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(AP) -- WASHINGTON - President Bush dropped by GOP headquarters on Tuesday to implore workers to do their utmost for Republican presidential nominee John McCain. But his political pep talk happened privately and out of the view of cameras and other media. With the presidential campaign in its final week before Election Day and the GOP nominee in an apparently uphill race to win, the president spent just over 20 minutes at the Republican National Committee's office on Capitol Hill. Aides said he shook hands and spoke briefly to some 200 workers, including members of the GOP's House and Senate campaign committees. "He encouraged them to work hard for John McCain and keep turning out the vote until the final ballot is cast next week," said White House deputy press secretary Scott Stanzel. "He also took the opportunity to thank the staff for their efforts during this election cycle and for their support of him over the last eight years."

Presidential spokeswoman Dana Perino told reporters Bush felt it was important to encourage Republican Party operatives during the campaign's home stretch because it is usually "the most important week in a campaign." McCain has said he knows he is running behind Democratic nominee Barack Obama, but pledges an upset victory. Polls are suggesting sizeable Democratic gains in Congress. Throughout the campaign, the Republican has sought to distance himself from the unpopular sitting president. McCain and Bush have appeared together only once, fleetingly, on an airport tarmac since the president formally endorsed McCain at the White House in March. Did Bush make any forecasts of the outcome? "He's not a predictor," Stanzel said. Shortly before Bush returned to the White House, a man jumped the complex's perimeter fencing, causing Bush to remain in his limousine while Secret Service agents took up positions around the car. One brandished an automatic rifle. The intruder, identified as Kevin Peterson, 23, of Baltimore, was not armed and was quickly apprehended by uniformed officers, said Service spokesman Darrin Blackford. Peterson was being questioned about his intent and meanwhile will be charged with unlawful entry, a misdemeanor. The incident took place near the White House southeast gate, where Bush's motorcade entered to return to the complex. Bush remained in his car for about three minutes and then strode to the Oval Office, accompanied by aides.

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