Even the Obamas need a place to stay
Published: Sat, Dec. 13, 2008 12:30AM
Modified Sat, Dec. 13, 2008 04:12AM
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closeCHICAGO -- Add one more entry to the list of people having trouble finding somewhere in Washington to stay in early January: the Obama family.
President Bush's aides have turned down a request from the president-elect to move from Chicago into Blair House, the official guest residence across from the White House, in time for Obama's daughters to start school in Washington on Jan. 5.
A transition official said that the Obamas were told that they can move into Blair House on Jan. 15, but no earlier, because it is booked, several news services reported.
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White House officials declined to disclose specifically who is using Blair House during that period, for what purpose or how the occupants could outrank the incoming president of the United States when it comes to government housing.
Regardless, the Obamas are now looking for an alternative place to stay for a few weeks, though they presumably are not searching Craigslist for a sublet.
White House officials said the protocol is that Blair House is available to incoming presidents starting Jan. 15, five days before the inauguration.
"It's not a question of outranking the Obamas," said Sally McDonough, spokeswoman for first lady Laura Bush.
"Blair House will be available to them on January 15."
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