WASHINGTON (AP) -- Former White House press secretary Robert Gibbs says Republicans must decide whether they're going to "swear allegiance to the tea party" or work with Democrats to create jobs.

Gibbs, who now advises President Barack Obama's re-election campaign, tells NBC's "Today" show Congress should "pay attention to creating jobs again."

He also suggested that some Republicans "do not want to see this economy get better" because they know continuing misery will likely improve their election prospects.

Gibbs says Obama favors a number of moves to help businesses step up hiring. He says "the president is not focused on keeping his job, most of all. He's focused on creating jobs for the American people."

The former White House spokesman also says that Congress likely will be asked to continue payroll tax relief.