Obama Leaves Los Angeles After $1M Fundraising Visit

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — President Barack Obama left Los Angeles Tuesday morning, bound for Seattle, the next stop on a five-state trip, primarily for fundraising.

In his only public appearance during 17 1/2 hours in Southern California, Obama used a $1 million Hancock Park fundraiser Monday night to remind donors about his successes in the midst of criticism from both ends of the political spectrum.

"We have been able to deliver the most progressive legislative agenda -- one that helps working families -- not just in one generation, maybe two, maybe three," Obama said.

In addition to criticism from conservatives for the stimulus bill and health care legislation, Obama has drawn criticism recently from liberals for abandoning the public option in health care.

The fundraiser at the home of television producer John Wells raised $1 million for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the official campaign arm of Democrats in the House of Representatives, organizers said.

This was Obama's fourth trip to the Southland since taking office, the last three of which have been exclusively for political fundraising.

President Obama is giving a blast of attention to Sen. Patty Murray and her re-election bid on primary day, stepping into another competitive race as Democrats try to retain their grip on Congress.

He will meet with local business owners, with Murray at his side, and then headline two fundraisers for her.

Obama is appearing on the day of the Washington primary, in which the top two Senate vote-getters, regardless of party, advance to the general election.

Murray and her chief Republican challenger, Dino Rossi, are both favored to advance. Murray's re-election bid is one of the most closely watched in the nation.