Schmoozing Advice for the President

WASHINGTON (AP) - A senior adviser to the president is getting advice on Chicago’s 2016 Olympics bid from a high-profile source.

An administration official says Valerie Jarrett met with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair in New York Tuesday. Blair helped secure the 2012 Olympics for London when he met with International Olympics Committee members in 2005.

Jarrett will join first lady Michelle Obama in Denmark next week to lobby the IOC on Chicago’s behalf. The official says Blair gave Jarrett tips for navigating the IOC voting process.

The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a private meeting.

President Barack Obama says the health care debate is keeping him from committing to attend the meeting. An advance team traveled to Denmark to make preparations in case he does travel.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)