Even George Bush Bows To NASCAR

Here's more proof that NASCAR is king in Republican politics. During one of his regular race-day wrap-ups for KMLE-FM in Phoenix, Republican Sen. Jon Kyl was flashed a sign by an aide that prompted him to cut his analysis short. It said: " President Bush on phone. Air Force One." Kyl told host Dave Pratt he had to go, adding, "I've got a good excuse."

Kyl says Pratt was wowed when told the reason was a Bush call from the president's bird. But when Kyl explained to Bush why he was a bit delayed getting on the phone, the president, a big race fan, immediately realized his faux pas and dashed off a handwritten apology to Pratt. Kyl tells us that Pratt loved the note and has been bragging about it ever since.

By Paul Bedard