Some Republicans wary of Bush ties before election

Some Republicans wary of Bush ties before election

By Thomas Ferraro
Sat Mar 11, 12:42 PM ET

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Despite their revolt over the Dubai ports deal, Republicans say they remain loyal to President George W. Bush. But there are signs many may distance themselves from him as the 2006 congressional elections near.

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"Republicans are determined that they aren't going to lose these elections because they're seen as too close to Bush," said a former Republican leadership aide. "In the past six years, Congress has taken its cues from the White House. I think you will see that change


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House Speaker Dennis Hastert, an Illinois Republican, dismissed as inaccurate the perception that congressional Republicans are bailing out on Bush.

In a teleconference to hail the robust jobs gain of 243,000 in February, Hastert said on Friday: "We work with the president. ... That's why we have this economic growth."

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