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Bush backs Republican for Senate despite criticism

Posted on: Wednesday, 26 July 2006, 15:29 CDT

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.

Source: REUTERS

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