--serve as the chair and vice
    chair of the National Governors Association. I congratulate our two
    newest Governors, Kentucky's Steve Beshear
    and Louisiana's Bobby Jindal. I
    might add, Jindal is not here, but he's ably represented by the first
    lady of Louisiana, Supriya. And I
    congratulate Governor Haley Barbour of
    Mississippi for his reelection. I want to thank the Vice
    President and Lynne Cheney for joining us. I also tell you how thankful I am and
    honored we are that Vince Gill and Amy
    Grant have come tonight to entertain us.
        I value our Governors because our Governors are some of the Nation's
    foremost

    [[Page 261]]

    policy entrepreneurs. I appreciate what you do. I appreciate the
    sacrifice your families have made to serve America.
        It was in that spirit that Teddy Roosevelt hosted the first
    Governors meeting here at the White House 100 years ago. I can't imagine
    what they were thinking about what America would look like 100 years
    ago, and I'm not sure what people will think 100 years from now. But I
    do know it makes sense to put wise policy in place in the meantime so
    America can remain prosperous and strong and free.
        And so tonight it's my honor to welcome you all and 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. Timothy J. Pawlenty of
    Minnesota; Gov. Edward G. Rendell of Pennsylvania; and entertainers
    Vince Gill and Amy Grant.