Bush Endorses Gilchrest

President Bush today endorsed Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R-Md.), who is facing a fierce reelection battle from two conservative opponents in the Feb. 12 Republican primary.

“Wayne is an example of what’s great about America. His reelection is important to regaining our Republican majority,” President Bush wrote in a letter to Maryland Republicans.

The president’s endorsement could potentially give Gilchrest a boost among skeptical conservatives, who have seen a barrage of attacks against the nine-term congressman from his two leading rivals and the anti-tax Club for Growth. State Sen. Andrew Harris and, to a lesser extent, state Sen. EJ Pipkin, have accused Gilchrest of voting against the GOP on issues ranging from taxes, foreign policy and the environment. 

Gilchrest was one of only two House Republicans to vote for a March 2006 resolution that called for troop withdrawal from Iraq within a year, and has taken a more liberal view on environmental and social issues.

“I have supported President Bush in his effort to cut taxes and curb illegal immigration, and I will continue to work with my Republican colleagues to get back to a balanced budget,” Gilchrest said in a statement. “I am deeply honored to have the continued faith and support of President Bush, and I appreciate his help in this election.”