Campaign While You Can

President Bush reportedly hates campaigning, and with approval ratings that, if they were batting averages, wouldn't even lead the league, Republicans running for re-election in 2008 may not want him campaigning for them.

Nonetheless, when it comes to raking in dough, few are better than a President. And with the election more than a fourteen months away, now is the time for Bush to haul in the cash. So far, though, Bush appears to be using his fundraising clout to woo back disaffected Republicans.

In June, the president held a big money event for Senator Jeff Sessions, Republican of Alabama, hardly a vulnerable incumbent, even after Sessions helped lead the opposition to Bush's immigration reform bill. Yesterday, Bush held a fundraiser for Senator Pete Domenici, of New Mexico, even after Domenici called for a new strategy in Iraq last month. If he runs for re-election, Domenici is unlikely to face a tough fight, though he's been the subject of recent retirement rumors.

Bush is also throwing parties with potentially more endangered incumbents, including a stop in Bellevue, Washington, yesterday to join Rep. Dave Reichert. Reichert's seat has been in play both times he's won, as Democratic senators have carried the district both times. 2008 is not shaping up to be an easy race either, and Reichert will need the money. Last week, Bush stopped in Minnesota to join Sen. Norm Coleman at a high-dollar affair, causing Democratic opponents Al Franken and Mike Ciresi to practically jump for joy.

The president's dash for cash fourteen months early provides Republicans with the obvious advantage of a larger bank account and Democrats with the images of Bush standing next to their opponent virtually tailor-made for campaign ads. Still, don't expect many more Bush visits after the new year.

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