President Obama doesn't want to lose any Democratic Senate seats, of course -- but it would be especially tough to lose the seat he once held.

So there he was in Chicago today campaigning for Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, the Democratic nominee for the job Obama vacated after he became president.

"I appreciate his strong sense of advocacy for ordinary Americans," Obama said during a fundraiser at the Palmer House hotel in downtown Chicago. "You can trust him -- you can count on him."

Obama said he needs "fighters" like Giannoulias in Washington because, "I don't know whether you've noticed, but we've got a lot work to do."

So does Giannoulias, who faces a tough Republican opponent in Rep. Mark Kirk, R-Ill. Giannoulias is also dogged by questions about his family's bank, which has been seized by federal regulators over questionable loans.

In introducing the president, Giannoulias echoed Obama by casting the election as one between Republicans who damaged the country during the George W. Bush years and Democrats who are pursuing recovery. "This election will say a lot about which way we're headed," Giannoulias said in introducing the president.

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, who chairs the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said "it will certainly be interesting to hear how President Obama squares his rhetoric slamming fat cat bankers" with Giannoulias' problems. (Obama did not mention them.)

The Republican candidate, U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., is also having his troubles, however, having embellished parts of his military record.

Giannoulias attacked Kirk's record, including the fact that the Republican nominee has said he will do what he can to make an Obama a one-term president.

"Sadly, deplorably, that is their whole agenda," Giannoulias said.

Outside the hotel, "Tea Party" members protested Obama's appearance. One sign read: "2012. We can't wait."

(Posted by David Jackson)