Bush works harder to raise money

WASHINGTON -- President Bush has brought in more money for Republicans in this non-election year but worked harder to get that cash.

Bush raised $55 million during 15 fundraisers through July 31, according to the Republican National Committee (RNC). That compares with $53 million from seven events in the first seven months of 2005.

"We've far surpassed every reasonable expectation from a fundraising perspective," said RNC spokeswoman Tracey Schmitt, who noted that Bush is in the seventh year of his presidency. "The president is still the No. 1 fundraiser for our party — period."

Among the reasons Bush has had to work harder:

•Presidential fundraising. The Republican candidates trying to replace him have raised a combined $118.7 million and draw from the same pool of donors. Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney has collected the most: $44.4 million.

•Low approval ratings. Bush's overall job approval rating is 34%, compared with 72% among Republicans, according to a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll taken Aug. 3-5. Both numbers are down more than 10 percentage points from 2005.

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Former congressman Bill Paxon, who once headed fundraising for GOP congressional candidates, said Bush's campaign receipts belie the notion the president is "radioactive" politically. "That isn't the case among the Republican base and among Republican donors," he said.

•Smaller crowds. An estimated 800 people attended the RNC's gala fundraiser on May 10. Two years ago, the same event drew 1,500 people. About 3,000 people attended a June 13 dinner featuring Bush for the GOP's congressional committees, which brought in $15.4 million. The same event drew 5,500 supporters and raised $23 million two years ago.

Terry Holt, a strategist who worked on Bush's re-election campaign in 2004, said it's not surprising attendance has shrunk dramatically in the wake of the Democratic takeover of Congress. "You can't underestimate the effect of the Democrats gaining the majority on the money raised at these dinners," he said. "In Washington, money follows power, and the power has shifted to Democrats in Congress."