It will be Barack Obama's second visit to Elkhart, and it comes just weeks after his last visit to Indiana.

NewsCenter 16's political analyst Bob Schmuhl says that if Obama really thinks he can pull off a victory in Indiana, the visit is a good move.

But it is no small task, considering that a Democrat has not taken Indiana since 1964.

But it seems like Obama's camp thinks it can be done.

"I've worked a lot of campaigns over the years and I've never seen anything like this. There's just a groundswell of excitement for this candidate," said Andy Jones, an Obama supporter who attended a "Cookout for Change" event at an Elkhart home Sunday afternoon.

News of the visit has supporters encouraged that Obama wants to win Indiana.

"I think it's going to be a mistake for the McCain camp to discount Indiana as being in the victory column for them. I hope that they do stay away, because we're going to carry Indiana for Senator Obama," Jones said.

Schmuhl agrees that the campaign is making a move.

"I think they're making a push -- they need to find states that they can pick up, and I think Indiana is on their radar screen," said Schmuhl. "It puts the pressure on the opponent to take the state seriously, to visit the state and make his case, to invest some money in advertising throughout the state."

Schmuhl pointed out that at this point, McCain doesn't have any election offices in Indiana, while Obama has them in multiple cities.

Obama's interest in Indiana has lead to some speculation concerning one way he could pick up many Hoosier votes -- Indiana Senator Evan Bayh is reportedly on the short list of vice-presidential candidates.

"He has a good deal to offer the ticket. Let's face it, he won decisively in Indiana, and it looks as though each time he runs his margin improves," Schmuhl explained.

Meanwhile, Obama's campaign is trying to build on the votes they already have by continuing to nurture the grassroots.

"Identifying voters, getting them registered, getting them involved. We saw that throughout the primary season, and I think the only question that one has to ask is, 'will they sustain that momentum?'" Schmuhl said.

Some analysts have wondered if Obama's activity in Indiana is meant to distract John McCain's campaign, and make the Republican use up resources here.

Schmuhl points out that a lot of time and money are being spent here, and calls it a good indication that Obama is serious about Indiana.

The Democratic presidential candidate will hold a town hall meeting at Concord High School's McCuen Gym. The campaign has not yet released exactly when Obama will arrive, but says the doors will open at 7:15 a.m.

The event is free and open to the public, but you must have a ticket to get inside and see the Illinois senator. You can pick up tickets at Senator Obama's campaign office at 116 S. Main St. in Elkhart. His office will distribute tickets from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Senator Obama made multiple trips to Michiana during his hotly contested Democratic primary with Senator Hillary Clinton. He made stops in South Bend, North Liberty, Elkhart and LaPorte County in April and early May.

Republican rival John McCain has yet to make a presidential campaign stop in Michiana.

We will continue to update you on Barack Obama's visit and on the entire Decision 2008 process on NewsCenter 16 on the air and here on WNDU.com.