"I'm very happy in private life right now," said Powell, who has said he's not interested in being Bush's running mate. "If at some future time a president would ask me to re-enter government in an appointed position, I would consider it."
In his remarks to the governors, Powell made no mention of Bush, who is not at the NGA meeting.
Instead, Powell talked about the children's group he chairs, America's Promise — The Alliance for Youth.
"The only place children get character from is from responsible, loving, caring adults — their parents, their family, their coaches, their teachers, their priests, their rabbis." Powell said.
"When that community system doesn't exist, we can't sit back and say 'Well, that's too bad.' The rest of us have to step forward."
After a short video about America's Promise, Powell told the governors about the partnerships that his organization tries to build between public and private youth programs.
Powell, who recently appeared in a Sears advertisement to promote Sears, Roebuck and Co.'s support of America's Promise, also mentioned his work with LensCrafters, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter and America Online.
No company executive has ever turned down his personal requests for help, Powell said.
"It's a simple business pitch. It's in their corporate self-interest," Powell said. "I also say 'I don't just want money, I want you involved.'"
Gov. Tom Ridge joined three other governors in giving Powell a bipartisan welcome just before the meeting where Powell spoke.
"Governors, regardless of their political affiliation, have to practice what works," Ridge said, repeating a mantra he's used throughout the weekend. "They're in the solution business."
