Barack Obama is opening an office in Fayetteville today.

This should be the start of a number of campaign offices opening across the state by both Obama and Hillary Clinton.

Gregory Phillips points out the timing is auspicious.

"This is not likely to draw much attention from Hillary Clinton's visit, but I guess the Obama campaign's general outlook has been that every little bit helps," he writes.

Hillary Clinton is coming to Fayetteville.

The full details of her visit to North Carolina Thursday have not been made public, but Fayetteville City Manager Dale Iman notified the City Council of her visit, according to Gregory Phillips' From Fay to Z blog.

Also, the unsubstantiated rumor today is that Clinton will try to hit all three major media markets in the state.

FAYETTEVILLE—A few guests have arrived early at the Barack Obama event.

About 53 of the Democratic Party regulars, elected officials and local military families invited to the event are already in their seats, although the speech does not begin until 10:30 a.m.

The event is invitation only, and there's only about 150 seats for guests. Another two dozen reporters are milling around, including Gregory Phillips of the Fayetteville Observer.

He'll be posting observations about the atmosphere using his trademark British dry wit. You can read his blog, Fay to Z, here.

As he notes, there are about 17 camera tripods inside. (More signs of the circus!) Another TV station is interviewing Fayetteville Tech students outside.

Dome also counted eight American flags in a row on the stage, and a giant one hanging from the wall.