PRESQUE ISLE – The race for president is so close that Republican nominee Gov. George W. Bush asked his Massachusetts colleague to stump for him in Aroostook County.

Massachusetts Gov. Paul Cellucci spoke Thursday during a GOP rally in Presque Isle of about 50 to 60 of the party faithful, including Sen. Susan Collins who accompanied the governor.

“Let’s make The County Bush country,” said Cellucci, the only representative from any presidential campaign to come to Aroostook County during this election year.

The Massachusetts Republican said that Bush asked him to come to Aroostook County to campaign to the region’s 75,000 residents.

“Your vote may not only determine who wins the electoral votes in Maine, but who wins the presidency,” said Cellucci, referring to the state’s four electoral votes.

Cellucci has campaigned for the Texas governor from coast to coast. While Cellucci claimed that the election appears to be moving toward Bush, it’s very close, he said.

Cellucci said he’s known Bush since 1979. At that time, Cellucci worked on former President Bush’s presidential campaign.

“He’s [George W. Bush] inclusive. He doesn’t care who gets the credt,” said Cellucci. “He’s focused on getting results.”

The governor reiterated Bush’s stands on education, tax cuts and Social Security.

“The governor would change the tone in Washington, D.C.,” said Cellucci, as the audience applauded.

Cellucci chided the Clinton-Gore administration for its energy policy that he said resulted in the Northeast nearly running out of oil last winter, leaving the region “so vulnerable.”

Cellucci plans to return to Maine on Saturday to campaign for Bush in Lewiston, Portland and Sanford.

Collins, who is not currently running for re-election, introduced Cellucci and joked about how President Clinton handled the federal budget impasse that caused the congressional recess.

“I understand the president has had a busy week,” said Collins.

In preparing for the 200th anniversary of the White House, the president oversaw the painting of the mansion’s exterior and the installation of a new revolving door in Lincoln’s bedroom, quipped Maine’s junior senator.