Obama Adds 20 Va. Offices In a Big Push To Win State

"They could be a lot more effective with probably half that number," Saxman said. "It is being done to create this image of momentum and enthusiasm that frankly is just not out there."

By the end of the week, McCain will have regional offices in Richmond, Fredericksburg, Virginia Beach and Fairfax. A fifth office is to open next week in Roanoke. His national headquarters is in Arlington.

"We are staffing up in all regions," said former Virginia attorney general Jerry W. Kilgore, also co-chairman of McCain's Virginia campaign.

Obama's efforts to overwhelm McCain with resources in Virginia closely mirror his efforts during the primary battle against Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.). In that contest, Obama found mixed success. In some states, he opened more offices and deployed more staff members than Clinton, but she went on to win handily.

"You can overdo it," Saxman said of Obama's campaign.

Griffis said Obama has more than 10,000 volunteers in Virginia who need more space. State GOP officials said they do not believe Obama has that many volunteers.

Dave "Mudcat" Saunders, a Democratic strategist in Roanoke, said Obama will have to do a lot more than just open offices if he hopes to improve his standing in the more conservative parts of the state.

"It's a good strategy, but rather than have 20 campaign offices all across Virginia, he is going to have to make a lot of visits, especially out here," Saunders said. "He is not doing well out here. I don't care what the polls say. . . . He can open offices on every corner, but if he doesn't talk to these people, he is not going to win Virginia."