Sara's Blog

Delegates Up Close: Michael From Hawaii

Sara Tumen — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:28:26 EDT

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.

Delegates Up Close: Bernard From Virginia

Sara Tumen — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 11:36:37 EDT

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.

Delegates Up Close: Kierra from Washington, DC

Sara Tumen — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:53:27 EDT

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!

Delegates Up Close: Kathy from Iowa

Sara Tumen — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:53:01 EDT

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.

Delegates Up Close: Keith from Wisconsin

Sara Tumen — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:59:36 EDT

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.

Delegates Up Close: Diana from Michigan

Sara Tumen — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:41:17 EDT

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!

Delegates Up Close: Charlene and Lisa

Sara Tumen — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:39:13 EDT

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.

Delegates Up Close: Dale from Ohio

Sara Tumen — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:35:06 EDT

Dale, a delegate from Ohio, wants to be part of electing a new leadership for America to help make fundamental change. After 35 years of political experience as a Cleveland City Councilman, State Representative, and State Senator, as well as volunteering for over 100 campaigns, Dale knows when we need to turn the country in a different direction.

She’s excited to work for Obama. “I volunteered to be a neighborhood team leader and am working eight precincts in my neighborhood in much the same way that I worked them when I first ran for City Council in 1979. I believe that Senator Obama is particularly strong at getting good people around him and at having a clear vision for a new foreign policy built around diplomacy and collaboration with other nations, along with the knowledge that the world has several serious problems that have to be dealt with.”

In addition, Dale is also very concerned about improving the economy and urban issues. “We must acknowledge the housing and foreclosure crisis and developing an economic policy that helps low and middle class people become self sufficient and reach their full potential.” Dale has faith that Senator Obama will effectively address climate change and the energy crisis, as well as developing a foreign policy that utilizes collaboration over warfare.

During his free time, Dale enjoys traveling and camping with his wife of 23 years, Carol.

Delegates Up Close: Brett from Wisconsin

Sara Tumen — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:34:11 EDT

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.

Delegates Up Close: Joe from Iowa

Sara Tumen — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 18:14:20 EDT

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.

Delegates Up Close: Marlene from Wisconsin

Sara Tumen — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:55:32 EDT

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.

She recalls one day in class she saw that the side of one of her student’s jeans was all red. After asking what it was, the boy told Marlene that he had cut his leg and that it was bleeding. She told him to see a nurse, and was surprised at the fight he put up; he absolutely did not want to go.

Marlene didn’t understand his hesitations until he explained that his family didn’t have health insurance and they were financially in trouble. He didn’t want to bring the gash in his leg to his parents’ attention because he knew they couldn’t afford to have it cared for. It was then that Marlene realized that her community needed real change.

Additionally, Marlene is concerned about the United States’ image overseas. She said that on a recent trip to Normandy, France, she would come across people who would ask how we could have possibly elected, and then re-elected, our current administration.

She says she didn’t know what to say, other than “I didn’t vote for him!”

While initially Marlene was a Clinton supporter, she is enthusiastic about Senator Obama.

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.

Road To Denver: Liberty For All

Sara Tumen — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:52:39 EDT

“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.

Road To Denver: Debu's Direction

Sara Tumen — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:26:33 EDT

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.”

Road To Denver: Working for Change

Sara Tumen — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:32:09 EDT

“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.

Road To Denver: Fighting For the Underdogs

Sara Tumen — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:58:35 EDT

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.”

Road To Denver: DC Die-Hard

Sara Tumen — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:38:22 EDT

“ 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.”

Road To Denver: Minnesota Delegate "Just Can't Lose!"

Sara Tumen — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:01:18 EDT

“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.”

Road To Denver: All In The Family

Sara Tumen — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:11:52 EDT

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!

Road To Denver: Jill's Plan for Capital Hill

Sara Tumen — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 18:18:29 EDT

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.”

Road To Denver: Passing The Torch

Sara Tumen — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 14:11:19 EDT

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!

Road To Denver: Among The Stars

Sara Tumen — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:22:12 EDT

My name is LaKeisha M. Chestnut, a Delegate from Alabama, and this is my story.

It all started because of my grandmother. Born in 1932 in Flatwood, Alabama, my grandmother experienced the pain and frustration of inequality first hand. I remember her telling me the story of the first time she saw ‘colored’ and ‘white’ signs over the water fountain. She thought this meant that the water from each fountain was colored or white, respectively. Confused and unaware (she thought water was clear?), my grandmother approached the white water fountain only to be scolded by a white man.

From that moment on, my grandma was a pioneer for equal rights. Although she graduated from a segregated high school, she was the one of the first African American women to attend nursing school in 1956 and eventually obtain her RN. Growing up under her watch, I was taught that no matter what other people say, I am human and I should treat everyone the same. We are all the same in God’s eyes.

Moreover, she taught me the importance of using my voice to fight for what I believe in. She always told me the importance of voting. She made sure that I watched the conventions for every Presidential election. Though my life took a different turn after high school, I knew that I wanted to be involved in politics, but I didn’t know how. I had the pleasure of meeting Gov. Howard Dean in Vermont in 1996. In 1998, I went to the Don Siegelman headquarters in Mobile, Alabama and volunteered my time as a poll watcher. It was great fun, and I was glad to be part of it. I got involved in the Al Gore campaign in 1999 in New Hampshire. I went to Lebanon, New Hampshire for the debate at Dartmouth College between Al Gore and Bill Bradley. I lost my voice in 25 degree weather after screaming for Al Gore outside the headquarters in West Lebanon. Politics was becoming apart of who I was because I wanted to be a voice for people who couldn’t speak for themselves. When I got involved in 2004, I didn’t know that my future would be tied into the man that gave the keynote address at the convention in 2004, Barack Obama.
I heard a lot about Sen. Obama after the 2004 speech. I had the chance to read his book, Dreams from My Father, and was moved. I got to hear him speak twice, both times in Florida. When he announced that he was going to run for President, I was floored.
Continue Reading About LaKeisha...

Road To Denver: Change of Heart

Sara Tumen — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 18:20:58 EDT

Alternate Taylor is a middle class 18-year-old from Jonesboro, Arkansas. While he supported Senator Hillary Clinton in the primaries and at the time of his State Convention, he will be supporting Senator Obama as the next president.

Born and raised in Texas, Taylor lived in the oil fields of the Panhandle until 1997. His father’s father worked for the Philips 66 refinery in Borger, Texas while his mother’s father spent his life on a farm and working in a feedlot. Taylor says that both his grandfathers have experienced the toll that physical labor can take on someone.

“Throughout my young life, I have seen the good and bad of the economy. The phrase ‘foreclosure knocking on my door’ is something I have heard more than once.”

Taylor’s family has also struggled with unaffordable healthcare. “My grandfather, Tony Riddle, a man who was once retired from Phillips 66 refinery after working many long, hard years, returned to physical labor once again with an aged body to stock shelves at Wal-Mart in order to pay for my grandmother’s growing medical bills. This would be his last job before passing away from a heart attack while unloading a Wal-Mart supplies truck.” It was this day that made Taylor realize that America needed change. :

Taylor began his political career learning from Dustin McDaniel, who ran for State Representative, and Jason Willett, Congressman Marion Berry’s District Director. They taught him that the best way to give back to the people is by being a voice of the people. In 2006, Willett, who had been elected as the State Democratic Party Chairman, asked Taylor to work for him in the First Congressional District field office for the governor’s election.

From January to June of 2007, Taylor served in the first United States House of Representatives Page Class after the Mark Foley scandal. He lived on Capital Hill, went to school in the Library of Congress, and worked in the rostrum of the House Floor as a Documentarian Page. Taylor was chosen by Clerk of the House, Loraine Miller, to be the speaker at his Page Class commencement and spoke in front of some of the most powerful legislators in the country. He was also offered the citizenship award for best representing the lessons and values of the Page Program.

“Never in a million years would I have thought than an average kid from Arkansas would have been standing where I was.”

Ultimately, Taylor believes that Obama has sent a message out among young people about the importance of voting and the power they have to change the world.

“Senator Obama has been able to start a movement with the youth of America…We need a president that can take care of our men and women in uniform, stabilize our economy, and unite all branches of government. Senator Obama can and will do this as our nation’s next President.”

Road To Denver: The Treasure State's Treasure

Sara Tumen — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 17:33:16 EDT

Nineteen-year-old Delegate Raphael, from Montana, was born into politics. His great- grandfather was speaker of the Montana House of Representatives while his grandfather was President of Montana’s 1972 Constitutional Convention. In fact, Raphael’s father was a delegate to the 1972 Democratic Convention when he, too, was nineteen. :

Raphael began his own political ventures in 2002, when he volunteered for Senator Max Baucus’s re-election campaign. Since then, he has founded the Great Falls Young Democrats – a group dedicated to organizing high school volunteers and introducing area youth to state political leaders. In 2005, Raphael worked out of the office of the Democratic Floor Leader in the Montana House of Representatives and, in 2006, he began work with the Montana Democratic Party’s Coordinated Campaign to help elect now-Senator Jon Tester. After spending 2007 working for Senator Max Baucus in DC on defense and veteran’s issues, Raphael served until June as a field coordinator and communications adviser for an attorney general candidate. He now works with the Montana Democratic Party as a staffer to its Coordinated Campaign.

Raphael’s passion stems from his deep interest in sound policy and competent government. He is particularly concerned with faith and politics. “For many like me, faith anchors morality. Faith motivates political action, just as it frames worldview. There is an important role for faith in the progressive movement that grows from centuries of Judeo-Christian tradition. The modern progressive movement has a compelling claim to faith oriented voters, it just needs to assert it better.”

On a more international note, Raphael supports a foreign policy that sees “an increased role for international institutions (like the UN for conflict resolution, the WTO for trade disputes like the ongoing China currency battle) and emphasizes the importance of America’s soft power and international cooperation. We have a real opportunity to move beyond a system of woefully disparate, adversarial state actors, to one characterized by increased trade, shared security, and improved global standards of living.”

Raphael is currently a student at Columbia University in New York and spends his free time volunteering for the New York City Police Department as an auxiliary police officer for the 26th precinct in Manhattan and North/West Harlem. He also enjoys skiing and is captain of the Ski and Snowboard Racing Team.

When reflecting on his experiences, Raphael recognizes that his “family has been important in teaching me the value of civic awareness, faith and public service.”

Raphael was particularly proud to be from Montana during the primaries when his state was able to hand the presumptive nomination to Senator Obama. “Because our primary is traditionally one of the last in the nation, it’s been years since anyone felt like Montana’s say in the primary mattered… Ultimately it was Senator Obama’s message of progressive change that put him over the top in the Treasure State.”

Road To Denver: Cincinnati's Super-Supporter

Sara Tumen — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 19:09:24 EDT

"I have on my desk a framed letter I received from Cesar Chavez, President of the United Farm Workers of America. It was written to me in June of 1975. I was eleven years old. My brother, who at the time was nine, and I made puppets and crafts and took them in our wagon and sold them to our neighbors and sent all the profit (only $12 or $13) to the farm workers. The letter is personal, not a form letter, and concludes by stating: ‘With the support of young people like you who are willing to use your energies in helping us in our struggle, we will be sure of victory… Viva la Causa!’“

Ohio Delegate Jennie has tried to live her life by these touching words, and has spent the majority of it fighting for causes that she believes in. She stood on the Planned Parenthod property line in the late ‘70s/early ‘80s when they were being being firebombed and picketed by the anti-choice demonstrators. She spent her high school years working for Jerry Springer when he was Mayor of Cincinnati – a man who was notorious for caring deeply for the city and addressing any problem, no matter the size. Jennie was responsible for all public works department requests—and instantly loved solving problems for people.

While she has always been active, Jennie says she and her husband Allan decided to get involved in a much more concentrated and committed way in 2004 when “we could just not stand another year of the Bush presidency. We hosted fundraisers (including Peter Frampton playing a concert on our front lawn!) and I was a field organizer working with 90 precincts in Cincinnati. I also organized over 70 events where we did voter registration and visibility in 2004.”

Jennie is particularly dedicated to her grassroots efforts. “I love grassroots work. In 2006 we chose to do work with Sherrod Brown who shares many of our visions for a better America and were thrilled to host a fundraiser/concert with Carol King, and, equally as exciting, a breakfast fundraiser with the Freshman Senator Barack Obama!” Additionally, Jennie and her husband have shown their dedication by setting up 20 phone lines in their basement for the Kerry campaign, the Brown campaign, and during this year’s primaries.

Jennie is working so hard for a candidate whom she believes will stand for the issues she sees as important. Jennie believes in a woman’s right to choose. “Choice has been chipped away at over the years and we need a president who will stand up, with conviction, for that right.” As a child, Jennie wanted to be a forest ranger, so today she is very concerned about the environment and the way society is expending its resources.

Moreover, Jennie is confident that the Obama’s can heal many of the country’s economic and health care problems. “I was so moved to hear Michelle Obama speak in Cincinnati prior to the Ohio primary about her childhood and the fact that the bar keeps being raised for Americans, making it nearly impossible for the middle class to get by…”

Continue reading about Jennie...

Road To Denver: Salem Supporter

Sara Tumen — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:49:34 EDT

Peggy, a delegate from New Jersey, was never involved in politics before the Obama Campaign. However, just like many, Senator Obama’s ideas inspired her and she quickly took a position as the Salem County Chair of New Jersey for Obama. Peggy also headed up the GOTV efforts in Salem County and got two Obama delegates, out of four, to the convention.

A family physician who runs a private practice out of her home, Peggy has also spent her time volunteering with Himalayan Healthcare in Nepal and at a free medical clinic in Salem County. Peggy feels as though the healthcare system in place right now is broken and needs to be fixed. “All Americans should have access to at least a basic level of healthcare. Patients do better when they have a regular source of medical care, and systems which are centered around a ‘medical home’ are more cost effective.”

Peggy has strong views about other hot topics as well.

“I believe that medical decisions should be made by a patient and their doctor, not by an insurance company or by the government. I believe that the war in Iraq was a mistake. I believe in a woman’s right to make decisions about her body without government involvement. I think our environment needs to be protected for future generations.”

Peggy is an avid outdoor enthusiast and enjoys biking, kayaking, hiking, and sailing. Her house is surrounded by perennial gardens that she tends herself when she’s not spending time with her three kids and dog (who all canvassed together in Obama t-shirts on Super Tuesday.)

Peggy is such an Obama fan that when she met him prior to his appearance in Newark, New Jersey back in October, she wanted to give him a hug and say “Thanks for all you do!” “But I got too nervous so I all I did was shake his hand and smile.”

Road To Denver: Oregon for Obama

Sara Tumen — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:32:07 EDT

Baseball lover and working artist Carla, a Delegate from Oregon, remembers the look of shock on Senator Obama’s face when he initially saw the 75,000 supporters lined up at Portland’s Waterfront Park to hear him speak. Carla recalls seeing Michelle repeating “WOW, WOW, WOW” and even seeing the little Obama girls’ looks of amazement.

Knowing that she played a part in gaining all of that Obama support was equally as amazing for Carla. She hasn’t stopped working to fight for the issues she feels most connected to.

“My issues-du-jour are LGBT and election integrity. I cut my teeth on LGBT politics in the early ‘90s when Oregon voters faced an onslaught of anti-gay initiatives. I was forever having to defend not only my politics, but who I was and am as a person!”

As her philosophies and political beliefs began to mature, she realized that a more active approach was necessary. Carla joined the steering committee for the “No On Hate” PAC in 1992 and served on staff with “No On 13” in 1994. Her specialty was visibility and she was known as the “Yardsign Lady.”

Carla’s fight for women’s rights reaches all the way back to college and beyond when she lived in Lawrence, Kansas. She enjoys her involvement in politics because she likes getting to know all sorts of people from different communities and backgrounds. Additionally, she likes the “team spirit” that comes with people coming together to work for a common cause. Carla says that she is part of a great team of people that are making good things happen in Oregon and “was thrilled and humbled that they chose [her] as one of their representatives to Denver.”

Road To Denver: Alaskan Obamaniac

Sara Tumen — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:10:01 EDT

“The fact that he was the son of an immigrant just like me, I knew I had to do my part to get him elected as our next president.”

Alaskan Delegate Idris was born and raised in Lagos City, Nigeria. His father came to America, married a white American woman, and then was deported back to Nigeria when he over-stayed his visit. In 2000, his wife filled for her husband’s family to return to the states, however in March of 2001 only Idris and his younger brother were allowed into the country, leaving his father still in Nigeria due to his inability to obtain another Visa. His wife is still fighting for his ability to return.

Despite his step-mother’s attempts to shield Idris and his brother from the disenfranchisement of an unequal society, growing up African American and Muslim, Idris felt the limitations of the social system. His main concern remains the limit he believes persists to the success and achievement of African Americans in the United States.

“9/11 was an eye opener for me about America on all different levels. One aspect showed me how people could come together for a common course, and the other part showed me how little people know about my religion.”

In order to prevent negative stereotypes, Idris learned that he must portray the image of himself that he wants to be perceived. “I came to realize that I have to do my part by setting a good example for people who look up to me. I can do that by being a responsible member of society so that people won’t negatively stereotype me.”

Idris joined the military in May 2003 and was stationed in Alaska after he finished training. He was deployed to Iraq as part of the 172nd BCT from Alaska.

It was when he was on leave in his home state of Illinois in 2005 he became an “Obamaniac.” “I recall hearing this black guy with an African sounding name, he was talking about affirmative action, which is an issue that is very dear to me. I was really moved, and began looking into him.”

Four years later, Idris is 24 and doing all he can to support the Senator. “When Obama decided to run for president, it was a no-brainer for me. He wouldn’t even have to convince me. Now it is time for me to convince other people that the time for change is now.”

Road To Denver: Kennebunk Campaigner

Sara Tumen — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:41:12 EDT

Maine Delegate Diane was destined to be involved in politics. Perhaps this is due to her upbringing in Springfield, IL, where patriotism seems to be rooted in the water— state capital, home of Abraham Lincoln (whom Diane named her dog after), location of many presidential speeches (she attended one by of John F. Kennedy as a child). Needless to say, Diane felt a special connection and pride when Senator Obama chose Springfield to announce he’d be running for president.

Diane has spent much of her life in the Senator’s home-state. She graduated from Loyola University in Chicago (obtaining her BA and MS) and National Louis University (for her MAT) and then worked in Chicago for over 30 years in human resources and special education. While living in Illinois, she worked on several Democratic political campaigns at the local, state, and national levels. Her favorite was that of Senator Paul Simon, who claims is one of her heroes.

Once Diane moved to Maine to further pursue her work in special education, she submerged herself in John Kerry’s campaign. During this time, Diane “had the privilege of escorting campaign surrogates throughout the state, including former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, singer Carole King, Illinois Senator Dick Durbin, Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLaura, and various Kerry and Heinz family members and friends, including the swiftboat veteran who was rescued by Kerry during the Viet Nam war.” Additionally, Diane was active in the Vote No on 1 campaign, which preserved protections for everyone regardless of gender or sexual orientation, and on Governor John Baldacci’s re-election campaign. He later appointed her to serve a five year term on the Maine Dental Board of Examiners.

Diane now serves as the Vice Chair of the Kennebunk Democrats and she helped run their Democratic caucus. Currently, she is also assisting with Representative Tom Allen’s senate campaign. Diane and her husband have hosted many fundraisers to benefit the democratic party and show their support for their chosen candidates.

Diane is the mother of three grown sons and three daughters-in-law. She has a four-year-old grandson, Jake (who loves saying the name “Barack Obama” over and over) and has a granddaughter who she hopes to welcome along with newly appointed president Barack Obama on election day.

“Barack Obama represents the hope and direction this country desperately needs. I intend to do everything within my power to ensure that when I wake up on November 5th, I can recite the two words I’ve been dying to say…President Obama! This is my promise and nothing will stand in my way.”

Road To Denver: The Peacemaker

Sara Tumen — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:19:19 EDT

Retired middle school teacher and steady peace activist Claudia, a Delegate from Bowling Green, Kentucky, is a lifelong Democrat and has been politically active since the day she stopped working. She votes in every election, both local and national, and started rallying for peace on a busy street corner on a weekly basis when her oldest son deployed to Qatar in 2007. (He has been deployed twice since then as a navigator in the air force.) Claudia has also given talks to the local Unitarian Universalist Congregation on alternatives to war in settling world conflicts.

While Claudia tries to stay positive, “recent announcements of bringing troops out of Iraq but into Afghanistan have shaken my resolve that peaceful means can be pursued in conducting ‘the war on terror’ in a reasonable way.”

Claudia supports Senator Obama because she “became convinced Barack Obama had something unique and powerful to offer our broken government during his speech at the 2004 Democratic Convention” and promised herself that she would do everything she could to get him elected if the opportunity presented itself.

"After reading his latest book, The Audacity of Hope, I realized that he would not fit into anyone’s narrow political box of conservative, liberal, progressive, etc. but might just possess the necessary wisdom, intellect, and finesse to pull this nation together under the original provisions of the Constitution and restore its principles to government and in the process restore our dignity as a once proud and respectable nation.”

Claudia has a 23 year old son whom she calls a “professional hippie” as he travels with the “Rainbow Fellowship” – a group he formed that is currently in California learning how to retrofit gasoline cars into hydrogen cell fueled ones.

Claudia is following in her son’s footsteps as she takes the necessary lengths to go green herself. She bought an adult tricycle, rain barrels, and a push mower to cut consumption of gasoline, electricity, and water.

Claudia is excited about the convention and is happy to support a candidate she admires. “I respect Barack’s consistent ability to remain calm and diplomatic while having personal and political mud thrown at him. I want my president to be smarter than me and Barack Obama has moxie, wisdom and insight in spades over anyone else currently in politics.”

Road To Denver: Oklahoman for Obama

Sara Tumen — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:38:14 EDT

Tim is a professor of government and history at Oklahoma University and one of Oklahoma’s 40 delegates heading to Denver this August. Tim and his wife Georjana live in Norman, Oklahoma where they have been avid Obama supporters since viewing Senator Obama’s address at the 2004 National Democratic Convention.

“There are many reasons to be enthusiastic Obama supporters. We are especially interested in Senator Obama’s call for universal healthcare. In Oklahoma, some 700,000 people have no heath care coverage…Among those are some 125,000 Oklahoma children. We are grateful that Barack Obama has been such a leader in the U.S. Senate for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) that was originally vetoed by Bush.”

Additionally, as past Chair and Member of Norman’s Social and Voluntary Service Commission, Tim supports Obama’s plan for Universal Voluntary Public Service. “Obama wants to double the Peace Corps and expand AmeriCorps from 75,000 today to 250,000.” Tim is also excited by Obama’s plans to institute Classroom Corps -- to help teachers and students, with a priority placed on underserved schools, Health Corps -- to improve public health outreach, Clean Energy Corps -- to conduct weatherization and renewable energy products, and Veteran Corps -- to assist veterans at hospitals, nursing homes, and homeless shelters.

Tim currently serves on the Area-wide Aging Agency Board of Directors for Central Oklahoma with the goal of expanding and improving programs to recruit retiring Oklahomans who have a wide range of skills and knowledge to volunteer.

Tim and Georjana, both Sierra Club members, relish the outdoors by walking their two Australian Blue Healers and hiking. Additionally, Georjana is an avid quilter and the two enjoy going to quilt exhibitions. Tim is also an amateur radio operator (also known as ham radio).

This will be Tim’s third to trip to the National Democratic Convention, and this year he has been selected by the Democratic Party of Oklahoma to serve as one of Oklahoma’s seven presidential electors.

Road To Denver: In for the Long Haul

Sara Tumen — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:34:05 EDT

Faye has been around since Day One, when Senator Obama ran and lost for Congress as well as when he spoke at Congressional Black Caucus annual conventions. His demeanor and style of leading has kept this political junkie and Delegate from Ayer, Massachusetts hooked on Obama. She believes “he will be effective on both sides of the aisle, he is the right voice at the right time.”

Faye was only a senior in high school when she volunteered for her first campaign -- Jimmy Carter for President. She went on to become a union member and worked her way up from shop steward to become the first woman and person of color to be its president since it was established 35 years prior. Further, Faye became the political director for her district and went on to work for Congressman Marty Meehan. Currently, Faye is a 14 year member of the Democratic State Committee and has been serving as the Co-Chair of the Affirmative Action Sub-Committee for three years. This is the third time she has been elected as a district delegate. Faye was also the first and only black woman ever elected to her town’s Board of Selectman, and has served as its chair twice.

The economy and veteran’s issues are Faye’s top two concerns.

“The state of the middle class is alarming to me and we are quickly heading towards a society of the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots.’ The veteran’s issue is a problem for me because my oldest child, who is a college graduate and a reservist, has been deployed three times and is, as I type this, headed to Iraq for the second time. The same day she received orders she also received a bill from the IRS for her benefits, which is illegal. I want a commander-in-chief who respects the service of our men and women.”

Politics is Faye’s number one hobby and she takes her delegate role seriously. “I was a delegate for Gore and Kerry and I spent the last month of the general campaign in ‘04 organizing in Florida. I believe delegates are ambassadors for the candidates it is our job to travel and spread the good word on their behalf. As a DSC member I spend a great deal of time traveling around the state assisting candidates and educating town committees on the political process.”

Faye is a strong and single mom of two daughters -- Nehcole, a graduate of Manhattan College who now works in Chicago for the New York Times online division running the about.com marketing department, and Crystal, a graduate of Penn State studying forensic science hoping to return to graduate school to study law.

“Crystal is currently activated and set to deploy to Iraq again. Her boyfriend was not on the list but volunteered to go so they could be together. The day before they left they got married and are now honeymooning in the green zone.”

Faye is awaiting another happily-ever-after with her hopeful president.

Road To Denver: St. Louis Lovin'

Sara Tumen — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:44:28 EDT

Crystal meant business when she ran to represent Missouri as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Denver. She was less motivated by the “cool” factor of serving as a delegate than she was by her belief that Barack’s delegation should include people who work at the grassroots level, people who would vigorously support Obama’s candidacy and the ideas he has.

The issues that hold particular importance to Crystal are foreign policy and early childhood education. She feels as though we must repair the world’s view of America by “restoring our Constitution-- specifically protecting the civil rights of suspected terrorists and of targeted ethnic groups.” Further, she has “a strong belief that education is the rock on which a civilized society is built.”

While Crystal has no prior political experience apart from voting, she is a lifelong Democrat and her first political memory is when she was visiting friends with her parents and she made her parents stay late so they could finish watching the Carter-Reagan Debate in 1980. (She was five.)

“I realize that a lot of people sacrificed their lives for me to be able to vote, and it is my moral obligation and duty as a citizen to do so. But it was not until Barack that I felt the compelling need to actually do something.”

Crystal and six fellow organizers met at local coffee shops to plan how to execute a victory for Barack in the Missouri primary. When recalling her favorite primary moment, she claims that “driving onto the tarmac with Secret Service to drop off Barack at his place was pretty awesome.”

For Crystal, working for the campaign and fun are one in the same.

“Between planning events/activities for the campaign and attending house parties and office openings, I never thought politics could be so much fun. The people I have met are phenomenal and planning events with them and hanging out with them at the office or at meetings is what I enjoy doing.”

Other than political activities, Crystal enjoys traveling abroad, dancing (NIA, Zumba, African, Belly dance), crossword/logic puzzles, and watching ’80s movies. Crystal is married “with three kitty children” and lives in St. Louis.

“My husband and I are both military brats and grew up across the river in Southern Illinois. Our fathers both retired from the military in Virginia. My dad is African-American and grew up in Georgia. He and his brother were the first and only blacks to attend the all-white school at the beginning of desegregation. He suffered a lot for his education, so education has always been of the utmost importance to him and to me. My mother is Turkish and came to the States after marrying my dad in Turkey. He was stationed there with the Air Force and met my mother at the NCO club on the base. My mother was educated from high school through college in English so she was fluent before she came to the States. She stayed home with me and when I was in grade school she began drawing again and has been making money doing that and writing ever since. My dad is working for a government contractor and playing golf when he can. I am an only child of two loving and (mostly) perfect parents.”

Thanks to Crystal and her team, hopefully we can swing Missouri in our direction!

Road To Denver: Long Road Ahead

Sara Tumen — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:23:18 EDT

Story from Ohio Delegate Nancy

I remember watching the 1968 democratic convention on television as a 15 year old girl and thinking about the history-changing effect it would have and how wonderful it would be to have the opportunity to be there as a part of it. I grew up in a two parent household with grandparents who came from Eastern Europe to live in America, in “the land of opportunity and freedom.”
My grandfather would repeatedly emphasize the greatness of this country and how lucky we were to be here. While working in a rubber factory, his union would usually provide our family a good, stable income and health. Health insurance coverage was considered a huge benefit that was negotiated through the United Rubber Workers Local 5. However, I also remember the strikes and the income halt when we were forced to count cans of food to make sure we had enough. The hard times taught me the difference between basic needs/rights and wants.

In order to give back to my community I graduated from Akron University in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and began working in the local children’s hospital. The community health focus of public health nursing was always an interest of mine, so after I heard of an opening at our city health department, I took a civil service exam and began my career as a public health nurse.
This position allowed me to work with babies, children and mothers. In the 70's many social programs were set up and there was a great deal of emphasis on equal child care and affordable prenatal exams. Vaccine and senior citizen clinics were established at multiple local sites that provided health services to the residents. Doctors and nurses made home visits regularly and they tailored medical to each individual’s lifestyle.
Things sure have changed. “The land of opportunity” that my father once named America has become the land of opportunity for only those who can afford to buy it. I have worked my way up the ladder to my established position as Supervisor. My 32 years as a public health nurse have shown me how the philosophy of our society has transformed from providing medical care to everyone to only the select few who will pay. This transition has been hard to adapt to due to my feelings that healthcare is a basic need and right. Not a privilege. Through my daily work I deal with people who have all kinds of health problems and try to route them through the business bureaucracy to get them the care they so desperately need. I decided to get involved in this presidential campaign to change health-care from the top down with a leader who will make my dreams come true.

Road To Denver: Snapshot of a North Dakota Delegate

Sara Tumen — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:14:41 EDT

North Dakota Delegate Stephan has climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro and hiked almost of all of his state’s national parks. He has served as an active parent in Boy Scouts for ten years, which has taken him through the Boundary Waters of Minnesota, Quetico in Ontario and Shoshone Lake in Yellowstone National Park. Now his adventures lead him to Denver, where he will support Barack on the floor of Invesco Field when Barack gives his acceptance speech.

Stephan is a pediatrician and believes that providing children’s heath insurance is of critical importance. He is also very interested in climate change and has concerns about the way our society is treating the environment. Stephan believes that the United States needs a new approach to foreign policy.

Working to share Barack's message, Stephan has traveled around the country -- North Dakota, Texas, Indiana, Montana, and South Dakota -- to volunteer with the campaign. His most memorable primary moment occurred when Stephan was working in LaPorte and Michigan City, Indiana the weekend before the Indiana primary. “The close vote in Indiana along with Obama’s large victory in North Carolina seemed to finally shift the momentum our way.”

When Stephan gets a break from work, he snaps photos of the beautiful wildlife surrounding his home.

Stephan and his wife Donna, a fellow doctor and excellent cook, have three grown children and two dogs.

Road To Denver: Obama Momma

Sara Tumen — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:11:55 EDT

Georgia Alternate Mary obtained her alternate position due to her motherly will to appease her children. She remembers the phone call her son made from the Chicago Headquarters (where he works), begging her to run. “Of course I could not say ‘No’ to my own son!” she says. “It was a real learning experience for me because I always thought the Party selected the delegates—I never knew you had to campaign! So, I wrote my speech, baked a pound cake to hand out, and got some Obama paraphernalia to pass out, and here I am—the elected alternate!”

Most of Mary’s past political experience has been on the local level—though she just finished chairing a campaign for her District Attorney, who won by a landslide.

Additionally, Mary has volunteered all her life. “I firmly believe that if you live in a community, you need to give back to it. Currently, I am serving on the Hospital Board of our local not-for-profit hospital, Albany Tomorrow, and my church Parish Council. I also have an Obama volunteer staying with me, working on making Georgia a Blue state!”

Perhaps what Mary likes most about Senator Obama is his ability to accept defeat gracefully and transform it into motivation and hope. “My most memorable primary moment had to have been Obama's 'Yes We Can' speech after his loss in New Hampshire. I remember talking with my son and being so disappointed until I heard his speech. I knew at that moment, if someone could be that inspirational after a defeat, he would be an unbelievable leader for our country!”

Other than campaigning and volunteering, Mary loves to travel, entertain friends, and read. She has three boys and a dog named Scruffy (“his name describes him perfectly”). Her oldest son is Mackey, who is working with the Obama campaign in Chicago, the next is Bill--a musician, and her youngest is Mark, who is in college. “Needless to say, I am proud of all three of them. Family has always been important to us. We are a close family that includes, one grandmother, two aunts, four siblings and their spouses, and ten nieces & nephews! The family gets together every Sunday for a big family dinner at the aunts' home, and the entire family gets together for all special occasions.”

Road To Denver: Changing Direction

Sara Tumen — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:28:24 EDT

Iraq veteran Josh never thought he would be a New Hampshire delegate. In fact, he went into the race confident that he didn’t have a chance of getting the one slot that was available. However, with the mindset that he had nothing to lose, as well as the hope that he could follow his mother’s footsteps (who attended the 1968 convention as a protester), he ran and won.

After seeing the war and its ramifications first hand, Josh’s number one priority is to end the war with Iraq. In fact, during an encounter with Senator McCain, Josh startled him with his frank opinions of U.S. progress in Iraq.

“I was back at the University of New Hampshire for the first time since joining the army four years earlier. I met up with a buddy of mine from Iraq. The bar we met at had McCain paraphernalia everywhere. It turned out that it was the location of the pre-UNH debate McCain rally. I decided to hear him speak. He was shaking hands afterwards, and while shaking mine I told him I had just gotten back from Iraq several weeks prior. He asked 'Are we winning?' I simply said 'No.' He paused and didn't know what to say. A McCain organizer who missed the encounter asked at the bar afterwards if I wanted to join his delegation on the floor of the debate. Afterwards she told me that McCain said he was thrown off during the debate because just before hand he met an Iraq vet that disagreed with him.”

Josh’s participation in the war led him into politics. He volunteered for the Edwards primary campaign and now he is a Senior Advisor to, and the New Hampshire Team Captain of, VoteVets.org—an organization that works to “elect Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to public office; hold public officials accountable for their words and actions that impact America’s 21st century service members; and fully support our men and women in uniform.”

Nowadays, Josh is enjoying preparing for the Convention, spending time with his dog “’Pope Judas the Golden Calf’ (Pope for short)” and reading. “I recently just finished Jim Webb's book (hint, hint) and am now reading Al Gore's The Assault on Reason.”

Looks like Josh will continue to fight for his country, but this time, in Denver!

Road To Denver: The Visible Man

Sara Tumen — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:56:12 EDT

Growing up in the United States as an Indian-American during the Reagan/Bush administrations, Missouri Delegate Sreenu felt as though he was “like Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man,” unimportant and ignored in the face of a dominant white society. Therefore, at the 2004 convention, when Barack said ‘If there’s an Arab-American family being rounded up without benefit of an attorney or due process, that threatens my civil liberties,’ Sreenu knew that he had finally found a candidate who would speak for the beliefs of all, giving everyone a voice in government.

Concerned about our environment, Sreenu finds it important “to discover cleaner, renewable sources of fuel to eliminate our dependence on limited natural resources and foreign countries and improve our economy. Also, we need cleaner sources of energy to lower the rate of health problems.”

Additionally, after extensive schooling at University of Illinois, American University, and Washington University of St. Louis School of Law, Sreenu believes that “a strong public education system is important to ensure that every child is given the opportunity to succeed and contribute to our society. We will never know how many cures to diseases would have been discovered by now if every child was given the opportunity to succeed.”

Sreenu’s political experience blossomed straight out of high school when he volunteered on Joan Kelly Horn’s congressional race and stayed active afterward due to the sense of fulfillment it gave him. “Helping good candidates gives me a sense of empowerment to help improve our country. It’s the best cure to sitting on the sidelines and feeling helpless.”

Ultimately, Sreenu finds his identity in politics.

“I come from a strong Democratic family with parents who taught me
to be a Democrat at an early age. The first memory I have is when my
family sat down on election night 1984 to watch the returns. It was
during that 49-state route that my father first told me that we were
Democrats.”

At Washington University, Sreenu is a member of the Executive Committee Democratic Party. He also is the St. Louis chapter coordinator of Young Lawyers for Obama, which assists the campaign with fundraising, recruiting attorneys for voter protection, legal research, and encouraging attorneys to volunteer with the campaign’s field offices. Additionally, Sreenu spends his free time as General Counsel for the State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts, and as Assistant Attorney General at the Missouri Attorney General’s office.

Sreenu is relieved that he can finally support a candidate who echoes his very own thoughts. When recalling his favorite primary moment, Sreenu remembered Obama’s Iowa speech:

“That speech still sends chills down my spine. But most
importantly, every speech he gave after each primary or caucus fit the
moment. It felt like Barack understood exactly what I was feeling at
the time.”

Sreenu feels invisible no longer

Road To Denver: Rebel With A Cause

Sara Tumen — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:19:07 EDT

Minnesota Delegate Javier has fought tirelessly for his rights and the rights of others. As the president of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 26, an organization that unites more than 5000 property service workers in the Twin Cities metro area, he coordinates legislative and political activities of the union representing Minnesota’s union janitors and private security guards.

Since his election as president, SEIU Local 26 has grown tremendously in both size and scope. “In the past two years, as a result of two public contract campaigns, Local 26 won affordable healthcare for janitors and security officers, along with dramatic wage increases. In addition, the local has participated in national campaigns including traveling to Houston to support 5,000 newly united janitors…which ultimately led to the first janitorial contract in Houston.”

Javier is also a leader in the immigrant rights movement and has stood up to political attacks waged against immigrants in the state by publishing editorials in numerous newspapers. In fact, for his work as an advocate for immigrants, he was recently awarded the Progressive States Network’s 2008 Progressive Leaders Award for State Legislature Immigration Campaigns.

Prior to being elected president of SEIU Local 26, Javier was a political organizer for the SEIU Minnesota State Council and served as State Director for the AFL-CIO’s Voter Protection Program. Now, he’s down with Obama, though his support is not new.

“I was lucky enough to be a delegate to the DNC in Boston and witness Senator Obama’s speech there live. I had heard about Obama because SEIU in Illinois was one of the first unions to endorse him for US Senate when he ran in the primary. After his speech ended, I got a call on my cell phone from a friend in MN. Apparently I had been shown on CNN for a few seconds chanting ‘O-BA-MA!’”

This animal lover and pitbull and cat owner also spends time volunteering with a “no-kill” shelter and has rescued over 20 cats and dogs from his neighborhood alone. When he isn’t dedicating his time to better the lives of humans and animals alike, Javier is watching Project Runway, The Daily Show, and Adult Swim with his partner of thirteen years.

Javier was previously a historian and anthropologist, teaching courses in Latin American History, Comparative Colonial Cultures, and Globalization at Carleton and Macalester Colleges. He is a Fulbright Scholar and has a Bachelor’s Degree in History from Yale University. Why is this historian and anthropologist voting for change?

“I know that the day Barack Obama is sworn in as President of the United States, the world will be a different place. It will be a better place. I know this.”

Road To Denver: True Unity

Sara Tumen — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:05:22 EDT

This moment is bittersweet for Michigan Delegate Abby. While she has been politically involved since she attended law school in California, her activity today is reminiscent of the work she and her late husband Steve used to do together. Beginning at twenty-three, Abby served as the scheduler for Gore Vidal’s U.S. Senate race (in the primary against Governor Jerry Brown) and then continued to work on a handgun registration statewide initiative in California. Afterward she organized for the newly formed City of West Hollywood. In fact, she met Steve at a fundraiser after he had an unsuccessful run for Congress in Los Angeles. The two married and moved to Michigan where Abby was hired as the finance director for a referendum to protect women’s rights. She then worked as the finance director for the Michigan State Democratic Caucus while Steve practiced law.

Despite having five kids, Abby stayed active in the political community. She served as co-chair of the Bill Bradley for President campaign the year before her husband became the Democratic candidate for the 107th State House seat in Northern Michigan. Although he ultimately did not win, Abby and Steve's dedication to their party was tireless. After Steve passed away, Abby took some time to raise her children. It wasn’t until Obama came along that Abby decided to dive back into the political realm. She is motivated by Obama because he is a “man whose mere presence is a glorious and wonderful symbol of how far America has come.”

“In March, 2007, I became the Deputy State Director of Michiganders for Obama, the largest, most active statewide grassroots organization in Michigan. I helped to organize a successful campaign to win a strong uncommitted vote. In fact, the county I reside in, Emmet, was one of only two in the state where uncommitted received more votes than Hillary Clinton!”

Abby was elected an uncommitted delegate at her District Convention and dedicated her involvement with the campaign to the memory of her late husband, “who would have admired and strongly supported Senator Barack Obama.”

When Abby isn’t working, you could most likely find her either in her own kitchen cooking up a storm or in one of many unique restaurants in her area. “My best friend and I have a monthly activity where we try a new restaurant and then ‘review it’ which is fun and exposes us to different foods.” Otherwise, this former college tennis player will be on the court with one of her sons or running in one of numerous races.

Abby and her husband have certainly passed down their political passion to their children. Her oldest son has attended rallies for Senator Obama, while her other son plays bass in a band that plans on playing a large “Rock the Vote for Change” event for the Michigan Obama campaign later this summer.

Abby’s whole family is carrying on a political legacy and coming together to support the Senator. Unity at its purest.

Road To Denver: The Newcomer

Sara Tumen — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:15:52 EDT

“I was 62 years old and had never put a bumper sticker on my car or worn my politics on my sleeve until Obama.” New Mexico Delegate Gaye is one of many Americans who have discovered their political passion through Senator Obama’s historical movement. She determined that simply voting for him and contributing money wasn’t enough, that her non-involvement had been part of the problem for too long, and that she had so much more to give. So

Gaye established Santa Fe Grassroots for Obama in November of 2007. “It was gratifying and humbling to establish Santa Fe Grassroots for Obama in November and to help us go from 0 to 400 volunteers by the night of Senator Obama’s rally in Santa Fe on February 1st. That night, I had the joyful honor of introducing Barack to the 5,600 folks assembled inside and outside our venue.”

Clearly, without Gaye’s high-spirits and motivation, New Mexico wouldn’t be nearly as active in their support. Gaye’s Grassroots volunteers spent time and effort registering voters, calling voters, canvassing door-to-door, getting media coverage, staffing campaign offices, housing and feeding campaign staffers, holding watch parties for February 5th and other important addresses. In fact, for their efforts, Gaye and her team helped deliver 57.3% of the vote in Santa Fe County for Obama.

Most importantly, Gaye proves that anyone can make a huge difference, even the most inexperienced individuals.

While I’ve had a 30+ year career in marketing, sales, and public relations, some of my most successful business & personal endeavors have been projects for which I had absolutely no previous experience. My Obama campaign involvement certainly falls into the ‘absolutely no previous experience’ category. Only when Barack takes his oath of office will I consider my endeavor to be totally successful, and I certainly consider my involvement to be the most important of my life.

Gaye's private life prior to the campaign, which she claims she can only "vaguely recall," included piloting airplanes, horseback riding, traveling around the world and living internationally in Indonesia, Singapore and Switzerland. Her favorite current pastime however? Riding her Harley! Gaye’s family consists of her husband, Harry, his grown daughter and son-in-law who live in Cleveland and their 6-year old Portuguese Water Dog, Raven.

Since the caucus, Gaye has stayed active in the campaign by encouraging the Grassroots team to travel to Texas and Ohio, making phone calls to other primary states and creating new volunteer activities – a Rapid Response Team, a Policy Research Team, a Telephone Call Tree (for volunteers without email), Policy Discussion Groups, outreach strategies, and coordinators for such pivotal groups as the Hispanic community, Native Americans, seniors, first-time voters, GLBT, etc.

Today, Santa Fe Grassroots number over 1,000 volunteers and have continued to grow even more vigorously as they combine efforts with the National Campaign organizers and field staff who are now on the ground in New Mexico. “We’ve delivered a highly motivated, capable, passionate troupe of volunteers to the national campaign that will now provide strategic guidance and energy to finish the job of winning New Mexico for Barack.”

Road To Denver: The Not-So-Newcomer

Sara Tumen — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:45:14 EDT

Story from a Maine delegate:

"My friend Tobin and I had driven three or so hours to a Canadian-American league ballpark in Nashua, NH where the Nashua Pride were scheduled to play. Senator Obama was to hold an invite-only cookout for supporters out back and we were asked to help after volunteering in Nashua only a few days before.
I had been trying for eight months to get a photo with Senator Obama.
The event was just a meet and greet, and Tobin and I were able to get up close to Senator Obama. Somehow, I got trapped in between Senator Obama and his secret service guards. For some reason, people started handing me their cameras, and I became the guy taking pictures. After a photo, someone turned to the Senator and said, 'Do you have an office in New Hampshire?' 'Yes, several. Does anyone know the address of our office here in Nashua?' the Senator said.
Tobin and I had gotten lost on the way in the week prior, and I had learned the address plugging it into my iPhone a few dozen times. 'FIVEMERITPARKWAY,' I blurted out as quickly as I possibly could. The Senator turned to me and (reading off my nametag) said, 'Five Merit Parkway. See? Ben knows.'
I was ecstatic."

Political guru Ben, only 18, will attend the Democratic National Convention before even going off to college. The recent high school graduate from Maine has been involved with the Obama campaign since January of 2007. “Like so many young people, I've been inspired by Senator Obama's call for a new kind of politics and belief that when you directly engage and trust the American people, we can collectively do great things”

Well-stated from an individual who has spent over half his lifetime dedicated to the Democratic party. Beginning at the ripe age of ten, Ben has served as a Gore-Lieberman volunteer. He later worked as a poll watcher for Chellie Pingree for Senate, volunteer for Dean for America, and very active Kerry/Edwards supporter.

Additionally, Ben ran social networking outreach for Ethan Strimling's unsuccessful bid for Maine's first congressional district Democratic nomination in 2008 and worked as a U.S. House Page in the summer of 2007. Currently, he serves as the youth chair of the Maine Legislative Youth Advisory Council. “I was elected at the state convention out of five or six people bidding to fill one of two spots to represent York County, Maine on the Democratic State Committee.”

Ben’s experience doesn’t stop there. He was appointed Maine High School Coordinator for Students for Barack Obama (the official 'youth wing' of Obama for America) and then was appointed Northeast Regional High School Coordinator in March 2008. He was an intern in Northern York County for Obama for America in Maine. Recently, Ben was appointed Communications Coordinator for the Students for Barack Obama Maine high school program and the campus coordinator for the University of Maine at Orono -- “a school of 9,000+ undergraduates, in a battleground congressional district in a state that can split its electoral votes by district!

Continue reading to find out what Ben wants to see happen in the White House...

Road To Denver: Putting the "Great" in "Great Grandmamma"

Sara Tumen — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:06:04 EDT

She’s known as “Great Grandmamma for Obama,” with emphasis on the “great.” Not only has she has spent her life acting as a tireless civil do-gooder and human rights hero, 88 year old Bertha has taken giant leaps to effect change in the United States.

As a teacher, education is one of her top priorities. She has directed Head Start and served as the first coordinator for reading instruction programs in Austin’s junior and senior high schools. According to her website (www.berthameans.com),“in the area of teacher education, she introduced her colleagues to new techniques of reading instruction and designed the reading specialists program, which was funded under the Emergency School Aid Act.”

However, the majority of Bertha’s efforts have gone to civil rights. She has single-handedly aided her children in breaking the color barriers that were so prevalent throughout the 1950s and early 60s. In 1958, she led a peaceful demonstration and spoke on behalf of her daughter, then in high school, who wasn’t allowed to join the rest of her class at Barton Springs Swimming Pool because of her African American background. Further, when Bertha’s children and other young African Americans of the Austin chapter of Jack and Jill of America were denied admission to the Ice Palace Skate Park—she and other mothers formed the Mothers Action Council (MAC), of which Bertha served as Chair of the Direct Action Committee.

Soon, organizing peaceful demonstrations such as sit-ins and stand-ins at segregated establishments became a norm. When her son wanted to play sports at the University of Texas at Austin and they denied him admission because of his race, Bertha immediately contacted the Board of Regents who eventually integrated all sports at the University. In fact, her son James became the first African American letterman at the school, which subsequently led to the integration of the entire Southwest Conference.

Similarly, when St. Stephens Episcopal School told her daughter Patricia that she could not attend, she fought until her daughter was the first Black graduate. Her constant and continuous efforts to promote equality spurred the integration of ALL public accommodation facilities in Austin—which led to the creation of the Human Relations Department of The City of Austin.

The list of awards and achievements that Ms. Bertha has won is too long to fit on this webpage. Bertha’s work stretches far beyond the domestic borders. Bertha is Honorary Consul General for The Kingdom of Lesotho, which involves communication with the Ambassador from Lesotho to the United States and working on the Sister Cities’ relationships. She has been associated with the International Hospitality Council of Austin since its founding in 1958.

Bertha has experienced the great depression and the paid poll tax. She directly participated in the Civil Rights movement, taught school, ran a successful business, and raised her family. Now, at 88 years old, this Great Grandmamma is witnessing the direct repercussions of her lengthy fight for equality. Without the hard work and dedication of people like Bertha, we may have never seen this glorious moment in history.

Road To Denver: Rhode Island Rally-er

Sara Tumen — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:05:21 EDT

Kimberly has Rhode Island’s youth pumped for Obama. The 24-year-old law school student, originally from Oak Hill, Virginia, fell in love with the Ocean State while attending Providence College and is continuing her studies at Roger Williams University School of Law. In fact, when she met the Senator, whom she knew had a background in Constitutional law, Kimberly had him autograph Article II of her constitution! (“Look up article II to see what section that is!” she exclaims)

Kimberly first got involved in politics as a sophomore in college when she volunteered with the Howard Dean campaign in New Hampshire. After such an exciting initial experience, Kimberly focused her time locally, working for the Mayor of Providence and aiding Sheldon Whitehouse’s successful campaign for the United States Senate. Kimberly is constantly working to reach out to young voters. She is currently the Rhode Island State Coordinator for Students for Barack Obama and serves on the Board of Directors of The Rhode Island Young Democrats.

Additionally, Kimberly is determined to advocate for “greater equality of all sorts—from women’s equal pay to expanding LGBT rights. I believe that Senator Obama will lead us into a new era on this front.”

Besides traveling to all the different New England states to canvass, Kimberly spends her time reading all sorts of books—particularly political biographies. This former ski-instructor enjoys racing down the slopes in the winter and gazing at the ocean during the summer. She also loves spending time with her family and two dogs—that is when she isn’t cooped up studying!

Road To Denver: Teaching Tennessee

Sara Tumen — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:57:46 EDT

Simply calling Gloria a teacher would be an understatement. Rather, this Tennessee delegate has been a mentor for children needing special education for 21 years—18 of which have been in Knoxville and the other three in Littleton, Colorado. Gloria mainly aids high school students with emotional disturbances and behavioral disorders.

“I spend much of my day trying to help neglected and abused students learn to interact with others in a positive way. Sadly, I feel that role models for this kind of behavior are few and far between for these students. Even our current government demonstrates a total lack of control by jumping into situations without forethought or any attempt at problem solving first. It is so refreshing to see a leader who thinks before he acts and can walk away from "bullies". It takes strength to do the right thing.”

Gloria stands face-to-face with struggling children every day. Many of her students are without healthcare. She states that their sicknesses will last three times longer than those of privileged children with active parents who can visit a doctor’s office. Elongated sickness and absence from school cause rippling effects of problems that go unnoticed by parents who “are too busy with their addictions” to notice their children falling.

Aside from his plans for healthcare, there are many more reasons why Gloria supports Obama. “He is the first candidate in my lifetime that I feel has the integrity to be President of the United States.” In fact, this is the first campaign that Gloria has participated in and has dedicated almost all her weekends to the cause in over six different states! “Volunteering has been the most positive experience of my life and the people have been wonderful. We have an amazing group of volunteers in Knoxville and East Tennessee ready to turn Tennessee BLUE!”

An avid traveler, Gloria usually spends a month each summer exploring new places; her recent escapades include Spain, Scotland, Italy, and Greece.

Gloria is looking forward to the Denver Convention, not only to see her candidate accept the nomination, but also to visit the Bluebird Theatre and the Gothic Theatre for live music. A self-proclaimed “indie-American band” lover, she recently attended the Stingaree Music Festival in Texas and cannot wait for the sounds Denver has to offer.

Road To Denver: Working Washington

Sara Tumen — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:29:35 EDT

The first presidential vote that Peter had ever cast was for John Kerry in 2004. While he had been very active within the Democratic Party including volunteering on his homestate of Washington's Governors Gary Locke and Christine Gregoire’s campaigns, Dawn Mason’s re-election campaign for Washington State Representative and Kathy Keolker’s campaign for Mayor of Renton, Peter never had the chance to extend his public service duties to voting.

Born and raised in Zimbabwe under an “apartheid-like regime of the Rhodesian government,” Peter left at 19 years old to attend college in the United Kingdom. After working for the British Labor Party for 16 years, Peter emigrated to the United States in 1996 and became a United States Citizen in 2003. He has attended the Citizenship Ceremony at the Seattle Center every year on July 4th to register newly naturalized citizens to vote.

Peter now serves as a precinct committee officer in his legislative district in Seattle’s Central Area. As the Senator’s Washington Media and Communications Coordinator and grassroots coordinator since February 2007, Peter has dedicated almost all of his time and effort toward the Obama movement. In fact, Peter states that “as a result of the rapport [he] built with the media and the grassroots organization [he] had in place, Senator Obama was endorsed by all the major newspapers in [Washington].

In addition to his undying support for Obama, Peter has also spent his time volunteering to better the lives of those in his community. He is president of AARTH, a non-profit that “addresses heath disparities in the African American community and fight the spread of HIV/AIDS.” Peter is a board member of the Institutional Review Board at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and also a member of the Board of Ordained Ministry for the United Methodist Church.

Similar to some of the other Delegates we have seen, the most important issue for Peter is unity. “Since Obama became the presumptive Nominee on June 3rd, I have reached out to leaders of the Clinton campaign in my district and have been working to bring supporters of both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama together and strategize on ways to increase voter turn-out.”

Road To Denver: Seasoned Vet Returns for Change

Sara Tumen — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:14:29 EDT

Donald, from Cincinnati, Ohio, is quite the multi-tasker. While attending high school in Cincinnati he volunteered for Bobby Kennedy’s Indiana Primary and then for Senator Eugene McCarthy’s Presidential campaign in Ohio. Donald went to the convention—the first of what was to be many—before even obtaining his high school degree. Throughout his schooling at the University of Notre Dame and University of Cincinnati College of Law, his passion for civil liberties grew and upon graduation he went into private practice with the firm Ulmer and Berne in the area of labor law. He began “represent[ing] union clients such as the Ohio Federation of Teachers, the Cincinnati Federation of Teachers, and the AAUP chapter that represents the faculty at the University of Cincinnati."

Through his thirties Donald was just as involved and dedicated as he was at 17. He coordinated Ted Kennedy’s primary campaign in 1980 in Southwest Ohio and was a delegate to the 1980 convention. “I played the same role for Mondale in 1984, Dukakis in 1988 and Bradley in 2000. Now 57, Donald has served 20 years on the Cincinnati Planning Commission which handles the city’s zoning and land issues. Donald lends his knowledge and experience to the Obama campaign’s labor and employment policy committee and co-chairs a subcommittee of that group.

This passion for politics runs in the family. Donald recently passed the political torch on to his daughter Maureen who has been an Obama staff member since 2007 and worked in New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Another daughter, Ryan, is a schoolteacher and mother “and recently dressed up as a giant ‘Yes We Can’ soup can for Obama in her neighborhood Fourth of July Parade.”

When Donald isn’t fighting for justice or drafting talking points for surrogates, he enjoys skiing and biking through the mountains of Taos, New Mexico. He currently lives in Cincinnati with his two other daughters, two rabbits, and a cat.

Having not served as a delegate in 20 years, the inevitable question arises: “Why now? Why Obama?”

“I am a grizzled political veteran for the candidate ready to turn the page… My enthusiastic support for Barack should be taken as a sign that even us oldsters (I am 57) believe its time for the next generation to take charge and bring the change we need to Washington.”

Road To Denver: The Dreamcatcher

Sara Tumen — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:26:29 EDT

Jo Etta has been having flashbacks. The candidate for Assembly District 39 and Planning Commissioner for Douglass County, Nevada, says that her volunteer experience with Senator Obama’s campaign is reminiscent of working during the 60s and 70’s to effect change. In Nevada, she is particularly concerned with preserving water resources, education, health care, taxes, and development. She explains that, for the first time, her home state of Nevada had “real caucuses” where she “registered new voters and crossover Republicans and Independents…to see the numbers was unbelievable… we had never had such a turn out for any presidential election… Change is here and I am so excited to be a part of [it].”

Jo Etta’s drive to let her voice be heard is not new. After thirty years of working with the American Savings Bank, Jo Etta retired from her position as Vice President, Executive Offices. She was a Project Manager for several statewide programs in Nevada working on diversity and affordable housing issues. Jo Etta testified before the United States Congress on Affordable Housing and Urban Development and was responsible for a project that resulted in a Community Based Bank for special lending programs and services.

The self-proclaimed “democrat since [she] could vote” has become the first African American as well as the first democrat to both run for Assembly District 39 and serve as Planning Commissioner. When asked what is important to her as a delegate she explained

“Unity within the Democratic Party is my number one priority. At the convention, I will work to make this happen. At the Nevada State Convention in Reno, I was the Acting Parliamentarian. We got the job done with few problems. Working together, we can win in 2008.”

Jo Etta is also a passionate traveler with her three daughters and son who are currently spread out all over the world. Next stop -- Denver!

Road To Denver: A Rocky Mountain "Barack-Star"

Sara Tumen — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:37:07 EDT

Colorado Delegate Shari couldn’t keep her eyes off of the computer when she received an email containing images of joy that were presented from all over the world when Obama received the presumptive nomination. “The world is watching and people everywhere are so hopeful because they see Barack Obama has the leadership, depth and spirit that's necessary to tackle the daunting challenges our country and world face.”

A democrat since day one, Shari “care[s] deeply about the values our Democratic Party represents.” She is particularly concerned about environment/sustainability, foreign relations/diplomacy, education, health care, and the economy and has put forth the time and effort to spread the ideas behind Senator Obama’s movement.

“I've put th[ese] concern[s] into action by volunteering hundreds and hundreds of hours in virtually all grass roots arenas…I like volunteering because I love meeting people and helping those Democratic ‘turtles’ feel empowered, included and respected as Senator Obama espouses.”

Although a Chicago native, Shari has been living in Colorado for the past 24 years with her son, daughter, dog, and cat. When she’s not in the classroom, Shari enjoys hiking, gardening, and snowshoeing through the mountains. Understandably, this is where her concern for the environment stems. She is committed to playing her part in saving the world by serving as an active volunteer with Eco-Cycle: her community non-profit recycling/sustainability organization and the current chair of the Boulder County Resource Conservation Advisory Board.

Shari is particularly excited to have this Convention take place in her home state and feels that she is “symbolically standing arm-in-arm with the many people throughout Colorado who have worked tirelessly to win Democratic majorities in the Colorado House, Senate, and Governor’s office. Without all their dedication and heart, Colorado wouldn’t be hosting this National Convention.”

What does Shari plan on doing to prepare for the convention? It seems the first step for her is to actually believe it is happening! “I'm still pinching myself that I get to be part of this incredible moment in time where we can literally begin to change the world with Barack Obama as our president”

Road To Denver: An Alaskan Activist

Sara Tumen — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:26:24 EDT

Alternate Delegate Liz’s hometown of Homer, Alaska looks like it could be featured in National Geographic. Surrounded by the aroma of Evergreens and breeze from the Kachemak Bay, Liz’slog cabin is surrounded by wildlife including moose, bear, and lynx. Yet despite her remote location, Liz is at the hub of many political hot topics. Between the many economic and cultural problems associated with the Exxon Valdez oil spill and the environmental and health hazards that the exemption of the Clean Water Act on local waters have caused, Liz has spent almost her whole life working to improve the land she loves.

Liz has been actively involved in the Democratic party since she was in high school and spent years studying environmental policy and working policy jobs. “In 2006, I worked with many of the Tribes in Cook Inlet in a landmark cooperation with the goal of having the Tribal voice heard on oil and gas issues. ” She also participated in the 2006 National Pollutant Discharge Ellimination System program to improve the permit by “limiting toxic discharges” and appointing agency officials instead of industry employees to monitor pollution levels.

Aside from her political involvement, Liz works at a retail shop and entertains the many tourists that visit the small fishing town every year. Engaged to a commercial fisherman, Liz loves the water and was the first person recorded to swim the length of Wonder Lake in Denali National Park. She also organized (and swam) the first crossing of Kachemak Bay to raise awareness of women’s rape and violence in Alaska.

In this election, Liz is looking enact policy change.

“Non-profits struggle with the full-time job of finding consistent funding from non-traditional sources. Governmental jobs face legislative 'restructuring.' … No matter how much input we had supporting a policy change (or simply keeping current policies and legislation from changing), the sway/influence of corporations held more had more influence."

Liz’s frustration with the influence of corporations in the lobbying system led her to support Barack Obama.

“[He] not just inspires hope with inclusion and great ideas, but backs that with distinct examples of community organization and policy changes.” Liz looks forward to the Convention so she can support the candidate who offers the leadership and change she seeks for her state.

Road To Denver: A Modern-Day Hero

Sara Tumen — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:08:54 EDT

Nevada Delegate Elliott is a modern-day superhero aiming to save the world. Not only has he been passionately politically involved since Harvard classmate Al Gore’s 1988 campaign and volunteered as a precinct captain for Senator Obama, but he has also founded a company that has built the world's first running all electric five passenger luxury sedan.

Dedicated to reversing the steady decline of our natural resources and steady incline of global temperatures, Elliott is working to encourage the development of all-electric zero emissions vehicles through an easily accessible alternative fuel business financing program coordinated through SBA, DOE, DOA, DOC and all other government agencies that offer business financing. “These cars can potentially replace most gasoline cars currently on the road,” Elliot states, “leading a movement toward prevalence of zero-emission automobiles in the near -- not distant – future, making it possible to escape high gas prices as well as help to delay global warming.

So why has this busy environmental pioneer taken time away from his cars to support the Senator?

“Th[is] experience [has been] exceptionally thrilling because we have a candidate who has unprecedented visionary ideas and has permanently changed the way that presidential campaigns are run -- a first huge step toward changing the way that business is done in Washington. I also enjoyed the enthusiastic support that I found every time I canvassed. It was even more intense than in any of the three previous presidential campaigns in which I participated, evidently because there is more hope for a true brotherhood of humanity based on unrestricted opportunity for all people to fulfill their abilities and to enjoy and appreciate the abilities of all others by ending the exploitative and adversarial model for achievement.”

You will be sure to spot Elliott during the Convention as he plans on contacting the DNC to arrange to drive around his demonstration car. Meanwhile, Elliott has agreed to purchase all of the carbon credits for the entire Nevada delegation, making that delegation, after California, the second 100% green delegation.

All in a day’s work for our modern-day hero.

Road to Denver: A Lone Star Leader

Sara Tumen — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:50:46 EDT

Familiar with disappointment from the “candidates [he] loves most fiercely,” Texan At-Large Delegate Ramey felt the need to pinch himself after Senator Obama’s success at the Iowa Caucuses. He claims that throughout his life he has grown accustomed to seeing his party lose, but this campaign has instilled a sense of faith within him that has continued to blossom as the months unfold.

“You might say that for me, this year is a ‘perfect storm’ - an election that could very well mark a whole new period of American history, defined by the progressive values I hold dear, led by a once-in-a-generation candidate of remarkable integrity, vision, and ability… I've been part of victories here and there, and I've been part of inspiring movements and campaigns before as well, but this is the first time I've really been able to combine all those things into one. I just knew I could not miss this opportunity to witness history being made and be a part of it as well”

After first meeting the Senator in 2003 while attending University of Chicago Law School, he has remained on board with his determination to reverse the “significant, but dark period of our history and transform the direction of this nation.” As a self-proclaimed “policy geek,” Ramey is passionate about many of the current issues plaguing America today. With his standing as a “racial minority,” and “child of immigrants,” Ko feels a personal connection to immigration and civil rights. Additionally, since his parents run a small business, he’s “seen up close and personal how much health care needs to be fixed in America.”

Along with economics and attempting to help the environment on a local level, he feels strongly about the negative effects that the Iraq war has had among his young peers and is “pained by how much our reputation and moral standing have suffered in the world recently. [He] very much believe[s] that we need to work hard to restore America's role as the beacon of hope to the world.”

Ramey is the co-founder and co-head of grassroots Asian Americans for Obama and has been campaigning for Sen. Obama among the AAPI community since December 2006. He is also a founding member of Texans for Obama, and helped organize the team for the Feb. 22, 2007 rally at Auditorium Shores in Austin.

And the best part about it all?

“I've met so many incredible people and made literally dozens of new friends. I've learned a lot from others and my own mistakes, but the whole ride has been incredible, with all its ups and downs. Whether it's blogging for the Asian Americans for Obama website, distributing door hangers in Las Vegas, or training voter registration volunteers in Austin, I've been having the time of my life.”