Denise Ilitch visits White House

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - University of Michigan Regent Denise Ilitch has met with White House officials to explore a possible Democratic bid for Michigan governor.

A White House official says that Ilitch, whose father owns the Detroit Red Wings and Tigers, met with staff there Tuesday, with President Barack Obama "stopping by the meeting."

The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because of not being authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

Denise Ilitch is a lawyer who owns Denise Ilitch Designs and Ambassador magazine. That combination of business and political experience could make her a good choice to replace Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

Several Democrats are looking closely at the race now that presumptive Democratic front-runner Lt. Gov. John Cherry has withdrawn.