Transcript of Jan Bullock's Convention Speech

Aug. 3 -- Jan Bullock is the widow of Texas Lt. Gov. Bob Bullock, a Democrat with 40 years of service to the Texas government. He endorsed George W. Bush over his democratic opponent in the 1998 gubernatorial campaign. He died last year, and Jan told the Republican National Convention about his respect for Bush. Read a full transcript of her remarks here.

Jan Bullock:

You may wonder what in the world the widow of a Texas Democrat is doing at a Republican Convention. Did I possibly make a wrong turn?

I am here to share a unique non-partisan perspective of George W. and Laura Bush.

My husband Bob Bullock, a lifelong Democrat, was Lieutenant Governor of Texas in 1994 when candidate George Bush first visited our home.

Bob had the reputation as a tough and independent politician who wasn’t reluctant to speak his mind. But Bob was genuinely impressed with what candidate Bush proposed.

George said that when elected governor, he would lay aside politics to work for the good of our state.

Leaving politics at the statehouse door while working on the people’s business was a baseline belief of Bob’s. So he liked what he heard. However, Bob wasn’t any easy sell. He was wary. But, sure enough, as promised, the Bush administration did bring an era of statesmanship and cooperation as George lived up to his commitment to work for the state’s best interests.

Before the legislature met, George, Bob and House Speaker Pete Laney got together at the first of many strategy breakfasts. George was a consensus builder in those meetings to pursue goals such as needed changes in tort reform, education, and juvenile justice.

Those weekly breakfasts formed the foundation of a working relationship that produced two of the most harmonious legislative sessions in history.

They also formed the environment where Bob’s personal relationship with George took hold.

Bob saw that George was sincere in his efforts to do the RIGHT THING for Texas.