President Barack Obama is rallying Senate Democrats as they prepare for critical midterm elections, thanking them for taking steps to help the nation begin to recover from the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.

Obama said Wednesday those steps include their votes for the $787 billion economic stimulus bill.

He urged them to keep working to advance an agenda that focuses on the millions of people who are out of work, losing their homes or don't have health insurance.

Democrats recently lost a Senate seat in Massachusetts and that will reduce their majority in the chamber to 59, from 60. That will make it more difficult for Democrats to override Republican attempts to stall Obama's legislative agenda.