Gov.-elect Wolf in the Oval Office

Pennsylvania Gov.-elect Tom Wolf, along with six other newly elected state chief executives, met Friday with President Obama about jobs and the economy after a day of talks with cabinet members and other administration officials.

Wolf was joined by governors-elect from Alaska, Illinois, Texas, Maryland and Massachusetts- all Republicans - as well as fellow Democrat Gina Raimondo of Rhode Island.

As the incoming governors settled in around the Oval Office shortly before 5 p.m., Obama said they "represent a variety of states," but have "a common interest" in promoting economic opportunity for their people, according to print pool reporter David M. Jackson of USA Today.

"That happens best when we work together," Obama said. "My main message to them is, 'We're here to help.'" Reporters were then ushered out.

Wolf's schedule was too tight to permit an interview, his staff said, but he later released the following statement:

"Today's meetings with President Obama, Vice President Biden, various cabinet officials, and other incoming governors-elect were productive, and I used the opportunity to discuss ways to move Pennsylvania's economy forward.

"I believe that Pennsylvania's best days are ahead of us – where a growing economy will offer opportunities and help strengthen the middle class. Establishing strong partnerships at the federal level is imperative to laying this foundation.

"Pennsylvania has an abundance of natural resources, vibrant industries, world-class universities and colleges, and we are in an ideal geographic location to be the transportation hub between the East Coast, Midwest and global markets. We need to make investments in our future, and today at the White House I spoke about the importance of pragmatism in achieving robust economic growth, greater investment in education, and a stronger Pennsylvania."