Bush lauds Mexico, Mexican Americans as candidates vie for Hispanic votes

President George W. Bush wished a gathering of dinner guests a "Feliz Cinco de Maya" in his final White House celebration of the Mexican holiday _ slightly erring in his Spanish, but serving up a reminder of how he snared Hispanic votes in the last presidential election.

While the heated immigration debate has caused some strain between the United States and Mexico, Bush was more conciliatory Monday. He said Cinco de Mayo is a chance to prove the two countries are "connected by more than geography." He referred correctly to the day, Cinco de Mayo, in other parts of his brief speech.

"We share an interest in making sure our people are prosperous and safe," Bush said of Mexico. "In America, we deeply value the culture and contributions of Mexican Americans. The United States is a richer place, a more vibrant place because people who claim Mexican heritage are now called United States citizens. ... We consider ourselves fortunate that Mexico is a friend and a neighbor."

Brightly colored "papel picado" _ intricately cut tissue paper _ fluttered furiously in the spring breeze as the guests sat in the Rose Garden. The tables were covered with red tablecloths and decorated with centerpieces of tiny green flowers shaped into cacti.

The horns and guitars of Mariachi Campanas de America, a San Antonio-based band, resonated in the colonnade of the White House as the band's gold-trimmed black costumes and sombreros served as a backdrop for Bush's speech. The band later backed Spanish singer Shaila Durcal, who sang three songs for the crowd, including the Mexican classic "Volver, Volver."

Bush has held Cinco de Mayo celebrations since arriving at the White House in 2001, in part as a symbol of the priority he gave the U.S. relationship with Mexico and his effort to curry favor with the Hispanic community.

But as he departs, the Republican Party is anxious about losing Hispanic votes in the November elections. Some Hispanics feel anti-immigrant sentiment has become anti-Hispanic as well.

In Phoenix on Monday, Republican John McCain acknowledged the focus on illegal immigration during the Republican primary campaign had hurt his party's image among Hispanics.

Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama said Cinco de Mayo was a reminder that "the American dream is still out of reach for too many Latinos." Rival Hillary Clinton criticized Bush's policies of "neglect and broken promises" toward Mexico and said the holiday was a chance to recognize mutual goals shared with Mexican Americans.

About 200 people attended the White House dinner. Among them were Mexican American Antonio Garza, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico; Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, a Cuban American; and Columba Bush, a Mexican American who is the wife of Bush's brother Jeb, the former Florida governor.