Obama administration could support short-term tax extender deal

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Obama administration could support "short-term alternatives" that extend expiring tax breaks if lawmakers don't find a way to permanently lower business tax credits while also building in protections for middle-class families, a top official said on Tuesday, citing remarks by Treasury Secretary Jack Lew. Lew made the remarks in a meeting with Democrats in the House of Representatives, an official with the Treasury Department said. (Reporting by Jason Lange; Editing by Paul Simao)