GOPers holding fundraisers in RI race

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - The Republican candidate running to replace Patrick Kennedy in the U.S. Congress says he's getting help in his bid from several former GOP presidential candidates.

State Rep. John Loughlin says Sen. John McCain recently called him to ask how he could help, and Loughlin took him up on the offer. McCain is scheduled to hold a fundraiser for Loughlin in Washington on March 24.

Loughlin says another 2008 candidate, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, has agreed to hold a fundraiser in Manhattan. A spokesman for Giuliani says they're still working on a date, but it will be soon.

And former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney tells Loughlin he's looking at dates for a fundraiser in Boston once he's done with a tour promoting his book "No Apology: The Case for American Greatness."