Yesterday, Iron Range gave the type of hometown welcome its famous for when nearly 5000 people welcomed Senator Hillary Clinton to Hibbing.
Folks started lining up as early as 3 o'clock for their chance to hear Hillary outline Barack's vision for the kind of change Minnesota needs.
As Hillary looked out at the audience in the Hibbing Memorial Arena, she noted that the folks gathered there were "people who have been at the core of making America safe and making America work."
Just as the iron ore that made the steel enabled us to win these conflicts, Minnesota's Iron Range casts the votes that made the difference in statewide campaigns that elected John F. Kennedy, Hubert Humphrey, Walter Mondale. You have given more than your iron ore, your steel, and your votes. You have sacrificed for America... Northeastern Minnesota had the highest per capita enlistment rate in WWII, one of the highest in other conflicts after the Great War, and many of you, your children, and loved ones have served and proudly serve today. Our nation owes you a great gratitude. The working men and women of Northeastern Minnesota--the miners, the loggers, the building trades, the steelworkers, the teachers, the laborers--people who have worked for yourselves and your family, your community, and your country. And you deserve better than what you've been delivered the last eight years by the Republican leadership in Washington.
Just as the iron ore that made the steel enabled us to win these conflicts, Minnesota's Iron Range casts the votes that made the difference in statewide campaigns that elected John F. Kennedy, Hubert Humphrey, Walter Mondale.
You have given more than your iron ore, your steel, and your votes. You have sacrificed for America... Northeastern Minnesota had the highest per capita enlistment rate in WWII, one of the highest in other conflicts after the Great War, and many of you, your children, and loved ones have served and proudly serve today. Our nation owes you a great gratitude. The working men and women of Northeastern Minnesota--the miners, the loggers, the building trades, the steelworkers, the teachers, the laborers--people who have worked for yourselves and your family, your community, and your country.
And you deserve better than what you've been delivered the last eight years by the Republican leadership in Washington.
Among the veterans in the crowd was retired U.S. Marine Breanna Osterhoudt, who wants to see change in the veterans benefits.
"We'll, I'm here because I'm a strong supporter of Hillary Clinton and Obama. I served four years in the United States Marine Corps, and I think we need a change.
Barack has a plan to help our veterans. The Obama-Biden plan will strengthen VA care by fully funding the VA and improving care for polytrauma vision impairment, prosthetics, spinal cord injury, aging, and women's health. Learn more about the Obama-Biden plan for veterans here.
Hillary spoke of the important role the next thirteen days play in determining whether the country continues down the same course or charts a new course in a new direction:
In these next days, people will be reaching a decision that will impact America for years to come. This is truly a fight for the future and its a fight we must win, and its a fight we have waged and won before. Yes, times may be tough, but we're tougher than the times and you need to look no further than the hardworking, nation-serving, patriotic people of the Iron Range and Northern Minnesota.
In these next days, people will be reaching a decision that will impact America for years to come. This is truly a fight for the future and its a fight we must win, and its a fight we have waged and won before.
Yes, times may be tough, but we're tougher than the times and you need to look no further than the hardworking, nation-serving, patriotic people of the Iron Range and Northern Minnesota.
With such a short time left, we need everyone to get involved and make phone calls, and canvass as part of our grassroots campaign for change.
As Hillary said last night, "So my friends, this is our moment, this is our time... Let's go win the election and change America!"
This evening, Senator Hillary Clinton visits the Iron Range to host a "Change We Need" rally in Hibbing.
Here are the details:
Change We Need Rally with Senator Hillary Clinton
Memorial Arena 400 East 23 Street Hibbing, MN 55746
Tuesday, October 21st Doors Open: 6:00 p.m.RSVP Online at: http://my.barackobama.com/mnhrchibbing
The event is free and open to the public; tickets are not required but an RSVP is encouraged. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Yesterday, Hillary joined Barack on stage at a rally in Florida. This is the first time Barack and Hillary have campaigned together since the summer.
The Clintons have been campaigning for the Obama-Biden with increasing regularity in the past weeks, as the election draws near. Hillary and her husband Bill Clinton both appeared with Joe Biden at a Rally in Scranton Pennsylvania just last week. "This is a mad dash to the finish line,” Hillary said.
Check out the pictures of Hillary and Barack from yesterday and join us for a rally with Hillary Clinton later tonight:
Earlier today, DFL Associate Chair, Donna Cassutt sent out the email below promoting the Campaign for Change's Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) effort...
In 17 short days, Minnesotans will go to the polls to vote in the most historic election of our time. That is, of course, if they are asked. We know that the number one reason people don’t vote is that no one asked them to. Will you join me in these final few days of the campaign and ask our fellow Minnesotans to join us at the polls on November 4? This weekend, we are pleased to launch a new website, www.gotvforchange.com. In the final days leading up to Election Day, we’ll need thousands of volunteers to fill thousands of shifts as we Get Out the Vote in all corners of Minnesota. We’ll be walking door to door and calling our neighbors, encouraging them to vote for the entire DFL ticket. Visit www.gotvforchange.com right now to sign up. Many of you have been working hard during a very long campaign. You've been incredible. You might be tired. You might be thinking it’s someone else’s turn to help out. You might think that we’re going to win. But we can’t give up now. Campaigns are about how we finish and we're almost there. No one will remember how many doors we knocked on or how many phone calls we made if Senator Obama doesn’t win Minnesota. But when he does, because of your efforts, we will know that we pushed to the end to make it happen. Let’s keep pushing. I’m fired up and ready to go. Are you? Click here to sign up right now. We need your help to encourage our neighbors to go to the polls in the final days of this campaign. We know the most effective way to motivate voters is by calling them or visiting with them on their doorstep. Whether you can volunteer a few hours or several days, it is critical to our success that you sign up now to talk with your neighbors to ensure Minnesotans vote for change on November 4. You might say – well, I don’t want to wait until the weekend before Election Day to start helping. Excellent. We have offices throughout Minnesota that are up and running day and night right now and we’d love to have you stop by and pitch in. Click here to find an office near you. Thank you so much for all you do, and will do to help get out the vote. With your efforts, we will elect Senator Barack Obama as the next President of the United States, send Al Franken to the Senate, elect three new Democratic members of Congress and secure a veto-proof majority in the Minnesota House. With your help, the DFL will win – up and down the ballot – in all corners of the state. Sincerely, Donna Cassutt Associate Chair Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party P.S. There is too much at stake to stay home. It will take each and every one of us to do our part to achieve victory on November 4. Please visit www.gotvforchange.com to sign up now.
In 17 short days, Minnesotans will go to the polls to vote in the most historic election of our time. That is, of course, if they are asked. We know that the number one reason people don’t vote is that no one asked them to.
Will you join me in these final few days of the campaign and ask our fellow Minnesotans to join us at the polls on November 4?
This weekend, we are pleased to launch a new website, www.gotvforchange.com. In the final days leading up to Election Day, we’ll need thousands of volunteers to fill thousands of shifts as we Get Out the Vote in all corners of Minnesota. We’ll be walking door to door and calling our neighbors, encouraging them to vote for the entire DFL ticket.
Visit www.gotvforchange.com right now to sign up.
Many of you have been working hard during a very long campaign. You've been incredible. You might be tired. You might be thinking it’s someone else’s turn to help out. You might think that we’re going to win. But we can’t give up now.
Campaigns are about how we finish and we're almost there. No one will remember how many doors we knocked on or how many phone calls we made if Senator Obama doesn’t win Minnesota. But when he does, because of your efforts, we will know that we pushed to the end to make it happen. Let’s keep pushing.
I’m fired up and ready to go. Are you? Click here to sign up right now.
We need your help to encourage our neighbors to go to the polls in the final days of this campaign. We know the most effective way to motivate voters is by calling them or visiting with them on their doorstep. Whether you can volunteer a few hours or several days, it is critical to our success that you sign up now to talk with your neighbors to ensure Minnesotans vote for change on November 4.
You might say – well, I don’t want to wait until the weekend before Election Day to start helping. Excellent. We have offices throughout Minnesota that are up and running day and night right now and we’d love to have you stop by and pitch in.
Click here to find an office near you.
Thank you so much for all you do, and will do to help get out the vote. With your efforts, we will elect Senator Barack Obama as the next President of the United States, send Al Franken to the Senate, elect three new Democratic members of Congress and secure a veto-proof majority in the Minnesota House. With your help, the DFL will win – up and down the ballot – in all corners of the state.
Sincerely,
Donna Cassutt Associate Chair Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
P.S. There is too much at stake to stay home. It will take each and every one of us to do our part to achieve victory on November 4. Please visit www.gotvforchange.com to sign up now.
With just 33 days until Election Day we need to step up our efforts to convince undecided voters to vote for Barack Obama.
To put him over the top here in Minnesota, Barack needs us to step up in our own communities, because we know our neighbors better than anyone.
Sign up now to join a weekend canvass in your area and make a difference in your community.
The positive reviews of last week's Heartland for Change RV Tour of Greater Minnesota continues.
From the Pine Journal:
Moose Lake was the 24th and final stop Saturday afternoon in a week-long Minnesota “Heartland For Change,” tour supporting Democratic Senator and Presidential hopeful Barack Obama. The large Obama recreational vehicle was stationed just outside the event venue, Blacklock Photography Gallery; however, most people only gave it a cursory glance as they rushed inside the gallery and out of the pouring rain. About 40 people turned out for an informal roundtable discussion on current issues amid the Obama T-shirts, lawn signs and posters. Obama’s Minnesota Campaign Director, Jeff Blodgett, Assistant Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark and Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman, who have traveled with the Minnesota tour at different points, spoke on Obama’s behalf. function photoBlodgett said stark differences exist between Presidential hopefuls Barack Obama and Republican Senator John McCain and that everyone’s vote is more important that ever. State Sen. Tony Lourey (DFL-Kerrick) and State Rep. Bill Hilty (DFL-District 8A) also made remarks in support of Obama before the event was turned over to the ideas and concerns of area citizens. Former State Sen. Becky Lourey also attended the event, although she did not speak. Area residents spoke of issues including overpopulation, global warming, taxes and a perception that Obama is not running an aggressive enough campaign. Blodgett said most of the more “aggressive” ads are airing in targeted markets such as the swing state of Ohio. “We are running an aggressive campaign overall,” he said. “And although some of the advertising is not being seen by Minnesotans, that doesn’t mean every vote here doesn’t count. It does.” Susan Maricle of Bruno, Minn., told people of a Web site, www.obamataxcut.com, that will quickly show users how much Obama’s plans will cut taxes for them. She was concerned that many people don’t know the facts about the candidates and taxes. She said she attended the event because she wants to do something more than “snark at [her] computer.” That started a conversation about the idea that Republicans cut taxes while Democrats do not. This perception is a false one, according to Blodgett. Another local in attendance created his own handouts that compared the policies of Obama and McCain, while still another created a plan for what he said would reduce global warming. “Obama has a good start but he doesn’t actually have it quite right, so I’ve come up with a plan,” the man said, to some audience chuckling and clapping. Patricia Grace, Moose Lake, wanted to learn the facts about Obama. “Sound bites are not enough in judging a candidate,” she said. The Heartland For Change tour also stopped in towns on the Iron Range on Friday and in Duluth on Saturday morning. It heads next to Wisconsin, Illinois and Ohio. Current polls show Obama and McCain tied in the race for the Presidency.
Moose Lake was the 24th and final stop Saturday afternoon in a week-long Minnesota “Heartland For Change,” tour supporting Democratic Senator and Presidential hopeful Barack Obama.
The large Obama recreational vehicle was stationed just outside the event venue, Blacklock Photography Gallery; however, most people only gave it a cursory glance as they rushed inside the gallery and out of the pouring rain.
About 40 people turned out for an informal roundtable discussion on current issues amid the Obama T-shirts, lawn signs and posters. Obama’s Minnesota Campaign Director, Jeff Blodgett, Assistant Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark and Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman, who have traveled with the Minnesota tour at different points, spoke on Obama’s behalf. function photo
Blodgett said stark differences exist between Presidential hopefuls Barack Obama and Republican Senator John McCain and that everyone’s vote is more important that ever.
State Sen. Tony Lourey (DFL-Kerrick) and State Rep. Bill Hilty (DFL-District 8A) also made remarks in support of Obama before the event was turned over to the ideas and concerns of area citizens. Former State Sen. Becky Lourey also attended the event, although she did not speak.
Area residents spoke of issues including overpopulation, global warming, taxes and a perception that Obama is not running an aggressive enough campaign.
Blodgett said most of the more “aggressive” ads are airing in targeted markets such as the swing state of Ohio.
“We are running an aggressive campaign overall,” he said. “And although some of the advertising is not being seen by Minnesotans, that doesn’t mean every vote here doesn’t count. It does.”
Susan Maricle of Bruno, Minn., told people of a Web site, www.obamataxcut.com, that will quickly show users how much Obama’s plans will cut taxes for them. She was concerned that many people don’t know the facts about the candidates and taxes. She said she attended the event because she wants to do something more than “snark at [her] computer.”
That started a conversation about the idea that Republicans cut taxes while Democrats do not. This perception is a false one, according to Blodgett.
Another local in attendance created his own handouts that compared the policies of Obama and McCain, while still another created a plan for what he said would reduce global warming.
“Obama has a good start but he doesn’t actually have it quite right, so I’ve come up with a plan,” the man said, to some audience chuckling and clapping.
Patricia Grace, Moose Lake, wanted to learn the facts about Obama.
“Sound bites are not enough in judging a candidate,” she said.
The Heartland For Change tour also stopped in towns on the Iron Range on Friday and in Duluth on Saturday morning. It heads next to Wisconsin, Illinois and Ohio.
Current polls show Obama and McCain tied in the race for the Presidency.
Click here to read coverage of the Heartland Change RV's 24 stops, and to see pictures from each event.
Women's Weekend of Action Schedule Thursday, September 18th 4:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Women for Obama Statewide Phone Bank Night Join women supporters in your local field office to call undecided women. Find your local office Thursday, September 18th - Sunday, September 21st Women for Obama House Parties Hosted by women for women House Parties Thursday, September 18th The Hub Cafe (Rugby, ND) 215 Highway 2 SW 7:00 p.m. House Parties Friday, September 19th The home of Lois Schneider (Fargo, ND) 1117 3rd Ave S 5:00 p.m. House Parties Saturday, September 20th Campaign for Change HQ (Williston, ND) 205 Main Street 9:00 a.m. Home of Delcie Light (Devils Lake, ND) 2326 14th Ave SW 2:00 p.m. Home of Carolyn Nelson (Fargo, ND) 1 2nd St S Apt 5-402 3:00 p.m. Dan and Francoise Buchanan's Home (Jamestown, ND) 216 15th Ave NW 4:00 p.m. The Home of Sarah Vogel (Bismarck, ND) 1203 N 2nd St 4:00 p.m. House Parties Sunday, September 21st The Home of Carol Christianson (Bismarck, ND) 1731 Hamburg Dr 3:00 p.m. Wolf Residence (Minot, ND) 1420 78th St SE 4:00 p.m. Keeley House (Grafton, ND) 7187 Highway 81
Women's Weekend of Action Schedule
Thursday, September 18th 4:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Women for Obama Statewide Phone Bank Night Join women supporters in your local field office to call undecided women.
Find your local office
Thursday, September 18th - Sunday, September 21st Women for Obama House Parties Hosted by women for women
House Parties Thursday, September 18th
The Hub Cafe (Rugby, ND) 215 Highway 2 SW 7:00 p.m.
House Parties Friday, September 19th
The home of Lois Schneider (Fargo, ND) 1117 3rd Ave S 5:00 p.m.
House Parties Saturday, September 20th
Campaign for Change HQ (Williston, ND) 205 Main Street 9:00 a.m.
Home of Delcie Light (Devils Lake, ND) 2326 14th Ave SW 2:00 p.m.
Home of Carolyn Nelson (Fargo, ND) 1 2nd St S Apt 5-402 3:00 p.m.
Dan and Francoise Buchanan's Home (Jamestown, ND) 216 15th Ave NW 4:00 p.m.
The Home of Sarah Vogel (Bismarck, ND) 1203 N 2nd St 4:00 p.m.
House Parties Sunday, September 21st
The Home of Carol Christianson (Bismarck, ND) 1731 Hamburg Dr 3:00 p.m.
Wolf Residence (Minot, ND) 1420 78th St SE 4:00 p.m.
Keeley House (Grafton, ND) 7187 Highway 81
Join North Dakota Women's Weekend of Action Today!
Women to Women phone banks will be held at each of the 11 Campaign for Change offices in the state and run from 4:00 pm - 8:30 pm this Thursday.
Barack Obama and Joe Biden stand behind the women of North Dakota, they support the issues that matter most to them and we need you to come help us get that important message out.
Women were granted the right to vote in 1920 at the urging of Democratic President Woodrow Wilson and they have made the difference in every election since. This election will certainly be no different. Sign up today to reach out to women on Thursday.
Nick Kimball, the Obama campaign's Minnesota spokesman issued the following statement regarding the brief McCain-Palin airport stop planned for this Friday:
We welcome Senator McCain and Governor Palin back to Minnesota for their brief stop at the airport. Senator McCain's stubborn insistence that the "fundamentals of the economy are strong" shows that he is disturbingly out of touch with what's going on in the lives of middle-class Minnesotans.And, unfortunately, not leaving the airport grounds won't do anything to change his out of touch perspective. Barack Obama understands the fundamentals of the economy and will cut taxes for 95 percent of Americans.
We welcome Senator McCain and Governor Palin back to Minnesota for their brief stop at the airport. Senator McCain's stubborn insistence that the "fundamentals of the economy are strong" shows that he is disturbingly out of touch with what's going on in the lives of middle-class Minnesotans.
And, unfortunately, not leaving the airport grounds won't do anything to change his out of touch perspective. Barack Obama understands the fundamentals of the economy and will cut taxes for 95 percent of Americans.
"The choice here between Barack Obama and Joe Biden and the other ticket is so stark when it comes to the issues that working women and women at home care about." She believes the fact that North Dakota does not require voter registration provides an incredible opportunity for women in the state to help shape the outcome of this election.
On the issue of social security, she said,
"Social Security has been a stronghold for people to know that in retirement, in the loss of health or in the loss of work opportunities, that they will have a program that they've paid into that will benefit them in retirement. Why should women care about this? Women should care about this because they live longer"
Ms Cantwell said she has "faith and confidence that Barack Obama's priorities are the right priorities for North Dakota," and was surprised and excited to see the field effort that has already been established in the state on behalf of Barack,
"Today's effort is just another commitment by Senator Obama to say how much he cares about North Dakota, because if you care about North Dakota now, you're certainly going to care about North Dakota when you're in the White House. And so I really appreciate that he's putting the time and energy into understanding the issues here and to make the commitment to work hard with the people of this state."
"When I look at this transition we have to make, I want a new leader with new ideas, with a vision for the future, particularly on energy, who's going to get us off our dependence on Middle East oil"
On Monday, Senator Cantwell will hold a roundtable with women small business owners in Fargo. The discussion will focus on Senator Obama's plan to support North Dakota's working women.
The Rugby office is located at 607 Highway 2 SW and the Valley City Office is located at 150 2nd St SW.
The offices are open seven day per week, so stop by to find out how you can get involved.
North Dakota Campaign for Change Regional Field Offices
Like Obama-Biden, North Dakotans Back Ethanol, Comprehensive Approach to Solving Energy Crisis
Last week, John McCain and his party's platform called for an end to a program that promotes important investments in renewable fuels like ethanol that are good for North Dakota's economy and are critical to ending our nation's dependence on foreign oil. North Dakota Republicans disagreed with McCain's position and seemed to side with the Obama plan to make the kind of significant investments in renewable energy and that are good for North Dakota and in the long-term interests of America.
Obama's Plan to Boost Biofuels and Fight Our Dependence on Foreign Oil
A Long Record of Support for Ethanol and Advanced Biofuels. Thanks to a law Barack Obama championed, gas stations are now eligible for tax credits for installing E85 ethanol refueling pumps. The tax credit covers 30 percent of the costs of switching petroleum pumps. Obama also sponsored legislation requiring oil companies that made at least $1 billion in profits in the first quarter of 2006 to invest at least 1 percent of their total reported first quarter 2006 profits into installing E85 pumps. Obama also introduced legislation with Sen. Thad Cochran (R-MS) to require 2 billion gallons of alternative diesels, including biodiesel, to be produced domestically by 2015.
Develop the Next Generation of Sustainable Biofuels and Infrastructure. Advances in biofuels, including cellulosic ethanol, biobutenol and other new technologies that produce synthetic petroleum from sustainable feedstocks offer tremendous potential to break our addiction to oil. Barack Obama will work to ensure that these clean alternative fuels are developed and incorporated into our national supply as soon as possible. He will require at least 60 billion gallons of advanced biofuels by 2030. Obama will invest federal resources, including tax incentives and government contracts into developing the most promising technologies and building the infrastructure to support them.
Mandate All New Vehicles are Flexible Fuel Vehicles. Sustainably-produced biofuels can create jobs, protect the environment and help end oil addiction - but only if Americans drive cars that will take such fuels. General Motors is the largest producer of flexible fuel vehicles in the United States, and Obama will work with Congress and auto companies to ensure that all new vehicles have FFV capability - the capability by the end of his first term in office.
In remembrance of the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Senator Obama released the following statement:
Today, we honor the memory of the lives that were lost on September 11, 2001, and grieve with the families and friends who lost someone they loved in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. We will never forget those who died. We will always remember the extraordinary efforts of our firefighters, police and emergency responders, and those who sacrificed their own lives on Flight 93 to protect their fellow Americans. And we give thanks for the Americans defending us every day in our communities at home, and in our military abroad. On 9/11, Americans across our great country came together to stand with the families of the victims, to donate blood, to give to charity, and to say a prayer for our country. Let us renew that spirit of service and that sense of common purpose. Let us remember that the terrorists responsible for 9/11 are still at large, and must be brought to justice. Let us resolve to defeat terrorist networks, defend the American homeland, stand up for the enduring American values that we cherish, and seek a new birth of freedom at home and around the world.
The Heartland for Change RV Tour is making its way through 24 communities across Minnesota, talking with folks in coffee shops, senior and community centers, and in their homes about Barack Obama and Joe Biden's plans to bring the change Minnesotans need. Click here to find a stop near you or to follow our travels across the state.
Whitey's Cafe in East Grand Forks was the ideal location for an intimate discussion of agriculture policy, education, and the economy. Over a dozen folks turned out for a conversation with State Senators Tarryl Clark and Leroy Stumph, and Campaign for Change Outreach Director Scott Cooper.
A local teacher shared her experience as an education professional under No Child Left Behind, which is failing to help students and causing teachers grief, many of them choosing to leave the profession. Senator Obama believes that we must do everything we can to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed. It was refreshing to hear a discussion which moved byeond the "either-or" debate which dominates in Washington--and there was consensus among those at Whitey's that in an Obama presidency, we will no longer have to choose between giving our schools more funding and demanding accountability.
Additionally, Senator Obama will initiate teacher mentoring programs, reward teachers who help students succeed in the classroom and pay teachers more to work in rural areas and teach high-need subjects like math and science.
After just a few minutes of the discussion, it was clear that the folks in East Grand Forks understood that Barack Obama is a friend to Minnesota's family farmers. John McCain supports tax breaks for large corporations, while opposing farm subsidies to help family farmers. Senator Obama will make that our farm subsidies help family farmers, not giant corporations, and will work to help family farmers get fair access to markets, control over their production decisions, and transparency in prices.
Here are some photos from the roundtable in East Grand Forks:
Visit one of the new office locations today!
Fargo 745 45th St. S Suite B Jamestown Buffalo City Mall Highway 281 S & 25th St SW Dickinson 41 E. Villard St. Suite B Devils Lake 303 5th Ave Williston 205 Main St.
Visit ND.BarackObama.com/NDOffices for more information on these and other office locations in North Dakota.
Well, Senator Obama has finally said something that I strongly disagree with. He said during an interview on The O’Reilly Factor that “[The surge] it’s succeeded beyond our wildest dreams.” It is a common mistake to assume cause-and-effect without supporting facts. For example, Bush implements the ‘surge’ and a few months later we have the transfer of Anbar from US to Iraqi control therefore the ‘surge’ is a success. Actually, the transfer was the results of the Awakening groups, those Sunni Arab tribal groups that decided, not so much that we were their friends but that our enemy was their enemy. The ‘surge’ made no contribution to this. It has made very little and probably no contribution to the increasing number of trained Iraqi military and police personnel. And it is making no contribution to the struggle by the Shia, Sunni and Kurds to form a truly representative government. Though the situation in Iraq is complex and certainty is illusive, I believe that the ‘surge’ has made no significant positive contribution to the situation. Governor Palin asked an interesting question today: we must ask where we would be today without the surge. Very likely the Iraq situation would be as it is today and we would have more resources to deal with a significantly deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. Senator Obama, you were right and you have a fundamentally deeper understanding of the situation in Iraq and the Middle East than your opposition.
Barack Obama’s Minnesota Campaign for Change will be hitting the road next week, with the launch of a Greater Minnesota Heartland for Change RV tour across the state, highlighting Barack’s comprehensive plans to bring jobs, health care and economic resurgence to Minnesota’s small towns, cities and middle-class families.
Find a Heartland for Change stop near you by visiting http://MN.BarackObama.com/MNHeartlandChange.
The Heartland Change RV has been making its way across the country listening to voters who have been hit hard by the failed Bush/McCain economic policies of the last eight years.
In addition to local elected officials at each stop, several other Minnesota leaders will headline events at various points on the tour:• Minnesota House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher• State Auditor Rebecca Otto• Minnesota House Majority Leader Tony Sertich• Assistant Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark• Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Bob Bergland• Former Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Jim NicholsThe RV will make stops in 24 towns, giving folks an opportunity to share their concerns, talk about the issues they're dealing with, and hear Barack's ideas for making the economy work for Minnesota families once again.
If you aren't able to make it to one of the 24 scheduled stops, you can track the Heartland Change RV's journey online at http://MN.BarackObama.com/MNHeartlandTour starting next week.
Whether combating anti-Semitism in post-World War II Minneapolis or standing up for farmers facing foreclosure and the loss of their livelihood during the Farm Crisis of the mid-80s, community organizers like Hubert Humphrey and Paul Wellstone empowered ordinary people to do extraordinary things on behalf of the common good.
During the Republican National Convention, thousands of ordinary Minnesotans came together, driven by their belief that America can't afford another four years like the last eight, to support for Barack Obama and Joe Biden's campaign for change.
These "everyday organizers" developed their community organizing skills at Camp Obama, where over 500 grassroots supporters from every corner of Minnesota learned the techniques and strategy that will drive this campaign to victory.
And while the Republicans were in St. Paul talking to their special interest and lobbyist friends, these ordinary Minnesotans were making phone calls and going door-to-door talking to their friends and neighbors about Barack Obama's plan to make the economy work for American families.
Women reached out to women and neighbors to neighbors, with remarkable success. Over the last three days, more than 1000 volunteers knocked on over 25,000 doors and identified thousands of Obama supporters across Minnesota, spreading Barack's message of change directly to the people.
While the Republicans were in town, deriding community organizing, the Campaign for Change was out in the community doing just that--bringing new voices into the process by registering voters, encouraging folks to help those affected by Hurricane Gustav, and coming together at benefit concerts and on college campuses to change this country.
Tomorrow, after the lobbyists and the McCain attack squad have left St. Paul, the Minnesota Campaign for Change will still be out in the community, making phone calls, knocking on doors, and spreading Barack's message of hope and change.
For years, Minnesotans have proved that when ordinary folks devote part of their busy lives to organizing and building their communities, they have the power to affect change. And that's what's happening today across this state, and across this country.
If you haven't already, please sign up to volunteer in your community and consider joining your neighborhood Team Obama. Together, we can bring change to Minnesota and to America.
Check out some of the best photos from Minnesota's Week of Action:
Since July they have had offices open in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot and this Friday, September 5th, they are opening new offices in Devils Lake, Dickinson, Jamestown, Williston, and a second office in Fargo.
The new office locations, many of them in rural areas, will provide more people with access to campaign staff and more opportunities to get involved.
Please click here for more information and to RSVP for one of these events
You can find all North Dakota offices on the Office Locationspage.
"I've been a Republican my entire life, but I strongly believe that Senator Obama is a leader who will get our country back on the right track," said Ellen Dehn, a retired small business owner from Hatton, ND. "With the challenges that our middle class families are facing here in North Dakota, this election presents a clear choice: more of the same failed economic policies of the Bush administration or the change we need."
The initial membership of North Dakota Republicans for Obama includes, among others, a Registered Nurse, a former Truck Driver, an Insurance Agent, a Waitress, a Teacher and a retired Postal Worker. While each has their own reasons for supporting the Democratic candidate in this election, they all agree that change needs to be brought to Washington and that Barack Obama and Joe Biden are the ones who can and will bring that change.
All North Dakota Republicans who agree that change needs to be brought to Washington are welcome and encouraged to join. You can learn more about where Barack stands on the issues and sign up to join North Dakota Republicans for Obama at ND.BarackObama.com/ndrepublicans.
