EX-PRESIDENT BUSH DEFENDS HIS SON

WASHINGTON (AP) - Former President George Bush said Tuesday that he is proud
of son George W. Bush for being "willing and strong enough to take the heat"
of allegations that arise during the course of a presidential campaign.

The older Bush was reacting to drug-related allegations about his son
included in a new biography, "Fortunate on," by J.H. Hatfield. He called the
allegations "a vicious lie." His son said Monday, "It's totally ridiculous
what he said and it's not true."

In a statement issued by his Houston office, the former president criticized
the author's use of anonymous sources. "He has insulted our son's character,
and my character, and I resent it," Bush said. "This kind of nasty,
groundless attack is the reason that many good people are unwilling to enter
politics.

"I am proud that George is willing and strong enough to take the heat even
in the face of this kind of mindless garbage."

The book alleges that the younger Bush was arrested for cocaine possession
in 1972 but that the matter was dropped after he performed community service
arranged by his father. The book's allegations are based on anonymous
sources. The book is at odds with other accounts of Bush's life and the
Texas court system.