Governor Whitman Delivers Remarks At The Republican National Convention

SPEAKERS LIST: CHRISTINE TODD WHITMAN, GOVERNOR (R-NJ)

WHITMAN: Thank you.

(APPLAUSE)

Thank you very much.

(APPLAUSE)

Thank you. Thank you very much. Mr. Chairman, fellow delegates, I stand here as a proud Republican, proud of our history, proud of our accomplishments and proud of our commitment to the power of a free people.

We believe in the value of the individual. We appreciate the differences that make each person unique. We know they add to the richness of American life and they add to the strength of the Republican Party. But for all our differences, whether over choice or national defense, our party is united by this goal, electing Bob Dole the next president of the United States.

(APPLAUSE)

America can look to Bob Dole. He knows where to find the answers our country seeks. In our neighborhoods and communities, our town halls and state houses, in all those places where people run their own lives, that's where Republican principles are hard at work, cutting taxes, making our streets safer, our government smaller and smarter and promoting individual initiative. It's time we put those principles back to work in the White House.

(APPLAUSE)

Clearly, Bill Clinton doesn't believe what we believe. Four years ago Bill Clinton said he would deliver middle income tax relief.

Yet he vetoed a $500 child tax credit that would have delivered the very tax relief he promised. And now, when Bob Dole proposes a 15 percent family tax cut, Bill Clinton says we shouldn't cut taxes for American families. Why can't Bill Clinton understand that the Dole tax cuts are exactly the tonic our sluggish national economy and struggling American families need?

Predictably, the pundits are also attacking the Dole plan. Let me tell you, I've heard it all before. When I announced by plan to cut our state income tax 30 percent, some people didn't believe I really meant it. But they were wrong. We've cut taxes in New Jersey 10 times in the past 30 months.

(APPLAUSE)

Now, now the people of my state have more money in their paychecks, money for mortgages, braces for the children or savings for education.

WHITMAN: Republicans that know and believe that you know how to spend your money better than government does.

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Of course, our opponents think there are those who can't handle that responsibility and need big government to take them by the hand.

They haven't been to Rafael's House in Elizabeth, New Jersey, a privately-run haven for homeless, pregnant women who want to make it on their own. The rules at Rafael's House are tough, much like the welfare reform recently passed by the Republican Congress.

But the young women who live there don't complain. They're glad for the opportunity to make a new life for themselves and their children, to become self-sufficient members of the community. Republicans believe in helping people to help themselves.

(APPLAUSE)

And if we want to fully restore the American Dream, we must reclaim our neighborhoods from the nightmare of crime. Naturally, Democrats think Washington has all the answers, but they haven't talked to Buster Sores (ph), a Baptist minister in Franklin Township, New Jersey. After 12 local kids were arrested in a gang fight, Reverend Sores (ph) went to court and claimed responsibility for them.

His church and neighborhood are helping mentor each young man. Together they are making a difference, and they don't need big government to do it.

(APPLAUSE)

Americans like Buster Sores (ph) prove what Republicans believe -- the people closest to the challenge are best able to meet that challenge. Reverend Sores (ph), we're delighted to have you with us tonight.

(APPLAUSE)

I'm somewhat embarrassed to say it, but 40 years ago, I attended my first Republican National Convention. That convention nominated for president a man from Kansas, a warrior who cherished peace, a leader who valued hard work and responsibility, a citizen who believed in the American dream because he lived it.

That man was Dwight David Eisenhower.

(APPLAUSE)

This week, we are going to repeat history. We will nominate another man from Kansas. Bob Dole...

(APPLAUSE)

All right, Kansas.

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Bob Dole will bring to the presidency the same integrity, the same grit and the same determination that Eisenhower did.

WHITMAN: Bob Dole knows what makes America great. It's not the size and scope of its government, but the strength and wisdom of its people.

Let us go forward together, proud of our party, united to elect Bob Dole, and committed to the promise of the future -- the promise of America.

Thank you very much.

END

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