[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 49 (Monday, December 10, 2001)]
[Pages 1755-1756]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks Following a Meeting With Republican National Committee Chairman 
Marc Racicot

December 5, 2001

    The President. I had the honor of, first, thanking Jim Gilmore for 
his service to the Republican Party. I asked Jim to take on an 
assignment. He did it, and he did it well. And for that, I'm grateful. 
We talked about a week ago, and he said he wanted to spend more time 
with his family, and he wanted to prepare for his transition out of 
public service as Governor of Virginia. The people of the Commonwealth 
of Virginia know what I know, that he's an honorable public servant who 
served our State and our party well.
    And to take Jim's place, I've asked my friend Marc Racicot, the 
former Governor of Montana, to become the chairman of the RNC. He's 
agreed, for which I'm grateful. Marc has got a history of success. He 
knows how to build grassroots organizations. He's going to reach out to 
members of the labor unions and the minorities, just like Jim Gilmore 
did, to continue to take our positive, optimistic message to people 
that--in all kinds of neighborhoods around the country. He has got a 
fine history of winning races, and he'll translate that into practice 
come next fall, in the 2002 races. And I'm really, really pleased Marc 
has agreed to take on this assignment.
    I also want to welcome Ann Wagner here, the vice chairman of the 
party, to the Oval Office.
    I wish you all the best, Marc. Thanks for taking on the job, and I 
look forward to working with you.
    Q. You haven't changed your mind?
    The President. I'll talk to you later.

[[Page 1756]]

Note: The President spoke at 1:10 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White 
House. In his remarks, he referred to Gov. James S. Gilmore III of 
Virginia, former chairman, Republican National Committee. A tape was not 
available for verification of the content of these remarks.