Bush raises $700,000 for coffers

GLENBROOK - Republican presidential hopeful George W. Bush made the most of his whirlwind visit to the shores of Lake Tahoe.

In a day filled with private fund-raising functions, Bush added more than $700,000 to his campaign coffers.

Arriving by motorcade from an early morning gathering at Sand Harbor and a special Victory 2000 meeting with large donors, Bush was greeted by more than 300 supporters at a buffet luncheon at a private estate in Glenbrook.

Held in a renovated barn on the property of well-known liquor distributor Larry Ruvo, the event offered an opportunity for those paying the $1,000 per plate luncheon fee to photograph and personally greet the man they want to see as the next president of the United States.

Beginning as a quiet visit among attendees near the entrance, those wishing for a picture or handshake soon surrounded Bush. Appearing relaxed and in no rush, he patiently posed and visited amiably with all who could get close.

In a spirited 20-minute address, he spoke of his goals if elected, including plans for any government surpluses.

"Surplus means the government has more money than it needs. It should go to Social Security and to rebuild the military, and I want one-quarter to be given back to the people it belongs to," he said to loud applause.

Bush said he supports tort reform and open trade markets around the world, "And a tax policy that makes sense. The harder the work the more money you should have. The American dream should belong to everyone in this country."

Prior to the luncheon, those donating $10,000 had the opportunity to have individual photos taken with Bush during a private reception in an adjacent cottage.

Glenbrook, an exclusive, gated community on the west shore of Lake Tahoe, may never have seen the security it was subjected to on Thursday. Secret Service agents assigned to Bush (as they are to all presidential candidates), Douglas County sheriff's deputies, Nevada Highway Patrol, and even a Washoe County law enforcement helicopter, helped monitor the crowd.

According to Douglas County Sheriff Ron Pierini, his department has been working with the other agencies for more than two weeks in preparation for the event.

"These events take a lot of time and planning, but it is part of the job. We had similar involvement during the Lake Tahoe Summit meeting," he said.

And security was tight and well-structured. No one got past the gate on Highway 50 if his or her name was not on the guest list.

Prior to the arrival of the Bush motorcade, all guests were ushered inside the dining area or into the house reserved for the private reception. Bush arrived to an empty meadow.

The many dignitaries in attendance included Congressman Jim Gibbons, Gov. Kenny Guinn, Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt, Secretary of State Dean Heller, State Treasurer Brian Krolicki, U.S. Senate hopeful John Ensign, Southern Nevada Congressional candidate Jon Porter, and Assemblymen Lynn Hettrick and Greg Brower.