US President George W. Bush hasbegun a week-long stay at his Crawford ranch in Texas, to prepare his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention scheduled in New York City on Aug. 30-Sept. 2.

White House spokesman Scott McClellan said at the ranch on Thursday that the president would work on the speech during his stay there. "One of the things he'll stay in touch with staff about over the next few days is the convention speech," he said.

Meanwhile, Bush's wife, first lady Laura Bush, would be workingon her speech she is going to deliver at the four-day convention.

Bush, who is seeking reelection, is to be nominated as the Republican presidential candidate at the convention.

Senator John Kerry, Bush's Democratic challenger, accepted his party's presidential nomination in late July.

Source: Xinhua