Bush backers expect rebound after losses

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Bush backers dismissed the losses to Sen. John McCain in his home state of Arizona and in Michigan as aberrations and "minor turbulence."

Karl Rove, Mr. Bush's chief strategist, and campaign spokesmen said there are no plans to change strategies or consulting staffs for the upcoming round of primaries, including the dozen GOP contests on March 7.

Spokesman Scott McClellan described the mood at the Austin campaign headquarters as confident and combative.

"We're going to continue to fight hard, and we're confident with the upcoming primaries," he said.

In contrast, some of Mr. Bush's prominent Republican backers criticized his strategy. Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating, one of his closest allies, questioned why Mr. Bush spent $1 million to air TV ads in Arizona. Mr. McCain aired no ads in his home state but won it easily.

"You want to play in every state and show that you're a national candidate, but obviously a sitting senator's home state is not a place you want to invest many resources," Mr. Keating told reporters.

Mr. Bush struggled to defend the Arizona spending, telling reporters, "I never expected to win Arizona. It was just part of our overall strategy."

In Michigan, Mr. Rove said, Mr. McCain benefited from a "unique strong turnout" by Democrats out to frustrate Mr. Bush or embarrass the state's governor, John Engler, a strong Bush backer.

"We won the Republican primary, and McCain won the Democratic primary," Mr. Rove said, referring to Democrats who voted in the GOP primary.

Mr. McClellan said Mr. Bush would continue to tout himself as a "compassionate conservative" and a "reformer with results." Mr. Rove said the campaign would continue to play up differences in the tax-cut plans of the governor and Mr. McCain.

"This recent turbulence has allowed people to see that he is tough, that he is a competitor, that he is firing on all cylinders," said Texas Railroad Commissioner Tony Garza, a confidant of Mr. Bush who has campaigned across the country on the governor's behalf. He said he had not picked up on any nervousness from any of Mr. Bush's supporters.

Former President George Bush said he was disappointed with his son's Arizona and Michigan losses.

But, he said, "George is a fighter. He can overcome it.

In Austin

Saying there was no reason to panic, George W. Bush's campaign team said its tactics won't change in the wake of Tuesday's primary losses in Michigan and Arizona.

Some of Mr. Bush's prominent Republican allies criticized the governor's campaign strategy - including his decision to speak at Bob Jones University, the South Carolina school known for its anti-Catholic views.

"This recent turbulence has allowed people to see that he is tough, that he is a competitor, that he is firing on all cylinders."

- Tony Garza, Texas Railroad Commissioner