Bush Establishes Office of Religion in the Homeland Security Department

Mr. Bush signed an executive order this week to establish a religion-based office in an 11th agency, the Homeland Security Department.

Mr. Bush has long said the directives, which removed barriers for religious groups that sought federal money for programs that help prisoners, the homeless, addicts and others, were necessary because religious charities have been denied government money simply because they were religious.

His critics have said Mr. Bush was using taxpayer money to promote organized religion and breaking down barriers between church and state.

In College Park, Mr. Bush perfunctorily recognized Ralph Reed, a former head of the Christian Coalition and a top Bush campaign adviser whose Georgia candidacy for lieutenant governor has been tarnished by ties to Jack Abramoff, the lobbyist.

Mr. Reed, who was in the ballroom at the Georgia International Convention Center at the state party's annual Presidents' Day dinner, did not appear onstage with Mr. Bush. Other Republicans did, among them Gov. Sonny Perdue, who is facing two aggressive Democratic challengers.

Mr. Bush also appeared with Max Burns and Mac Collins, two former House members who are trying to unseat Democratic incumbents.

Mr. Bush mentioned Mr. Reed briefly, along with another Republican candidate for lieutenant governor, Casey Cagle. "I appreciate them both being here," Mr. Bush said.