WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- President Obama encouraged Democratic governors Thursday to continue their work creating jobs, rebuilding their economies and expanding opportunity - even during tough times.

"What I hope has made [Governors'] job easier and will continue to make their job easier is knowing that they've got a full, committed partner in the White House," Obama said. "I also know that their job has been made a little bit easier because of the Recovery Act that was passed here back at the beginning of my administration and that I signed into law and that's being carried out with their help -- an act that's not only broken our economic freefall, but eased the burden on our states and helped our governors get their states back on track."

"As governors who are on the frontlines of the worst economy in our lifetimes, we are honored the President recognizes our efforts to lead," said Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer, Chair of the Democratic Governors Association, which hosted the event. "We have a lot of work to do to turn the economy around, and we have the right partner to accomplish our goals."

"We thank the President for his leadership and are delighted that he understands the need for a strong partnership with the nation's governors," said Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, the DGA's vice chair. "It's only by working together that we will meet the many challenges and opportunities that we face as states and nation."

President Obama embraced the mission of the DGA and its members to advance a shared vision of a better future.

"But we're going to do what earlier generations have done and build something that's better for our children and our grandchildren," the President said. "That's our project. That's what the DGA is devoted to doing. That's what this White House is devoted to doing. We're grateful that all of you are partners in that process. Thank you very much, everybody."

The luncheon event benefited the Democratic Governors Association and was held on the eve of the biggest gubernatorial election cycle in a generation, with 39 governors' seats up in the next 13 months.

SOURCE Democratic Governors Association

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