Trump touts hotel as Pence heads to Utah in waning days

ASHLAND, Ohio (AP) — Donald Trump is taking a break from campaigning Wednesday to formally open his new hotel in Washington, while dispatching his running mate to play political defense in Utah — which hasn't backed a Democrat for president in 52 years.

Pence also is stopping in swing states of Nevada and Colorado before he heads on Thursday to solidly Republican Nebraska, a state that awards some of its electoral votes by congressional district.

There was no mention on Tuesday from Clinton about the news from the Department of Health and Human Services that premiums for insurance under President Barack Obama's signature health care law would rise sharply next year.

Trump didn't miss the opportunity to capitalize on the fresh political ammunition, insisting "Obamacare is just blowing up" during a series of campaign events on the final day of an extensive three-day swing through must-win Florida.

While the health care law has provided coverage to millions previously uninsured, it has also increased costs and regulatory burdens for businesses, particularly medium-sized to large companies.

Trump also promoted the workers as examples of people affected by rising "Obamacare" premiums, though the golf course's general manager later clarified that most workers receive their insurance through Trump as their employer.

While Trump's diversions from the trail baffled political pros like Wilson, Alfred Davis, a 56-year-old Baptist pastor from Richfield, Ohio, who attended a Pence rally in nearby Ashland on Tuesday, said Trump's moonlighting doesn't bother him.