Bush Helps GOP Raise $17 Million At Spring Gala

May 17, 2006 9:10 p.m. EST

Yvonne Lee - All Headline News Staff Reporter

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - President Bush attracts 800 people to an event that raised $17 million for the GOP.

The Associated Press reports many attendees contributed more than the $1,500 ticket price, giving the Republican National party a record take for a non-presidential election year.

RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman says, "The RNC gala's record success this year shows that Republicans are eager to support President Bush and motivated to maintain our majorities in the House and Senate."

The GOP's annual spring gala raised $15 million in 2005 and $14 million in 2003, both non-election years.

When Mr. Bush was running for re-election in 2004, the dinner raised a record $38.5 million.

The event attracted 800 people to hear Bush speak and the country group Diamond Rio perform at DAR Constitution Hall, two blocks from the White House.