His communications director, Robert Gibbs, says Demers is a state lobbyist who does not do business involving any federal legislation or federal regulation, and that the campaign has drawn a distinction between lobbyists who are registered to work at the state level and those who lobby the federal government.

NPR: Democrats Raise Rhetoric for New Hampshire

"Improvements in our civil discourse and how we debate issues will certainly play a role in this year's State of the Union, " Gibbs said.

CNN: Daley gets down to business

The announcement from Washington did not make headline news on Cuban state television, but the statement by the presidential spokesman Robert Gibbs was shown and reported, including details of the telecommunications plans.

BBC: Cuba faces tough US choice