Rove's "Popularity" Pays Dividends For Republican Congressman

[JABBS]

Speculation over whether Karl Rove helped leak CIA Operative Valerie Plame's name or identity to reporters hasn't hurt his popularity among the faithful.

And, at least for one congressman, the controversy is paying early dividends.

A July 19 Washington fund-raiser for Rep. Jim Gerlach (R-PA), for which Rove has long been scheduled as the featured guest, became a more desireable event as the controvery surrounding Rove grew.

According to event planners, the fund-raiser was originally designed to draw about 40 people, with tickets at $1,000 for general admission and $2,500 to sit at the "VIP Roundtable Discussion" with Gerlach and Rove.

When all was said and done, though, it was believed more than 100 people attended the reception, with all 15 roundtable seats taken. Apparently, if there had been a way to double (or perhaps triple) the size of the roundtable, the event planners would have had no problem finding takers.

"People want to support Jim Gerlach, and people want to support Karl Rove," event organizer Mike Gula told The Suburban and Wayne (Pa.) Times, for a July 21 article.

***

Gerlach's media consultant, John Brabender, offered another take on the situation -- which sounds a lot more like spin.

"A lot of issues will be discussed about Southeastern Pennsylvania" at the roundtable, Brabender told the newspaper. With Rove present, they know "the information will be taken directly to the White House and shared with President Bush."

Right. That's why people wanted to talk with Karl Rove ...

***

This article first appeared on Journalists Against Bush's B.S.

[The_Casual_Observer]

1. Naturally. These people really believe that rove is being crucified

by the liberal media. This is truly a "cause celeb" for them.

[samsingh]

2. that means repugs want to support traitors.

rove is the definition of traitor as i understand it.

[Skittles]

3. they have a lot to lose if the WH goes down

it's all self-serving bullshit

[niceypoo]

4. I bet he isn't so popular with the CIA

Would put $$ on that one....

[zulchzulu]

5. Treason is a family value for some

Hey, Rove is a Republican. So what if he committed treason. He probably had a reason. Prai$e Je$u$!

[zann725]

6. What a crock!! The "dividend" is part of political "capital"Shrub earned.

Let them "spend" it together!

[leesa]

7. Republicans are such despicable people