Biden, during Ohio tour, says it feels like home

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio (AP) -- He buddied up with bikers, posed for countless pictures at a pizza place and downed an ice cream cone at a Dairy Queen.

Joe Biden loves Ohio.

The only question now is whether Ohio loves him -- and President Barack Obama.

The vice president toured the state by car over the weekend and said rural southern Ohio reminds him of his hometown of Scranton, Pa. Biden will be back in Ohio on Wednesday, when he campaigns in Dayton -- his third trip to the state in two weeks. Besides formal speeches, Biden also made informal stops at a diner, ice cream shop and restaurant.

Ohio is a crucial battleground in the race for president. Polls show a tight race in the state, with Obama narrowly ahead of Republican Mitt Romney.