Bush Asks Louisiana: Elect Republican Senator

President leads GOP's La. charge Thousands join Bush in rally for Terrell Posted on December 4, 2002

President George W. Bush led the GOP charge Tuesday into Shreveport's Hirsch Coliseum with a rally speech heavy on homeland security, economic recovery and the need for Louisianans to elect a Republican to the U.S. Senate.

"The last time I was here was Sept. 11, 2001. I went to Barksdale Air Force Base," Bush said as a crowd of nearly 6,500 people applauded but then quickly fell silent. "Since that time, the world has seen the resolve of the United States of America."

Bush then thanked the men and women in uniform at Barksdale, drawing thunderous applause over a sea of waving American flags on the arena floor. "I'm grateful for our freedom in America. No one can take freedom away from this country."

Shreveport was the first of a two-stop Louisiana campaign blitz featuring the president. From the rally in Shreveport, the president and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Suzanne Haik Terrell headed to a fund-raiser in New Orleans. Terrell, the state elections commissioner, faces incumbent Democrat Sen. Mary Landrieu in Saturday's runoff to decide the nation's last contested Senate seat for the already Republican-controlled 108th Congress.

In Shreveport, Bush gave a 30-minute speech that drew several interruptions of "Attaboy, George" from the stands. The president spoke like a hungry politician on the campaign trail, yet his mission here was to rally support for Terrell.

Terrell introduced the president, but she first took a brief stint at the microphone to distance herself from a claim by Landrieu that she's a "rubber stamp" for the president's policies.

"I will tell you what, he will know when Suzie Terrell doesn't agree. I'm going to stand firm and strong for Louisiana, and I'm going to stand firm and strong when it's good for the country," she said.

Said Bush: "Louisiana needs a senator in the majority party. She understands who she's accountable to. She's accountable to the people. She understands she works for the people of Louisiana."

Bush arrived on Air Force One at Shreveport Regional Airport about 9:30 a.m. A presidential motorcade of more than 20 vehicles, including the president's limousine, then was escorted by Shreveport police on motorcycles down Interstate 20 to Hirsch Coliseum. In all, his visit here lasted 1.5 hours.

The primary focus of Bush's speech was homeland security and the pending threat of war with Iraq.

"I went to the United Nations and I said, 'When is enough enough?"' he said. "The U.N. voted 15 to nothing to say now enough is enough. The issue is not the (weapons) inspectors. The issue is whether or not Mr. Saddam Hussein disarms like he said he would."

Bush added: "The choice is his. And if he does not disarm, the United States of America will lead a coalition to disarm him."

While pushing to pad the Republican advantage in Congress, Bush spoke of bipartisan politics.

"He had a good speech, he fired up some folks, he said we're going to work on a strong defense for our country. And he made it clear this is not about Democrats or Republicans, it's about people in Washington putting Louisiana first," said Lloyd Thompson, president of the Tuesday Morning Breakfast Group. He sat on the dais behind Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator and Bossier Sheriff Larry Deen.

"I appreciate so very much the governor showing up," Bush said of Foster, a fellow Republican. "Yes, he's a good man. He's my kind of guy. He's down to earth, he speaks his mind. He's been a great governor for the people of Louisiana. One of these days, he's going to invite me to come hunting again."

The president also pushed his "growth agenda" on an economy that focuses on job creation.

"The best way to help people who are looking for work, the best way to stimulate economic vitality is to make the tax cuts we passed (last year) permanent."

"Sept. 11 shook our soul. I think it has helped awaken a spirit in the country," he said. "Out of the evil done to our country will come incredible good. By being tough and strong and united in the face of danger, we can bring peace to the world. I believe that."

An American flag and state and local dignitaries served as backdrop to the president. The podium was flanked by band members from Parkway and Byrd high schools, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts.

The president has been on a monthlong campaign blitz that has helped raise more than $141 million for Republican Party candidates and secured in November a rare Republican majority in the U.S. Senate.

Bush lauded Terrell for "saying what she believes in. She's the kind of person with whom I can work with to get something done for Louisiana."

And Bush urged Louisianans to vote Saturday, calling it a freedom like those the United States is presently fighting for in its war on terror.

"Part of living in a free society means we have responsibilities as citizens. When it comes to election time, one of the duties is to go vote. I'm here in the great state of Louisiana urging all the citizens - Republican and Democrats and folks who could care less about political party - to go to the polls this Saturday."

Bush then got the crowd to its feet by saying, "But I've got a suggestion. For the good of Louisiana, for the good of everybody in Louisiana, Suzie Terrell needs to be the next U.S. senator."

The Bush appearances came at a time that many thought momentum was building for Republican challenger Suzanne Terrell, as the Dec. 7 senatorial general election fast approaches.

This election is of course ::: turnout, turnout, turnout, especially given that a full one third of the registered voters in LA are black. Of course, that doesn't mean they all vote with the Demodogs, but the chances this year are, unfortunately, that most of them have not yet seen the light.

Those anywhere near LA: Work for Suzie!

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