(2004-02-24) -- In what’s been billed as the official kickoff of his 2004 presidential re-election campaign, George W. Bush told the Republican Governors’ Association last night that voters will have a "clear choice" in November.

"It’s a choice between keeping the tax relief that is moving the economy forward, or putting the burden of higher taxes back on the American people," he said. "It is a choice between an America that leads the world with strength and confidence, or an America that is uncertain in the face of danger. The American people will decide between two visions of government: a government that encourages ownership and opportunity and responsibility, or a government that takes your money and makes your choices. I will set these alternatives squarely before the American people in a spirited campaign."

After hearing the president’s speech, Democrat frontrunner John Forbes Kerry said he was "still evaluating the alternatives offered by Mr. Bush and would come to a decision soon."

Mr. Kerry, who initially supported the president’s ’No Child Left Behind’ education plan, the use of force to overthrow Saddam Hussein and the USA Patriot Act, has become a critic of all three initiatives.

"If I continue to stand on my principles," said the Vietnam veteran war-protestor, "I will likely support President Bush for re-election until the second week of November."