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Bush tries to build on Schwarzenegger's political success
Meeting set for Thursday
DINUBA, California (AP) -- President Bush, hoping to share in Arnold Schwarzenegger's political success and build support in vote-rich California, said Wednesday "there's been some interesting changes" since he lost the state to Democrat Al Gore three years ago.
Bush's understated reference to California's political upheaval was greeted with appreciative cheers and whistles at a Fresno fund-raising lunch where he collected $750,000 for his re-election campaign. The president said he would meet with Schwarzenegger on Thursday and "have the honor of congratulating the governor-elect."
Bush picked up another $1 million later at a fund-raiser in Riverside -- swelling a re-election war chest that already has roughly $84 million. (Full story)
Bush came here to talk about the economy and the war on terrorism, but Mideast violence hung over his visit.
The president spoke in this central California village on a day when three Americans were killed in the bombing of a U.S. diplomatic convoy in the Gaza Strip. Warning that terrorists still pose a danger, Bush said: "They continue to plot. They continue to plan against our country and our people. America must not forget the lessons of September 11."
Bush was greeted warmly in the bright sunshine in Dinuba outside Ruiz Foods, billed as the nation's largest producer of frozen Mexican foods. "For a man who likes burritos, I'm in heaven," Bush said to the crowd's delight.
The president faces a tough decision about whether to wage a costly re-election campaign in California, which offers more electoral votes than any other state: 55 of the 270 needed for election.
Three years ago Bush decided to chase after the big prize and poured millions of dollars into California -- but wound up losing by more than 1.2 million votes.
"I know there's been some interesting changes here in the state of California," Bush said as he opened his remarks in Fresno.
Schwarzenegger's victory offers Bush encouragement to try again, although Republicans say there are reasons to be cautious. With Schwarzenegger in office, Republicans inherit responsibility for solving California's huge budget problems and Bush no longer can base his campaign on running against an unpopular Democratic governor.
On the other hand, the recall election swelled Republican voter registrations and contributions. Schwarzenegger and rival Republican Tom McClintock wound up with 62 percent of the vote. Still, registered Democrats outnumber Republicans 44 percent to 33 percent.
