(AP) - President Barack Obama told a packedcampaign rally that New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine has reduced thesize of government, increased children's health care rolls and was"an ally" in developing a national economic recovery plan.

Earlier, Obama told Democratic donors he supports Corzine as aleader "who has been called to govern in extraordinary times" andhas not shied from making difficult choices.

The rock star president came to New Jersey Thursday hoping torescue Corzine's ailing re-election campaign. Recent polls find theincumbent trailing Republican challenger Chris Christie, a formerfederal prosecutor.

Some 17,000 people wildly cheered Obama's entrance to the rallyat the PNC Bank Arts Center.

For Obama's speech, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.