Bush fundraiser moved to smaller venue

PHOENIX, May 24 (UPI) -- President George W. Bush's scheduled Phoenix fundraiser for John McCain's presidential campaign has been moved to a smaller venue, a published report said.

Citing sources, the Phoenix Business Journal reported Friday that ticket sales have been slow for the fundraiser, originally scheduled for Tuesday at the Phoenix Convention Center. Organizers feared there would be more anti-war protestors outside the convention center than donors inside, the newspaper said.

Tickets were priced at $1,000 to $25,000.

The White House announced Friday that Bush plans five fundraising appearances next week in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico and Utah. Bush spokeswoman Dana Perino said all would be closed to the news media and that McCain would be at one.