Cardinals at the White House

As is tradition, President Bush welcomed the World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals team to the White House today.

But considering how many Greater Cincinnati notables showed up, you'd think the Cincinnati Reds had won!

First, there was baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Bunning, a U.S. senator from Southgate, Ky., who President Bush referred to as "Big Jim Bunning."

Then, there was White House Budget Director Rob Portman, a former U.S. congressman from Terrace Park, who the president called out because Portman is supposedly a die-hard Reds fan:

"Rob Portman, I thought he was a Cincinnati Reds fan -- it's amazing what victory does to the -- (laughter.) Everybody likes a winner. (Laughter.) I appreciate you coming."

Indian Hill businessman Bill DeWitt, owner of the Cardinals who was Bush's business partner at the Texas Rangers and a big Bush campaign fundraiser, was also there. Here's what Bush had to say about DeWitt:

"If you ever need a good, honest business partner, pick Bill DeWitt. He knows something about baseball. He was raised in baseball. But he is one of the sharpest business minds in the United States of America, and I'm really proud for him and his family to be here today to receive the accolades."

DeWitt gave Bush a World Series jersey with the number "06" and the name "Bush" on the back:

"'06, so you'll remember the year we were here, and 'Bush' ... " DeWitt started.

"Yes, so I remember who I am," Bush joked.

Indian Hill businessman Mercer Reynolds, another former partner in the Texas Rangers, big Bush campaign fundraiser and a former U.S. ambassador to Switzerland, was also there.

Read the entire transcript of the visit HERE.