LOS ANGELES, California (Reuters) -- Concerned about politicizing her favorite charity, singer-actress Jessica Simpson Wednesday turned down a invitation to meet with President Bush, a snub that left Republicans dismayed.

The apparent final word that Simpson would be a no-show at a major Republican fund-raiser with Bush and congressional leaders Thursday night came after a day of conflicting reports from her camp and organizers of the event.

The blond star of the film "The Dukes of Hazzard" still plans to visit Washington Thursday to lobby members of Congress on behalf of Operation Smile, a non-profit venture offering free plastic surgery for disadvantaged children overseas with severe facial and physical deformities.

People close to Simpson said she declined a request to appear that same evening at the gala fund-raiser of the National Republican Congressional Committee -- even after she was offered some private face time with Bush -- because Operation Smile is a non-partisan group. (Watch Simpson promote charity on the Hill -- 2:05)

"It just feels wrong," one Simpson insider told Reuters Wednesday, adding that the actress keeps her political views private. "She would love to meet the president and talk about Operation Smile ... but she can't do it at a fund-raiser for the Republican Party."

NRCC spokesman Carl Forti said he was surprised at Simpson's position.

"It's never been a problem for Bono," he said, referring to the U2 rock star who has met regularly with political leaders of all stripes to promote various causes, including Third World debt relief. "I find it hard to believe she would pass up an opportunity to lobby the president on behalf of Operation Smile."

Although Simpson's publicists insisted she never had planned to attend the fund-raiser, Forti said the actress initially accepted the NRCC invitation when it was extended on Tuesday night, only to change her mind the next evening.

Forti said the Republican group had even arranged for Simpson to dine at one of the head tables with House Majority Leader John Boehner, an Ohio Republican. The NRCC hopes the $2,500-per-plate dinner event will raise $7.5 million for Republican candidates in the congressional midterm elections in November.

Simpson, 25, a Texas native who started out singing in her church choir, became a star on the Christian music circuit as a teenager and crossed over to the pop mainstream with her major-label debut album "Sweet Kisses" in 1999.

She became an overnight MTV sensation in 2003 as co-star of a reality show chronicling her first year of wedlock with fellow pop vocalist Nick Lachey, but she filed for divorce in December after three stormy years of marriage.

Hehe!!

What a dumbass. I would have gone. But..that's cuz I love our President..hehe.

Oh Jessica...lol - oh well.

I think this is the smartest move she's made, LOL.

Are the republicans this desperate to have a celebrity on their side? Jessica simpson would not be my choice at all.

Are the republicans this desperate to have a celebrity on their side? Jessica simpson would not be my choice at all.

I think they chose her because she used to sing Christian music and stayed a virgin until Nick Lachey deflowered her. Because you know that's tops with the GOP.

What a dumbass. I would have gone. But..that's cuz I love our President..hehe.

ME too.

Oh well...no big loss!!

I think this is the smartest move she's made, LOL.

Right on, Bree!

I agree with those who are saying this is a smart move....DOWN WITH BUSH!

Bush doesn't need support...especially not from a pop star!! He's seeking celebs to come chat with him on TV?? How pathetic. But then again...that's what our president IS. Pathetic.

I DESPISE Simpson, but I'd hardly call that snubbing. Gosh, everyone in the public eye slash media needs to SETTLE DOWN!

I don't understand why this is big deal. Is Bush that desperate that he wants to be seen with the likes of her?? I guess so...with his 37% approval rating and all.

Too bad for Jessica though. This was the one chance for her to meet the one person dumber than herself. I couldn't even imagine the conversation these two would have had.

I agree with those who are saying this is a smart move....DOWN WITH BUSH!