George Bush makes good impression in first Iowa visit

During his Saturday trip to Iowa, Texas Governor George W. Bush attractedbig crowds and pledged to support the tax break for corn-based ethanol fuel.Congressman Jim Nussle provided a musical challenge from “The Music Man.”At each stop, Bush said expectations were “sky high” — then he fueled themwith a declaration that he is running and intends to win.Bush outlined his “compassionate conservatism,” talked about “prosperitywith a purpose” and he made a promise about a “touchstone” issue in Iowa:ethanol.During an interview with Radio Iowa’s O.Kay Henderson, Bush answeredquestions about the presidency and campaigning in Iowa.Bush is no stranger to Iowa. He watched and helped his dad campaign here. The ex-president won Iowa’s 1980 caucuses — which helped vault him into theVice Presidency. In 1988, though, the elder Bush finished third. George W. says he learned from his dad’s experience.Bush promises to support the at-the-pump tax break for ethanol fuel and hevows to talk more about education, defense policy and Social Security duringother visits to the state.How did Bush connect with Iowans? The crowds were Texas-sized. There was a decided drawl in his voice. Hetalked about his “heart” and his “vision.” In Amana, Bush wowed a handfulof Iowans who used to live in Equador — some of the “new faces and newvoices” Bush promises to attract to the Republican fold. While some wereready to be identified as Bush backers, others want to see and hear more fromBush before they’ll throw their support to him. In Des Moines, Bush told acrowd of signed-on supporters that he’s “some kind of fired up.”That test of support comes August 14th.