Newsview: Economy Could Add to GOP Woes

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: October 2, 2005

Filed at 1:14 p.m. ET

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Things are going so badly for President Bush and his fellow Republicans that it is hard to imagine what could come along and make it worse. Think recession.

With Bush's approval ratings near a low point, he is running near empty on political capital and finds himself presiding over a restive GOP.

A recession could hasten his status as a lame-duck president ahead of the 2006 midterm elections and jolt the party that controls both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue.

The ''R'' word is being heard more often among economists, especially after recent reports showed tumbles in consumer spending and confidence.