Military

DATE=5/16/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH RE-ELECTION (S)

NUMBER=2-303305

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush Friday filed papers formally launching his bid for re-election in 2004. V-O-A's Scott Stearns has the story.

TEXT: The filings with the Federal Election Commission allow the president's campaign team to start hiring staff and raising money for next year's race.

President Bush has already selected several top officials for his run at a second term, including a campaign manager and finance chairman.

White House spokesman Ari Fleischer says Friday's filing is the legal paperwork needed to start fund raising for the re-election campaign. As for the president announcing his candidacy, Mr. Fleischer says that event is "significantly down the road."

/// FLEISCHER ACT ///

The raising of money is a part and parcel of American democratic elections, and this president will raise money to take his case to the people. That's where we are now. Follow-on events, additional staffing, this is down the road.

/// END ACT ///

Public opinion polls show at least two-thirds of Americans approve of the way the president is doing his job.

The White House hopes to keep Americans focused on his role as Commander in Chief in the fight against terrorism. Nine Democratic challengers hope to defeat Mr. Bush by focusing on a struggling economy. (SIGNED)

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