When the Republican “base” won’t open their pockets for the party, there a dark days ahead fo any Republican running for office. 

GOP gala takes in smallest amount in years

President Bush helped raise $10.5 million for the national Republican Party at its annual gala on Thursday night, the smallest take in years for the event that came only months after the GOP lost control of both houses of Congress.

The Republican National Committee’s spring fundraising gala hosted by the president raised $17 million last year, $15 million in 2005 and $14 million in 2003. When Bush was seeking re-election to the White House in 2004, the dinner brought in a record $38.5 million.

Bush defended his policies on the Iraq war, to a friendly reception, but didn’t directly criticize Democrats, despite tussles with them over a war spending bill.