posted June 15, 2005 11:33 AM              

AP


Porn star Mary Carey, posing at the GOP fundraiser, ran for governor of California last year.

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WASHINGTON (June 14) - Republican members of Congress have an additional $23 million in the bank, thanks in large part to the efforts of President Bush.

GOP leaders spent much of Monday and Tuesday entertaining campaign donors, but it was Bush's speech at a gala Tuesday night that drew the people who shelled out $2,500 per ticket.

Bush reiterated his favorite recent themes, calling for an overhaul of the tax code, a national energy bill and permanent tax relief. He accused Democrats of trying to block all of them.

"Political parties that choose the path of obstruction will not gain the trust of the American people," he said. "If leaders of the other party have innovative ideas, let's hear them. But if they have no ideas or policies except obstruction, they should step aside and let others lead."

The fundraiser brought in $14 million for House Republicans and $9 million for GOP senators. More than 5,000 people filled the Washington Convention Center to hear Bush speak.

Swing band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy entertained the crowd before and after the dinner, which had a red, white and blue theme and images of Washington landmarks, including the White House, as the backdrop.

Among those attending was Mary Carey, a porn star who says she plans to run for lieutenant governor of California next year as an independent.

A few hours before the dinner, Carey met with reporters to show off her evening gown - black, floor-length - and talk about a Republican lunch she and her boss, adult film executive Mark Kulkis, attended to hear presidential adviser Karl Rove speak.

In Pennsylvania earlier Tuesday, Bush helped raise $1.5 million for the re-election campaign of Sen. Rick Santorum, a favorite of the socially conservative movement who is a top target of Democrats in the 2006 midterm elections.

06/15/05 03:50 EDT