WASHINGTON — WASHINGTON -- As Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton wrangle for the Democratic presidential nomination, Republican John McCain is marshaling his resources - with a big assist from President Bush.
McCain secured his party's nomination this month after primary victories in Texas and Ohio, followed the next day by an endorsement from the president. Bush and McCain haven't been seen together since, but that doesn't mean the relationship has gone sour.
The president is helping his one-time rival, and many other Republicans, by continuing a torrid fundraising pace that has marked his time in office.
So far this year, Bush has been the headliner at 15 fundraisers for the Republican National Committee, candidates for federal and state office and other groups, generating more than $28 million.
During a single day in Florida about two weeks ago, Bush raised $1.4 million for the RNC at a pair of events while officially traveling to talk about trade.
"We appreciate the time and effort the president spends ensuring Republicans up and down the ticket have the necessary resources," said RNC spokesman Alex Conant.
One of the main themes of the 2008 election is the excitement generated by Democratic candidates, as reflected in copious donations given to them.
Obama has taken in $193.6 million so far, according to the Federal Election Commission, eclipsing Clinton's $169 million. McCain trails with $65.6 million.
Those numbers tell only part of the story, however.
With Bush leading the way, the RNC has taken in $108 million during this election cycle, and had $25 million available cash at the end of February, records show. The comparable figures for the Democratic National Committee: $62 million raised, with $4.8 million unspent.
While those aren't Obama-esque numbers, it's money on the Republican side that will certainly be put to good use in the weeks and months ahead.
At the same time, the Democratic candidates will be doing more spending than saving, buying television advertisements in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Indiana and traveling extensively.
The White House regularly schedules presidential fundraisers to dovetail with out-of-town speeches and events. Last Thursday, for example, Bush took Air Force One to Dayton, Ohio to deliver a speech on the Iraq war and the fight against terrorism. Rather than return directly to Washington, he made stops in Bellbrook, Ohio and Sewickley, Pa. to raise money for the respective states' Republican committees at events in private homes.
