For 18th District GOP congressional candidate Aaron Schock, it doesn't matter that President Bush is one of the least popular sitting presidents in modern history; the 26-year old was thrilled to play host to the nation's commander-in-chief last Friday regardless:
“It’s an honor to have the president of the United States here,” Schock told members of the national media pool traveling with Bush. “We had a great event today. It’s great that he made the time to come here today. It’s the second time in the second term. It says a lot about our community.”
The New York Times' Sheryl Gay Stolberg also reported on the "beaming" Schock:
Here in Peoria, more than 1,400 people bought tickets to the Schock for Congress reception, meaning the event raised a minimum of $700,000, although some of that will go to national party committees in Washington.
Mr. Schock’s campaign secretary, Steven Shearer, called the event “a smashing success,” and the candidate was beaming after his ride in Mr. Bush’s motorcade to escort the president back to his plane.
But while the amount raised at the event will give Schock a serious fundraising boost, it seems rather light considering the magnitude of the guest. MyDD's Jonathan Singer provides some context:
But just how great is that largesse? According to the article, this is a $500 a plate fundraiser -- less than a quarter of the maximum $2,300 contributions Bush used to be able to demand for such appearances. The $500 donations being asked for to get into this event are the types of contributions that a former Governor or a campaign event featuring one of those '70s bands you kind of, but don't totally, remember are able to pull in. But a sitting President? Only $500 for a sitting President? That certainly seems a bit underwhelming.
Money aside, it will now be much easier for Democratic rival Colleen Callahan to connect Schock with the failing policies of the administration. Which begs the question: is the Bush brand worth the risk?
(H/T Prairie State Blue)
