WASHINGTON, D.C. — Saturday night was no time for politics in the nation's capital. Up and down Pennsylvania Avenue, the music was blaring and bubbly flowing, as people, including many North Carolinians, celebrated George W. Bush's first night as president.

Before going to any inaugural balls, President Bush went to the American Legion's Salute to Heroes banquet Saturday evening. He greeted American Legion Commander Ray Smith of Benson and Edgecombe County's Gen. Hugh Shelton, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

There was plenty of partying at an earlier event called North Carolina's Inaugural Celebration. State Rep. David Miner (D-Wake), who chaired Bush's N.C. campaign, organized the party.

"It has been a tough road for us, but it makes the victory even sweeter," he says.

N.C. State Chancellor Marye Anne Fox was also in the crowd. Fox is sailing on a sea of rumors that she is being considered for a top White House job.

"I'm flattered to be considered as a viable candidate to be the president's science advisor," she says. "It is humbling, indeed, but there is nothing to the rumor at present."