WASHINGTON (AP) -- The White House says President Barack Obama was unaware one of his top advisers suggested job opportunities to a potential Colorado Senate candidate in hopes of persuading him not to run.
Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said Thursday that Obama did not know ahead of time that White House deputy chief of staff Jim Messina would speak to former Colorado House Speaker Andrew Romanoff about international development jobs. Romanoff is challenging Sen. Michael Bennet.
Romanoff and the White House both have said there was no job offer.
The White House in the last week has acknowledged job discussions with Democrats who were challenging Obama's favored candidates in Pennsylvania and Colorado. Neither candidate exited the race.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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Norton to Bennet: What did you know about job offers?
GOP's Steele: Romanoff discussion crossed the line
Gibbs denies offering job to Colo. candidate
Romanoff says job prospects didn't influence him
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