It's back on the road for President Obama today on health care reform, as he goes to Portland, Maine for a speech on the controversial new law.  Thousands stood in the rain Wednesday to get tickets to hear his remarks.

A week ago, Mr. Obama zipped out to Iowa City, Iowa to speak on health reform - an event that was part victory lap and part rally for Democratic voters, as he dared Republicans to try to run a campaign this year based on a drive to repeal the new law.

"They're actually going to run on a platform of repeal in November," the President told the crowd.  "And my attitude is:  Go for it," he said to applause.

"If these congressmen in Washington want to come here in Iowa and tell small business owners that they plan to take away their tax credits and essentially raise their taxes, be my guest."

The choice of Iowa City was obvious, because it was there that then-Senator Obama spoke for the first time in depth about his plans for health care reform.

So reporters wondered why Portland, Maine was next on the list.

"I don't know why Maine was selected," admitted White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, who said his boss would focus on small business provisions in the new health law.

As for why go to the Pine Tree State, there isn't any obvious answer politically.  Neither Senator from Maine supported the final health care plan - but neither one is up for re-election this year.

The trip could be an effort to showcase support for the health law and help boost the two Democrats in the House from Maine, Rep. Chellie Pingree and Rep. Mike Michaud.

While the White House likes to say they aren't thinking about the mid-term elections - which are seven months from tomorrow - Air Force One doesn't go somewhere for no reason.

And it's likely to make a lot more trips this year where health care is a prime topic for the President.