Bush's business support wavering

Julie Hirschfeld Davis, Baltimore Sun

Sunday, June 19, 2005

Washington -- President Bush, working to gain support for his ambitious domestic agenda, is encountering increasing resistance from an unlikely place: American business, a usually reliable ally.

Many of these pro-Republican interests see little potential benefit for them in helping Bush win his two fights with the highest stakes: shoring up Social Security and reshaping the tax code.

Business interests still enthusiastically support a number of items on Bush's wish list, including a new energy policy, expanded trade and legal reforms meant to curb costly lawsuits and court settlements.