Laura Bush backs Whalen at Q-C event

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By Ed Tibbetts | Thursday, September 28, 2006 9:39 PM CDT | () comments

(Larry Fisher/Quad-City Times) First lady Laura Bush, right, spoke in on behalf of candidate Mike Whalen, left, at the Davenport RiverCenter on Thursday morning.

TODAY: (Updated 1:11 p.m.) First lady Laura Bush urged Iowans to elect Mike Whalen to Congress in an appearance in downtown Davenport this morning, saying he would support the Bush tax cuts she says has boosted the economy and created jobs.

Mrs. Bush is in the state to campaign today for Whalen and Republican congressional candidate Jeff Lamberti, in central Iowa's 3rd District.

The first lady extolled Whalen’s business background, as well as his founding of a Christian radio station in Des Moines and a ranch in St. Charles, Iowa, that helps disadvantaged kids.

She also said there were challenges facing the country, including fighting terrorism, reforming immigration and rebuilding the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina. She said Whalen would be “a thoughtful, positive and powerful part of that dialogue.”

About 250 people were at the fundraiser, which was by invitation. Attendees paid $250, $1,000 and $1,500. Those who paid the most got a picture with the first lady. The campaign wouldn’t estimate how much it expected to raise from the event.

Afterward, Whalen called it a “delight” to have Mrs. Bush campaign for him. Don Andersen, a 19-year-old Loras College student in Dubuque, said he had his picture taken with her.

“That was really fun,” he said. “She was really personable.”

Mrs. Bush’s visit here was the latest example of administration figures coming to the 1st District to help Whalen’s campaign. Already, Vice President Dick Cheney and White House adviser Karl Rove have been here.

While Mrs. Bush didn’t mention Whalen’s Democratic opponent, Bruce Braley, in her remarks today, Whalen did. He accused him of wanting to “cut and run” in the fight on terrorism and in the effort to lure jobs. Braley has said Whalen would be a “rubber stamp” for the administration.

Ed Tibbetts can be contacted at (563) 383-2327 or etibbetts@qctimes.com.