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Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's effort to reach rural Southwest Missouri voters began this weekend. KSMU's Benjamin Fry reports.
Senator Obama's campaign set up shop in the Ozarks on Saturday, opening offices in about two dozen rural locations across the state.
West Plains was one of the small towns where Obama opened an office.
West Plains businessman and former State Representative Travis Morrison served as the master of ceremonies at its opening.
He says he's honored his city has been chosen to participate in a political campaign at this level.
"This is the first time that there's ever been a field office for a presidential campaign for either party in probably ever, but certainly in my recollection, in the last 30 years."
The new offices will register new voters, distribute literature, and provide an outlet for voters to voice their concerns.
Obama's apparent support from young people has received much attention, but Morrison says he's seeing other new trends as well.
"We're finding a lot of people that are calling the Obama campaign offering to help and volunteer, that have not been involved in politics before."
At least 150 paid staffers are working for Obama in these offices statewide.
As of July 9, Republican Presidential Nominee John McCain's campaign reported having 12 to 14 full-time staff in 10 offices across Missouri.
For KSMU news, I'm Benjamin Fry.
