President Bush talked openly for the first time about the November election, challenging conservative leaders to stay united behind their candidate.

Bush spoke at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington, Wednesday, one day after Sen. John McCain addressed the group to mixed reactions.

Some conservatives are unhappy with the current GOP front-runner's stance on traditional party ideals, and his history of reaching across the aisle to Democrats.

But Bush steered away from mentioning McCain or any other candidate, and instead urged Republicans to get behind whoever ends up being the nominee.

"Listen, the stakes in November are high. This is an important election. Prosperity and peace are in the balance," Bush said. "So with confidence in our vision and faith in our values, let us go forward, fight for victory and keep the White House in 2008."

Sen. McCain spoke at the same conference yesterday just hours after Mitt Romney told the crowd he was dropping out of the race.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee is scheduled to be there tomorrow.