Bullock explained, "It didn't make good sense to try to remove a successful governor from office."

A number of speakers advised the party to move beyond impeachment by emulating the strategies of successful Republican governors.

As a moderate Republican in a largely blue-leaning state, Edgar was a popular and successful governor, leaving office with high approval ratings.

John Connally, regarded as the state's most successful modern governor, sought the Republican presidential nomination but lost badly.

Republicans argue that in fact Alabama does have a successful New South governor who happens to be a Republican.

As a successful governor of Utah with evident expertise in foreign affairs he had a sound curriculum vitae.

He's a successful governor of an important state, he helps shore up relations with the social conservatives and he has the Bush money machine.

He's a successful two-term governor who was re-elected with 69 percent of the vote in New Mexico, a red state.

Noted University of Michigan historian Sidney Fine assessed him as "a highly successful governor".

He is taking with him a reputation as one of New Jersey's most successful governors.