Bush event for Bee raises $500K

Tucson, Arizona | Published: 07.19.2008 President Bush headlined Friday what is said to be the most successful political fundraiser in Tucson history, raking in at least $500,000 at a private event for Republican congressional candidate Tim Bee. How much of that money will go to Bee, who is challenging incumbent Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, is unknown at this point. Admission was $1,000 — $10,000 to actually meet Bush — and part of that money will go to national Republicans. The Bee campaign will foot the bill for at least some of the costs associated with the visit, according to White House officials, since the Tucson stop was not considered an official trip. But neither the White House nor the campaign would provide an estimate of those costs Friday. Likely, though, the event will strengthen the coffers of a campaign that has... [read full story]