Did YOU mean to donate to the party?

The AP reports President Bush's "appearance at a Republican National Committee reception Tuesday boosted his fundraising total for the year to about $66 million." More than "100 people attended the evening fundraiser" in McLean, "which raised $750,000 for the RNC."

Just a month ago, Bush attended fund raisers for McCain (you remember...the ones where the press wasn't allowed in because they might get a picture of the President...gag... and the wanna be Panderer in Chief together).

What isn't talked about is the cost to the taxpayers of the trips. Estimates on the cost of operating Air Force One, prior to the last year's increase in fuel costs, ran from $40,000 to $68,000, depending on which source you rely on. Thus, a four hour trip (8 hours total) from Washington to Utah likely ran up a bill of $400,000 - $500,000, not including all of the extra costs such as personnel, extra Secret Service agents for the trip, etc.

I absolutely understand the need for Air Force One and don't begrudge the President his plane, HOWEVER I do believe that if any part of the trip is a fund raiser for a political party or a candidate, then the cost of the trip should be borne by the recipient of the funds. Whether they be Democrat or Republican.