In separate letters sent Wednesday to Governor Bush, the House and Senate Republicans stated that the Bush record of accomplishment in Texas makes him an ideal candidate to take back the White House after eight years of Democratic control.

"We urge you to step forward and then run forward as a Republican candidate for President who has clearly mastered the art of governing and winning," stated the Senate letter that was signed by all Senate Republicans.

"We desperately need tax relief and limited government at the national level.  We have seen you accomplish these goals in Texas and hope that you will take your case beyond the citizens of the Lone Star state and onto the national stage," stated the House letter which was signed by 24 of 26 Republican members.

"Our Republican colleagues in other states like New Mexico and South Carolina have already encouraged Governor Bush to run.  As he nears the end of the decision making process, Governor Bush needs to know that the vast majority of Republicans in the state right next to New Hampshire want him in this race," said Lees and Marini.
 

February 24, 1999

Governor George W. Bush
Office of the Governor
State House
Austin, Texas  78711

Dear Governor Bush:

The Republicans of this country are now in their seventh "lean year," after successive White House defeats in 1992 and 1996.

We, the entire Republican caucus of the State Senate in Massachusetts, want to end that political drought next year.

Your candidacy for President of the United States -- launched early and vigorously -- will change the existing political current, elevate our ongoing political dialogue, and substantially improve the entire frame of reference for and in the Republican Party.

We believe that Republicans must be the party of competition, change, and character in the year 2000.

Your stellar record as Governor of Texas, vastly augmented by the length and strength of your political coat-tails in 1998, are bright markers which will point our party in the winning direction.

The substance and style of George W. Bush will put other Republican candidates on their mettle -- your triumphs in a state which boasts difference and diversity, will engage the attention of the nation as will no other GOP potential candidate.

Our party needs you in its front line trenches; more important, the country needs the grasp and leadership skills you have already put to work so successfully in Austin.

You, uniquely, can forge and foster the coalitions and consensus which Republicans must mobilize in order to triumph next year -- not just at the top of the ticket but in all the offices that will be voted on in 2000.

We urge you to step forward and then run forward as a Republican candidate for President who has clearly mastered the art of governing and winning.

Sincerely,
 
 

Brian P. Lees  Minority Leader	Richard R. Tisei  Assistant Minority Leader	Michael R. Knapik  Minority Whip
Bruce E. Tarr  Assistant Minority Whip	Henri S. Rauschenbach	Robert L. Hedlund
Jo Ann Sprague

The Honorable George W. Bush
Office of the Governor
P.O. Box 12428
Austin, TX  78711-2428

Dear Governor Bush:

        Please allow us to join the chorus of people across the country who are urging you to join the race for President.

        As Republican members of the General Court we can tell you that citizens in all of our districts are excited and energized about the prospect of a Republican Presidential campaign.  We desperately need tax relief and limited government at the national level.  We have seen you accomplish these goals in Texas and hope you will take your case beyond the citizens of the Lone Star state and onto the national stage.  We believe America is yearning for a Leader that has the courage to stand up for what is best for the people of this country.

        The message you represent will go a long way not only towards electing a Republican president, but towards making gains in Boston and state capitols across the nation.  We look forward to your decision to enter the race, and hope to see you campaigning here in Massachusetts in the near future.

Sincerely,
 
 

Francis L Marini  Minority Leader  Bradley Jones  Minority Whip  Scott Brown  State Representative  Kevin Finnegan  State Representative  Brad Hill  State Representative  George Peterson  State Representative  Vinny deMacedo  State Representative  Thomas George  State Representative  Susan Pope  State Representative  Shirley Gomes  State Representative  Kevin Poirier  State Representative  Robert Hargraves  State Representative

Ronald Gauch  Assistant Minority Leader  Mary Rogeness  Assistant Minority Whip  Walter DeFlippi  State Representative  Paul Frost  State Representative  John Lepper  State Representative  Barbara Hyland  State Representative  David Tuttle  State Representative  Cele Hahn  State Representative  Shaun Kelly  State Representative  Mary Jeanette Murray  State Representative  Nancy Caffyn  State Representative  Carol Cleven  State Representative