Latest dispatches from the campaign trail, October 11, 2012

• On the podium. Western Piedmont Community College hosted a forum Tuesday for candidates for state Senate District 46, House Districts 86 and 112, and Burke County commission.

• Face-off. House District 115 candidates Republican Nathan Ramsey and Democrat Susan Wilson met earlier this week in a candidate forum in Asheville. Details here.

• Survey says … A poll of likely voters in eastern Wake County’s House District 35 shows Republican Chris Malone with a 10-point lead over Democrat Lori Millberg.

• Mr. Speaker … U.S. House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, will campaign Saturday for Republicans in Raleigh.

• Rated M for mature. In an advertisment that might not have been appropriate for airing during the “family hour” (when that was in effect), Democratic Senate District 9 candidate Deb Butler displays a transvaginal wand, an instrument used to perform some ultrasounds in pregnant women.

• Right cross. For his part, Sen. Thom Goolsby, Butler’s opponent, runs a more traditional ad against Butler.