Obama heads home to help Quinn

President Obama will head back to his home state next month to help bolster the campaign of Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn (D). 

{mosads}The president and first lady Michelle Obama will both make stops next month to help the incumbent Democrat, according to NBC News’s Chicago affiliate. The precise dates and locations for the events have not yet been determined, and it’s unclear whether the president will be fundraising or stumping for the embattled governor.

Administration officials have said the president plans to intensify his campaign schedule in October in states where he can provide a boost to Democratic candidates.

Quinn could use the help. Republican businessman Bruce Rauner has pulled ahead of the governor, who is burdened by the state’s daunting financial challenges, accusations of patronage hiring, and ties to impeached and imprisoned former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

A recent We Ask America survey showed the incumbent within striking distance, with Rauner leading Quinn 44 percent to 41 percent.