Down the ballot: You are…a radio star

GEORGIA: Obama has cut a new 60-second radio ad for Jim Martin (D), the Atlanta Journal-Constitution writes. “In the ad, Obama says Martin ‘supports my plan to cut middle-class taxes’ and calls the former state lawmaker ‘a man of his word.’ ‘I know he’ll do everything he can to help me change Washington and get America moving again,’ Obama says.” National Journal’s Kirk Victor writes about the pros and cons for Obama to do more than cut a radio ad and actually campaign for Martin. “What Obama must decide, if he hasn’t already, is whether trying to help an underdog in a state that he didn’t carry himself is worth the political capital it would cost, especially if that candidate ends up losing.” More: “The refusal, so far, by the Obama transition team to commit to his appearance says a great deal about the caution -- some would say prudence -- of the president-elect and his advisers. They have spent plenty of time learning from past transitions. They know that 16 years ago another Senate ... (link)