Obama: Hollywood parties on, but not with Pete Wilson

California seems solidly blue according to all the polls, but The Times' Dan Morain reports a push for anti-Obama ads here nonetheless:

An independent political action committee is spending $2.2 million to air a television ad across California, starting today, that criticizes Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama on national security issues. The group, Vets for Freedom, has been active in several battleground states. But this is its first ad buy in California, which is considered to be firmly in Obama's column. His Republican rival, John McCain, is making only token campaign efforts in the state. Former Republican Gov. Pete Wilson, who is backing McCain, said the commercial is not specifically aimed at turning Californians against Obama.

Meanwhile, Politico is reporting that Hollywood party planners are going into overdrive with Obama fundraising, including an event this week at downtown L.A.'s trendy Edison bar:

It seems every week there’s another glittering L.A. fundraiser held at a lavish hotel or private residence, featuring performances by superstar talent, flutes of sparkling champagne, exotic gourmet catering and, of course, plenty of wealthy actors, agents, managers and studio execs writing large checks.  Then there are the smaller get- togethers, like last summer’s “Weenie Roast for Change,” in which music publicist Bob Merlis raised around $5,000 for Barack Obama’s presidential bid by serving hot dogs to hundred-dollar donors in his Hollywood backyard. (Celebrities included the R&B singer Swamp Dogg and the dorky guy who does the voice for SpongeBob SquarePants.)

-- Shelby Grad