One of the great things about this campaign is the opportunity to see so many people become involved in the political process for the first time in their lives. At a canvass this past weekend in Concord, Gene was one such volunteer.
Gene is a life-long Concord resident, software engineer, and 2000 McCain Voter. Like many independent-minded Granite Staters, the realities from the past 8 years - from Iraq to the health care crisis to the nature of republican's fearful rhetoric - have shifted him towards supporting candidates on the Democratic ticket, and Barack Obama is no exception. From a personal standpoint, Gene's mother hasn't been able to afford health care coverage, and his dad, a middle-class oriented realtor hit hard by the housing crisis, took a second job just so he could have health care coverage and take care of his other day-to-day expenses.
Although he had never been involved with a campaign before this one, Gene has made phone calls for Senator Obama several times during this campaign. But this was his first time hitting the streets and talking to voters about the change the Obama/Biden ticket represents.
Gene talked to us about what inspires him to get involved:
When John McCain ran for President in 2000, I voted for him. I was an independent voter who thought John McCain was as independent-minded as me. Since that time, I've come to realize that the Republican Party is cynical, divisive and dishonest. I feel their policies don't protect the very liberties we hold dear but would erode them. John McCain seems to be carrying that on, and I see no evidence of the "Maverick" I saw back in 2000 here in New Hampshire. Their (Republican) economic policies are irresponsible and ineffective. John McCain has made a decision to give up his values and to choose conformity with Republican principles. I am proud to say that I support Barack Obama because he's a leader with integrity, compassion, and a common-sense vision for America. Before getting involved with Barack Obama's campaign, I never had any interest in becoming a part of a political campaign. I never volunteered a moment of my time and not a cent from my pocket. But this year is different. I believe in Barack's vision that this is our campaign and I decided I wanted to be a part of it.
When John McCain ran for President in 2000, I voted for him. I was an independent voter who thought John McCain was as independent-minded as me. Since that time, I've come to realize that the Republican Party is cynical, divisive and dishonest. I feel their policies don't protect the very liberties we hold dear but would erode them. John McCain seems to be carrying that on, and I see no evidence of the "Maverick" I saw back in 2000 here in New Hampshire. Their (Republican) economic policies are irresponsible and ineffective. John McCain has made a decision to give up his values and to choose conformity with Republican principles.
I am proud to say that I support Barack Obama because he's a leader with integrity, compassion, and a common-sense vision for America. Before getting involved with Barack Obama's campaign, I never had any interest in becoming a part of a political campaign. I never volunteered a moment of my time and not a cent from my pocket. But this year is different. I believe in Barack's vision that this is our campaign and I decided I wanted to be a part of it.
Last year, Gene made his first-ever campaign donation to Barack Obama's campaign. Since then, Gene has been speaking about Barack to his friends, family and coworkers for over a year. Soon he'll begin additional volunteer outreach with his labor union, SEIU Local 1984.
Gene confessed that he was a little nervous before this first time talking to other voters face-to-face. But he called this "an eye-opening experience, in a good way," in that he was able to get a sense of what his neighbors are thinking about the issues facing the country.
Gene also pointed out that Al Gore lost the state of New Hampshire by 7,000 votes in 2000 -- if Gore had won the state, George Bush wouldn't have become President. "Even if I can only persuade a handful of people -- I know there are a lot of people doing the same thing that I'm doing across the state, and it adds up."
You can get involved in this campaign too -- take your first steps towards getting involved -- Click Here!
Meet Paul. He's a recent college graduate who lives in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Paul traveled up to New Hampshire on Saturday to canvass for Barack Obama and Joe Biden's Campaign for Change as part of the Drive for Change.
Paul is also one of the founders of ObamaWorks, a website aimed at getting Obama supporters involved with community service projects as they help to spread Barack Obama's message of real change.
Paul has canvassed before -- several times, in fact -- and he drove up this time with some friends from Massachusetts because he really enjoys the experience of talking to voters. "I've had so many more positive experiences then negative ones. I really enjoy the opportunity to talk to other people about why I support Barack Obama, and to learn about what matters to them when deciding who to support this fall."
Check out some pictures of Paul in action amongst photos of the group of supporters he trained with before going out to canvass:
Less than 7 WEEKS until Election Day. Want to join Paul in helping bring change to crucial battleground state? Join the Drive for Change! Click here for more information.
Meet Roger. He's a High School teacher from Hooksett, and he'll be volunteering for Barack Obama's Campaign for Change this fall, doing most of his work out of the Concord office.
Roger supported Bill Richardson in the Democratic Primary -- he's looking forward to hearing Governor Richardson speak Wednesday night at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. But he's also looking forward to seeing Barack accept the Democratic nomination on Thursday. "It's an exciting time for a lot of reasons," he says.
I've supported candidates before, but this is the first time I've done more than put a yard sign up for one. I like the plans Barack has for his presidency. I like his presence. And I'm also scared to death of John McCain. He's an honorable man -- I just don't like what he stands for, and the campaign he's running. He promised a respectful campaign, but he's not giving us that thus far.
If you're interested in volunteering for Barack Obama's Campaign for Change in New Hampshire, attending a Convention Watch Party on Thursday, August 28th is a great way to get started.
[It was] a difficult choice, considering all of the excellent candidates -- but it was an easy choice to come over to Barack's team after the primary was over. It's very important that we win this fall and take back the White House.
I know this was hard for a lot of Clinton supporters, but I wasn't heartbroken when the primary campaign ended. As a Democrat, I'll always work hard for the candidate I support in the primary, but once a decision's been made, I'm on board. If you care about environmental issues, fair economic policy, and protecting a woman's right to choose, then Obama stands very close to Senator Clinton on those issues.
On the phones and door to door are the two best ways to get to talk to voters. Our goal is to talk to every voter in New Hampshire by Election Day. We (staff) could spend every hour on the phone between now and Election Day and it wouldn't get done -- so we need your help.
Obama Campaign Releases New Ad Highlighting Plan to Put America’s Middle Class First
30-Second Spot to Air in 16 Battleground States, Including New Hampshire
MANCHESTER, NH — Today the Obama campaign announced a new TV ad focused on the economy to air beginning Thursday in 16 battleground states, including New Hampshire. The new ad entitled Book highlights Obama’s plan to break with the failing economic policies of the past eight years and put America’s middle class first.
John McCain has supported George Bush 95 percent of the time, including spending ten billion dollars a month for the war in Iraq while the Iraqis sell oil for record prices, giving Iraq a $79 billion oil surplus at the expense of America's economy. Barack Obama knows that families need immediate and lasting relief -- that’s why he will put America's middle class first. Senator Obama will responsibly end the war in Iraq, restore balance and fairness to our economy, and give working people immediate and meaningful relief.
You can watch the ad below:
Jay canvassed in the primaries for Barack, but this is the first campaign he's ever been involved in. Actually, that's not quite accurate -- he says he was dragged by a few friends to hold up signs for a candidate in a municipal race a little over a decade ago. But it took a candidate like Barack Obama to convince Jay to canvass:
Barack is the right candidate at the right time for this country -- and he's got the charisma and skill needed to get things done.
I'm the kind of guy that if there's something that needs to be done, I'll do it. And canvassing is one of the most important things that needs to get done for us to win this fall.
It started to rain towards the end of Jay's Canvass shift, but Jay was prepared -- he just pulled out his umbrella and kept on hitting the doors on his list. The voters he was talking to must have been impressed with his resolve.
Twelve weekends left to Election Day. It's a great time to get involved -- sign up to get involved, or find a Campaign for Change office near you.
While supporters passed out Senator Obama's New Energy for America Blueprint leaflet to customers and passers-by, several speakers spoke about why Senator Obama would be the best choice as President for the Granite State because of his Energy policy.
Jack, the first speaker, knows Barack Obama well:
I'm from Senator Obama's home state of Illinois, where I work as an environmental advocate working to bring clean energy and price relief on energy issues for Illinois consumers. I've worked closely with Senator Obama over the last twelve years to try to bring rate relief, electric and gas price relief to Illinois consumers. And I know, I've seen his dedication to environmental protection and acting in the public interest, and he has exactly the kind of leadership that America needs to get us out of our energy crisis...Who needs help -- Exxon-Mobil, which just made $12 Billion in one quarter? Or those of us who are paying these prices at the pump? Barack Obama knows that New Hampshire drivers and drivers across America are the ones who need relief; not big oil.I encourage you to go to the website and look up the details of Barack's Energy Plan. NewEnergyforAmerica.com has the solutions we need to solve this problem and Barack Obama is the right candidate at the right time to help America do it.
I'm from Senator Obama's home state of Illinois, where I work as an environmental advocate working to bring clean energy and price relief on energy issues for Illinois consumers. I've worked closely with Senator Obama over the last twelve years to try to bring rate relief, electric and gas price relief to Illinois consumers. And I know, I've seen his dedication to environmental protection and acting in the public interest, and he has exactly the kind of leadership that America needs to get us out of our energy crisis...
Who needs help -- Exxon-Mobil, which just made $12 Billion in one quarter? Or those of us who are paying these prices at the pump? Barack Obama knows that New Hampshire drivers and drivers across America are the ones who need relief; not big oil.
I encourage you to go to the website and look up the details of Barack's Energy Plan. NewEnergyforAmerica.com has the solutions we need to solve this problem and Barack Obama is the right candidate at the right time to help America do it.
Sally spoke next. She is a life-long Independent from Exeter, NH:
I will tell you, in 2000, I was kind of hoping that John McCain was going to be the Republican candidate for President. I thought he was saying the right things and making the right choices for us. He didn't win, and we've had eight years of an administration that I really have come to believe has taken a lot away from us. I'm wondering where I'm going to get my money to pay for my heat this winter. I know my gas prices are going up. I know my electric prices are going up. I've got friends and family who are real concerned right now how they're going to get through a New England winter.This is a major impasse and we need somebody here to step up. We need to take ownership as voters in this country and do something for ourselves, and not rely on everyone else to do it for us. And I think that Obama has gotten that message through.
I will tell you, in 2000, I was kind of hoping that John McCain was going to be the Republican candidate for President. I thought he was saying the right things and making the right choices for us. He didn't win, and we've had eight years of an administration that I really have come to believe has taken a lot away from us.
I'm wondering where I'm going to get my money to pay for my heat this winter. I know my gas prices are going up. I know my electric prices are going up. I've got friends and family who are real concerned right now how they're going to get through a New England winter.
This is a major impasse and we need somebody here to step up. We need to take ownership as voters in this country and do something for ourselves, and not rely on everyone else to do it for us. And I think that Obama has gotten that message through.
Finally, we heard from David, an engineer from Manchester:
This is a grassroots effort -- as much as we have to vote to elect a new President, that not alone is going to change anything if we don't get a leader. We need a leader who's going to stand up and use the power of the Oval Office to engage people again. To say, this is our country, we can do it, and we need to make these changes. And that's why I'm such a big Barack Obama supporter. Because it's not just solutions from up high, it's leadership which means getting people to actually follow something that's good. That's what leadership is; it's to get people to follow and do what's good for the country.
You can go to NewEnergyforAmerica.com to learn more about Barack Obama's plan or click HERE to view a speech the Senator recently made in Lansing, Michigan on the subject.
Obama Campaign Releases TV Ad on Obama’s New Energy for America Plan 30-Second Spot Highlights Senator Obama’s Plan to Offset the Costs of Rising Energy and Addresses Oil Industry Contributions to John McCain’s Campaign. Manchester, NH – As Barack Obama announces his New Energy for America Plan today, the Obama campaign unveiled a new ad, one that illustrates the clear choice in this election between an approach that keeps us sending billions to oil companies and foreign governments and one that gives middle class families a $1,000 rebate funded by a windfall profits tax on the oil companies. Pocket highlights that for far too long, we’ve had an energy policy that has worked for the oil companies. Barack Obama believes it’s time we had an energy policy that works for the American people. Today Senator Obama is outlining his New Energy for America plan in a speech in Lansing, Michigan. Obama's plan will provide an immediate energy rebate to Americans struggling with high gas prices, create five million new green jobs, and eliminate our need for Middle Eastern oil in 10 years. You can watch the new ad below:
Obama Campaign Releases TV Ad on Obama’s New Energy for America Plan
30-Second Spot Highlights Senator Obama’s Plan to Offset the Costs of Rising Energy and Addresses Oil Industry Contributions to John McCain’s Campaign.
Manchester, NH – As Barack Obama announces his New Energy for America Plan today, the Obama campaign unveiled a new ad, one that illustrates the clear choice in this election between an approach that keeps us sending billions to oil companies and foreign governments and one that gives middle class families a $1,000 rebate funded by a windfall profits tax on the oil companies. Pocket highlights that for far too long, we’ve had an energy policy that has worked for the oil companies. Barack Obama believes it’s time we had an energy policy that works for the American people.
Today Senator Obama is outlining his New Energy for America plan in a speech in Lansing, Michigan. Obama's plan will provide an immediate energy rebate to Americans struggling with high gas prices, create five million new green jobs, and eliminate our need for Middle Eastern oil in 10 years.
You can watch the new ad below:
Celebrate with fellow supporters at office openings and open houses across the state tonight! Click here for a complete list of event times and locations.
Can't make it to an event tonight? Click here to send a virtual birthday message to Barack.
Saturday's canvasses across New Hampshire provided an opportunity for supporters of the Democratic ticket to talk to voters about all of New Hampshire's Democratic candidates.
In Manchester Saturday morning, staff from the New Hampshire Democratic Party's Coordinated Campaign worked with staff from Senator Obama's Campaign for Change to train the volunteers in attendance and prepare their walk packets. To fire up the volunteers and put their work in perspective, Ray Buckley, chair of the New Hampshire Democratic Party, spoke about the importance of being out in neighborhoods talking to voters in order to help boost Democratic candidates in New Hampshire this fall.
Sheila and John, two volunteers from Manchester, were paired off and sent to Manchester's west side to talk to voters. Sheila is a school counselor; she volunteered for Barack during the New Hampshire primary, but was excited to have the chance to canvass for US Senate candidate Jeanne Shaheen as well. "Shaheen was a great governor. It's time to get her in the Senate."
This was John's first time canvassing for Barack and the rest of the Democratic ticket in New Hampshire. John was a strong supporter of Hillary Clinton during the New Hampshire primary, and he was a driver in both President Clinton's and Senator Clinton's motorcade on separate occasions. He's still got a Hillary bumper sticker on his car, but he's warmed to Barack, and also strongly supports Jeanne Shaheen:
Hillary Clinton's message is the same one that Jeanne Shaheen has -- that we need a major shift in this country, a new direction. And I'm happy to support Barack Obama because I think he represents that change too.
Sheila and John seemed to become fast friends -- canvassing together will do that to people. But more than that, they enjoyed being a part of the Democratic campaigns on this beautiful Saturday. As Sheila said, "We've got to get these Democrats into office in NH! The state and this country needs them."
Katina Tsongas, Field Director of the New Hampshire Campaign for Change, just sent out the following email:
Dear Friend -- This Monday, August 4th, Barack will be celebrating his 47th birthday -- and you have a unique opportunity to give him something that few other people across the nation can.This weekend, the New Hampshire Campaign for Change is asking you to give your time, energy, and passion by taking part in a statewide joint canvass to support all the candidates who have pledged to bring change to America.Supporters like you will be knocking on doors to spread that message to the voters of New Hampshire.Sign up and celebrate Barack's birthday by growing our grassroots movement:http://nh.barackobama.com/nhbdayWe're working with Democrats and Independents across the state who want to see change in Washington.To do that, we'll have to work together to elect not only Barack Obama but Democrats up and down the ballot in New Hampshire, including Jeanne Shaheen, John Lynch, Paul Hodes and Carol Shea-Porter.Turn your enthusiasm for all of these candidates into action by taking part in a statewide canvass this weekend:http://nh.barackobama.com/nhbdayNo previous experience is required to get involved -- Campaign for Change staff will provide you with all of the support you need to succeed.Talking face-to-face to people in your community is the most effective way to spread our message of change and build toward victory. Bringing change to America will take ordinary people working together, and that's why your involvement is so important.Thanks,KatinaKatina TsongasNew Hampshire Field DirectorCampaign for ChangeP.S. -- Can't make it to a canvass this weekend, but still want to give Barack a gift? Stop by an office near you this Monday for our Birthday Open House to find out about other ways to volunteer and get involved:http://nh.barackobama.com/nhoffices
With less than a month until the Democratic National Convention begins in Denver, the final Platform Meetings drew to a close yesterday. These meetings gave ordinary people a unique chance to meet and discuss the issues that matter the most to them. The Democratic National Committee will be reviewing the input from the Platform Meetings as it puts together the planks of the 2008 Party platform.
Deb reported from Statham:
Six Obama supporters from the Seacoast Region gathered Thursday night, July 24th, for nearly three hours in Stratham for a lively discussion about the upcoming Democratic Party platform. The group identified six specific issues the members feel are especially important to address in the platform: Health Care, Sustainability, the American Community, Rights and Freedoms, Education, and Corporate Responsibility. Participants were excited to have this opportunity to have their voices heard in the formation of the party platform.
The Stratham event was one of several held throughout the state. In Nashua on Saturday a dozen Granite Staters had also gathered to talk about issues they want to see addressed at the Convention. Monica, a campaign volunteer, had decided to host a Platform Meeting a few weeks ago:
I've learned that you meet a lot of interesting people when you're volunteering for a campaign, and you get a chance to learn about the issues that matter to other people. I've also learned that we all have a lot more in common with each other as Americans than we have differences.
The discussion in Nashua covered a wide range of issues, from campaign finance reform to education to the health care. Participants found a challenge in narrowing the conversation to three issues, but after a close vote, energy policy, consumer protection/economy, and the need for government transparency made the cut.
As part of their Energy/Environment plank, Nashua's group concluded: "We need more than energy independence; we need energy liberation. We need an irreversible transformation to renewable nonpolluting energy sources to ensure national security."
The group's discussion on economic issues focused on the importance of tax reform that addresses the real impact on individuals, especially working families. There also was a call to restore the regulation of financial practices to prevent predatory lending and create stability in the market.
The theme of government transparency arose again and again throughout the discussion, and because of this it became a standalone issue for the group. Everyone embraced the concept that government should use the internet and other technologies to share information about pending legislation and regulations, and that there should be an increased window of time for public comment so that citizens can review legislation and contact their Congressional Representatives before bills are passed into law.
Ellen (who drove down from Concord to attend the meeting) was impressed with the quality of the group's discussion:
I was impressed with the depth of understanding on the issues everyone had...and the consensus that we were able to find on so many important issues. It was difficult to narrow things to three, but the issues we ended up with were three of the big muscle groups that affect a lot of the other issues we discussed today.
Discussions like the one in Nashua will hopefully help the Democratic National Committee draft a platform which reflects the concerns of not just Democrats but of all Americans.
Sign-up today to get involved in Barack's Campaign for Change in New Hampshire.
Click here for the full text of the speech and click here to learn more about Senator Obama's foreign policy plan.
Sign-up now to get involved in Barack's Campaign for Change.
Katina Tsongas, the Field Director for the New Hampshire Campaign for Change, just sent out the following email, and we wanted to share it with you:
Dear Friend -- My name is Katina Tsongas, and I'm the Field Director for the Campaign for Change in New Hampshire. The general election is coming up sooner than you may think. This Saturday, July 26th, is just 100 days from election day. Earlier this week, when John McCain came to New Hampshire and talked about the same old ideas, Democrats, Republicans and Independents all came together to call for change. New Hampshire voters cannot afford four more years of the McCain/Bush economy. And that's why we need to act now to organize communities all across the state to make sure that New Hampshire stays blue in November. This Saturday, supporters like you from every corner of New Hampshire are going to be joining 100 Day Canvass events -- reaching out in their local communities and helping spread Barack's message of change. No political experience is required. We'll provide you with everything you need. Find a 100 Day Canvass event in your area this weekend: http://nh.barackobama.com/nh100 We're up against some formidable opponents. John McCain, the Republican Party, and the well-funded outside groups that support them are not going to hold back in their efforts to stop us. We need to be prepared, and we can't afford to wait. Democrats won New Hampshire by one point in 2004 and lost by one point in 2000. There's a real opportunity to succeed but it's going to be close -- and it's going to take all of us working together. Face-to-face contact with friends, neighbors, and undecided voters is the most effective way to grow our movement. And with 100 days to go before the general election, we can't afford to sit on the sidelines -- we have to start now. Reach out in your own community by joining a 100 Day Canvass event this Saturday: http://nh.barackobama.com/nh100 The success of this movement is in your hands. Barack Obama will change Washington and improve the lives of all Americans -- but only if supporters like you reach out to your friends, family, and neighbors. See you this Saturday, Katina Katina TsongasNew Hampshire Field DirectorCampaign for Change P.S. -- If you can't make it this Saturday, but would still like to get involved in your community, sign up to volunteer now: http://nh.barackobama.com/nhvols
Obama Campaign, Campaign for Change announce New Hampshire Staff AdditionsManchester, NH – U.S. Senator Barack Obama's presidential campaign today announced staff that will be joining Obama for America in New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Campaign for Change – a grassroots, voter contact organization that is a project of the New Hampshire Democratic Party."New Hampshire families can't afford a third term of Bush's failed economic and foreign policies through John McCain. Barack Obama will restore the integrity and respect to the White House that we've lost over the last seven years and will finally address the tough challenges our families face," said Raymond Buckley, Democratic State Party Chairman. "I look forward to working with the New Hampshire Campaign for Change and Obama for America staff to elect Senator Obama the next President of the United States."The Campaign for Change is charged with leading the grassroots effort in New Hampshire to educate voters about U.S. Sen. Barack Obama's plans to change Washington and create good-paying jobs, lower gas prices and bring a responsible end to the Iraq war. It will also work to harness the enthusiasm of Obama's grassroots-level supporters and organize them in communities across New Hampshire as they work for Democratic candidates up and down the ticket.The Obama Campaign and the Campaign for Change previously announced campaign previously announced Mindy Myers as the New Hampshire State Director, Sandra Abrevaya, as the New Hampshire Communications Director and Larkin Barker as the New Hampshire Campaign for Change Press Secretary. Today they are announcing: Tracey Lewis, NH Campaign for Change, General Election DirectorTracey Lewis was the New Hampshire Field Director for Senator Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential primary campaign. After New Hampshire, Ms. Lewis served as senior staff and field advisor and organized get-out-the-vote efforts for Clinton in six other primary states including Tennessee, Texas, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, West Virginia and South Dakota. This will be Lewis' third presidential campaign. She worked in Wisconsin for Gore-Lieberman in 2000 and worked in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Florida for John Kerry in 2004 and served as Kerry's credentials director during the 2004 Democratic National Convention. In 2006, Ms. Lewis was the coordinated campaign manager for the Massachusetts Democratic Party and served as the deputy executive director for John Kerry's leadership political action committee until 2007. She has also worked on various local and statewide races in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.Katina Tsongas, NH Campaign for Change, Field DirectorKatina Tsongas returns to New Hampshire after serving as Regional Field Director for the Obama Campaign in the primary, as well as working in Georgia, Ohio and North Carolina. Prior to joining the Obama Campaign in 2007, she was the Regional Field Director for the Environmental Defense Fund in Washington, DC. Tsongas was a Field Organizer in 2004 on the re-election campaign of former Senator Tom Daschle. Tsongas is a graduate of Brown University and Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
Obama Campaign, Campaign for Change announce New Hampshire Staff Additions
Tracey Lewis, NH Campaign for Change, General Election DirectorTracey Lewis was the New Hampshire Field Director for Senator Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential primary campaign. After New Hampshire, Ms. Lewis served as senior staff and field advisor and organized get-out-the-vote efforts for Clinton in six other primary states including Tennessee, Texas, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, West Virginia and South Dakota. This will be Lewis' third presidential campaign. She worked in Wisconsin for Gore-Lieberman in 2000 and worked in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Florida for John Kerry in 2004 and served as Kerry's credentials director during the 2004 Democratic National Convention. In 2006, Ms. Lewis was the coordinated campaign manager for the Massachusetts Democratic Party and served as the deputy executive director for John Kerry's leadership political action committee until 2007. She has also worked on various local and statewide races in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Katina Tsongas, NH Campaign for Change, Field DirectorKatina Tsongas returns to New Hampshire after serving as Regional Field Director for the Obama Campaign in the primary, as well as working in Georgia, Ohio and North Carolina. Prior to joining the Obama Campaign in 2007, she was the Regional Field Director for the Environmental Defense Fund in Washington, DC. Tsongas was a Field Organizer in 2004 on the re-election campaign of former Senator Tom Daschle. Tsongas is a graduate of Brown University and Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
Click here to read the rest of the press release and meet the other additions to the New Hampshire Campaign for Change staff.
Obama Campaign, Campaign for Change announce New Hampshire Staff AdditionsManchester, NH – U.S. Senator Barack Obama's presidential campaign today announced staff that will be joining Obama for America in New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Campaign for Change – a grassroots, voter contact organization that is a project of the New Hampshire Democratic Party."New Hampshire families can't afford a third term of Bush's failed economic and foreign policies through John McCain. Barack Obama will restore the integrity and respect to the White House that we've lost over the last seven years and will finally address the tough challenges our families face," said Raymond Buckley, Democratic State Party Chairman. "I look forward to working with the New Hampshire Campaign for Change and Obama for America staff to elect Senator Obama the next President of the United States."The Campaign for Change is charged with leading the grassroots effort in New Hampshire to educate voters about U.S. Sen. Barack Obama's plans to change Washington and create good-paying jobs, lower gas prices and bring a responsible end to the Iraq war. It will also work to harness the enthusiasm of Obama's grassroots-level supporters and organize them in communities across New Hampshire as they work for Democratic candidates up and down the ticket.The Obama Campaign and the Campaign for Change previously announced campaign previously announced Mindy Myers as the New Hampshire State Director, Sandra Abrevaya, as the New Hampshire Communications Director and Larkin Barker as the New Hampshire Campaign for Change Press Secretary. Today they are announcing: Tracey Lewis, NH Campaign for Change, General Election DirectorTracey Lewis was the New Hampshire Field Director for Senator Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential primary campaign. After New Hampshire, Ms. Lewis served as senior staff and field advisor and organized get-out-the-vote efforts for Clinton in six other primary states including Tennessee, Texas, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, West Virginia and South Dakota. This will be Lewis' third presidential campaign. She worked in Wisconsin for Gore-Lieberman in 2000 and worked in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Florida for John Kerry in 2004 and served as Kerry's credentials director during the 2004 Democratic National Convention. In 2006, Ms. Lewis was the coordinated campaign manager for the Massachusetts Democratic Party and served as the deputy executive director for John Kerry's leadership political action committee until 2007. She has also worked on various local and statewide races in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.Katina Tsongas, NH Campaign for Change, Field DirectorKatina Tsongas returns to New Hampshire after serving as Regional Field Director for the Obama Campaign in the primary, as well as working in Georgia, Ohio and North Carolina. Prior to joining the Obama Campaign in 2007, she was the Regional Field Director for the Environmental Defense Fund in Washington, DC. Tsongas was a Field Organizer in 2004 on the re-election campaign of former Senator Tom Daschle. Tsongas is a graduate of Brown University and Harvard Kennedy School of Government.Matt Kennedy, NH Campaign for Change, Constituency Vote DirectorMatt Kennedy graduated from Harvard Business School in June. Prior to business school, Matt managed Senator Kennedy's reelection campaign in Massachusetts and ran The MoneySite, a non-profit dedicated to helping low income families achieve their financial goals. Kennedy is a graduate of Stanford University.Sally Cluthe, NH Campaign for Change, Director of SchedulingSally Cluthe comes from the office of Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota where she served as the Director of Scheduling since 2007. From 2002 to 2007, Sally served as Scheduler for Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan. From 2001 to 2002, Sally served as scheduler for Senator Bill Nelson of Florida. From 1998-2001, she worked for Senator Lautenberg of New Jersey where she served over the years as Scheduler, Assistant to the Chief of Staff, and Legislative Correspondent. Sally is a graduate of Florida State University.Samir Randolph, NH Campaign for Change, Director of OperationsSamir Randolph has worked on the Obama campaign since March of 2007. He has held several roles including February 5th States Operation Desk, Get Out The Caucus Coordinator in Iowa, and Operations Director for Texas and West Virginia. Prior to joining the Obama campaign, he worked on the staff of the Center for Public Leadership, a research center housed at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. There he coordinated co-curricular leadership development programs for graduate students and assisted professors with research work. Samir has also worked on several local campaigns in Massachusetts. He is a graduate of Northeastern University.Mitchell Kent, NH Obama for America, Deputy State Director and Policy DirectorMitchell Kent joined the campaign in Iowa, went on to be the GOTV Director for Indiana and ran get out the vote efforts in Minnesota and Ohio. Mitchell came to the campaign from his position as an attorney at Davis Polk & Wardwell in New York. From 1999 through 2002, Mitchell served as the Director of Research on the Senate Finance Committee under Chairman Max Baucus of Montana and was on Committee Staff for the late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan of New York. He holds a J.D. from New York University School of Law and a B.S. from Cornell University.Brian Wallach, NH Obama for America, Political DirectorBrian Wallach returns to New Hampshire after serving as the Deputy Political Director in the primary. After the primary, Brian worked in the Chicago Headquarters as a Deputy Regional Desk and ran Voter Protection Programs in Texas, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia. Prior to joining the Obama campaign, he completed his J.D. studies at Georgetown University Law Center in Washington D.C. Wallach is a graduate of Yale University and Georgetown.
Katina Tsongas, NH Campaign for Change, Field DirectorKatina Tsongas returns to New Hampshire after serving as Regional Field Director for the Obama Campaign in the primary, as well as working in Georgia, Ohio and North Carolina. Prior to joining the Obama Campaign in 2007, she was the Regional Field Director for the Environmental Defense Fund in Washington, DC. Tsongas was a Field Organizer in 2004 on the re-election campaign of former Senator Tom Daschle. Tsongas is a graduate of Brown University and Harvard Kennedy School of Government.Matt Kennedy, NH Campaign for Change, Constituency Vote DirectorMatt Kennedy graduated from Harvard Business School in June. Prior to business school, Matt managed Senator Kennedy's reelection campaign in Massachusetts and ran The MoneySite, a non-profit dedicated to helping low income families achieve their financial goals. Kennedy is a graduate of Stanford University.Sally Cluthe, NH Campaign for Change, Director of SchedulingSally Cluthe comes from the office of Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota where she served as the Director of Scheduling since 2007. From 2002 to 2007, Sally served as Scheduler for Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan. From 2001 to 2002, Sally served as scheduler for Senator Bill Nelson of Florida. From 1998-2001, she worked for Senator Lautenberg of New Jersey where she served over the years as Scheduler, Assistant to the Chief of Staff, and Legislative Correspondent. Sally is a graduate of Florida State University.Samir Randolph, NH Campaign for Change, Director of OperationsSamir Randolph has worked on the Obama campaign since March of 2007. He has held several roles including February 5th States Operation Desk, Get Out The Caucus Coordinator in Iowa, and Operations Director for Texas and West Virginia. Prior to joining the Obama campaign, he worked on the staff of the Center for Public Leadership, a research center housed at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. There he coordinated co-curricular leadership development programs for graduate students and assisted professors with research work. Samir has also worked on several local campaigns in Massachusetts. He is a graduate of Northeastern University.Mitchell Kent, NH Obama for America, Deputy State Director and Policy DirectorMitchell Kent joined the campaign in Iowa, went on to be the GOTV Director for Indiana and ran get out the vote efforts in Minnesota and Ohio. Mitchell came to the campaign from his position as an attorney at Davis Polk & Wardwell in New York. From 1999 through 2002, Mitchell served as the Director of Research on the Senate Finance Committee under Chairman Max Baucus of Montana and was on Committee Staff for the late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan of New York. He holds a J.D. from New York University School of Law and a B.S. from Cornell University.Brian Wallach, NH Obama for America, Political DirectorBrian Wallach returns to New Hampshire after serving as the Deputy Political Director in the primary. After the primary, Brian worked in the Chicago Headquarters as a Deputy Regional Desk and ran Voter Protection Programs in Texas, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia. Prior to joining the Obama campaign, he completed his J.D. studies at Georgetown University Law Center in Washington D.C. Wallach is a graduate of Yale University and Georgetown.
Exeter's canvass group on Sunday was fired up and ready to go when we arrived. Here they are outside of Ollie and Me's in Exeter, the day's designated meeting place:
We ended up hitting the streets with Frank from Exeter. Frank is running to be a state representative in New Hampshire (from a district encompassing Exeter, North Hampton, and Stratham), and has been walking for Barack since long before the New Hampshire Primary this past January.
Frank has a button made from a picture he had taken with Barack
Frank is hoping to have his own personal victory to celebrate this November, but he was straight to the point about this state's importance in the electoral map for the Presidential race for Senator Obama:
In New Hampshire in 2000, Al Gore lost New Hampshire by 7,000 votes; if he had won the state he would have become President. We've got to do what we can to support Barack here.
For many people, Barack's campaign is the first they've ever been involved with. Not so for Frank -- his first campaign experience was knocking on doors for John F. Kennedy's campaign in New York. But he'd recommend the experience to someone who'd never done it before.
Canvassing is always an adventure. Most people are polite at the door, and it's the best way to talk to people about the presidential race and what issues matter to them.
When we finished our turf for the afternoon, Frank took with him an additional walk packet of several dozen more voters to contact in the days ahead. In a close election, these conversations he's having with New Hampshire residents could make all the difference in deciding who our next president will be.
If you'd like to get involved and help Barack Obama win New Hampshire this fall, click here to sign up to get more information about the campaign.
Be a part of Barack's New Hampshire Campaign for Change. Canvasses are happening all across New Hamsphire this weekend. Check it out:
Click on the map to find a canvass near you.
Or, visit http://nh.barackobama.com/nhvols and sign up to volunteer if you can't make a canvass this weekend.
Today, Barack Obama's campaign released a new television ad, entitled "America's Leadership," which will air in 18 states, including New Hampshire. The ad highlights Senator Obama's bipartisan work with U.S. Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN) to stop the smuggling of loose nuclear weapons and Obama's commitment to restoring America's leadership in the world.
After you've watched the ad, find an event near you here by clicking here.
Singer-songwriter Carole King visited a bookstore in Concord (NH) today as part of her tour of New Hampshire. King has been making stops across the state talking about why she supports Barack Obama.
King was introduced at the event by Peggo Horstmann Hodes, wife of Congressman Paul Hodes.
King supported Hillary Clinton in the Democratic Primary, but was enthusiastic in her support of Senator Obama:
We've got a candidate that Hillary (Clinton) has put her full support behind, so I'm encouraging everyone who supported her like I did to do the same. The primary was such a hard choice for all of us, because there wasn't a world of difference between Obama and Clinton, but there is a world of difference between them both and John McCain.
After leading the crowd of Granite Staters in renditions of a couple of her songs (including "I Feel the Earth Move"), King reminded those at the event of their importance in the months to come:
We have a chance of helping something really good to happen. We can elect a leader who can lift us up and inspire change. But he needs all of us to accomplish this. He needs you...not only to vote, but to get other people you know excited about his candidacy.
Inspired? Want to get involved? Click here to sign-up and learn more about volunteering in New Hampshire.
