WASHINGTON -- The White House says that Republican wins in two governors' races were not referendums on the president.
White House press secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters Wednesday that voters went to the polls in Virginia and New Jersey to work through "very local issues that didn't involve the president." The presidential spokesman said voters were concerned about the economy. He said "I don't think the president needed an election or an exit poll to come to that conclusion."
By contrast, Gibbs acknowledged that the 2010 midterm congressional elections will be more about the Obama agenda.
Republicans turned aside Democratic candidates in both states, raising questions about the limits of the president's influence on his party's base of support and on the moderate lawmakers he needs to advance his legislative priorities.
Gibbs noted that Democrats did win two special elections for congressional seats, in California and New York.
Gibbs said Obama telephoned both Democratic losers, incumbent Gov. Jon Corzine in New Jersey and candidate Creigh Deeds in Virginia, Tuesday night. But Gibbs said Obama has not yet called the two GOP gubernatorial winners because he wanted to let them celebrate with family and supporters.
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