On the campaign trail: Bush is not for public viewing

For the first time in 14 years, George W. Bush's name is not on the ballot. Not in Texas. Not anywhere in the United States.

And, given President Bush' low approval ratings, Republican John McCain might be forgiven if he hopes the president will stay off the podium too.

So the Republican Party is using Bush where it can -- in private fundraisers in private homes at events closed to the media.

Today was no exception. Bush flew to Peoria, Ill., to headline a fundraiser for Aaron Schock, who is hoping to fill the seat of Rep. Ray Lahood, who is retiring, and the Congressional Trust, a party committee.

Lunch: $500 a plate. Photo with POTUS: $5,000. No press in the room: priceless.

White House press secretary Dana Perino explained it this way. "He is not running for office, nor is he going to be serving with anybody that he is helping to elect." Perino insisted there has been no fall-off in calls by candidates for a presidential visit. "There's more demand than supply can meet," she said -- so Bush will be "out on the road almost every day doing fundraisers."

In Perino's briefing aboard Air Force One en route to Peoria, she added:

"Sen. John McCain aspires to be the leader of this party, and we intend to make sure that the light can fully shine on him, as it should as he heads into the last 90 days before the election."

For another take on the Bush haul in Peoria today, check out the post of our colleagues at Top of the Ticket.

-- Johanna Neuman

Photo: Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel

Comments

[LaVerne L. Oliver]

With Bush raising funds for him, Aaron Schrock is in trouble, big time!

[skiddie]

I sure hope the taxpayer isn't paying for that Air Force 1 trip...