Not Every Democrat is Running From Obama

The spot, at left, shows President Obama saying you can "trust" and "count on" Giannoulias, who "has proven himself as someone who isn't afraid to stand up to special interests." Mr. Obama made the comments last month at an event to raise money for Giannoulias.

"Alexi's not funding this campaign with federal lobbyist money - not a dime," the president continues. "He's not doing this to help the lobbyists. That's the kind of person you want in the United States Senate."

Giannoulias is an extremely tight race with Rep. Mark Kirk, his Republican opponent, and he seems to be hoping to capitalize on Mr. Obama's relative popularity in Illinois to give him a boost. The president has the support of 51 percent of Illinois residents - down eight points from last year - while 39 percent disapprove of the job he is doing, according to a Chicago Tribune poll.

Don't expect to see many ads like this one from other candidates: Vulnerable Democrats are far more likely to push an anti-Washington message like the one in the ad at left, also out today, from Colorado Rep. Betsy Markey. (Who, you'll note, doesn't bother to mention that she's a Democrat.)

Many have tried to play down their connection to unpopular Obama-linked legislation such as the health care overhaul package and the stimulus bill. To spotlight that fact, the Republican National Committee today released a web video spotlighting campaign ads in which Democrats trumpet their opposition to Democratic proposals.