Bush to briefly visit Peoria for Schock fundraiser

By MIKE RIOPELL - H&R Springfield Bureau Writer SPRINGFIELD - President George W. Bush's visit to Peoria on Friday likely will be relatively brief, including a private lunchtime fundraiser and no scheduled public events. Bush plans to attend a $500-a-head lunch for Republican state Rep. Aaron Schock of Peoria. Schock is running against Democrat Colleen Callahan of Kickapoo to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood in Illinois' 18th Congressional District. A Bush spokesman said no other public events have been announced, but the president plans to honor Peorian Roy Storey for his volunteer work for schools. Country singer Lee Greenwood also will attend the fundraiser. Virginia Weaver, whose family is hosting the event, said she is excited about meeting the president. She didn't say how the farm was selected. "We're just lucky,... [read full story]