It’s a fairly time-honored tradition for presidents to spend at least a small share of their time and money lending a helping hand to their Congressional fellows with their various districts, especially when the partisan fate of the legislative branch is in play (which, this year, it is). The House doesn’t seem to be in too much danger of losing its Republican majority, but the Senate right now looks like anyone’s game.

Depending on the dynamics within an individual district, a little campaign-trail help from an incumbent president can be a lot of help for a candidate in getting their name out there or getting local voters energized, but earlier this year, President Obama let Democrats know that they shouldn’t expect any help from him with campaign cash — and it looks like he’s sticking with the stingy strategy in terms of personal endorsements as well.