Ahead of elections, Obama ramps up his fundraising

By JULIE PACE Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama is stepping up his fundraising efforts as the midterm elections draw closer.

Obama will tout a lending initiative aimed at small businesses during remarks Wednesday at a sandwich shop in Edison, N.J.

The Senate could vote later that night on the measure to create a new lending fund to help community banks offer loans.

Obama also is set to travel to New York to tape an appearance on the daytime talk show "The View" and to attend two Democratic fundraisers.

The president is headlining eight fundraising events during the next two weeks.