[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 27 (Monday, July 9, 2001)]
[Pages 1005-1006]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks Prior to a Meeting With New Jersey Gubernatorial Candidate Bret 
Schundler and an Exchange With Reporters

July 2, 2001

    The President. Mr. Mayor, congratulations. The Vice President and I 
are so honored you and Lynn came to the Oval Office. It gives us a 
chance to, one, congratulate you on winning the primary and congratulate 
you on being a great reformer in Jersey City. I don't think people 
understand, but that's a city with 6 percent Republicans, and yet, he 
continues to win overwhelmingly because he's got great ideas. And we 
look forward to helping you become the Governor of New Jersey.
    I think you and I share something in common: We're always 
underestimated. And a lot of people didn't think I'd be sitting here. Of 
course, a lot of people didn't think you would be sitting here, either. 
And so, I appreciate your record.
    I'm intrigued by the idea of eliminating the tollbooth in New 
Jersey. I think the working people in New Jersey are going to really 
appreciate that idea, and when you couple that with your strong vision 
of education reform, I think you've got a good chance of winning.

[At this point, Jersey City Mayor Schundler made brief remarks.]

    The President. You're going to win. [Laughter] We're glad to have 
you.

Vice President's Health

    Q. How do you feel, Mr. Vice President?
    The Vice President. Very good.
    Q. Are you sore?
    The Vice President. A little tender, still. It will pass.
    Q. Are you taking any painkillers or anything?
    The Vice President. No.

Florida Offshore Drilling

    Q. Mr. President, did you talk to your brother about----
    The President. We were thinking about doing some jumping jacks 
before you came in, but----
    Q. Go right ahead. [Laughter]
    Q. Did you ask your brother about oil and gas leases, Mr. President?
    The President. What?
    Q. Have you had a chance to talk to your brother about oil and gas 
leases, as they were announced today?

New Jersey Gubernatorial Election

    Q. Are you going to campaign for him? Make any stops?
    The President. What?
    Q. Are you going to campaign in New Jersey for him?
    The President. That's what we're going to discuss, how we can help 
him. We'd like to help him in any way we can. We want him to win.

Note: The President spoke at 2:35 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White 
House. A reporter referred to Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida. A tape was not 
available for verification of the content of these remarks.

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