Bush's loyalty raises doubts about his political judgment

There's a pattern here....

KR Washington Bureau | 08/04/2005: "when news of Palmeiro's positive drug test and 10-day suspension by Major League Baseball became public, Bush almost instantly backed the ballplayer, saying Palmeiro spoke truthfully on March 17 when he wagged his finger at the House Government Reform Committee and emphatically denied ever using steroids.

Bush's fondness for Palmeiro - who recently became only the fourth major league player to slam more than 500 home runs and 3,000 base hits - dates back to when Palmeiro played for the Rangers under Bush's ownership.

'Rafael Palmeiro is a friend. He testified in public and I believe him,' Bush said Monday. 'He's the kind of person that's going to stand up in front of the klieg lights and say he didn't use steroids, and I believe him. Still do.'"