On Capitol Hill, senators sometimes put holds on presidential nominees. But it was a House member, freshman Rep. Michele Bachmann, who put a hold on the president Tuesday night.
As Bush made his way through the crowd of lawmakers after his State of the Union speech, he signed autographs, including two for Bachmann, a Minnesota Republican. But after the president turned to greet someone else, Bachmann put her hand on his shoulder and held it there.
The hold lasted as Bush shook hands and chatted with other lawmakers on the other side of the aisle, his back to Bachmann. It remained there even as Bush turned back around to kiss a lawmaker next to Bachmann. Finally, the president leaned into Bachmann for a kiss.
All told, Bachmann had Bush in her grasp for nearly 30 seconds.
"She is a freshman member of Congress," said Bachmann's spokeswoman, Heidi Frederickson. "She's been here for less then three weeks. She was just incredibly honored to be on the floor of the House, sitting next to the president of the United States, after the State of the Union address. And frankly, with the president's poll numbers, he could use a little pat on the back."
Frederickson said the congresswoman staked out a seat Tuesday morning, putting down some personal items, as did other lawmakers who wanted access to the president.
"It's pretty commonplace for members of Congress to stand along the aisle, shake the president's hand, for the ladies to get kisses, and to receive autographs," said Frederickson.
White House spokesman Alex Conant said Bush always enjoys meeting with members of Congress following his speech.
"We had positive reactions on both sides of the aisle and look forward to continuing the dialogue," he said.
By Frederic J. Frommer, Associated Press Writer
(Copyright 2006 by the Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
