Hundreds of Alaska Campaign for Change volunteers came out in force today to knock on thousands of doors across the Last Frontier!The unprecedented statewide canvass involved about 30 locations in 16 cities, including Anchorage, Eagle River, Fairbanks, Homer, Juneau, Kodiak, Palmer, Sitka, Soldotna, Talkeetna, Wasilla, Willow and more. Volunteers went through a brief training at their meet up locations and then headed out to spread Barack's message of change to fellow Alaskans.Here are a few photos from the field. Keep them coming!
Want to get involved with our next big event? On Thursday, August 28th Alaskans across the state will be gathering to watch Barack's speech at the Democratic National Convention. Find a party near you or sign up to host your own!
Good news from Fairbanks today. Mayor Jim Whitaker -- a registered Republican -- has endorsed Barack Obama!Support from Alaskans from all backgrounds and political affiliations is one of the things that makes our movement so special. There is so much at stake in this election, and we need a president who can heal old partisan divisions and renew America's promise.If you're a Republican who supports Barack, please take a moment to join our Alaska Republicans for Obama group.
We'll keep you updated on ways you can help Barack as an Alaska Republican. You can read more about Mayor Whitaker's endorsement in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner or in the press release below.
REPUBLICAN MAYOR OF FAIRBANKS-NORTH STAR BOROUGH ENDORSES OBAMAJim Whitaker has served as mayor since 2003 FAIRBANKS, AK – The Barack Obama campaign in Alaska today announced the endorsement of Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor Jim Whitaker. Whitaker is a registered Republican. Whitaker said, “Barack Obama has the unique ability to bring people together from all political backgrounds—Democrats, Republicans, and independents. Partisan business-as-usual has crippled Washington. It’s time for a president who will work to unite our country and bring about the change we need.“Barack Obama will stand up for Alaska’s families. As president, he’ll support the Alaska natural gas pipeline and work to lower the skyrocketing fuel prices that have caused an energy crisis here in Fairbanks. He has a plan to move this country forward and will be a president who is as independent as Alaskans are.”Barack Obama said, “I’m grateful for Mayor Whitaker’s support. Fairbanks residents are paying some of the highest energy prices in the country. Mayor Whitaker knows firsthand the importance of solving our energy crisis. He believes as I do that we need to bring people together in order to solve the many challenges our country is facing right now, from energy to the economy.”Jim Whitaker was elected mayor of the Fairbanks-North Star Borough in 2003. He served as a Republican member of the Alaska House of Representatives from 1999 to 2003. From 1999 to 2000, Whitaker served as Chair of the Special Committee on Oil and Gas. # # #FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAugust 12, 2008
This Wednesday, the Alaska Campaign for Change will be opening a second office in Anchorage!The new office will be located downtown at 1015 W. 7th Avenue -- a great location for stopping by at lunch or after work.Please join the Campaign for Change for their Official Downtown Anchorage Office Opening this Wednesday, August 13th at 12:00 pm. There will be an opportunity to check out the new space, meet fellow volunteers and learn how you can get involved with the campaign here in Alaska.Sign up to RSVP for the Downtown Anchorage Office Opening.This marks the 5th Campaign for Change office in Alaska. Have you been to an office near you? Local orientations are held every Wednesday and Sunday.Here are some photos from our last round of office openings:
Fairbanks Office Opening
Juneau Office Opening
Mat-Su Office Opening
By SEAN COCKERHAMAugust 7th, 2008 12:02 AMPresidential candidate Barack Obama is touting the Alaska natural gas pipeline.Obama included the project in the energy plan he announced this week, calling for working "with the Canadian government to finally build the Alaska natural gas pipeline, delivering clean natural gas and creating good jobs in the process."That brought the Democrat kudos from Gov. Sarah Palin, who some pundits are pushing as a possible vice presidential running mate for Republican John McCain.Two of Obama's top advisers repeated the theme in a teleconference with Alaska reporters Wednesday. They said Obama would encourage a federal partnership with Alaska to further the project and try to prevent Exxon Mobil from having a "disproportionate influence over the timetable over the construction of this pipeline,"They were vague about how the partnership would work and how Exxon's influence might be blunted, saying that would have to be worked out with the governor."The federal government could play a bigger role in trying to get all parties together to get this thing moving and try to find consensus in how to get it moving," said Obama adviser Pete Rouse, a former Alaskan.Rouse said Obama spoke about the gasline with Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich and former Gov. Tony Knowles. McCain, he noted, opposed the federal loan guarantees and other incentives Congress passed for the Alaska gas pipeline project in 2004.The Republican National Committee countered that McCain is for increasing the nation's supplies of energy while politics is driving Obama's energy plan."Obama reversed his position on the strategic petroleum reserve, downplayed his position against offshore drilling, and inflated his position on tires," said RNC spokesman Bill Riggs. "With an energy policy so out of touch with the America people, it's not surprising that Obama is doing everything he can to move closer to John McCain's "all of the above" energy solution."Both Obama and McCain are against oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.Palin said she's not giving up hope that McCain will change his mind on ANWR. http://www.adn.com/politics/story/486170.html
By SEAN COCKERHAMAugust 7th, 2008 12:02 AM
Presidential candidate Barack Obama is touting the Alaska natural gas pipeline.Obama included the project in the energy plan he announced this week, calling for working "with the Canadian government to finally build the Alaska natural gas pipeline, delivering clean natural gas and creating good jobs in the process."That brought the Democrat kudos from Gov. Sarah Palin, who some pundits are pushing as a possible vice presidential running mate for Republican John McCain.Two of Obama's top advisers repeated the theme in a teleconference with Alaska reporters Wednesday. They said Obama would encourage a federal partnership with Alaska to further the project and try to prevent Exxon Mobil from having a "disproportionate influence over the timetable over the construction of this pipeline,"They were vague about how the partnership would work and how Exxon's influence might be blunted, saying that would have to be worked out with the governor."The federal government could play a bigger role in trying to get all parties together to get this thing moving and try to find consensus in how to get it moving," said Obama adviser Pete Rouse, a former Alaskan.Rouse said Obama spoke about the gasline with Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich and former Gov. Tony Knowles. McCain, he noted, opposed the federal loan guarantees and other incentives Congress passed for the Alaska gas pipeline project in 2004.The Republican National Committee countered that McCain is for increasing the nation's supplies of energy while politics is driving Obama's energy plan."Obama reversed his position on the strategic petroleum reserve, downplayed his position against offshore drilling, and inflated his position on tires," said RNC spokesman Bill Riggs. "With an energy policy so out of touch with the America people, it's not surprising that Obama is doing everything he can to move closer to John McCain's "all of the above" energy solution."Both Obama and McCain are against oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.Palin said she's not giving up hope that McCain will change his mind on ANWR.
http://www.adn.com/politics/story/486170.html
ALASKA ELECTED OFFICIALS RALLY BEHIND OBAMA’S ENERGY PLANObama supports Alaska gas pipelineJUNEAU, AK – Today in Juneau, state representatives and senators from across Alaska gathered to rally behind Barack Obama and discuss his plan to address record-high energy prices that are straining Alaskans budgets and hurting the Alaska economy.“Senator Obama has a plan to end our dependence on foreign oil and reduce skyrocketing energy prices,” said Senator Hollis French of Anchorage, a former oil rig worker. “Having worked in the oil business in Alaska for twelve years, I know firsthand the importance of oil and natural gas to Alaska. Senator Obama will not only invest in renewable fuels and increase car fuel efficiency standards, he strongly supports construction of an Alaska natural gas pipeline and accelerated drilling in the Alaska National Petroleum Reserve which will provide affordable energy to Alaska and our country and good jobs for Alaskans.”“Rural Alaskans have been especially hard-hit by skyrocketing energy prices and the faltering economy,” said Representative Mary Nelson of Bethel. “Barack Obama understands the energy challenges they face, and he will work as president to lower energy costs and get our economy back on track. Senator Obama will be a fighter for rural Alaska.”“High gas and energy prices are squeezing Alaskans harder than anyone else in the US,” Senator Kim Elton of Juneau said. “We need a president who will work to make Alaska resources part of our country’s energy solution. Barack Obama has long been a supporter of Alaska energy priorities like the Alaska natural gas pipeline. He’ll work as president to invest in Alaska’s energy future and make Alaska part of the answer.”Barack Obama’s energy plan will provide meaningful relief for Alaska families, make a historic investment in renewable energy development, and help secure our energy independence. Obama’s plan will:Make a real investment - $150 billion – in alternative energy technology; further development of plug-in hybrid cars; and commercialization of wind, solar and other renewable fuels.Eliminate the “Enron Loophole” that encourages speculation on energy markets that has driven up the cost of oil.Raise fuel efficiency standards and provide financial assistance to American automakers to help them make the transition – a change that will reduce oil consumption by a trillion gallons of gas over the next eighteen years.Senator Obama has supported the Alaska natural gas pipeline as a member of the Senate and will strongly support the project as President.More information on Sen. Obama’s plans to reduce our dependence on foreign oil is available here.The following Alaska elected officials are supporting Senator Obama’s campaign for president:State Senators (8)Bettye Davis, AnchorageJohnny Ellis, AnchorageKim Elton, JuneauHollis French, AnchorageLyman Hoffman, BethelAlbert Kookesh, AngoonJoe Thomas, FairbanksBill Wielechowski, Anchorage State Representatives (16)Bob Buch, AnchorageSharon Cissna, AnchorageHarry Crawford, AnchorageAndrea Doll, JuneauMike Doogan, AnchorageBryce Edgmon, DillinghamLes Gara, AnchorageBerta Gardner, AnchorageMax Gruenberg, Jr., AnchorageDavid Guttenberg, FairbanksLindsey Holmes, AnchorageReggie Joule, KotzebueScott Kawasaki, FairbanksBeth Kerttula, JuneauMary Nelson, BethelWoodie Salmon, Beaver # # #FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJuly 30, 2008
KTUU-TV Channel Two NewsOBAMA SUPPORTERS POUND PAVEMENTby Heather BaldersonSunday, July 27, 2008ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Volunteers and staff for the Barack Obama campaign spent the afternoon Sunday going door-to-door talking to residents.With just 100 days to Election Day volunteers in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau hit the pavement to spread the word about Obama's "Campaign for Change."Rick Gorka, communications director for the McCain campaign, says the camp still has no immediate plans to open an office in Alaska.He says in a historically Republican state like Alaska the campaign is confident, for now, in continuing to rely on grassroots efforts to keep McCain's message going.But Obama volunteers hope to capitalize on the success of the February caucuses when a record number of Alaska Democrats showed up to support"I'm surprised that the McCain campaign hasn't decided to open an office up here yet but we're not taking Alaska for granted," said Obama's Alaska Communications Director Jeff Giertz. "We're pushing forward and making sure we're talking directly to Alaskans about the issues that are important to them and about Sen. Obama's plan to change the direction of this country."Volunteers say they support Obama's vision for America."I am out today canvassing for Barack Obama because I believe in his character and his ability to lead this country in the direction that we need to be going in," volunteer Shelly Morgan said.The Obama campaign opened offices last week in Fairbanks, Juneau and the Mat-Su Valley.
KTUU-TV Channel Two News
OBAMA SUPPORTERS POUND PAVEMENT
by Heather BaldersonSunday, July 27, 2008ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Volunteers and staff for the Barack Obama campaign spent the afternoon Sunday going door-to-door talking to residents.With just 100 days to Election Day volunteers in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau hit the pavement to spread the word about Obama's "Campaign for Change."Rick Gorka, communications director for the McCain campaign, says the camp still has no immediate plans to open an office in Alaska.He says in a historically Republican state like Alaska the campaign is confident, for now, in continuing to rely on grassroots efforts to keep McCain's message going.But Obama volunteers hope to capitalize on the success of the February caucuses when a record number of Alaska Democrats showed up to support"I'm surprised that the McCain campaign hasn't decided to open an office up here yet but we're not taking Alaska for granted," said Obama's Alaska Communications Director Jeff Giertz. "We're pushing forward and making sure we're talking directly to Alaskans about the issues that are important to them and about Sen. Obama's plan to change the direction of this country."Volunteers say they support Obama's vision for America."I am out today canvassing for Barack Obama because I believe in his character and his ability to lead this country in the direction that we need to be going in," volunteer Shelly Morgan said.The Obama campaign opened offices last week in Fairbanks, Juneau and the Mat-Su Valley.
Interested in helping Barack make more news in Alaska? Sign up to volunteer.
Can't make it into one of our offices? Looking for something to do before our big canvass this weekend?You can help Barack on your own schedule from the comfort of your home right now.
Get started making phone calls from home today!Making phone calls from home is easy. All you need is a phone and a computer with an internet connection. After you log in, you'll be given a list of names to call. Click on a name and follow the script provided to you online. You'll be able to log all of the answers to the questions as you go!Reaching out to your neighbors is the best way to grow this movement, and now you can make these connections with fellow Alaskans right from your own home.Make the first call right now.
ALASKA SENATOR FRENCH OUTLINES OBAMA PLAN TO LOWER ALASKA GAS PRICESAlaska gas prices are the highest in the USANCHORAGE, AK – Today as the average price of a gallon of unleaded gas in Alaska reached $4.69, State Senator Hollis French discussed Senator Obama’s plan to help end America’s dependence on foreign oil and criticized the John McCain campaign’s latest misleading negative ad on gas prices.“Senator Obama has a plan to end our dependence on foreign oil and reduce skyrocketing energy prices,” Sen. French said. “Having worked in the oil business in Alaska for twelve years, I know firsthand the importance of oil and natural gas to Alaska. Senator Obama will invest in renewable fuels, increase car fuel economy standards, and strongly supports the Alaska natural gas pipeline that’ll provide affordable energy to Alaska and our country.”This week, the McCain campaign launched a negative ad running on national cable TV that tries to blame Obama for high gas prices. “This ad’s claim is patently false,” French said. “John McCain himself has said that high gas prices are 30 years in the making. Senator McCain has spent 26 years in Washington, and has consistently opposed efforts to end our country’s dependence on foreign oil.”Barack Obama’s energy plan will provide meaningful relief for Alaska families, make a historic investment in renewable energy development, and help secure our energy independence. Obama’s plan will:Make a real investment - $150 billion – in alternative energy technology; further development of plug-in hybrid cars; and commercialization of wind, solar and other renewable fuels.Eliminate the “Enron Loophole” that encourages speculation on energy markets that has driven up the cost of oil.Raise fuel efficiency standards and provide financial assistance to American automakers to help them make the transition – a change that will reduce oil consumption by a trillion gallons of gas over the next eighteen years.Senator Obama has supported the Alaska natural gas pipeline as a member of the Senate and will continue to support the project as President. More information on Sen. Obama’s plans to reduce our dependence on foreign oil is available here.# # #FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJuly 24, 2008
This Wednesday, Barack Obama's Campaign for Change will open three more offices in Alaska! Please join us for the celebration:Fairbanks Office OpeningWednesday, July 23rdVolunteer Orientation at 6:00 pmOffice Opening Celebration at 7:00 pmRSVP for FairbanksMat-Su Office OpeningWednesday, July 23rdVolunteer Orientaiton at 7:00 pmOffice Opening Celebration at 8:00 pmRSVP for Mat-SuJuneau Office OpeningWednesday, July 23rdVolunteer Orientation at 7:00 pmOffice Opening Celebration at 8:00 pmRSVP for Juneau
Over 300 Alaskans joined us for the grand opening of our Anchorage office two weeks ago. Here are some pictures from the event:Outside our new Anchorage office.Signing in and grilling out.Our State Director, Kat Pustay briefed attendees on the campaign here in Alaska.After the briefing, volunteers broke off into House Districts and met their local field organizers. Feel free to stop by your local office anytime! Volunteer orientations are typically held every Wednesday at 7:00 pm and Sunday at 2:00 pm. Sign up today.
OBAMA FOR ALASKA UNVEILS PLAN FOR ECONOMIC SECURITY FOR ALASKA’S WORKING WOMENANCHORAGE, AK – Senator Barack Obama's campaign today unveiled a plan to provide economic security for Alaska's working women. Obama's plan directly addresses the challenges that women and families face affording quality child care, juggling personal and professional commitments, and coping with soaring prices."I don't accept an America where a woman earns less than a man for the same work, or an America that makes women choose between their kids and their careers. It's unacceptable that women are denied jobs or promotions because they've got kids at home. It's unacceptable that 22 million working women don't have a single paid sick day," Senator Obama said. "When I'm President, we'll take these critical issues head-on and help women and families thrive in a changing economy.""Barack Obama and his wife Michelle come from a working class background and understand what families need," said Obama Alaska spokesman Jeff Giertz. "Given the tough times we are facing economically, Senator Obama’s economic plan is essential for families already juggling higher prices for food, housing, and the fuel needed for their cars and trucks. Senator Obama is the clear choice as the President who will provide Alaska’s working women with the economic relief they need.”Obama's Plan for Economic Security for America's Working WomenTax cut for working women. Barack Obama will provide 71 million working women with a tax cut of up to $500—or $1000 per family—to help offset the impact of stagnant wages and skyrocketing costs. 200,000 Alaska women would benefit from this tax break.Balancing work and family. Obama will help address the challenge of balancing work and family by guaranteeing seven days of paid sick leave to the 22 million working women who currently have none. Obama will also expand child care tax credits, double funding for afterschool programs to serve 1 million more children, and will create a summer learning program to serve an additional 1 million young people. 13,000 Alaska working women would benefit from the expanded child care tax credits and 5,183 Alaska children will benefit from this expansion of afterschool programs.Health care for every American. As President, Obama will reduce health care costs by $2,500 for a typical family, while providing affordable health care for every American.A secure retirement guaranteed. Obama will strengthen retirement security for working women, who currently enter retirement with less than half the retirement savings of men. Obama's plan will automatically enroll workers in retirement accounts (with the option to opt-out) and make these accounts portable to help working parents save while balancing their family obligations.Equal Pay. Obama will fight for paycheck equity and to close the pay gap that leaves women earning only 78 cents for every dollar earned by men. The pay gap is even more pronounced for minority working women—with Hispanic women earning only 53 cents and African American women only 62 cents for every dollar of male earnings.Affordable college. Obama will put the cost of college in reach for by providing a $4,000 refundable tax credit available at the time of enrollment in exchange for community service.Raise the minimum wage. Obama will help low-wage working women move into the middle class by increasing the minimum wage to $9.50 by 2011, and indexing it to inflation—and expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). 176,000 Alaska women would directly benefit from the minimum wage increase.Support Women-Owned Small Businesses. Obama will help women-owned small businesses innovate, grow and create jobs by cutting their capital gains tax rate to zero, and implementing the Women Owned Business contracting program that has been abandoned by the Bush Administration. 22,169 Alaska women small business owners would benefit from the Zero Capital Gains proposal.# # # FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJuly 14, 2008
"Happy Moose Poop!" That was the greeting in Talkeetna, Alaska this Saturday where thousands of Alaskans gathered for the annual Moose Dropping Festival. The 36-year-old festival included a parade down Main Street, a moose art auction and the highlight of the weekend -- the Moose Drop Dropping! Three thousand moose pellets, each carefully numbered, were hauled up into the sky and let loose to drop to the target painted on the ground below. The poop nearest the bulls-eye made one festival goer the lucky winner.
Local Obama volunteers who didn't want to have to count on luck for this November's election were out in force this weekend at many of Alaska's finest festivals. They know that this election is going to be won neighbor by neighbor, community by community. And not just in certain communities in certain states. This about your neighborhood and your state. It's people like you that are standing up and volunteering, many for the very first time.Sign up to volunteer in Alaska A special thanks to all of our volunteers who worked so hard this weekend. Check out the photos from two of the festivals they attended on Saturday: Bear Paw FestivalEagle River, Alaska
Registering voters at the Bear Paw Festival. Our intern Ryan had the luck of registering an Obama supporter on her 18th birthday! We have internship opportunities across the state, so please let us know if you or someone you know would like to join our team!
Moose Dropping Festival Talkeetna, Alaska
Sign up to volunteer in Alaska and let us know about your favorite Alaskan festivals by using the comments box below.
Obama supporters across Alaska celebrated Independence Day by bringing new people into the political process. They reached out in their communities, registered voters and signed up new supporters.
Check out some of the their great photos from the holiday weekend below.
Thanks to the hard work of volunteers in communities all over the state we're building an unprecedented grassroots movement in Alaska. Sign up to volunteer near you!
Wasiila
Marching in the Kenai parade.
Anchorage
Registering voters before the Anchorage 4th of July parade.
An Alaskan caribou!
Ready to join the movement? Sign up to learn more about volunteer opportunities near you.
Senator John Kerry will be joining Obama supporters today to help Get Out the Vote in Connecticut! Please join us for two special canvasses in Bridgeport and New Haven today.
You did it! By organizing in your local communities, making phone calls,raising money and bringing new people into the political process, you havecreated a national movement that shocked the world last night.But victory in Iowa is just the beginning. In the course of thenext four weeks, a total of 26 states will participate in the presidentialprimary selection process.You've already taken the first step and joined your local group. Nowget your group organized, using the Grassroots Action Guide. It has all theresources you need to shape your group's activity and positively impact thecampaign. It's up to you to make it happen:Grassroots Action GuideThere’s no later, and no tomorrow. Our moment is now.
If you are hosting a canvass, participating in a canvass or are just curious to learn more about canvassing, please check out our brief training video:
It's not too late to host a canvass or find one near you for our Canvass to Turn the Page in Iraq this upcoming Saturday. If you've waiting to get involved, now is time.
Have you checked to see if there is a canvass in your neighborhood next Saturday? If one isn't planned, please consider hosting one yourself!
All the materials you need are available for you to download online.
A canvass doesn't have to be a large event. It can be a couple of friends reaching out to their neighboors to let them know why Barack has their support. It's all about making a difference one person at a time.
