Pataki contrasts Bush and Kerry records

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- New York Gov. George Pataki told GOP delegates Thursday his mission is to help voters compare George W. Bush's record of achievement with John F. Kerry's.

"That way," Pataki said, "they'll be able to see the difference, which is that President Bush has a record of achievement."

Bush "inherited a recession, and then came September 11th," Pataki said. "But George Bush said he would turn around the economy and create new jobs."

"He said he'd do it. And he did," Pataki said, enunciating a theme he would repeat again and again in the speech.

"George W. Bush says what he means, he means what he says, you can trust him," Pataki said. "Senator Kerry, on the other hand -- well, what can we say of Senator Kerry?"

"He was for the war and then he was against the war," the governor said. "Then he was for it but he wouldn't fund it. Then he'd fund it but he wasn't for it. ... This is a candidate who has to Google his own name to find out where he stands," Pataki said.

"You know, as Republicans we're lucky. This fall we're going to win one for the Gipper. But our opponents -- they're going lose one with the Flipper," a reference to what Republicans have said are Kerry's frequent switch in positions on key issues.

Saying Bush, "didn't run from history -- he faced it," on Sept. 11 and afterward, Pataki urged America to support Bush for a second term.