From CNN Political Editor Mark Preston

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- First lady Laura Bush called Rep. Tom Reynolds, R-New York, a "wonderful leader" during a campaign stop Wednesday in New York, but made no mention of the ongoing Foley page scandal that has rocked the nation's capital.

Bush delivered her remarks at about the same time Reynolds' chief of staff, Kirk Fordham, announced his resignation. Fordham held a similar position with Rep. Mark Foley, R-Florida, who quit last week after it was revealed he had inappropriate e-mail and instant message conversations with underage pages. Fordham's decision to step down comes amid allegations that the staffer tried to protect Foley from congressional inquiries into his contacts with the pages.

Reynolds is coming under fire for acknowledging that he knew Foley had contacted a page before the news broke last week, but he denies knowing the exact content of the messages.

At the fundraiser, Bush specifically praised Reynolds for his work on behalf of children and called on his supporters to "to redouble your efforts between now and November to make sure Tom Reynolds is reelected to the United States Congress."

Bush's full comments