President Barack Obama is launching a three-day fundraising trip for Democrats today. He will visit Columbus on Wednesday.
The president will also visit Wisconsin, California, Florida and Washsington this week. In each state, democrats face tight races in bids for governor's mansions, statehouses, and congressional seats.
Mr. Obama's Ohio visit occurs against the backdrop of a race between Republican John Kasich and incumbent Democrat Ted Strickland for Governor. Ohioans will also elect a new U-S senator to take the place of retiring George Voinovich. In that race, Democrat Lee Fisher and Republican Rob Portman seek voter approval.