Bush calls McCain pick 'exciting decision'

WASHINGTON (CNN) - President Bush called Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, Sen. John McCain's surprise pick to be his vice-presidential running mate, Friday morning to wish her good luck in the coming election, White House Press Secretary Dana Perino said.

Perino said the president learned of McCain's pick roughly an hour before the official announcement was made, and said the White House is "energized" by the choice.

In a written statement, Bush said McCain "made an exciting decision" in choosing Palin. He praised Palin as "a proven reformer who is a wise steward of taxpayer dollars and champion for accountability in government."

He added, "I applaud Senator McCain for selecting Governor Palin. This decision is yet another example of why the American people can trust him to make wise decisions and to confidently lead this country."
–By CNN White House Correspondent Elaine Quijano