Gibbs close-lipped on Sestak job offer

WASHINGTON, May 20 (UPI) -- A string of losses by candidates backed by Barack Obama had the president's press secretary clamming up when pressed by reporters in Washington Thursday.

Asked at his daily media briefing whether losses this year by Sen. Arlen Specter, who sought re-election in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley, who lost to Scott Brown in the race for the late Sen. Edward Kennedy's seat, Virginia state Sen. Creigh Deeds, who lost a race for governor, and Jon Corzine, who lost his bid for re-election as governor of New Jersey, are a concern for Obama, his administration or political operation, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs had just one word: "No."

Gibbs was almost as tight-lipped when pressed about U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak, D-Pa., contention he had been offered an administration post if he wouldn't run against Specter, whom he defeated in a primary Tuesday.

Asked 10 questions regarding what was placed on the table for Sestak not to run or whether he would seek out more information about the matter, Gibbs deferred 10 times with variations of "I gave that answer in March, and I don't have anything to add to that."

In March, Gibbs said whatever conversations occurred were not problematic going forward.

Gibbs said he wasn't sticking to that line on advice White House counsel.