A serious fight broke out within the American Conservative Union leadership in the wake of a recent Bob Novak column, resulting in ACU Chairman David Keene calling for the resignation of Vice Chairman Don Devine. We asked Mr. Devine for a response to the situation. Here's what he sent over: The Honorable George W. Bush President of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, D.C. 20500 May 22, 2004 Mr. President: I am writing to apologize to you for any difficulty that may have been caused by me as it was reported in Robert D. Novak’s column printed on May 20, 2004 in The Washington Post and other newspapers. I wish to advise you that I have every respect for you as president and personally. Contrary to the impression of the column, I rose respectfully and clapped when you entered both the reception room and the main ballroom for the American Conservative Union 40th Anniversary and did the same when you left. As I am sure you know as well as anyone, we simply did not get the opportunity to shake hands at the picture-taking opportunity, as they were directing you to the photographers to speed things along and I was at the other end of the line. I was not aware Mr. Novak was writing a story and would not have said anything if I had. I appreciated that you would come to ACU and would not want you to be repaid in such a manner for your courtesy. In fact, I was approached by other media and refused to discuss the matter at that time. It was only the fact that I have known Mr. Novak for so long that I was caught unaware. I speak to him regularly but have not appeared in his column for years and years and did not expect to at this time either. Again, I apologize for any contrary impression. I may disagree with you on occasion but I have the highest respect for your office and I know how difficult your job is--and that you are doing what you think is best under very difficult circumstances. Respectfully, Donald J. Devine 2nd Vice Chairman American Conservative Union