ND: Battling for N. Dakota Delegates

By Josh White
North Dakota's Democratic caucuses opened their doors this afternoon to heavy turnout, part of a response to the Obama campaign's unprecedented effort in the state. Rick Gion, communications director for the North Dakota Democratic Party, said caucus locations are "experiencing really heavy turnout" across the state.

"Things have started off tremendously," Gion said.

Barack Obama has 10 full-time paid staff members in the state, far more than any other candidate, party officials said. But Hillary Clinton has a strong volunteer base, creating a major battle for votes in a state that carries few delegates.

On the Republican side, Ron Paul personally campaigned in North Dakota on Monday as the John McCain and Mitt Romney campaigns battled publicly over accusations that each camp was using automated phone calls to attack the other.

Republican Party officials said their caucuses tonight could draw a record turnout as well.