Bush makes pit stop in Newport

Alex Coolman

The presidential race swung through Newport Beach on Wednesday as

George W. Bush paid a visit to a residence here after a day of

fund-raising.

The Republican presidential candidate attended a full day of events in

Orange County, appearing at a rally on Bolsa Avenue in Westminster’s

Little Saigon neighborhood and then speaking before supporters at the

Hyatt Regency Irvine.

“The people of California are going to vote for us when they hear how

we stand on the issues,” said Bush, who spoke for about 20 minutes before

a cheering crowd.

Bush was scheduled to dine at an undisclosed Harbor Island residence

Wednesday night, said Tom Fuentes, chairman of the Orange County

Republican Party.

The day’s events, Fuentes said, were an emphatic indication that Bush,

despite some criticism about his attitude toward campaigning in

California, is committed to winning the state for the GOP.

“This is a very serious presence in the Orange County community,”

Fuentes said. “[Bush is demonstrating] devotion of time and focus on the

issues. He’s in contact with the Asian community, the Hispanic community,

with the voter base and the dollars.

“This is a major, top-flight campaign appearance.”

In his remarks, Bush went out of his way to stress his competitiveness

in this area.

“I’m confident that we can carry California,” he said. “This is a

state where people want change.”

Bush’s talk ranged across several topics, hitting on his support for

local control of education, the repeal of inheritance taxes and other

subjects.

Thursday will see the official opening of the Republicans’ “Newport

Beach” headquarters, which is actually located on 17th Street in Costa

Mesa.

The opening ceremonies, which are open to the public, will be attended

by a number of heavy hitters in the Orange County Republican scene, said

headquarters chairwoman Lee Frodsham.

Among those expected to turn out are Fuentes, representatives from the

Republican national party, Newport Beach City Council candidate Steve

Bromberg, and representatives for Congressman Christopher Cox (R-Newport

Beach), Assemblywoman Marilyn Brewer and state Sen. Ross Johnson.

“We certainly will have plenty of food and beverages,” Frodsham noted.

The headquarters is at 485 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa. Ceremonies begin

at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call (949) 646-7369.