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WASHINGTON, Aug 16, 2006 (UPI via COMTEX) -- With U.S. congressional elections approaching, the Republican Party is leaning on first lady Laura Bush heavily to drum up support, The Washington Post reports.
"Because of her broad appeal, she is a significant draw wherever she goes, and she is a critical asset to Republican candidates across the country," said Republican National Committee spokeswoman Tracey Schmitt.
Wednesday was an example of the mounting workload, with the president's wife slated to appear at fundraisers in Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia, after appearing at others in Chicago and St. Louis on Monday, the Post said.
The party's committee said Bush has appeared at 24 political events so far in the run-up to November's election, and raised $10.7 million for the party, which is fighting to maintain a majority in both houses.
In June, a Gallup/USA Today poll showed the president had a 40 percent national approval rating, while his wife ranked favorably with 69 percent of respondents.
URL: www.upi.com Copyright 2006 by United Press International
