Bush Slams Democrats on Taxes, War

President Bush focused on politics Friday, campaigning for two Republicans who face tough reelection challenges and sharply attacking Democrats over their opposition to tax cuts.

Vice President Dick Cheney also was on the campaign trail, headlining a fundraiser in Florida. He used the occasion to question the commitment by leading Democrats to the “the battle against terrorists in Iraq.”

Accusing them of having a “sorry record” on that issue, Cheney said Democratic leaders had “decided to run on the theme of competence. If they’re competent to fight this war, then I ought to be singing on ‘American Idol.’ ”

After his crack drew a big laugh, Cheney -- with a slight smile on his face -- responded, “I don’t know why that’s funny.”

Democrats lashed back.

“Under this administration’s watch, Iraq has become a training ground and launching pad for international terrorism, North Korea has likely quadrupled its nuclear arsenal, [Osama] bin Laden remains on the loose, terror attacks across the world are on the rise, and Katrina exposed the staggering gaps in the administration’s ability to protect America,” said a spokesman for Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.).

Bush began his day in Indianapolis, helping freshman Rep. Mike Sodrel raise $500,000 for his reelection bid. And he ended it in this tony suburb of Pittsburgh as the star attraction at an event expected to generate more than $1 million for Sen. Rick Santorum’s run for a third term.

Bush has raised $88 million at 26 appearances in 2005 and 2006 for the GOP and its candidates, and Cheney has raised nearly $17 million at 47 events, according to Tracey Schmitt, communications director for the Republican National Committee.

Sodrel is facing yet another rematch with former Democratic lawmaker Baron Hill in a House race likely to be among the most competitive in the nation. Hill won a third term when he defeated Sodrel in 2002, but the Republican upended the incumbent in 2004, claiming the seat by fewer than 1,500 votes.

As he has all week, Bush delivered a strong pitch for fighting the war in Iraq.

“The only way that we can lose is if we lose our will,” he said. “It’s the only way we can lose.”

But he also spotlighted domestic issues, blasting Democratic opposition to the tax cuts that have been at the core of his economic program.

“The Democratic Party has a clear record. In 2001, more than 90% of the congressional Democrats voted against cutting income tax rates,” he said, referring to votes on the initial legislative package he proposed that year.

“The difference is clear,” he went on, his voice rising to a near shout. “If you want the government in your pocket, vote Democrat. If you want to keep more of your hard-earned money, vote Republican.”

The president made no public remarks during his stop for Santorum.

A conservative running behind in Pennsylvania polls, Santorum was waiting to greet Bush as the president descended the steps of Air Force One, which provided a brief photo opportunity. But the fundraising event at a nearby white brick home was closed to news coverage.

The low-key nature of Bush’s visit was not surprising. He and his campaign team worked hard to try to carry Pennsylvania in the 2000 and 2004 presidential campaigns, but he lost the state both times.

Now with Bush’s approval rating at an all-time low in several national polls, fewer GOP candidates regard a public appearance with the president as a way to capture the backing of swing voters. Instead, the president is relied upon to draw the party faithful -- and their contributions.

Democrats view the Pennsylvania race as one of the prime opportunities to gain a Senate seat in November’s election.

Santorum’s likely opponent is Bob Casey Jr., the state treasurer who party leaders hope can peel away some of Santorum’s support because he shares the incumbent’s opposition to abortion rights.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.