Barbara Bush bolsters son’s campaign with fundraiser

Thursday, Oct. 14, 1999 | 11:52 a.m.

Former first lady Barbara Bush reportedly raised $250,000 for her son Texas Gov. George W. Bush's presidential campaign during a brief stop in Las Vegas Wednesday.

Political consultant Sig Rogich, financial chairman of the George W. Bush campaign in Nevada, put together the $1,000-per plate luncheon, held at a private residence.

Rogich said he had raised $170,000 for Bush prior to Wednesday's event.

Barbara Bush was in town to speak at a private meeting of banking institutions at Caesars Palace hotel-casino when she made the side trip to the fundraiser for her son.

George W. Bush is the leading GOP contender for the next presidential race, and he raised over $50 million for his campaign.

A recent poll in New Hampshire, which will be the site of the first primary election, says Bush is the favorite candidate among all voters.

According to a Reuters poll, in which 1,210 likely voters were questioned, 52.3 percent believe he will be the next president. Only 15.2 percent of those polled thought Gore would be elected.

George W. Bush has not visited the stated during this campaign, but he is expected to attend fundraisers in the spring.

Rogich said Bush told those who attended the fund-raising event that during her son's almost eight years in office "he has kept a high road. He didn't get into the contentious side of politics. He wasn't critical of others along the way, and he has the ability to govern."

She talked about her admiration she has for her son as a person, beyond just his ability as a leader.

Rogich said she discussed her son's many accomplishments as governor, including tax cuts and education gains

He was elected by 69 percent of the vote in Texas.