January 24, 2000

Bush follows caucus victory
by stating goals for presidency

By Nick Hillyard
CyberCaucus 2000 News Service
Drake University

DES MOINES, Iowa--Gratitude, support and plans for the presidency echoed throughout a downtown Des Moines hotel Monday as Texas Gov. George W. Bush addressed supporters after the Iowa caucuses.

"Tonight's record shattering victory is the victory of a message that is conservative and is compassionate," Bush said as a band played the "Rocky" theme song, "Eye of the Tiger."

Bush received 41 percent of the Republican vote in the caucuses, 11 percentage points ahead of Iowa's no. 2 candidate, publisher Steve Forbes. With around 35,464 votes, Bush received the largest number of Republican votes ever cast for a candidate in the caucuses.

"I am humbled, and I am honored by your outpouring of support. Tonight marks the first election of the new millennium," Bush said.
" ... Tonight also marks the beginning of the end of the Clinton era."

Although the federal government has been tainted by scandal, it isn't the enemy, Bush said.

"The values of the heartland are ingrained in the hearts of America--faith, family, freedom and responsibility. These values shape our conviction that the promise of America is available to all who are willing to work hard for the American dream," Bush said.

Bush outlined his goals for the country: Provide education to every child, promote freedom and peace to the world, cut taxes, strengthen the military and save Social Security and Medicare.

"I came to Iowa on a plane dubbed 'Great Expectations.' Well, tonight Iowa has exceeded them," Bush said.

Bush was preceded by the words of an entourage of top Iowa Republicans, including two previous governors and two U.S. congressmen.

Former Gov. Robert Ray said Iowans get the opportunity to see, listen to and talk with the candidates. "That's why we understand who we need to be president," Ray said.

"It's a great night for Iowa Republicans," said former Gov. Terry Branstad. Bush did it by running a positive campaign and sharing what he wants to do as president, Branstad said. Branstad praised Bush's support of ethanol and his promise to restore prosperity to agriculture.

Branstad was followed by words from U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley and U.S. Rep. Greg Ganske. Grassley defended the time he took to endorse Bush. Grassley said, "I feel a great burden when I make a recommendation." Ganske listed the Republican Party's historic accomplishments--taking credit for freeing the slaves, women's suffrage, the fall of the Berlin Wall and winning the Gulf War.

The Marriott Hotel overflowed with supporters waving red, white and blue pompoms and holding Bush placards. With each speaker, the crowd became more excited until Bush addressed the crowd.

Before leaving the stage, Gov. Bush looked forward, saying "to the people of New Hampshire, I'm on my way."