Monday in politics: Obama campaigns in Ohio, and more

— -- President Barack Obama will campaign Monday in the 2012 showdown state of Ohio, which he won in 2008. His message will focus on the economy, but don't be surprised if he continues the attack regarding Mitt Romney's finances and tax returns.

Romney won't be in the Buckeye State on Monday — he'll be raising money in Mississippi — but Sen. Rob Portman, frequently mentioned as a running mate, will represent him. Portman will offer a pre-buttal to a speech Obama will give later in the day in Cincinnati.

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., a Senate Budget Committee member and former Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction chair, will speak Monday at the Brookings Institution, and The Washington Post reports that she'll say Democrats are prepared to go over the "fiscal cliff" if a deal can't be reached with Republicans on higher taxes for the nation's wealthiest households.

"If we can't get a good deal, a balanced deal that calls on the wealthy to pay their fair share, then I will absolutely continue this debate into 2013," Murray plans to say, according to excerpts of the speech provided to the Post.

Also worth noting Monday: Vice President Joe Biden delivers remarks at the White House Community Leaders Briefing on Seniors Issues, and Sen. John McCain and Rep. Candice Miller will campaign in Michigan for Romney.

And then there is this: The Democratic National Convention Committee will receive the keys to the Time Warner Cable Arena, venue for the first two days of the party's national convention in Charlotte, which begins Sept. 4.

Sources: Yahoo! News, ABC News, The Washington Post, Associated Press.