Political Scene

WISCONSIN

Obama returning to aid Democrats

MADISON | President Obama hopes to improve the fortunes of suddenly imperiled Wisconsin Democrats with his third visit to the state in a little over two months.

Mr. Obama is returning to speak at the same Labor Day rally in Milwaukee, where an enthusiastic crowd greeted him two years ago toward the end of his campaign. He went on to carry Wisconsin by a 14-percentage-point margin.

But his approval ratings have dropped since then. Democrats facing tough election bids are happy for any boost he can deliver. Sen. Russ Feingold is in a tough re-election bid against a Republican newcomer, and Democrats are trying to hold on to the governor’s office.

Mr. Obama was in Milwaukee last month to raise money for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Barrett.

MARYLAND

Ehrlich’s first TV ad says state is in peril

ANNAPOLIS | Former Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.’s campaign debuted its first television commercial, telling voters that Maryland is in trouble because of debt and higher taxes.

Mr. Ehrlich’s campaign said the 30-second commercial, titled “Let’s Get to Work,” began airing Sunday morning in Baltimore. In the spot, the former Republican governor tells viewers that the state is worse off than it was four years ago because of dangerous debt, higher taxes and a lack of jobs. A mother, a small-business owner, a student and a waterman also appear in the ad asking for the state budget to be fixed, aid for small businesses and schools, and protection for the Chesapeake Bay.

The campaign of Gov. Martin O'Malley, a Democrat, issued a statement saying the ad was filled with false innuendo and empty promises.

FLORDIA

Rubio’s father dies; debate canceled

MIAMI | The father of Republican Senate candidate Marco Rubio has died after a long illness. He was 83.

Mr. Rubio’s campaign announced Saturday night that Mario Rubio died at Baptist Hospital in Miami. He had been suffering from emphysema and lung cancer.

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