This article originally provided by The Charleston Gazette

July 26, 2006

Bush helps raise $500,000 for West Virginia congresswoman

By DEB RIECHMANN
Associated Press Writer

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- Some GOP candidates in this fall's midterm elections are staying an arm's length from President Bush and his low poll ratings, but he was welcomed here Wednesday to help raise money for the state's lone Republican in Congress.

After spending time in Washington with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, Bush flew about an hour west to attend a private fundraiser for Rep. Shelley Moore Capito.

Republican officials said about 275 people attended the event that raised an estimated $500,000 for Capito. She is seeking a fourth two-year term in a race against Democrat Mike Callaghan.

A red U.S. Coast Guard boat sped up the Kanawha River alongside Bush's motorcade as it made its way through the city to the home of former Charleston Treasurer Drew Payne and his wife, Mary.

The president's limousine passed a demonstration by local anti-war protesters who held signs filled with the names of some of the 2,500 U.S.
troops who have died in Iraq.

His motorcade also passed children at a lemonade stand and residents waving American flags and signs that said "We love W." When he left the fundraiser, he stopped at that lemonade stand, manned by youngsters holding signs that said "Lemonade Fifty Cents. Cool, refreshing, yum."

"Anybody thirsty?" he said as he bought some cups and handed them to the entourage. He also gave the kids $5 to pay for the lemonade.