HELPING OUT HAYES

From Bob Novak:

Bush administration officials, headed by U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman and Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, have promised to help protect Rep. Robin Hayes from a backlash in his closely contested North Carolina district caused by his vote for the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA).

Rep. Phil English of Pennsylvania, sponsor of a House-passed bill authorizing retaliatory tariffs against China, traveled to Charlotte in Hayes's district Monday to help him out. English praised Hayes for supporting his bill, as both argued that China -- not Central America -- is the threat to the United States.

A footnote: Republican leaders were unhappy that House Armed Services Committee Chairman Duncan Hunter, representing a safe district, voted against CAFTA and thereby forced Hayes to cast his politically risky vote. As a standing committee chairman, Hunter was expected to follow the Republican Party line.