Bush’s Chief of Staff Receives Praise From Two Massachusetts Democrats
WASHINGTON, March 28- Two members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation commended Andrew H. Card Jr. shortly after he announced his retirement from his position as President Bush’s chief of staff on Tuesday.
U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern, D-Worcester, said that Mr. Card had always been accommodating to the needs of both of Massachusetts citizens and members of the congressional delegation.
“I kind of regret that he’s leaving because I do have a great admiration for him, and my problems with this White House have not been with him, they’ve been with his boss, the President of the United States,” Mr. McGovern said in an interview.
Sen. John F. Kerry, D-Mass., praised Mr. Card’s political career in Massachusetts, saying he “set a high standard” when he served as a state representative from 1975-1983. Mr. Card was named legislator of the year by the National Republican Legislators Association in 1982.
“From Holbrook to the White House, Andy Card has spent nearly three decades doing what he believed was right for Massachusetts and our country,” Mr. Kerry said in a statement. “After so many years at such a breakneck speed he’ll be able to relax with Kathleene and their children and grandchildren.”
While speculation begins on the future of Mr. Card’s political career, Nathaniel Gonzales, a political editor at the Rothenberg Political Report, an organization that analyzes political races across the country, said he did not expect Mr. Card to run for Massachusetts governor this fall.
“As far as down the line, I’m sure that he will be asked by folks in the state to look at various offices,” Mr. Gonzales said in an interview. “Andy Card is very smart and very political, and he will look at opportunities as they come.”
Mr. McGovern said Mr. Card would be “highly regarded by both parties” if he decided ever to seek a higher office.
“He’s somebody that if he wanted to, he would certainly be a contender,” Mr. McGovern said. “He’s regarded highly by members of both parties, and I don’t know what his plans are, but I suspect that he may want a rest from politics.”
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