Bush Raises $27 Million for GOP By Zachary A. Goldfarb, Special to The Washington Post

President Bush suggested last night that Republicans must remain in control of Congress for the country to effectively combat terrorism and keep the economy healthy, speaking at a $27 million fundraiser meant to provide a needed boost to the campaign war chest of congressional Republicans.

“The most important responsibility we have in Washington is to defend the people of the United States,” he said. “When this country sees a threat, we must deal with it before it fully materializes.”

Bush addressed about 5,000 of the GOP’s strongest supporters at the “President’s Dinner,” the largest fundraiser of the year for the Republicans’ two congressional campaign committees. [mjh: that averages to $5400 / attendee]

Bush said that the “Democrats are good talkers, we’re good doers,” but generally avoided the harsh language he used to describe the Democrats at last year’s dinner, when he urged support for his Social Security plan. [mjh: Social Security? Yeah, there’s some good “doing.”]

[Bush] added: “It’s important to have members of the United States Congress who will not wave the white flag of surrender in the war on terror.” …

It cost $2,500 for a ticket to the dinner. Campaign finance regulations allow someone to contribute up to $25,000 per party committee. Last night, for that sum, attendees could be photographed with the president. [mjh: it really is cheaper to live in Albuquerque; it only cost $5,000 to be photographed here with the Great Doer.]