DES MOINES, IA- - Even though the lengthy fight continues

for the Democratic presidential nomination, supporters of Barack

Obama are beginning to focus on a general election strategy.

Obama campaign leaders told about 40 supporters meeting at a Des

Moines park yesterday (Saturday) that it's time to switch gears and

focus on the campaign against Republican John McCain.

Several Obama staffers have returned to Iowa to begin organizing

for the general election race against McCain.

Iowa is expected to be in play and could be won by either party

in November, resulting in a hard fought campaign by nominees from

both parties.

Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller, an early Obama supporter, says

Obama's organization in the state was the best he's ever seen in

any presidential campaign. That helped Obama score his

come-from-behind victory in the state's January caucuses.

Although Obama leads in delegates, Hillary Clinton has not

suggested she's ready to quit the race.

But, Obama's staffers say it's time to begin working to convice

the thousands of voters who are newly registered Democrats that

they should vote for Obama in November.