Bush: ‘God bless whoever wins tonight’

President Bush, joined by friends and family for an
Election Night dinner in the White House, toasted the candidates who would
succeed him, saying “May God bless whoever wins tonight.”

White House press secretary Dana Perino said Bush, first
lady Laura Bush, who is celebrating a birthday Tuesday, and members of the
senior staff will monitor the results from the residence.

{mosads}”The president believes tonight is a night to
appreciate the strength of our country and our democracy, as citizens from all
over the country exercised their right to vote today, after a historic
campaign,” Perino said in an e-mail.

Perino reiterated that Bush remains committed to a
“smooth” transition regardless of whether Republican John McCain or
Democrat Barack Obama wins Tuesday night.

“The president is committed to a transition that is
as smooth as possible, a process that has been under way for many months, and
as soon as we have a president-elect we’ll be able to do even more on that
front,” Perino said.

The dinner was a birthday celebration for the first lady
that included some of her favorite dishes “and a coconut birthday
cake.” The president gave his wife earrings as a gift.