Bush friends, donors enjoy good night's sleep

Bush officials say their overnight guest list consists of Bush family and close friends.

CRAWFORD, Texas (CNN) -- Dozens of friends, relatives and backers of President Bush have slept overnight at the White House, a practice widely criticized by Republicans when Bill Clinton occupied the Oval Office.

But administration officials told CNN there is a difference: the Bushes' guests were all close friends or family members, and not just major donors and members of the Hollywood elite.

Republicans slammed Clinton and the Democrats when it was learned that some top donors and fund-raisers, including stars like Tom Hanks and Barbara Streisand, stayed overnight at the White House, particularly in the Lincoln Bedroom.

EXTRA INFORMATION List of overnight guests at the White House

Several of the Republican guests also were top-level donors, fund-raisers and entertainers. Administration officials didn't know if any of the guests slept in the Lincoln Bedroom.

The Bush guest list has included country singer Larry Gatlin, pro golfer Ben Crenshaw, Michigan Gov. John Engler and songwriter Kinky Friedman.

The White House has been closed to public tours since the September 11 terror attacks -- except for school, youth, military and veterans group tours arranged by a member of Congress.

The president is vacationing at his Texas ranch.