41.   Linda Edwards, a spokeswoman for Bush, said Monday that the governor had not made a decision in the case.

42.   One of the vetoes was overridden, however, and the governor should make it clear he will not accept such an embarrassment again.

43.   One reason, the policy analyst noted, is a feeling among Democrats in Washington that governors make the best presidential candidates.

44.   Other ideas involve making Iowa a priority destination for refugees, helping companies recruit employees abroad, even having the governor make sales pitches to prospective emigres.

45.   Perry praised Bush for his bipartisan record in Texas and, countering Democratic attacks, said the Texas governor had made his state a better place.

46.   Republican governors could make a difference in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Florida, which are the largest of the swing states.

47.   Rep. Debra Danburg, D-Houston, the House sponsor, laughed when a reporter asked if the governor had made any effort to advance her legislation.

48.   State Sen. Robert Littell, a Republican and chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said he was disappointed by many of the changes the governor made.

49.   Still, a governor can make some difference.

50.   Still, not about to invite competition, Bush demurred when asked which other governor would make a good president.