MISSOULA -- Samuel Kohn, a member of the Crow Tribe, will lead U.S. Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign efforts to enlist Native voters in Montana, a campaign spokesman said Friday.

Matt Chandler, Obama's Montana spokesman, said Kohn joined the campaign after being inspired by Obama's ability to speak passionately about national issues and his skill in bringing politics to the grassroots level.

"I've been waiting for a long time for a presidential candidate who listens to Native Americans, because our issues and concerns are rarely heard," said Kohn in a statement. "Senator Obama is committed to giving Native Americans a voice so we can finally make real progress on issues that impact our tribes, and I'm proud to be a part of this grassroots movement for change."

Kohn is scheduled to begin his new duties today as the state campaign team's Native American coordinator. A junior at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, he is majoring in Native American Studies and computer science. He plans to use his college education in the areas of Native advocacy and research.

Kohn will work in the Helena office, one of five Obama campaign posts in Montana. He will be reaching out to urban Indians and voters on all seven reservations in the state.

The Obama for America campaign continues to expand its grassroots organization from the state's mountain slopes to its eastern prairies. "We have thousands of volunteers statewide who have signed up to help the campaign," said Chandler.