Records show Bush's call to help Texas oil producers resulted in big tax break for ex-partner.(The Dallas Morning News)

AUSTIN, Texas _ George W. Bush's call last year to help beleaguered independent oil producers resulted in a $1 million tax break for the company of former Bush business partner Richard Rainwater, according to state records.

Pioneer Natural Resources Co., based in Irving, Texas, was the biggest beneficiary of the tax cut, which Bush expedited with an emergency declaration because of low oil prices.

Bush urged the Legislature to take action to "help small producers" because of "desperate conditions" in the oil patch.

According to state tax records, Pioneer reaped a $1 million savings in severance taxes, the most of any company that got relief. …