WASHINGTON--President Obama hits Chicago on Oct. 7 for a second fund-raiser to benefit Illinois Democratic Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias. The White House is sending double punch to assist Giannoulias, who lags behind GOP rival Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) on the fund-raising front: First Lady Michelle Obama headlines a fund-raising event on Oct. 13, when she kicks off her mid-term political tour.

The Obama event will also benefit the Democratic Senatorial Campaign. Obama made his first fund-raising visit to Chicago for Giannoulias on Aug. 5.