Michelle Obama encourages Democratic voters

Sestak wrapping up long campaign for Senate seat with stops in Philadelphia.

First lady Michelle Obama was expected Monday night at the University of Pennsylvania to stump for Democrat Joe Sestak. Sestak is in a tight race with Republican Pat Toomey for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Arlen Specter.

Earlier Monday, Sestak spent a busy day campaigning in Philadelphia and the suburbs. At the Mayfair Diner in Northeast Philadelphia, Sestak shook hands with the afternoon lunch crowd.

It was Sestak’s seventh campaign stop on a day that began with him greeting commuters at 30th Street Station.

Sestak said he needs to get out the Democratic vote in Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs.

“It is absolutely critical. Look, we know we’re in a dead heat,” he said. “And we also know that there is enthusiasm that has been building and building for our campaign, and getting out like this really does drive that last spur that we need.”

Recent polls show Toomey with a slight lead.