Bush backs Republican for Senate despite criticism

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President George W. Bush still
supports a Republican U.S. Senate candidate from Maryland
despite the candidate’s criticism of him and the Iraq war, the
White House said on Wednesday.

Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele had said anonymously in
remarks reported by The Washington Post on Tuesday that being a
Republican was like “wearing a scarlet letter” and he did not
want Bush to campaign for him this fall before November
elections.

Steele had spoken to a group of reporters on the condition
he be quoted only as a Republican Senate candidate, prompting a
day of speculation as to his identity, and he was ultimately
identified by name by media organizations.

The Post reported Steele had criticized the Iraq war,
Bush’s response to Hurricane Katrina and said congressional
Republicans had “lost our way.”

White House spokesman Tony Snow told reporters that Bush
still supported Steele and wanted him to win.

“The president, the first lady, the president’s father, I
think, (presidential adviser) Karl Rove — this administration
has been in Maryland campaigning for Michael Steele. We want
him to become the next U.S. senator,” Snow said.

He added, “Look, the president understands what politics
are about and he wants Mike Steele to be elected as senator.”

Republicans are trying to hang on to control of the U.S.
Congress in the November elections.