Text of Linda Lingle's speechGood evening and aloha from the 50th state. It is my honor to represent the great State of Hawaii.
I want to share with you how the Aloha State's economy has diversified and strengthened since George W. Bush became our 43rd President, transforming the state into a true Land of Opportunity with an improved quality of life for all our citizens. President Bush pulled our nation's economy out of the recession he inherited, and put us on the right track. The economy is strong and getting stronger. The President's policies of a limited, but effective government, of tax cuts to allow families to keep more of their hard-earned money, and of promoting ownership and opportunity, have created a climate for growth and job creation. Hawaii, for instance, was mired in economic stagnation throughout the 1990s - it was tough times for families and businesses; a time of pessimism and unease. But the picture is considerably brighter now - and the optimism is unmistakable. My Administration is just 21 months old. But, in that short time, because of President Bush's tax cuts and pro-growth policies and our team's solid commitment to creating a more business-friendly climate, Hawaii's economy has turned around dramatically. For the past 3 months we've had the lowest unemployment rate in the nation dropping to 3.0% in July. Job growth is up, the technology sector is expanding and construction and real estate are booming. In the first quarter of 2004, we had the largest growth in exports of any state in the country - and those exports include far more than our world renowned Kona coffee and macadamia nuts. And because the Bush Administration, including my good friend, Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, has made our skies and oceans safer for travel, people are coming to Hawaii in record numbers. Tourism is our state's leading industry, and 2004 may well go down as the best year for tourism we've ever seen! Are things better in Hawaii than they were four years ago? You bet they are! The people of Hawaii are enjoying an improved quality of life. America truly is the Land of Opportunity, and President Bush is helping us to realize those opportunities. He has turned our country around by following his strong convictions and doing what he believes is right, rather than changing his beliefs in response to the latest opinion poll. And the best is yet to come when America gives President Bush four more years to finish the work he began. My friends, there are only 63 days remaining until election day. And, we in Hawaii are excited to lead the way to victory for President Bush and Vice President Cheney, leaders with vision, compassion and commitment to make life better for all the people of these great United States.
Mahalo. |
