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8 Candidates Face Hurdle: They Worked for Bush
But some say they'll use their past to help their bids
By Matt Cantor
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Posted Aug 5, 09 9:10 AM CDT
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(Newser)
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Some eight Bush administration staffers are now seeking public office—and their fates will likely be tied to Americans’ perception of the previous president, the Hill reports. While they say they value their time in the White House, their work under W will probably hurt them, writes Reid Wilson. Still, several of the candidates—including former House speaker Dennis Hastert's son—say they're not distancing themselves, and one says he plans to try to coax Bush and Cheney to come out for a fundraiser.
"I’m hoping to utilize my Bush-Cheney relationships to the fullest extent I can,” says David Castillo, running for Congress in Washington. “I think the people in my district would probably not look favorably” on Bush’s low approval rating, says another ex-staffer, running in Virginia. Still, “working in the White House under any administration is a privilege, and I had a great experience there.”