WASHINGTON, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- President George W. Bush barnstormed Pennsylvania, New Hampshire and Kentucky Friday on behalf of GOP candidates in mid-term elections, while the first lady set out on her own weekend quest on behalf of the party.
"The American spirit is obviously alive and well here in Pennsylvania," Bush said to a crowd in Harrisburg, the first stop of the day.
"And on Election Day, the duty is to vote," he added in Portsmouth, N.H., stop two. "My call here in New Hampshire is for all the citizens, Republicans, and Democrats, people who don't give a hoot about political parties, to do your duty and vote."
In Louisville, as in the previous two stops -- and as in stops the previous day -- Bush would playfully mention he had a few suggestions on whom the people should vote for.
In Pennsylvania, it was incumbent Republican Rep. George Gekas and State Attorney General Mike Fisher, who is running for governor. In New Hampshire, it was Rep. John Sununu and his bid for a Senate seat, while in Kentucky the president was to tout Sen. Mitch McConnell and three-term Rep. Anne Northrup.
On Saturday, the president would make similar remarks in Georgia, Florida and Tennessee.
Laura Bush, meanwhile, was scheduled to kick off her own tour Friday night with a campaign dinner in Raleigh, N.C., for Elizabeth Dole, who is seeking the Senate seat being vacated by retiring fellow Republican Jesse Helms.
Trips to New Hampshire, Iowa and South Dakota were to follow.
At stake in election 2002 are all 435 House seats and 34 Senate seat. At present, the Republicans hold a majority in the House, which they are expected to keep, but are one seat down in the Senate, where Democrats hold sway.
Over the weekend, the president is to return to South Dakota, considered a key state in a possible change of Senate fortunes for Republicans, and also is to travel to support candidates in tight races in Missouri, Indiana, Florida, Arkansas and elsewhere.
