Sacramento, California – In a letter released today, over half of the Republicans in the California State Legislature – including the entire Republican Hispanic Caucus – announced their support for Texas Governor George W. Bush for President.

One day after Bush took the oath of office to begin his second term as Governor, twenty-five California legislators wrote Bush urging him to run for President, saying: "America needs an experienced leader who brings conservative values and a winning candidacy that will reach out to all."

"With the California Presidential Primary of March 2000 fast approaching, it is important that a credible candidate for President establish a California presence," the group wrote. "California, along with Texas and Florida, are the keys to the Republican victory in 2000."

"George W. Bush has a record of accomplishment as Governor of Texas on important issues like cutting taxes, ending social promotion and teaching every child to read, welfare reform, juvenile justice reform and encouraging free trade," said Senate Republican Whip, Ray Haynes (R-Riverside). "Bush has been a chief executive with a demonstrated ability to bring people together to solve problems."

"Governor Bush has shown unmatched political leadership in his ability to reach out and bridge the gap between traditional and non-traditional Republican constituencies, like Latinos – a growing and increasingly important population in California," added Assemblyman Abel Maldonado (R-Santa Maria).

 Assemblyman and Former Assembly Republican Leader Bill Leonard (R-San Bernardino) said, "Governor Bush’s policies reflect a compassion that does not compromise conservative principles. He represents a new generation of Republican leadership that we welcome in California. That is why I am please to join a majority of my Republican legislative colleagues in committing our early support to his candidacy.

 
Letter to Bush Attached

 
Honorable George W. Bush
Governor of Texas
P.O. Box 12428
Austin, Texas 78711-2428

 Dear Governor Bush:

         We write to encourage you to run for President of the United States.

         America needs an experienced leader who brings conservative values and a winning candidacy that will reach out to all. We are impressed with your policy and political record in Texas and know that these successes are available to you in California.

        With the California Presidential Primary of March 2000 fast approaching, it is important that a credible candidate for President establish a California presence.

        California, along with Texas and Florida, are the keys to the Republican victory in 2000. We know you are the Republican Presidential candidate for Texas, and we share a strong opinion that your qualities will serve well as the Republican Presidential candidate for California. We ask for your favorable consideration to lead America as our President, and we commit to you our support.