Bush Tips Hat to ‘Shrub’ Maker

ABC News’ Karen Travers’ Reports: President Bush issued a statement late last night honoring Molly Ivins, a nationally syndicated columnist whose writings appeared in over 400 of the nation’s newspapers.  Ivins, 62, died on Wednesday from complications related to breast cancer.  An outspoken liberal, the firey Texan frequently targeted Bush and his policies, dating back to the President’s days as Governor of the Lone Star State, when Ivins dubbed Bush a "Shrub", a pejorative nickname intended to poke fun at her ideological counterpart.

In his written statement, the President said, "Molly Ivins was a Texas original.  She was loved by her readers and by her many friends, particularly in Central Texas.  I respected her convictions, her passionate belief in the power of words, and her ability to turn a phrase.  She fought her illness with that same passion.  Her quick wit and commitment to her beliefs will be missed.  Laura and I send our condolences to Molly Ivins’ family and friends."