Governors pay their respects when Bush won't

How State Governors handle Iraq War funerals

With each body that is returned home, the nation's governors have to decide the most appropriate way to pay their respects. Some send condolences, or telephone the grieving family, or send someone to the funeral in their place. Some go to the funerals but only rarely give a eulogy. Very few regularly attend memorial services.

It is a tricky decision. Politicians who attend funerals for the war dead can be accused of trying to draw attention to themselves. But a leader who avoids public displays of sympathy runs the risk of appearing uncaring.