Obama whacks GOP, touts help for small businesses

WOONSOCKET, R.I. (AP) - President Barack Obama is accusing Republicans of claiming to be on the side of the middle class but failing to support help for small businesses and others.

A week away from elections that likely will expand GOP ranks in Congress, Obama said to Republicans: "If you're going to talk a big game, you have to deliver."

Obama spoke Monday at a small Rhode Island company called American Cord and Webbing. He used the visit to tout his administration's support for small businesses and accuse Republicans of refusing to help.

He said hoped Republicans would change their minds about that, a proposition that will be tested after the Nov. 2 midterm elections.

At the start of a week of campaigning Obama was also attending fundraisers in Providence.