State Representative Rod Driver sent letters making the offer to Bush as well as to former Vice President Dick Cheney and ex-Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Mr Bush's administration allowed the interrogation technique, which simulates drowning, to be used on terrorism suspects. Driver says if Bush is confident it isn't torture, he should try it himself. His offer was reported on Thursday in The Westerly Sun.

A representative for Ms Rice said she would not participate, while Mr Bush's and Mr Cheney's offices did not return calls seeking comment.

Mr Cheney has defended waterboarding, saying it yielded important information. -- AP