Bush library backs off on foreign contributions -- for now

Remember the flap over the weekend when the Sunday Times of London surfaced a video of a Houston lobbyists soliciting a six-figure contribution for the George W. Bush presidential library, with the suggestion the money would help gain access to the president and Vice President Dick Cheney?

It brought a red-faced promise from library officials that they would not accept foreign donations -- until the president leaves office.

But the Dallas Morning News followed up, and, as the paper put it, "the public will have to take them at their word."

It found that the foundation running the library, which is to be built at Southern Methodist University, is not pledging to identify all the donors, or the amounts they are giving. Or the dates of the gifts.

Citing federal law, Dan Bartlett, who was at Bush's side throughout the 2000 campaign and worked his way up to the crucial post of White House counselor, told the paper: "Current law only requires annual disclosure of the total sum raised."

-- James Gerstenzang

Photo credit: Brian Harkin / Getty Images

Comments

[S.W.F.]

Hey, the gift shop has had everything for sale for the past seven years.

[K. Rice]

Why does he need a library? I don't think the guy can even read.

[Phil Hicks]

Just what we need, another presidential library. If we keep this up we'll have more of them than we have gas stations.

[ckuhn]

Bush Bush Bush and his corrupt staff along with Rice, Cheney, aren't you all sick the Cowboy. YOu would think he learned from his many mistakes. Once this election is over the real dirt will come out and writers will be publishing books forever on this man from Crawford. Payne was a close friend of Bush, visiting Bush at Crawford, barb-que and flying with Cheney on his jet.
Gonzales, Payne and so many more..this is why Rove will not from forth...they can't speak the truth otherwise are they are impeached or go to jail. NOT one of Bushes staff has said they are sorry and never will. So when you speak of honor and experience for McCain, remember you said the same of Bush....and he is trash to the Outside Word and most Americans don't trush him. Lies and more coverup....

[Mim]

I do not know anyone that would contribute to the Bush Library. He will have to obtain foreign contributions. What is the difference with Bush obtaining the contributions now while he is in office. Being a crook, will not change in a few months. Hopefully, upon the return to Crawford, that he will remain, and the Americans will not have to see him again.