Newton, Miller entertain rally Singer Wayne Newton entertains the crowd before the arrival of President Bush Wednesday at the Resch Center (photo by H. Marc Larson). The president's daughter, Secretary Thompson also on hand By Ray Barrington News-Chronicle With people filtering in by 3 p.m. and President Bush not speaking until 6, what's a rally-goer to do? Oh, settle back and get some free entertainment from a TV comedian and Las Vegas idol. Dennis Miller and Wayne Newton each spent about 20 minutes performing as the Resch Center slowly filled for the president's speech. Miller, who has made no secret of his political leanings, mostly aimed his barbs at Democratic figures. He did note that Sen. John Kerry had needed "rotator cuff surgery, probably from repetitive stress injury (raising and lowering his hand) to change his votes." And he joked about the penchant for back-slapping and hugs in the Democratic ticket. "Those two cannot keep their hands off each other," he said. "Maybe they should use the bumper sticker 'Hey, get a room.'" He said the "liberal left" in the country "picks more nits than a father-son spider monkey team who know they're being followed by a National Geographic film crew." "I'm tired of people who use 'I love this country' as the four words preceding 'but...'" Miller said. He was serious in his support for Bush, saying he had shown civility in recently welcoming President Clinton back to the White House for the unveiling of Clinton's official portrait. "This president is Kryptonite to those who favor moral relativism and political expediency," Miller said. "George Bush is as solid as a Jerry Kramer block on the goal line." Newton sang several songs, including his trademark "Danke Schoen" and "America the Beautiful." The band X-Rays and singers from Bayside Christian Fellowship also performed, and during slow periods, loud country music filled the hall. - Among others in the building was Bush's daughter, Barbara, who is making her first campaign trip with her father. She sat with Miller, Newton and Tommy Thompson behind the stage. - Three of the five candidates for U.S. Senate in the Republican primary were on hand to speak to potential voters. The three - Russ Darrow, Tim Michels and state Sen. Robert Welch - expressed strong support for Bush and touted their pro-life, anti-tax stands. "Wisconsin has a rare chance to get rid of the three most liberal senators," Welch said, referring to incumbent Russ Feingold along with Kerry and Edwards. One who did not appear, Robert Gerald Lorge, issued a statement saying he was disappointed he was not invited, and blaming party officials. - About the only notable area Republican not appearing at the event was Rep. Mark Green, stuck doing Congressional duties in Washington. His wife, Sue, spoke to the crowd. - How tight was security around the building? Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt - who was scheduled to speak at the event - and his family were turned away when they approached the building from the wrong side. All entering had to go in from Oneida Street, where the line of ticketholders stretched all the way past the Green Bay Packers' practice field by 3 p.m. Along the way, security dogs sniffed and people were repeated warned about what they couldn't bring in. Even reporters were checked and rechecked, with dogs sniffing tape recorders and security checking cell phones. Those trying to park along Holmgren Way and walk up Packer drive were stopped at barricades near the arena and told they'd have to walk around the block and enter from the other way. - The Resch Center, seeing its first major political event, was decked out mostly in green and gold. Large screens hung in two corners and most of the advertising signs were covered by homemade pro-Bush banners. The stage was flanked by signs saying "W stands for Wisconsin," with the W inside a Packers-style oval. And a large door, labeled "Wisconsin Wins with Bush-Cheney," opened with smoke effects to allow the president's bus to enter the building. - Former Packers star Brian Noble was also among the speakers, and couldn't help wondering what he was doing there. "The last time an ex-Packer got a microphone at a political event, we all know what happened," he joked, referring to a Reggie White speech seen by many as insulting and stereotypical to minorities.