State Update

Llega el momento

State Update — Fri, 30 May 2008 16:40:17 EDT

A través de todo Puerto Rico has hecho esta campaña tuya.

Has demostrado al resto de la Nación que Puerto Rico está listo para un cambio real -- no solamente una frase de campaña, pero cambio en el que podemos creer.

Llegá el momento--el empuje final antes del 1ro de junio. Lo que hagamos -- o lo que no hagamos -- en los próximos cuatro días, tendrá un impacto mayor en el resultado de la primaria.

Simpatizantes de Barack Obama están yendo puerta por puerta a través de toda la Isla entre hoy y el domingo para sacar el voto. Regístrate para ayudar.

Con sólo tres contiendas restantes, podemos hacer una diferencia enorme en esta crucial primaria.

Sabemos cuán fuerte es este movimiento alrededor de la Isla, pero tenemos que actuar ahora mismo para asegurarnos que cada persona que respalda a Obama vaya a votar.

Aún si nunca has estado involucrado en una campaña, puedes tener un impacto importante en ésta con sólo comprometer unas horas para Barack.

¿Podemos contar con tu ayuda?

No se olvide que tambíen puedes llamar a tus vecinos en Puerto Rico.

Empieza ahora y asegúrate que hagas llamadas todos los días hasta el domingo.

'Atenderemos el status'

State Update — Fri, 30 May 2008 16:18:52 EDT

Puedes leer esta editorial de Barack publicó en El Nuevo Día:

Las preocupaciones del pueblo de Puerto Rico son particulares y yo las comprendo, pues también crecí en una isla. Primero que todo, creo firmemente que son los puertorriqueños los que tienen que tener la última palabra en torno al status de la Isla.

Como presidente, trabajaré con esa decisión junto al Congreso, los líderes de Puerto Rico y la sociedad civil para crear un proceso de autodeterminación genuino y transparente.

Lo más importante que podemos hacer es iniciar este proceso. La voluntad del pueblo de Puerto Rico será respetada en Washington.

No puedo especular en cuanto a las diferentes situaciones que se pueden dar, pero mi administración reconocerá todas las opciones válidas para resolver el problema del status de Puerto Rico, incluyendo el status actual, la estadidad y la independencia.

La relación entre los Estados Unidos y Puerto Rico es complicada. Como presidente, yo asumiré la responsabilidad de garantizar que los puertorriqueños puedan tener un proceso justo de autodeterminación.

Una vez los puertorriqueños escojan libremente, juntos podemos movernos hacia el futuro para trabajar en los temas importantes que aquejan a los puertorriqueños, como el desarrollo económico, la salud y la educación.

No podemos tolerar cuatro años más de lo mismo en la política de Washington, que nos ha fallado por décadas.

Yo creo que podemos avanzar juntos para construir un mejor futuro para los puertorriqueños. Yo quiero devolverles los más de 40,000 empleos que se han perdido en las pasadas dos décadas por las políticas viejas de Washington y traerles nuevos incentivos para crear más empleos que sostengan el crecimiento económico en Puerto Rico.

Invertiré en educar a los niños puertorriqueños, porque creo que cada niño, sin importar dónde nació, debe poder alcanzar su máximo con los talentos que Dios le ha dado.

El primero de junio, los puertorriqueños se unirán a los millones de votantes que, luego de 49 primarias y caucus, han escogido unirse a nuestro movimiento de cambio.

Nuestra campaña tiene la delantera en todos los ámbitos, delegados comprometidos, estados ganados y en el voto popular.

Los puertorriqueños tienen una oportunidad histórica este domingo no sólo para elegir al candidato a presidente, sino también para traer un cambio real para el pueblo de Puerto Rico.

Nota del editor

El procedimiento seguido para este debate escrito entre los aspirantes a candidatos demócratas a la presidencia de Estados Unidos fue el siguiente: El Nuevo Día sometió a ambos hace varios días las mismas preguntas específicas que figuran encabezando esta página y, a partir de ellas, ellos elaboraron sus respectivos puntos de vista.

'Obama promete atender el estatus de la Isla'

State Update — Thu, 29 May 2008 20:27:01 EDT

Por Primera Hora:

Para el precandidato demócrata a la presidencia estadounidense, Barack Obama, el asunto del estatus político de Puerto Rico "tiene que resolverse", y prometió atenderlo en su primer cuatrienio.

"La historia de la relación entre Estados Unidos y Puerto Rico es compleja, (la Isla) es un territorio y el status tiene que decidirse", expresó el senador por Illinois en una entrevista radial difundida hoy por (WKAQ-Univisión).

"Los puertorriqueños son ciudadanos estadounidenses, hay controversia en la Isla en torno a cómo proceder y mi compromiso como presidente es asegurarme que la gente de Puerto Rico tenga una oportunidad para hacer esa decisión", añadió.

Obama, quien se disputa con Hillary Clinton la nominación presidencial demócrata, hace las declaraciones sobre la Isla de cara a las primarias demócratas a celebrarse aquí el domingo.

El precandidato aseguró que buscará que el estatus se resuelva en un proceso "en el que todos los puertorriqueños se sientan cómodos al participar", y prometió hacerlo "en mi primer cuatrienio" como presidente.

"Mientras tanto, mi trabajo es asegurarme de ser el presidente no sólo de los 50 estados, sino también de los territorios", manifestó.

"Eso significa que estaré luchando al máximo a favor de los asuntos, asegurándome que del Medicare y Medicaid reciben los fondos adecuados; asegurándome de que los veteranos en Puerto Rico tienen los mismos beneficios que en otros lugares de Estados Unidos... asegurarme que la educación tiene los fondos adecuados y que la metodología es accesible", añadió.

Obama justificó el no haber actuado desde el Congreso en el asunto del estatus de Puerto Rico al indicar que prefirió dejarle el asunto a los congresistas de origen puertorriqueño José Serrano, Nydia Velázquez y Luis Gutiérrez.

"Prefiero que sean miembros de la delegación puertorriqueña en la Cámara quienes dirijan el proceso, no es algo que quiera imponerle a la gente de Puerto Rico, así que creo que es importante para mi escuchar, aprender y participar en el proceso que se acuerde", dijo.

A preguntas sobre la importancia de Puerto Rico para Estados Unidos tras cerrarse aquí la mayoría de las bases militares estadounidenses —que una vez ocuparon el 13% del terreno de la Isla— Obama dijo que la pregunta ahora debe ser cómo la Isla puede beneficiarse de la relación con Estados Unidos.

"Cómo (Puerto Rico) puede prosperar en esta economía del siglo 21", expresó.

"Los puertorriqueños tienen talentos enormes... para desarrollar ese potencial hay que mejorar la economía de la Isla", destacó.

...Obama tiene en total 1,977 delegados frente a los 1,779 de Clinton, según un recuento de Prensa Asociada. En la primaria del domingo se disputan 55 delegados boricuas.

Conéctate con los votantes en Puerto Rico

State Update — Wed, 28 May 2008 21:11:20 EDT

Este domingo, los electores de Puerto Rico acudirán a las urnas y darán su voto en la primaria más grande que resta en la contienda. Esta semana, puedes tener un impacto increíble en esta contienda histórica.

Hemos preparado una lista de partidarios potenciales en Puerto Rico que tenemos que contactar antes de la primaria del domingo. Puedes usar nuestras herramientas en internet para llamar a estas personas y hablarles de porque tu apoyas a Barack.

Empieza ahora y asegúrate que hagas llamadas todos los días hasta el domingo.

Nos quedan poco delegados para tener la nominación, así que cada voto cuenta!

Es fácil y divertido hacer llamadas, y puedes usar nuestras herramientas de internet para llamar a personas que pueden apoyar a Obama desde la comodidad de tu casa.

No se requiere experiencia previa. Te daremos unos guías y un diálogo para que sigas como también una lista de teléfonos.

Empieza ahora!

Tambíen, asegúrate de enviar este mensaje a tus amigos, vecinos y familiares y anímalos a unirse contigo en hacer una diferencia para Barack en esta semana.

'Puerto Rico, protagonista inesperado'

State Update — Wed, 28 May 2008 14:14:48 EDT

Por BBC Mundo:

Están en juego 63 delegados, de los cuales 55 se van a repartir entre los dos candidatos según los resultados de la votación, y 8 son los llamados superdelegados, figuras y autoridades del partido que -en teoría- tienen libertad de decidir a quién respaldar.

...Un resultado favorable en Puerto Rico significaría para Barack Obama acercarse un poco más a conseguir los delegados que le faltan para asegurar la nominación, además de mejorar su imagen entre los electores hispanos, a los que tanto necesita.

Para los 4 millones habitantes de la isla, el interés de los candidatos en conquistar su voto servirá para que vuelva a ponerse sobre el tapete el tema de si Puerto Rico debe incorporarse como el estado 51 de la Unión Americana, debe ser independiente o debe quedarse como estado libre asociado.

La votación de Puerto Rico, además, marca casi el final del ciclo de primarias en le partido demócrata. Después de ésta, sólo faltarían la de Dakota del Sur y Montana.

Un protagonismo inesperado

A pesar de no ser oficialmente un estado, Puerto Rico es reconocido como tal cuando se trata de los delegados que puede elegir en las elecciones primarias del partido demócrata.

Los delegados se asignan proporcionalmente según el resultado de los comicios. Si un candidato gana el 60 por ciento de los votos el domingo, tendrá 33 delegados respaldando su nombre en la Convención Nacional de agosto, cuando se designe oficialmente al candidato presidencial.

Casi toda la política puertorriqueña se mueve en torno a qué estatus deberían tener. Por un lado, están los que abogan porque la isla se incorpore oficialmente como un estado más de la Unión Americana. Por el otro, los que dicen que debería cortar su dependencia de Estados Unidos e independizarse.

Para tranquilizar los ánimos en la isla por al falta de definición de los políticos sobre este tema, en 1974 la dirección nacional demócrata decidió darle a Puerto Rico todos los delegados que le corresponderían si fuera un estado más del país.

En aquel momento se trató de un premio consuelo que no le quitaba el sueño a nadie. Pero en una campaña tan larga y sin fin previsible como esta elección demócrata, aquella decisión vienen a darle a Puerto Rico un protagonismo que nunca había tenido.

Caminatas y tumbacocos

Puerto Rico también ha significado un desafío para los candidatos y sus modalidades de campaña.

En las campañas tradicionales estadounidenses, los candidatos viajan a un determinado estado o región y allí participan en una serie de encuentros organizados de antemano con instituciones, organizaciones de la sociedad civil o grupos de seguidores.

En Puerto Rico, al igual que en otros lugares de América Latina, la campaña se hace en la calle, con el candidato recorriendo barriadas acompañado de sus seguidores, cargando bebés y abrazando viejitas. Es lo que en Puerto Rico se llaman las caminatas.

[Ve las fótos de la caminata de Barack, que occurió el sabado pasado]

continuar a leer . . .

Inscríbete ahora para ayudar a sacar la gente a votar

State Update — Tue, 27 May 2008 19:59:55 EDT

La semana pasada, llegó Michelle Obama y cautivó a Puerto Rico.

El pasado fin de semana, llegó Barack Obama y escuchó a los veteranos, bailó salsa con nosotros por el Viejo San Juan, y habló con respeto y honestidad sobre sus planes para Puerto Rico.

Ve el video arriba, y va aquí e inscríbete para ayudar a sacar la gente a votar esta semana.

Llamen a sus amigos y familiares para que nos ayuden ganar votos desde el martes 27 de mayo hasta el domingo primero de junio. No necesita tener experiencia previa. Solo RSVP aqui, o simplemente pasen por una de nuestras oficinas de voluntarios.

Como Barack dijo durante su caminata en Viejo San Juan, será un honor contar con sus votos y apoyo. Contamos contigo para ayudar a Barack a hacer historia.

Barack y la caminata en viejo San Juan

State Update — Tue, 27 May 2008 14:37:35 EDT

El sábado pasado, Barack Obama viajó a Puerto Rico y pasó por las calles de viejo San Juan en una caminata con los ciudadanos puertorriqueños. Aquí son unas noticias de esté evento.

Por La Crónica de Hoy:

El precandidato demócrata a la candidatura presidencial de Estados Unidos, Barack Obama, aprovechó [sábado] su primer día de campaña en Puerto Rico para criticar las guerras de Irak y Afganistán, al considerar que están basadas más en ideología que en una amenaza real. Ante las primarias demócratas del próximo 1 de junio en Puerto Rico, Obama viajó a la isla caribeña para tratar de ganarse a los cerca de 60 delegados en juego, que son esenciales para lograr finalmente la candidatura presidencial de su partido sobre su rival Hillary Clinton.

Los puertorriqueños no podrán votar por el presidente de Estados Unidos en las elecciones de noviembre, pero sí tienen un papel determinante en la designación del candidato demócrata en las primarias del 1 de junio.

En busca de ese cotizado voto, Obama se ha paseado por las calles del viejo San Juan y ha hablado ante un grupo de veteranos y se ha entrevistado con el gobernador Aníbal Acevedo Vilá y los líderes de los dos principales partidos.

Por Primera Hora:

...Obama aprovechó su segunda visita a la Isla para recorrer las calles adoquinadas del Viejo San Juan. Lo hizo solo, sin la presencia de políticos locales. Simplemente se subió las mangas de su camisa y saludó a los simpatizantes que se encontró en el camino, a algunos de los cuales les firmó autógrafos.

También, en parte del trayecto, dio muestra de sus dotes de bailador dando unos pasitos de baile al son de la música de salsa que salía de las bocinas.

Tras caminar bajo el candente sol, visitó los comités del Partido Popular Democrático y del Partido Nuevo Progresista. En ambas sedes compartió con los principales líderes de las colectividades, incluyendo al gobernador Aníbal Acevedo Vilá y al candidato a comisionado residente en Washington por la Palma, Pedro Pierluisi.

Barack en Puerto Rico Mañana

State Update — Fri, 23 May 2008 17:58:25 EDT

Acompáñanos a darle la bienvenida a Barack Obama, el próximo y seguro Presidente de los Estados Unidos a Puerto Rico, este sábado, 24 de mayo. Camina junto a Barack por las calles históricas del Viejo San Juan, comenzando en La Plaza del Quinto Centenario en frente del Instituto de Cultura, El Viejo San Juan, PR.

¡Trae tus familiares y amigos a saludar a Obama!

¡Déjanos saber si vienes!

http://pr.barackobama.com/caminata

Caminata con Barack Obama
Plaza del Quinto Centenario
Viejo San Juan

Sábado, el 24 mayo, 2008, a las once y media por la mañana

Por primera vez en muchos años, los puertorriqueños jugarán un rol crucial en elegir al próximo Presidente de Estados Unidos. Tu participación activa hará la diferencia para Barack en Puerto Rico y ayudará a traer el cambio que tú necesitas.

Para involucrarte, únete a la campaña:

http://pr.barackobama.com/puertorico

Muchas gracias por tu apoyo,

Puerto Rico con Obama

'Bill Richardson anima a los demócratas puertorriqueños a votar por Obama'

State Update — Fri, 23 May 2008 16:24:39 EDT

Por Terra España:

El gobernador de Nuevo México, Bill Richardson, animó hoy a los demócratas puertorriqueños a votar en las primarias del 1 de junio por un candidato 'único y especial': Barack Obama.

'El tiempo ha llegado. Este es un hombre diferente y por eso le apoyo, porque puede unir personas en un solo pueblo como hizo John F. Kennedy', afirmó en una conferencia de prensa Richardson, uno de los ocho demócratas que se presentó como aspirante a la candidatura presidencial.

El gobernador de Nuevo México, considerado como el hispano más influyente del Partido Demócrata, retiró su candidatura en febrero tras obtener unos pobres resultados y tras dudar durante semanas se inclinó, finalmente, por respaldar a Obama, lo que supuso un revés para la senadora de Nueva York Hillary Clinton.

Con la estancia de apenas 24 horas de Richardson en Puerto Rico ha comenzado lo que será un apretado fin de semana de actos electorales de Obama y Clinton.

Tras tres días de campaña en Florida, Obama llegará el sábado a Puerto Rico y coincidirá con Clinton en busca ambos del apoyo de los 55 delegados boricuas que serán elegidos en las primarias del domingo.

Nunca antes unas elecciones primarias en Puerto Rico habían tenido tanta trascendencia por lo que se ha generado un interés inusitado en la isla.

...Tras asistir a varios actos con demócratas, Richardson destacó en una conferencia de prensa que Obama puede cambiar a Puerto Rico porque 'ustedes han sido olvidados' y aseguró que el senador de Illinois 'puede unir a la gente joven, trabajadora y de todas las clases sociales'.

Según las cifras manejadas por los demócratas en Puerto Rico, Obama tiene hasta el momento 1.959 delegados frente a los 1.778 de Clinton, por lo que le faltan 66 para llegar a los 2.025 necesarios para obtener la candidatura presidencial demócrata.

Tras las primarias de Puerto Rico solo quedarán las votaciones en los estados de Dakota del Sur y Montana con 15 y 16 delegados respectivamente en juego.

'Aquí en Puerto Rico tal vez se decida. Necesitamos más votos aquí porque Hillary es familiar en Puerto Rico. El mundo va a estar viendo lo que está pasando', dijo Richardson, ex embajador de la ONU y ex secretario del Departamento de Energía con el presidente Bill Clinton (1993-2001).

Richardson comenzó hoy sus actos de apoyo a Obama con un recorrido por la Plaza del Mercado de Ponce, ciudad al sur del país, en compañía del gobernador de Puerto Rico, Rafael Hernández Colón (1973-1977 y 1984-1993).

...Richardon ha preparado así el camino al recorrido de Obama por Puerto Rico durante el que el senador por Illinois tiene previsto hablar directamente con la gente y dar a conocer sus planes para la isla.

Obama se reunirá con líderes políticos de Puerto Rico, entre ellos miembros de su grupo de campaña, liderado por los copresidentes Pedro Pierluisi y Eduardo Bhatia.

Pierluisi sostuvo en un comunicado de prensa que Obama tendrá la oportunidad de conocer de cerca las preocupaciones de los puertorriqueños que son en esencia las mismas que las del resto 'de los ciudadanos americanos en los 50 estados'.

Agregó que Obama 'sabe que queremos un mejor futuro para nuestros niños, comunidades más seguras, más acceso a los servicios de salud, justicia e igualdad'.

...

'El bando de Obama envía refuerzos a Puerto Rico'

State Update — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:29:33 EDT

Por Prensa Asociada:

El gobernador del estado de Nuevo México, Bill Richardson, llegará a la Isla hoy para hacer campaña por el precandidato presidencial demócrata estadounidense, Barack Obama, informó la campaña del aspirante.

La agenda de Richardson incluye visitas a Ponce, San Juan y otros municipios cercanos, informó Dennise Pérez, portavoz de prensa de la campaña.

Richardson es uno de los ocho líderes demócratas que comenzaron en la carrera por la nominación para la presidencia de Estados Unidos por el Partido Demócrata, pero tras el retiro de su aspiración, anunció su respaldo a Obama, a quien catalogó de “líder extraordinario, de los que surgen una vez en la vida”.

“Bill Richardson es un ejemplo extraordinario de un gran líder que a pesar de haber aspirado a la misma posición que Barack, se hizo a un lado en reconocimiento a que este es el momento de un líder como Obama”, dijo el copresidente de la campaña de Obama en Puerto Rico, Pedro Pierluisi. “Puerto Rico está orgulloso de recibirlo”.

Por su parte, Eduardo Bhatia, también copresidente de la campaña de Obama en Puerto Rico, dijo que “cuando una persona de la talla de Bill Richardson dice que Barack Obama es un líder de esos que sólo surgen una vez, tiene toda la razón. Bill Richardson es un gran embajador de la visión y filosofía de Barack Obama”, sostuvo.

Obama y la senadora demócrata Hillary Clinton se disputarán 55 delegados en la primaria local del 1 de junio con el fin de obtener la mayor cantidad de delegados para la nominación presidencial demócrata.

'Obama fortalece su campaña con cuñas televisivas'

State Update — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:34:46 EDT

Por Prensa Asociada:

El aspirante demócrata a la presidencia de Estados Unidos Barack Obama arreció su campaña en Puerto Rico cuando en el fin de semana comenzó a exhibir cuñas publicitarias en televisión, al tiempo que se colocaron gigantes afiches en varios puntos del área metropolitana.

Bajo el lema, "Nos entiende", la pauta televisiva destaca el origen de del senador por Illinois y se promueve su plan para Puerto Rico.

"Ha llegado el momento de reformar nuestro sistema educativo y de identificar los recursos para que logren cumplir sus necesidades", indicó Obama en el comercial.

"Seré un presidente que hará del seguro médico uno que puedan pagar y seré un presidente que acabará la guerra en Irak y traerá nuestras tropas de regreso a casa", agrega Obama en la cuña.

Además, se colocaron en Hato Rey dos afiches gigantes que invitan a los electores a votar por Obama en la primaria demócrata del 1 de junio...

Obama y la senadora demócrata Hillary Clinton se disputarán 55 delegados en esos comicios con el fin de obtener la mayor cantidad de delegados para la nominación presidencial demócrata.

El copresidente de la campaña de Obama y candidato novoprogresista a comisionado residente, Pedro Pierluisi, destacó que el senador "es una persona con un trasfondo similar al nuestro, que se identifica con nuestras necesidades y se compromete a solucionarlas".

El también copresidente de la campaña, Eduardo Bhatia, sostuvo que el mensaje de Obama en esos anuncios "le da al puertorriqueño una razón más para votar por él: la educación y la salud son asuntos prioritarios para nuestro pueblo".

'Crece el apoyo a la campaña de Obama'

State Update — Mon, 19 May 2008 18:54:32 EDT

Por Prensa Asociada:

Miguel Hernández Agosto, ex presidente del Partido Demócrata en Puerto Rico, anunció ayer su apoyo a la precandidatura presidencial de Barack Obama.

Según Hernández Agosto, el senador por Illinois es el único candidato presidencial capaz de reorientar la política exterior de Estados Unidos de cara a los cambios políticos, económicos y sociales que vienen surgiendo a nivel mundial.

“Obama entiende esta nueva realidad y puede detener el descenso de los Estados Unidos ante el mundo y de su poderío económico. En otras palabras, lo considero capaz de promover un orden mundial de convivencia y respeto entre los pueblos del mundo”, expresó en un comunicado.

...De acuerdo con Eduardo Bhatia, copresidente de la campaña de Obama en Puerto Rico, los demócratas populares en la Isla “estamos listos y activados”.

“El compromiso que tiene el liderato del Partido Popular Democrático (PPD) es inequívoco. Entendemos la importancia de respaldar al único candidato a la presidencia de Estados Unidos que ha respetado la dignidad del pueblo de Puerto Rico, reconociendo que la decisión de resolver el centenario dilema del status emana del pueblo de Puerto Rico propiamente”, sostuvo.

También destacó que Obama ha respaldado la celebración de una asamblea constituyente como vehículo para solucionar el centenario problema del status, alternativa promovida por el liderato del PPD.

Voter Registration Soars in Montana

State Update — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:51:59 EDT

The June 3rd Montana primary is only two weeks away.

For the last few weeks, volunteers all across Montana have been registering folks to vote and spreading the word about Barack in their local communities. In Sanders County, a group of Obama volunteers set up shop at a local farmers market, registering voters and handing out material about Barack. Over in Missoula, actor Kal Penn spent a day canvassing with local high school students and encouraging local residents to vote early for Barack.

The results of our grassroots GOTV efforts in Montana have been astounding. Across the state, county officials are reporting record numbers of voter registrations, and observing an air of excitement that is surrounding our movement and this election.

From the Montana Standard:

“We’re definitely busier,” [county election supervisor Charlotte Mills] said, attributing it to the presidential race. “I know the Obama campaign has been out in full force in our county, hitting the streets.”

...“I think we are seeing lots of interest, and I think statewide, we will see the numbers shoot through the roof,” [Clerk and Recorder Paulette DeHart] said. “There’s lots of action behind the scenes to get people to vote and to vote early.”

If you haven't already registered to vote, you can still do so up through Primary Day at your local county courthouse. Montanans also have the opportunity to participate in One-Stop Early Voting, which allows you to register and vote early for Barack at the same time.

Read on to hear more about record-setting voter registration in Montana...

Fiesta para esperar los resultados de Oregon & Kentucky

State Update — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:41:39 EDT

Saludos cordiales,

Ven y comparte con la campaña de Barack Obama el martes, 20 de mayo, en lo que vemos los resultados de las primarias en Oregon y Kentucky y nos preparamos para la batalla en Puerto Rico.

En el restaurante Drums en Isla Verde, estaremos toda la noche celebrando y apoyando al próximo presidente de los Estados Unidos.

RSVP:

http://pr.barackobama.com/PRfiesta

Fecha:       Martes, 20 de mayo
Hora:         8:00 pm
Actividad:   Fiesta para esperar los resultados de Oregon & Kentucky
Local:         Drums
Dirección:   Isla Verde Mall, Suite 104
                      Ave. Isla Verde
                      Carolina, PR 00987

No se olvide traer a su familia, amistades y colegas -- tendremos comida, música en vivo y sorteos. La persona que traiga consigo el mayor número de personas se ganará una reunion personal con el Gobernador de New Mexico, Bill Richardson.

Déjanos saber que vienes:

http://pr.barackobama.com/PRfiesta

Tel: (939) 244-2441

Cada voto cuenta y cada primaria es esencial. Los puertorriqueños podrán ser el voto decisivo en la primaria demócrata. Su participación durante los próximos 10 días hará la diferencia para que triunfe Barack Obama y creamos el cambio y la esperanza en Puerto Rico. Para involucrarse en la campaña, inscríbase en:

http://pr.barackobama.com/puertorico

¡Nos vemos el martes!

Andrés López y Francisco Pavía
Co-Directores, Puerto Rico con Obama

Obama cartel grandísimo cubre edificio en San Juan

State Update — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:16:44 EDT

Nuestro movimiento está creciendo cada día en Puerto Rico.

Mira este cartel que los admiradores de Barack lo colgó en la Clinica las Americas en San Juan. ¡Viva Barack!

Tambíen, hay muchas cosas que tú puedes hacer para ayudar a Barack en tú comunidad antes de la primaria de June 1. Puedes visitar nuestra sede en San Juan, hospeder un voluntario, o explorar nuestro Centro de Recursos.

Está primaria representa un momento sin precedente en la historia de Puerto Rico y de los Estados Unidos. Apóyanos hoy.

'El cambio surge de abajo': una entrevista con Michelle Obama

State Update — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:36:31 EDT

Por El Nuevo Día:

¿Por qué los puertorriqueños deben votar en la primaria?

Queremos motivar a los residentes de la Isla a que sepan que cada voto cuenta. La participación en la primaria es crítica porque el líder de Estados Unidos va a establecer el rumbo de la Nación y de la Isla por los próximos cuatro u ocho años. Así que exhortamos a la gente a votar. Esa es una de las razones por las que estoy aquí.

¿Por qué los puertorriqueños deben votar por su esposo?

La dirección que hemos tomado en este país no ha sido la correcta. Y Barack entiende que vamos a resurgir o a sucumbir juntos, y necesitamos una política que refleje una nación unificada, no que sea una nación blanca y negra, mujeres y hombres o de diferentes religiones. Y creo que la gente siente que él es la persona que puede lograr esa unidad. Una de las cosas que quiero que la gente entienda sobre Barack es que esa visión es real.

¿Tiene su esposo una visión sobre el status de Puerto Rico?

Él cree en la importancia de la autodeterminación. Cree que está de parte de los ciudadanos de la Isla trabajar el asunto, y que nosotros respetaremos cualquier decisión que sea tomada. Él sabe que ese es un debate fuerte aquí, pero no podemos hablar de una fórmula como tal. Lo que sí sabe es que la decisión tiene que venir desde abajo, de la gente. Porque Barack cree que el cambio surge de abajo, desde la base. No puede ser dictado por alguien de afuera. Así que está en manos de los puertorriqueños decidir qué es lo que realmente quieren.
La campaña local ha resaltado que su esposo es multicultural, que nació en una isla (Hawai) y que puede relacionarse con los residentes de Puerto Rico. ¿Cómo le ayuda eso?
El mundo observa esta elección, y el mundo sabe lo que es ser multicultural, lo que es vivir fuera de Estados Unidos. Así que no se trata sólo de su crianza en una isla. El vivió en Indonesia y pasó parte de su vida en países del tercer mundo. Su padre es de Kenia, su abuela aún vive allí. La gente que experimenta ese estilo de vida multicultural entiende cómo eso afecta la visión del mundo, cómo uno piensa sobre otras naciones, la política exterior. Todo ello se afecta por la manera en que él fue criado. Y pienso que la gente de esta isla puede entender eso mejor que los que residen en el continente, que la crianza realmente afecta en la calidad de líder que vas a ser luego.

¿Cómo su esposo convencerá a los puertorriqueños, quienes tienen una larga relación con la familia Clinton?

Esa es una de las razones por las cuales estoy aquí. Para poder votar por un candidato hay que conocerlo. Honestamente, los Clinton han tenido décadas para conocer a este país. Pero creo que una vez la gente conozca a Barack, entenderá su visión para el País, sus valores, que están mayormente basados en un experiencia multicultural. Él ha visto las luchas que llevan las personas en muchas partes del mundo y parte de las razones por las que está en esto es que sabe que no podemos ir al próximo paso sin ser una nación unificada. Y es esa visión la que energiza y entusiasma a la gente, pero lo que une todo eso, y la gente lo debe saber, es un hombre joven centrado en el servicio.

...¿Cree que el factor racial afecte a su esposo en su aspiración de convertirse en el primer presidente afroamericano de Estados Unidos?

El asunto racial sigue siendo un factor en este mundo. Aún juega un papel, pero lo que hemos visto durante la totalidad de la carrera política de Barack es que la visión, la pasión, el alma y el corazón trascienden las razas. Cuando la gente derriba esas barreras y tiene la oportunidad de conocerse los unos a los otros, la raza realmente no es un problema. Eso es lo que hemos visto durante toda la campaña. Lo que me da mucha esperanza es que yo puedo ir junto a Barack a cualquier comunidad, sea del color que sea, y cuando hablamos sobre nuestros hijos, lo que nos gusta, lo que comemos, es lo mismo. Tenemos políticos que han enfatizado en diferencias que no tienen sentido. Pero con Barack vamos a tener un líder que va a decir: “¿Saben qué? enfoquémonos en las cosas que nos unen, las cosas que tenemos en común, porque hay tantas cosas que trascienden todo esto”.

'John Edwards respalda a Obama'

State Update — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:07:40 EDT

Por Prensa Asociada:

El demócrata John Edwards decidió respaldar a Barack Obama en la contienda por la nominación presidencial del partido.

Es un importante impulso de parte de un ex rival por la nominación en momentos en que Obama intenta desembarazarse definitivamente de Hillary Rodham Clinton, que está decidida a seguir adelante en la lucha.

Edwards planeaba aparecer junto a Obama en Grand Rapids, Michigan, al tiempo que el posible candidato lucha en una elección general crítica en el campo de batalla que representa el estado, informó su campaña.

...Edwards fue senador por Carolina del Norte y nominado a vicepresidente en el 2004.

Tanto Obama como Clinton solicitaron inmediatamente su respaldo, pero Edwards permaneció en silencio más de cuatro meses. Una persona cercana a él, que habló bajo anonimato, señaló que Edwards quería involucrarse ahora para comenzar a unificar el partido.

Por su parte, Obama respaldó la iniciativa de Edwards para el combate a la pobreza, que era la causa principal en su campaña.
...

'Se suman alcaldes a candidatura de Obama'

State Update — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:20:02 EDT

Por Prensa Asociada:

En vísperas de la llegada de la esposa de Barack Obama a la Isla, los alcaldes novoprogresistas de Loíza y Añasco se sumaron a la lista de seguidores del senador por Illinois en su contienda por la candidatura presidencial demócrata.

Pedro Pierluisi, quien encabeza la campaña de Obama en Puerto Rico, anunció hoy que el alcalde loiceño, Eddie Manso, y su homólogo de Añasco, Pablo Crespo, se unieron al grupo que apoya la candidatura del aspirante demócrata por las propuestas que presentó para la Isla.

"Hoy le doy la bienvenida a estos dos magníficos alcaldes que han comprendido que Estados Unidos y Puerto Rico necesitan un presidente como Barack Obama", expresó Pierluisi en un comunicado.

...Michelle Obama estará de visita en Puerto Rico desde el miércoles hasta el jueves.

'Excitement builds for nation's last primary'

State Update — Wed, 14 May 2008 12:36:49 EDT

From the Great Falls Tribune:

It may be too soon to tell just how high voter registration will be, but early indications are pointing to a big turnout for Montana's last-in-the-nation presidential primary election on June 3.

Elections officials from across the state are reporting above-average voter registration and increased requests for absentee ballots, a sign that the down-to-the-wire Democratic nominating contest between Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York and Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois has energized Montana voters.

... Even some less-populated counties are seeing increased interest in this year's primary election.

"Obviously, the voter registration push for this primary is high, and ... this has tripled our workload," said Custer County Clerk and Recorder Marie Wehri.

...In Missoula County, political groups, college students and volunteers for Obama's campaign have worked nearly around the clock to register voters.

"We've gotten a lot more registration cards and absentee ballot requests than what we would normally get," said Missoula County Elections Office Supervisor Debbie Merseal.

In Missoula, where Obama held an April 5 rally that drew more than 8,000 supporters to the University of Montana's Adams Center, volunteers worked the long lines of people waiting to see the candidate, registering them to vote and signing them up to receive absentee ballots.

Merseal estimates that of the 1,108 voter registration cards the office processed between April 1 and May 5, 50 to 60 percent were turned in on cards sponsored by the Obama campaign.

... Obama's Montana team leaders landed in the state shortly before the April 5 Mansfield-Metcalf Dinner in Butte, and the campaign officially opened five field offices around the state April 12. Since then, the campaign has added three more field office, with the latest one opening in Butte on Saturday.

Campaign spokesman Matt Chandler said that even before campaign field workers began organizing volunteers, Obama's supporters were out in droves registering voters on their own.

"It was an aggressive campaign to sign up as many new voters as we can and bring them into the process," Chandler said. "We had widespread enthusiasm around the state. I'd say there were hundreds of volunteers statewide walking precincts and knocking on doors."

A Message from Barack

State Update — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:32:06 EDT

I had a great time today in West Virginia, talking to folks about my plan for our veterans, and I wanted to get in touch with you one last time before the primary tomorrow.

We've had a long journey together in West Virginia. For more than a year, you have been dedicated to the idea that when ordinary people come together, we can do extraordinary things.

It's been inspiring to see our movement grow in the Mountain State, and it strengthens my faith that the American people -- not just here in West Virginia, but across the country -- are ready to stop settling for what the cynics tell us we must accept and start reaching for what's possible.

Tomorrow is an opportunity for us to earn some of last remaining pledged delegates, and take another big step toward the nomination.

It's vitally important that you vote, and bring your family and friends to vote with you.

Find your polling location and vote tomorrow:

http://wv.barackobama.com/WVlookup

When Michelle and I talked about me running for president, one of the core goals we both had for this campaign was to leave the political process better off than we found it.

That's just what you've done in West Virginia. And you refused to let the tired old tactics of the political status quo distract you from building this grassroots movement.

If you get out and vote tomorrow -- and bring others to vote too -- our movement will continue to grow. The world will know that people like you stood up for a different kind of politics. And real change will be within reach.

Find your polling location:

http://wv.barackobama.com/WVlookup

Let's bring real change tomorrow.

Barack

P.S. -- It's not too late to get involved and help Get Out The Vote tomorrow. Even if you've never participated in a campaign before, you can make a big difference -- sign up now:

http://wv.barackobama.com/WVgotv

And here are a few details and rules that will help make the voting process run smoothly. Make sure to share these with your friends:

Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. If you are in line when the polls close at 7:30 p.m., you have the right to vote.
First-time voters who registered by mail should bring a valid and current photo ID, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or a government document that shows the name and address of the voter.
The primary is open to Democrats and Independents. Independents need to request a Democratic ballot to vote in the Democratic primary.

'Obama stresses care for vets at Charleston visit'

State Update — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:07:57 EDT

From the Huntington Herald-Dispatch:

Sen. Barack Obama stressed the need to care for returning veterans and expand opportunities for Americans before a crowd of hundreds of supporters inside the Charleston Civic Center one day before West Virginia’s presidential primary.

“There’s an election here tomorrow,” Obama said to a packed house of applause and cheers.

Obama said he was honored to have the support of many West Virginians, but understood that many more in the state would likely support Sen. Hillary Clinton, to which the crowd booed.

“But when it’s over, what will unify us as Democrats and what must unify us as Americans is an unyielding commitment to the men and women that serve this nation,” he said. “Without that commitment, many of us wouldn’t be here today.”

Obama went on to mention his plans for a 21st century Veterans Administration, zero tolerance for homeless veterans, and increased screening and services for veterans with post traumatic stress disorders and traumatic brain injuries.

He also addressed the need for more affordable education for all Americans, and to free the nation from dependence on foreign oil and bring gas prices down.

Obama supporters began lining up for the afternoon speech around 9:30 a.m. at the Civic Center.

Ann Landers, 48, of New Martinsville came with her “Obama buddy,” another West Virginia woman she met through volunteering.

“I’ve never been involved with politics before, but I think he’s something special,” Landers said. “I think he can really make a difference in this country.”

Landers’ friend, Carolyn Sterns, 68, of Sistersville, used to be an active Republican.

“We reached the end of our rope. It’s a no brainer,” Sterns said. “I haven’t seen a candidate like him for many years.”

Landers said there’s probably never been a candidate like Obama.

...Sterns said Obama is the candidate who has it all – including plans and the backbone to follow through on those plans.

Susan Harcum traveled from Fredericksburg, Va., to hear Obama with her sisters. Two of her sisters live in Ohio and one resides in the Charleston area. She said the group has been going door-to-door recently to speak to residents on Obama’s behalf.

Montana Issue Spotlight: The Environment

State Update — Mon, 12 May 2008 13:49:17 EDT

Throughout this race, we have tried to keep the issues at the forefront of our campaign. This idea is a central part of Barack's message, because he knows that real change doesn't come from political banter--it happens when you work with local leaders to develop effective, sustainable solutions to problems facing our communities and our country.

Although Montanans have expressed the need for change on a wide variety of issues, the environment is one issue that is particularly important to folks in Big Sky Country. As former U.S. Representative Pat Williams said to the Associated Press, "This is where environmental issues are understood because we live, work, and play on the land."

Barack Obama also understands the importance of environmental issues to people in Montana and across this nation. That's why he's developed a comprehensive environmental plan that will address climate change, promote cleaner air and water, and ensure that our nation's lands and resources are preserved and protected.

Here's some highlights from Barack's plan:

CLIMATE CHANGE

Global warming is real, is happening now and is the result of human activities. Barack Obama believes we have a moral, environmental, economic and security imperative to tackle climate change in a serious, sustainable manner.
Reduce Carbon Emissions 80 Percent by 2050: through the implementation of a market-based cap-and-trade system.
Invest $150 billion over 10 years: in advanced energy technologies that will foster a Clean Energy Economy and create American jobs.
Make the U.S. a Leader in Combating Climate Change around the World.

CLEAN AIR AND WATER

Fight for Clean Air: During his time on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Barack Obama helped stop President Bush’s attempt to undermine the Clean Air Act, which would have increased industrial emissions of mercury and sulfur.
Clean up our Water: Barack Obama will reinvigorate the drinking water standards that have been weakened under the Bush administration and update them to address new threats.
Water in the West: Barack Obama understands that the American West is facing a serious water crisis. In the long run, we do not have enough water to meet the West’s fast-growing needs. Obama believes the federal government has an important role to play in helping local communities conserve water. He supports federal policies to encourage voluntary water banks, wastewater treatment, and other market-based conservation measures.

PRESERVING OUR LAND

Barack Obama believes we need a new vision for conservation that both protects our existing publicly-owned lands while dramatically expanding investments in protecting and restoring forests, grasslands, and wetlands across America for generations to come.
Protect National Parks and Forests: For too long, America’s National Parks and Forests have been threatened by lax protection...As president, Barack Obama will repair the damage done to our national parks by inadequate funding and emphasize the protection and restoration of our National Forests.
Conserve New Lands: Barack Obama is a strong supporter of increased funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which supports land acquisition and maintenance of parks. As a state senator, he supported the creation of the Illinois Open Land Trust Act, which allowed the state to buy property from willing sellers for conservation and recreation purposes and make grants and loans to local governments for acquiring land for open spaces.

You can check out Barack's full environment plan here:

Barack's plan

Barack is committed to defending Montana and America's natural environment, and will continue to fight for environmental issues as President.

Una Entrevista con Michelle Obama

State Update — Mon, 12 May 2008 13:36:04 EDT

Por El Vocero:

La mirada del mundo se ha posado en Michelle Obama, abogada graduada de prestigiosas universidades, madre de dos niñas, quien desde hace dos meses se ha embarcado con su esposo Barak Obama en una de las campañas más intensas por la candidatura demócrata a la Presidencia de Estados Unidos.

Michelle ha tomado un importante liderazgo en la promoción del mensaje de su esposo a la nación estadounidense, que ha permitido conocer su estámina y el carácter que le imprimiría a su papel de Primera Dama en la Casa Blanca.

...[Aquí] son algunos de los temas que ESCENARIO abordó con Michelle Obama en una sección de preguntas y respuestas con motivo de su pronta visita a Puerto Rico, y que reproducimos a continuación.

Usted es hoy la esposa de un precandidato presidencial, pero antes de eso es una mujer, profesional, graduada de Princeton y de Harvard. ¿Cómo se describiría?

—Tengo muchos sombreros. Soy madre, esposa, profesional y una mujer que por los pasados 15 meses ha estado en campaña continua. Como muchas mujeres, eso requiere que haga malabares. Primero tuve que cortar muchas horas en el trabajo y más recientemente tuve que dejar de trabajar. Con mi esposo en campaña todo el tiempo, me he dedicado a asegurar que mis hijas continúen teniendo una vida lo más normal posible.

...Sabemos que conoció a su esposo en una firma de abogagos. En un libro se dice que al conocer a Barck Obama pensó que era “too good to be true”. ¿Por qué?

—Barack y yo nos conocimos cuando yo trabajaba en una firma de derecho corporativo. Barack llegó como asociado un verano y yo fui asignada para ser su consejera. Cuando lo conocí pensé que se trataba de este hombre de Hawaii, con un trasfondo ecléctico y un nombre raro. Pero cuando lo conocí de verdad, me di cuenta de que compartimos los mismos valores y me impresionaron las decisiones que había tomado en su vida. Eran decisiones muy distintas a las de otros jóvenes que yo había conocido. Este era un hombre guiado por sus principios y no por el poder.

Era un hombre que dejó pasar una carrera en Wall Street para convertirse en un organizador comunitario en el Sur de Chicago, estableciendo programas extracurriculares en las escuelas, buscando trabajo para los desempleados. Dejó atrás una lucrativa carrera como abogado para organizar 150,000 electores, mayormente negros, y que ha luchado por el derecho al voto desde siempre.

...¿Cómo ha afectado esta aspiración presidencial el orden de su familia?

—Ahora tenemos el placer de criar a nuestras hijas y vivir nuestras vidas bajo el ojo vigilante de nuestros nuevos amigos de los medios. Pero con la excepción de los viajes de campaña y el ojo público, les diría que mi vida no es diferente a la de muchas mujeres.

Para lidiar con el itinerario, normalmente hago mis viajes de campaña durante el día. Me levanto, preparo las niñas para llevarlas a la escuela, vuelo a algunos eventos y trato de estar de regreso en casa a tiempo para llevarlas a la cama. Esto me ayuda a conocer a tanta gente encantadora. Para los efectos de mis hijas, mamá simplemente salió a trabajar. Es un buen balance.

Puedes ver más de la entrevista con Michelle aquí.

West Virginia: Take Action This Weekend

State Update — Sat, 10 May 2008 15:23:03 EDT

The West Virginia primary is coming up this Tuesday, May 13th. With your help, we've already generated a movement built on hope and change that's inspired thousands of folks across the Mountain State.

But we can't get complacent now. This weekend, grassroots supporters in West Virginia and across the country are working to Get Out The Vote in the final push before Primary Day. We're fighting an uphill battle in West Virginia, but by ensurning that all of our supporters make it to the polls, we can add to our delegate lead and continue to close in on the nomination.

Here are a few ways that you can take action and make a difference right now:

Early Voting

If you live in West Virginia, you don't have to wait until Tuesday to vote for Barack. Early Voting is underway now, but tomorrow is the last day to vote early in West Virginia.

If you haven't already voted early for Barack, head to your county clerk's office tomorrow and make sure that your voice is heard right away. Early voting locations will be open on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Independents can support Barack by voting early as well, but be sure to request a Democratic ballot when you arrive at your polling location.

Find your early vote location and cast your ballot for Barack tomorrow.

Canvassing

From the start, our campaign has counted on grassroots organization and face-to-face conversations to bring as many people as possible into this movement.

If you live in West Virginia, the single most important thing you can do for this campaign is to talk with people in your community about why you support Barack and the type of change we're working to bring about.

GOTV meeting locations are being organized across the state. You can find a location near you and help us Get Out The Vote in your area this weekend.

Attend Events

You can also get involved by stopping by a local Obama office, or by participating in one of the many grassroots events being organized by local supporters across West Virginia this weekend.

Make Calls

No matter where you live, you can help GOTV in West Virginia by making calls now. Our online calling campaign runs from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM EST every day from now until the close of polls on Tuesday.

This weekend is our last chance to make a difference in West Virginia before Primary Day. What we do over the next few days will help ensure that Barack has the support he needs to win as many votes and delegates as possible on Tuesday.

West Virginia Leaders Announce Support for Barack Obama

State Update — Fri, 09 May 2008 17:50:42 EDT

Days after Barack Obama's decisive win in North Carolina and a tight finish in Indiana, leaders across the Mountain State announced their endorsement of Barack Obama as the best person to unify and lead our country.

Today West Virginia state senators, delegates, sheriffs and Democratic party chairs joined Senator Jay Rockefeller and the state's only member of Congress to endorse, Nick Rahall, in supporting Barack Obama. Obama has also received the endorsement of West Virginia State Auditor Glen Gainer III.

"I have chosen to endorse Barack Obama because he has inspired our nation and will unify the country," said West Virginia State Senator Jeffrey Kessler (D-Marshall). "We need a leader who will finally deliver on the challenges facing our nation, including affordable health care for all, quality education and restoring our nation's standing in the world. That leader is Barack Obama."

"Barack Obama understands the needs of West Virginians," said Delegate John Doyle. "He has a solid plan to revitalize our nation's economy and as a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, he has been a strong advocate for our nation's veterans."

Here is the list of West Virginia leaders who endorsed Barack Obama today:

Sen. Dan Foster (Kanawha County)

Sen. Jon Blair Hunter (Mon County)

Sen. Jeff Kessler (Marshall)

Del. John Doyle (Jefferson County)

Del. Ron Fragale (Harrison County)

Del. Charlene Marshall (Mon County)

Del. Clif Moore (McDowell County)

Del. Alex Shook (Mon County)

Sheriff John Gruzinskas (Marshall)

Jerry Brookover (Chair, Wirt County Exec Committee)

The following West Virginia leaders have previously announced their endorsements of Barack Obama:

Ken Hechler, former Congressman and West Virginia Secretary of State

Glen B. Gainer III Auditor

Del. Tal Hutchins (Ohio County)

Sen. Larry Edgell (Wetzel County)

Mayor Emmett Pugh (Beckley)

Sheriff Tom Burgoyne (Ohio County)

Commissioner David Sims (Ohio County)

John Saunders (former USW local president, Ohio County Dem co-chair)

Frank Slider (Tyler County Chair)

'¡Llego la Hora del Cambio!'

State Update — Fri, 09 May 2008 17:13:28 EDT

Mi gente,

Escribo por que estoy contentisimo de saber que estare en Puerto Rico con la campaña del Senador. Soy Dominicano con sangre Boricua ya que mi Bisabuelo es nativo de la Ciudad del Cafe (Yauco). Nunca he tenido la oportunidad de visitar esta isal hermosa repleta de gente buena, sencilla y humilde.

Llegare a PR el Domingo o Lunes y espero que todos nos unamos detras del Senador Barack Obama. Despues de haber tenido la oportunidad de compartir un cena intima con el Senador en Julio 2007, me he dedicado 100% a el por el bien de nuestro futuro. El representate el cambio que todos buscamos y es el unico que nos dice no lo que queremos escuchar de un candidato si no la verdad. Eso mi gente, se valora y demuestra la valentia del Senador.

Puerto Rico esta en la posicion de hacer historia y espero de todo corazon que nos unamos con el Senador Obama. No tanto por nosotros mas bien por nuestros hijos y las generaciones venideras.

Llego la hora del cambio, Barack Obama Presidente!

Con un abrazo,

Haile Rivera
Obama For America

NOS VEMOS! PA'LANTE CON OBAMA!

'Obama’s Appeal to Young Montana Voters'

State Update — Fri, 09 May 2008 17:05:36 EDT

From the Flathead Beacon:

Half the soldiers killed in Vietnam weren’t old enough to vote. The monumental injustice of that triggered the adoption of the 26th amendment in 1971, which lowered the voting age to 18. Montana Sen. Mike Mansfield noted that his leadership role in lowering the voting age was perhaps his proudest achievement in his long life of public service. In guiding the legislation through the U.S. Senate, Mansfield said, “At 18, 19 and 20 young people fight our wars. I think they have earned the right to vote.”

...Perhaps surprisingly, in the 1972 presidential election that followed, not quite half the 18 to 20 year olds voted. That, sadly, has been the history of the youth vote. In fact, it has never exceeded 50 percent. In 1996 about 32 percent of the 18-24 age group voted. In 2000, 36 percent did. But in 2004, in the aftermath of Sept. 11 and perhaps signaling renewed interest, 47 percent of those under 24 turned out to vote.

Politicians pay a lot of attention to health care because about three-fourths of those over the age of 65 are regular voters. Simply because young people have not voted in large numbers, political candidates have not targeted them. That is, not until Barack Obama.

Obama’s pivotal victory in the Iowa Democratic caucuses came almost entirely from voters under 25 years of age. He actively cultivated them, importantly through the use of modern technology. Employing the same strategy, Obama went on to carry the youth vote by three-to-one margins in the New Hampshire and South Carolina Democratic primaries.

...Obama is connecting with Montana young people, too. In mid-March I conducted a survey of 183 high school students, primarily graduating seniors, visiting their schools in Butte, Kalispell, Livingston, Whitefish, St. Ignatius and Townsend. While not particularly scientific, my survey revealed that a whopping 87 percent of the students, at least as of now, plan to vote in the November election. While that seems unlikely, the young people do rate voting as more important than helping collect food for poor people in their communities, donating blood, and assisting elementary students with reading.

...After the high school surveys, I took in the Barack Obama performance on the University of Montana campus in Missoula on April 5, and had a first-hand experience with “Obamamania.” The Illinois senator’s charisma is powerful and captivating. The largely youthful crowd, estimated at over 8,000, left enthralled, energized and on fire for Obama. Fickle as the youth vote has been, if Obama is the Democratic nominee, I expect it will shatter the 50 pecent barrier this fall.

The implications of this could be significant in Montana where our people may be turning a political purple to match our mountains. A surge in the youth vote for Obama could make Montana a truly battleground state. Can the Democrats break the Republican presidential lock on the Treasure State? Maybe the kids will provide the key.

'También podemos en Puerto Rico'

State Update — Fri, 09 May 2008 13:04:27 EDT

Lea está carta escrito por Barack Obama, publicó ayer en el Nuevo Día:

En momentos en que nuestras familias enfrentan altos costos de vida, salarios rezagados y la posibilidad de perder su hogar, yo comprendo lo importante que es tener a un verdadero colaborador en la Casa Blanca. Un presidente que luche por ti y que te trate con el respeto que te mereces. Como alguien que creció en Hawai, que conoce las particularidades de vivir en una isla y que aprecia el gran orgullo que sientes por tu Isla del Encanto, ése es el presidente que yo prometo ser.

Voy a ser un presidente que trabajará con Puerto Rico para que recupere su estabilidad económica y su competitividad en el siglo 21. Proveeremos a cada niño la educación necesaria para competir en una economía globalizada. Garantizaremos un seguro de salud universal a todos. Incentivaremos los empresarios con apoyo necesario para expandir sus negocios. E invertiremos en la infraestructura y en el sector de energía ambiental para que podamos aportar a un futuro de energía renovable y, a la vez, crear miles de empleos bien remunerados.

Como presidente, mi primer paso será crear un Grupo de Trabajo entre el Gobierno federal y el local para promover la economía puertorriqueña. El Grupo de Trabajo realizará un estudio sistemático y reportará sobre maneras específicas que generen oportunidades de empleo en la Isla. Tendrá hasta el 31 de agosto de 2009 para entregar su reporte y yo actuaré inmediatamente sometiendo iniciativas específicas al Congreso basadas en ese reporte.

También, hay pasos que podemos tomar de inmediato. Desde 1996, Puerto Rico ha perdido más de 40,000 empleos de manufactura. Necesitamos energizar esa industria con nuevos incentivos de inversión. Trabajaré para extender los beneficios del crédito por ingreso devengado (EITC) y el crédito por hijos (CTC). Para financiar el Fondo de Desarrollo Comunitario (CDBG) y para aumentar el salario mínimo federal beneficiando a las familias puertorriqueñas. Fortaleceré las comunidades rurales que han estado rezagadas mejorando su infraestructura y sus áreas de vivienda. Tampoco obviaremos otros sectores productivos de la Isla que contribuyen a su desarrollo, como los pequeños negocios y el turismo.

Cualquier discusión sobre la Isla estaría incompleta sin mencionar el centenario problema del status. Como presidente, me comprometo a garantizar que los puertorriqueños puedan tener un proceso justo de libre determinación.

Trabajaré con representantes de todas las ideologías para desarrollar un proceso equitativo y respetaré y apoyaré la decisión que tome la buena gente de Puerto Rico.

Puedes confiar en que lucharé por ti porque yo he estado luchando por ciudadanos americanos como tú por las pasadas dos décadas. Luego de terminar la universidad, rechacé una carrera en Wall Street para trabajar como organizador comunitario en Chicago ayudando a proveer entrenamiento de trabajo a desempleados tras los cierres de plantas de acero locales. Trabajé de la mano de líderes hispanos en asuntos como escuelas fracasadas, manejo ilegal de desperdicios y falta de inmunización en nuestros niños. Como abogado de derechos civiles, defendí a múltiples personas que sufrieron discrimen en su trabajo o en las urnas por su raza o nacionalidad. Como senador estatal logré un consenso bipartito para expandir la cobertura de salud a 150,000 familias y un recorte en las contribuciones devolviéndoles $100 millones a miles de trabajadores.

Te ofrezco un detallado grupo de propuestas de política pública. Pero más aún, te ofrezco un nuevo tipo de liderazgo en Washington. Liderazgo que une ciudadanos americanos de todas las razas, nacionalidades y afiliaciones políticas formando una coalición de cambio que Washington no puede ignorar. Un liderazgo en el que puedes confiar para hablarte claro sobre los retos que enfrentamos. Un liderazgo que le servirá a nuestra gente, no a los grandes intereses.

Te propongo forjar un cambio real que impacte a todos los ciudadanos americanos, aquí en Puerto Rico y en los 50 estados.

Este es el mensaje que te llevaré en mi campaña por Puerto Rico en las próximas semanas. Esta primaria representa una coyuntura histórica en la que tendrás la oportunidad de determinar quién será el próximo presidente de los Estados Unidos.

Esta elección -este momento- es muy importante como para conformarnos con lo mismo de siempre.

Tenemos que aspirar a más, y con tu apoyo el 1ro. de junio, eso es lo que haremos juntos.

Beckley Mayor Emmett Pugh Endorses Obama

State Update — Wed, 07 May 2008 15:12:05 EDT

From the Beckley Register-Herald:

Viewing the Illinois senator as the voice of compromise, Beckley Mayor Emmett Pugh endorsed Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama and predicted Monday he would make coal an integral part of any national energy policy.

“Coal needs to be a part of his energy plan, and I know it will be,” the mayor told reporters at a news conference in his office. “I think he understands small towns, much more so than Sen. (Hillary) Clinton.

“We want to balance mining versus the environment. I think it’s something we can agree on.”

Pugh suggested there might not be a middle ground on mountaintop mining and said he thinks the industry’s future lies in underground extraction, especially in southern West Virginia.

Joining Pugh was Dan Reitz, a member of the Illinois Legislature and a 17-year veteran of underground coal mining, who said Obama intends to assign coal a major role in the nation’s energy outlook with an eye toward lessening America’s reliance on foreign oil.

“We can’t run this nation unless we use coal,” Reitz said. “We need to invest in clean coal technology and put people to work and burn our coal and fuel our country in a clean, efficient manner.”

Reitz said Illinois lawmakers beefed up his state’s mine safety laws in the wake of the Sago tragedy that left a dozen miners dead in an underground mine in Upshur County.

“He has an uncanny sense of just bringing people to the table and reaching a compromise on an issue,” Reitz said of Obama.

“He has a quick grasp of the issues and I think he understands people in West Virginia, how important coal is, and how it’s the lifeblood of this state.”

Reitz suggested an Obama presidency would have room for renewable sources of energy, “but when people turn a light on, they want to make sure it comes on. They don’t want to look out the window and make sure the wind’s blowing or the water’s running.”

Illinois’ mining industry was “devastated” by the Clean Air Act, but Reitz emphasized the Democratic presidential nominee wouldn’t seek to “soften” it, but work with all stakeholders to forge “a sensible plan.”

“We need a balance across the nation to make sure we use our vast resources and use them in an environmentally friendly manner,” he said.

Pugh told reporters he thinks Obama can develop an exit strategy from Iraq that preserves America’s honor.

“My son flew out of the Theodore Roosevelt in the eastern Mediterranean in Iraq,” the mayor said. “He was a Navy pilot and he was extremely gung-ho about doing his mission, and he did his mission,” he said.

But the mayor complained that the Bush administration simply had no strategy for pursuing warfare against the forces of terrorism.

“We need to figure some way to get us out of Iraq with our head held high and move on,” Pugh said.

“I look at a number of programs we have now that are wanting for a lack of money, because we are just funding billions and trillions of dollars for the war in Iraq. I’m seeing more and more people fall through the cracks in the system that we currently have that really, really need some help. We need to get back to the basics. We need to make sure this country is the best it can be and go from there.”

'Blogging with the Obama Campaign in Mercer County'

State Update — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:42:24 EDT

Here's a great example of what grassroots supporters are doing across West Virginia, from West Virginia Blue:

There is no way you could convince me that we don't have Barack Obama supporters in our state.

Elena Bailey came in from Hinton to conduct the first Barack Obama field meeting in our county. We had what I consider to be an outstanding turnout with over 30 folks turning out to not only support Senator Obama, but to actually volunteer to work on his behalf in Mercer and McDowell counties.

Four folks from McDowell County who are all educators and one from Tazewell County in VA were at the meeting. Inspiring group of folks... the message comes out loud and clear. This group is willing to work their butts off to get Barack Obama in the White House.

As they introduced themselves I picked up a true feeling that this is an inspired group that honestly believes in Barack as a candidate.

By the way, one of the other organizers--Roger Lowe from Charleston, who has worked with the campaign throughout the country--was in awe of the number of folks who took time on their weekend to help get Barack Obama elected at this meeting.

The first goal for the group was to set up volunteer Precinct Captains, and to actually start canvassing TODAY [April 26]. Target areas for the first canvass include Welch in McDowell County, and Bluefield in Mercer County.

There were several walk packs prepared, and plans are in place to make canvassing or phone banking happen literally every day between now and the primary.

It looks like the main goal of the Obama campaign is to get as much face to face contact with volunteers and voters as possible.

Many of those attending are actually getting involved in the process for the first time in their lives. A lot of time was spent demonstrating to everybody what is involved in actually getting the message across to potential voters. In the years I have been involved in this area I find that there are very few of us that have actually participated in canvassing and phone banking.

I think that the Obama organization is on the right track in working and training folks in the field to get Obama as many votes as possible in the state.

'Celebran en la Isla por triunfo de Obama'

State Update — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:19:48 EDT

Por Prensa Asocida:

Para Pedro Pierluisi, el triunfo de Barack Obama en las primarias de Carolina del Norte lo acerca aun más a la nominación presidencial demócrata.

"Barack Obama se afianza aun más como el líder en la contienda por la nominación a la presidencia por el Partido Demócrata", sostuvo el copresidente de la campaña del senador por Illinois en la Isla.

Ayer, martes, Obama ganó la primaria de Carolina del Norte y Hillary Clinton obtuvo por estrecho margen las de Indiana.

Pierluisi se mostró confiado en que los electores puertorriqueños favorezcan a Obama en las primarias del primero de junio.

"Si a pesar de esta realidad (los resultados de las primarias), Hillary Clinton insiste en continuar con su aspiración, Obama hará sentir su presencia en grande en Puerto Rico", manifestó.

A su juicio, el mensaje de Obama calará en la Isla porque "se identifica genuinamente con todos los que aspiran a vivir en una sociedad llena de oportunidades de progreso y libre de discrimen".

Tras las primarias del martes, Obama aumentó su número de delegados demócratas, que tienen la encomienda de elegir al candidato del partido, quedándole a Clinton pocas oportunidades de reducir esa ventaja.

Noticia segunda por Prensa Asocida:

Barack Obama afianzó sus probabilidades de obtener la candidatura presidencial demócrata al ganar las primarias en Carolina del Norte y perder con escaso margen las de Indiana, dejando a la rezagada campaña de Hillary Rodham Clinton con opciones aun más limitadas.

...Los resultados del 99% de las casillas en Carolina del Norte señalan a Obama ganando el 56% de los votos, en comparación con el 42% de Clinton. La ventaja representa un margen de más de 22 mil votos de un total de 1.2 millones emitidos.

En Indiana, Clinton ganó por escasísimo margen: 51% contra 49%. Obama se anotó por lo menos 94 delegados y Clinton 75 en los dos estados. En total Obama tiene 1,815 delegados contra 1,672 de Clinton según el conteo de la AP. Se necesitan 2.025 delegados para ganar la candidatura.

El histórico duelo entre Obama y Clinton — él aspira a ser el primer presidente de raza negra de Estados Unidos, ella a ser la primera mujer en ejercer el cargo — parece estar llegando a su punto culminante.

..."Esta noche nos faltan menos de 200 delegados para asegurarnos la nominación del Partido Demócrata para la presidencia de los Estados Unidos", declaró Obama ante una entusiasta multitud en Raleigh, Carolina del Norte.

...En las seis primarias posteriores están en juego 217 delegados. Otros 270 superdelegados no han manifestado su apoyo a ningún candidato. En total, de acuerdo con estimaciones de AP, Clinton cuenta con unos 270 superdelegados y Obama con 256.
...

Saludos de Francisco Pavia y Andres Lopez

State Update — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:52:31 EDT

Saludos Cordiales,

Somos Francisco Pavia y Andres Lopez, codirectores de la Campaña de Barack Obama en Puerto Rico. Hoy queremos compartir con ustedes excelentes noticias. Por primera vez, un precandidato presidencial está llevando a cabo una campaña nacional que verdaderamente está llegando a todos los ciudadanos estadounidenses. Y todos tenemos la oportunidad de ayudar a elegir al Presidente Barack Obama, el único que va a atender todas las necesidades de éste pueblo puertorriqueño

La campaña tambien necesita voluntarios de todo tipo. Si deseas ser voluntario, favor de pasar por la sede o mandarnos un email a puertorico@barackobama.com Ven conoce las facilidades y al personal e infórmate sobre cómo puedes ayudar a lograr el triunfo de Obama en tu comunidad. La sede de Puerto Rico con Obama está localizada en Citi Towers, 250 Avenida Ponce De León, Hato Rey. Todos los días se unen más y más personas a este histórico movimiento, conscientes de que lo que nos une es más fuerte que lo que nos divide. Esperamos que te unas a Puerto Rico con Obama.

¡Te esperamos!

Francisco Pavia y Andres Lopez

'He's Got Game:' Obama Shoots Hoops on the Campaign Trail

State Update — Fri, 02 May 2008 18:27:25 EDT

From the Associated Press:

He's confident and competitive. Superstitious and silly. Admits his mistakes. Shares credit. Always in control. That's Barack Obama on the basketball court, the hardwood hideaway that helped him adjust to a white world as a racially mixed teenager - and now stands as a sweaty platform for his Democratic presidential campaign.

Hillary may have Bill. But Barack's got game.

...“I do think you can tell something about people by the way they play basketball,” he told HBO's “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” earlier this month.

...Last Friday, he scored four baskets - including a nifty left-handed 3-pointer - in a Kokomo, Ind., game tied to his voter registration drive. With cameras trained on his every 46-year-old move, Obama scrimmaged Tuesday with the North Carolina Tar Heels.

“These guys,” Obama said, “are a lot better than me.” He was absolutely right.

Still, the politics are smart.

“We're a very sports-loving country and it would be unusual if our president in one way or another was not sports connected,” said Stephen Hess, a presidential scholar who served in the Eisenhower and Nixon administrations.

Dwight D. Eisenhower played golf, a sport as genteel and patrician as the president who played it. John Kennedy played touch football with the youthful “vigah” that defined his 1960 campaign. Richard Nixon bowled, badly, as he brought blue-collar voters into the GOP fold.

...Growing up in Hawaii, Obama considered basketball as a way to find his racial identity in a diverse community.

“Here is a place,” Obama told HBO, “where black was not a disadvantage.”

Now, it's a place for a break from the campaign.

Dribbling a ball during warmups on the court in Pittsburgh, Obama said he and his pals played the day of the Iowa caucuses. “We won the caucuses then came New Hampshire and we didn't play. We were too busy,” he said. “That won't happen again. I am superstitious.”

Obama picked the teams in Pittsburgh, giving himself five of the best players and two of the worst (the reporters) and immediately took charge of the play, bringing the ball up court and dishing soft bounce passes.

He kept score and called fouls, including one on himself.

Obama is extremely confident with his game, for good reason. He glides more than runs, high and soft on the balls of his feet and with graceful strides that put enough space between himself and his opponents to launch a solid left-handed jump shot.

...In the first of four games, Obama lost the ball out of bounds. “My bad,” he told teammates. “I'm sorry.”

Not everybody is so honest. When an opposing player dribbled the ball off his own leg and called a cheap foul, one of Obama's teammates said sarcastically, “Hey, man, nice move.” Typical trash talk. But it struck Obama as funny. Over-the-top funny. Falling to his knees, the senator giggled uncontrollably, holding his head in his hands and writhing. He wiped tears from his eyes while getting up.

You don't realize how skinny Obama is until you're banging against him beneath the rim, his bony hips giving easily to brawnier competitors. But despite his size, Obama took every opportunity to career recklessly through the lane with his signature move:

Fake right and drive hard to the left.

A political statement? “Nah,” he said with a wan and sweaty smile, “I just love to play this game.”

'Young Crow Man Spreading Obama's Message'

State Update — Fri, 02 May 2008 18:02:25 EDT

From Reznet:

In the summer of 2006, Samuel Kohn logged more than 7,000 miles on his car criss-crossing his home state of Montana.

As a Dartmouth College freshman, he was on a mission to find out what his state's tribes thought about a state legislative act that required all K-12 students to learn about Native history and culture.

This week, the 21-year-old Crow tribal member hit the road again on a different kind of mission.

He wants to find out what tribes in Montana think about Sen. Barack Obama. And he's happy with what he's seen so far.

"It's been an astounding response we've gotten," he said.

Two weeks ago, Kohn was hired as Obama's Native American outreach coordinator in Montana. He spent this week — his first full week on the job — touring the state's Hi-Line, a term referring to northern Montana. He took part in a 100-mile wellness walk and spoke to tribal members in Browning on the Blackfeet Reservation.

On Tuesday night, he spoke to about 35 people on the Rocky Boy Indian Reservation, trying to encourage them to vote for Obama. At the meeting, an older Native man said he had never voted before but planned to vote for Obama.

That night, he registered to vote for the first time.

"It's great," Kohn said. "I'm honored to be a part of this movement."

He isn't the first young Native person attracted to Obama, whose campaign has drawn support from young people across the country.

Wanting to join what they see as a movement for change, future Indian leaders like Kohn and Wizipan Garriott — a 28-year-old Rosebud Sioux tribal member who's served as a Native policy adviser for Obama since last September — are getting involved.

But Kohn hasn't always lived life in the political fast lane.

He grew up on the Crow Reservation, raised on a steady diet of commodity cheese sandwiches, powwows and Crow culture.

He said he never thought there was anything strange about going to powwows with his mom and dad nearly every weekend and to sweat lodge ceremonies in the summers.

"I wasn't even aware that it was something people view as different," he said.

Now a junior at Dartmouth, Kohn attributed his academic success to the support of his parents and other relatives.

At Dartmouth, he said, he's been awakened to how big the world really is, having met students from all over the globe and even other Native students from other tribes.

"I met a lot of brilliant and promising young Native people who are going to do some great things for Indian Country," he said.

But he's also learned how petty and hateful some people can be.

After a conservative student newspaper published a racist cartoon featuring a Native warrior holding a scalp with the headline, "The Natives are Getting Restless!", in November 2006, Kohn joined other students and faculty in protesting the newspaper.

He said the newspaper cartoon capped a series of racially charged incidents at the college that Dartmouth officials had failed to address.

"It's pretty bad to see that sort of thing on our college," he said.

Despite the incident, Kohn said he has appreciated the opportunity to attend an Ivy League school and expects to graduate in June 2009 with a degree in Native American studies and digital arts. He took this spring semester off to help his family, specifically his grandma, who became ill and lost her home in a fire this winter. He plans to return to Dartmouth in the fall.

He said he's not sure what he'll do after graduation. Maybe law school or a doctoral program in American Indian education, he said.

His short-term future, however, is much clearer.

Until June 2, when his state decides which Democratic candidate to support, he'll continue spreading Obama's message of hope to Montana's tribes.

"I'm just a small time kid from Montana," he said. "I'm honored so often."

'Obama Campaign to Open Kalispell Headquarters'

State Update — Fri, 02 May 2008 17:53:08 EDT

From the Flathead Beacon:

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama’s campaign announced Thursday that it is opening a Kalispell field office and his state spokesman said the Illinois senator can appeal to traditionally red northwest Montana.

“Sen. Obama has something a lot of candidates don’t,” Matt Chandler said. “He appeals to independents and conservatives. That’s why we’ve been able to win in all corners of the country.”

The Kalispell headquarters, located at 20 Four Mile Dr., Suite 1, brings the total number of offices for the Illinois senator across the state to seven. The grand opening is Saturday.

“We are making a commitment to listen to all Montana voters and believe strongly that the best way to do this is to open offices in as many communities as possible,” Obama’s state director Gabe Cohen said in a prepared statement.

Both Obama and New York Sen. Hillary Clinton have ramped up their respective campaigns across the state as it appears more likely that the contest will last through June 3, when Montana and South Dakota voters cast the final votes.

'Ex adepto de Hillary da el salto con Obama'

State Update — Fri, 02 May 2008 17:38:27 EDT

Por Prensa Asociada:

Un alto funcionario demócrata que apoyó inicialmente a Hillary Rodham Clinton dio ahora su respaldo a Barack Obama, en un duro golpe para la ex primera dama en sus esfuerzos por conseguir un margen de ventaja suficiente entre los superdelegados que casi seguramente van a decidir la contienda por la nominación presidencial del partido.

Obama ha reducido en la mitad la ventaja de Clinton entre superdelegados cruciales en los dos últimos meses, y ahora ha ganado el apoyo de Joe Andrew, el presidente del Comité Nacional Demócrata desde 1999 hasta el 2001 bajo el presidente Bill Clinton.

Andrew realizó una conferencia de prensa en Indianápolis en la que exhortó a sus correligionarios de Indiana a votar por Obama en las primarias.

"Estoy convencido de que el proceso primario se ha desarrollado a tal punto que ahora es dañino para el Partido Demócrata", dijo Andrew previamente a The Associated Press.

Añadió que apoya ahora a Obama porque "un voto por Hillary Clinton es un voto para prolongar este proceso (lo cual) ayuda a John McCain", el virtual candidato republicano.

Aunque Obama tiene una sólida ventaja en delegados elegidos, ni él ni Clinton pueden acumular los 2.025 delegados necesarios para asegurarse la nominación sin el apoyo de los superdelegados — altos funcionarios y legisladores que pueden votar como les parezca en la Convención Nacional.

Andrew, al anunciar su cambio de alianzas, llamó a otros demócratas a sumársele en respaldo a Obama para "sanar la división en nuestro partido". Dijo además en una carta a superdelegados que se ha desilusionado con el sistema de primarias, e hizo notar que el largo proceso de nominación creaba el riesgo de alienar a votantes demócratas en los comicios presidenciales en noviembre ante el candidato republicano John McCain.

También el jueves [1ro de mayo], el miembro del Comité Nacional Demócrata y vicepresidente del influyente sindicato en Texas John Patrick anunció su respaldo a Obama.

El senador ahora redujo su desventaja en superdelegados respecto a Clinton a 15 — 248-263. Esta semana, Obama consiguió 12 superdelegados, incluyendo tres nombrados por el Partido Demócrata en Illinois, mientras que Clinton añadió cuatro.
...

'Renovación o administración'

State Update — Fri, 02 May 2008 16:57:12 EDT

Por el Nuevo Día:

Si parafraseamos las palabras de William Shakespeare, nos preguntaríamos, “renovar o administrar, esa es la pregunta”.

Esa interrogante crucial es la que nos tenemos que hacer cuando pensamos en cuál candidato demócrata estaremos apoyando el primero de junio. No se trata de una primaria más, sino de una primaria histórica.

Tenemos dos candidatos preparados para gobernar el país, pero la historia nos obliga a mirar más allá. Tenemos que pensar quién terminará la guerra en Irak sin empezar una nueva, quién va a proteger la seguridad de la nación sin violentar los derechos constitucionales de los ciudadanos, quién va a hacerles justicia social no sólo a los 300 millones de estadounidenses, también a los 4 millones de puertorriqueños. Se trata de quién va a llevar no sólo el país, sino al mundo, a una nueva era.

Demasiados presidentes han pasado por la Casa Blanca dejando sólo un legado de administración. No es suficiente tener un líder que promueva legislación y aspire a mantener el statu quo. Suficientes presidentes ya han ejercido ese rol y su efecto ha sido dejarnos con una sociedad dividida, con clases marginadas y luchas olvidadas. ¡La historia nos pide más! La historia nos exige un líder que no sólo administre el gobierno, sino que haga renacer el país. Nos pide un Presidente que no sólo trabaje con sectores opuestos, sino que los una para un fin común. La historia nos pide un candidato que deje su huella en la historia y en nuestra sociedad. La historia clama por un candidato llamado Barack Obama.

El destino ha cerrado su puño y ha tocado la puerta de nuestra isla. El mundo vive en un estado precoz y no nos perdonará si retrasamos la elección de la única persona que puede llevar al país a un nuevo mañana.

Obama Offices Gear-Up across West Virginia

State Update — Fri, 02 May 2008 16:12:47 EDT

Our campaign is running at full-speed in the Mountain State. To date, we've opened eight offices in West Virginia, and volunteers and staffers at these offices and across the state continue to build our movement in advance of Primary Day on May 13th.

If you want to get involved, drop by your local office and help us continue to build momentum in your area.

Here are some news reports chronicling our recent office openings and the work being down by grassroots supporters in West Virginia.

[Photo compliments of West Virginia Blue]

From the Huntington Herald-Dispatch:

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama has opened a campaign office in Huntington, and the event was celebrated with a little help from U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall Saturday [April 26th].
Campaign offices in Clarksburg, Martinsburg and Parkersburg were also opened this weekend and featured Democratic speakers and state representatives, along with Rahall and U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller. With the addition of the new offices, the total number of regional campaign headquarters for Obama in West Virginia is eight including established offices in Beckley, Charleston, Morgantown, and Wheeling.

Volunteers crowded in the office space located at the corner 4th Avenue and 8th Street to help the Senator from Illinois win the nomination against his opponent Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-NY. Rahall explained to the crowd why he enthusiastically supports Obama.

"I'll be the first person to support our Democratic nominee no matter who he or she is," Rahall said. "But I am secure in my support for Barack Obama as the next president of the United States."

Obama campaign spokesman Tom Bowen said campaign personnel will be in the Mountain State managing volunteers up until the May 13 primary. On Saturday, local residents crowded into the headquarters and signed up to volunteer.

The campaign is focused on getting more volunteers to make phone calls and sign up for "precinct captains." Precinct captains, Bowen said, are responsible for overseeing the efforts of volunteers in their district, talking to neighbors about Obama and volunteering themselves in any way to benefit the campaign.

Huntington resident Victoria Wilburn said she signed up to be a precinct captain because she believes Obama is the only candidate running who can change the country and unite the country behind one leader. Wilburn hoped more people get involved in the campaign.

"I'm really hoping West Virginia gets behind him and catapults him to victory," she said. "The issues he's concerned about, whether you're rich or poor, black or white, affect everyone in some way shape or form."

If you are interested in volunteering for the Obama campaign locally contact their Huntington Headquarters at (304) 377-9443 or visit their office on 4th Avenue and 8th Street. The offices are open seven days a week beginning at 9 a.m.

continue reading . . .

'Obama publica anuncio con promesas educativas'

State Update — Fri, 02 May 2008 15:39:06 EDT

Por Primera Hora:

El precandidato demócrata a la presidencia de Estados Unidos Barack Obama prometió hoy, jueves, trabajar "incansablemente" para lograr que los niños puertorriqueños tengan acceso a mejores oportunidades educativas.

Barack hizo la promesa en un anuncio a página completa publicado el jueves en los principales diarios de la Isla.

"Estoy convencido que mi propuesta educativa, la cual he denominado ’Educación para el éxito en Puerto Rico’ ayudará a los niños puertorriqueños a tener acceso a las oportunidades que queremos todos para nuestra juventud", señaló el senador por Illinois.
El plan educativo de Obama incluye usar los fondos federales a su máximo potencial, inculcar en los niños la importancia de máximo aprovechamiento académico, fomentar la excelencia magisterial, velar por la juventud con necesidades especiales y promover la educación bilingüe, entre otros puntos.

"Cuento contigo para hacer de este plan una realidad. Dame tu voto el primero de junio en la primaria del Partido Demócrata", añadió en el anuncio Obama, quien se disputa la nominación presidencial demócrata con la senadora por Nueva York Hillary Clinton.

...Las primarias demócratas en la Isla tendrán lugar el primero de junio.

'Hasta hoy para inscribirse para votar'

State Update — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:58:25 EDT

Por El Vocero:

Todo elector que quiera participar en las primarias presidenciales del Partido Demócrata que se celebrarán en la Isla tienen hasta hoy viernes para inscribirse o solicitar voto por adelantado, dijo el secretario de la Comisión Estatal de Elecciones (CEE), Walter Vélez.

Los electores inactivos son los que no participaron ni en las elecciones del 2004 ni en las pasadas primarias. Si se activan para este evento, a celebrarse el primero de junio, estarán debidamente inscritos para participar también de las elecciones generales de noviembre.

Vélez le dijo a EL VOCERO que, al día de ayer, los electores hábiles ascendían a 2,365,695, lo que refleja que luego de las primarias locales del 9 de marzo se han inscrito unos 23,875 electores.

El funcionario calificó de normal la inscripción. Destacó que no se puede comparar con las inscripciones que hubo en las primarias locales porque para ese evento los partidos involucrados realizaron una masiva campaña con ese propósito. En esta ocasión, el Partido Demócrata local no ha hecho campaña y lo único que se ha proyectado son unos anuncios de la propia CEE.

"A diferencia de las primarias locales, en las que hubo campaña proselitista por parte de los partidos, el Partido Demócrata no ha hecho campaña de medios para que los electores se inscriban. Sólo ha habido unos anuncios de la CEE. La movilización para las primarias normalmente le corresponde a los partidos. En este caso es normal el movimiento, no se ha visto un aumento significativo en las Juntas de Inscripción Permanente para la reactivación de los récords de los electores", aseguró Vélez.

El comité de campaña de Barack Obama en Puerto Rico hizo un llamado ayer a los puertorriqueños para que se activen en el registro electoral.

"Barack Obama ha logrado una ventaja inalcanzable en esta contienda presidencial gracias al apoyo masivo de millones de electores que han confiado en el inspirador mensaje de cambio de este histórico movimiento. A aquellos puertorriqueños que aún no lo hayan hecho, los exhortamos a que se inscriban para votar en las primarias y se unan al equipo ganador de Barack Obama", señaló Andrés López, codirector de esa campaña.

Join Us at an Early Vote House Party Tomorrow

State Update — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:15:26 EDT

Tomorrow, Saturday, May 3rd is the first Saturday of early voting in West Virginia.

To celebrate, Obama supporters across West Virginia are opening up their homes and inviting friends, neighbors, fellow supporters, and undecided voters to join them for Early Vote House Parties.

At the parties, we'll talk about Barack and his vision for our country. The House Parties are also a great way to identify and mobilize supporters -- and introduce undecided voters to the kind of change we are working to bring about. As an added bonus, each party will be invited to join a conference call with former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Franco Harris.

After the Parties, we'll start having an impact right away by heading too our local county courthouses to early vote for Barack together.

Independents can also early vote for Barack if they request a Democratic ballot. Be sure to invite the Independents you know who are supporting Barack, and make sure they remember to ask for a Democratic ballot when you go to vote early.

Even if you never thought you'd get involved in politics in your lifetime, come check out an Early Vote House Party tomorrow. You'll have a good time, learn a little more about our movement, and help Barack in the final push for West Virginia.

Find an Early Vote House Party near you, invite your undecided friends, and sign up now.

If you can't make it to an Early Vote House Party tomorrow, don't worry--you can still make your voice heard by voting early for Barack before May 10th.

Help ensure that Barack has all the support he needs heading into the West Virginia Primary on May 13th. Find your early vote location and vote today.

Voluntarios Hacen la Diferencia

State Update — Thu, 01 May 2008 11:22:32 EDT

Hace unos meses un grupo de 4 ó 5 personas que tenían interés en la campaña de Barack Obama para la Presidencia de los Estados Unidos, se reunieron y se dieron cuenta de que entre ellos había representación de todos los partidos políticos.

Ahí nace el nombre “Todos los Colores con Obama,” un grupo de base que agrupa voluntarios de todos los partidos, escala social, ocupaciones, edades e intereses particulares. Incluso hay personas que nunca habían estado envueltas en la política pero han sido motivados por el mensaje del Senador Barack Obama para tomar parte del cambio.

Todos los Colores con Obama ha crecido a pasos agigantados desde esa primera reunión y hoy en día es una organización de voluntarios que trabaja mano a mano con la campaña de Obama por Puerto Rico para lograr la victoria contundente del Senador Obama en la primaria del primero de junio.

Los voluntarios trabajan en eventos, en recaudación de fondos, en organizar grupos de jóvenes y universitarios, en prensa, haciendo llamadas, entrando data, en fin en todo lo que sea necesario para lograr la victoria del Sen Obama y hacer realidad su llamado al cambio.

Junto a Todos los Colores con Obama se han ido formando también grupos de jóvenes, de estudiantes, de mujeres, etc… todos agrupados alrededor de la candidatura de Barack Obama y su mensaje de cambio.

Y es que el mensaje de cambio de Barack Obama no es solo un cambio para los políticos sino que es un llamado a todos a ser parte del cambio.

Como dice el Senador Obama: “Les estoy pidiendo que crean, no solo en mi habilidad para lograr un cambio real en Washington… les estoy pidiendo que crean en la de ustedes.”

Obama Supporters Mobilize as MT Race Heats Up

State Update — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:23:35 EDT

From Montana's News Station:

The race for the White House is gearing up in Great Falls as the Barack Obama campaign held an organizational meeting on Monday night.

Volunteers shared their stories about why they are supporting Obama and staff members were on hand to answer questions.

"This is an exciting opportunity here in Montana. The primary is June 3rd. That's pretty late. No one ever thinks it will get beyond Super Tuesday" says Obama Regional Field Director Colin Walsh. "So we have a great opportunity here to have the voices of Montanans heard in who they want to be the democratic nominee for President."

People were encouraged to volunteer and help the campaign with phone calls, data collection and knocking on doors.

Obama's campaign has offices across the state and is expected to open another office in Havre later this week.

From the Havre Daily News:

The race for the Democratic nomination for the next president of the United States is heating up in Montana, including in north-central Montana.

Wednesday state Rep. Jonathan Windy Boy, D-Rocky Boy, held another press conference to endorse U.S. Sen Barack Obama, D-Ill., in his bid for the nomination.

...The [Obama and Clinton] campaigns have fired up in Montana, hotly contesting its 24 delegates up for grabs in the Democratic nomination. The campaigning comes in a primary election that could hinge on just a few delegates — The Assocatiated Press this morning reported that Obama has a slight lead in pledged delegates and superdelegates, 1,724 1/2 to Clinton’s 1,593 1/2.

Windy Boy, also a member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe’s council on Rocky Boy, has been a vocal proponent for Obama. On April 10, he participated in a telephone press conference announcing 37 state elected officials endorsing the Illinois senator, and last week participated in another press conference as co-chair of the Montana Native Americans for Obama Committee. A group of Montana sportsmen have also held a press conference, endorsing Obama on April 18.

...Windy Boy joins a list of elected officials including Public Service Commission Chair Greg Jergeson of Chinook, former state Rep. Ray Peck of Havre and Sen. Don Ryan of Great Falls on Obama’s committee. He also joins Sen. Frank Smith of Poplar on both the elected official and the Native American committees. Windy Boy is running against Smith in the Democratic primary election for state Senate District 16.

The Obama campaign announced last Friday that it was opening a campaign office in Havre. A grand opening of the office is scheduled at 6 p.m. Wednesday in its location at 301 Third Avenue.

...Windy Boy said Obama’s background lets him understand what it is like to live in poverty and to have 50 to 70 percent unemployment. Obama’s commitment to having a Native American on his staff if elected and to meet with Indian leaders at least once a year also shows how his presidency would benefit Indians and Montana, Windy Boy said.

Host an Early Vote House Party this Saturday

State Update — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:06:38 EDT

West Virginia's primary is coming up on Tuesday, May 13th, but you can make your voice heard today.

Early vote locations are open now through May 10th, and voting right away is the single most important way you can build our momentum in West Virginia before Primary Day.

You can cast your ballot on any weekday and also on the last two Saturdays through May 10th at your county clerk's office. If you haven't voted yet, look up your early vote location and vote for Barack today.

You can help make an even bigger impact by volunteering to host an Early Vote House Party this Saturday, May 3rd.

May 3rd is the first Saturday of early voting across West Virginia. To celebrate, supporters and precinct captains all across the state will gather at informal parties and barbecues. We'll get to know each other, and then early vote together at our county courthouses.

These parties are a great opportunity to identify and mobilize supporters. The parties are also a great way to introduce undecided voters to Barack and his vision for changing our country.

Sign up today, and a local field organizer will get in touch and help you plan your event. If you can't host an Early Vote Party this Saturday, you can still participate by attending one in your area.

The West Virginia primary is less than two weeks away, and we need your help now to ensure that the momentum we've built continues to grow before May 13th.

Eventos en Puerto Rico

State Update — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:13:31 EDT

Aquí en Puerto Rico, admiradores de Barack Obama han organizado muchos eventos para apoyar a la campaña suya.

El 12 de abril, alrededor de 20 voluntarios se dieron cita en las Justas de la Liga Interuniversitaria en el Estadio Paquito Montaner de Ponce con la intención de dar a conocer al Senador Barack Obama entre los universitarios puertorriqueños.

Los jóvenes son un grupo sumamente importante para la campaña y la plataforma del Senador Obama. En Estados Unidos los jóvenes han comenzado diversos grupos de apoyo y movimientos para ayudar a la elección de Obama a la Presidencia de los EU.

En el Paquito Montaner los voluntarios colocaron dos cruzacalles en el área del estacionamiento, repartieron “stickers” y se mezclaron con los estudiantes dando a conocer las ideas del Senador Obama para Puerto Rico y para Estados Unidos (Más fotos).

Si eres estudiante y quieres unirte al grupo de tu universidad o formar un grupo nuevo, comunícate con la sede en Hato Rey al teléfono 939-244-2441 para obtener la información que necesites.

Había otro evento importante el 16 de Abril. En este día, prominentes políticos del PNP y PPD, líderes del recién creado PRP así como miembros del comité de base “Todos los Colores Con Obama” y voluntarios en general se reunieron para inaugurar el primer Comité de Obama por Puerto Rico en Hato Rey. Esta inauguración da comienzo a una intensa campaña por los votos puertorriqueños en la primaria demócrata el 1ero de junio.

El estadolibrista Eduardo Bathia llamó la unión de líderes del PNP y PPD el “primer milagro de Obama en Puerto Rico” y dijo confiar que éste será el principio de un nuevo estilo de hacer política en Puerto Rico. En una isla donde la profund división entre los partidos debido al issue del status prácticamente domina y a veces paraliza la vida diaria del país, es realmente un “milagro” ver una coalición de líderes populares y estadistas trabajando mano a mano por una causa común: la elección de Barack Obama. Junto a Eduardo Bathia, se encontraban el Senador Juan Eugenio Hernández Mayoral, el Alcalde de Dorado Carlos López y el ex-Senador Marcos Rigau.

Por su parte Pedro Pierluisi enfatizó en el mensaje de cambio de Obama que lo hace el mejor candidato para Puerto Rico. Mencionó que PR tiene una oportunidad histórica de llevar un mensaje de cambio a Washington y darle un “mandato puertorriqueño” a Barack Obama.

Representantes del recién creado PRP le dieron un apoyo institucional al Sen Obama. Y con mucho entusiasmo miembros del grupo de base “Todos los colores con Obama” mencionaron como han visto crecer el grupo que comenzó como un sueño y hoy en día es una realidad. Cientos de voluntarios trabajan día a día junto con el staff de la campaña para darle una victoria contundente a Barack Obama en Puerto Rico.

Tú puedes ayudar a Barack en Puerto Rico tambíen. Puedes ver una lista de eventos puertorriqueños aquí.

'South Dakota Matters'

State Update — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:54:03 EDT

From the Argus Leader:

As the sea of presidential primaries dwindles down to South Dakota, the discussion is now about weighing the chances the state's June 3 primary has of deciding the Democratic Party's nomination for president.

This contest between Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton is tight, with Obama carrying a precious delegate advantage.

But South Dakota Democrats still want to know how close we are to making the difference, and the fact is that there is now a possibility the state could be the last word.

If the state grabs a share of the spotlight, South Dakota Secretary of State Chris Nelson Nelson said a few things could happen.

..."I think every one of these primaries that goes by without a defining moment, the more interest you will see in South Dakota. Candidates will play closer attention," Nelson said. "Knowing that residents of the state prefer a retail campaign, see their candidates in person, shake their hand, ask questions."

... [Both the Obama and Clinton camps] are on the ground with campaign staffers here, and there probably will be more visibility, more awareness that the campaigns are increasing their priority here. Obama opened his campaign office a couple of weeks ago and started commercials.

... Obama has South Dakota ties here with former Sen. Tom Daschle his co-chairman at the national level. Steve Hildebrand, a longtime strategist and campaign aide to candidates such as Vice President Al Gore and Daschle, plays a significant role for Obama.

All that said, what South Dakotans need to know is they will be a part of the selection process, said Bob Burns, political science professor at South Dakota State University. "We matter," he said.

Obama Offices Bustle, Voter Registration at All-Time High

State Update — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:48:32 EDT

From the Charleston Daily Mail:

They've taken over stripped-down vacant downtown offices and converted them into modern political war rooms.

What were barren storefronts a few weeks ago are now flush with telephones, computers, poster board-plastered walls and other instruments of campaign combat.

With West Virginia now serving as a key battleground state for the Democratic presidential nomination, the campaigns for Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton have set up shop in Charleston, just a few blocks from one another.

For Obama supporters, the location is 1021 Quarrier St.

... [The site] bustles with action from dawn to dusk, seven days a week, as only 15 days remain until the May 13 primary.

... Over at Obama headquarters Friday morning, a group of twenty-something staff members lugged boxes of campaign literature into their office before settling down into a work circle, laptops in hand planning out the weekend's festivities.

The outside is decorated with a colorful illustration of Obama with the word, "HOPE," and a handmade red, white and blue "WV For Obama" banner.

Obama has a total of eight offices across the state, while Clinton's campaign only has its Charleston location for now.

... Tom Bowen, spokesman for Obama, said the senator's multiple offices in the state represents his desire to win West Virginia and spread his message through different communities.

"Barack is a community organizer," said Bowen, who worked for Obama in 2004. "We're hitting hard across the state."

From the Associated Press:

As Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton continue to battle for every last Democratic convention delegate, the resulting interest in West Virginia's May 13 primary has helped push the state's voter rolls to a record-high 1.18 million.

But while Democrats remain the majority party in the Mountain State, their decision to open their primary to unaffiliated voters also appears a factor behind the increase.

These voters account for nearly half of the growth seen since the last statewide election, in 2006. And while both Democrats and Republicans have actually seen drops in their ranks since 2004, when total registration hit a 52-year high, new unaffiliated voters more than offset their declines.

... A dozen of the larger counties account for nearly 60 percent of the 46,124 voters added since 2006. They include Cabell and Monongalia, where officials cite registration drives focused on college students and other young people. Several of these counties attribute some of their new voters to efforts by Obama supporters.

"The Obama campaign, I understand, was very active'' before the April 22 registration deadline, state Democratic Party Chairman Nick Casey said. He added that he suspects the Clinton camp was similarly engaged.

The dueling presidential campaigns have also spurred the turnout of early voting, which began Wednesday. Officials in Berkeley, Cabell, Jefferson, Kanawha and Monongalia counties together fielded nearly 2,000 early ballots by mid-Friday. McCormick said a sizable contingent of Obama volunteers arrived to vote early on Thursday.

"It picks up a little bit every day,'' she said. "It seems that the last week of early voting, that's when it's the busiest. It seems to get more popular every year.''

The Obama campaign added offices in Clarksburg, Huntington, Martinsburg and Parkersburg over the weekend to an in-state presence that already included locales in Beckley, Charleston, Morgantown, and Wheeling.

'Obama's Plans for Guam'

State Update — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:23:10 EDT

From the Marianas Variety:

If elected president, Sen. Barack Obama will make sure that the people of Guam get a fair deal from the military buildup and that local contractors are prioritized for federal contracts, the Democratic candidate's campaign advisers said yesterday.

"Obama understands that there are concerns on island about the buildup. He will make sure that the voice of the people of Guam will be heard and their needs are considered as part of any increased military investment on the island," policy adviser Denis McDonough said during a conference call with the Guam media.

Besides the promise of benefits from the military expansion, the campaign adviser also said Obama pledges full federal commitment to fast track Compact impact reimbursement, increase funding for education and healthcare, and implement the war reparation program for Guam.

"The senator grew up in Hawaii and really understands firsthand the unique circumstances of growing up in the island, economically and culturally," said Heather Higginbottom, another Obama policy adviser.

Higginbottom and McDonough unveiled yesterday Obama's policy plan for Guam, which is getting ready for Saturday's election for Democratic delegates.

The relocation of 8,000 Marines from Okinawa, which will entail a $15 billion military investment on Guam, is one of the key issues that Obama vows to address if he makes it to the White House, according to his campaign.

Under Obama's administration, McDonough said, social and cultural concerns will be given equal consideration to economic concerns in relation to the military expansion plan.

"Obama will work to strike a balance which ensures both that the people of Guam benefit and that our national security interests in the Pacific are protected," McDonough said, citing Guam's significant role in national defense and war against terrorism.

McDonough said Obama will support local hiring and local procurement of goods and services for federally funded construction projects.

Obama will also ensure that Guam employees and contractors are given priority on competitive bidding for government contracts, McDonough said.

On the issue of Compact impact, Higginbottom said Obama's policy plan calls for improvement in federal fund reimbursement to Guam.

She said Obama is committed to living up to the federal government's Compact impact obligation, noting that President Bush missed the opportunity to offset past unreimbursed expenses incurred from migration of Micronesian citizens to Guam.

"There may be an opportunity to revisit this as part of the 2009 renegotiation of the Compacts of Free Association with the Republic of Palau, and Obama looks forward to working with Congresswoman (Madeleine) Bordallo at that time to address these issues," the policy plan states.

Higginbottom said Obama is also aware of the Guam education system's condition and needs.

She said the Democratic senator, if elected president, will ensure adequate funding and flexibility of consolidation under the No Child Left Behind Act to meet targeted needs.

On the war reparation issue, Obama's campaign highlighted the senator's role in ensuring the passage of the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act, which establishes the program to compensate Guam residents who suffered under Japanese rule during World War II.

Addressing healthcare, Obama's campaign cited the senator's support for efforts to ensure that Guam gets the much-needed relief and hospital resources to meet the needs of the island's growing population.

"In the U.S. Senate, Obama co-sponsored legislation that put new emphasis on health disparities by directing the Department of Health and Human Services to collect and report health care data by race and ethnicity, as well as by geographic and socioeconomic status and level of health literacy," the policy plan states.

... Guam Democrats will troop to polling stations on Saturday to vote for the party's eight delegates who will elect their presidential nominee at the 45th National Democratic Convention Committee scheduled for Aug. 25-28 in Denver, Colorado.

Recent News: Havre Office Opening, Native American Outreach

State Update — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:07:41 EDT

From the Great Falls Tribune:

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama's will open a campaign headquarters in Havre, bringing the total number of offices across the state to six.

The campaign office at 301 3rd Ave. will have daily operating hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Matt Weinstein is the regional field organizer for the campaign in Havre.
"It will be more than just a place for our Havre volunteers to come in, it will be a base of operations for reaching voters all across the Hi-Line," said Obama's Montana campaign spokesman Matt Chandler.

A grand opening is 6 p.m. Wednesday at the office.

"By opening up offices all over the state, we are showing our commitment to Montana voters in every corner of Big Sky Country," said the campaign's state director Gabe Cohen.

The Obama for America campaign also has offices in Great Falls, Missoula, Helena, Bozeman and Billings.

From the Missoulian:

Democratic Sen. Barack Obama’s presidential campaign in Montana kicked up its outreach efforts in Indian Country on Wednesday, with the announcement of its newly unveiled Montana Native Americans for Obama steering committee.

Tribal chairmen from the Crow Nation and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are co-chairing the committee, as well as a tribal councilman from the Chippewa Cree Tribe.

The steering committee includes members from all seven reservations in Montana, urban areas and the Little Shell band.

... Crow Nation Chairman Carl Venne said two of the greatest concerns in tribal communities are affordable health care and education. He noted that Obama co-sponsored the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to provide an additional $1 billion for the Indian Health Service to address problems facing Native communities.

“Obama also understands that quality education is the key to empowering tribal nations to build a better future. We cannot survive as Indian tribes if we’re not educated,” said Venne.

He is among two tribal chairmen in Montana to endorse Obama. Chairman James Steele of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes has also pledged his support.

Gay Kingman, Great Plains Tribal Chairman’s Association executive director, said the Illinois senator has also gained majority endorsements from all North Dakota tribal chairmen. And leaders of the two largest reservations in South Dakota - the Rosebud and Pine Ridge tribal chairmen - have also endorsed Obama.

Meanwhile, the Montana Natives for Obama campaign continues to move forward. Last week, the campaign announced Samuel Kohn would lead its tribal outreach campaign to reservations and tribal communities in the state.

“Sen. Obama understands the challenges facing Native Americans in Montana,” said Chippewa Cree tribal Councilman and state Rep. Jonathon Windy Boy. “He knows that Indians are a population forgotten by many in the federal government. That is why he proposes a real government-to-government relationship with steps such as the appointment of a senior-level Native policy adviser in the White House.”

Windy Boy said Native people historically have been offered a lot of “empty rhetoric, words with no meaning or no definition.” He said Obama is offering change Indian Country can believe in.

“He has made a commitment,” said Venne. “And we’re following him.”

Fmr. Congressman Ken Hechler Endorses Barack Obama

State Update — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:16:07 EDT

Today [April 28] former West Virginia Secretary of State and United States Congressman Ken Hechler endorsed Senator Barack Obama for president, citing Obama's ability to bring the country together and change Washington. Hechler, also a former professor at Marshall University, discussed Obama's ability to inspire Americans and bring lasting change to this country.

"I've taught courses on the presidency and great presidents are able to inspire and communicate. The last four great ones were Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, John Kennedy and Ronald Regan. Obama has that same tremendous inspirational ability and he, among all the candidates, will be able to lead this country.

"As Secretary of State, I know what it takes to win votes and Senator Obama has a very strong record with Independents and he has successfully energized young people to participate. Thousands of young people reach the age of 18 and don't register, but Obama is inspiring them. With Obama in the White House, we will make tremendous progress in restoring the prestige of this nation throughout the world," said Hechler.

Kenneth William Hechler was born September 20, 1914. He served the people of West Virginia in the United States Congress from 1959-1977 and as West Virginia Secretary of State in 1984. He served as an Army Historian from 1942-1946, was a special assistant to President Truman from 1949-1953 and taught at Marshall University from 1981-1984. He resides in Charleston, WV.

Here's a list of some other West Virginians who endorsed Barack Obama this week, compliments of the Huntingon Herald-Dispatch:

Groups have issued endorsements for candidates in local and national campaigns.

On Tuesday, leaders and legislators from the Northern Panhandle endorsed Sen. Barack Obama for president, citing his ability to unite the country and bring real change that matters to West Virginia's families.

Obama received the endorsement of the following Democratic leaders from the Northern Panhandle: Sen. Larry Edgell, D- Wetzel; former Sen. John Chernenko, D- Brooke County; Delegate Tal Hutchins, D- Ohio County; Ohio County Sheriff Tom Burgoyne; Ohio County Commissioner David Sims; Ohio County Democratic Party Co-Chair John Saunders; Tyler County Democratic Party Co-Chair Frank Slider.

In another endorsement, former West Virginia Secretary of State and former U.S. Rep Ken Hechler, a Democrat, also endorsed Obama for president.

'Obama Ad Debuts in S.D.'

State Update — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 22:10:59 EDT

From the Argus Leader:

South Dakota voters today will begin seeing a televised campaign advertisement from Sen. Barack Obama.

...Obama will spend the next two weeks campaigning in Indiana and North Carolina and, after primaries in those states, will shift focus to places such as South Dakota.

"It's ironic, we started this with South Dakota being the last primary contest in the nation. Most all of us probably believed South Dakota would not play an important role. Here we are headed toward June 3 fully expecting this nomination to still not be over, and South Dakota will play a crucial role," [Deputy Campaign Manager Steve] Hildebrand says.

The initial campaign ad will run on Sioux Falls and Rapid City stations and also will be broadcast on cable stations in those markets. It outlines Obama's health care plan and casts his interest in health care against the backdrop of his late mother's experience battling cancer.

"She was burdened by a failing health care system. The issue is personal to him," says state Senate Minority Leader Scott Heidepriem, who joined Hildebrand in a news conference Friday.

Heidepriem says the issue resonates with South Dakota voters.

"Too often you hear about families in South Dakota struggling to make ends meet and unable to afford health care," he says. "Partisan fighting in Washington has stood in the way of real solutions. Senator Obama demonstrates an ability to transcend these divisions."

...By the end of his first term, Obama pledges to sign into law a health care proposal that ensures health insurance will not be lost if a person loses a job, and it would save the average family $2,500 annually in reduced premiums and drug costs, according to Heidepriem. He says when Obama served in the Illinois state senate he was able to expand health care to 150,000 children and parents "in part, by standing up to the insurance companies. My hope is he can do that in South Dakota."

...Hildebrand pointed out Obama has won twice as many primaries and caucuses as Clinton and leads in delegates. He has raised about $40 million more than Clinton has and $160 million more than Republican Sen. John McCain.

"We have broken all kinds of records regarding fundraising in a presidential campaign," Hildebrand says. Obama has raised money from 1.6 million individual donors.

"It's remarkable. Nobody has ever seen that before in a primary effort."

The protracted campaign between Obama and Clinton that turned especially divisive in the recent Pennsylvania primary won't divide South Dakota Democrats, Heidepriem says. In fact, it has energized the party, with Democratic voter registration in Minnehaha and Lincoln counties "running well ahead of Republican gains," he says.

At a McGovern Day event in Sioux Falls last week, "the thing that struck me, and I have been to a number of large gatherings in both parties, is 650 people in that room were pulling in the same direction, united. Obama and Clinton had their respective tables out front. I felt there was very little division," Heidepriem says.

Watch "Mother," the new Obama campaign ad now airing in South Dakota.

Las Primarias Puertorriqueñas y el Camino a la Casa Blanca

State Update — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 18:16:50 EDT

Por Diario Las Americas:

El camino a la Casa Blanca, situada en Pennsylvania Avenue en Washington, pasó por el estado de Pennsylvania y pasará por Puerto Rico el 1ro de junio. Los resultados de la primaria presidencial Demócrata en Pennsylvania extiende, hasta el 10 de junio, la selección del candidato del partido.

Puerto Rico, nunca ha estado en la palestra política nacional de EE.UU. Irónicamente ahora lo está, no por un proyecto de ley del Congreso, sino por una contienda partidista. Después de las primarias de Pennsylvania el pasado 22 de abril y las de Indiana y Carolina del Norte, este 6 de mayo, Puerto Rico estará en juego.

...Basado en los reglamentos del partido Demócrata, este 1ro de junio los electores puertorriqueños en la Isla (casi 2.5 millones), podrían votar por su candidato preferido del partido Demócrata de EE.UU.

Más de un millón de electores, se proyecta, votaran en los 1,470 colegios electorales de la Isla este 1ro de junio.

...[Barack] Obama recibió el 21 de marzo el endoso de Pedro Pierluissi, el candidato estadista (PNP) al puesto de Comisionado Residente. Hasta el 21 de marzo se asumía que la maquinaria estadista (PNP) estaría por Hillary y la maquinaria estadolibrista (PDP) liderada por el actual Gobernador Anibal Acevedo Vilá estaría por Obama. Esto cambió. Como el candidato estadista (PNP) a la gobernación, Luis Fortuño, es Republicano en Washington, la nueva cabeza Demócrata del PNP es ahora Pedro Pierluissi. Por vez primera, Obama podría ganar la primaria en Puerto Rico. Ahora ambas maquinarías políticas boricuas estarán a favor de Obama, con el apoyo de Pierluissi y la Senadora Norma Burgos del lado PNP y el Gobernador Aníbal Acevedo Vilá, el Alcalde Willi Miranda y Alejandro García Padilla por el lado PDP. Ahora empieza el conteo de los 78 alcaldes de la Isla.

...El 1ro de junio podría ser la primera vez durante los 109 años bajo la bandera norteamérica y los 91 años de ciudadanía estadounidense que los votos de Puerto Rico podrían inclinar una elección presidencial de EE.UU.

Sin embargo, si Obama que perdió Pennsylvania, gana Carolina del Norte y ligeramente pierde los otros estados, se sostendrá en la delantera como candidato demócrata. Entonces, si Obama gana la mayoría de los 55 delegados en junio en Puerto Rico, más algunos de sus 8 súper delegados, y en adición se lleva una pluralidad de 100,000 votantes en la Isla, Obama quedará asegurado como candidato Demócrata. La portavoz mayoritaria de la Cámara en Washington, Nancy Pelosi dijo sabiamente, que los 796 súper delegados deberían votar a favor de aquel candidato que logre más delegados al final de las primarias (10 de junio). Si es así, antes del primero de julio el Partido Demócrata tendrá su candidato para la presidencia de EE.UU., cuatro meses antes de la elección general en noviembre.

Puerto Rico podría, al fin, estar en el mapa político de EE.UU...si Puerto Rico apoya a Obama el 1ro de junio, se acabaran las esperanzas presidenciales de Hillary en el 2008 y Obama será el candidato oficial del Partido Demócrata.

...

Join us for a Block Party Tomorrow

State Update — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 17:23:35 EDT

Indiana's primary is less than two weeks away. To celebrate the work we've done thus far and to make sure this momentum continues, we're getting together with local supporters to host Block Parties across Indiana this Saturday, April 26th.

These potluck Block Parties are a great way to get to know fellow supporters in your area and relax with some food, music, and fun. Everyone is welcome, and we'll take some time to connect with each other, chat about why we're supporting Barack and this movement, and discuss what we can do to help Get Out The Vote in Indiana.

Check out the Block Party map and find the one near you.

If you are registered to vote, we'll be able to help you find your polling place. Early Vote locations will also be open on Saturday, so we'll have details about that too.

Bring your family, a friend, or just your favorite dish — RSVP and join us for a Block Party this Saturday.

"They realize how important this election is"

State Update — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:17:45 EDT

From the Marianas Variety:

Islandwide voting [in Guam] among the Democrats takes place, Saturday, May 3. Registered democrats must vote within their village district and those who want to as a Democrat must register according to the village in which they reside, according to Herbie Perez, a member of the nominating committee.

Perez said that she anticipates a large voting turnout and the committee has printed 5,000 ballots.

"All the teams are working hard… they are making phone calls and canvassing similar to a senatorial or gubernatorial election. They all realize how important this election is and they all want to win," Perez said.

Supporters from the Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton camps have also been "getting out the vote."

... Joshua Tenorio, campaign chair for Obama, said that the Obama camp has spoken to over 1,000 people, garnering support for their candidate for the upcoming elections.

At the meeting, it was announced that a person who wishes to register as a Democrat may do so at the time of the election and can vote.

Voters are reminded to call their Democratic Central Executive Committee representative if they are unsure where the voting site will be for their village.

"We have some villages whose voting site will be at the Agana Shopping Center. So if you want to register and you are from the village where the voting site is at the Agana Shopping Center, you can register there and vote too," Perez said.

... Although voters on Guam are not able to vote in the general election in November, Guam Democrats are able to participate in the upcoming Democratic caucus on Saturday, May 3, 2008.

In 2004, only about 1000 people voted for president in the Guam Democratic caucus. But this year, the race between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama is very close and every delegate's vote matters.

There will be a total of 8 pledged delegates who have ½ a vote, which equals 4 votes, and 5 super delegates who have one vote at stake in the Guam caucus this year for a total of 9 delegate votes.

Join Us for Obama Events this Weekend

State Update — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:49:36 EDT

Thanks to grassroots supporters and local organizers like you, our campaign in West Virginia is off to a fast start.

We've registered thousands of voters and reached out to tens of thousands of West Virginians who've felt left out by the politics of the past. And every day, folks like you are working hard to introduce even more people to our movement and our message of change.

To build on this momentum, we're holding a number of events this weekend. We're opening four new offices — to bring our statewide total to eight — and holding other organizing events all across the Mountain State.

In addition, early voting is already underway in West Virginia. This means that you don't have to wait another day to cast your vote for Barack Obama — you can cast your ballot on any weekday and also on the last two Saturdays through May 10th at your county clerk's office.

If you've ever thought about supporting Barack, now is the time. Find your early vote location and make sure your voice is heard right away.

Get involved and get excited: find an event and join us this weekend.

Canvass for Barack This Weekend

State Update — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:20:13 EDT

The deadline for Oregon Democrats to register to vote in the May 20th primary is this coming Tuesday, April 29th.

Remember, only registered Democrats can vote for Barack in the primary. This means that this weekend is our last chance to reach out to voters in our communities and make sure that as many Democrats as possible are registered to vote.

Our campaign has already generated incredible enthusiasm across the state -- thousands have turned out for office openings, organizational meetings, and rallies in cities from Portland to Medford.

Now, we must channel that energy and momentum into winning as many votes as possible for Barack on May 20th. The best way to do this is to get out this weekend and canvass in our neighborhoods. We need to register unregistered, Republican, or Unaffiliated voters as Democrats so that they can go out and support Barack in the Oregon primary.

If our campaign has shown us anything thus far, it's that grassroots support and local organization is the best way to bring new people into the political process and our movement. And there's no more effective way to connect with fellow voters than with face-to-face conversations.

No prior political experience is needed--only your enthusiasm and willingness to help get people excited about Barack and his vision of change.

If you want to help bring even more people into this movement, you can also sign up to become an Oregon Community Organizer. Bring change from the bottom up by talking to voters, organizing your community, and making sure Obama supporters are ready and excited for the primary.

You can have a huge impact on this election, but this weekend is our last, best opportunity to make sure Barack has the support he needs. Sign up now, and help us forge a coalition of Democrats in Oregon that will help lead Barack to victory on May 20th, and in the general election in November.

Early Voting at IU

State Update — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:16:23 EDT

From the Indiana Daily Student:

The Monroe County Election Board has decided to put a voting poll in the middle of the IU campus.

The unanimous decision came after Monroe County processed 6,985 new voter registration forms, most of which were from IU students, said Jim Fielder, Monroe County clerk and secretary of the Monroe County Election Board. The forms were processed between April 1 and April 18, he said.

Alumni Hall in the Indiana Memorial Union will be designated for voting from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. [Thursday, April 24th] for anyone who is registered to vote in Monroe County and wants to vote before the May 6 Indiana primary.

Students need to bring a student ID or an Indiana driver’s license, Fielder said.

“We mentioned doing it at Assembly Hall, but volunteers felt (the IMU) was the center of things and a good place to put it,” he said.

“They’ve done this around the state at other schools,” said senior Tim Granholm, coordinator for the IU chapter of Students for Barack Obama. “From what I’ve heard, it’s had a very high turnout. Students want to vote and want to be heard, and the voting date is after finals.”

The voting today is meant for anyone who wants to vote, Republican or Democrat.

“I think it’s such a big deal because students are very busy,” Granholm said. “It’s an opportunity for students to take 20 to 30 minutes out of their day to do what they want to do. If students turn out in high numbers, they could have a major impact on the election.”

Alumni Hall was chosen because it has easy access to satellite systems, Fielder said. While voting, one student may vote on the voting machine while two or three others will be able to vote on paper ballots. Voting should only take about a minute if students are voting just for the national elections, but it could take a little longer if they plan to vote for all elected positions, Fielder said.

If students can’t vote in Alumni Hall today, they can catch shuttles Monday through Friday, a service organized by Students For Barack Obama. Any voter can ride from their residence hall or the IMU to the Curry building, 290 W. Seventh St., to vote.

“I was driving a girl back after she voted, and she told me if we hadn’t been running the van, she wouldn’t have done it,” said senior Donnie Biggins, a student who drives a shuttle. “It was pretty cool that we were able to get her out.”

Shuttling students for early voting is a new idea for Students for Barack Obama. No other college campus is providing a shuttle service like this, Biggins said.

Any student interested in voting for a candidate can catch a shuttle at the IMU every half hour between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Shuttles also arrive at Read Center, Eigenmann Residence Center, Gresham Food Court at Foster Quad and Willkie, Wright and Briscoe Quads.

“We do pick up anybody who wants to vote,” Granholm said. “We think that every student should vote.”

If tomorrow’s turn out is high, another on campus registration day will be considered.

“We certainly want to see what tomorrow is about. In the past, our poll sitters sit there and maybe two people will come,” Fielder said. “If there’s a good turn out, we will consider it.”

Canvass for Barack This Weekend

State Update — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 17:30:25 EDT

This Saturday and Sunday, April 26th and 27th, folks across Montana are hitting the streets in their communities to make sure as many people as possible are registered to vote.

Even though Montanans can register on their own all the way up until the Montana primary on June 3rd, the deadline for us to reach out and help them register is May 3rd.

Because of this deadline, it's crucial that you get involved this weekend--every person you talk to could be another vote for Barack.

Registering voters is more than just an important part of our strategy. It's what our movement is all about. To date, we've won the most votes, the most states, and the most delegates, and these successes come directly from the strength of our grassroots network and from the work done by local volunteers.

With early vote applications already available in Montana, we can also encourage new voters to apply for an early ballot and cast their vote for Barack right away. If you haven't applied to vote early yet, you can get your registration form online:

Early vote application form

This weekend, we can send a message that Montana is ready for something new -- something positive that brings us together around our common goals. Find a canvass near you and sign up to make a difference.

Vote Early for Barack

State Update — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 17:06:29 EDT

The race for the Democratic nomination is extremely close, and the South Dakota primary is the last in the nation. In order to secure as many of the remaining delegates as possible for Barack, we need to win every vote.

Although the South Dakota primary isn't until June 3rd, you don't have to wait another day to cast your vote for Barack.

South Dakota citizens can make their voices heard now by voting early. Visit your county auditor's office between now and Monday, June 2nd, to cast your early ballot. Even if you aren't registered to vote yet, you can register and vote early all at once.

Early voting is a great way to show your family, friends, and neighbors that you've made up your mind and you're supporting Barack Obama.

When you go to cast your early ballot, don't forget to bring some form of South Dakota or federally issued ID. You can also use a Tribal ID or a current ID from an accredited South Dakota high school, college, or university.

Help us to continue to build our movement in South Dakota. Find your early vote location and vote for change today.

Become a Precinct Team Leader

State Update — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:48:07 EDT

The Kentucky primary is only weeks away. With Pennsylvania behind us, the eyes of the nation are now focused on Kentucky and the other remaining contest states.

We have received amazing help from grassroots supporters in Kentucky and around the nation, and the results have been astounding. We've seen record voter turnouts, and to date, we've won the most votes, the most states, and the most delegates.

However, this campaign is far from over, and we certainly can't take anything for granted. We need to reach out to as many of our neighbors as we can before Kentucky's primary on May 20th. To do that, we need to get organized on a local level.

You can help organize fellow Obama supporters in your community by signing up to become a Kentucky Precinct Team Leader.

As a Precinct Team Leader, you would be able to help to spread the word about Barack and our movement by calling and canvassing in your neighborhood. You would also help to get out the vote on Election Day, to ensure that as many voices as possible are heard on May 20th.

Vote Early for Barack

State Update — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:56:36 EDT

Voter registration in West Virginia closed yesterday, and now we need your help taking the next step.

The West Virginia primary is coming up on Tuesday, May 13th, but you don't have to wait another day to cast your vote for Barack Obama.

Voters in West Virginia have a unique opportunity to make their voices heard right now by participating in early voting. You can cast your ballot on any weekday and also on the last two Saturdays through May 10th at your county clerk's office.

With the Pennsylvania primary behind us, the eyes of the country are turning to West Virginia and the other remaining contests. Here in the Mountain State, you have an amazing opportunity to help finish this race and lock-up the nomination for Barack.

Participating in early voting is also a great way to broadcast your support for Barack to friends, family, and neighbors. Your actions now will help us continue to build momentum in West Virginia.

Find your early vote location and vote for Barack today.

In addition to voting early, you can also help Barack by signing up to host an Early Vote House Party on May 3rd. These parties will be fun, informal ways for you to meet with fellow Barack supporters, and then head to early vote locations together and make sure your voices are heard right away.

Let us know if you'd like to host an Early Vote House Party on May 3rd.

Native American Outreach in Montana

State Update — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 16:30:00 EDT

From the Boston Globe:

A Dartmouth College student who is a member of the Crow Tribe will lead Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign efforts to enlist American Indian voters in Montana, a campaign spokesman said Friday.
Samuel Kohn is scheduled to begin his new job Monday as the state campaign team's Native American coordinator, Obama spokesman Matt Chandler said.
"I've been waiting for a long time for a presidential candidate who listens to Native Americans, because our issues and concerns are rarely heard," Kohn said in a statement. "Senator Obama is committed to giving Native Americans a voice so we can finally make real progress on issues that impact our tribes, and I'm proud to be a part of this grass roots movement for change."
Kohn is a junior at Dartmouth College, majoring in Native American Studies and computer science. He will work in the Helena office, one of five Obama campaign posts in Montana. He said he would reach out to American Indians and voters on all seven reservations in the state.
Visit Tribes.Barackobama.com for more information on Barack's stance on Native American issues.

You can also help reach out to voters in your area by becoming an Obama Precinct Captain.

As a Precinct Captain, you can help us to identify other Obama supporters in your community, and get them excited about building our movement in Montana.

Learn more about becoming an Obama Precinct Captain.

Election Excitement Spurs Voter Registration

State Update — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 16:12:50 EDT

From the Corvallis Gazette Times:

Oregon is enjoying a rare moment in the national political spotlight this spring.

With the Democratic presidential nomination still up for grabs, candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have both made pilgrimages to the Beaver State, hoping to woo voters here in the weeks before Oregon’s primary election.

Obama even stopped last month in Corvallis, where he spent an hour or so shaking hands and talking with locals at American Dream Pizza downtown. After campaign stops in Portland and Salem, Obama was headed for a late-night rally in Eugene when he and his entourage pulled into Corvallis. When he left, Obama took with him a to-go order of pizzas to feed the hungry campaign staff traveling on his bus.

…This is heady stuff for a place that most election years is more or less ignored by presidential candidates during primary season. (It’s not that they aren’t happy to have our votes. It’s that Oregon’s primary is held so late in the process that both parties have usually decided their nominees long before we get around to casting our ballots.)

Ah, but this year is different. Oregon’s May 20 primary matters dearly to Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton because they’re still locked in an incredibly close race for the Democratic nomination. The candidates are excited about Oregon because, as tight as this race is, they know our votes might actually swing it one way or the other.

It seems that Oregon residents — especially Oregon Democrats — are also pretty pumped about this race. Although the primary is nearly a month away, voter registration in Oregon has set an all-time record.

“All of the excitement that people are seeing on television, when they go to the rallies, and when they talk about the campaigns with their friends … I think that is going to translate into increased voter registration, increased activity on the part of voter,” said Scott Moore, who is with the secretary of state’s office.

Nearly 2 million Oregonians have registered to vote in the May 20 primary. Statewide, Democrats are seeing the biggest boost in registration numbers — no doubt in large part because of the interest stirred by the race for that party’s presidential nomination.

The same holds true in Benton County. Since Jan. 1, the total number of registered voters here has increased by more than 2,000 — from 44,878 at the beginning of the year to 46,949 as of April 18. Again, it is the Democrats seeing the big bounce, with their numbers up from 18,259 registered voters on Jan. 1 to 20,470 on April 18.

It may be that it’s the Obama-Clinton race that has brought all this political excitement and attention to Oregon. But the boost in voter registration numbers means that more people will be casting ballots in local and state races, too.

We think that’s a good thing. Check out all the candidates. Catch the excitement. But don’t wait too long. The last day to register to vote in the Oregon primary is April 29.

'Obama has South Dakota "Fired Up"'

State Update — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:39:37 EDT

From the Rapid City Journal:

Sen. Barack Obama is serious about South Dakota…

More than a 100 people visited the [Rapid City] office, near the corner of Haines and Anamosa avenues, to sign volunteer registrations, buy Obama paraphernalia such as T-shirts, pins and yard signs and socialize.

Ness told the crowd a lot of work needs to be done before South Dakota's June primary and more staff would be coming to help after Pennsylvania's primary is finished.

"We knew there was a lot of enthusiasm," said Deputy State Director Matt McGovern, adding that he has been getting lots of calls asking when Rapid City would open an office.

"The same excitement you're seeing nationwide, you're seeing here in Rapid City," he said.

…Tom and Linda Martin of Newell made the trip to Rapid City for the opening and were excited to see the large crowd.

Tom said they are looking for a change after eight years of President Bush. He said they will support Clinton if that's who ends up on the general election ballot in November, but they hope it is Obama.

"We think Obama offers a greater possibility for change," Tom Martin said.

…Gary Heckenlaible of Rapid City donned his Obama sticker and munched on snacks as Sen. Tom Katus, D-Rapid City, talked briefly at the event.

"This is something new for South Dakota -to get a turnout like this for a democrat?" Heckenlaible said.

"Something else is going on that's touched a nerve in people; it's a very trying time and I think people feel that and are responding."

Ness reminded the crowd that volunteers were needed for everything from people manning the telephones to host families for incoming staffers.

There were also sign-up sheets for people willing to bring food to the office for staffers working "12 hour days and not eating right," Ness said.

Judging by the turnout, she didn't expect a problem.

"South Dakota is fired up," she said.

'El Querendón de los boricuas'

State Update — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:50:40 EDT

Por El Nuevo Día:

'Dos comunidades puertorriqueñas en Pennsylvania le dicen no a Clinton para endosar a Obama.'
Barack Obama... ha hallado un terreno [fértil] en la comunidad boricua de la zona de las localidades de Allentown y Bethhelem.
“Aquí hay una comunidad que está abierta al cambio y la esperanza”, dijo Ismael Arcelay, presidente del caucus hispano de los demócratas del condado de North Hampton y ex concejal municipal de Bethhelem...
Arcelay...está entusiasmado con las expresiones de apoyo a Obama que encuentra alrededor de su comunidad. Ambas localidades son parte del condado de North Hampton.
Obama estuvo con tiempo en Allentown. El pasado día 31, ofreció un mensaje en el Muhlenberg College.
...A esta zona, sobre todo el vecino Behthelem, vinieron miles de puertorriqueños a trabajar en la industria del acero, clausurada hace cinco años.
Hoy, por lo menos 34% de los cerca de 113,000 residentes de Allentown son hispanos.
Cerca de 20% de los electores puede ser de origen boricua, una comunidad que se ha enfrentado a iniciativas locales para oficializar el inglés o prohibir las reuniones en los balcones, ambas dirigidas en contra de los hispanos.
“Llevo un año aquí. Pero nunca he votado”, comentó Luis Figueroa, quien trabaja en un colmadito boricua de Allentown y llegó a esta ciudad procedente de Chicago, Illinois.
“El problema con nuestra comunidad no es registrar los electores, es sacarlos a votar”, indicó Arcelay, nacido en Brooklyn.
Arcelay, al igual que sucede a nivel nacional en Estados Unidos, percibe un movimiento de jóvenes, incluidos los hispanos, a favor de Obama.
…Pese a que respalda a Clinton, el concejal municipal de Allentown, Julio Guridy, de origen dominicano pero con estrechos vínculos con Puerto Rico, acepta que Obama ha tenido buena acogida en su localidad.
“La mayoría de los líderes boricuas que conozco están con Obama. Muchos de ellos son líderes."
Con la camiseta de Obama
Raúl “Tinajón” Feliciano, una de las grandes leyendas del baloncesto puertorriqueño y por años uno de los principales activistas boricuas de la ciudad de Allentown, mira estas elecciones desde el otro lado de la cancha: como un simple elector.
Pero al famoso “Tinajón”, ahora con 74 años, le brinda esperanza la posibilidad de que Estados Unidos pueda elegir como próximo presidente a una figura como Barack Obama.
Le preocupa, sin embargo, que no haya cuajado en Allentown, una de las ciudades estadounidenses de mayor crecimiento de la población de origen puertorriqueño, una fuerte organización comunitaria.
“En las conversaciones que uno tiene en la calle, se ve un poco más de interés en las primarias que en otros años, pero nuestra comunidad no participa mucho del proceso político norteamericano”, sostuvo Feliciano, quien atribuye a la falta de una fuerte organización del electorado boricua de Allentown la falta de compromisos formales de las campañas con la población puertorriqueña e hispana de esta ciudad.
… Como seguidor de Barack Obama, “Tinajón” Feliciano, sin embargo, confía en que la larga campaña de Pennsylvania, que estuvo como principal atracción de las primarias durante las últimas seis semanas, haya permitido un avance del senador.
“A medida que Obama hace su propaganda se mueven los números hacia él. A mi me inspira y me parece sincero. Y su propuesta de desvincularse de los cabilderos y los grandes intereses es suficiente para que lo elijan”, sostuvo.
...

Obama Inspires Ohio County Convention Delegates

State Update — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:44:56 EDT

From the Intelligencer/Wheeling News-Register:

Ohio County’s delegation to the West Virginia Democratic Convention this summer largely will support U.S. Sen. Barack Obama for president.

About 50 registered county Democrats turned out for the Ohio County convention Saturday to show their interest in this year’s election and participate in the selection of the delegates. Most all wore T-shirts or pins supporting Obama, D-Ill.

Ohio County is to send 44 delegates to the state convention. County party officials estimated that among those signing on Saturday to be delegates, 40 supported Obama.

All of West Virginia’s counties on Saturday held county Democratic conventions to select delegates to the state convention set for June 13-14 at the Charleston Civic Center. At the state convention, West Virginia’s delegation to the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 25-28 in Denver will be selected.

… James Guy, 33, an Obama supporter, was among the organizers at the convention.

“I’ve always been involved in politics, but Senator Obama has inspired me,” Guy said. “I believe this man is perfectly suited to lead the nation.

“It’s time for new leadership, and I believe he is the one to build a bridge into the 21st century — not take us back to the 20th century.”

… Owens Brown, 56, said he sees Obama as a candidate who could bring people together during difficult times.

“He has great leadership skills and a positive message,” Brown said of Obama. “We need it to be positive in these times.”

Obama supporter Remington Markos, 20, a communications/journalism student at West Virginia Northern Community College, sees Obama as a candidate of change who could unify different factions in the nation.

“And he care more about people than money unlike the majority of candidates,” Markos said. “He accepts no contributions from interest groups.”

As a college student, Markos said it will be financially difficult for him to go to Charleston. Delegates must pay their own expenses, though Charleston hotels are offering the delegates a special rate of $88 a night for the convention.

The delegates likely will car pool to Charleston, and they plan to hold fundraisers to cover expenses there and to Denver if any local delegates are selected to go to the national convention.

About 1,500 delegates from counties throughout West Virginia will go to the state convention. Locally, Brooke County will send 24 delegates to the state convention; Hancock, 28; Marshall, 28; Ohio, 44; Tyler, 8; and Wetzel, 18.

'State treasurer says Obama will bring tax relief to Oregonians'

State Update — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 19:46:06 EDT

This editorial, written by Randall Edwards, Oregon State Treasurer, comes to us compliments of the Statesman Journal:

I've served the people of Oregon for more than 10 years. During my time as a state legislator and State Treasurer, I've seen hard working families in Oregon face financial difficulties time and time again.

As we paid our taxes this week, I know Oregon families are feeling pinched in these difficult economic times and they need tax relief. I believe that Senator Obama is the one candidate who has the vision and the ability to change Washington, finally delivering tax relief to hard working Oregonians and all Americans.

Senator Obama's bold and innovative plan to cut taxes for working Americans will help those who need it most: middle-class families and seniors. His plan will cut taxes for over 150 million workers and their families across the country, and it will simplify tax filings so millions of Americans can do their taxes in less than 5 minutes.

From the start of this campaign, Senator Obama has recognized the concerns of everyday Americans. He knows that billions of dollars have been diverted from helping hard working Americans right here at home. That's why he has proposed middle-class tax cuts that will give 95% of working Americans a break.

Senator Obama's tax fairness plan would allow many Oregon families to take advantage of a new "Making Work Pay" tax credit of up to $1,000 for working families. And Senator Obama recognizes the difficulty many American families are facing due to the uncertain state of the housing market, including thousands of families right here in Oregon. Senator Obama will ensure that anyone with a mortgage, not just the well-off, can take advantage of tax incentives for homeownership by establishing a universal mortgage credit. His plan would create a 10 percent credit that will benefit an additional 10 million homeowners. Many of these homeowners earn less than $50,000 per year.

And Senator Obama wants to restore honor for America's senior citizens, many of whom struggle everyday to make ends meet. He has proposed eliminating all income taxes for seniors making less than $50,000 per year. Nearly seven million seniors would not have to pay any income tax under Senator Obama's plan, at a savings of roughly $1,400 each year.

It won't be easy to change the failed policies that have left millions of American families in financial difficulty. I'm supporting Senator Obama because I believe he has the ability to bring real change to Washington DC.

I know Senator Obama will stand up to special interests. His campaign doesn't accept money from the Political Action Committees or Washington lobbyists that have kept us from coming together and making progress on these issues. And they won't influence policy in the White House. Senator Obama has proposed to pay for his tax reform plan by closing corporate loopholes, cracking down on international tax havens, and increasing the dividends and capital gains rate for the richest Americans.

I know Oregonians - indeed all Americans - are tired of the politics that have left this great country divided. Senator Obama has worked with Democrats and Republicans on wide range of issues - form ethics reform to expanding access to health care to lowering taxes for America's working families. As President, I know Senator Obama will be able to bring real change to Washington DC, because he believes that when we are united, we can overcome the tough challenges we face today.

'Norma Burgos codirige campaña de Obama'

State Update — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 18:52:13 EDT

Por Primera Hora:

El candidato a comisionado residente por el Partido Nuevo Progresista (PNP), Pedro Pierluisi, anunció...la designación de la senadora Norma Burgos como codirectora de la campaña de Barack Obama en la Isla, en la facción estadista.

Junto a la senadora novoprogresista también se designó a Andrés López, quien, según Pierluisi, fue una de las primeras personas en apoyar al senador Obama en Puerto Rico.

"Norma y Andrés son dos estadistas convencidos de que para el cambio que se necesita en Estados Unidos, particularmente en Puerto Rico, es fundamental elegir a un presidente como Barack Obama", dijo Pierluisi en un comunicado.

"El compromiso de Barack Obama con la solución del status y su respeto a la viabilidad de la estadidad por la que he luchado toda mi vida, fueron puntos claves para que me decidiera a respaldarle para la Presidencia de Estados Unidos", sostuvo, por su parte, Burgos.

Mientras, López dijo que, "en este momento histórico, Puerto Rico tiene la oportunidad de jugar un papel clave en la elección de un Presidente. Barack Obama no olvidará que Puerto Rico jugó ese papel cuando llegue a la Casa Blanca".

"Vamos a motivar la participación en la primaria y a enviar un mensaje claro y contundente: Puerto Rico también quiere un cambio", sostuvo López, abogado graduado de Harvard como Obama.

"Barack Obama y su equipo de trabajo debe estar en la confianza de que haremos el trabajo para que su mensaje llegue a cada rincón de Puerto Rico", manifestó la senadora novoprogresista.

Campus Canvassing for Barack

State Update — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:46:57 EDT

Kentucky's voter registration deadline is coming up on Tuesday, April 21st, and anyone who wishes to vote in the primary on May 20th must be registered as a Democrat.

The deadline for non-Democrats to switch parties has passed, but we can still register first-time voters -- and college campuses are the perfect place to make a difference.

Over the next week, Obama supporters will be leading voter registration drives for college students at campuses across the state.

Find the registration drive at a campus near you and sign up to join fellow supporters registering new Democrats.

There are thousands of Kentucky students out there who are eager to support Barack in the primary, but who might not be registered yet as Democrats. Please help us reach out to as many of these students as possible before the deadline passes.

No prior political experience is necessary. All you need is a hunger for change -- and a willingness to turn your enthusiasm into action.

More importantly, if we've learned anything during this campaign, its that personal contact and grassroots organization are the best ways to reach out to our neighbors and get them excited about our movement. With your help, we can build a base that will support Kentucky Democrats for year to come.

Please find the event near you and sign up now.

'Crece el club de admiradores de Michelle Obama'

State Update — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:58:27 EDT

Por Los Tiempos:

Una cuarentona visiblemente emocionada se le acerca y le dice: "Firma mi Biblia. Te lo imploro".

La estrella no se inmuta. Con una sonrisa, toma el libro con sus manos inmaculadamente cuidadas y estampa sus iniciales.

La mujer, Nzati Mbengi, no lo puede creer. Tiene un autógrafo de nada menos que Michelle Obama.

La esposa de Barack Obama está generando una devoción digna de una roquera.

Es una situación inesperada para una mujer de 44 años que dice ser una persona común y corriente, de origen humilde, que enfrenta los problemas típicos de toda madre que trabaja.

…Cuando se les pregunta [sus admiradores] qué es lo que más les gusta de ella, mencionan su sentido del humor, su inteligencia, su categoría. Y, sobre todo, el hecho de que se maneja en la realidad.

Uno podría pensar que se beneficia de la popularidad de su esposo. Pero en muchos actos aparecen carteles en los que se menciona solo su nombre. Y la gente responde de una manera especial a sus palabras. Cuando se presenta sola, arrastra hasta 2.500 personas a los actos.

"No es una muñeca de plástico que puede hablar", afirmó Kimberly Sorrell, de 41 años, mientras espera la llegada de la esposa de Obama al Community College de Rhode Island en Warwick. "Es una persona real".

…En un primer momento, Michelle Obama sintió algunas aprensiones por el impacto que podría tener en la familia la candidatura de su marido a la presidencia.

Se fue metiendo de a poco en la campaña. Inicialmente tuvo una participación limitada. Presentaba a su marido y hablaba lo indispensable.

Pero todo cambió en abril del año pasado, en un acto en Chicago. Se explayó con total honestidad sobre la fatiga de combinar trabajo, actos de campaña y conferencias con los maestros de sus hijos.

"Para colmo, tengo el placer de hacerlo ante la vista de nuestros amigos de la prensa", declaró. "¿Cómo están, muchachos?", agregó, mirando hacia los periodistas que cubrían el acto.

A la gente le encantó la espontaneidad de esta mujer imponente, que con tacos mide 1,80 metros (seis pies).

Al continuar su discurso, habló de lo que pasaría a ser su tema principal: "Con excepción de la campaña y el hecho de estar en la mira de la gente, mi vida no es muy distinta a la de muchos de ustedes. Me levanto todas las mañana preguntándome cómo diablos voy a hacer el próximo milagro de la vida diaria".

Pronto comenzó a hacer presentaciones sola y a establecer una relación con la gente diciéndole que era como ellos, que sufría como ellos, y que su esposo podía mejorar las cosas.

Sus discursos ofrecen un panorama un tanto sombrío de la vida en Estados Unidos. Siempre alude a su origen humilde y a la forma en que luchó contra la adversidad. De cómo alguien le dijo que sus notas no alcanzaban para ir a la Universidad de Princeton y de todos modos estudió allí. Y posteriormente en la Faculdad de Derecho de Harvard. Termina sus presentaciones diciéndole a la gente que necesita a su marido.

Es entretenido verla. Vuelve locos a los agentes de seguridad que la siguen porque le gusta abrazar a sus admiradores. Les habla y se hace querer.

¿Son todos gestos artificiales? No, según su amiga Yvonne Davila, quien asegura que Michelle Obama "no finge nada".

Se hizo evidente que ganaba adeptos para su marido.

…Su peinado, sus perlas y sus vestidos sin mangas han hecho que se la compare con Jackie Kennedy. También se la compara con la esposa de Kennedy porque asoma como alguien distinta e interesante.

Pero mientras que Jackie era recatada, Michelle es audaz. Y no nació en cuna de oro.

"En el fondo, soy la misma niña que se crió en el (barrio de) South Side de Chicago", declaró en enero. "Me enorgullezco de esa experiencia. Todo lo que pienso y hago se moldeó en la vida que hice en ese departamentito por el que mi padre trabajó tanto".

Su padre, Fraser Robinson, fue un empleado de la planta municipal de agua de Chicago…Michelle veneraba a su padre. Pese a una cojera causada por una esclerosis múltiple, Fraser nunca faltó a su trabajo. Sus hijoz lo veneraban y una mirada suya reprobatoria los hacía llorar.

Fraser les enseñó muchas cosas. Que no dejasen que otros les dijesen lo que tienen que hacer. Que cuando hiciesen algo, lo hiciesen bien.

Cuando Fraser murió en 1990, su hija trabajaba en un estudio de abogados, en el que comenzó a salir con un muchacho llamado Barack Obama.

...Muchas veces se sintió marginada y en su tesis en Princeton, escribió: "Comprobé que, no importa cuan liberales sean algunos de mis profesores y compañeros blancos, a veces me siento como alguien de visita en el campus. Como si no fuese bien recibida".

Esos tiempos parecen haber quedado atrás y por estos días la adoran dondequiera que vaya.

Sioux Falls 'Rally for Change'--This Saturday

State Update — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 08:07:01 EDT

This coming Saturday, April 19th, we will be hosting our Sioux Falls Rally for Change.

The event will be a great chance to interact with other Obama supporters from the Sioux Falls area and beyond. In addition, we will be joined by Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, who will talk about Barack's vision and how South Dakotans can help to make that vision a reality.

We'll also be kicking off our Early Vote Drive, where you can complete a vote-by-mail application at one of our voter registration tables. Here's all you need to know:

Sioux Falls Rally For Change

Sioux Falls Convention Center
Ballroom B
1101 N. West Ave.
Sioux Falls, SD

Saturday, April 19th
Doors Open: 4:30 p.m.
Program Begins: 5:00 p.m.

Thank you again for all of the work you have done and will continue to do, and we hope you can join us on Saturday.

'The elitists are those who ignore the realities of people who are struggling'

State Update — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 22:04:43 EDT

Earlier today we talked with Greg, a 55-year-old pastor from State College who has lived in Pennsylvania for 25 of the last 30 years. Like many Pennsylvania residents, he has witnessed first-hand the negative effects that outsourcing and economic stagnation have had on his community.

I have worked with those who have lost jobs, taken cuts in income and benefits, watched as families struggled when unemployment benefits ran out … I know the bitterness and I know the courage and the hope that people have.

For Greg, job creation is the central issue of the upcoming election. "We have seen decent paying manufacturing jobs leaving the state," he said. "The jobs that come in are in the service or retail sectors, and pay half or a third of what people were making before. People here have a strong work ethic, but some have to work two or three jobs just to keep up."

Greg believes that Barack Obama is best suited to represent the needs of working-class Pennsylvanians, and praised Obama’s candor in addressing these tough issues.

Barack’s comments resonate with those who have suffered. The elitists are those who ignore or downplay the realities of the suffering and struggles that we have endured for decades.

As a pastor, Greg identifies with Barack's moral background and appreciates his stance on faith. He praised Barack as a man of integrity, and applauded the Senator’s ability to stay on message throughout the campaign.

Greg has seen the energizing effect that the Obama campaign has imparted on the State College community. Greg served as a campus minister at Penn State for four years, and noticed a strong political apathy amongst the students there. He marveled at the Senator’s ability to draw 22,000 people — many of them students — to a recent rally in State College. He says that Obama’s presence has helped to re-energize the student body.

Greg finished by adding, “Thank you, Barack, for again serving as the voice of the people who have not been heard.”

'Hoosier kids get to play 3-on-3 basketball with Barack Obama'

State Update — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:35:07 EDT

From the Associated Press:

Two students from Indiana schools will have a chance to play three-on-three basketball with presidential hopeful Barack Obama.
High school students who registered 20 people to vote and university students who signed up 30 new voters for Indiana’s May 6 primary were eligible to be chosen for the game.
Obama’s campaign announced Monday that Marion High School junior Blake Hancock and Indiana University-Kokomo freshman Kory McKay have been chosen to play.
Hancock will select two friends to match up against Obama, McKay and one other person. The date of the game has not been decided.
Thirty-eight other students from around the state who helped in the Obama campaign’s voter registration effort will also be invited to meet the Democratic senator before the game. The campaign said Indiana was chosen because of its rich basketball tradition.
Obama was a member of Hawaii’s championship high school basketball team in 1979. A recent YouTube video clip shows him casually sinking a three-point shot at a school gym in South Carolina during a visit to promote his education policies.
Obama’s campaign staff said the game would likely be played according to standard three-on-three rules, in which the first team to reach 11 wins.
Obama is battling Hillary Rodham Clinton for the state’s 72 electoral votes that are still needed to sew up the Democratic nomination for president.

Thousands Rally for Obama at Ball State

State Update — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:31:13 EDT

From the Ball State Daily News:

More than 3,000 people, both old and young, Indiana residents and people from across the ocean, attended Sen. Barack Obama's speech Saturday at Ball State University.

William Egbuna flew in from London to see Obama. A lot of people in the United Kingdom support Obama, Egbuna said.

"One of the things is the moral standing of the U.S. and the rest of the world," Egbuna said. "I think he will do a great job for it. And that hope and the change - the message, basically, that he presents - it's something very inspiring for a lot of people."

Sophomore architecture major Chris Harrison said Obama's ideas of investing in alternative energy sources appeals to him and he thinks Obama is a very good candidate, but he has not decided if he wants to vote Democrat or Republican.

"I just thought this was a good opportunity to see what Obama is advocating, what he wants to do and just really get first-hand experience of what his ideas are," Harrison said.

…Stephen Baker, a 10-year-old from Anderson asked Obama what children can do to affect the government.

His mother, Mary Baker-Boudissa, the assistant director for the Office of Charter School Research at Ball State, said Stephen shows strong support for Obama and wants to let people know how he feels about the issues that affect him.

"He can always make his own choice, but there's something about Barack Obama that really speaks to a lot of young people, and [Stephen] is no different," Baker-Boudissa said. "He's 10. He knows that something needs to change. Even if you don't want your kids to know about problems in the world, there's still a trickle down effect."

Polly Foxx, a 40-year-old mother from Arcadia, said Obama's platform is an emotional one for her. The single mother of a 9-year-old boy with autism said she wants to see the candidates' answers about health care and education for his sake.

"I am an educator, and I want to see more mainstreaming and inclusion in schools," she said. "We have to have compassion, we have to have tolerance."

Rep. Abercrombie Rallies for Obama in Eugene

State Update — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:33:04 EDT

From the Oregon Daily Emerald:

Congressman Neil Abercrombie, D-HI, brought the Democratic nomination fight back to Eugene Friday and Saturday with appearances at the Oregon Democratic Party's Platform Convention at the Eugene Hilton.

Abercrombie, an Obama supporter, maintained a high level of energy throughout his Friday night convention speech. He shouted and drew sharp contrasts with John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee. Abercrombie said McCain is too heavily influenced by neoconservatives who are "modern imperialists."

"What George Bush did (militarily), McCain thinks we should do even more," Abercrombie told the Emerald.

… Abercrombie said Sen. Clinton's candidacy is as historic as Obama's, but that Obama has a better chance of bringing independent and independent-minded Republican voters to Democrats in the general election.

…Keating, a 31-year-old theater arts major, said he recently started a students for Obama club because of the "immense, contagious, super energy around Obama."

… Abercrombie, who knew the Illinois senator's parents, talked about his memories of "little Barry" as a child and the first time he heard Obama speak at Obama's sister's wedding in Hawaii.

"In Hawaii, our diversity defines us rather than divides us, that is the message of aloha," Abercrombie said.

Obama brings a similar attitude to politics, he said. "I can't find someone outside of the United States who doesn't want Barack Obama to be president."

Montana Office Openings Draw Crowds

State Update — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 22:47:50 EDT

From Montana's News Station:

Senator Barack Obama is making his presence known throughout Montana this weekend. The Obama campaign opened five offices across the state Saturday.
Obama staff and supporters say they're pleased with the support the Democratic Senator has received from the Big Sky State.
Obama Campaign MT Communications Director, Matt Chandler: "This is fantastic. You know, we've got nearly 100 people here and it's 11:15 in the morning on Saturday. It is great to see such enthusiasm from the people here in Helena. I expect this is happening in our other office openings around the state."
Each of the offices will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, with varying hours on the weekends.
We were also on hand for the Electric City's Obama Campaign opening. Even before it's officially opening, dozens of people were lining up to volunteer. Many of them proudly displaying Obama signs on their t-shirts and cars.
Volunteer, Bill Boland: "I think it will also give the surrounding areas, Choteau, Fort Benton, Hill County, Toole County the little counties that support Great Falls financially I think it will give them the opportunity to come in and voice their opening and show support."
The Obama campaign also opened offices in Billings, Bozeman, Missoula Saturday.

Rapid City Office Opening Soon

State Update — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 19:27:04 EDT

From the Rapid City Journal:

Yard signs for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama are likely to appear sooner than flowers on many Rapid City lawns following the opening next week of the Illinois senator's campaign office in North Rapid.
Nathan Peterson, Obama's South Dakota campaign manager, said Friday that the campaign will open its Rapid City office in a strip mall at the corner of Haines and Anamosa streets. The campaign is celebrating the grand opening of its Sioux Falls office today and planning a similar event in Rapid City.
"We've got our space out in Rapid City, and we're hoping for a similar grand opening sometime next week," Peterson said.
That will be followed by another office in Aberdeen, expected to open about May 1, he said. The opening of the Rapid City office will be followed by organization meetings with Obama volunteers in the area and the distribution of yard signs and other campaign materials, Peterson said.
The campaign, which is aiming its efforts in South Dakota for the June 3 primary, got a boost from reservation country this week when four tribal chairman and tribal presidents endorsed the Democratic senator from Illinois. Oglala Sioux Tribe President John Yellowbird Steele, Rosebud Sioux Tribe President Rodney Bordeaux, Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Chairman Michael Jandreau and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Chairman Joseph Brings Plenty made their endorsement in an editorial piece published in Indian Country Today.
Oglala Vice President William "Shorty" Brewer and Rosebud Councilman Robert More also endorsed Obama.
Peterson said the endorsements reflect Obama's commitment to Native Americans and their issues, as well as his appeal to a variety of voters.
"We are certainly honored to have the support of those tribal leaders. It's a very important base of support for us," Peterson said. "It represents the broad appeal that Sen. Obama has to a wide variety of groups."

'Helanans are the Greatest Hosts'

State Update — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 13:33:33 EDT

From the Associated Content:

The Obama campaign could not have chosen a more beautiful section than Helena, [Montana's] historic district to open an office. It is a stones throw from the famous Parrot Confectionery Store and Taco del Sol. Last Chance Gulch gives visitors a glimpse of Helena's glorious mining past and present day shopping.

The race to the White House took a necessary detour through Montana. Its Primary takes place on June 3rd and promises to produce a big turnout. Thus far, both Democratic candidates have campaigned in Montana. Montana is the last Primary in the lower 48 before the big day in Denver.

Crowds of people dropped in to welcome the Obama campaign workers to Helena. Helenans are the greatest hosts. Many people brought welcome gifts of refreshments to the Obama campaign. Campaign buttons, yard signs and other Obama campaign material was available. Joe Duffy and the friendly staff answered questions and welcomed local residents to give them a hand during the campaign. The office will be open 7 days a week from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Everyone is welcome to drop in to say Hi.

People have lined up to volunteer at the five office locations. Helena, Great Falls, Bozeman, Billings and Missoula all held opening day events. The events were well attended. Montanans value a casual and friendly atmosphere and that is exactly what they received on this first clear blue and sunny skies of the season.

Apoya a Barack en Puerto Rico

State Update — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 18:29:38 EDT

Este miércoles, 16 de abril a las 5 p.m., acompáñanos a celebrar la gran inauguración de la sede de Puerto Rico con Obama y forma parte del movimiento que va a ayudar al triunfo de Obama el día 1ro de junio.

Invita a tus amigos, vecinos, y a otros que, como tú, quieren ser parte del cambio.

Para unirte no hace falta ningún tipo de experiencia, sólo es necesario tu apoyo y entusiasmo.

Únete ahora para que formes parte de los millones de personas que han decidido estar junto a Obama para así lograr un cambio en los Estados Unidos, Puerto Rico y en el mundo entero:

La campaña tambien necesita voluntarios de todo tipo. Si deseas ser voluntario, favor de mandarnos un email a puertorico@barackobama.com.

Tambien, ven conoce las facilidades y al personal e infórmate sobre cómo puedes ayudar a lograr el triunfo de Obama en tu comunidad.

La sede de Puerto Rico con Obama está localizada en Citi Towers, 250 Avenida Ponce De León, Hato Rey.

Por primera vez, un precandidato presidencial está llevando a cabo una campaña nacional que verdaderamente está llegando a todos los ciudadanos estadounidenses.

Todos los días se unen más y más personas a este histórico movimiento, conscientes de que lo que nos une es más fuerte que lo que nos divide. Esperamos que te unas a Puerto Rico con Obama.

The Big Picture: The Importance of Tomorrow's County Conventions

State Update — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 17:08:17 EDT

Earlier we posted information highlighting the importance tomorrow's Democratic county conventions. The local news media seems to agree - as shown in today's Intelligencer/Wheeling News-Register:

Democratic Party members from throughout West Virginia will be gathering at 55 county conventions on Saturday, for the purpose of selecting delegates to their state convention. We encourage Democrats eager to have an impact on the political process to attend conventions in their counties.

The process of selecting political parties’ nominees for president, once relatively simple, has become a complicated one. At first glance, some Democrats may wonder just how important the county conventions are in the overall process.

They are very important, simply because they will be used to select those who will represent delegates to the state convention, who are intended to reflect the desires of Democrats at the local level. Some of those named at the county conventions may find themselves picked to become delegates to the Democratic Party’s national convention in Denver, scheduled to be held in August. Eighteen of West Virginia’s 39 delegates to the national event will be selected at the state convention, which will be held June 13-14 in Charleston.

Campaign 2008 has become a contentious one for Democrats, as Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama continue to vie for the nomination for president...In other words, Mountain State Democrats indeed may be important in deciding whether Obama or Clinton becomes the party’s standard-bearer.

It is important, then, for Democrats to take part in the process — the “nuts and bolts” of which begin on Saturday.

County conventions for the Northern Panhandle include:

Brooke County — Follansbee Public Library, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hancock County —County courthouse in New Cumberland, beginning at 9 a.m.

Marshall County — County courthouse in Moundsville, beginning at 10 a.m.

Ohio County — Carpenter’s Hall at 56 19th St., Wheeling, beginning at 1 p.m.

Tyler County — County courthouse in Middlebourne, starting at 10 a.m.

Wetzel County — New Martinsville City Hall, beginning at 10 a.m.

Once again: If you are a Democrat who wants to make a difference in the party and, quite possibly, for the nation, we urge you to participate in your county’s convention.

Tomorrow's County Conventions are an amazing chance to build on our momentum in West Virginia — and help secure additional delegates for Barack.

If you are able to attend your County Convention tomorrow, please RSVP now.

Sioux Falls HQ Grand Opening

State Update — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:39:13 EDT

Obama for America is proud to announce the opening of our Sioux Falls Headquarters.

To celebrate, we are having a grand opening tomorrow, April 12th at 1:00 p.m.

Here are the details:

    Obama for America Sioux Falls Headquarters
    Grand Opening
    3314 S. Valley View Rd.
    Sioux Falls, SD

    Saturday, April 12th
    1:00 p.m.

Stop by to meet our staff, get to know fellow supporters in the area, and check out cool Obama gear you can purchase to show-off your Obama pride.

Sign up now, and come celebrate with us.

You can also help build our grassroots movement by attending an organizational meeting in Yankton next Tuesday, April 16th.

Local organizers and volunteers have formed the foundation of this campaign from the start. With your help, we have won contests in 30 states all across America.

Help us continue this incredible momentum and ensure a victory in the June 3rd primary.

Also, don't forget that the deadline to register to vote in the June 3rd primary is May 19th. Get your registration forms online, and make sure that your voice is heard on June 3rd.

Pedro Pierluisi Endosa a Barack Obama

State Update — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:42:13 EDT

CHICAGO, IL – La campaña Obama por America anunció [el primer de Abril] que Pedro R. Pierluisi de Puerto Rico ha endosado al senador Barack Obama para Presidente. El Sr. Pierluisi es el candidato del Partido Nuevo Progresista para el cargo de Comisionado Residente de Puerto Rico en el Congreso de los Estados Unidos en las próximas elecciones de noviembre 2008. Pierluisi previamente fungió como Secretario de Justicia en Puerto Rico y es un reconocido abogado con 23 años de experiencia.

"El rol de Puerto Rico en la historia de los Estados Unidos no se puede subestimar", dijo Obama. "Los puertorriqueños han luchado de manera sobresaliente en cada guerra desde la Primera Guerra Mundial, y tanto el Congreso como el Presidente tienen la obligación de ayudar a Puerto Rico a decidir su estatus futuro. Colaborando con líderes distinguidos como Pedro Pierluisi, trabajaré para darles voz a los 4 millones de ciudadanos de Estados Unidos en Puerto Rico y facilitar que determinen el rumbo de su futuro político".

"El senador Obama les promete a los estadistas en Puerto Rico, efectivamente a todos los puertorriqueños, que honrará su responsabilidad como Presidente de asistir a la gente de Puerto Rico a resolver el asunto del estatus. Además, promete honrar la decisión de nuestra gente apoyando nuestra preferencia por la estadidad, si eso es lo que elegimos”, Pierluisi añadió.

'Spotlight on Guam'

State Update — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:50:40 EDT

From The New York Times:

If there’s one lesson to take away from this elongated Democratic contest, it’s that every primary, caucus, delegate and vote counts.

It shouldn’t have been a surprise, then, to hear about [Barack Obama] making the first move to court voters on Guam, the tiny territory much closer to Australia and Japan than to Hawaii, much less the contiguous United States.

Senator Obama is opening a campaign office in Hagatna ... which will be the first presidential campaign office ever set up there.

In an email to the Pacific Daily News, Mr. Obama said:

"We must recharge the Guam economy. A strong and prosperous Guam is good for the people of Guam and in the best interests of the United States and countries of the Western Pacific region."

… [Madeleine Z. Bordallo, Guam’s non-voting congressional representative], who has not endorsed a candidate, told the Pacific Daily News that “it is exciting that Guam is receiving attention from the Democratic presidential candidates, and that our issues are important to them.”

… Like Puerto Ricans, Guamanians can’t vote in the general election, but they’re alloted a small number of delegates — eight pledged half-votes and five superdelegate votes — to the Democratic National Convention.

'Obama Campaign Opens Second Kentucky Office'

State Update — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 18:21:13 EDT

From the Associated Press:

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's campaign has opened its second office in Kentucky.
The campaign on Monday held a rally for supporters at its new Lexington headquarters that drew around 400 people.
Obama's statewide director Carolyn Tandy says plans are being made for Obama and his wife to return to Kentucky for campaign events, but no dates have been set.
The campaign opened an office in Louisville last month and is slated to open other offices later this month across the state, Tandy said.

You can sign up for local campaign updates and information now.

Attend a County Convention this Saturday

State Update — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 18:05:50 EDT

Tomorrow is one of our best chances to make a difference for Barack in West Virginia. This Saturday, April 12th, Democrats across the state will gather at County Conventions.

These conventions are a major step in the process that will assign West Virginia's delegates to the Democratic National Convention, and it's crucial that Obama supporters in every county attend.

Let us know you'll be attending your County Convention this Saturday — a local Obama organizer will be in touch to help make sure you are ready for Convention Day.

The County Convention process is easy and fun — here's all you need to do:

Go to your county convention on Saturday. You can look up your county convention location and time or call 304-346-2616.
Stand together with other Obama supporters. You can even wear an Obama pin or sticker so you'll be easier to identify.
Elect delegates who support Barack. The delegates will serve at the State Convention on June 13th-14th and will help secure as many national delegates as possible for Barack. You can run to be a delegate too!

This race is still very close, and after more than 40 contests, one thing is certain — every state, every vote, and every delegate counts.

Tomorrow's County Conventions are an amazing chance to build on our momentum in West Virginia — and help secure additional delegates for Barack.

If you are able to attend your County Convention tomorrow, please RSVP now.

Read on for a description of the County Convention process . . .

Obama Energizes Montana Dems at Butte Rally

State Update — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:18:45 EDT

From the Associated Press:

The state's Democrats flooded this storied mining town Saturday for back-to-back speeches from presidential candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton, reveling in a rare moment in the national political spotlight.

… Obama arrived early Saturday, staging a morning rally in Missoula that packed more than 7,500 inside the sports arena at the University of Montana.

Obama told the crowd there that he wants to cap greenhouse gases and invest in solar, wind, clean-coal and other new energy sources.

“Look at this incredible landscape around here. We have to pass that on,” Obama said, drawing cheers.

Former U.S. Rep. Pat Williams said he was glad to see environmental issues take the forefront in the national discussion during the candidates' visits to Montana.

“This is where environmental issues are understood because we live, work and play on the land,” he said. “It is more important for these issues that they come here and see us, than it is for us to see them.”
...Obama, the senator from Illinois, was the first to address some 4,000 Montana Democrats gathered at the state party's annual dinner to hear directly from the candidates on key issues in the West, including energy development and the environment.

Obama talked at length about the importance of Western states and said he recognized the unique politics in places like Montana, where tax-and-spend criticism can sting Democrats.

“I know Montana is fiercely independent, all Western states are,” Obama told the crowd. “We know government can't solve all of our problems.”
… Butte has long been a stronghold for Montana Democrats and home to the blue-collar, “lunch-bucket” voters that have stuck with the party through thick and thin. The city, known for the exploits of copper kings and native son Evel Knievel, was electric with excitement.

“This is the largest, most significant political event in my lifetime,” said Steve Gallus, a state legislator from Butte.

With the event at the Butte Civic Center, the state's Democrats had a chance to hear from Clinton and Obama in a race where the candidates may actually need some of the state's 17 delegates at stake in the upcoming June 3 primary - one of the last in the nation.

Organizational Meeting in Yankton Next Tuesday

State Update — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:27:46 EDT

On Tuesday, April 15th, supporters will be getting together in Yankton to talk about campaign strategy and how to get started organizing locally.

Here are the details:

Obama Campaign Organizational Meeting
Yankton Public Library
515 Walnut St.
Yankton, SD 57078
Tuesday, April 15th
7:00 p.m.

Come meet our campaign staff and fellow supporters and get involved.

Our grassroots supporters are an important part of a movement for change that is growing across this country. Thanks to their supporter, Barack has won twice as many states, more delegates, and more votes than Senator Clinton.

But we still have a lot of work to do, and getting involved now is a great opportunity to play an important role in our grassroots campaign.

No previous experience is necessary. All you need is a passion for change and a willingness to turn your enthusiasm into action.

Look up the details for the Yankton organizational meeting and sign up today.

Together we can help bring change to this country, starting right here in South Dakota.

Thanks for your help,

Nathan

Nathan Peterson
South Dakota State Director
Obama for America

'Obama To Open Guam Office'

State Update — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:35:11 EDT

From the Pacific Daily News:

Sen. Barack Obama's bid to become the next U.S. president has acquired local flavor.
The Obama presidential campaign, in the next few days, will be deeply rooted on the island with the opening of a Guam campaign office, just in time for the scheduled May 3 caucus.
The office will be run by Joshua Tenorio, who was appointed Obama's Guam campaign director.
"It's very exciting because in this election, more than any other that I know, the opportunity for Guam issues to gain national attention is there," Tenorio said.
…Tenorio said that the Democratic Party of Guam will have nine votes in the May 3 Guam caucus -- four of which will count as a half-vote each, and five that will be full votes.
The five full votes will be cast by the party's super delegates, consisting of Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo, the Democratic Party chairman and vice chairman, and the party's committeeman and committeewoman, Tenorio said.
Tenorio also noted the return of Southern High School graduate Ria Baldevia to the island to help with the campaign efforts as a field director.
"She came back home to help organize things here, specifically in organizing 'Students for Barack Obama,'" Tenorio said.
Tenorio said that office-related issues are still being worked out -- phone lines and hours of operation -- and that the information will be made available to the public once finalized. The office is expected to be in Hagåtña.

Early Voting Begins in Indiana

State Update — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:08:20 EDT

From The Times:

On Monday, the county [opened] its doors to the first wave of voters for the upcoming primary elections.

Residents in Porter County will be able to cast their votes in Valparaiso and Portage as part of early voting. Early voting allows people to vote in-person at various county sites for 30 days before the May 6 election.

Voters who know they will be out of town on election day, working the poll sites, at work, or confined to their homes are encouraged to participate, as are people over the age of 65.

Individuals will need to bring an Indiana photo identification card, such as a drivers license or state ID, and know which party's ballot they will be requesting.

… Requests for mail-in absentee ballots will be accepted until April 28.

Find your early voting location now.

'Indiana Counties See Jump in Voter Registration'

State Update — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 14:34:11 EDT

From WISH-TV 8:

It's too soon to know if that will happen in Indiana but there is an indicator that Hoosiers are at least thinking about voting.
Voter registration ended Monday and while the numbers are still being tallied, there are clear signs that registration in the Hoosier state is way up.
It seems voting in a primary has taken on new meaning in Indiana this year.
"Almost like an arms race. Everybody is just kind of realizing the importance of this vote and they've decided to step it up and get out," said voter Josh Petruniw.
Thousands of Hoosiers are taking the steps necessary to make sure they can vote in the May 6 primary. In Marion County the numbers are huge.
"Since the first of the year, up until yesterday, about 37,000 new and transferred registrations have been inputted in the system," said Marion County Clerk Beth White (D).
In addition, there are 10,000 registrations that are in the office but not yet in the system and potentially hundreds more that are still in the mail.
Madison County was hit hard with a last minute rush that is adding at least 1,500 new names to its rolls.
"I've been here 17 years and I've not seen that heavy of a turnout for a primary for people to register to vote or change their address," said Dena Willis (R) of the Madison County Registration Board.
… The Democratic presidential primary fight is being credited for the surge in registrations.
"Now that we're a deciding factor, it's really exciting..." said Pam Jones (D) of the Madison County Registration Board.

Michelle Obama Fires-Up Crowds in NC

State Update — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 14:03:27 EDT

From the Raleigh News & Observer:

Michelle Obama drew a huge and raucous crowd [in Raleigh, North Carolina] Tuesday for a speech in which she argued that her husband was ready by experience, intellect and temperament to be the next president of the United States.

"The thing we have to understand in this race, North Carolina, is that Barack Obama is ready to lead," Michelle Obama told a crowd at Reynolds Coliseum that the fire marshal put at 5,700.

"O-bam-a, O-bam-a," chanted the crowd, jumping to its feet. The Obama campaign said it was the largest crowd for Michelle Obama that did not involve an appearance with celebrity Oprah Winfrey. The previous largest was 2,500 at Villanova University in Philadelphia, the campaign said.

The N.C. State University event was the final stop in a campaign swing that began with a round-table discussion with working women in Charlotte and continued with a midday rally attended by more than 1,000 people at Winston-Salem State University before ending in Raleigh.

... The charm worked on April Mitchell, a 37-year old salon owner from Kernersville, who had been torn between backing Obama and Clinton. After listening to Michelle Obama in Winston-Salem, she said she would vote for Obama.

Mitchell said she had watched several debates and did not get the feel for the man before Tuesday.

"She made it more plain and simple," Mitchell said.

... "She seems to come across very well to women voters because she is a mother and also a professional and a lawyer like Hillary," said Marie Wilson, president of the New York-based White House Project, which encourages women in politics.

"She is very straightforward," Wilson said. "She is very authentic in who she is. People are hungry for that."

Indiana: 'Our Voices Need to Be Heard'

State Update — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 10:40:10 EDT

Voter registration for Indiana’s May 6th primary closes this coming Monday, April 7th. With the help of local organizers and grassroots supporters, we have already inspired thousands of voters across the state to get involved and register to vote.

From the Palladium-Item, Richmond, IN:

"This is one of the most important elections in a long time … This year, our voices need to be heard," said Marissa Stevens, 20, of Richmond, a Ball State University student who registered from Muncie.
… Cherlyn Lambert, 29, of Centerville, has voted in the past, but not recently. She also registered Wednesday.

"I think it's really important, especially with the state of the economy right now," she said. "I'm voting because Indiana counts. This year, Indiana can make a difference. It's a good thing."

From the Journal and Courier, Lafayette, IN:

"[Barack is] reminding people that this is a great country. Many of us in this age group have grown up only seeing divisive politics. ... He's offering a vision of unity," [said Laurent Wrzesinski, Purdue student and Obama supporter].

However, we can’t stop now.

If you live in Indiana, there are several ways that you personally can help to build our movement and participate in the registration drive this weekend. These next few days are our best opportunity to build our base of support before the primary — and bring more voices into the political process.

If you have not yet registered to vote, you can fill out and download registration forms online.

You can also help by volunteering to make calls or canvass. We will be going door-to-door this weekend, spreading the message of change and personally helping people register to vote. Canvassing shifts start at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m. on Saturday and at noon and 2 p.m on Sunday. There are two dozen staging locations across the state, and you can find a location near your and sign up now.

For college and high school students, Saturday and Sunday are the final days to register fellow students as part of the "3-on-3 Challenge for Change.” By registering at least 20 students to vote, high school students will be eligible for a chance to play 3-on-3 basketball along with two friends against Barack Obama and former Indiana Hoosier star Calbert Cheaney.

College students who register 30 of their peers can also enter and earn the chance to play on Barack’s team. The deadline for entry is Sunday April 6th, and registration forms can be turned in at any local Obama campaign office. You can find more details on the "3-on-3 Challenge for Change" here.

Our efforts to motivate and register young voters have already had a significant impact on this election cycle. Again, from the Journal and Courier:

"We are doubling, even tripling" the number of young voters, said Chrissy Faessen, communications director for Rock the Vote. "There's absolutely been a surge in young people."

The weekend caps off at Indiana University’s Assembly Hall in Bloomington with "Change Rocks", a concert and voter registration drive featuring Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds. Tickets for the event are sold out, but you can check back here on the HQ blog for coverage of the event.

Dave Matthews first endorsed Barack Obama back in February, saying:

“I believe that corporate greed and its involvement in policy making, along with political cronyism have made it nearly impossible for the people to govern. So we fight amongst ourselves over the spin of political slogans and half truths… It is time for a change and that is why I support Barack Obama for President.”

The time to act is now. Please get involved this weekend so we can ensure that every voice is heard on May 6th.

'Obama Campaign Announces South Dakota State Director'

State Update — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:44:22 EDT

From the Associated Press:

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) Barack Obama's presidential campaign says Nathan Peterson has been named state director for the Illinois senator's effort in South Dakota.

Peterson worked on re-election campaigns for former Sen. Tom Daschle in 2004 and Sen. Tim Johnson in 2002. He now works for Hildebrand Tewes Consulting of Sioux Falls.

South Dakota's primary is June 3. Obama has been endorsed by Daschle, Johnson and Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, all Democratic Party superdelegates.

Asan Organizational Meeting Today!

State Update — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:34:03 EDT

With the May 3rd Guam caucuses approaching, we're kicking into high gear and building our organization to help deliver a strong finish for Barack Obama.

Please join us at an organizational meeting in Asan this Saturday, April 5th at 10:00 a.m. Meet our staff and fellow supporters and find out how you can make a difference for Barack in Guam.

Here are the details:

Organizational Meeting in Asan
Thompson Residence
149 Consolacion Ct.
Asan, GU 96910

RSVP now:

http://gu.barackobama.com/asanmeeting

Hope to see you there!

Obama for America - Guam

Obama Excitment in PA

State Update — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:07:50 EDT

From News 10 Now:

"I say I'm an Obama grandmama," said Peg Darby of Covington, [Pennsylvania].

Darby, a long-time Independent, got involved with the Democratic Party and Senator Barack Obama following a well-attended open house in Mansfield.

"To see that many people show up, at a supper hour, for Obama, impressed me," said Darby, now an Obama volunteer.

She's not the only one.

"It's someone I've been looking for all my life. I feel like he answers so many questions for so many people," said Cynthia Ralston of Covington.

Both ladies now volunteer at the new Tioga County for Obama office.

"I often ask people 'Did you know we had world headquarters for Obama here in Mansfield?' And they go, 'No!'" Darby said.

... "This is something very different for me and I think quite different for Tioga County and therefore quite exciting," Darby said.

And it's sure to get more exciting as the Pennsylvania presidential primary nears.

Anyone who wants to check out Tioga County for Obama can visit during an open house Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. at 91 South Main Street in Mansfield.

'Obama Office Takes Shape in Downtown Billings'

State Update — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:02:18 EDT

From the Billings Gazette:

Barack Obama supporters have found a home in downtown Billings.

The storefront that houses the Obama office was once home to Casey's, a popular bar known for its live music. The office is at 222 N. Broadway.

Deborah McIsaac, a local Obama campaign coordinator, said more than 80 people showed up at the last campaign meeting.

She expects at least 100 volunteers to cross through the doors to Obama headquarters as the campaign wages on.

McIsaac said the office will open soon.

Campaign spokesman Matt Chandler said they hope to have offices set up in Helena and Missoula by the end of the week, with about 10 staffers working in the state.

The campaign rented out the space in the building on Broadway and will continue to work on cleaning up the storefront and open it in a few weeks, Chandler said.

... The Billings office will be the go-to place for all things Obama, McIsaac said.

Volunteers will coordinate campaign efforts and register voters throughout Yellowstone County.

McIsaac, formerly a Republican voter, said she joined the Obama campaign in February.

"I'm not very political normally," McIsaac said. "I believe that (Obama) would be the best candidate for our country in this state of the game."

The single mom said she was impressed with the grass-roots feel of the Obama campaign.

"All these people have been inspired to move on Obama's behalf," McIsaac said of campaign volunteers. "Everybody is green; having previous political experience is not required. You just need energy, belief and sweat equity."

Obama Campaign Hits Main Street

State Update — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:46:44 EDT

From the Evansville Courier Press:

...[On] Main Street, volunteers for Barack Obama input voter registration data on a computer atop a former jewelry store reception desk. On a wall inside an adjoining room, markings on a map of Evansville outline ward and precinct boundaries.

"There Has Never Been Anything False About Hope," says a hand-lettered sign, one of many adorning the walls.
Welcome to [Barack] Obama's headquarters in Downtown Evansville...in the former Rogers Jewelers building at 330 Main St.
... Working conditions ... are spartan. There is no cable television to distract workers. Food — pretzels, bananas and the like — is donated. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

"It was bare when we got here," said 27-year-old Nathan Williams, Obama's regional field director and head of the Evansville office. "The lights worked, the water ran, but other than that, we relied on our grass-roots supporters."

Williams, a film and video producer who says he has put his life on hold to work for Obama, was dispatched to Evansville after working in the campaign to win Mississippi's March 11 primary. Before that, he worked out of Obama campaign offices in Washington, Texas and Nevada.

... At Obama headquarters, Mount Vernon resident Jennifer Kelley reported with evident pride that she and her 18-year-old son, Brad Roberts, had just signed up 14 new voters in an apartment complex.

Kelley said Roberts, a senior at Mount Vernon High School, recruited her into the Obama campaign.

"The excitement is contagious," she said.

... When Indiana's May 6 Democratic presidential primary is over, campaign aides and volunteers will pack up boxes, return borrowed furniture and appliances and clear out. Short-term leases will expire, and offices that once brimmed with the hustle and bustle of a presidential campaign will fall silent again. But until that time comes, there's work to be done.

'Obama supporters kick off county campaign '

State Update — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:32:33 EDT

From the Lexington Dispatch:

After a campaign kickoff in Salisbury and the opening of a new regional office in Greensboro earlier this week, Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign continued its march through North Carolina on Tuesday when it officially opened its Davidson County campaign.

The kickoff event drew about 80 Obama faithful, who took up a sizable portion of the available folding chairs in the Banks Miller American Legion Post 255. The focus, however, was not on the supporters present, but on those who would be enlisted in the coming weeks.

"We need to unite ourselves and come together for a common purpose," said Connie Russell, a local Democratic activist. She began volunteering for the Obama campaign a few weeks ago after signing up on the candidate's Web site. Since then, she said, she has already made hundreds of phone calls to potential supporters, and she said she was encouraged by her fellow volunteers.

"We're off to a very good start," she said.

... Davidson County will play a small part in the overall battle, but Russell said local supporters can play a significant role in the campaign.

"We're a small county, but we can do this," Russell said. She was one of a handful of local organizers who reached out to the Obama campaign in March, which answered by sending a representative to help build local support and register voters. Eventually, organizers hope to open a local office, although a definite address has not been established.

The message delivered at the meeting touched on the campaign's theme of change and focused on bringing it about through grassroots organizing and hard work. Volunteers recently visited Lexington Senior High School to register voters and plan to do the same at other high schools in the coming days.

The crowd, for its part, seemed ready to hear it.

"I just think he empowers the youth. I think he really has a vision for America that we haven't seen in a long time," said Oliver Lark, who was joined at the rally by his grandfather, Jim Weber, both of them wearing red Obama T-shirts.

Ron Reid, a longtime volunteer for the Davidson County Democratic Party who has been active in the registration drives, said that to him, the effort is about solidarity.

"It's not a black thing, it's not a white thing," he said. "It's the American people coming together."

Find the Obama for America campaign headquarters near you . . .