Obama campaign opens 13 offices in N.C.

March 28, 2008

U.S. Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign is opening 13 offices across North Carolina today, including locations in Charlotte and Hickory, campaign leaders announced this morning.

The officials also offered details about a new television ad being broadcast in the state starting today, which was reported in today's Observer.

Obama, of Illinois, is competing with Sen. Hillary Clinton, of New York, for the Democratic nomination. After Pennsylvania's April 22 vote, North Carolina will be the largest remaining state with its May 6 primary, the same day as Indiana's.

Obama state director Craig Schirmer said the baker's dozen of offices will help organize the grass roots support that has proven the hallmark of Obama's success in other states.

'We plan to organize from the mountains to the coast,' Schirmer said.

Schirmer said campaign officials were enthused by the crowds that have shown up at organizational meetings, include the overflow at last night's gathering in Charlotte.

The television ad, a 30-second spot titled 'Enough,' highlights Obama's call for an end to tax breaks for companies that move jobs overseas, giving the breaks instead to companies that create jobs in the United States. Campaign officials said the ad was running statewide but would not disclose how much they're spending, which determines how often the commercial is broadcast.

'It shows how strong our commitment is to waging an aggressive campaign here in North Carolina,' Schirmer said.

The campaign's national communications director, Robert Gibbs, said Obama, who made two visits in the past week, will be back soon.

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