Obama to stump in Kansas City on way to convention

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama will campaign in Kansas City, Mo., next Tuesday before heading to the his party's national convention in Denver.

The Missouri stop is one of four "battleground" states Obama will visit in the days after he is expected to formally announce his choice for a running mate.

The Illinois senator has made winning Missouri a key part of his campaign strategy, visiting the state repeatedly in recent weeks.

After a kickoff speech Saturday in Springfield, Ill., Obama's four-state tour begins Sunday in Eau Claire, Wis. He then travels to the Quad Cities area in Iowa on Monday, followed by Kansas City on Tuesday and Billings, Mont., on Wednesday. Details on specific times and places have not been released.

On Thursday, Obama will deliver his acceptance speech at the Democratic convention.