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Bush helps raise money for Republicans on road

Posted on: Thursday, 23 February 2006, 18:22 CST

By Steve Holland

CINCINNATI (Reuters) - President George W. Bush raised money for Republican candidates in Indiana and Ohio on Thursday and the White House said he remained a sought-after draw on his party's campaign trail despite Republican gripes at his stand over a port security issue.

Bush, struggling with a series of setbacks in recent months and low job approval, was facing anger this week from senior Republicans over his support for an Arab company's move to take over some operations at six major U.S. seaports.

Nevertheless, he was welcomed at fund-raisers in Indiana and Ohio on Thursday and the White House said requests from Republican candidates for the president's to help them get elected in November mid-term elections were flowing in.

"In fact, we are getting daily requests for the president to participate in campaign events," said White House spokeswoman Dana Perino. "In fact, the supply is not keeping up with demand." She had no details.

Bush's challenge this year is a difficult one: to overcome weak job approval ratings and help keep Republicans in control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Typically the party of the president loses seats in nonpresidential election years.

The president himself is struggling to find his footing this year. The Iraq war and high energy prices, among other problems, are hurting his popularity.

Last week the flap over Vice President Dick Cheney's accidental shooting of a fellow hunter drowned out Bush's message. This week, the ports deal is stealing the limelight.

On Thursday, Bush campaigned for the re-election of Indiana Republican Rep. Chris Chocola, helping raise more than $600,000 at a lunch inside a gymnasium festooned with American flags.

Later, he led an event in Cincinnati for Ohio Republican Sen. Mike DeWine that was expected to raise $1 million for DeWine's attempt to head off a challenge to his re-election from Ohio Democratic Rep. Sherrod Brown.

Democrats mocked Bush's appearances. Phil Singer, spokesman for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, said over the last few months, Bush had held public events in several states that have prominent Senate races this year but that in some cases the Republican candidates in those states stayed away.

"They like Bush to raise money for them, they just don't like his company," Singer said.

On the roadside near Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana, where the first event was held, dozens of protesters shouted at Bush's motorcade as it drove by, holding up signs that said "Impeach Bush," and "U.S. out of Iraq."

Bush made no mention of the ports deal that would allow a Dubai company control over some terminals at the U.S. ports. White House officials said Bush was trying to stay above the political fray on the issue and by refusing to cave on the deal, hoping to show he will treat the Middle East fairly.

"Sometimes that means standing up to your own party," said a senior official.

(Additional reporting by Matt Spetalnick)

(POLITICS-BUSH, editing by David Storey; Reuters Messaging: steve.holland.reuters.com@reuters.net; +1 202-898-8300, fax +1 202-898-8383))

Source: REUTERS

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