[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 24 (Monday, June 18, 2007)]
[Page 798]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.