Former state Rep. Art Pope is hosting a fundraiser next week to help Republicans regain control of the state House, bringing together the two warring factions in the GOP.

The special guests at the event include two of his political rivals -- former House Speaker Harold Brubaker of Asheboro and state Rep. Danny McComas of Wilmington.

Two Pope allies -- Reps. Leo Daughtry of Smithfield and Ed McMahan of Charlotte -- are also listed as special guests.

The event at the Cardinal Club in downtown Raleigh on Oct. 10 asks for contributions of $125 to $2,000.

Pope, a wealthy Raleigh businessman, has financed an independent campaign that criticizes the faction of the GOP that formed a power-sharing agreement with House Democrats. The feud has divided the state GOP in recent years.

Where Bush stands

If you were a Republican running for office this fall, would you want to campaign at the side of President Bush?

You might want to answer that one carefully.

Even though North Carolina twice voted for Bush, the state remains sharply divided about his performance.

A new Elon University poll found that 45 percent of state residents approve of the job Bush is doing, and 48 percent disapprove.

The war in Iraq is clearly dragging down the president.

Only 38 percent approve of the way Bush is handling the war, while 57 percent disapprove.

Bush is rated a little better on the economy, with 42 percent approving of his handling of the economy and 51 percent disapproving.

The survey of 649 residents was conducted Sept. 24 through 28. It had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.9 percent.

How does that compare with other recent statewide polls?

A survey conducted for WFMY-TV in Greensboro found Bush with an approval rating of 45 percent and a disapproval rating of 51 percent.

The automated poll of 600 adults was conducted by SurveyUSA on Sept. 18. It had a margin of error of plus or minus 4.1 percent.

A Civitas Institute Poll conducted Sept. 11 through 15 found Bush's approval rating at 50 percent, with 48 percent disapproving.

The poll of 800 people had a margin of error of 3.7 percent.

Briefly

Former Gov. Jim Holshouser has signed on as campaign chairman for Joe Boylan, the Moore County Republican who defeated former House Speaker Richard Morgan in the GOP primary. ... Female candidates will talk about the challenges facing women in politics at a forum today at Peace College. The event will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the Kenan Recital Hall and is free to the public. ... U.S. Sen. Richard Burr will help raise money for 2nd District GOP House candidate Dan Mansell in Fayetteville on Tuesday.

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