Bush predicts GOP will keep White House

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- The Republican party will keep the White House in the 2008 U.S. presidential election and win some congressional seats, President George Bush said Thursday.

"I believe ours is the party that understands the nature of the world in which we live and that the government's primary responsibility is to protect the American citizens from harm," Bush said during a news conference.

He said he would refrain from being the "opiner-in-chief" during the run-up to the elections, adding, "I've got an exciting 13 months ahead."

He said he would exercise patience until the primaries are over then "will help my party unify because I believe we will keep the White House."

Bush said he does travel for GOP party fundraisers, "trying to make sure once the primaries are over ... that we're united and ready to go. "