The GOP is trying to knock off U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy (D-CT), a first-termer who defeated longtime Republican incumbent Nancy Johnson for the CT-5 seat in 2006. So they're sneaking President Bush into town later this month for a fund-raiser at Henry Kissinger's house to help the GOP candidate, state Sen. David Cappiello.

But let's just say the President doesn't hold the same cachet that he used to:

Area Republicans and local town officials who have been invited to, or informed of, the president's visit to a small rural town known for its art galleries, chocolate and scenic beauty were told not to publicize or discuss the event.

However, an invitiation released to The Litchfield County Times by a member of the GOP confirms the president's visit and provides details of a fund-raiser meant to inflate the war chest of the candidate hoping to unseat U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy (D-Cheshire) after only one term.

Attempts to reach Mr. Cappiello Thursday for comment on the fund-raiser were unsuccessful. A Danbury resident, Mr. Cappiello represents the 24th District in the General Assembly.

Reached by phone, one person working to raise money for Mr. Cappiello's campaign gave a phone number for the press office at the White House in response to questions. A spokesman there said he could not confirm the president's trip to Kent.

[Special thanks to TPM Reader CM for the tip.]