Senator Barack Obama is headed to the Ozarks to hold two town hall meetings in Springfield and Rolla on Wednesday.

But, will Obama’s campaigning here be able to sway an overwhelmingly conservative area of the state to vote for him?

Historically southwest Missouri votes predominantly Republican in presidential elections.

In fact, the last Democratic presidential candidate who won over Greene county voters was Lyndon Johnson in 1964.

Experts say his odds of winning in southwest Missouri aren't good this year either.

"This is a Republican stronghold. It's not likely that Barack Obama is going to win enough converts in Southwest Missouri to win Southwest Missouri, not even a county in Southwest Missouri," Missouri State Political Science Professor George Connor said.

Connor says that might not be what Obama is after though. He could be using Claire McCaskill's strategy to win in Missouri.

"She won just enough votes in out state Missouri to tip the balance in her favor. If he can win outstanding turn-out in Kansas City and St. Louis, then chip away at natural Republican advantage in out state Missouri, then that may be difference in state of Missouri," Connor said.

Obama's visit could also be a chance for the senator to win over Hillary Clinton supporters.

"Reassure Hillary Clinton voters that he is right Democratic nominee, that it's going to be okay for them to support him because there are some Hillary Clinton supporters who were ticked off," Connor said.

At least one local Republican isn't worried about Obama's visit.

"He will convert swing voters possibly, but not conservative voters," Greene County Republican Party Treasurer John Hoffman said.

But, Obama campaign volunteers think rural voters who hear Obama speak could be swayed.

"I'd like to think voters in Greene County, Southwest Missouri are intelligent and once they hear the issues they'll be able to decide," volunteer Kris Stock said.

Connor says Obama has a chance to win marginalized voters in southwest Missouri, but most likely not convert many Republicans to vote for him.