First Couple Plans To Say “So Long” To Crawford
Save Email Print
First Couple Plans To Say “So Long” To Crawford
The president was settling in for a weekend stay at his Central Texas ranch Thursday evening, but in Dallas First Lady Laura Bush made it clear earlier in the day that the ranch won’t be the first couple’s primary residence after Mr. Bush leaves office.
Font Size:

(April 10, 2008)—President Bush arrived in Waco Thursday afternoon for a long weekend at his Central Texas ranch, just hours after First Lady Laura Bush made it clear that the ranch won’t be the first couple’s primary residence after Mr. Bush leaves office.

She told a group of schoolchildren in Thursday that she and the president plan to make their home in Dallas after Mr. Bush leaves office.

She told the children she was happy to be in Dallas and said that she and the president lived there about 14 years ago before Mr. Bush was elected governor.

The first couple has reportedly purchased property in upscale Highland Park on which to build a home, but an offhand remark the president made during a news conference last summer fueled speculation about whether the ranch was where he planned to head after leaving office.

“If you ever come down and visit the old, tired, me down there in Crawford,” Mr. Bush said in response to a question about sagging public support for the war in Iraq, “I will be able to say I looked in the mirror and made decisions based upon principle, not based upon politics.”

It’s likely the ranch could continue to serve as a getaway, just as Kennebunkport, Maine does for the president’s parents, who have a home in Houston and also maintain an apartment at the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library in College Station.

Mr. Bush’s election to the presidency drove up property prices and tourism in the Crawford area and his frequent visits to the ranch were generally good for business, although fewer tourists are stopping by these days.

The ranch has been the scene of meetings with key U.S. allies and next month it will host the wedding of first daughter Jenna Bush and her fiancé Henry Hager.

The White House has refused to release any details such as the setting on the ranch, who's invited and how many people will attend.

The Central Texas Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure was moved up one week from May 10 to May 3 because the original date fell on the same day as the wedding.

Thousands of runners and walkers participate in the local race, which started in 2001.

But hotel and motel space are likely to be at a premium on the weekend of the wedding, and because many officials may be in town for the ceremony, security may also be an issue.

Click Here For Central Texas Komen Web Site

Click Here For White House Web Site

Click Here For White House Web Site

Latest Comments

Posted by: Citizen Location: Texas on Apr 21, 2008 at 03:38 PM

To Weird & CC: If you are in the army, you chose to be. This isn't the 60's vietnam and you're drafted. The military always trains for the prospect of war, that's their very purpose and definition. I thank you for volunteering your service to our country even through your complaints.
[ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Leigh Location: Temple, TX on Apr 21, 2008 at 12:11 PM

Dear A different citizen, Did you know that you have to claim that simulus check that you are to receive courtesy of President Bush on your income tax next year? You didn't. To show you how kind President Bush is, When you file for taxes next year, you will have to claim the amount you got from your stimulus payment this year. So, he didn't mail it to you from the goodness of his heart, or to help the ecomomy, you are getting part of your refund from next year early.
[ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Lauren Location: Coolidge on Apr 21, 2008 at 09:08 AM

So their not moving that far.
[ Report Abuse ]
More Stories
Video
13 Confirmed Dead, 30 Injured In Ft. Hood Shooting
305 Comments
Local Woman Claimed She Had Cancer To Get Money For Breast Implants
128 Comments
Community Rallies In Support Of Animal Shelter After Deadly Fire
70 Comments
Apartment Complex Where Suspected Gunman Lived Evacuated
62 Comments
Jury Acquits Local Paramedic Accused Of Fondling Female Patient
59 Comments
Central Texas Boy Suffers Head, Face, Eye Injuries In Dog Attack
58 Comments
KWTX.com Features
Double Dollar Deals
Half Price Deals at Central Texas restaurants and businesses. A new deal every Thursday at 7:00am.
Boss of the Month
Who is Central Texas’ best boss? Nominate your supervisor for Boss of the Month!
Golden Apple
Your chance to nominate an outstanding teacher. Find out how they are making a difference in classrooms.
Emily Wants to Know
Emily Matthews' inquisitive look at life in Central Texas.
Army Way
Learn all about the symbols, traditions, and customs of the US Army.
Job of the Week
Click now to see hundreds of other jobs on Job Board TV!


Emergency Room Nurse - Join Metroplex Health System in Killeen as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department. Metroplex offers a very competitive hourly wage, comprehensive health coverage and retirement plans. A new pay scale went in to effect in October 09! Join Metroplex in extending the healing ministry of Christ.

Also, take a look at the most recent jobs posted to Job Board TV at KWTX.com: View More Jobs.
AP Video