By CHRIS SULLIVAN
KIRO Radio

President Barack Obama is giving a blast of attention to Sen. Patty Murray and her re-election bid on primary day, stepping into another competitive race as Democrats try to retain their grip on Congress.

Obama said he had an "outstanding" turkey sandwich Tuesday at the Grand Central bakery in Seattle where he spoke with the owner and two other small business operators.

In a brief speech, Obama said Sen. Patty Murray had been him with "every step of the way" in promoting tax cuts, loans and other incentives for small businesses. He urged Republicans to stop blocking a jobs bill.

From the Pioneer Square bakery, Obama headed downtown for a fundraiser for Murray at the Westin hotel and a second Murray fundraiser at the home of RealNetworks founder Rob Glaser.

Obama was cheered by a friendly crowd at the bakery. Demonstrators outside the Westin called for reforming immigration law, ending wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and creating jobs. Additionally, KING 5 reports he will be attending a private event at the home of Real Networks founder Rob Glaser.

Obama is appearing on the day of the Washington primary, in which the top two Senate vote-getters, regardless of party, advance to the general election.

Murray and her chief Republican challenger, Dino Rossi, are both favored to advance. Murray's re-election bid is one of the most closely watched in the nation.

State Democratic Party Chair Dwight Pelz says the President knows this seat is important. "I think across the country we're going to lose a couple house seats, we're going to lose some house seats," Pelz said, adding that Senator Murray's seat is in play.

Polls indicate the race between Rossi and Murray is a close one. Rossi says Obama's visit shows how tight the race is.

"I don't think he was actually planning on coming to Washington State to help Patty Murray, but it kind of shows how close the race really is."

Commerce Secretary, and former Washington Governor Gary Locke is traveling with President Barack Obama on his visit Tuesday to Seattle.

Air Force One is scheduled to touch down at Boeing Field at 11 a.m. Tuesday, and is expected to leave at 3:30 p.m.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

You might also be interested in:

• Gary Locke visits Seattle with President Obama
• Patty Murray, Dino Rossi look to November
• The News Chick: Primary Election: Key Races
• David Boze: The primary is upon us