A little background music please…I was born in NYC at about the time dinosaurs roamed the Earth and were the principal mode of transportation. After graduating from a small college on the outskirts of Boston and marrying, I made my way to northern California where I earned my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. Two children and four grandchildren later the voice came once again, "Go west young man, go west". The ants had returned, infesting my pants, and once again, West we went— this time to Hawaii. I decided to run as a delegate to fulfill my destiny. I really never had a doubt I would be selected as a delegate. This is not ego speaking. I had only been living in Hawaii for two years. I did not have deep roots in either the Kauai or Hawaii Democratic Party. To say my state and county political resume was anorexic would be an understatement, yet in the end, how can you argue with destiny? While in California I did work successfully in several County Supervisors races as a campaign strategist and advisor. I was here in Hawaii at the beginning of Senator Obama's Presidential campaign, walking the island of Kauai, going door to door armed only with flyers and my deep personal conviction of Senator Obama’s character.I hosted a gathering at my home which included as guest speakers, Senator Obama's sister Maya Soetoro-Ng, and Hawaii State Campaign Director Andy Winer. We had an enthusiastic turnout of more than 100 Kauai voters— many of whom became volunteers and donors in the campaign. For idealistic reasons, I immersed myself in this campaign. While the world holds its collective breath, we stand as a nation at a pivotal crossroads in writing the history of America. I believe it is time for our nation to send a strong message to all the people who share this planet: we are ready for cooperation and want to work with all global citizens in creating and sustaining a healthy, just and peaceful planet imbued with respect for the rich diversity of the world's many cultures. We stand ready to be a global partner. I am convinced Senator Obama embodies this message.Not only is the election of Barack Obama critical to this end, but we must work tirelessly to support his Presidency through the election of Democrats to Congress who share the vision. I try and swim in the ocean several times a week and walk a couple of miles each day. I am writing a young adult fiction book. I also work with other community leaders on Kauai on issues affecting our island paradise. I do hope that Senator Barack Obama will fulfill his destiny—to become the next President of the United States.
A little background music please…
I was born in NYC at about the time dinosaurs roamed the Earth and were the principal mode of transportation. After graduating from a small college on the outskirts of Boston and marrying, I made my way to northern California where I earned my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. Two children and four grandchildren later the voice came once again, "Go west young man, go west". The ants had returned, infesting my pants, and once again, West we went— this time to Hawaii.
I decided to run as a delegate to fulfill my destiny. I really never had a doubt I would be selected as a delegate. This is not ego speaking. I had only been living in Hawaii for two years. I did not have deep roots in either the Kauai or Hawaii Democratic Party. To say my state and county political resume was anorexic would be an understatement, yet in the end, how can you argue with destiny?
While in California I did work successfully in several County Supervisors races as a campaign strategist and advisor. I was here in Hawaii at the beginning of Senator Obama's Presidential campaign, walking the island of Kauai, going door to door armed only with flyers and my deep personal conviction of Senator Obama’s character.
I hosted a gathering at my home which included as guest speakers, Senator Obama's sister Maya Soetoro-Ng, and Hawaii State Campaign Director Andy Winer. We had an enthusiastic turnout of more than 100 Kauai voters— many of whom became volunteers and donors in the campaign.
For idealistic reasons, I immersed myself in this campaign. While the world holds its collective breath, we stand as a nation at a pivotal crossroads in writing the history of America. I believe it is time for our nation to send a strong message to all the people who share this planet: we are ready for cooperation and want to work with all global citizens in creating and sustaining a healthy, just and peaceful planet imbued with respect for the rich diversity of the world's many cultures. We stand ready to be a global partner. I am convinced Senator Obama embodies this message.
Not only is the election of Barack Obama critical to this end, but we must work tirelessly to support his Presidency through the election of Democrats to Congress who share the vision.
Virginia Delegate Bernard was certain his heart would never beat again when his wife passed away. When his sorrow restricted him from even moving from the living room chair, his daughter handed him a piece of paper with a single phrase: www.barackobama.com.
He followed Virginia’s link and found the respective Grassroots group associated with his city of Asburn. After not leaving the house for quite some time, he decided that he would spend a single afternoon phone banking. According to Bernard, answering a few calls turned into door knocking and canvassing on street corners and in intersections. Soon Bernard was spending all his time registering people to vote, pounding pavement, and serving as one of Virginia’s number one volunteer leaders.
Bernard laughs as he recalls how he and his wife would sit in front of the television watching the conventions and laugh at all the funny hats and silly clothes that the delegates would be wearing. “No way I’d ever do that! Those people look like idiots!” He said. However, the more realistic the possibility of Bernard serving as a Delegate became, the more he wanted the position.
Sure enough, at the Virginia Delegate breakfast, Bernard caught me up on his ventures and his excitement particularly for the women’s caucus. “Women are so important and so often ignored. These are our sisters, our mothers! We have to support them.”
Bernard may even make himself a silly hat.
Kierra, a delegate from Washington, DC is excited to finally be in Denver. We talked to Kierra earlier this summer when she was first selected as a delegate and were lucky enough to catch up with her in Denver.
“I’m having such a great time!” She said enthusiastically.
It’s so nice to be physically next to delegations on the Convention floor that we have been trying to work with so that we can all lobby together to fight for Barack Obama and the issues that are most important to us.
Colorado is pretty familiar to Kierra – she attended high school and college here – but she was thrilled to be back. “It’s so nice to be back under different pretenses. It is always interesting to return to somewhere you haven’t been for awhile to see the new perspective you have. I was here in high school and college just beginning my education about the world, and now I am back as a professional."
Besides Barack’s acceptance speech on Thursday night, Kierra is most excited about the Women’s Caucus where passionate women will come together and discuss some of the big issues of this election. “Hopefully it’s going to be one big sister love fest,” Kierra said.
Since she has been at the convention, Kierra has met California Congresswoman Maxine Waters, connected with other Democrats, and has focused on promoting women’s rights as a major issue in this campaign. She says,
I can’t imagine how much better it can get!
Although Kathy calls herself an “unlikely” delegate candidate, her odds were actually pretty good. Her hometown of Joe Town, population 100 (mostly Amish), was allowed to send one person to the convention, and Kathy was elected! This is not really a surprise considering the hard work she has put forth for the Democratic Party. While initially a Hillary Clinton and John Edwards supporter, Kathy is more concerned with uniting the Democratic Party for Barack.
Kathy is a super volunteer when it comes to in canvassing—she’s knocked on hundreds of doors in both her county and surrounding counties, debating with republicans in their living rooms, and calling fellow Iowa residents on behalf of the Democrats since January of 2008. In fact, due to her efforts, her local caucus went from 23 attendees at the last caucus to 200 this year. Kathy’s family spent 14 hours squished in a car to make it all the way to Denver where Kathy can work to fight for the issues she cares about the most. Her family -- husband Scott, son Zachary, and daughter Cassie -- joined her at the delegate breakfast yesterday.Kathy chose to home school them because of her strong dislike for the No Child Left Behind Act. She explains that while the Act looks good on paper, the idea is not working because there hasn’t been enough reallocation of funding. Additionally, schools are now teaching kids information that is only relevant to pass the state tests. This lifelong Democrat has proven that one voice can go a long way. Kathy suffers from an arthritic condition called Fiber Malaga (which didn’t stop her from canvassing all over Iowa), and therefore speaks on behalf of those with disabilities. She serves on the Platform Committee and attended the meeting in Pittsburg where she introduced a platform for disability rights. Kathy says that she is simply a mom, a part-time librarian, and “someone that cares about where the country is going.” Others say she’s a warrior for change.
I was encouraged by the Hamilton County Democrats Chair to run as her replacement in 2005. I did and was elected the youngest County Chair in Wisconsin at the age of 26!
But don’t be fooled by Indiana delegate Keith’s age. His interest in politics was spurned by watching his father’s Union fight for his rights as an employee of GM. Keith’s curiosity transformed into action when he joined the Ball State College Democrats during his sophomore year in college. Upon graduation, he immediately contacted the Democratic Party in his county and began work on a mayor’s campaign, only to be promoted to Assistant Campaign Manager by the time it was over. Keith was then appointed Precinct Committee Person and eventually Township Chair.
Keith decided to be a delegate because he knew he wanted to participate in one of the most exciting conventions in Democratic history. “I wanted to personally nominate Senator Obama as our candidate,” he said. Hoping for a better future for his daughter Lillian and wife Jessica, he strongly supports the movement for change that Senator Obama has created with the help of millions of Americans across the country.
After Senator Obama’s Iowa performance, I was convinced he was the candidate our party needed to unite behind. His vision of hope and change resonated with me. The fact that Senator Obama refuses corporate or lobbyist donations means to me that the only people he owes are the American citizens. Our country desperately needs change and I believe Senator Obama has the vision, judgment, and leadership to get things done and get our country back on track.
Growing up poor in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, we were taught to help each other in any way we could by babysitting, sharing garden vegetables, carpooling to the grocery store and to church…
Michigan Delegate Diana is familiar with fiscal struggle and is worried about today’s economy. Although originally a Clinton Delegate, Diana had the opportunity to hear Senator Obama speak in Lansing, Michigan recently about his energy policy. She says...
I was impressed by his pragmatic approach to alleviating the pain at the gas pump. When someone is only making $8-$10 an hour, these gas prices are a catch-22. Too many people have to cut back on food and medication just to keep gas in the car to get to work. Also, senior citizens on fixed incomes are worried about having enough money to pay to heat their homes in the winter.
Diana decided to run as a delegate to the National Convention to help the Democratic Party win the presidency in 2008 and to play a significant role in deciding which issues are incorporated into our party platform. Diana is concerned about “the alarming rate of decent paying jobs that are disappearing from our communities” as well as lack of available decent healthcare. “It’s a shame that too many families have to put out ‘coffee cans’ at local businesses to collect nickels and dimes from the public to help defray the cost of medical care for cancer victims, accident victims, transplant patients, etc.”Additionally, “as a mother, aunt, and friend, I’m concerned that our country will be permanently at war and that at some point a draft will be instituted and the children of my family, friends, and neighbors will be drafted to fight in the Middle East.” Diana has been an active grassroots Democrat for the past 30 years. She has worked as a volunteer in each of the county and congressional districts that she has lived in. She’s excited about the local support she sees for Barack.
What’s interesting to me is the fact that even the moderate Republicans in our area are considering voting for Barack Obama. I’m impressed with Senator Obama’s ability to motivate a broad range of voters—from the guy in the blue jeans and baseball cap to the women with expensive jewelry who come into our office asking how they can support Obama. The number of young people who have volunteered to make phone calls, canvass neighborhoods, and register their peers to vote is amazing. I haven’t seen this much energy in the 30 years that I’ve been involved. I truly look forward to working for and electing Senator Barack Obama as President of the United States of America!
For mother and daughter Charlene and Lisa, a passion for politics and a love for Senator Obama clearly run in the family.Hailing from Arizona, Charlene has paved the way for her daughter with her experience on past campaigns. Since 1979, she has served as a precinct captain and has volunteered on many Arizona campaigns, among them the gubernatorial race of Governor Janet Napolitano, as well as Terry Goddard’s race for Attorney General. Charlene moved up from volunteering when she was hired by Congressman Ed Pastor to run his congressional district office in Yuma, where Charlene served for 12 years. Most recently, she has held office as Chairwoman of the Yuma County Democratic Party.
I supported Senator Obama from the beginning but could not show my enthusiasm because I was a County Chair and wanted to stay neutral. However, when the position of First Vice Chair of the Arizona Democratic Party opened, I ran and won. With that title came the honor of superdelegate status, and I announced my support for Senator Obama that day.
Similarly, Charlene’s daughter Lisa ran as a delegate because she is a huge Obama supporter. In fact, like her mother, she has been on board since day one and was one of the founders of Arizonans For Obama. Only 21 years old, Lisa is currently a student at Arizona State University, where she has been active in the ASU Young Democrats, working her way up to serve as their president. For both mother and daughter, the entire primary was exhilarating. Charlene enjoyed watching the numbers of people that turned out just to vote for Barack.
Brett, a delegate from Wisconsin, has dedicated his life to preserving nature and protecting the environment. For seventeen years Brett was an educator and advocate for the Sierra Club—the nation’s oldest grassroots conservation group. He has served as Senior Midwest Regional Representative working to protect his community’s rivers, lakes, parks, and air. Brett was the Environmental Policy Advisor to President Clinton and an Energy Conservation Advocate in the Carter administration.Brett is currently the President of Better Environment Solutions, an environmental consulting firm that specializes in practical solutions that save lives, jobs, and money. Additionally, Brett has been a Dane County, WI, Board Supervisors for ten years where he has led efforts to clean up his home state.The decision to run for delegate came from Brett’s opinion that the country needs the perspective of members of local governments because those local officials provide the most services to the state. He is committed to Senator Obama because “I feel Senator Obama has the right experience and vision to bring the change we need to our country and get us heading in the right direction.”Brett and his wife have two children, Tyler and Leah, and two cats, and a hamster named Butterscotch. When Brett isn’t saving the environment he enjoys teaching at his church. He likes to play sports with his kids, hike, fish, garden, and boat with his family. He also recently completed the Ironman triathlon.Brett is excited to bring his perspective and environmental knowledge to Denver where he can take his passion to the federal level.
Joe is a government high school teacher at Albia Community High School in Iowa. This past year he tried to get his students more involved by giving out copies of the Constitution to his junior and senior classes. Joe accompanied his students to the local caucuses, where they had elected officials sign their copies of the Constitution.Now that he has made it to Denver as a delegate to the Convention, he's trying to collect as many signatures as he can on his copy of the Constitution to bring back home to his students. Yesterday, he collected Senator Harkin's autograph at the Iowa Delegation breakfast.
Joe has been passionate about politics since he canvassing for Senator Harkin when he was only six years old. He was also an Al Gore delegate at the 2000 Democratic Convention.
As an educator, he has seen the apathy that young people often hold for the political process. But this year, both he and his students have been inspired by Barack's campaign."Four years ago they didn't care," he says. Now, however, Senator Obama has the younger generation "fired up" and Joe is delighted to guide their enthusiasm in a positive direction.Along with helping his students get involved, Joe participated in major grassroots work in the lead-up to the Iowa caucus, making phone calls in the evening and knocking on doors eight hours a day for nearly a month in the dead of winter.
But it will all be worth it for Joe when Senator Obama accepts the nomination this week in Denver.
Marlene, a delegate from Greenville, Wisconsin, is a retired high school English teacher. Throughout her 45 years of teaching, Marlene has seen face-to-face many of the issues that children face in today’s society.
This year we truly had wonderful candidates. How awesome to have been able to vote for such a diverse group of Democratic candidates! This election really captures your imagination and brings excitement about the potential it promotes. The fact that large segments of the population recognize that all different kinds of people can lead the nation—perhaps our country has progressed after all.
“I care deeply about this country and believe that the political process, even with all its flaws, is the best way to change our current direction and policies”
During different times, some might call Jan, a delegate from Ohio, an optimist. However, Senator Obama is leading a movement that has restored the faith of the American people, and has made such a dream a possible reality. Although she originally backed Senator Clinton, Jan has decided to support Senator Obama “because of his good judgment, intelligence, honesty, grace, humility, and ability to work with others to unite this country.”
Jan has always surrounded herself with people who are equally as passionate about politics and committed to playing their part in taking advantage of the liberties of democracy. Social justice issues are of primary importance to Jan, especially a fair economy, health care, and education. Jan lends her time to several non-profits in the Cleveland area. She works with the Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries that coordinate and deliver services to the elderly, at-risk youth, the disabled, and those returning from incarceration. Additionally, Jan works with the Cleveland City Club—the oldest continuous running forum for free speech in the country that features internationally prominent speakers, and the Cleveland Bar Foundation that raises money for pro-bono legal education and legal assistance efforts. Her favorite and highest regarded organization, however, is the Near West Theater—a community theater that works with intergenerational people to produce great theater art while simultaneously providing social service and self-esteem for its participants.
As far as Jan’s political experience, “as a full time practicing lawyer and mother of three, I’ve always been a volunteer. I have worked on local elections and chaired Ohio Women for Kerry. I am also one of the founders of the Ohio Democratic Women’s Caucus—an official caucus of the Ohio Democratic Party.
Although passionate about her community participation, Jan’s number one priority is her family (including her husband, three sons, and two dogs.) She enjoys traveling and reading, and cannot wait for next week in Denver where she can continue playing her part in strengthening civil service for all.
Idaho Delegate Debu was immediately taken by Senator Obama. He was in London on a government assignment when he heard the Senator’s speech announcing his candidacy, and immediately felt a connection. “I feel as though Obama is a candidate who is not a normal politico; he is the one who will usher a new era in the United States.”
Familiar with the need for change, Debu moved to the United States from Calcutta, India in 1964—only nine months after President Kennedy was killed. He came to study and research physics, on federal funds, due to the late President’s goal to make America the leader in technology. After finishing degrees at the University of Pennsylvania, SUNY at Stony Brook, and the University of Michigan, and working for several years at Brookhaven National Laboratory on Long Island, NY, Debu joined the U.S. Department of Energy in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
: Debu has been deeply involved with energy research since the Oil embargo in 1973. Since moving to the United States, the U.S. government has sent him to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria for three years (1999 – 2002) and the World Nuclear University in London, UK for one year. Finding a new energy source is clearly one of Debu’s concerns. “In the late 1970s I bought a diesel car which gave 35 miles per gallon. Now we struggle to find cars with gas mileages in the 20s! I strongly believe that we must conserve energy to the fullest extent possible and all non-carbon energy technologies should be pursued.”
After earning his PhD in Physics, Debu has learned the benefits of a solid math and science education and has voluntarily given many talks to stress the importance of such. “I know firsthand how children in other countries study and I know that their technical abilities are growing each year. These abilities are decreasing in the United States. If we do not enhance math and science education, the U.S. will not be able to compete in the global market.”
Debu is currently an ambassador for Idaho Fall’s Mayor’s Race Relations Committee an Op-ed columnist for the Post Register. He has also published a book titled From The Granges to the Snake River that interweaves Indian culture with Idaho reality. “In one of the articles, I wrote about global citizenship. One day people in the world will be educated and be able to go beyond regional boundaries to solve problems.”
“Unfortunately, the vision that President Kennedy once had for the United States has steadily deteriorated over the years, reaching the lowest point today. However, I strongly believe Obama will rejuvenate and restore the aspirations and the lives and dreams of common citizens and also the country that the world once admired—the ideals for which the United States truly stands for.”
“I believe Senator Obama can start a change of direction from the current administration as long as the people of America believe it is possible to make it happen.”
Jason, a Delegate from Montana, emphasizes one of the key aspects of this election—hope. In order for our country to change, people must have faith in their leader. For Jason, that faith is embodied in Senator Obama. “It is possible for change to happen as long as we have a presidential candidate who will motivate and inspire the American people to work for it.”
A member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT), Jason is very involved with his culture and traditions, as are his 15 aunts and uncles. He is currently the Flathead Reservation GOTV in Montana and serves as the CSKT Chairman Executive Assistant.
Although he has worked on various campaigns including that for Jon Tester in 2006, “the last primary was the most memorable election for me. I worked in Lake County, Montana and the amount of voter turn-out had increased from previous primaries -- which was exciting. I worked diligently to register and transport voters to voting polls during the election and I am gearing up for the upcoming general election!”
When Jason isn’t busy volunteering and motivating others to get involved, he enjoys the great outdoors that overwhelms his home-state. Whether it be hunting, hiking, or playing sports, Jason relishes the scenery with his parents, son (9 years old and already an Obama supporter), and girlfriend (who was integral to his successful delegation selection by lobbying for support.)
Jason is looking forward to Denver where he hopes to see people making change happen.
Twenty-three year old Dominique, a delegate from Illinois, spends his days in a run-down classroom with children who have been under-served by an under-staffed and under-funded school. As a Teach For America volunteer, Dominique is in the process of dedicating two years to kids heavily affected by the achievement gap. He decided to run as a delegate because he believes that our country needs “new ideas, new energy, and a new direction.”
“There needs to be a huge movement and push for access to a quality education for all students, not based on race, religion, sex, or capacity to learn (special needs). Schools need to be properly funded, not based on the unequal distribution of property tax. Teachers need to be held accountable and paid more.”
Additionally, Dominique is concerned about urban renewal and transit. “I firmly believe that urban areas are the financial heart of our country and to have a strong economy, we must have strong urban areas. I know that America has been so comfortable with the way we transport ourselves and goods, and because of this, we have failed to progress in transit as fast as the rest of the developed world.” Dominique also believes that “we need to invest in mixed income areas and diversify our cities so that they remain strong for decades to come.”
As a volunteer and assistant field director for the Jack Ford for Mayoral Campaign in Toledo, Ohio, Dominique gained the insight needed for grassroots level work. After the election, Dominique worked under Mayor Ford’s press secretary and throughout college he was a member of the College Democrats.
Dominique is a seasoned canvasser who doesn’t even let sleet storms prevent him from holding up signs at intersections. Dominique also works as a varsity football coach and enjoys the time he gets to spend with the players on the field.
A homebody at heart, Dominique’s mother and father grew up eight houses away from one another, so all of his close family lives within four miles of each other. Needless to say, “dozens of cousins make for huge summer family cookouts.”
Dominique is looking forward to the Convention where hopefully he can aid in change. “I think I represent new ideas about how government should run and how policy should be developed.”
“ I am a young(ish), black, homosexual woman who is a die-hard feminist and I am truly a lover of Washington DC – the city I call my home. I love Dukes, a hole in the wall in Northwest where you can get the best sweet potato cake in DC. I love Horace and Dickeys in Northeast for the tastiest fried fish late into the night. I love the hustle and bustle of U Street and, most of all, I love the people. I am so honored by the opportunity to be a voice for generations of DC folk at this year’s Convention.”
Washington DC Delegate Kierra ran for the position, like others, because she wanted to be a part of history. She was asked to run by the DC branch of Women for Obama because of her strong stance and active efforts towards issues such as Women’s Choice. As director of a reproductive rights organization, “I have witnessed first hand the attacks on access to reproductive health services and information. From denying access to abortion services, de-funding family planning, propagating myths about contraceptive failures, criminalizing poor working moms, and funding “abstinence only until marriage” programs that have been proven not to work, this country is in need of a system that can make decisions about healthcare free from ideological influence.”
: Kierra is also concerned about education. Because of rising prices, many children cannot afford higher levels of education and suffer due to this opportunity gap. “We can’t expect to have a better future if we refuse to invest in it.” Kierra says. “Our schools have a duty to produce critical thinking, well rounded adults who believe in themselves and who appreciate all that the world has to offer.”
Further, Kierra is concerned about the environment and wants an energy and environmental plan “that holds our governments and corporations accountable, while educating individuals about what they can do to positively impact the environment that does not perpetuate blaming, demonizing, and criminalizing low income and communities of colors as the source of environmental degradation.”
Kierra first became interested in politics during the 1996 Clinton Campaign. She was only 20 at the time and her political experience had been primarily issue based. She has spent a great deal of time working to provide education for the underserved and students of color in addition to actively trying to defeat anti-choice and anti-gay marriage incentives.
While in Iowa for this year’s primary, Kierra joined the canvassing forces and spent time knocking on doors in an attempt to spread the Obama movement. “I have never been so warmed and inspired as when I knocked on a complete stranger’s door and they invited me in and gave me hot tea and proceeded to welcome me, sharing their hopes and wishes for an Obama-led America.” Additionally, Kierra lost her voice standing on the corner of 14th and U street screaming at the top of her lungs reminding voters about the DC primary, and saw her work pay off when her precinct ran out of paper ballots by lunchtime of voting day.
Kierra and her partner both share a love for ‘80s music and crime story television. An avid reader, Kierra enjoys crime and science fiction and she also is known to jump up and sing with the HR-57 (a local jazz spot) band.Kierra is looking forward to traveling to Denver where “I and all the hopes and dreams of my family, peers, and loved ones will be in that Convention hall, one thread in the fabric of a dense, colorful history.”
“The most exciting thing that has happened in my life is that Senator Hillary Clinton, the first woman to ever run for president, was running, and then along came Senator Obama, the very first black person running. WOW! I just couldn’t lose…”
Jo Ann, in her 65 years, has never been more excited to be a delegate. Although a Clinton supporter, Jo Ann believes that Senator Obama will equally bring her concerns to the forefront and tend to the parts of our country that are sore and broken. A recent retiree (April 1, 2008) from the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Jo Ann has dedicated most of her adult life to taking care of her community. She serves on many planning committees for the betterment of youth and children who are homeless and abused while also maintaining her role as an active and loyal participant of the Democratic Farmer Labor Party.
Jo Ann was first elected in 1981 to serve at the DFL City Convention and was the first DFL endorsed Latina for the Convention in 1982. She was elected State Party Secretary in 1991 and currently serves on the 4th District DFL Executive Committee and Central Committee, Rules Chair, Chair of the 4th District Hispanic American Democratic Caucus and of the DFL Feminist Caucus.
One of Jo Ann’s prime concerns is the limitations that those with disabilities have in the United States. Her brother’s car accident that left him as a quadriplegic brought to her attention the number of buildings that are not accessible to those with disabilities and raised her awareness to the indignities that disabled people are often forced to endure.
Jo Ann has won several awards for her community participation such as the Premiro Cesar Chavez award, The Ramsey County Women’s Political Caucus 1987 Founding Feminist Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Award for her commitment to the Disability Community from ACCESS PRESS.
When she isn’t fighting for people’s rights, Jo Ann enjoys boating on the Muddy Mississippi, doing crafts, and swimming. She also enjoys spending time with her husband, three daughters, two grandsons, and two dogs.
Ultimately, after supporting Senator Clinton, Jo Ann is enthusiastic about backing Senator Obama because of what he represents. “I have decided to support Senator Obama because he is hope, he is change, and it allows me to show my grandson that he can achieve anything he wants, even be President of the United States.”
What do you do when you have a father/daughter pair who equally “Work Their Democratic Tails Off For Obama?” Make ‘em both delegates!
Self-proclaimed “Obamaholics,” Bob and Sarah are excited to make the trip to Denver, especially after all of the effort they have put towards the Senator’s movement.
20-year-old Sarah is the founder of University of Colorado Students for Obama, a group which successfully registered over 1,300 students as Democrats in a four week period of time so they could participate in Colorado’s February 5th caucuses, with virtually no help from the actual campaign. Sarah organized the “Barack to School Rally” and supervised a group of 150 student volunteers who organized campus-wide phone banks and made over 10,000 calls to youth voters in Colorado, California, New Hapshire, and other early primary states. Sarah also was asked to speak in the place of Senator Gary Hart on behalf of Senator Obama at the Boulder County Convention.
Sarah says that the amount of enthusiastic voters and young democrats “proves to me that students on the grassroots level can be very effective and that we care about getting Senator Obama elected and the issues at hand just as much as everyone else.”
Similarly, her father Bob ran for a delegate position because he felt like Senator Obama needed grassroots people on the Convention floor who had worked the hardest for the Senator. Like so many others, Bob was sold on Obama back in 2004 when the Senator’s keynote address “knocked my socks off. His suggestion that there can be a different way of doing politics really resonated with me."
Further, Senator Obama’s book added to Bob’s enthusiasm. “I found myself nodding my head up and down in agreement while reading The Audacity of Hope. He seems to be the politician to lead what I have been calling the ‘Do The Right Thing’ party. Just as Justice Potter Stewart said of pornography, ‘I know it when I see it,’ I believe Americans know the right answers to our political problems, even if they may not always be politically expedient. It will take a leader like Barack Obama to help us see those solutions."
Like his daughter, Bob has worked to enlist 50 volunteers to make over 2,000 calls to Obama Delegates and Alternates resulting in the margin of victory that won at the caucuses. He earned the “Colorado Hope Award” for finding the most Obama supporters before December 5th, and made sure to keep these supporters happy with pizza, coffee, and hot chocolate for those standing in line for the University of Denver rally. He also serves as the co-coordinator for Congressional District 6.
Here are Sarah and Bob’s: Signs that You are an Obamaholic:
1) Wife calls herself a campaign widow—longs for days when she was a football widow
2) You wake up each Tuesday wishing you could vote
3) Your cell phone bill is maxed to the limit from making so many calls to possible supporters
4) You have a blanket and pillow at the Obama office for when you work those late nights
5) The spare bedroom in the basement seems so empty without a kid from Iowa living there
6) You don’t have the heart to tell your church that all your charitable donation budget has gone to Obama!
When Jill first read Dreams of My Father, she immediately knew that Obama needed to be president. After seeing him speak at Brown University the following fall, the Delegate from Rhode Island became a proud supporter of the Senator.
Jill has been part of an active volunteer group in Rhode Island since September, 2007. Interestingly, serving as a delegate to the convention wasn’t so much a focus as having the honor of being on the historic primary ballot along with Senator Obama
“I’m representing the grassroots involvement that was the story of the Obama Campaign here in Rhode Island and across the country. A group of long time Obama volunteers helped each other gather signatures to get on the ballot as delegate candidates – so this is for all of us.”
Collectively, Jill and her team are supporting Obama due to his interest in improving many of the current problems in our society that Jill particularly cares about. First is education. “I believe a good public education should be a birthright in our country – not the luxury of those living in the ‘right’ zip code.” Jill likes Obama’s ideas about how to retain and reward good teachers – which would improve the opportunity gap immensely.
: Additionally, Jill is concerned with the war and improving our country’s image abroad. “Obama speaking out against the war in Iraq from the beginning impressed and continues to impress me. I believe he can change how we are perceived by the world, and undo some of the damage done to our reputation during the past eight years.”
Before her fervor for Obama, Jill interned for Senator Paul Simon in 1988 and was the Caucus Delegate to the Iowa State Convention that same year. “It was the Bush administration that galvanized me back into political action.” Jill served as a phone bank supervisor and election day team leader at Kerry’s Boston Headquarters in 2004. For the Obama Campaign, “I’ve been a leader of a grassroots group that organized informational happy hours for young professionals as well as canvassing trips to New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.” Jill is also part of the Rhode Island Steering Committee and Rhode Island Women for Obama.
Jill has spread the Obama enthusiasm to her family as well. “My parents in Omaha, Nebraska, and my brother, in the Minneapolis area, are all Obama volunteers, so my family’s doing all we can to get the Senator into the White House from our respective parts of the country.
Jill knew that she was part of something special when she was hosting a canvass party at her house for the upcoming Rhode Island primary. “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it definitely wasn’t 100+ volunteers showing up! It was such a fantastic group of people from every walk of life. One of the most rewarding parts of my experience campaigning for Obama has been meeting the panoply of everyday people who’ve jumped into the political fray, often for the first time, because they believe in Obama.”
I have a story to tell, because most of my life is behind me now. I remember watching President Kennedy, from a little black and white television, saying for all the world to hear that "The torch has been passed to a new generation." That was me! That was my generation! I was “fired up and ready to go!" Then tragedy struck, first in November of 1963, then again in April and June of 1968. For me the torch went dark....little to hope and dream, and much more to fear. Until now. I was encouraged to run as a delegate by an Obama staffer who recommended that instead of yelling at the TV, I should act. This idea resonated with me, for I am seasoned at standing up for my beliefs. I had participated in marching for the ERA amendment, protesting the Vietnam War, advocating for a women's right to choose, and in my first years of teaching, boldly stepped into a newly integrated southern high school. Those were hard times, hot times, but times of profound change.Today, in 2008, I feel like I'm young again and have enough hope to believe the best in our nation and in myself. The issue that is most important to me is that the words of our Constitution and Declaration of Independence, portions of which, as a young kid, I recited in front of my classmates, will actually guide our government with a President Barack Obama and a larger Democratic majority in Congress. During our West Virginia primary, I met Senator Obama and found a new friend, Linda. Like me, Linda grew up in Huntington, West Virginia at about the same time, but we were invisible to one another because of the existing segregation. The Obama campaign was the bridge that brought us together for the first time. We may not meet the Senator again, but we will continue to see each other all the time.I like talking politics, antiques and collectibles, and just talking. I like to walk, ride my bike, read, and, still occasionally, yell at the TV. I love my two daughters Melanie and Andrea, son Tommy, and his wife Elizabeth. Tommy will be in Denver with us while Elizabeth is a great advocate of progressive goals, especially environmental ones. I love my sweetheart, Rick and my three cats, Spooky, Fuzz and Buddyboo. I'm very proud of my children and my grandson. They are all Democrats and vote! My kids' dad, a good, kind man, listens to Rush Limbaugh and is a Republican. We both grew up together and did a good job raising our kids.... but I did a little better job. We are hoping to change his mind. I am just so excited to a part of passing the "torch" to a NEW GENERATION in 2008!
I have a story to tell, because most of my life is behind me now. I remember watching President Kennedy, from a little black and white television, saying for all the world to hear that "The torch has been passed to a new generation." That was me! That was my generation! I was “fired up and ready to go!" Then tragedy struck, first in November of 1963, then again in April and June of 1968. For me the torch went dark....little to hope and dream, and much more to fear. Until now.
I was encouraged to run as a delegate by an Obama staffer who recommended that instead of yelling at the TV, I should act. This idea resonated with me, for I am seasoned at standing up for my beliefs. I had participated in marching for the ERA amendment, protesting the Vietnam War, advocating for a women's right to choose, and in my first years of teaching, boldly stepped into a newly integrated southern high school. Those were hard times, hot times, but times of profound change.
Today, in 2008, I feel like I'm young again and have enough hope to believe the best in our nation and in myself. The issue that is most important to me is that the words of our Constitution and Declaration of Independence, portions of which, as a young kid, I recited in front of my classmates, will actually guide our government with a President Barack Obama and a larger Democratic majority in Congress.
During our West Virginia primary, I met Senator Obama and found a new friend, Linda. Like me, Linda grew up in Huntington, West Virginia at about the same time, but we were invisible to one another because of the existing segregation. The Obama campaign was the bridge that brought us together for the first time. We may not meet the Senator again, but we will continue to see each other all the time.
