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CNN Live Today

Bush Raises Money for Simon in California

Aired August 23, 2002 - 13:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

ANDERSON COOPER, CNN ANCHOR: As we said, it's on to California for Mr. Bush. For the most part a political mission, and somewhat touchy at that.
CNN's John King is there to tell us why -- afternoon, John.

JOHN KING, CNN SR. WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good afternoon to you, Anderson, and let me start by saying if you hear some shouting it is because more protesters here in Stockton, about 50 yards across the street from me, most of them protesting U.S. policy toward Iraq and the ongoing war against terrorism.

But the president's focus here is politics. As you noted, he is here today. First, a welcoming rally here at a civic center in Stockton, but the main event, over two days raising more than $3 million for Bill Simon. He is the Republican candidate. He is running well behind here. He desperately needs the money, but it is an awkward moment for the president, who is campaigning across the country to raise money for Republicans this year. Corporate responsibility, one of the president's major themes these days, and a major issue the Democrats are using against Simon. He is a businessman. The IRS is investigating an offshore tax shelter set up by Simon. His firm was recently slapped with a $78 million civil penalty in a court case, a fraud case.

The White House aides privately are steaming that Simon did not tell them about that fraud case being in the courts. Publicly, though, the president has little choice but to offer his support. He lost California big in campaign 2000, hopes to make it competitive by 2004. So Mr. Bush will raise that money. He raised four and a half million dollars for Mr. Simon back in April, right after the primary. Three million more plus over the next two days, but here is one sign to note. White House officials say the president will be the loyal party leader today, but he has a very aggressive fall campaign travel schedule, and as of now, no plans at all to return to California. One senior White House official saying that is unlikely to change unless Simon makes what this official called a "miracle turnaround" -- Anderson.

COOPER: All right, John King, Stockton, California. Thanks very much.

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