UTICA – The Crystal Ballroom at the Hotel Utica was alive with excitement Tuesday, in anticipation of the arrival of the first lady, Mrs. Laura Bush. The visit was part of a fundraising event for State Senator Ray Meier’s (R-Western) congressional campaign. More than 300 people purchased tickets to the event for $150 a piece. Approximately 30 people paid an additional $1,000 to have their picture taken with the first lady.

The event kicked off with a prayer, and then Meier’s wife Kim took the stage. She thanked everyone who had contributed to the campaign, and recognized many people who were in attendance, before introducing her husband.

Meier spoke briefly, asking the first lady to deliver a message to her husband.

“Let him know we send him our prayers and best wishes as he continues his service to this great country,” Meier said. He then changed topics and began discussing his competitors. “They are so negative, they must depress themselves,” Meier said. He criticized the negative campaigning of his opponents, claiming that he takes a different approach. “We continue to appeal to the best in people,” he said.