Senator George Allen greets President Bush onstage in Richmond, VA

Washington, DC (Rotters) - Perhaps in an effort to reverse the ill effect that he is having on Republican candidates nationwide, President Bush yesterday made appearances on behalf of Representative Don Sherwood of Pennsylvania and Senator George Allen of Virginia. Appearing during the president's proclaimed "National Character Counts Week", analysts speculated that Bush may be hoping the two Republicans character might become associated with him and further defuse a national crisis for the GOP's midterm election hopes.

With the president's disapproval ratings in most polls hovering in the mid-30s, and the majority of Americans expressing extreme dissatisfaction over his handling of the occupation of Iraq, the White House seemed to be trying to refocus the public on what they consider the president's strong points; personal integrity and his ability to judge character.