Texts of Governors’ Greeting Card Messages

Stateline.org has compiled the following inscriptions from each of the 46 governors sending greeting cards this season.

 

Alabama Gov. Bob Riley (R) : “During this Christmas season may you be surrounded by the love of family and friends and filled with the spirit of the risen Christ”; quotes Matthew 2: 1, 9 – 11.

 

Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski (R): “Happy Holidays from the Governor’s House — May the blessings of this Holiday season fill your heart with peace.”

 

Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano (D): “Wishing you every happiness this Holiday Season and throughout the New Year!”

 

Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) : Inside: “The Christmas Season is a time for the Message of the Messiah, the Making of Miracles, and the Magic of Music – music that warms the heart, stirs the soul, and reminds us that we are truly blessed! A True Symphony of Christmas! From our family to yours, may you experience the best of Christmas.” Back cover: “The Governor’s Mansion is especially warm and inviting during the holiday season. Richly adorned trees decked with strands of bright lights, ornaments, and ribbons seem to dance their way through the carols that fill the halls with the meaning of Christmas and resound with the significance of our Savior’s birth. We hope this brisket recipe will help you fill your home with a wonderful aroma that gathers your guests close together in spirit and love — and becomes a mealtime tradition for generations to come. Our hearts will be with each and every one of you during this time of celebration. ‘The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.’ Psalm 118: 14 [King James Version]”

 

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R): For National Guardsmen: “We are so honored to send you our deepest gratitude as you bravely defend our nation on the front lines of freedom. Today and especially during this holiday season we pay tribute to you, the great men and women of the California National Guard, who protect America’s ideals and our cherished democracy. The enclosed phone card is but a small token of how much we appreciate your sacrifice and how your noble dedication continues to make us proud. We send our deepest personal wishes for your safe return home and know you are always in our hearts.”

 

For others: “As our holiday gift to you a phone card has been given to our courageous California National Guard members, whose service makes us all shine. Our best wishes to you for a New Year of Happiness in a world of peace.”

 

Text on back of both cards: “This beautiful acrylic painting was created by California artist Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. The governor has been painting for numerous years and the artwork featured on this holiday card is titled ‘Joy to the World’.” 

Colorado Gov. Bill Owens (R): “May peace, love, joy and prosperity bless your home and family this holiday season”

 

Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell (R) : “We wish you and your family a wonderful and joyous holiday season filled with the warmth of loved ones and friends. May the New Year bring you peace, happiness, and good health.”

 

Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner (D) : “Wishing you peace and health in the New Year.”

 

Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R): excerpt wishes “every happiness for this season and throughout the coming year”; quotes Psalm 91

 

Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue (R): “May the gracious presence of God fill your home with peace and your heart with joy, in this holy season and always.” Also quotes Matthew 1:23: “And they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”

 

Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle (R): “May the spirit of the holiday surround your Ohana (family) with joy, peace and love. Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas) and Hau’oli Makahiki Hou (Happy New Year)”; words in parentheses inserted by Stateline.org

 

Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne: “May the spirit of this holiday season fill your heart with love, peace and serenity. Wishing you many blessings for the New Year.”

 

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D): “Happy Holidays”

 

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (R): A spokesman said the governor is sending out 500 letters that invoke both the holidays and Christmas. The letters, festooned with designs of garlands and plaid ribbons, recount the many families Daniels has met in the last two years and how Christmas brings back fond memories of those people. 

Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack (D): “May the joy of the holiday season strengthen all of our communities and families.”

 

Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D) : “Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a new year blessed with health, happiness and peace.” Back identifies painting on the front cover as “Christmas at Cedar Crest 2005”

 

Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher (R): “Wishing you a Holiday Season filled with faith, family and friendship. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year”

 

Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco (D): Has not yet sent out any cards

 

Maine Gov. John Baldacci (D): “ Happy Holidays from our house to your house”

 

Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich (R) : “During this holiday season, let us cherish our family and friends, both near and far. From our family to yours, we send our warmest wishes for a happy Holiday Season, a Merry Christmas, and a prosperous and safe New Year.”

 

Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) : “May the holiday season bring you joy, peace and hope for the new year.”

 

Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D): “ From our Family to Yours, Best Wishes for A Wonderful Holiday Season”

 

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R): Does not send out cards

Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour (R): “God Bless Mississippi and the wonderful people who make her great”; quotes Jeremiah: “There is hope for your future, says the Lord. Your children will come again to their own land.” “Christmas 2005”

 

Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt (R) : “Best Wishes for a Joyous Holiday Season”; quotes James 1:17 

Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D): “ From our family to yours, we wish you a season of joy and peace” 

 

Nebraska Gov. David Heineman (R): “For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations” Psalm 100; “May love and peace fill your heart and home with the joys of faith, family, and friendship this holiday season”

 

Nevada Gov. Kenny Guinn (R): Does not send out cards

 

New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch (D):  Joy, Peace Hope — Wishing you and your family the joys of the season

New Jersey Acting Gov. Richard Codey (D):  “Best Wishes for a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season With Peace .”

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D): Does not send out cards

 

New York Gov. George Pataki (R) : “During this holiday season, let us give special thanks to all of those who have made sacrifices for us and offer a prayer for their families as we work together to bring peace, health, and happiness to all. Our family extends to you and yours best wishes for the holiday season and the coming year”

 

North Carolina Gov. Michael Easley (D) : “ At this time of the year, we want to extend our best wishes. May God bless you and your family during this holiday season”

 

 North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven (R): “Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays” 

Ohio Gov. Bob Taft (R): “Joyful Holidays and a Peacful New Year to You and Your Family” 

Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry (D) : “May the joy and peace of this Holiday Season be yours, Merry Christmas from the Henry family.”  

Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski (D) : “PEACE – Paz, Paix, Pace, Frieden, Mir, Shalom, Heiwa, Salam, Heping”

  

Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell (D): “Season’s Greetings: The stockings were hung by the chimney with care … May you experience the joy of the holidays and the bright promise of a happy and healthy new year. Our best wishes to you and yours during this holiday season!” (Also says “Christmas 2005” beneath photo on back)

  

Rhode Island Gov. Don Carcieri (R): “ Holiday Greetings and Wishes for a Happy New Year”

  

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford (R):  “May we all live honorably, walk humbly, and give abundant thanks to the Lord for our many blessings this holiday season”; quotes Micah 6:8

South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds (R) :  “May the sounds of joy fill your home with warmth and your heart with happiness this holiday season”; also, Psalm 95:2 “Let us come before Him with thanksgiving, and extoll him with music and song”

  

Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen (D) : “May the peace and joy of this Christmas season be with you and your loved ones throughout the coming year.”

  

Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) : “This holiday season, may freedom ring, may peace conquer, may love endure.” Quote from Nehemiah: “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”

 

Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman (R): “Happy Holidays — Wishing you a beautiful holiday season and a new year of peace and happiness”

  

Vermont Gov. James Douglas (R) : “Happy Holidays to you and yours ” 

Virginia Gov. Mark Warner (D): “Season’s Greetings — Wishing you peace, health and happiness throughout the year”

  

Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire (D): “Happy Holidays from the Gregoires – Mike, Chris, Courtney and Michelle”

  

West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin (D): “From Our Home to Yours”; inside, “May this holiday season reflect … a constant love, an abiding faith, and enduring hope to create peace and ‘family’ for all mankind” 
  

Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle (D): “From all of us to all of you, have a joyous holiday season.”

  
Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal (D) : Two postcards, one surrounds a picture of the governor and first lady with a collage of words in the background, with part of the word “Christmas” visible, along with “Holiday,” “Sending Holiday Cheer,” “Happy New Year”; the other says “Peace on Earth”