By: Las Vegas Now Staff
President Bush will land in Las Vegas around 8 p.m. on Wednesday. He will stop in town to talk about the war on terror and also raise some money for the republican party. The Federal Aviation Administration is clearing the skies ahead of his visit.
The restriction applies mostly to private aircraft. Commercial flight arrivals and departures are not expected to be affected.
The president will be meeting with party faithful and talking about the global war on terror, but then attention turns to a pricey fundraiser nearby. And one of those may be more important than the other.
After weeks of hearing and seeing potential presidents — at last a chance to meet the real thing right here in Nevada.
“The state's becoming a player,” said Sig Rogich. He was a campaign strategist for the first Bush administration, and he sees the arrival of the current president as part of the continued coming out party for the Silver State.
“And the President's visit is one more indication Nevada is a state that'll be listened to in the years ahead,” said Rogich.
Yet the luxurious estates of Queensridge and Tournament Hills will be host to a speech about the war and later, the president will hold a fundraising lunch.
“He's not here to do big public campaign appearances,” said UNLV political science professor, David Fott. He says the president doesn't need to do meet and greets. The republican party needs money after being out-raised two to one by democrats.
“I suspect that the republican fundraiser comes first,” said Dr. Fott.
“I'm not surprised that a professor at the university would make that kind of comment,” said Rogich.
Rogich clearly disagrees, saying this isn't about country club politics — instead a chance to thank long-time supporters. Either way, that not-so-subtle art of fundraising may be center stage this time a politician comes to town.
The much-talked about fundraiser will be taking place at the home of Sheldon Adelson. He is the head of the Sands Corporation behind the Venetian and Palazzo.
The republican party would not disclose how much you have to pay or donate to have lunch with the president.
Email your comments to Reporter Jonathan Humbert. |
