George W. Bush: “We value our friendship; we appreciate your country.”

Being your President was a high privilege, and the honor of a lifetime.

The actions taken by my Administration in response to the financial crisis have laid the groundwork for a return to economic growth and job creation.

I applaud your Governor's response to that tragedy.

History will remember him as among the finest public servants of his generation – a patriot who brought integrity, high intelligence, and seriousness of purpose to every position.