Congressional Republicans Raise $21.5 Million

Congressional Republicans raised more than $21.5 million for George W. Bush's final President's Dinner, according to a release from the GOP's campaign committees in both chambers.

House Republicans brought in $8 million, exceeding their stated goal by $1 million - although committees typically downplay these expectations - while Senate Republicans raised $13.5 million for the dinner. This is the biggest single fundraising event for congressional Republicans every year - but they might need to change the name next year, if they can't hold the White House.

Bush will appear at the Washington Convention Center tonight for the last dinner of his tenure in the Oval Office. However, the Republican running to replace him - Arizona Sen. John McCain - will not; his campaign says he has a previously scheduled engagement.