Asked if the president planned to stay up to find out who wins the opening contests of the 2008 US election season, White House press secretary Dana Perino said on Thursday: 'What time do all the results start coming in? Because he goes to bed early.' Republican caucus results could be in by mid-evening.

Democratic results might be later.

'Look, obviously it's a very exciting time for America as they look to all the choices that they have for who is running for president,' Ms Perino said. 'And the president is watching it as he has been over the past little while, as an observer, as somebody who is obviously very interested in politics. But he's not spending a lot of time on that.'

Who is the president rooting for? 'Nice try. No comment,' Ms Perino said.

Mr Bush, who leaves office in January 2009, is barred by the US Constitution from seeking a third term. He won the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections. -- AP