When President George W. Bush addressed Congress last week and appointed Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge as head of the newly-created cabinet-level Office of Homeland Security, it came with a lot of applause — both literally and figuratively.

Many governors and politicians across the nation reacted to Ridge's appointment with support and gratitude, as did many Penn State students.

"In general, (College Republicans) all support it," said Rick Smith, chief information officer for Penn State College Republicans.

Smith said Ridge's involvement in Vietnam would help with the current and ongoing defense of America.

"Gov. Ridge has done a heck of a job in Pennsylvania," said Kurt Unruh, president of the Penn State College Republicans.

Ridge has known Bush since the 1980s, Smith said.

"He's worked well with Bush before; they have a good working relationship," he said.

Partisanship aside, local Democrats and Republicans alike support the appointment.

"Obviously this position is certainly needed in light of what happened recently," said Jared Cram, president of Penn State College Democrats.

"As for Bush's choice of Gov. Tom Ridge, I think it's wise to appoint someone you can trust," Cram said.

He said that because they worked together in the past and were both governors of fairly large states, they have the ease to work with each other now in this time of national watchfulness.

"What we need to do now is wait and see what kind of successes he will bring," Cram said.

In this time of nationwide alert, some students were reassured by Bush's decision.

"I think it's really an honor to everyone in Pennsylvania to have him represent us and have this position," said Amy Strauss (sophomore-division of undergraduate studies)

"We elected him, therefore it shows we had an impact. It's comforting to know that he'll be in charge," Strauss said.

Some students, not aware of Bush's decision or of exactly what the position encompasses, nevertheless supported his decree.

"I didn't really like Governor Ridge," said Jeff Buxton(senior-kinesiology). "But, I'm sure that he'll do fine."

Some students did not question Bush's decision.

"I think the U.S. government trying to take action is a step in the right direction to get our country protected," Lora Markley (sophomore-engineering) said. "I guess that if Bush considers him to be a good member of that position, then I'm happy that he's able to continue with his government work for the better of the country."

Some students and politicians think Ridge was exactly the right person for the job.

"I think it's pretty cool. He got involved when everything went down — he deserves it. I was pretty pleased," said Chris Flynn (senior-architectural engineering)

A press release from the Republican Governors Association said governors from across the nation "embraced" the selection of Ridge as the head of the new office.

"Tom Ridge has proven himself as an extraordinary leader. The people of Pennsylvania should be proud the president has selected their governor to assume an important role in this country's war on terrorism. I know he will serve his country well as he did in Vietnam, the Congress and as governor," said John Rowland, RGA vice- president chairman and governor of Connecticut.

The president's words and choice moved other governors to support Ridge.

"I want to commend President Bush on his inspiring words to the citizens of the U.S. and for his commitment to bring these terrorists to justice. I am proud to stand with President Bush and Gov. Ridge as we work to protect and preserve the American way of life," Governor Jane Swift of Massachusetts said in a press release.

Ridge will not be able to keep his governor office when he takes on the new cabinet position.

"It's certainly a shame," Smith said. "He's been a very good governor but things change — obviously things are a lot different since Sept. 11."

Unruh believes Ridge will do well with the new position.

"I wouldn't call it losing him — we're gaining him as homeland security," Unruh said. "Our nation is gaining him. The country gets to see how efficient he is."