Congressman Defends Kissing Bush: "I Wanted Him To Feel Support"

What is it about President Bush and Connecticut lawmakers?

First it was Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., getting a kiss from President Bush after the 2005 State of the Union speech, an embrace that provoked howls of protest from Lieberman's Democratic critics and dogged him during his 2006 re-election campaign.

Now it's Rep. Christopher Shays, a Connecticut Republican who expects a tough 2008 re-election fight, getting up close and personal with the president.

As Bush entered the House chamber for Monday night's State of the Union speech, he stopped to hug Shays, who lightly kissed the president's left cheek as the pair parted.

Shays said he had wanted to show support for the president.

"I said some words of encouragement to the President as he walked by and he pulled me close and whispered something very thoughtful and kind in return," Shays said in a statement. "I wanted him to feel support as he walked into a very partisan chamber. I know he appreciated what I said to him. I realize many Americans are angry with the President and may even hate him, but I would have said the same thing to any leader who has the burden of the country and the world on his or her shoulders."

Added Shays: "I am particularly determined in this very ugly, political environment in which we find ourselves that the values of respect and compassion I grew up believing in extend even to a President who has a low approval rating."

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