Chris Lu's Blog

Delaware Delegate Selection

Chris Lu — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 09:20:14 EST

Now that we have done the hard part and given our candidate a huge win here in Delaware, we must follow through and choose the delegates who will represent Barack in Denver.

If you have signed up to be a sub-division level delegate you MUST attend your representative district (RD) caucus this month. You should have received information in the mail about the upcoming RD caucuses and what you need to do. Please remember to attend. Some districts have a lot of applicants while others have just one or two. You won't know how many other supporters will be there until you attend. You will be allowed to give a short speech to make your case as to why you should be voted on to the state convention in Dover. Remember that when you vote, you should vote for the most loyal and ardent supporters to move on to the next level!

Here is the link to the Delaware Democratic Party site for specific information on location and time for the various RD caucuses:

http://www.deldems.org/ht/d/sp/i/1126873/pid/1126873

Also, if you missed the opportunity to sign up as a sub-division level delegate you can still get in on the fun by signing up as an At-Large delegate. Delaware is alloted 3 At-Large delegates. If you would like to sign up, call the state party office at 302-328-9036. You have until March 5th to file.

Thank You Delaware!

Chris Lu — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 10:40:54 EST

A little over three weeks ago, Brandon Hurlbut showed up in Wilmington as the state director for the Obama Delaware campaign. It was a nice title, but he had no staff, no offices, and nowhere to stay. And the most recent poll in Delaware showed Hillary Clinton with a 24 point lead over Barack.

But what Brandon had was so much more important -- he had the help and support and enthusiasm of hundreds of dedicated volunteers in the state.

That contagious energy and enthusiasm led to the donation of our HQ office on Orange Street and our office opening party on January 19. It's what produced volunteers every single day who showed up to make phone calls. It's what kept our kitchen well-stocked with food. It's what drew 2,700 people to see Michelle in Wilmington and Dover, and what led 20,000 people to come out on a perfect Sunday afternoon to see Barack in Rodney Square. More importantly, that energy and enthusiasm is what led to an army of volunteers hitting the streets and phones on Election Day to get our supporters to the polls.

Last night, all of your efforts paid off. We won a decisive 11 point victory that demonstrated strength not only in New Castle County, but also Kent and Sussex Counties. We showed that Barack could attract not only African American voters in Wilmington, but also rural, white voters in the southern part of the state. This ability to put together a broad coalition of voters is the key to Barack becoming the Democratic nominee and the next President of the United States.

True to its motto of being the First State, Delaware led the way last night.

I'll post photos in the coming days, but I just wanted to thank everyone for what you've helped us accomplish. The entire campaign staff will be eternally grateful to all of you.

Election Day Dispatch

Chris Lu — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 16:22:18 EST

A year ago, Nicole was a community organizer in San Francisco. For six years, she worked at the grassroots level to help people improve their neighborhoods and communities. She didn’t get involved in national electoral politics – something about the process just turned her off.

Two days ago, Nicole stood on a stage in Wilmington, DE and rallied a crowd of 20,000 to vote for Barack. She had them take out their cell phones and call undecided voters. She told them the same thing she has been saying on the streets of San Francisco for half a decade: you have the power to change your world.

Today Nicole is back on the streets, urging voters to get to the polls.

Michelle at Delaware State University

It has been a big week for politics in Delaware. Last Thursday Michelle came and drew the biggest crowds she has ever drawn on the campaign trail. Nearly 3,000 people came out to hear her speak at the Grand Opera House in Wilmington and at Delaware State University in Dover.

Women for (Michelle) Obama

Listening to Michelle in Wilmington

And Sunday Barack made history, when his speech in downtown Wilmington drew the largest crowd – over 20,000 people – in recent Delaware memory. People crowded in for blocks around Rodney Square to listen to his message of hope and change.

Barack was welcomed to the stage (after Nicole had made her pitch) by Delaware State Treasurer Jack Markell and Lieutenant Governor John Carney, who are currently running hard against each other for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. They showed grace and unity in raising their hands, together, for Barack.

Kayla, Ben and Reina arrive early to help organize the crowd

Delaware is known as the First State because it was the first to ratify the Constitution. Today, Nicole is doing everything she can to ensure that Delaware continues to embrace real change, and says to the world, “Yes We Can!”

Obama volunteers on election day in Wilmington, DE

Volunteer Photos from Michelle Event

Chris Lu — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 10:10:07 EST

If Patrick Kennedy Can Do It, So Can You

Chris Lu — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 23:23:44 EST

Rep. Patrick Kennedy came to Wilmington today to meet with a group of seniors and Latino leaders. But he also came to canvass. After giving a pep talk to our staff and volunteers, he hit the streets. If he can do it, so can you.

Polls are open from 7 a.m., and we're not going to stop working until the polls close at 8 p.m. Even if you only have a few hours to spare, call HQ at 573-2540, and we'll send you to the office closest to you. Or if you'd rather cook, we need food at all of our offices. We've run a great campaign so far, but it won't mean anything if we don't get our supporters to the polls on Tuesday.

Barack is Coming to Delaware

Chris Lu — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 12:15:42 EST

Barack Obama to Host “Stand for Change” Rally in Delaware on Sunday

WILMINGTON, DE – Senator Barack Obama will host a Stand for Change Rally at Rodney Square in Wilmington to fire up supporters and undecided primary-goers ahead of the Feb. 5th primary.

EVENT INFORMATION:

WHAT: Stand for Change Rally with Barack Obama

WHERE : Rodney Square

Corner of 10th and Market Street

Wilmington, DE 19801

WHEN: February 3, 2008

Gates Open: 11:30 AM

Program Begins: 1:15 PM

The event is free and open to the public, but an RSVP is strongly encouraged. Please RSVP by visiting www.de.barackobama.com/wilmington or call 302-573-2540.

***For security reasons, bags are not allowed inside the event. Please limit personal items. No signs or banners are permitted.***

Greg Craig Visits Wilmington

Chris Lu — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 20:58:51 EST

Former Clinton Administration official Greg Craig came to Wilmington today to campaign for Barack. Greg worked at the State Department under Secretary of State Albright and also coordinated President Clinton's impeachment case. He is a foreign policy advisor to the Obama campaign.

While in Wilmington, he spoke to students at Widener University and to local lawyers and business leaders. He stopped by HQ afterwards to give a pep talk to the staff.

Michelle is Coming to Delaware!

Chris Lu — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 15:07:22 EST

We've just announced that Michelle Obama will be visiting Wilmington and Dover on Thursday, January 31. Check this space for more details. But if you sign up to be a volunteer next weekend or Election Day, you can attend a special VIP volunteer reception. Call campaign HQ (302-573-2540) for more details.

We have canvasses going on today in all three counties. Here in HQ, volunteers are making calls to potential supporters. If you have time to help out, please stop by 1201 N. Orange St., Suite 900.

And here's one of our youngest volunteers, making a sign to welcome Michelle>

And to keep everyone well-fed and well-hydrated, we have ample supplies of bottled water and doughnuts.

Be a Delegate for Barack

Chris Lu — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 11:56:59 EST

This comes from Rob Carver, the campaign's New Castle County coordinator:

Jeff Berman, the Obama campaign’s National Director of Delegate Operations has asked that we do everything humanly possible to try and get at least 3-4 supporters signed up as delegates in each representative district (RD) in the state. In the alternative, we need as many people as possible in each subdivision to sign up. Delaware has 4 subdivisions: the three counties plus the City of Wilmington. Delegate Nominee forms need to be completed and returned by Jan 31. The forms do not need to be signed. The person filling out the form is the “nominee” and they MUST indicate Barack Obama as their presidential candidate preference for them to be considered an official Obama delegate nominee.

The Delegate selection process in Delaware is a bit complicated but the key things to remember right now are that delegate nominees need to complete and return the form by Jan. 31 to the Delaware Dems HQ AND they need to show up at their RD caucus meetings scheduled between Feb. 8-29 to get voted forward to the state convention in Dover on April 5.

Here is more info on the selection process - http://www.deldems.org/

Please pass this along to anyone and everyone who supports Barack in Delaware and may be willing to participate in the Delegate selection process.

Contact and mailing info can be found here:

http://www.deldems.org/ht/d/sp/i/725590/pid/725590

35th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade

Chris Lu — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 11:02:18 EST

Obama Statement on 35th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade Decision

CHICAGO, IL- Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement on the 35th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision.

"Thirty-five years after the Supreme Court decided Roe v. Wade, it’s never been more important to protect a woman’s right to choose. Last year, the Supreme Court decided by a vote of 5-4 to uphold the Federal Abortion Ban, and in doing so undermined an important principle of Roe v. Wade: that we must always protect women’s health. With one more vacancy on the Supreme Court, we could be looking at a majority hostile to a women’s fundamental right to choose for the first time since Roe v. Wade. The next president may be asked to nominate that Supreme Court justice. That is what is at stake in this election.

Throughout my career, I’ve been a consistent and strong supporter of reproductive justice, and have consistently had a 100% pro-choice rating with Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice America. "When South Dakota passed a law banning all abortions in a direct effort to have Roe overruled, I was the only candidate for President to raise money to help the citizens of South Dakota repeal that law. When anti-choice protesters blocked the opening of an Illinois Planned Parenthood clinic in a community where affordable health care is in short supply, I was the only candidate for President who spoke out against it. And I will continue to defend this right by passing the Freedom of Choice Act as president.

Moreover, I believe in and have supported common-sense solutions like increasing access to affordable birth control to help prevent unintended pregnancies. In the Illinois state Senate, when Congress failed to require insurance plans to cover FDA-approved contraceptives, I made sure those contraceptives were covered for women in Illinois. In the U.S. Senate, I've worked with Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) on a bill that would make birth control more affordable for low-income and college women, and introduced the Senate version of Representative Hilda Solis’ bill to reduce unintended pregnancies in communities of color. As President, I will improve access to affordable health care and work to ensure that our teens are getting the information and services they need to stay safe and healthy.

But we also know that Roe v. Wade is about more than a woman’s right to choose; it’s about equality. It’s about whether our daughters are going to have the same opportunities as our sons. And so to truly honor that decision, we need to update the social contract so that women can free themselves, and their children, from violent relationships; so that a mom can stay home with a sick child without getting a pink slip; so that she can go to work knowing that there’s affordable, quality childcare for her children; and so that the American dream is within reach for every family in this country. This anniversary reminds us that it’s not enough to protect the gains of the past – we have to build a future that’s filled with hope and possibility for all Americans."

Honoring Dr. King

Chris Lu — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 21:15:37 EST

The Delaware campaign took part in several events around the state to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Over the weekend, supporters marched in parades in Dover and Lewes. Today, we had volunteers handing out buttons and bumper stickers at a celebration in Seaford, as well as a 800-person breakfast in Wilmington. We also signed up 68 new volunteers at the Wilmington breakfast.

Also, I wanted to make sure everyone saw Barack's statement on this important occasion:

"On this Martin Luther King Day, we still face too many barriers to justice and equality in this country. To tear them down, Americans need to come together. In Dr. King's words, 'unity is the great need of the hour.' But what makes it particularly difficult to come together is that we have a politics that seeks to drive us apart. We are told that those who differ from us on a few things are different from us on all things; that our problems are the fault of those who don't think like us or look like us or come from where we do. This kind of divisive politics distracts us from the common challenges we face - war and poverty; injustice and inequality.

But while the critical first step toward coming together is changing our hearts and minds, we cannot stop there. It is not enough to bemoan the plight of poor children in this country and remain unwilling to push our elected officials to provide the resources to fix our schools. It is not enough to decry the disparities of health care and yet allow the insurance companies and the drug companies to block much-needed reforms. It is not enough for us to abhor the costs of a misguided war, and yet allow ourselves to be driven by a politics of fear that sees the threat of attack as a way to scare up votes instead of a call to come together around a common effort.

If we are to truly bring about the unity that is so crucial in this time, we must find it within ourselves to act on what we know; and to understand that living up to this country's ideals and its possibilities will require great effort and resources; sacrifice and stamina. That is Dr. King's vision, and that is the legacy we honor today."

Fun on the Phones

Chris Lu — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:18:52 EST

Here is a group of our wonderful volunteers who have given up their Sunday nights to call potential supporters.

If you have time to lend a hand, our headquarters office is open everyday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. We're located at 1201 N. Orange Street, Suite 900, in Wilmington. Our phone number is 573-2540. Please stop by!

Headquarters is Open!

Chris Lu — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 15:56:33 EST

Earlier today, the Obama campaign officially opened its headquarters office in Wilmington. The office is at 1201 N. Orange Street, Suite 900. Among the 70 supporters at the office opening were: Wilmington Mayor James Baker; Lieutenant Governor John Carney; Insurance Commissioner Matthew Denn; State Rep. Val Longhurst; and Wilmington City Council Members Samuel Prado and Stephanie Bolden.

After a rousing speech by Mayor Baker, our state director Brandon Hurlbut conducted a training session on canvassing, and a hearty group of volunteers headed off to knock on doors. Earlier today, a similar group of canvassers met in Dover to pound the pavement for Barack.

Watch this space for more updates from the Delaware campaign staff, and if you'd like volunteer, just stop our office or call - 302-573-2540.

Here are some photos from the office opening:

Volunteers sign in

State Director Brandon Hurlbut welcomes everyone

Selling chum (buttons, bumper stickers and other goodies)

Wilmington Mayor Baker rallies the troops