• The Karl Rove-founded Crossroads GPS runs an ad using a statement by Democratic U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan opposing the expanding federal debt to attack her for voting to increase the debt ceiling and refusing to support a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.

• 2nd Congressional District Democratic nominee Clay Aiken made a low-profile campaign stop in Asheboro, and said he planned to spend at least four days a week visiting the communities in the district. The “American Idol” runner-up also took a few shots at incumbent GOP Rep. Renee Ellmers.

• Aiken will stop in Raleigh Wednesday for a fundraiser at the Southland Ballroom. Sponsors include former Gov. Bev Perdue and her husband Bob Eaves, Raleigh City Councilwoman Mary-Anne Baldwin, and a host of Democratic Party luminaries. The Red Clay Ramblers will perform (see first #ncpol item).

• Rep. Walter Jones, R-3rd District, will be one of the featured speakers next week at the annual Young Americans for Liberty conference in the Washington, D.C. area. The keynote address at the libertarian-leaning meeting will be given by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky.