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Bismarck, N.D. (AP) Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's campaign is pulling its staffers out of North Dakota.

Obama has been making a statewide effort to be the first Democratic presidential candidate in 44 years to carry the state.

Obama spokeswoman Amy Brundage says the campaign is sending its staffers from North Dakota to other battleground states.

Obama has 11 campaign offices in North Dakota, and he's made stops in Grand Forks and Fargo.

Obama supporter Jim Maxson of Minot says the Obama staffers have been working since July on identifying sympathetic North Dakota voters. He says they've given a great boost to Democratic campaign efforts in North Dakota.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 09-21-08 1344CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list