Pickles walking dogs & will be campaigning in WVa, Ohio, Kentucky today:

[partylessinOhio]

First lady Laura Bush takes a walk with presidential dogs Miss Beazley (L) and Barney (R) in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington July 31, 2006.



First lady Laura Bush acknowledges the crowd as she attends a fundraiser for GOP Congressional candidate, State Sen. Peter Roskam, in Addison, Ill., Monday, Aug. 14, 2006.

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8/16/2006 8:49:00 AM -0400
NewsTrack - Top News
Republicans leaning on Laura Bush

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16 (UPI) -- With U.S. congressional elections approaching, the Republican Party is leaning on first lady Laura Bush heavily to drum up support, The Washington Post reports.

"Because of her broad appeal, she is a significant draw wherever she goes, and she is a critical asset to Republican candidates across the country," said Republican National Committee spokeswoman Tracey Schmitt.

Wednesday was an example of the mounting workload, with the president's wife slated to appear at fundraisers in Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia, after appearing at others in Chicago and St. Louis on Monday, the Post said.

The party's committee said Bush has appeared at 24 political events so far in the run-up to November's election, and raised $10.7 million for the party, which is fighting to maintain a majority in both houses.

In June, a Gallup/USA Today poll showed the president had a 40 percent national approval rating, while his wife ranked favorably with 69 percent of respondents.

http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?StoryID=20060816-082913-2195r

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Link for this story will not work:

Laura Bush expected to raise $500,000 for Republican candidates
Jefferson City News Tribune
- Aug 16 5:33 AM

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http://www.timeswv.com/local/images_sizedimage_227002529/xl

Carol Shaw Whitney makes sure the piano at the Shaw House is spotless for Wednesday’s expected visit from first lady Laura Bush.

Published: August 15, 2006 12:23 am
Making preparations

Crews busy readying Shaw House for Laura Bush’s visit
By Bill Byrd
Times West Virginian

FAIRMONT - Lawn care crews were busy Monday afternoon at the Shaw House on Fairmont’s East Side, readying the architectural landmark for Laura Bush’s visit tomorrow.

Workers were wielding weed whackers, trimming the ivy beds, and planting fresh flowers and holly trees on the grounds of the three-story Tudor Revival home.

The first lady is expected to attend a late afternoon fund-raiser Wednesday for Delegate Chris Wakim, R-Wheeling. ...

Shaw said he offered the use of the Shaw House for the event, never thinking about the date of the annual chamber dinner. "And then about two weeks ago, I got a call from the first lady’s office saying that she would like to attend the event," Shaw said. ...

Although officials are close-mouthed about details because of security concerns, Shaw said he expects the event to take place largely in tents erected on the grounds of the estate.

http://www.timeswv.com/local/local_story_227002343.html

[Virginia Dare]

1. Who is her makeup artist?

This guy?

[joneschick]

3. it's so hard to find that perfect red lipstick........

and that's still not it. Doesn't she get some professional advice? a stylist maybe? :shrug:

[sinkingfeeling]

2. Looks like Barney and Laura have put on a few pounds.

[niyad]

4. is it just me, or does her right arm look like it has been burned or

something? it certainly doesn't look normal, or match the rest of her skintone at all.

[Missy M]

5. It does look strange, plus her pinky finger is always.....

crooked as if she had damage to it. I try doing that with my pinky and and it's very un-natural.

[Contrary1]

6. Probably a touch of arthritis

The middle finger on my right hand is bent some too. Probably from
giving Gee Dub the finger everytime I see his face on TV.

[Missy M]

7. I never thought of that.

I GW the middle finger so much that mine is permanently in that position now.

[Little Star]

8. She has a flat ass!!! I hate that! n/t