Pollsters at the Rothenburg Political Report have moved the dial on their prediction for the 17th District from "lean Democrat" to "tossup/tilt Democrat."

The change is good news for U.S. Rep. Bobby Schilling, R-Colona, who has a battle to hold onto his seat against Democrat Cheri Bustos in a district widely viewed as favoring Democrats.

In changing its rating on the 17th District, the Rothenburg Political Report said, "This Quad-Cities seat may be Republicans' best chance of saving their trio of surprise freshmen in the Land of Lincoln, and both parties are already spending heavily and will continue to do so. The district looks like a Democratic bastion on paper, but Schilling is a terrific campaigner."

Rich's revenge

State Rep. Rich Morthland, R-Cordova, is holding a fundraiser at Prime Steak House, 323 Main St., Hillsdale, on Sept. 27. Rep. Morthland recently had a run-in with an unruly cow that left him hospitalized with a banged-up knee.

But he'll get some revenge on his bovine friends at this fundraiser, which starts at 5:30 p.m. and features a top sirloin dinner. Tickets are $20 per person or $35 for couples. RSVP by emailing electmorthland@gmail.com or call Bethany at (309) 781-1021.

Boehner's buddy

Rep. Schilling has been picked, along with 13 other House Republicans, to join a new fundraising intiative by GOP House Speaker John Boehner. The joint fundraising committee called "Wire to Wire" will feature new digital tools to raise money online and will use digital data to target possible donors, according to a story in The Hill, which covers Congress.

Candidate forum

Speak Out, a self-advocacy group made up of people with intellectual, developmental and

other disabilities, is hosting a candidate forum from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday at the i wireless Center, Moline.

Jim Mertens, of WQAD-TV, will moderate the "2012 Legislative Forum on Illinois Disability Issues." The ARC of the Quad Cities, which serves local people with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities, is helping to promote the event.

Ms. Bustos will be in attendance, and Christie Schilling, Rep. Schilling's wife, will represent her husband. Candidates for state senate and state representative also will be present. Candidates will be asked how they plan to address the needs of people with developmental disabilities at the forum.

Loebsack's day of action

U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Mount Vernon, will host a "day of action" for Democrats today in Davenport. As part of the event, Rep. Loebsack will be joined by Iowa Sen. Joe Seng, Iowa Rep. Cindy Winckler and Scott County Auditor Roxanna Moritz for a rally at 12:30 p.m. at Scott County Democratic Headquarters, 1706 Brady St., Suite 205 Davenport.

After the rally, Rep. Loebsack and elected officials will go door knocking in Iowa House District 90, a statement said.

Republican rally

Iowa Secretary of State Matt Schultz, a Republican, will attend an early voting rally at 5 p.m. Thursday at Scott County Republican Headquarters, 311 W. Kimberly Road, Davenport.

Sec. Schultz is scheduled to speak at 5:30 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. The event is free and open to the public. Early voting by mail or in-person starts Sept. 27 in Iowa.