HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AP) _ President Bush missed a fund raiser in Huntsville Thursday for Republican congressional candidates Jay Love and Wayne Parker Thursday, but he did speak to the event by telephone.

Vice President Dick Cheney came to Huntsville and appeared at the event at the home of Leslie and Moss Crosby in Huntsville. Bush canceled the trip so that he could meet with economic advisers in Washington concerning the Wall Street financial crisis.

Bush spoke briefly on a telephone conference call and promised to support 2nd District Republican candidate Love and the 5th District GOP candidate, Parker.

Speaking from Washington, Bush said Love, a state representative, and Parker are the right candidates to send to Washington.

“This city needs their smart, capable, conservative leadership. No doubt you two have got it,” Bush said.

Love said it was not immediately known how much was raised for the two candidates, but he believed the event raised more than the $500,000 goal.

Love said Bush called him earlier Thursday and told him he was sorry he was not going to be able to make it. Love said he told the president he felt it was more important for Bush to stay in Washington and work on the environment than to come to Alabama.

Cheney flew to Huntsville Thursday morning on Air Force 2 and stood in for Bush at the $1,000 a head fundraiser.