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.

The campaign announcement said Mario Rubio was accompanied by his wife of 61 years, his four children and other relatives.

The candidate was forced Friday to cancel a debate with his Democratic rival, Rep. Kendrick B. Meek, because of his father’s declining condition.

Mr. Rubio said his father “was especially determined to provide his children opportunities he himself never had.”

Mr. Meek extended his condolences, saying political differences took a back seat to caring for family.

MARYLAND

Candidates warned on false literature

BALTIMORE | Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler is warning candidates about deceitful and misleading campaign literature.

Mr. Gansler issued a statement Sunday saying some brochures printed this election cycle have falsely implied that some candidates have been endorsed by state and local leaders. He said handouts falsely purporting to be official ballots or voter guides also have been printed.

The attorney general said complaints about deceptive practices would be investigated and appropriate action would be taken.

NEVADA

Angle accused of copyright violations

LAS VEGAS | A company has sued Sharron Angle, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, claiming she reprinted two Las Vegas Review-Journal articles on her campaign website without permission.

Las Vegas-based Righthaven is seeking unspecified damages in its complaint, which was filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas.

The lawsuit claims Mrs. Angle neither sought nor received permission to display a Review-Journal article and editorial on her website this summer.

NEW YORK

Republicans spend big in primary race

ALBANY | Republican Rick Lazio has even less campaign cash on hand now than in August, when he had a fraction of what either his Republican primary opponent or Democratic opponent for governor had.

State records show millionaire Republican Carl Paladino had about $500 in debt after outspending Mr. Lazio in recent weeks. But Mr. Paladino claims he is running in the red as a strategy not to tip his hand to opponents.

Democrat Andrew M. Cuomo didn’t have to disclose his finances Friday because he has no primary challenger. He was last recorded as having more than $23 million in his campaign account.

Mr. Lazio has $502,000 on hand as he faces the Sept. 14 primary against Mr. Paladino, who plans to spend millions of dollars on TV ads and direct mail.

Mr. Lazio said he spent about $300,000 since Aug. 13. Mr. Paladino spent almost $500,000.

From wire dispatches and staff reports