ALBUQUERQUE — Opponents on both sides of the political fence Tuesday criticized Republican congressional candidate Darren White after President Bush helped raise $317,000 for campaign funds.

New Mexico Democrats organized a small protest in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, where Bush attended a private fundraiser.

Martin Heinrich, one of four Democrats seeking the 1st Congressional District nomination in next week's primary, attended the protest and noted White was Bush's Bernalillo County campaign chairman four years ago.

"They go way back," Heinrich said. "It's disappointing to see Darren White continue to embrace the president at a time when the administration's failed policies are hurting New Mexico families."

Later, White's campaign issued a news release saying the event drew about 200 guests and raised $317,000, "which will be split between the White campaign and the state GOP."

In the news release, White expressed appreciation to Bush for attending and said "liberal special interests are expected to invest heavily" to support the Democratic nominee in the general election.

"The Democrats are poised to nominate a candidate well outside the mainstream of this district," White said. "I fully expect the radical left-wing special interest groups to spend millions trying to elect one of their own to Congress."

State Sen. Joe Carraro, the only opponent facing White on the GOP primary ballot, issued a statement blasting the Republican National Committee and White's campaign for bringing in Bush "to tell us who to vote for in this primary race."

Bush arrived at Kirtland Air Force aboard Air Force One at noon, then boarded a motorcade and headed to the fundraiser. He returned to the base and departed for Arizona shortly after 2 p.m.

According to invitations to the event, tickets cost $1,000, and attendees could pay $5,000 to have photos taken with the president.

Also Tuesday, Michelle Obama traveled to New Mexico for two fundraisers — in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Her appearances came a day after her husband, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, campaigned in Las Cruces.

The Santa Fe event raised at least $100,000, according to former Attorney General Paul Bardacke, who helped organize it. One hundred people contributed a minimum of $1,000 each to attend the fundraiser, which was at private residence near the Santa Fe Opera north of the city.

Like the Bush visit, the Obama fundraisers were closed to the public and the news media.

Bardacke, part of the national finance committee for Barack Obama's campaign, said the Santa Fe event sold out in less than a week and was moved to a different location because of the large number of people and need for more parking.

Originally, Bardacke was to host the fundraiser at his Santa Fe home.

At a Los Ranchos park near the private home where Bush appeared, about four dozen Democratic protesters turned out. Many held up signs, including one that said: "Bush and White: two peas in a pod."

White said he won't be beholden to White House or GOP interests: "My campaign is about shaking up Washington with strong, independent leadership, and I look forward to earning the support of the voters."

But State Democratic chairman Brian Colón said White is trying to portray himself as an independent-minded candidate who has criticized the Bush administration on some of its policies. "You know, Darren has been critical of the administration, but he got a lot less critical when he had the opportunity to get some money from Bush's supporters," Colón told the crowd. "That's not acceptable."

White is seeking the seat currently held by Rep. Heather Wilson, R-N.M., who is running for U.S. Senate.

"I feel very, very strongly that this is an election where we have to have a Democratic president and a Democratic Congress," said a protester Paula Schwartz. "We need to get something done in Washington. It's vital."

Associated Press writer Barry Massey contributed to this report.