Bush Continues Push for Terrell in New Orleans

The Shreveport (LA) Times ^ | 12-04-02 | Staff

[Theodore R.]

Bush continues to New Orleans President calls Terrell ''qualified''

Posted on December 4, 2002 President George W. Bush sounded many of the same themes in his two-hour New Orleans stop as he did in Shreveport earlier Tuesday, but he served up a few more quips.

Speaking for 25 minutes at a $1.3 million luncheon fund-raiser, he again offered a suggestion that voters send to the U.S. Senate fellow Republican Suzanne Haik Terrell "for the good of Louisiana and for the good of America."

After allowing the applause to diminish, Bush then said Terrell is qualified. "Anybody who can raise three teenage daughters," he began, stopping and shaking his head slightly. His own twin daughters turned 21 last week. "You know what I mean," he continued, triggering more laughter and applause.

"I need an ally up there who understands when it comes to spending what they call the government's money, the government doesn't own that money. It's not the government's money that we spend; it's the people's money."

The president also again praised Gov. Mike Foster after patting him on the cheek.

"He's not the prettiest governor in the United States," Bush joked. "But he's one of the most effective.

"He, too, gives the president an earful," Bush joked.

Bush didn't mention whether his administration might approve the Louisiana Education Accountability Program but did tout his "No Child Left Behind" act that conflicts with the state's.

He said he knew Terrell is dedicated "to making sure all children learn to read."

Bush drew applause when he called for an energy policy that encourages environmentally safe exploration.

Terrell will be on a bus tour today of Natchitoches, Ruston, West Monroe, Monroe and Alexandria. Landrieu and Breaux begin today in New Orleans, then travel to Monroe and Shreveport.