Rove Ends Long Career As Top Bush Adviser (1/3)

It was a partnership born in the rough and tumble of Texas politics.

A long shot decision to take on a popular Texas governor in 1994 would eventually lead George W. Bush to the White House in 2000.

And all along the way, Karl Rove would act as his political right hand man. "We have been at this a long time. It was over 14 years ago that you began your run for governor and over ten years ago that we started thinking and planning about a possible run for the presidency. And it has been an exhilarating and eventful time."
Shortly after his re-election in 2004, President Bush paid tribute to Rove as the architect of his victory over Democrat John Kerry.

In the wake of the announcement that Rove is leaving at the end of the month, the president chose to call him a dear friend. "We have known each other as youngsters interested in serving our state. We worked together so we could be in a position to serve this country. And so I thank my friend. I will be on the road behind you here in a little bit."