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Oakland, San Francisco Mayors Hob Nob With Presidents

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – The mayors of Oakland and San Francisco were on an exclusive guest list, as they attended the White House state dinner Wednesday.

San Francisco mayor Ed Lee and Oakland Mayor Jean Quan were two of only four mayors at the state dinner, hosted by President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama in honor of visiting Chinese president Hu Jintao.

KCBS' Margie Shafer Reports:

"It's very exciting being here in Washington," said Quan. "Last night I sat between the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, and the joint chiefs of staff."

Lee said he didn't miss an opportunity as he shook hands with the President and first lady, and then with President Hu.

"You immediately sensed the history and significance of that state dinner and it was wonderful," said Lee.

"I also invited President Hu Jintao, in Chinese, to come to San Francisco, and I told him I was only going to be the mayor for one year so he had to make a quick decision," Lee laughed.

Lee said he would like to see San Francisco become a hub for Chinese businesses looking to expand in the United States.

(© 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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