by Patrick J. Buchanan – November 13, 2002

Clinton Rossiter begins his classic study of “The American Presidency” by describing the five constitutional functions of the chief executive, such as commander in chief. He goes on to identify five “non-constitutional functions,” beginning with chief of party.

In this category, George W. Bush just set the gold standard.

In the election of 2002, Bush recruited candidates for both the Senate and House, raised more money – $144 million – than even the greatest buck-raker of them all, Bill Clinton, and invested more time than any president ever. He defined the issues. He put it all on the line. And it paid off. Not since Teddy Roosevelt in 1902 has a GOP president gained House seats in his first off-year election.