POTOMAC - Rep. Constance A. Morella, who benefited handsomely from a June fund-raiser attended by President Bush, was aided in a similar fashion yesterday by first lady Laura Bush as she appeared at a campaign lunch in Montgomery County with the 8th District congresswoman and about 250 supporters.

It cost $500 to get in and $1,000 for a private reception with the first lady, Morella's campaign said.

The fund-raiser with the president netted about $400,000 for the Republican's re-election campaign against Democrat Christopher Van Hollen Jr. Yesterday's event, held at a Potomac home and off-limits to the press, was smaller.

Earlier in the day, the candidates appeared at a debate at a Wheaton senior center. While the 60-minute forum broke no new ground, it did feature Morella and Van Hollen mildly criticizing each other - despite instructions from the moderator to refrain from attacks.