Nancy Reagan endorses George W. Bush for president

May 17, 2000
Web posted at: 3:51 p.m. EDT (1951 GMT)

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Calling him a candidate "Ronnie would be proud of," former first lady Nancy Reagan on Wednesday endorsed Texas Gov. George W. Bush for president.

Nancy Reagan, shown here in this file photo, endorsed Texas Gov. George W. Bush for president Wednesday.

"I am proud to endorse George W. Bush for president," Mrs. Reagan said. "He is doing a fine job of carrying on Ronnie's legacy. His agenda of tax cuts, smaller government, and a strong national defense will build pride in America just as it did when my husband was president."

The wife of former President Ronald Reagan -- the tremendously popular California Republican who served as president from 1981 to 1989 -- announced her endorsement in a written statement issued by the Bush campaign. The former president suffers from Alzheimer's Disease and no longer makes public appearances.

"George W. Bush will help America once more become a 'shining city on a hill,'" Mrs. Reagan said, in reference to a phrase former President Reagan often used to describe his goal for the United States.

The Texas governor's father, former President George Bush, served as Reagan's vice president.

"I am honored to have Mrs. Reagan's support," Bush responded. "Throughout the years she has stood side by side with one of America's greatest presidents. I thank her for her endorsement and pledge an optimistic, positive campaign, in the Reagan tradition, to renew America's spirit and encourage a new era of personal responsibility and freedom."

Reuters contributed to this report.