BC'04 Campaign Chairman and Former Attorneys General Speak on the Importance of the Patriot Act

George W. Bush ^ | June 2, 2004

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Racicot: "John Kerry Continues to Play Politics with Important Security Matters"

ARLINGTON, VA -- Earlier today, Bush-Cheney '04 Campaign Chairman Gov. Marc Racicot and former Attorneys General William Barr and Dick Thornburgh spoke at a press conference in Washington, D.C. to highlight the importance of the Patriot Act in winning the War on Terror. The press conference also pointed out Sen. John Kerry's continued efforts to play politics with important security matters.

"The Patriot Act is essential to protecting Americans from terrorist attacks and all responsible public figures must explain this to the American people. I applaud President Bush for supporting the Act and recognizing its vital role in defeating terrorists. He has done a magnificent job protecting American lives, securing our freedoms, and leading the nation through one of the most challenging times in our history," Barr said.

"Keeping America safe is the President's most important duty. The American people need to know where the President stands and they must be reassured that their government is doing everything possible to keep us safe. President Bush's support of the Patriot Act represents a powerful message of his concern for our nation's homeland security. Unfortunately, Senator Kerry, after voting for the Act, has vacillated in his support of this common sense measure and now even attacks it on the campaign trail. This draws into serious question his fitness to lead the nation during these critical times," Thornburgh said.

Former Attorney General Ed Meese, who could not attend today's event, said "The Patriot Act is keeping America safe from terrorism. It is the most important tool of the FBI and other law enforcement agencies charged with protecting America. I know this is clear to the President, who has relentlessly pursued terrorists at home and abroad over the last three years and I am grateful for President Bush's strong and consistent leadership in the effort to protect America's homeland."

On Tuesday, May 25, Bush-Cheney '04 released a new television ad, entitled "Patriot Act," which highlights the critical role the Patriot Act plays in winning the War on Terror and John Kerry's continued efforts to play politics with important security matters.

Today's event will be followed by local events in Columbus, Ohio; Seattle, Washington; Jacksonville, Florida; San Diego, California; Clarksburg, West Virginia; Jersey City, New Jersey; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Four governors held a Patriot Act press conference on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 in Cincinnati and Vice President Dick Cheney also spoke about the importance of the Patriot Act yesterday, June 1, 2004, in Kansas City.