KIRTLAND HILLS, Ohio -- President Bush, whose own popularity is just so-so, put the weight of his office behind the struggling candidacy of conservative Kenneth Blackwell, helping raise $1.5 million Wednesday for the Republican's campaign for governor. Bush won Ohio in 2004, but Republicans are facing a difficult political environment in this GOP-controlled state, which is trying to rebound from political scandal -- and recent flooding. Last week, 10 inches of rain fell on northeastern Ohio, killing a man and forcing hundreds from their homes. On Tuesday, Bush declared Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties eligible for federal disaster relief. "The local response was really good," Bush said at Lake County Emergency Operation and Communication Center in Mentor where he stopped before going to the fundraiser. "The interoperability between various jurisdictions was superb. As a result, a lot of lives were saved."
Bush, who spoke with dispatchers, law enforcement officers, firefighters and other emergency management officials, said the federal disaster declaration means individuals will be helped with rental assistance, temporary housing, grants to rebuild their homes and small business assistance.