Jan Brewer To President Obama: Let's Do Lunch

The Arizona Governor releases her private letter to the President...the text
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer today released the letter she gave to President Obama on Wednesday during an encounter on the tarmac at the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. The tete-a-tete made international headlines after observers reported it as tense, with the Governor wagging her finger at the President. In the hand-written letter, Brewer hails Arizona's recovery, and offers the President a visit to the Mexican border and lunch. (Above: Brewer holds the letter)

"My offer to visit the border -- and buy lunch -- still stands!" Brewer wrote.

President Obama on Thursday said the encounter wasn't as tense as reported, calling it "not a big deal."

"She wanted to give me a letter, asking for a meeting. And I said, 'We'd be happy to meet,'" President Obama told ABC.

"I think it's always good publicity for a Republican if they're in an argument with me. ...But this was really not a big deal. Last time we met, she wasn't fully satisfied. But, you know, I think this is a classic example of things getting blown out of proportion."

Brewer's book, Breakfast with Scorpions, has seen a rise in sales in the last two days, and she has become something of an internet meme. On the tarmac, President Obama told Brewer he disagreed with an account in the book about their White House meeting two years ago, which is when Brewer's finger-pointing occurred. (Above: The finger-pointing; the President holds the letter)

The text of Brewer's letter:

Dear Mr. President,

Welcome to Arizona!

You've arrived in a state at the forefront of America's recovery -- and her future. We were at the brink. We were at the bottom of the list in job creation. Today, we have a balanced budget and we're in the top 10 for job creation.

I'm proud of that hard-won recovery -- the result of many tough decisions, courage and perseverance.

My hope is while you are here you will have a chance to see our tremendous results first hand.

We both love the great country, but we fundamentally disagree on how to best make America grow and prosper once again. I'd love an opportunity to share with you how we've been able to turn Arizona around with hard choices that turned out to be the right ones.

And, of course, my offer to visit the border -- and buy lunch -- still stands!

With respect,

Jan

*AP photos