First Lady Laura Bush Campaigns in Louisiana for David Vitter

Baton Rouge, LA, Morning Advocate ^ | 09-30-04 | AP

[Theodore R.]

First lady campaigns in La. for Vitter

By The Associated Press SHREVEPORT -- While President Bush prepared for Thursday night's debate against John Kerry, first lady Laura Bush urged Louisiana voters to send the president more Republican help in the U.S. Senate.

During an appearance at a fundraiser for U.S. Rep. David Vitter -- a Republican who is running for the Senate seat being vacated by Democrat John Breaux -- Bush called Vitter "a principled, skilled legislator who's not afraid to reach across the aisle."

Vitter, who did not attend, was in Washington for a vote on a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, of which he is a co-author. He introduced Bush by telephone.

Bush said Vitter supports the administration's tax cuts and policies on the war on terror. She predicted that democratic governments will succeed in the Middle East.

"We still have work to do," she said. "But we'll stand with the people of Iraq and Afghanistan while they build free countries."

Bush cast the president as a strong leader.

"The American people will see the strong and decisive man I've been married to for 27 years," she said, "a man who says what he means and does what he says."

Officials said the event raised about $200,000 for Vitter's campaign.

Vitter is competing in the primary against three Democrats, U.S. Rep. Chris John of Crowley, State Treasurer John Kennedy and state Rep. Arthur Morrell of New Orleans.