Bush to stump for Nethercutt

By David Postman
Seattle Times chief political reporter

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Bush will appear next Thursday night in the Spokane Convention Center for a fund-raiser that will cost a minimum donation of $1,000 per person, according to an invitation sent to Nethercutt supporters.

The White House wouldn't confirm or deny the Spokane visit. Spokesman Ken Lisaius said travel schedules for the president are traditionally announced the Friday before the next week.

The Nethercutt campaign would not comment.

Nethercutt is a five-term congressman from Spokane who is giving up his seat to run against Democratic Sen. Patty Murray.

Bush and his political aides helped recruit Nethercutt to the race last year with promises of financial and logistical support.

Nethercutt said the president assured him, "I want to help you, I want to work with you, I want to support you."

The invitation sent to Nethercutt supporters said Bush will be the featured guest at "A Tribute to Leadership."

For a minimum donation of $1,000, donors can attend a reception, eat a buffet dinner, and hear a speech by Bush.

For those who donate at least $8,000 — the maximum for a couple — or raise $10,000 from others, there is a "Private Leadership Reception and Photo Opportunity" with Bush.

Bush's most recent Washington visit was in August for a fund-raiser at the Hunt's Point home of telecommunications tycoon Craig McCaw and to tout his environmental record at a Snake River dam in Eastern Washington.
 
State Republican Party Chairman Chris Vance said that a fund-raising visit by the president — which he would not confirm or deny — would show that Nethercutt's race against Murray "is moving up the priority lists in Washington, D.C."

He said that would mean Nethercutt would be the first Republican challenging a Democratic senator to get a Bush fund-raising visit.

A Democratic spokeswoman used word of the visit to criticize Nethercutt's voting record in Congress.

"This is a, 'Thank you George (Nethercutt) for voting with me every time you had the opportunity, whether or not it was good for your constituents," said state party spokeswoman Kirstin Brost.

David Postman: 360-943-9882 or dpostman@seattletimes.com