SEATTLE -- President Obama called for Senate Republicans to stop "playing politics" and pass a jobs bill when they return to work in September that would cut taxes and waive fees for small businesses.

After meeting with three Western Washington business owners who have managed to expand despite the recession and problems obtaining credit, Obama, with Sen. Patty Murray in tow, made brief remarks at the Grand Central Bakery in Pioneer Square.

Obama said he wanted an up or down vote on the bill in September: "There will be plenty of time between now and November to play oplitics. When Congress regures, this jobs bill will be the first one out of the gate."

The president went from the bakery to the Westin Hotel, where his motorcade was greeted by a potpourri of protesters. Some called for him to change immigration policy, others called for an audit of the Federal Reserve, others still called for him to end wars in the Middle East. Some members of the Tea Party waved "Don't Tread on Me" while supporters of Lyndon Larouche held a large photo of Obama that sported an Adolph Hitler-like mustache.

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