GOP Groups Get Solicitation Rules

The White House, seeking more control over Republican fund-raising operations, on Wednesday told all GOP campaign committees that they must get approval to use President Bush’s name “or the symbols of the presidency” in their appeals.

The directive, in a letter signed by White House political director Jim Wray, was sent to the chairmen, executive directors and finance directors of the Republican National Committee and the committees that raise money for Republicans running for the Senate, House or gubernatorial offices.

Wray described a clearance procedure that includes advance White House screening of fund-raising letters and “all enclosures” and follow-up materials. He told the committees: “The President wants to continue to support your efforts to the maximum extent possible . . . . In order to ensure such support, all of us must work more closely together to guard against the unauthorized use of the President’s name or symbols of the presidency or the White House.”