WASHINGTON (AP) – Congressional Democrats and the White House are quietly exploring a possible compromise to allow a bailout of the beleaguered auto industry.

Officials in both parties say House Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke with White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolten during the day, although they declined to elaborate on the details.

The talks came as auto industry executives pleaded with lawmakers for federal help for a second straight day and the government reported the worst single-month loss of jobs in 34 years.