BUSH HOLDS TO ENERGY BILL AMID RISING PRICES, POLITICAL PRESSURES

Despite growing concerns over the effects soaring crude oil prices are having on economic growth, President Bush is remaining steadfast in his calls that Congress should approve his national energy plan, a move that is an apparent political calculation that any public outcry will be directed at Democratic senators -- in particular presidential candidate John Kerry -- for failing to pass comprehensive energy legislation. Bush told reporters Aug. 23 that "the best thing" in dealing with energy prices would be...