President Bush's quick trip to the Pittsburgh region last Thursday pushed his continued support of the Iraq war and and raised thousands of dollars for the state's Republican Party.

Bush landed at 4:40 p.m. at the 911th Airlift Wing in Moon Township. After presenting a volunteer service award to a Westmoreland County woman and waving to cameras, he was whisked away to the home of Claude and Laura Kronk of Sewickley Heights, where some 350 attendees had been waiting, said Jim Roddey, Allegheny County Republican chairman.

"The host couple has a lovely home," Roddey said. "And to fit 350 people in the entry of their home was incredible."

Roddey estimated the private fundraiser netted nearly $750,000 with some 75 guests paying $10,000 for a photo with the president. Guests paid $1,000 to be at the invitation-only event.

At the private reception, Bush talked politics before taking questions from the crowd.

"He gave a fairly typical speech," Roddey said.

"He spoke of the war saying he'd rather fight in the Middle East instead of the United States."

Bush also spoke of the economy and the subprime lending industry, Roddey said.

Following his time in office, Bush told attendees he plans to write a book and keep a distance from the media.

"He plans to stay out of the limelight after his term ends," Roddey said.

"He wants to go back to Texas and write a book about his time in office."

Roddey enjoyed his visit with the president and elected officials from the state, including Sen. Arlen Specter.

After paying bills from the fundraiser -- which include security and Air Force One rental -- Roddey said the state GOP will use the money for upcoming campaigns throughout Pennsylvania.

"A lot of effort will go into the presidential campaign this fall," Roddey said.

With Arizona Sen. John McCain as the presumptive nominee for the Republicans, Roddey expects the election to be a hard-fought battle.

Locally, the fundraiser will help support Melissa Hart's campaign to gain her congressional seat back from Con-gressman Jason Altmire. Money collected also is expected to help in other campaigns around the state.

But Roddey expects much of the fight to focus on the presidential race.

No matter who the Democratic nominee is, Roddey expects the Republicans to be ready.

"There's a lot of speculation as to who the Democrats will nominate," he said.

"Hillary Clinton is a better candidate based on her experience and time in government. (Barack) Obama has a tremendous lack of experience.

"But no matter who they nominate, I know who I'll be supporting."