Rafael Correa

The front-runner in Ecuador's presidential race has joined his leftist ally - Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez - in criticizing President Bush.

Rafael Correa voiced the criticism on Ecuadorean television Wednesday. He accused the U.S. president of doing great damage to the United States and to the world.

Last week, Venezuelan President Chavez spoke before the United Nations General Assembly and referred to Mr. Bush as "the devil." His remarks drew widespread condemnation in the United States.

Corea referred to Chavez's remarks in his televised speech Wednesday but added that "to call Mr. Bush the devil is an insult to the devil."  There was no immediate reaction from Washington.

Polls indicate that Correa will get the most votes in the October 15 election for president of Ecuador, although he could face a runoff if he fails to win a majority.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.