Text of Rob Portman's speechThank you, Secretary Chao, and thanks for the great job you are doing for American workers.
Those of us from Ohio are proud to support Dick Cheney and George W. Bush! Proud because they have proven to Ohio -- and the nation -- that when times are tough, we can count on their strong leadership. Let's remember where we have been. This President inherited an economy spiraling into recession, and already losing jobs in states like Ohio. In fact, in the last year of the Clinton administration, Ohio lost over 33,000 manufacturing jobs. Well, this year, we are adding jobs, including in manufacturing. Yes, we have more work to do, but we are on track for economic growth. I visited 2 factories in Ohio this past week and met with workers who are competing and winning in the global economy! These Ohio workers get it. They know government doesn't create jobs, regardless of how many promises Senator Kerry makes. But they also know the next Administration will play a critical role in creating the environment for job growth, giving workers the tools they need to succeed. This means continuing the Bush tax cuts -- not raising taxes, just as jobs are coming back!! This means lower health care costs -- not government mandates that drive up costs for everyone!! This means a fair judicial system, not job-destroying frivolous lawsuits!! This means opening foreign markets to the best goods and services in the world -- American products -- not retreating to economic isolationism that kills jobs!! This means giving workers the opportunity to build their skills to meet 21st century challenges, not false hope and empty promises that ignore the realities of a changing economy!! This means an aggressive energy plan to lessen our dependence on foreign oil!! This means that we need the hopeful, optimistic agenda of George W. Bush -- a pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda for the next 4 years so we can compete and win in the global competition we face!! Ohio's workers deserve no less. America's workers deserve no less. And this means one more thing folks ... .
It means whether you are from a blue state, a red state or a swing state like my home of Ohio, each and every one of us must do our part to keep George W. Bush in the White House for four more years! |
