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Barack Obama is getting a little help from popular local surrogates in Indiana and Virginia, two states that went for President Bush in 2004 but where Obama is giving John McCain a run for his money this year.

In the Hoosier State, singer and native son John Mellencamp is featured in a new radio ad focusing on the economy. "I’m seeing small towns across America dying," he laments. Mellencamp describes how Bush's policies "have really hurt" and insists that McCain would continue down the same road. But "Barack Obama gets it," he declares, praising Obama's tax plan and support for "a strong American labor force."

Meanwhile, Virginia Senate candidate and former governor Mark Warner also vouches for Obama in a new radio spot (subscription). "Getting this economy back on track" will require bipartisan cooperation at all levels, he says. "Barack knows that your children shouldn't have to leave their hometown to find a world-class job," and has a plan to fix the economy and improve education and job opportunities, he tells listeners. Finally, he lauds the Illinois senator for his personality and character: "His steady hand, family values and common-sense approach will help get our country back on track."