White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer says it says the president wants to show that it hasn't been just his 100 days. But not all Democrats want to share credit for an administration they say has pushed tax cuts for the rich and rolled back environmental standards. Many members of Congress, both Republican and Democrat, won't be at the White House luncheon. Some Democrats aren't attending because they are unhappy with Bush's approach to issues like the environment and tax cuts. But while politics is a reason for some lawmakers not to attend, many others are citing scheduling conflicts.
Most lawmakers spend as much time as they can in their districts meeting with their constituents.
House Speaker Dennis Hastert, for instance, has an event in Chicago, while House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt is holding a hearing in Missouri on tax credits for people who want to rehabilitate old homes. As a rule, many don't return to Washington from their weekend until late Monday or Tuesday, especially since many issues aren't voted on until Tuesday at the earliest. Still, because it is a White House luncheon, some lawmakers are expected to adjust their schedules in order to attend. Plan Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press . All rights reserved.