White House dabbles in state races

WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- A more assertive role in state politics by the White House could undercut President Barack Obama's appeal as being above the partisan fray, observers say.

Reports of recent involvement of Obama's team in New York, where officials have tried to nudge Gov. David A. Paterson out of the race, indicate the administration is willing to use its political muscle to help direct money and other resources in ways it thinks will help the president and preserve the Democrats' majority in Congress, The New York Times said Tuesday.

"The Democratic Party under Barack Obama did not come into office because of political calculation; it got there because of audacity," said Rep. Joe Sestak, D-Pa., who is running against Sen. Arlen Specter, D-Pa., in the primary despite White House efforts urging otherwise. "To be seen like you are selecting winners and losers in a party-boss way will breed some resentment, and in a longer term it won't bode well."

Sara Taylor, who was a political affairs director for former President George W. Bush, said the current administration's actions seem "undisciplined."

If it's not a state critical to your boss's election, and nor can you add a legislative vote, why would you be expending capital?" Taylor said.

Administration officials said they're choosy about their involvement in state races, stepping in in contests where Democrats were in danger or where they could help advance the president's legislative agenda.

"The goal is not to be more involved or less involved," White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel told the Times. "It is to produce a specific objective in specific situations."