WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama is placing his ability to energize voters to the test in two high-profile governor races, making a final election-season push to save a Democrat in Connecticut and unseat a Republican in Pennsylvania.
In a swing Sunday through two states he carried in both 2008 and 2012, the president hoped to mobilize members of his voting coalition, particularly young people, African-Americans and women. During nonpresidential elections, many of these voters tend to stay home.
Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy is in a dead heat with Republican Tom Foley, in a rematch of the 2010 race that Malloy narrowly won. Four years ago, Obama also made a last-minute appearance for Malloy.
In Pennsylvania, businessman Tom Wolf holds a lead over GOP Gov. Tom Corbett, who was getting some high-profile help himself on Sunday from New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.
Obama’s scheduled appearances in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Philadelphia highlighted the competing pressures on the president as he balances his unpopularity in states where Democrats face tough Republican challenges and the need for Democrats to energize crucial elements of their voting bloc.