"I don't think you're going to see a similar organization developed in this country," Mr. Ridge said recently.

Mr. Ridge said threat levels would be set on the basis of information suggesting new attacks.

"You should try to get people together," Mr. Ridge said.

Mr. Ridge did not say how much the budget proposal would offer.

"He is one of the people we are talking to," Mr. Ridge said.

Mr. Ridge said the governor's "compassionate conservative message makes a lot of sense."

Mr. Ridge says he looks to the nation's 650,000 police officers to be the main guardians in the domestic security realm.

Mr. Ridge said that on abortion, in particular, everyone who cares already knows where the two candidates stand.

Mr. Ridge has said that many improvements have been made, but that more need to be done.

Mr. Ridge said it was "probably not a bad idea" for families to discuss emergency plans in the event of another terrorist attack.