The American Spectator

Washington Prowler

(Page 2 of 2)

, who is facing off against Democratic Secretary of State Bill Bradbury . Smith has already raised more than $5 million in his bid for re-election, and is in the odd position of having the support of his Democratic colleague Sen. Ron Wyden . /p>

At least the trip from Crawford to Medford, Ore., is on the taxpayer's dime. Bush is first expected to make a public appearance in Medford with Democrats and Republicans. He will speak about the importance of thinning forests to curb future wildfires and will tour regions of the state ravaged by wildfires.

From there, Bush does community outreach in Portland and then the fundraiser with Smith.

"Clinton was great at doing this stuff," says a Democratic National Committee staffer. "The White House would look for some issue Clinton could speak on, then get the taxpayers to cover the cost because it's issue oriented and bipartisan. Bush is getting good at it too."

Bush's swing west also includes appearances with California Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Simon.

topics:
NATO