North Carolina is seeing an unusually intense and early presidential campaign.
Presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama has launched a major effort, airing ads, opening campaign headquarters and hiring field staff weeks before the national conventions.
On Tuesday, about 200 crowded into the local Obama headquarters in downtown Raleigh. A field director said they have registered tens of thousands of North Carolinians.
"North Carolina has not traditionally been a battleground state," said Marc Farinella, who is heading Obama's effort. "But this cycle, it is. We are going to work hard to win it. It's going to be a very, very strong and intensive campaign here.''
In response, presumptive Republican nominee John McCain has begun organizing well before the traditional Labor Day kickoff, staging a Veterans for McCain event at the legislature Tuesday.
North Carolina has not gone for the Democrat for presidence since 1976. (N&O)
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