George W Bush, The Albatross

President Bush is on the fundraising trail for unrepentent Republicans, with an appearance today in Bucyrus, Kansas - just south of Kansas City. He is raising cash for the Kansas GOP and State Rep. Nick Jordan, who is challenging Democratic Rep. Dennis Moore in KS-03. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the Bush appearance is who isn't there. The KC Star notes who is absent and their list of * cough * previous commitments:

Sen. Pat Roberts will be in California on a long-standing trip to raise money for his own re-election bid, campaign spokeswoman Ashley McManus said. She said Roberts was proud to be named an honorary chairman of the fundraiser and "he was proud to be with the president three weeks ago in Greensburg."

Sen. Sam Brownback, also an honorary chairman of the luncheon, will be traveling in southwest Kansas on a portion of his 105-county tour. Brownback's schedule was set well before Bush's visit was announced, spokesman Brian Hart said.

Rep. Jerry Moran, a Republican who represents western Kansas, will be at another event in the state, while Wichita-area Republican Rep. Todd Tiahrt plans to spend time with his family, spokeswomen for the lawmakers said.

So, Senator Roberts will be in California to raise money for his re-election?  Really? Is this the same California that has been demonized by Republicans for their "values" or lack thereof? Does Pat Roberts share those San Francisco values with Nancy Pelosi and Kay Barnes? After all, Roberts' partner in crime - Sam Graves from Missouri - just launched a scandalous (and laughable) attack on Kay Barnes for her California fundraising.

And, Senator Brownback - who is listed as an honorary chair of the luncheon - can't possibly make it because he's on a 105-county tour of Kansas.  Apparently there was no room in his schedule for one of the largest and most affluent counties in Kansas - where Bush is appearing today. No siree, couldn't possibly squeeze it in his schedule.  

Rep. Jerry Moran didn't provide any details, other than to say that he has "another event."  Perhaps today is the day to wash his hair.  Or maybe he is lined up for the Sex & The City premier. Whatever it is, he couldn't possibly make it.

Endangered incumbent, Rep. Todd Tiahrt from Wichita, is unavailable because he is "spending time with his family."  On a Thursday.  In the middle of the work week. With the President of the United States in town. The president's appearance has been trumped by a day at the pool, a family picnic, or some other family activity to be named later.

Regardless of their lame excuses, republicans can't run far enough or fast enough from the Bush brand or the man himself.....even in (formerly) solid republican states like Kansas. But, it is all too little....too late. Bush is their albatross. They helped create his failed policies and have enthusiastically supported those policies for the last eight years. They can cowardly skip the luncheon, but they cannot run from that albatross. Come November, it's time to pay the piper.....even in places like Kansas.