GOP gala takes in smallest amount in years

CNN ^ | 11 May 2007 | CNN

[Alter Kaker]

• President Bush helps gala bring in $10.5 million for national Republican Party
• Annual event raised $17 million last year, $15 million in 2005
• Bush defends Iraq war policy, doesn't directly criticize Democrats
• Reception drew about 800 people; tickets cost $1,500 per person

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush helped raise $10.5 million for the national Republican Party at its annual gala on Thursday night, the smallest take in years for the event that came only months after the GOP lost control of both houses of Congress.

The Republican National Committee's spring fundraising gala hosted by the president raised $17 million last year, $15 million in 2005 and $14 million in 2003. When Bush was seeking re-election to the White House in 2004, the dinner brought in a record $38.5 million.

Bush defended his policies on the Iraq war, to a friendly reception, but didn't directly criticize Democrats, despite tussles with them over a war spending bill.

[bassmaner]

Bush defends Iraq war policy, doesn't directly criticize Democrats

Why the f**k not, George???

[proudpapa]

Hmm. Could it be that most conservatives are waiting to see who the GOP candidate is going to be before they write a check???

[goodnesswins]

Maybe it’s because conservatives are generally giving money to INDIVIDUAL CANDIDATES they support.....NOT the PARTY who, it appears is going to back up Chuckie Hagel (RINO) (story here about McConnell doing fundraisers for him). HHHMMMMMM.

[OldArmy52]

Could be that donors are waiting for Bush and the Repubs to grow a spine.

[Plains Drifter]

All of the above,the money at this house is going right to Fred!!!

[freeangel]

“conservatives are generally giving money to INDIVIDUAL CANDIDATES they suport”

That’s MY story. I refuse to support the likes of RHINOs that vote with the dems.

[BooBoo1000]

People are not going to give money to any group that funds such losers as McCain. People are not giving money to an organization that cannon field a winning ticket. Now would be a good time for a third party.

[Badeye]

I think this is more a reflection of the base not knowing who will be the nominee in 2008 more than anything else.

[Antoninus]

There's a lot of conservative money sitting on the sidelines right now. No one trusts the RNC anymore--and with good reason.

Hopefully, a lot of that money on the sidelines will flow to the presidential campaigns of Duncan Hunter and/or Fred Thompson if he decides to get in.

[Plains Drifter]

Well said.

[TADSLOS]

Show me what conservative issues the GOP stands for that has a track record of proven results in legislation, limits on taxpayer funded spending, and resolve during wartime over the last six years, then I may send some money their way- not before. I don’t spend money propping up invertebrates.

[CharlesWayneCT]

It was much lower than we would like, but they shouldn’t compare it to election years, where it has been higher.

[George W. Bush]

Why the heck not, George???

Because the big corporate donors give to the party who controls Congress?

The average person attending functions like this in either party aren't middle-class party activists, ya know.

[Recovering_Democrat]

I couldn't afford $1,500...but my campaign contributions in the past year haven't gone to the party anyway. I have given to CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICANS and their "think tanks", like Club for Growth and others...but the Republican Party has been supporting RINOs too much--so I have decided to choose for myself who to give my hard earned dollars.

I WILL give to the Republican Party when I am convinced the RINOs are being held in check...they'll never go away, I believe, but they ought to be held on a tight leash.

[EDINVA]

after the Queen’s visit I thought surely it was a Windsor Knot ;)

[mtntop3]

Show me what conservative issues the GOP stands for that has a track record of proven results in legislation, limits on taxpayer funded spending, and resolve during wartime over the last six years, then I may send some money their way- not before. I don’t spend money propping up invertebrates.

It would appear that those "invertebrates" have kept your precious ass safe over the past seven years, oh great keyboard warrior.

[Brimack34]

That is what I tell the GOP when they call for money. I will only give to conservatives. They get mad at me.

[hosepipe]

[.. GOP gala takes in smallest amount in years ..]

And still many/some freepers think 2008 will be a rout for Fred or Duncan.. Denial I think.. maybe even delusion..

2008 is Hitlerys to steal and she will.. AND Bubba the Traitor will be in the White House again.. The normal Moonbats that almost elected John Kerry and multi millions of Illegal and LEGAL Aliens that VOTE(democrat) will ensure it..

Hitlery and George Bush are on the same page about the illegals.. Massive import of proto democrats.. Strange but true..

[TADSLOS]

It would appear that those "invertebrates" have kept your precious ass safe over the past seven years, oh great keyboard warrior.

I know distinction between who is actually keeping my precious ass safe and who is feeding from the public trough like gluttons in the name of domestic security, then not standing up and being counted when my precious ass requires it. If the GOP wants my further attention and monetary support, they had best figure that out, put the screws to the usual suspects and reverse the trend.