Foley, a Bush family friend since the early 1980s

Wot Is It Good 4
Oct. 18, 2006

* this from the Miami Herald, 2005, is something i haven't seen reported of late:

"Hours before the House vote, President Bush called Foley, a Bush family friend since the early 1980s, and asked for his support."

* update: here's Bush, Oct 04:

"I want to thank my friend, Congressman Mark Foley, for joining us today."

FTR, this isn't boilerplate language, he's only used the phrase "I want to thank my friend, Congressman" seven times according to whitehouse.gov. (and 4 times with "Senator")

* and here's Laura Bush, Oct 04 (different event, different day): "

Congressman Mark Foley, thank you very, very much. Thank you for being here with me, and thank you for your service to your constituents and for your friendship. (Applause.)"

* updating again. Palm Beach Post :

(Jeb) Bush and Foley have exchanged about 100 electronic messages since 1999, according to documents Bush's office released Wednesday evening....

The e-mails show a friendly relationship between Foley and Bush, in contrast to Bush's recent characterization of Foley's behavior as "despicable" and "disgusting."