President Bush visits Middlesex County JEFF GRANIT staff President George W. Bush spoke at a fundraiser for the New Jersey Republican State Committee on Wednesday, May 30, at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center in Edison. The president helped raise about $675,000 for Republican candidates for this year's state Assembly and Senate races. President George W. Bush came to Edison to speak at a fundraiser for the New Jersey Republican State Committee on May 30. The president supported the state committee, helping them raise $675,000 for the GOP coffers. He said it was important for Republicans to take back both houses of state government and emphasized "laying the groundwork" for the 2008 Presidential campaign in which he said it was important that a Republican succeed him in the White House. Bush hit on the Republican themes of tax cuts and a strong national defense, affirming the war in Iraq and the temporary tax cuts he wishes to see made permanent. He also announced the allocation of $30 billion for HIV/AIDS treatment in Africa, where the disease has been especially brutal. "The soul of America is enriched when we help those who need help," the president told the crowd of 700 supporters at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center.