PR’s Buck noted yesterday the boasting by Bush’s HUD secretary, Alphonso Jackson. Jackson proudly told a forum of Texas realtors that he pulled a HUD contract because the recipient did not support Pres. Bush.

Today, he says sorry, he was only kidding. A.P.:

Jackson, seeking to avoid a political firestorm, said he made up the story.

“I deeply regret the anecdotal remarks I made at a recent Texas small business forum and would like to reassure the public that all HUD contracts are awarded solely on a stringent merit-based process,” he said in a statement. “During my tenure, no contract has ever been awarded, rejected or rescinded due to the personal or political beliefs of the recipient.”

It’s the old courtroom question. “Are you lying now, Sec. Jackson, or were you lying then?” I’m betting the answer is, “All of the above.”

Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) wants Jackson investigated.