The Republican Party raised more than $15 million on Tuesday night as President Bush joined party leaders
at a downtown reception and basked in their ardent appreciation of his leadership.
About 1,500 people paid at least $1,500 each to hear Mr. Bush at the "G.O.P. Freedom Tour Presidential Gala,"
but party leaders said some gave considerably more. Ken Mehlman, the party's national chairman, said the party had raised
more money than ever this early in a year in which there were no federal elections.
Mr. Bush could hardly have appeared before a warmer audience, major party donors whose applause and whistles
repeatedly interrupted his 25-minute speech. The crowd, which included dozens of Republican lawmakers, feasted on a
buffet-style meal of margarita shrimp, crab claws, roast beef and desserts slathered in chocolate from tiered fountains.
"The job of the president is to confront problems, not to pass them on to future presidents and future generations,"
Mr. Bush said as he reviewed a litany of issues that he vowed to fight for during his second term, including changes to Social
Security, revisions in the tax code and an energy plan.
He also put in a few words for John R. Bolton, his nominee to serve as ambassador to the United Nations,
and a handful of judges he has nominated to serve on the federal bench...
Last year's gala raised $38.5 million, helping Mr. Bush to win re-election and his party to increase its
majorities in both houses of Congress.
Mr. Mehlman said the party had already taken in $32.2 million in contributions in the first quarter of this
year, through an average gift of $45.15 from 715,000 contributors.
