Obama Heads to Traditionally Red North Carolina

From CBS News' Maria Gavrilovic:

(CHICAGO) Barack Obama makes his way to North Carolina, a Republican stronghold, today as he continues to make a push into traditionally red states and into the south. Although North Carolina went to George Bush in both 2000 and 2004, Obama believes that he can expand the electoral map and possibly win the state. On Saturday, aboard his campaign plane, Obama talked about his strategy to win red states in the South.

“I think that we’ve got a good shot at winning, and I want to be greedy. I want to win as many states as possible,” Obama said, “not only is that the best, not only does that give us the best chance of winning in Nov. but it also gives us the best chance at bringing the country together so I can deliver on the promises that have been made.”

Obama will focus on the economy this week, an issue that poll after poll show is on the minds of most voters. The Republican National Committee this past weekend rolled out their first major ad criticizing Obama on the economy and energy. The ad goes after Obama for not supporting the gas tax holiday.

“Barack Obama, for conservation, but he just says no to lower gas taxes... Barack Obama, just the party line,” the ad says.

Although McCain continues to hammer at Obama for his opposition to the gas tax holiday, Obama’s position may have given him an edge over Hillary Clinton in the Indiana and North Carolina primaries. Clinton supported a summer gas tax suspension.

Yesterday, the Obama campaign responded to the new RNC ad in a written statement.

"What we need to solve our energy crisis is an honest debate about the choices before us, not more attack ads that mislead voters about the facts,” spokesman Hari Sevugan said.