Bush now coming next week; Kerry tour won't be

By Seattle Times staff

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The two came close to crossing paths here on Friday the 13th. But yesterday, as Bush's visit was announced to local Republicans, the Kerry campaign was telling state party officials that the "Believe in America Tour" wouldn't make it this far north.

Today Bush and Kerry both are expected to make campaign appearances in Davenport, Iowa.

The Kerry campaign announced the nationwide tour at the close of last week's Democratic National Convention. Bush campaign spokeswoman Tracey Schmitt said presidential trips are planned far in advance, and there was no attempt to shadow Kerry.

Bush is scheduled to visit the area for a $2,500-per-person fund-raiser Aug. 13, Bob Strauss, president of the Eastside Republican Club, announced at a club function last night.

The price rises to $10,000 for a photo opportunity with the president and $25,000 for a private reception and a photo, Strauss told the party faithful.

Strauss later said he was uncertain where the fund-raiser would be held, but that he believed it would be on the Eastside.

The White House and the Bush campaign will not confirm presidential visits this far in advance.

Kerry was scheduled to make several stops in the state on the 13th. But state party Chairman Paul Berendt said campaign officials told him yesterday that the trip would end instead on the Oregon coast.

Kerry is expected to campaign in the state later in the month, he said.

"I think that this bus tour turned into a lot longer deal than they thought it would be," Berendt said.

Seattle Times staff reporters David Postman and Warren Cornwall contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company

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