Sen. Barack Obama’s Democratic presidential campaign announced today that it has hired Buffy Wicks to serve as its state director in Missouri.

Wicks will be based in St. Louis.

“Wicks served as Obama’s deputy field director in Texas and the field director in California,” an e-release says.

 “Our priority is expanding our strong grassroots movement for change across the state – from rural communities to urban centers – so we can win Missouri and the White House,” said Wicks in a statement.

“I am excited to work with our dedicated activists and leaders, like Senator Claire McCaskill, who have been working tirelessly to encourage more Missourians to get engaged in the political process.”

 The release then quotes McCaskill, Obama’s most prominent Missouri ally:

“There is such enthusiasm and support for Senator Obama’s candidacy. I’m pleased that the Obama campaign is starting to add top level staff to its Missouri organization…,” McCaskill is quoted as saying. 

According to the release, Wicks previously “spearheaded campaigns for affordable health care and higher wages for the United Food and Commercial Workers Union. She was an organizer for Howard Dean’s presidential campaign in Iowa and served as a Legislative Assistant for California Congressman Bob Filner.”