Truth Embargo

Bush Passes on Public Endorsement of Rove

By TOM RAUM,
Associated Press Writer
1 hour, 3 minutes ago

WASHINGTON - President Bush passed up a chance Wednesday to express confidence in senior aide Karl Rove in a political fight over a news leak that exposed a CIA officer's identity. The lack of endorsement surprised some White House officials who had been told Bush would back his embattled friend.

"This is a serious investigation," Bush told reporters after a Cabinet meeting, with Rove sitting just behind him. "And it is very important for people not to prejudge the investigation based on media reports."

Later in the day, White House spokesman Scott McClellan insisted that Rove did have Bush's support. "As I indicated yesterday, every person who works here at the White House, including Karl Rove, has the confidence of the president," McClellan said.

Bush said he would not discuss the matter further until a criminal investigation is finished.

SOURCE - http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050713/ap_on_go_pr_wh/cia_leak_investigation_25;_ylt=ArGcSjkVuYA7pdp9Fv1q6PdZJ_wA;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl