Your National Coverage on the Barrett-Obama Meeting

From Politico...discuss.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett met with White House Political Director Patrick Gaspard Wednesday during President Barack Obama's trip to Wisconsin, amid reports that the White House has been urging Barrett to run for governor in 2010.

Barrett and Gaspard spoke before Obama's afternoon speech at a Madison middle school and the mayor's office confirmed the two talked briefly.

Earlier, Barrett greeted Obama as he landed in Wisconsin Wednesday afternoon. The mayor told the Associated Press that he and the president did not discuss a potential gubernatorial campaign.

The White House offered no additional information about Barrett's conversation with Gaspard.

During his address in Madison, which focused on education policy, Obama offered a prominent shout-out to Barrett, hailing him as "Milwaukee's outstanding mayor" and prompting Barrett to stand up and wave to the crowd.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel recently reported that the White House hoped Barrett, a former congressman, would enter the race to succeed outgoing Gov. Jim Doyle, a Democrat who also joined Obama in Madison.

Last week, Democratic Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton announced she would not seek her party's nomination in next year's race, leaving a clear primary field for Barrett if he chooses to run.

A Democratic Governors Association official said Wednesday the group has spoken with Barrett and "several other potential candidates" about the 2010 election.

"Mayor Barrett would make a strong candidate and he's been a great leader," said DGA Communications Director Emily DeRose. "We're confident that whoever is our nominee, we'll keep Wisconsin blue and elect a governor who will look out for working families and create good jobs."

Thank you DGA press flack.  You're currently 0 for 2 this cycle.

If you look at the accompanying picture in the story (see link), it clearly shows Obama's acting in the role of concerned friend with Barrett in what looks like a scene where the two are talking about Barrett's injuries from the attack at State Fair.  Considering more what wasn't said yesterday both at the event and the press, you have to start going with the assumption Barrett's staying put and not running.