Miller, who is not seeking re-election, introduced Bush at the $2,000-per-ticket evening event which boosted his campaign treasury by $1.3 million.
"The more I see of this man, the more I see of this leader, my respect and my support just continues to grow," Miller said to cheers, whistles and applause. "I can guarantee you I will not be the only Democrat working for his election."
Bush said he was honored to be introduced by a best-selling author and a great American.
Miller's latest book, "A National Party No More: The Conscience of a Conservative Democrat," has been a national best seller for weeks and has left many national Democrats sputtering with anger because it argues that the party is out of touch.
They didn't join him on stage, but nearly a score of Democratic legislators were circulating among the hundreds of Bush donors, including Rep. Mike Boggs, D-Waycross.
"I think there are a lot of conservative Democrats in the Georgia Legislature that support President Bush," Boggs said. "I'm one of those but I think I'm only one of many. We support him on a number of issues, including his stance on the war in Iraq. We support him on his stance on the economy."
Republican Gov. Sonny Perdue, a Democrat until he changed parties in 1998, told the crowd, "We've got some folks who used to be like I was, who know it's not as much the initial behind your name as what's in your heart. They know George Bush is a great leader, and I'm glad to welcome our Democratic legislators for Bush here, as well, tonight."
Rep. Carl Rogers, D-Gainesville, who has a son in the military, said, "I think he's done a good job. I've got to support him."
Others were Reps. Ken Birdsong of Gordon, Robert Ray of Fort Valley, Johnny Floyd of Cordele, Bobby Parham of Milledgeville, Jeanette Jamieson of Toccoa, Mickey Channell of Greensboro, Penny Houston of Nashville, Mike Snow of Chickamauga, Charles Jenkins of Blairsville and Chuck Sims of Douglas.
Rep. Larry Walker of Perry, the former House Democratic leader, also attended the event and said he respected the President but did not offer an endorsement.
For their $2,000 contribution, guests at the fund-raiser got a rousing campaign speech from the president, a free, open bar and finger foods. Those who had helped raise at least $20,000 got a personal photo with the president.
There was a brief stir at the back of the crowd late in the president's speech when an older man fainted. He was descended upon by a swarm of doctors in the crowd, including state Sens. Tom Price, R-Roswell, and Don Thomas, R-Dalton.
Price said the man likely had been standing too long but would be sent to a hospital for tests to make sure.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2004/1/165500