McCain snubs Bush’s fundraising dinner

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) will not attend President Bush’s fundraising dinner for congressional candidates — another indication that the GOP nominee is distancing himself from the man he wants to replace.

McCain’s campaign did not comment, but the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) confirmed that the Arizona senator will not attend the annual event, which will take place on June 18. A source familiar with McCain’s schedule said he is expected to be in Texas on June 18.

{mosads}“Maybe he found a better dinner?” Republican Study Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling (Texas), chairman of the event for the NRCC, said. “When he’s the president, he can attend lots of president’s dinners.”

The dinner will be held at the Washington Convention Center and is hosted by the NRCC and the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC).

The NRCC’s goal is to raise $7 million from the fundraiser, while the NRSC is hoping for a total of $12 million. Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) is the chairman of the event for the NRSC.

“We understand that Sen. McCain has a very busy schedule and cannot make it, but we look forward to honoring him next year at our 2009 President’s Dinner,” NRSC spokeswoman Rebecca Fisher said.

McCain, over the last couple of months, has pointed out differences he has had with Bush as Democrats have claimed that a McCain presidency would be tantamount to a third term for Bush.