Oregon Public Broadcasting

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is in Europe. Republican John McCain is stumping in the battleground states of Ohio and Pennsylvania.

But their campaigns haven't forgotten the rest of the country. Ethan Lindsey reports on the latest in Oregon.

Former Congressman Denny Smith organized a 'Veterans for McCain' rally in Wilsonville on Tuesday.

Denny Smith: “I do think we'll see the candidates here again, but how many times, it'll probably depend on how things go.”

For his state director, McCain tabbed a Republican wunderkind from California - 22-year-old Mason Harrison.

Denny Smith: “Politics is a young man's game, so it's nice that we got a young guy that stays up `til all hours of the day and night.”

Critics say McCain would have picked a more experienced operative if he were investing heavily in Oregon.

Rob Hill steps into the role as Obama's state director. He was the Oregon Field Director for Senator John Kerry's presidential campaign.

Obama's campaign has already opened six campaign offices across the state.

John McCain's campaign says it will stake its flag this week - when the campaign's state headquarters is scheduled to open in Oregon City.