INDHAM, N.H. - Texas Governor George W. Bush hopscotched from the issues of taxes to East Timor yesterday, throwing in a barb at Vice President Al Gore on education, as the Republican candidate for president addressed more than 500 business people at the Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce.
Meanwhile, New Hampshire Democrats accused Bush of using public school children as props in his presidential campaign after a visit Tuesday to the Peter Woodbury Elementary School in Bedford. Fifth-graders there asked the governor questions that had been screened by their teachers so as not to make their guest uncomfortable. They also sang a song praising Bush's for leadership in Texas.
''For George W. Bush to stand in a public school and tout his anti-education plan is dishonest and hypocritical, since his plan would rob kids in public schools to pay for private school vouchers,'' said Kathy Sullivan, chairwoman of the New Hampshire Democratic Party.
Bush canceled a visit yesterday to the Ella Risk Elementary School in Central Falls, R.I. His campaign said it was stormy weather, not criticism, that upset the schedule.
''This is about a weather delay and it's really unfortunate that some have chosen to use children as political pawns,'' said Scott McClellan, a spokesman for Bush. ''Education has been Governor Bush's top priority and he has visited children in schools all across America.''
While Democrats were criticizing Bush for his mock press conference with fifth graders, Bush had a zinger for Gore. He told those present at the Chamber of Commerce breakfast that he thought it was interesting that when it comes to education, the vice president talks about ''bricks and mortar'' while he talks about people.
''He came to Texas to talk about buildings the day before I gave a speech about children,'' Bush said.
Gore's speech last week focused on the need to repair crumbling schools in order to provide a proper learning environment.
''The vice president made clear that Texas has one of the worst records in the country with regard to the state of their schools,'' said Chris Lehane, Gore's spokesman, noting that three-fourths of all Texas schools need repair and modernization. ''You cannot simultaneously support education and support the Republican tax cuts, which would gut funding for our kids' education ... sounds like the Texas two-step.''
Also at the Chamber of Commerce breakfast, Bush said he opposes sending American troops to quell the unrest in East Timor, favors lowering tax rates to stimulate the economy, and doesn't believe gun manufacturers should be held liable for the actions of people who use their guns.
But Bush left one Republican cold when he brushed aside his question. Philip Pearson, the father of a mentally retarded 25-year-old, asked Bush what he would do to help people like his son, William, find employment and integrate into society.
Bush answered: ''Will I use the bully pulpit of the presidency to encourage people to be compassionate to their neighbors in need? Yes.''
When Pearson said that wasn't a good enough answer, Bush shrugged and said, ''Sorry.''
Pearson said he would like Bush to sit down with the leaders of corporations and urge them to provide more jobs to the mentally retarded.
Bush also said yesterday, in response to a published report, that no one in his family asked Sidney Adger, the late Houston oilman, to help him get into the Texas Air National Guard. Former Texas House speaker Ben Barnes, a Democrat, had told friends that Adger asked him to help Bush get a spot in the guard, according to the Dallas Morning News.
