TRAVERSE CITY (AP) -- A former adviser to President Barack Obama says the president would continue supporting a wide-ranging Great Lakes restoration program if re-elected. But Carol Browner says it's too soon to know how much money would be available during a second Obama term.
Browner previously advised Obama on energy and climate issues and is former chief of the Environmental Protection Agency. She spoke on his behalf Thursday at a candidates' forum during the annual Great Lakes Restoration Conference in Cleveland.
Republican challenger Mitt Romney's campaign did not send a representative to the event, although organizers announced earlier this week that both sides would take part.
Congress has approved Obama's requests for more than $1 billion in Great Lakes programs. Browner says that's a strong record and reflects a commitment to further action.
(Copyright ©2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
