GREENVILLE, N.C. – Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Biden is returning to North Carolina just a few days after he finished a three-city bus tour.

Barack Obama’s running mate will visit Greenville and Greensboro on Monday, as the Democratic ticket increases its efforts to become the first party winner in the state in more than three decades. Obama plans his own stop in North Carolina on Wednesday, as does his wife.
 
Not to be outdone, the Republicans are also hammering their message in the surprise swing state. GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin was in Asheville on Sunday. Party presidential nominee John McCain will be in Fayetteville on Wednesday.

GREENVILLE, N.C. – Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin says Barack Obama’s association with a 1960s radical is a relevant issue because he hasn’t been forthright about what he knew about William Ayers’ background and when he knew it.

Palin says raising Ayers, a founder of the violent Weather Underground, speaks to Obama’s ability to tell the truth.

The Alaska governor spoke with reporters between campaign appearances Tuesday and said that if Obama can’t be straight about Ayers, how can voters believe what he tells them about taxes or other issues.

Ayers helped found the Weather Underground, whose members were blamed for several bombings when Obama was a child. Obama has denounced Ayers’ radical views and activities.

Watch Palin’s rally live on NBC17.com at 7 p.m.