(WASHINGTON, D.C.) -- Many people think North Carolina will be a major player in the 2012 Presidential election. That includes Ben Labolt who is the Press Secretary for the Obama campaign.

"The President has done very well in areas that have a lot of young people, a lot of young professionals, that have diverse populations and North Carolina has all three of those," said Labolt.

Labolt added that they expect the election to be very close and competitive and that is why they have already invested a lot of resources and time in the Tar Heel state. He said North Carolina will be a "centerpiece" of campaign activities in the year to come. Charlotte will host the Democratic National Convention.

(Thanks to: WWNC Asheville)