KENNEBUNKPORT (AP) – Former President Bush knows how to keep a secret.
The Bush family’s seaside home was zipped up as former President Clinton slipped away Monday night after raising more than $200,000 for Democrats at events in South Portland to pay his second visit in a year to Walker’s Point.
Bush, who once served as CIA director, clamped down on information because the two former presidents wanted to keep this visit private, said Jean Becker, his chief of staff.
The two former presidents made an unannounced golf outing Tuesday at the Cape Arundel Golf Club, and they were seen golfing in a foursome that included New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and CBS sportscaster Jim Nantz.
Clinton’s visit coincided with The George Bush Cape Arundel Classic, which raises money to support Gary’s House. Gary’s House, which is affiliated with Mercy Hospital in Portland, provides a place for families to stay while loved ones are being treated.
At Patten’s Berry Farm, where Bush often stops for a fresh-squeezed orange juice, Brady created as much of a stir as the former presidents.
“Everybody wants to see Tom,” Dawn Berry said of the quarterback who led the New England Patriots to three Super Bowl victories.
Brady aside, the low-key outing was far different a year ago when the media made much of the so-called “odd couple” when Clinton went fishing and golfing with Bush.
Last June, Clinton was a guest of the Bushes after a book-signing event in South Portland. Clinton and Bush took a ride in Bush’s speedboat, Fidelity III, and they went out for dinner at a local restaurant. They also played golf.
The 1992 election rivals became friends when they led fundraising as part of the relief effort for victims of the Asian tsunami. They also came together to help raise money for the Gulf Coast victims of Hurricane Katrina.
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