Report: Obama hurt by GOP attack ads

WASHINGTON, April 25 (UPI) -- Republicans are stepping up their attacks on U.S. Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama, and some Democrats say they are concerned.

A series of ads in North Carolina, Louisiana and New Mexico has some Democrats worried that their front-runner for the nomination is being cast as too far out of the mainstream, The Los Angeles Times reported Friday.

A television ad in North Carolina features the Illinois senator's former pastor making racially charged comments.

Another in Louisiana attacks Obama's healthcare proposals as "radical."

A New Mexico radio ad says Obama disrespects "the American way of life."

Added to the mix is Obama's loss to Sen. Hillary Clinton in Tuesday's Pennsylvania primary.

The newspaper said the contest provided more evidence that the Illinois senator has trouble winning over seniors and working-class white voters seen as crucial to a Democratic victory in the fall.