URBANA, ILL. (AP) -- Democratic Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias (jeh-NOO'-lee-ehs) says no one from the Democratic Party has suggested he step aside following the failure last week of his family's bank.

Giannoulias said Monday at a cafe in Urbana the failure of his family's bank on Friday gives him a better understanding of the economic struggles of many Americans.

Giannoulias' Republican opponent, U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk, has made the bank a campaign issue.

The White House on Friday ended speculation about whether Obama would campaign for Giannoulias, saying the president would help all Illinois Democrats.

At the Urbana cafe, Giannoulias listened to University of Illinois students talk about their doubts they'll be able to find jobs when they graduate.

(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)