Ron Paul to expand campaign efforts to five new states

DES MOINES, IOWA -- After polling second in Iowa and turning in strong showings in recent national surveys, Texas Rep. Ron Paul's presidential team plans to increase its campaign effort with new office openings in five states next week.

Paul's campaign will open new campaign headquarters in Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, North Dakota and Washington state on Thursday, Dec. 15, Yahoo News has learned.

The campaign is planning grand openings throughout the day that will include watch parties at each office for the presidential debate scheduled that night in Sioux City, Iowa. Because of his attendance at the debate, Paul will not be present at the openings.

Four of the five states where Paul is setting up shop hold caucuses instead of primaries--a voting system that tends to benefit Paul, arguably one of the best-organized candidates this cycle when it comes to mobilizing supporters.

Other popular Yahoo! News stories:

• On private calls, Republicans say attacking Obama personally is too dangerous

• Share a picture of what you think the Republican candidates what need to see in Iowa

• What Iowans find in their mailboxes weeks before the caucuses

Want more of our best political stories? Visit The Ticket or connect with us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.