Bush to visit St. Louis, raise money for Talent

Despite the fact that President Bush has the job approval of less than 40 percent of the American people, his appearance at a fundraiser this evening in St. Louis could help U.S. Sen. Jim Talent’s chances of repelling a challenge by State Auditor Claire McCaskill.

“Whenever the president attends an event in support of the senator he brings attention to his accomplishments,” said Talent spokesman Rich Chrismer. “The senator appreciates the president’s support, but also he has never hesitated to disagree with him on an issue important to Missouri.”

Bush is expected to arrive in St. Louis shortly after 3 p.m. today. After giving a Volunteer Service Award to a St. Louis woman, the president will speak at a $2,000 per person fundraising dinner for Talent at the Ritz-Carlton.

Bush’s approval ratings have been at a steady 37 percent throughout June, according to three Gallup polls taken this month.

John Petrocik, a professor of political science at MU, said both the White House and the candidate would use surveys and other data to decide whether to include Bush in campaign events.

While there is currently widespread disappointment with Bush, Petrocik said his visit could benefit Talent if it attracts GOP-inclined voters who are not highly energized by Talent, or if it gets media attention for the candidate.

Petrocik added that Talent may have decided that the president’s poll numbers are not an

accurate reflection of his popu­lar­ity in Missouri and that therefore his support for the campaign would not be harmful to Talent.

Chrismer said he does not think Bush’s approval rating is an issue.

“Senator Talent believes Missourians look at individual candidates and make a decision based on their record as well as their opponent’s record,” Chrismer said.

Paul Sloca, communications director for the Missouri Republican Party, said Missourians see Busg as a strong leader.

“The bottom line is he has made decisions that are working,” Sloca said. “Senator Talent has supported many of the president’s initiatives, and together they are a positive one-two punch. However, Talent also has differed from the president on some issues.”

Adrianne Marsh, McCaskill’s communications director, said the campaign is not surprised Talent invited Bush to help with fundraising, because the senator has voted with Bush on all his major initiatives.

A recent statewide poll showed McCaskill with a small lead over Talent.

Marsh said that, if nothing else, Bush’s visit will help raise a lot of money for Talent.

“If Senator Talent wants to continue to stand behind the president and defend his failed policies, then voters will have a clear choice in November,” Marsh said.

Marsh said McCaskill is hosting a fundraiser today for the Missouri Military Family Relief fund in St. Louis.

“While President Bush is raising money for Jim Talent at the Ritz,” Marsh said, “we’ll be raising money for veterans, troops and their families.”