Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign announced Thursday a number of new staffers to lead the South Dakota operation. "In the coming weeks, the Obama campaign will continue to build a significant statewide organization with the help of some key staff members who have roots in South Dakota politics," according to a news release.

The staffers join state director Nathan Peterson and press secretary Matt Lehrich.

* Matt McGovern, deputy state director - McGovern is an attorney from Rapid City and former law clerk for the United States District Court, South Dakota District. Matt is the grandson of former Sen. George McGovern, D-S.D.

* Nathaniel Snyder, South Dakota field director - Snyder started with the Obama Campaign in Las Vegas, as the at-large organizing director in July 2007. He returns to South Dakota having previously organized the Jim River Valley for Tim Johnson during his highly contested re-election in 2002.

* State Sen. Ben Nesselhuf, political director - Nesselhuf was born in Rapid City and has lived the past 21 years in Vermillion. He has served the past 8 years in the Legislature representing District 17. Nesselhuf is a graduate of the University of South Dakota.

* Maggie Colleran Varilek, director of scheduling - Colleran Varilek is a South Dakota native and graduate of the University of South Dakota. She worked as a field organizer for both U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson's 2002 re-election and U.S. Sen. Tom Daschle's 2004 campaign.

* Kevin Griffis, communications director - Griffis started with the campaign as the South Carolina communications director and most recently filled the same role in Indiana.