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Bush coming to Nebraska to campaign for Smith

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BY DON WALTON / Lincoln Journal Star

Wednesday, Nov 01, 2006 - 07:01:40 pm CST

President Bush will come to Nebraska on Sunday to try to help Republicans save an endangered House seat they’ve held for 48 years.

Bush will make a campaign stop for 3rd District GOP nominee Adrian Smith in either Kearney or Grand Island.

The presidential visit was arranged in the wake of polling last week showing Scott Kleeb moving within reach of the first Democratic congressional victory in western and central Nebraska since 1958.

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Bush’s trip dramatizes the GOP’s end-game effort to hang onto control of the House and provides remarkable evidence a seat once considered safely Republican is a battleground contest now.

Smith said he’s “deeply grateful” for the president’s assistance and believes it will help him -- “absolutely,” he exclaimed -- in a district that’s overwhelmingly Republican and still, in his view, strongly supportive of Bush.

Kleeb said he welcomes Bush’s visit and hopes he’ll be invited to listen to the speech.

Nebraskans will be eager to hear the president’s plans for the 2007 farm bill and  the war in Iraq, the Democratic nominee said.

The presidential visit will follow on the heels of a barrage of TV attack ads launched at Kleeb since polling uncovered a tight race, with the Democrat holding the momentum.

“Scott Kleeb.  We can’t afford him,” states the newest ad that began airing Wednesday. “He claims to be a Nebraskan. But he never voted in Nebraska before this year.”

Purchased by the National Republican Congressional Committee, the ad says Kleeb doesn’t support legislation to make all of Bush’s tax cuts permanent.

Hammering at Kleeb’s sporadic residency in Nebraska -- he returned to the McGinn Ranch, located in Custer County where his father was born, after earning two post-graduate degrees at Yale -- NRCC spokesman Alex Burgos described him as “liberal, carpetbagging Democrat Scott Kleeb.”

Kleeb responded to the negative ads aired by the GOP and the anti-tax Club for Growth with a positive TV ad on Wednesday.

“Candidates usually close their campaigns by making promises,” he says in the ad.  “I’d like to close mine by saying thank you.

“To the thousands of Nebraskans I’ve met during my campaign for Congress -- good people, who believe in good government.  I approved this message because you’ve given me your ideas about how to make Washington work better.”

Not to be outdone by its Washington counterpart, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has been targeting Smith with attack ads in the final days.

Nebraska Republicans were quick to suggest Bush’s trip also is designed to assist Senate nominee Pete Ricketts and the rest of the GOP ticket.

“It’s not just me,” Smith said.  “It’s a Republican Party get-out-the-vote effort.”

Sen. Chuck Hagel said the president also wants to help Ricketts as the GOP attempts to maintain its majority in a divided Senate.

“I don’t believe the Democrats could take control of the Senate” if Ricketts is able to unseat Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson, said Hagel.

Recent internal polling showed “very solid” support for the president in the 3rd District, Hagel said, demonstrating “he could make a difference” in the tight House race.

Smith said the visit will help spotlight Kleeb’s differences with Bush on taxes, fiscal policy and the Iraq war.

Kleeb’s entry into the congressional race apparently was prompted by his distress over Bush’s re-election in 2004, Smith said.

In the end, Kleeb said, voters will choose between Smith and him.

“Evidence is mixed whether or not visits in the last days of a campaign have an impact.  Most important is the message we’ve built, a message of moving our country forward and finding ways to work together to deal with problems and concerns.

“It’s a message of hope and opportunity instead of finger-pointing,” Kleeb said.

Republicans outnumber Democrats by more than 2-to-1 in the sprawling 69-county 3rd District.  It is regarded as the reddest congressional district in a crimson Republican state.

Rep. Tom Osborne is leaving the House in January after serving three terms.

Sunday’s visit will be Bush’s sixth major appearance in Nebraska during his presidency and his first outside of Omaha.

Vice President Dick Cheney campaigned for Smith in Grand Island in June.

Reach Don Walton at 473-7248 or at dwalton@journalstar.com.


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Mr. E wrote on November 1, 2006 9:08 am:
" Ha! You know that Smith thinks he's in trouble if they're rolling out GW. Smith will be a good little lapdog and raise some money for his campaign, but Scott Kleeb is still the right person for the 3rd district. Go Scott Kleeb! "

 Allan wrote on November 1, 2006 9:10 am:
" So Smith is giving cotrol of his campaign over to Bush, just like Bush has given control of the U.S. soldiers in Iraq over to Al Sadr. This is pitiful. If Smith can not win on his own, will he really be able to represent Nebraska on his own? At least Tom O. was his own man! "

 Sounds good wrote on November 1, 2006 9:10 am:
" Hopefully he'll talk about the war. That'll finish Smith off. "

 M wrote on November 1, 2006 9:18 am:
" Another HUGE waste of taxpayer money. I truly hope Kleeb pulls off a win "

 Adrian Irrelevant wrote on November 1, 2006 9:31 am:
" Bush may be the "kiss of death" for Smith's campaign...glad the citizens of Western Nebraska have stood up for our soldiers and have not cowered. Kleeb is a powerful voice and has leadership potential, backed with courage, even Presidents notice. "

 Sandi wrote on November 1, 2006 9:35 am:
" Hail to the citizens of the 3rd district, your support of Kleeb maybe a national a victory for change...and an inspiration for all voters across the state to support new representation in Congress. "

 Thomas wrote on November 1, 2006 9:37 am:
" I have back and forth on which of these two would get my vote. This confirms my vote will go to Kleeb. The expense we taxpayers will experience for this trip to bring a man with 37% popular support to Nebraska tells me exactly how Smith fits in Bush's pocket. "

 Marky Mark wrote on November 1, 2006 9:38 am:
" Bring him on! If it werent for his rich affluent parents, Bush Jr. would be living in a trailer in North Texas right now and hundreds of thousands of gallons of blood would not have been spilled at his hadnds. This should help Kleeb. "

 Dave wrote on November 1, 2006 9:42 am:
" I think that it is great when the President comes to Nebraska. President Clinton never did while he was President as far as I know. That aside, and even though I am a Republican, I think Smith would be a very poor representative, and I will vote for Kleeb. "

 Jeff "Dave" Lamberti wrote on November 1, 2006 9:44 am:
" Let's hop he gets Smith's first name right, unlike it Iowa. Oh, and who pays for this Presidential trip? "

 A.J. wrote on November 1, 2006 9:50 am:
" Just for the record, Dave, Clinton did come to Nebraska as President for a speech at UNK. I'm happy you'll be supporting Kleeb! As will I! "

 Choices wrote on November 1, 2006 10:08 am:
" I have to admit, I have a poor reason for not voting for Kleeb...he creeps me out! His commercials all have this schmooze feel like he's about to ask me out on a date. Ewwwww! He is cute, but that's not a reason to vote for him. Is it true he didn't hasn't voted in Nebraska? As for Smith, well, he could be a little more dynamic than he is. "

 Mike wrote on November 1, 2006 10:27 am:
" yeeeaahh! The taxpayers can pay for the security of George W.'s visit! "

 JT wrote on November 1, 2006 10:32 am:
" This is great news for Democrats. Not only is Bush using his time in supposedly "safe" districts, he hurts whoever he campaigns for. "

 Mark wrote on November 1, 2006 10:41 am:
" Hopefully they'll talk about John Kerry! I know everyone in the 3rd District is on pins and needles over what a senator from Massachusetts, who's not up for reelection, thinks of the troops. "

 Amazed wrote on November 1, 2006 10:53 am:
" Amazing people want someone who stands for his beliefs and then when they get one they cut and run. What a bunch of cowards. Hope that you are young enough that your throwing Smith a crunch is something that will haunt you. Bush is great he needs to tell his story more and also the good news about his administration. Korea is now going back to talks, The economy is the best ever for this country, unemployed are less than ever, farmers are getting a chance to produce fuel, people have freedoms never before heard of. The immigrants are given a chance, solutions to things are happening, Iraq is becoming independent, world leaders are meeting to discuss issues. What do you people want. One man can only do so much. With all of the back stabbing and mud throwing of the democratic party it is amazing to me that I will vote for Ben Nelson, but the Hagel types Ricketts types are not to my liking and Ben at least supports the President and Nebraskans. So go ahead and vote for the Democrats on this one, but you may be putting yourself into a situation that you wish you hadn't, cause your support for farm policies and rural needs may just disappear, as Smith will do more for you. "

 Sylvia wrote on November 1, 2006 11:02 am:
" Maybe Smith can get the Club for Growth to foot the bill for security when the president visits? At least now I know no Smith canvassers will be knocking on my door on Sunday. "

 Johnny Dhu wrote on November 1, 2006 11:17 am:
" Ugh. Hopefully now that the 3rd dist. has seen Cheney, Hastert, and now Bush stumping for Smith, they will recognize that there is NO way he would be an independent, Nebraska First, representative. "

 Absurd wrote on November 1, 2006 11:44 am:
" It is ok to admit you were wrong about the Bush regime. We all were wrong. But it is an injustice to go on blindly supporting what we now know is unintelligent and inmoral. I have never experienced war or poverty but I can't imagine Iraqis are pleased with their current situation which is basically an all out civil war. There is just something about the daily hundred bodies here, dozen car bombs there that saddens me deeply and fills me with regret and anger that our so called leaders must be held accountable for this mess. And yes our economy is growing and doing alright but you need to dig further into the statistics. More families have taken second or third jobs and wages are not keeping pace with inflation, i.e. the gap between the wealthiest 5% and the rest of us is widening. To think that the only way to grow our economy and expand GDP is to give the wealthiest few tax breaks to create more jobs so that middle and lower class families have a second or third income just to make ends meet is absurd. "

 Tom wrote on November 1, 2006 11:52 am:
" I have been tempted to send some money to Kleeb's campaign but have resisted as he is too conservative for my tastes. In particular, I am amazed he still thinks that invading and occupying Iraq was a good idea. That said, he is, at least, not a lap dog. He does think for himself and not toe a party line. "

 Lindsay wrote on November 1, 2006 11:56 am:
" Amazed - what has the republicans all done for rural Nebraska? Family farms are dissapearing and being replaced by big business corporate farms. Same goes with ranches. Young people are leaving and not coming back. If you look closely at the economy, what sort of jobs are developing? McDonalds and Burger King is always hiring, but many of the skills oriented jobs are getting shipped out to other countries. Are democrats necessarily better? I can't say. But republicans sure haven't done a whole lot for us either. We should give someone else a chance to prove themselves. Anyways, a representative is only in there 2 years... "

 Joe wrote on November 1, 2006 11:59 am:
" A previous post states Bush is great and needs to tell his story more. Half of that statement is true, number one he is not great. He has one of the lowest approval records of an elected president in modern times. Number two he should tell his story. Someone will have to write it for him and help him get the names correct but it will still show him to be a phony. "

 Can not believe this! wrote on November 1, 2006 11:59 am:
" The Republicans must be really scared, I will go to see the President if he comes to Kearney but Voting Kleeb all the way because he is the better choice by FAR!! "

 pt wrote on November 1, 2006 12:09 pm:
" Bush is coming to Nebraska to give Smith the kiss of death. "

 What will he wear? wrote on November 1, 2006 12:15 pm:
" Do ya think he'll wear a flight suit? I jus' think he's so dreamy in a flight suit. Oh no, of course, what was I thinkin'? It's the 3rd district. He'll wow 'em with a cowboy outfit! Oh be still my beating heart. There's nothing more manly than sending other people's children to die for a mistake. Only wimps admit they're wrong. "

 Jerry C wrote on November 1, 2006 12:20 pm:
" In most States Republicans are asking Bush to stay away. He is such a failure they think he only hinders the Republican vote. Except in Nebraska where Nelsons early ads show Bush touting what a great guy Nelson is. Anyplace else that would be a killer. What does that tell you about Nebraska and being in touch with the rest of the world? "

 Gil wrote on November 1, 2006 12:23 pm:
" Adrian can't help the President or generals who are the root of a problem; a diagram shown at a classified American briefing shows Iraq as moving sharply away from “peace” to a point much closer to a red zone marked “chaos. Bush is ignoring a prolem an prefers to campaign rather than act as a leader. That happened when he "served" in the guards. Look at the facts, not the photo ops. "

 steve wrote on November 1, 2006 12:25 pm:
" All this will do is firm up Kleebs support. Thanks W. By linking Bush and Smith together on the same stage people will be nauseous. "

 JMK wrote on November 1, 2006 12:31 pm:
" Hopefully no one is crazy enough to actually go see this fool. Let's all boycott his visit and send a message to him that we don't like his ways anymore "

 gopher wrote on November 1, 2006 12:47 pm:
" Don't let old 43 charm you into thinking that without Smith in Congress, the country would fall apart. We need a Congress that is skeptical of the President, whether he's of the same party or not, but also supportive if the plan is right. In order to get things done in Iraq, there needs to be more working together rather than just throwing the same old sound bytes out there and not listening to those with other views. Kleeb has shown that, while he may disagree in some things and belong to a different party, he is open to all viewpoints that will be best for Nebraskans and for the Country. "

 David Gray wrote on November 1, 2006 12:51 pm:
" Scott Kleeb will be a breath of fresh air to Nebraska politics. I'm confident, if elected, he'll represent the 3rd District well "

 Denny wrote on November 1, 2006 1:04 pm:
" I'm still voting for Scott Kleeb "

 More Amazed wrote on November 1, 2006 1:11 pm:
" People want someone who stands for his beliefs but they also want someone who will admit it when he's wrong and try to correct things. Bush doesn't fit into either category. He stands up for whatever Karl Rove, Dick Cheney, and Donald Rumsfeld tell him to stand up for. The so-called "War on Terror" led to an unnecessary invasion of Iraq on the pretense that there were weapons of mass destruction; later it was discovered that Bush and his administration either distorted intelligence information or flat out lied to get the support of Congress and the American people for the invasion. Now, three years and 2800+ American lives later, our country is far less safe than it was before because the invasion has provided an opportunity for terrorists to come to Iraq who weren't there prior to the invasion. This administration shortchanged the troops on body armor and equipment and didn't have any sort of comprehensible exit strategy for the invasion. Iraq is NOT becoming independent; it's either in full fledged civil war or on the brink of it. World leaders are sitting down and talking, but Bush had nothing to do with it. He and his cohorts continue to thumb their noses at the UN and the world community. The only reason North Korea has gone back to the bargaining table is because it decided it wanted to. The numbers might say our economy is better but try telling that to the millions of families who work for minimum wage (the raising of which Bush and the GOP opposed) to make ends meet. Try telling that to seniors who have realized only insignificant reductions in drug costs because of Bush's prescription drug plan. Yes, one man can only do so much. Unfortunately for us, Bush had Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, and Karl Rove to help him. Between the four of them and spineless Republican congressmen like Jeff Fortenberry they've done more than enough to screw up this country. The last thing we need in Congress is another Republican who will do more harm than good to the farmers. The Club for Growth has Smith in their pocket and that is a fact. The only thing he'll do for Nebraska is pursue an extreme right wing agenda that will ultimately hurt our farmers. That's why anyone who's been paying attention will vote for Scott Kleeb. "

 SA wrote on November 1, 2006 1:43 pm:
" Wow, some of these comments are hard to read. So much anger. Why are democrats always so angry? I would like to commend the LJS for using a "good" picture of Bush for this column instead of the usual one where he is grimmicing and looking like a monkey. "

 Scott wrote on November 1, 2006 1:56 pm:
" I don't know much about Scott Kleeb or Smith, honestly, as neither are in my district, so I haven't been paying attention to their race. Usually I don't read or write in these comment boards, but I happened to note a few of the comments here and am really bothered. I know that we can all be passionate about our beliefs and ideologies, but can we please stop all the venomous comments and personal attacks? There are a lot of intellectually dishonest comments and misrepresentations these days, and they're apparent here, as well. People on both sides of the aisle need to care about the issues but show some respect for the people you disagree with, please. Think about how you're talking about someone and ask yourself if you'd like to be spoken of in that way. Present the facts for your argument in a logical way and leave the snotty remarks at home. You'll win more arguments that way if your facts back up what you're saying. "

 good laugh wrote on November 1, 2006 2:04 pm:
" I am very surprised that "W" doesnt have anything better to do, you know like strategize how to end this war, figure out how to get us out of the largest deficit in our countries history, or go hunting with Dick rather than support a lost cause like Smith. I am a proud independent and his visit on Smith's behalf only reinforces my support for dangerous independent thinking Kleeb. Bush would hate to see a middle ground politican because he prefers the keep the far right and far left at odds. If common sense and middle ground thinking comes into play then both political parties lose their power. "

 Don't blame Bush wrote on November 1, 2006 2:05 pm:
" He's just doing what his cabinent and his advisors tell him to do. Just like the Republican Congress does. In the military, there needs to be a chain of command and everyone must fall in line by accepting there orders. In policymaking, there needs to be checks and balances, thoughful discussion, and opposition if necessary. Adrian Smith has not indicated that is capable or willing to do any of the things describing a good policymaker. In fact, Smith seems more like the military type that will follow orders from the heart of the Republican party in Washington or from the Club For Growth Organization. He won't know how to deal with your problems because he's a follower, not a leader. "

 Poor Pete wrote on November 1, 2006 2:58 pm:
" Anyone else notice that Bush is not including the $14 million man? "

 Matt Poulsen wrote on November 1, 2006 3:03 pm:
" I think it is possible that the leader of the free world is capable of doing more than one thing at a time. It is my understanding that he has a staff member or two and probably has a pretty good cell plan. So I'm betting he's capable of discussing issues and topics while on the road or in flight...but its just a guess. And why would you be surprised that Bush would stump for Smith??? Would you be surprised to see a democratic president stump for a democrat?? The only thing interesting about this article is that Bush is not going to stump for Ricketts during his visit. To me, this sends a clear message that the republicans have deemed Neslon "unbeatable" at this point which I'm happy to see. "

 oh boy wrote on November 1, 2006 3:18 pm:
" that should be the final nail in the coffin for adrian smith. The big dope himself is coming. "

 Vote for Kleeb! wrote on November 1, 2006 3:21 pm:
" This is hilarious. The Republican party sees Kleeb gaining speed on a once locked-down election, and they send in Daddy Bush to rally the troops. I'm a Republican, and I rather have a smart, conservative Democrat in office than a "I'll do whatever the Republican Party tells me" candidate like Smith. Smith is a good guy, but not the right guy for Congress. "

 Remy wrote on November 1, 2006 3:53 pm:
" Said it once and I'll say it again, Republicans scrood the pooch on the primary and are left with a substandard candidate that has hurt party unity and maybe even cost us the election. I should be here supporting our candidate, but I can't do so in good conscience. I will not be voting for either candidate. Maybe in two years we can get someone better in the primary. "

 Honor Soldiers Quietly & dish bush wrote on November 1, 2006 5:21 pm:
" Students know the Black T's they have can be worn to grieve our fallen soldiers, Bush's appearance is not one to rejoice in with death so linked to his presence. "

 CB wrote on November 1, 2006 6:17 pm:
" C`mon in Mr. President the water is fine. There are still some of us that still support you "

 wow wrote on November 1, 2006 6:42 pm:
" If the the gop has to haul the president out to western Nebraska, Smith must really suck as a candidate. I haven't been paying much attention to that race, its western nebraska. Way to go M Kleeb I'm pulling for you now. "

 DP wrote on November 1, 2006 6:45 pm:
" Why are you Dems so angry all of the time. You rarely support your canidate but love to throw hate at a republican and the President of the United States. You act like a bunch of 4th graders. I can't wait until next week when the Republicans hold the House and Senate and you guys are pulling your hair in anger. "

 Patsy wrote on November 1, 2006 8:17 pm:
" Followers of Donkey and Elephant agendas both respect the Office of the President and realize the flawed men who can disgrace it. Bush and Clinton tarnished the Oval office in differnt ways...a cigar or pools of blood are evidence in the minds of citizens. Symbols of fallen leaders are a dishonor to democracy, Bush has fallen and citizens may leave him in the hole he has dug for his selfish journey down an immoral road. "

 SB wrote on November 1, 2006 9:08 pm:
" Why are your Repubs so paranoid all the time? All you do is foment hate and fear of people you know nothing about and call anyone who disagrees unpatriotic, a traitor, or a terrorist lover. YOU are acting like a bunch of 4th graders. I can't wait until next week when the Democrats boot the Republicans out of both the Senate and the House and you're all whining like a bunch of little school girls. "

 steve wrote on November 1, 2006 9:52 pm:
" wake up from your dream DP. the party is over. "

 KA wrote on November 1, 2006 10:26 pm:
" "Why are the Democrats so angry?" 2800+ American lives lost and tens of thousands of Iraqi lives lost ring a bell? AND FOR WHAT? "

 Zoomie wrote on November 1, 2006 10:39 pm:
" "JMK wrote on November 01, 2006 12:31 PM: "Hopefully no one is crazy enough to actually go see this fool. Let's all boycott his visit and send a message to him that we don't like his ways anymore" Actually, Bush was in a Fulton County, GA, fairgrounds yesterday...it was barely half filled!!! Even in "Bush Country" they're having trouble filling audiences (must be why they photoshopped that photo of Bush with some military people a year or so ago...they took 40-50 sailors and photoshopped them into a crowd of several hundred for the photos!) And we Dems aren't angry...Indeed, with the news Bush has to come try and bail out a GOPer in Red Republican Heartland, we're absolutely GLEEFUL!!! hahahahahaha "

 voice of reason wrote on November 2, 2006 12:09 am:
" Smith says he is against taxes, but has he cut a check to GI for Cheney's visit? How is Hall County going to pay for Adrians desparate play?Overtime for cops, secret service, Hall county deputies and State Patrol? He sure as heck won't pay for Dubbya. Lets see, he only voted on 70 some final bills out of 130, so we have a 50-50 chance he'll even show up. Go get em, Adrian, you proven leader, you. Have you checked with Club for Growth yet, and got permission to go outside and play? Go Kleeb. "

 Shelly wrote on November 2, 2006 12:41 am:
" I'm a democrat but doubt i'll vote this year. There doesn't seem to be any decent politicians to vote for and my vote wouldn't matter anyway. "

 Avoid embarassment wrote on November 2, 2006 8:25 am:
" We gotta send Kleeb to Washington. Smith will embarass us (all of us, Rep. & Dem). Kleeb is bright, thoughtful and won't owe the white house for sending out the Big Dog to help with the election. I am a lifelong Rep. ans WILL vote for this man. "

 JR wrote on November 2, 2006 8:49 am:
" Smith welcoming a visit from Pres. Bush only emphasizes the point that Smith just doesn't get it. He still thinks Pres. Bush is a good President, and fails to see the gross misjudgements and horrible mistakes made over the last few years. Hopefully a majority of Nebraskans start to vote intelligently instead of by party affiliation. I have met Adrian Smith and watched him in the Unicameral. He was not respected there, and will definitely not be respected in DC. He is not worthy of sending to Washington. "

 bj wrote on November 2, 2006 9:02 pm:
" By all means, we want Kleeb in Washington representing Nebraskans....how long has be been BACK in Nebraska??? What has he done to make this a better place to be? Why did he come back....just to gain a Democratic seat in the congress? With all the crap and back biting, back stabbing, mean mouthing most canidates have been doing this year, I wonder why anyone wants to vote at all!!! How about Kleeb telling us what HE has done for this state and what does he want to do in Washington to help make this a better and stronger state!!!! All they do is attack each other!! I really wonder why anyone votes at all anymore. And, yes, I did vote. I did it absentee as I have to be out of town that day!! I am going to celebrate when this election is over. I can finally have a quiet phone, an empty mailbox, and something worth watching on the news once again!!! Oh no, I guess that won't happen, because which either side loses, then we have to listen to all their reasons for losing or why the ones who did win are going to make things even worse. Oh Joy! "

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