Moreover, drawing comparative inference based on a 4% difference when at least 5% of the respondents appear to be either irrational, lying, or mistaken has a very, very low confidence level.
I was not surprised to read Tuesday's front-page article
"Conservatives not satisfied with Bush's record." The
analysis is basically on target. Yet based on my own Texan
observations, I can't believe anyone could say that "most
conservatives don't want to see [presidential adviser Karl
Rove] leave the administration."
While President Bush was governor of Texas, most
conservatives I knew wanted to see a diminished role
for Mr. Rove as political consultant to the Bush
administration. It is difficult — no, let me be stronger —
it is impossible for me to think that Mr. Rove is now
the icon of conservatism in the Bush White House.
While governor, Mr. Bush consistently gave great
speeches on conservative values, and I was happy to
introduce him at a Lincoln Day dinner here in Hunt County.
Yet his record really disappointed conservatives, mainly
because his administration repeatedly appointed liberals
to various judicial positions and citizens committees.
Gov. Bush proclaimed a conservative agenda in speech, then
appointed people least willing to make it happen. This
counterproductive strategy is what happened in Texas, and
I am surprised that anyone could think Mr. Bush's chief
adviser, Mr. Rove, is urging his boss to adhere to
conservative principle rather than pragmatic politicking.
MARK RICE
Republican Precinct Chairman
Former Hunt County Republican Chairman
Greenville, Texas