“„[A] lifetime Republican who gave $2,000 to Bush in 2004, said he would not be contributing to McCain or the party’s presidential effort this year — largely because of the Iraq War.
“„“I always considered myself a Republican, primarily because of a belief in smaller government. And if you want a smaller government, you don’t want wars — especially wars that can be avoided,” said this long-time GOP donor, who asked not to be named because of his history with the party.
“„David Keene, chairman of the American Conservative Union, a grass-roots conservative lobbying organization, says McCain’s fund-raising struggles are less about his problems appealing to conservatives, whom he has made some strides with recently, and more about his lack of infrastructure.
“„“It’s really a symptom of the fact he doesn’t have the mechanism in place working the way it should to reach all those people,” who supported Bush in 2004, Keene said.
“„Indeed, there are signs the campaign’s outreach to former Bush donors has been less than aggressive. A number of individuals who raised bundled contributions for Bush in 2004 said they don’t feel a sense of urgency to give now, even though they intend to at some point.
“„"You know you’re going to get hit, so you kind of duck while you can,” said one former Bush supporter, who has yet to be contacted by the campaign.