Romney defends his comments about corporations

Romney made the appearance in Manchester on the eve of the Ames Straw Poll, a contest he took part in four years ago but opted out of this year.

Asked why he had chosen to be in Manchester and not Ames, Romney said, “I respect deeply the Ames Straw Poll process. Were I participating this year in that process, I’d be there.’’

— Sarah Schweitzer

Unions plan to boycott Democrats’ convention WASHINGTON - More than a dozen trade unions are planning to sit out the 2012 Democratic convention because they are angry it will be held in a right-to-work state.

The unions said they are disappointed that labor wasn’t consulted before Democrats settled on North Carolina, a state that is considered one of the least union-friendly. They are also frustrated that job creation has not been a higher priority for Democratic lawmakers. The unions include the laborers, painters, and electrical workers.

The move would deprive the party of millions of dollars spent on sky boxes and other sponsorships that usually help underwrite the convention.

— Associated Press

Obama holds meeting with business leaders WASHINGTON - President Obama met with business leaders yesterday at the White House to discuss the economy.

Among the eight chief executives meeting with the president were Ursula Burns, head of Xerox, and American Express chairman Kenneth Chenault. The White House said the meeting focused on efforts to spur job creation.

The meeting came amid concerns about the economy’s stability after gyrations in the financial markets and Standard & Poor’s US credit rating downgrade.

— Associated Press