Visit from Bush? Send the bill to the GOP

[pruner]

SECURITY, CROWD CONTROL, STREET CLOSINGS ADD UP

By John Cheves
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

Starved for cash and faced with political fund-raising visits by President Bush -- with the usual demands for security, crowd control and street closings -- a few cities are starting to tally up their expenses and send a bill to Republican organizers.

Will Lexington follow suit?

The event should be lucrative for Republicans -- who suggest donations of $500 to $10,000 on invitations -- but not for Lexington taxpayers. They will supply extra police protection at Blue Grass Airport and the Lexington Center, and a rolling traffic block along Versailles Road for the presidential motorcade.

These costs add up: Having played host to Bush twice and to Vice President Dick Cheney once, for fund-raisers, the city of Portland, Ore., wants $145,000 in reimbursement, mostly for police overtime.

Cities shouldn't have to swallow the expense of political fund-raisers, as opposed to official appearances by the commander-in-chief, said Scott Farris, a spokesman for Portland Mayor Vera Katz, a Democrat.

The GOP hasn't opened its checkbook to Portland yet, Farris added. "We really don't expect to get paid," Farris said. "But it doesn't hurt to ask. If nothing else, it raises public awareness that these political visits cost us money, and Portland, like most cities, is very strapped for cash. The Bush campaign can more than afford to pay for its own visits."

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/heraldleader/news/legislature/6921428.htm

[alfredo]

1. where will the demostrations be held, and who

do I contact?

I will be wearing a black Prana cap. 5'8" grey beard.

[MasonJar]

2. how hideous

I am hoping to be there too to protest. I need to drive from Louisville; so please Lexington protest participants let us know when and where to meet.

[leetrisck]

3. Every city "Slimy Shrub" visits has

this problem with paying the bills. The RNC certainly isn't offering to pay the bills for all the overtime. Some cities have asked but don't believe they have been paid. This is awful considering what dire straits cities, counties and states are in.