Obama kicks off West Coast fundraising swing

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama is launching a two-day campaign fundraising swing in California.

Wednesday's crusade for cash starts with two events in San Francisco, followed by a pair of appeals in Los Angeles. Among the evening events is a gala for gay and lesbian supporters where tickets cost up to $25,000 per couple. Ellen DeGeneres was to deliver remarks.

Obama was wrapping up his California drive in Los Angeles with an event Thursday morning before heading to Nevada. In a speech at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Obama planned to announce new steps to help college students repay their loans.

Democratic-leaning California has been fertile fundraising territory for the president. He made two trips there last month to scoop up cash.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)