"As Governor Bush decides over the next two weeks whether he will run, we want him to know that a vast majority of North Carolina lawmakers hope he will accept the challenge and that he has our support," said Representative David Miner, a delegation leader from the State House.

The North Carolina lawmakers cite Governor Bush's record in Texas of reforming welfare, improving education, cutting taxes and reducing frivolous lawsuits, as some of the reasons why they support him.

"Governor Bush has a proven record of getting things done to improve the everyday lives of Texans," said Senate Republican Minority Leader Patrick Ballantine, "and this experience makes him the best candidate to tackle the challenges we face as a nation.  He is a strong and effective leader who thinks the way we do in North Carolina.  My colleagues and I share Governor Bush's vision of stronger families, limited government and personal responsibility," said Senator Ballantine, a delegation leader from the State Senate.

"Our nation deserves a leader like George W. Bush, a straightforward person with the integrity and character to lead -- one who shares our values and our hopes for the future," said Representative Wilma Sherrill, who attended the meeting.  She added, "Governor Bush is our Party's shining star because of his exceptional record as Governor of our nation's second largest state, and because of his remarkable ability to earn the votes of women, minorities, independents and conservative Democrats.  If Republicans are serious about winning back the White House, we must nominate a conservative who has the broad appeal of George W. Bush."

The Honorable George W. Bush
Governor of Texas
Post Office Box 12428
Austin, Texas  78711-2428

Dear Governor Bush:

        As we draw closer to the 2000 elections that will determine the President who will lead our nation into the 21st Century, it is clear and evident to us that the Republican Party needs our best candidates in the race.  That is why we are writing today to encourage you to run for President of the United States.

        As Governor of Texas, your record of reforming welfare, improving education, cutting taxes, and reducing frivolous lawsuits has impressed us.  As a Republican candidate, your history of earning the votes of women, minorities, independents and conservative Democrats is impressive and an example to all Republican candidates.

        Today, we elected officials of the North Carolina General Assembly join our colleagues from around the country in urging you to seek our Party's nomination for President of the United States.  We commit to you our support.

Representative Harold J. Brubaker Representative Daniel F. McComas

Representative Edwin McMahan Representative David Miner