April 5 (Bloomberg) -- The communications and lobbying firm run by Mark Penn, the chief campaign strategist for Hillary Clinton, was fired by the Colombian government after Penn called a meeting with his clients an ``error in judgment.''

Colombia ended its contract with Burson-Marsteller because Penn's comments showed ``a lack of respect to Colombians,'' according to a statement on the government's Web site. Penn apologized yesterday for meeting with Colombian officials to discuss a free-trade agreement that Clinton opposes.

Burson-Marsteller's contract to promote a free-trade deal with Colombia threatens to undercut Clinton's support among blue collar workers, a key constituency in the April 22 Pennsylvania primary that she must win to keep her campaign alive. Clinton and Democratic rival Barack Obama have both made trade agreements a top issue, saying they cost American manufacturing jobs.

The controversy also recalls Clinton's accusation last month that Obama, a Senator from Illinois, misled voters about his views on trade because his economic adviser held a private meeting with Canadians that included a discussion of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Clinton and Obama have both said they favor renegotiating that pact.

Burson-Marsteller's contract with Colombia was to promote U.S. approval of a trade deal, according to documents the company filed with the Department of Justice last year. Penn met with Colombian officials March 31 in his capacity as the firm's chief executive.

``The meeting was an error in judgment that will not be repeated and I am sorry for it,'' Penn said in a written statement.

Colombian Statement

``The Colombian government considers that declaration a lack of respect towards Colombians, which is unacceptable,'' its statement said.

Paul Cordasco, a spokesman for Burson-Marsteller, and Clinton spokesman Mo Elleithee declined to comment on the firing. The firm is part of Young & Rubicam Brands, a subsidiary of London-based communications-services provider WPP Group Plc.

Penn said in an e-mail today that he had ``no additional comment.'' Obama spokesman Bill Burton declined to comment on Colombia's decision.

Greg Tarpinian, executive director of Change to Win, which represents seven unions and about 6 million workers, said the organization is sending Clinton a letter urging her to fire Penn.

``This is in the middle of what will be a major legislative fight on Capitol Hill, and Mark Penn is fronting for the Colombian government on how to pass an agreement that Hillary Clinton says she opposes,'' said Tarpinian, whose organization has endorsed Obama.

Pushing for Approval

The Bush administration completed the Colombia agreement in 2006 and is pushing for approval in the face of opposition from Congressional Democrats.

Members of the Cabinet including Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson sent House Speaker Nancy Pelosi a letter yesterday outlining their support of the agreement and saying they plan to send legislation to Congress, effectively forcing a vote.

Pelosi and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, both Democrats, said April 3 that the Bush administration risks having the deal rejected with such a move.

The pact would eliminate tariffs on goods traded between the two countries, such as flowers, corn, machinery and meat. It also would set rules for investment.

To contact the reporter on this story: Nicholas Johnston in Missoula, Montana at njohnston3@bloomberg.net; Viola Gienger in Washington at vgienger@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: April 5, 2008 18:30 EDT