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North Carolina — The White House used First Lady Michelle Obama to roll out news today that Charlotte, N.C., will host the 2012 Democratic National Convention.

“I am thrilled to make sure you are the first to hear some very exciting news,” Obama wrote in an email to members of President Obama’s campaign organization, Organizing for America Charlotte. “North Carolina will host the 46th Democratic National Convention in 2012.”

President Obama has not yet announced his candidacy for 2012, but North Carolina is likely to be a crucial swing state, and could be very tough terrain for Democrats. Obama won the state in 2008 by less than half a percentage point, and George Bush won it four years earlier by nearly 13 points.

So the First Lady spoke glowingly about the state and city that will benefit in a big way from having the revenue-generating convention.

“Charlotte is a city marked by its southern charm, warm hospitality, and an ‘up by the bootstraps’ mentality that has propelled the city forward as one of the fastest-growing in the South,” Obama wrote. “Vibrant, diverse, and full of opportunity, the Queen City is home to innovative, hardworking folks with big hearts and open minds. And of course, great barbecue.

Read more at NYD

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