No Apology But Obama Encourages Visits to Vegas

LAS VEGAS (AP) - President Barack Obama says Las Vegas is a good place for a quick visit, but is offering no apologies for remarks some say damaged the city's convention business.

Obama said at Nellis Air Force Base on Wednesday that there's nothing like a quick, midweek trip to Vegas. He singled out the city's sights and sounds. The comment drew cheers and applause, and Obama grinned.

In February, the president said companies getting government bailouts shouldn't buy corporate jets or go to Vegas or the Super Bowl on the taxpayer's dime. Obama at the time was trying to muster support for government stimulus projects.

Mayor Oscar Goodman and others have said Obama should apologize. Goodman was among those greeting Obama upon his arrival Tuesday.