To GOP, 'Bush' Is A Four-Letter Word

Here's how tough Capitol Hill is getting for President Bush. In the past, when the GOP urged lawmakers to extend 2001 major tax cuts, they were always dubbed the "Bush tax cuts," since it was his proposal. Not any more. Now, GOP leaders are starting to refer to them as "Republican tax cuts," a recognition that Bush's name is a deal killer as his popularity declines, says a key congressional aide.

By Paul Bedard