Latest dispatches from the campaign trail, July 13, 2012

• The Secret Service hopes to erect some imposing physical barriers to secure the venues for Charlotte’s Democratic National Convention.

• The 9th District Republican runoff takes an even nastier turn, as Jim Pendergraph accuses Robert Pittenger of committing a crime.

• Meantime, Pittenger wins the endorsement of former Arkansas Gov. and GOP presidential candidate Mike Huckabee.

•  After 8th District Rep. Larry Kissell says he will not endorse President Obama for re-election, the district’s Black Leadership PAC persuades Dobbins Creek Mayor Antonio Blue to enter the fall contest as a write-in candidate.

• The Romney campaign runs a second ad using Hillary Clinton as a surrogate of sorts.