Obama campaign headquarters opens in Jax

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The race for the next president of the United States is shifting gears in Jacksonville.

While Republicans were the focus of the River City last week, Democrats moved into Jacksonville on Monday.

Re-Elect President Obama opened its regional campaign office downtown in the 600 block of North Julia Street. It relies on volunteers to man the phones and begin early campaigning.

"We need all the help we can get," volunteer Christina Swiridowski said. "It's essential to volunteer. That is how the president runs his campaign and any help will be greatly appreciated."

A spokesman from the Republican National Committee issued a statement saying, "The Obama campaign is going to need all the help it can get in Florida," citing the president's economic policies and the unemployment rate.