PORTSMOUTH, Ohio (WSAZ) -- When Sen. Barack Obama visits our region Thursday, some undecided voters will pay attention to issues like the economy and the war.

But it seems others already have decided to vote against the Democrat based on his skin color. Obama campaign workers at Scioto County’s Democratic headquarters confirmed that some locals said they refuse to vote for Obama because he's black.

"There is a percentage that say they will not vote for Barack becasue of his color," said Jeanette Lunsford, an Obama campaign worker.

After going door-to-door in Scioto county, Gordy Fowlds, another Obama campaign worker, said at least one in 10 Scioto County residents reject Obama on race -- some even using a frequently used racial slur. But Fowlds said some on the racial fence look at their wallets and start leaning toward Obama.

"Some say, in spite of the racism , they will vote for Obama because he's the best candidate for the economy," Fowlds said.

According to a newspaper headline, race could defeat Obama in the Southeast. Scioto County Democratic officials talked with a few locals who agree with the headline and cite a national poll that found a third of white Democrats harbor negative views toward blacks.

The Democratic party vice chair in Scioto County said she's disheartened by the race issue, but admits she was among many white Scioto County residents who was unfamiliar with black people.

"I've never worked directly with African-Americans; it's been an eye opener, said Carolyn Andrews with the Scioto County Democratic Party.

But what about racial feelings outside Democratic headquarters?

Scioto County Republican party Chair Dr. Terry Johnson said plenty of Democrats are changing sides, but he said it's because of differences in conservative values on gun control and right to life. Johnson said no Democrat now pledging Republican said he or she switched because of race.