Fundraiser for Bush on Tinian

A $250-per-head fundraising event will be held next month for U.S. presidential hopeful, Texas Gov. George W. Bush, at the Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino, the first in a series of activities to be conducted by a CNMI committee.

House Speaker Benigno R. Fitial, who was designated last month as chair of the George W. Bush for President Committee for the Northern Marianas, said they hope to raise more than $80,000 during the event scheduled for June 14.

A friend of the Bush family, former Ambassador Fred Zeder, is expected to arrive on the island and attend the fund-raiser.

This is the first time that the Commonwealth is actively participating in the presidential campaign which Mr. Fitial said means a lot for the islands.

Mr. Bush, the Republican candidate as well as son and namesake of former President George Bush, will face Democratic bet Vice President Al Gore in the November 2000 elections.

Mr. Fitial was appointed chair of the CNMI committee during his visit to Washington D.C. in April where he attended a Republican caucus.