This election is coming down to the wire and we need to make sure everyone is doing all they can to elect Barack Obama as our next President.
Please help us call voters. You can phonebank from home and help get out the vote in key states.
To join Mobile Obama, text NJ to 62262 (OBAMA) on your mobile phone to receive important updates and opportunities.
Throughout the Garden State, the movement of change has inspired millions. This is a defining moment in our history. We have a chance to bring the country together in a new majority — to finally tackle problems that Washington has ignored for too long. And that is why New Jerseyans are answering the call of the Obama campaign to become involved and volunteer during the final days of the campaign.
This weekend, volunteers contacted nearly half a million voters in New Jersey and battleground states across the country to personally deliver Obama’s message of Hope and Change. With over 2,000 volunteers signed up, New Jerseyans heard and answered the call to travel to Pennsylvania, a key battleground state in this election.
Volunteers have shown dedication, crowding NJ Campaign for Change offices sharing stories of why they believe in Barack Obama and the historic importance of this election. They also talked about how this campaign is bringing people together.
Arthur Thomas from Princeton explained, “I was calling a woman named Stephanie Watkins in North Carolina and a man answered. I identified myself as Arthur Thomas a volunteer for the Obama campaign and the response I received was completely unexpected: ‘Uncle Arthur is that you? This is your nephew Derek. Stephanie Watkins is my wife.’ I had called my nephew who I hadn’t seen in twelve years due to distance. We had a conversation about the election and the need for Obama to be our next president. I told him to pass the word on to his friends and coworkers. If they needed anymore information about Obama then he should feel free to give them my home phone number and I will talk to them personally.”
Volunteering with Arthur was his wife Linda. She shared her thoughts about the election: “As a baby boomer I think about the progress in our lifetime and what an honor it is to work on this campaign. This is the culmination of things we’ve worked for since our college days of demonstrating and fighting for civil rights."
“This is the first time that the world gets a chance to see America actualize its ability to be nonbiased by electing Obama to the presidency of the United States.”
Linda and Arthur Thomas urge you to make history and vote.With one day left before the election, there’s still time for you to become a member of the team and be part of history. Volunteer today by visiting your local NJ Campaign for Change Office or signing up here. If you aren’t able to go in person, set up your own phonebank and make calls from home or with a group of your friends.
On a beautiful fall day in Union County College, President Bill Clinton headlined a rally for change with Assemblywoman Linda Stender, and other members of the Democratic team. The long lines began to form at 10 a.m. and by the time the event started at 1p.m. nearly 2,000 Democratic supporters were fired up and ready to go. “Presidential elections I can tell you having been there, should be decided by philosophy, positions on the issues, the decision making capacity of the candidates, and what we feel about their ability to turn a decision into real change in our lives,” said President Clinton. “Barack Obama clearly has the right philosophy. The economy grows from the ground up not from the top down. Senator Obama’s positions on the economy, on energy independence, with a clean efficient energy future, the key to creating more jobs and higher incomes.”
“Bill Clinton is a phenomenal force. Ten words from Clinton are a thousand words for McCain. He knows how to electrify an audience. His job today is to electrify the crowd and get them ready to knock on doors, make phone calls and get out the vote for the NJ democratic ticket,” said Diane Edkins from Westfield.
When asked how she felt about the upcoming election, Diane Edkins from Westfiled responded, “I feel nervous. We have to keep the pressure on and the push going especially in battleground states. We need to remember Pennsylvania. It’s very important for people to travel to Pennsylvania and do whatever they can. I have many friends who are traveling to New Hope, Pa. and Ohio to volunteer their time and help the Obama campaign.”
“I’ll be canvassing in Summit this weekend,” Clemens Gunther from Mountainside added. “I was undecided until this week, but now I know. I will definitely be voting for Barack Obama. There’s too much at stake not to.” NJ elected officials joining President Clinton included Governor Jon Corzine, Congressman Rush Holt, Congressman Frank Pallone, Congressman Donald Payne, Congressman Steve Rothman, Democratic Party Chairman Joe Cryan, Senator Raymond Lesniak, Senator Teresa Ruiz, and Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman. Please spend a few hours, a day, or even the next two days fighting for change in our neighbor state Pennsylvania. The people you talk to could be the ones that make the difference. Find a free ride to Pa. now at http://nj.barackobama.com/PArides.
An important note from Tricia Mueller, Obama for America NJ State Director.
“We’re going to win in Pennsylvania,” John McCain told supporters on Wednesday before traveling to a rally in North Carolina.In 4 days, this race is going to be won or lost in a few crucial battleground states.We need you now more than ever to help secure our sister state Pennsylvania’s 21 Electoral votes. Please go to Pennsylvania the critical days leading up to Election Day! If you need a ride, or have a ride to share, visit http://my.barackobama.com/ridesPA. This election is down to the final stretch, and we're too close to slow down now. Can we count on you to help get out the vote for Barack in Pennsylvania? Sign up now to do your part and go to PA.Thank you for all that you do. Tricia MuellerNJ State DirectorObama for America PS: If you aren’t able to go to PA, please help get out the vote here in New Jersey. Sign up now at http://nj.barackobama.com/njgotv1.
During the past several weeks, a number of false information about Election Day have been circulated through the Internet. To be clear on what is fact and what is an Election Day myth, the Obama campaign has released, "Election Day Myth-Busters."
Election Day Myth-Busters Myth #1: Voters who are wearing Obama clothing or other gear will not be allowed to vote.Truth: Any registered voter who meets his or her state’s requirements to vote has the right to cast a ballot at the polls on Election Day. It is true that wearing campaign gear is not allowed at the polls. Officials do have the authority to tell voters to leave the polling place and it is a disorderly persons offense if they wear partisan gear or electioneer in a poll site, but most do not strictly enforce that as long as the voters are not trying to influence other people in line to vote a certain way. But no matter what, your vote cannot be taken away from you. At most, you will have to take off a button or put a jacket over a T-shirt. You will still be allowed to vote. Myth #2: You have to punch Barack’s name first and then punch “Straight Democratic” or else the vote for president won’t count. Truth: The Sequoia Advantage machines used in 19 counties have no straight ticket button at all and all candidates must be individually selected. Myth #3: When voters are not in the book of registered voters, they can’t vote. Truth: They can still vote in the machine if they are on the “supplemental list” of registered voters (those whose registration applications could not be processed in time for the printing of the regular book). If voters aren’t on either list but say they registered by October 14, then they have the right to either vote by provisional ballot at the poll site (which may or may not be counted later based on investigation of the registration application) or to request from a judge an order to vote in the machine (which should be granted if they made a good faith attempt to register to vote). Myth #4: Voters must show photo identification at the polls.Truth: Usually they don’t have to show ID, but they should bring ID as a precaution in case they are challenged. Under HAVA, voters who should be asked to show ID are those who registered to vote by mail (not in person) for the first time in the County after January 1, 2003, never voted in a federal election in the County, and never previously showed ID. Voters who fit that description and do not have ID with them should never be turned away. If they can’t go home and get ID right away, they should vote by provisional ballot and must bring or fax ID to the County election officials by the close of business on the second day after the election, which is Thursday, Nov. 6th at the close of business, usually 4 or 5 p.m. Acceptable ID is any document that has the voter’s name and address on it, including but not limited to driver’s licenses (photo or non-photo), student or job identification cards, bank statements, pay checks, or utility bills. Voters who are not voting for the first time could still be challenged, so bring ID as a precaution. Myth #5: Voters can be challenged for any reason. Truth: It is a crime to challenge voters because of their race, national origin, expected manner of voting, or residence in a particular ward, housing complex, or section of town. The challenger must have a good faith basis for making the challenge, i.e. they must know or ‘reasonably believe’ the voter is not qualified to vote. If a challenge is made and the board ties 2-2, the voter can still vote on the machine. If the poll workers accept the challenge and find the voter not qualified, the poll workers and challenger must sign and give the voter affidavits citing the grounds for challenge so the voter may go to a Superior Court judge to seek an order allowing him or her to vote. Myth #6: College students cannot vote at their college address. Truth: College students may choose to register and vote either at their home address or at their new college address, but not at both addresses. Myth #7: If you’re not at a voting machine by 8 pm, you can’t vote. Truth: Everyone waiting in line when the polls close at 8 p.m. must be allowed to vote. Myth #8: Voters going through foreclosure can’t vote. Truth: Voters can vote in that location until the foreclosure process is complete, and even if they end up homeless, homeless people can still vote at any address they regularly spend time at (such as a homeless shelter). Myth #9: When I walked in, the light was already lit showing McCain (or other candidates) as my choice. I’m worried the voting machine was rigged to cast votes for particular candidates before voters even walk into the voting booth. Truth: When some voters walk into the booth, the button for Candidate X is already lit because the prior voter cast his/her vote for Candidate X but forgot to press the “cast vote button” to register their vote. The voter can inform the poll workers of the problem, and they will cast the prior vote and clear the machine for your vote. Myth #10: I accidentally chose McCain before hitting the cast vote button, but the machine wouldn’t switch my vote when I pressed the Obama button. I’m worried the machine was rigged for McCain. Truth: On most machines in New Jersey, a voter must press the button for the accidentally selected candidate a second time to unselect the candidate and extinguish the light, and then can hit the appropriate button for the candidate of choice. Myth #11: If you get sick on election day and can’t go to the polls, you can’t vote. Truth: Although the ability to get an absentee ballot in person at the County Clerk expires at 3 pm the day before the election, voters can still vote by emergency ballot with a Judge’s order. The authorized messenger requesting the Judge to grant an emergency ballot must be a family member of the sick voter or a registered voter in the applicable county, must show photo ID, and cannot be a candidate in the election. Myth #12: Felons are barred from voting for life. Truth: Felons, no matter how many convictions they have, can vote as long as they are off probation or parole by election day and they have re-registered after their felony conviction. People who are on probation or even in jail for disorderly persons offense convictions (misdemeanors in other states) are still eligible to vote. Please help us spread the truth by sharing the Election Myth-Buster with friends. To download a PDF of Election Myth-Busters, click here.
Myth #1: Voters who are wearing Obama clothing or other gear will not be allowed to vote.Truth: Any registered voter who meets his or her state’s requirements to vote has the right to cast a ballot at the polls on Election Day. It is true that wearing campaign gear is not allowed at the polls. Officials do have the authority to tell voters to leave the polling place and it is a disorderly persons offense if they wear partisan gear or electioneer in a poll site, but most do not strictly enforce that as long as the voters are not trying to influence other people in line to vote a certain way. But no matter what, your vote cannot be taken away from you. At most, you will have to take off a button or put a jacket over a T-shirt. You will still be allowed to vote.
Myth #2: You have to punch Barack’s name first and then punch “Straight Democratic” or else the vote for president won’t count. Truth: The Sequoia Advantage machines used in 19 counties have no straight ticket button at all and all candidates must be individually selected.
Myth #3: When voters are not in the book of registered voters, they can’t vote. Truth: They can still vote in the machine if they are on the “supplemental list” of registered voters (those whose registration applications could not be processed in time for the printing of the regular book). If voters aren’t on either list but say they registered by October 14, then they have the right to either vote by provisional ballot at the poll site (which may or may not be counted later based on investigation of the registration application) or to request from a judge an order to vote in the machine (which should be granted if they made a good faith attempt to register to vote).
Myth #4: Voters must show photo identification at the polls.Truth: Usually they don’t have to show ID, but they should bring ID as a precaution in case they are challenged. Under HAVA, voters who should be asked to show ID are those who registered to vote by mail (not in person) for the first time in the County after January 1, 2003, never voted in a federal election in the County, and never previously showed ID. Voters who fit that description and do not have ID with them should never be turned away. If they can’t go home and get ID right away, they should vote by provisional ballot and must bring or fax ID to the County election officials by the close of business on the second day after the election, which is Thursday, Nov. 6th at the close of business, usually 4 or 5 p.m. Acceptable ID is any document that has the voter’s name and address on it, including but not limited to driver’s licenses (photo or non-photo), student or job identification cards, bank statements, pay checks, or utility bills. Voters who are not voting for the first time could still be challenged, so bring ID as a precaution.
Myth #5: Voters can be challenged for any reason. Truth: It is a crime to challenge voters because of their race, national origin, expected manner of voting, or residence in a particular ward, housing complex, or section of town. The challenger must have a good faith basis for making the challenge, i.e. they must know or ‘reasonably believe’ the voter is not qualified to vote. If a challenge is made and the board ties 2-2, the voter can still vote on the machine. If the poll workers accept the challenge and find the voter not qualified, the poll workers and challenger must sign and give the voter affidavits citing the grounds for challenge so the voter may go to a Superior Court judge to seek an order allowing him or her to vote.
Myth #6: College students cannot vote at their college address. Truth: College students may choose to register and vote either at their home address or at their new college address, but not at both addresses.
Myth #7: If you’re not at a voting machine by 8 pm, you can’t vote. Truth: Everyone waiting in line when the polls close at 8 p.m. must be allowed to vote.
Myth #8: Voters going through foreclosure can’t vote. Truth: Voters can vote in that location until the foreclosure process is complete, and even if they end up homeless, homeless people can still vote at any address they regularly spend time at (such as a homeless shelter).
Myth #9: When I walked in, the light was already lit showing McCain (or other candidates) as my choice. I’m worried the voting machine was rigged to cast votes for particular candidates before voters even walk into the voting booth. Truth: When some voters walk into the booth, the button for Candidate X is already lit because the prior voter cast his/her vote for Candidate X but forgot to press the “cast vote button” to register their vote. The voter can inform the poll workers of the problem, and they will cast the prior vote and clear the machine for your vote.
Myth #10: I accidentally chose McCain before hitting the cast vote button, but the machine wouldn’t switch my vote when I pressed the Obama button. I’m worried the machine was rigged for McCain. Truth: On most machines in New Jersey, a voter must press the button for the accidentally selected candidate a second time to unselect the candidate and extinguish the light, and then can hit the appropriate button for the candidate of choice.
Myth #11: If you get sick on election day and can’t go to the polls, you can’t vote. Truth: Although the ability to get an absentee ballot in person at the County Clerk expires at 3 pm the day before the election, voters can still vote by emergency ballot with a Judge’s order. The authorized messenger requesting the Judge to grant an emergency ballot must be a family member of the sick voter or a registered voter in the applicable county, must show photo ID, and cannot be a candidate in the election.
Myth #12: Felons are barred from voting for life. Truth: Felons, no matter how many convictions they have, can vote as long as they are off probation or parole by election day and they have re-registered after their felony conviction. People who are on probation or even in jail for disorderly persons offense convictions (misdemeanors in other states) are still eligible to vote.
Please help us spread the truth by sharing the Election Myth-Buster with friends. To download a PDF of Election Myth-Busters, click here.
In order to assure that every New Jersey voter is able to exercise his or her right to vote, and that those votes are counted, we need lawyers to volunteer and become part of our voter protection operation. To volunteer on Election Day and be part of Counsel for Change, please email Michael Passante no later than Wednesday, October 29 by 3 p.m.
Major NJ newspapers endorsed Barack Obama for president today, adding to the overwhelming consensus that Barack Obama is the best candidate to bring about real change in Washington.
Obama for presidentSunday, October 26, 2008 WHATEVER HISTORY makes of the Bush presidency, its immediate legacy is an administration that turned budget surpluses into deficits, launched a pre-emptive war in Iraq and left us divided by politics, ideology and economics.We cannot stay this course. We need a leader: Barack Obama.... The Record endorses Barack Obama. To read the full article, click here.
Barack Obama for presidentOctober 25, 2008 When voters went to the polls in 1932, Herbert Hoover's Republican Party had been in power for 14 years. The GOP's policies hadn't prevented the crash of 1929, and life for most Americans was still grim by the time the president sought reelection. Voters that year opted for change, trusting that a confident Franklin Delano Roosevelt would deliver on his promised New Deal. The parallels today are inescapable. Making the right choice for president is just as vital to the nation's future today as it was in the midst of the Great Depression. Barack Obama offers America an opportunity to get back on track. His uniquely American story can inspire people from all walks of life to once again believe in what their country can accomplish. John McCain came into the campaign with a well-deserved reputation for fighting for what he thought was best, even if it meant taking on his own party. Yes, he was a maverick. The tag has become a cliche, but at one time it was spot on. Now, however, he has reversed himself on many of the positions he fought for, jettisoning long-held principles, in a seemingly impulsive manner. Obama, on the other hand, has demonstrated an ability to stay cool and level-headed amid a grueling election campaign, a quality that should well serve his presidency. On each of the crises confronting the nation -- two wars, chaos in the financial and housing markets, the need to reform health care, energy consumption, an increasingly inadequate education system -- Obama has more to offer…. We believe Barack Obama offers the best hope for what he has called the promise of our ideals at a time when we most need to reaffirm what it means to be Americans. To read the full article, click here.
For the change we need, elect Obama The Democratic presidential nominee has the ideas, vision and temperament to get this nation back on track.In this presidential election, the important question each American voter needs to ask is this: Is she or he better off now than four years ago?Some Americans have been able to weather the financial storm better than others, but few have been untouched by the nation's roiling economy. If voters are dissatisfied with where they are now, with where the country stands today, this is an election in which they can do something about it. They can vote for change.We believe Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama is the candidate who can bring about the change that Americans want and need. We endorse his candidacy to be the next president of the United States.To read the full article, click here.
Obama can bring change America sorely needsOctober 26, 2008By now, American voters are probably tired of hearing candidates promise to change the federal government.But change in government is what the country needs — a change in the overall culture of special interests and irresponsible spending and a change from the specific public and foreign policies of the past eight years.Cultural change may be too much to hope for, but a change from the direction of the past eight years is within reach and can be grasped with the election of Barack Obama as president of the United States.Obama, the Democrat, would bring to the presidency an intellectual grounding, a thoughtfulness, a sense of balance that has been lacking for too long; he would not bring self-righteousness, bravado, disregard for human and civil rights, or a foreign policy based on saber rattling and name calling…. It's time for a change. It's time for Barack Obama. To read the full article, click here.
For president:Sunday, October 26, 2008 In the last few weeks, the economic foundation of the United States has been ebbing like sand sucked up by the sea. Despite the erosion of confidence and commerce, one man has stood firm among those shifting sands. Sen. Barack Obama's leadership and calm command have distinguished him, as they have time and time again throughout his campaign for the presidency. We're proud to lend our voice to the many others endorsing the Democratic candidate and his bid to be the 44th president of the United States…. Republican contender Sen. John McCain has served his country well and honorably for many years as a serviceman and a senator. Sen. McCain has been a good captain, but Sen. Obama is clearly the commander we need. To read the full article, click here.
Obama best-suited to lead AmericaOctober 19, 2008Our nation is facing its gravest economic crisis since the Depression. It is bogged down in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The standard of living for most Americans, which had been largely flat during the 1980s and 1990s, has fallen during the past decade despite an economic expansion.The meltdown on Wall Street has eroded the life savings of many Americans by a third. The fallout from the real estate bust could result in a loss of home equity of a third or more. We are far more dependent on foreign oil today than we were 35 years ago, when the oil embargo failed to awaken us from our slumber.And thanks to a Bush administration that arrogantly chose to go its own way in Iraq and employed bullying tactics rather than reason and diplomacy to achieve its ends, we have alienated many of our longstanding allies around the world.Change is needed — badly. Since World War II, there has never been a greater need for leadership, for a president who can pull a deeply divided nation together, someone who can help restore our self-esteem at home and help repair our tattered reputation abroad. Democratic Sen. Barack Obama is better equipped than Republican Sen. John McCain to meet that challenge…. Obama is keenly aware of how badly this nation needs to chart a new course — one that is respectful of other nations. He is committed to rebuilding the middle class, working to align America's policies with its long-cherished ideals and making the country the beacon for prosperity and justice once again.To read the full article, click here.
The McCain campaign has been flooding swing voters with mailers and "robocalls" -- automated phone calls smearing Barack's character. Most recently, they've launched another round of these false, dangerous attacks across the U.S.
New Jerseyans are saying enough and fighting these dishonorable campaign tactics.
Don't let these under-the-radar fear tactics continue to spread, visit Radar.BarackObama.com to report attacks and find the facts about smears you've heard.
New Jersey voters are facing issues too important to allow this election to be focused on character attacks and fear tactics.
Visit Radar.BarackObama.com and fight back today. You can also join your neighbors at a Last Call for Change phonebank near you. Just one call from you is enough to counteract dozens of these dishonest "robocalls."
WHAT: Rally for Change hosted by Edison Mayor Jun Choie featuring Governor Jon S. Corzine, Congressman Frank Pallone and Assemblywoman and congressional candidate Linda StenderWHEN: Saturday, October 25 at 10 a.m. WHERE: 1907 Oak Tree Road, Edison, NJ 08820. Click here for directions. RSVP: http://my.barackobama.com/edisonrally
Last night members of Moms for Obama, an online grassroots constituency group created through MyBO, gathered at the Obama Campaign New Jersey headquarters to make phone calls and speak with voters about Barack Obama and Joe Biden’s campaign for change. “The mothers in our organization are supporting Senator Obama because he has spoken to our concerns about the economy, healthcare and family leave,” said Michelle Schultz, a New Jersey member of Moms for Obama. “We are committed to doing everything we can over the next two weeks to elect Senator Obama, because he’s the only candidate committed to changing Washington in the ways that are important to us.”
Cara Laitusis and Dana Kooistre call voters for Obama. "In March 2002, I watched the U.S. march into a war in Iraq. My husband and I were astonished that we heard a call for war over and over again from President Bush without any sound explanation,” said Dana Kooistre, a mom from Lawrenceville. “I’m very excited to vote for Barack Obama who has the judgment and temperament to be able to know when to use military force. I have two sons. I don’t want a president who would commit American troops to war unless all other options were exercised.” Read Barack Obama’s plan to end the war in Iraq.
During the past 20 months millions have been inspired by Barack Obama’s message of change and have demonstrated their commitment to the campaign by volunteering. NJ Campaign for Change has been fortunate enough to have a number of extra special people who we call “Super Volunteers.” These individuals are powered by Barack Obama’s vision, probably lots of coffee, and desire to bring about real change in Washington. They are pushing themselves to do everything they can to help elect Obama as our next president.One of these Super Volunteers is Angie Stith from Willingboro. “Angie is the heart and soul of the office. Volunteers come for Obama and return repeatedly because Angie makes everyone feel valued and at home,” said Adam Goldfarb, regional field organizer for NJ Campaign for Change. “She always has a smile on her face and it’s contagious.”
Angie has volunteered everyday since February. She serves as the volunteer coordinator, and local grassroots captain, and has organized a number of successful campaign events. For Angie’s first Obama meetup event this summer, she drew over 80 people to her cookout in Mill Creek Park. She also helped to lead her team’s successful voter registration drives. Since July 4th, her team has registered thousands of new voters in Willingboro. When asked why she is so devoted to the campaign, Angie responds: “I have been waiting all my life to witness what is happening in this great country now. Obama represents what has been needed for so long. Obama is all-inclusive and he wants to bring everyone to the table. As a child, I was very much aware of the plight of poor people, especially people of color. Maybe now, for once and for all, we can live as one people coming together for a just and fair society. If there were eight days in a week, I probably would volunteer my time just as much. So, I pray my God continues to give me strength and guidance to push on until Obama becomes our next President of the United States.”Angie was first drawn to the political process earlier this year by Obama but since then has become completely immersed and will now be engaged in the long term. In June, Angie’s name was written in for the office of Democratic Committee Vice Chair, a non-paid elected position, and she won. “She’s the perfect mix of professionalism and enthusiasm,” explained Democratic Chairwoman Lavonne Bebler Johnson. “She’s a chairwoman’s dream.”
If you are interested in matching Angie’s enthusiasm to elect Obama, visit your local NJ Campaign for Change office and volunteer today.
Across the street from the NJ Division of Taxation, the Obama campaign set up a Tax Cut Calculation Station where voters were able to find out how much money they will save on Barack Obama’s “Making Work Pay” tax plan.Barack Obama and Joe Biden will cut taxes for 95% of working families, and provide at least three times as much tax relief for middle class families as John McCain and Sarah Palin. The Obama/Biden plan provides $1,000 of tax relief for workers and new tax benefits to help families pay for college, childcare and save for retirement.
“It’s convenient to be able to enter the numbers into the calculator and find out that I’ll have a $1,600 tax break. Obama’s got my vote,” said David Preston, an accountant in Trenton. “With all the talk between the candidates, it’s important to know what are the hard cold numbers.”Senator Obama has proposed a tax cut of $500 per worker and $1000 per family; a $4000 college tuition tax credit; a 10 percent mortgage interest tax credit (average of $500); and a tax credits for child care. Obama’s plan will not raise taxes on any family making less than $250,000 or individual making less than $200,000. As for Senator McCain’s tax plan, $2.8 million New Jerseyans don’t qualify and the rest only get $125. Despite McCain’s rhetoric on how he will help “Joe the Plumber,” he is out of touch with what middle-class Americans are going through. In fact, Joe receives a tax cut under Obama’s plan like 95% working Americans. Visit http://taxcut.barackobama.com to access the Obama-Biden Tax Calculator and find out how much you will save under Obama’s plan.
Today, NJ State Director Tricia Mueller sent the following email to Obama supporters. She urged New Jerseyans to help get out the vote for Obama during the last stretch of the campaign.
Friends, After yesterday’s voter registration deadline, we found out that more than 5.2 million people signed up to vote in the November 4 general election. The most recent statistics available show that 500,000 people have registered to vote since last year’s general election – including 400,000 people added since the primary election, according to the Secretary of State’s office. This record-breaking number was made possible because of YOUR efforts. Supporters like you have built the biggest grassroots movement in the history of American politics and have engaged new voters in our electoral process like never before. Now that we have 20 days to Election Day, wee need to take it to the next level. We need to organize supporters and turn their vigor into votes on Election Day. Please sign up to volunteer the days leading up to the election. It will come down to what supporters like you do – or don’t do. Each of us need to do our part. What’s going to win this election is organizing on the ground, person-to-person, and growing this movement. Take this election into your own hands as we head towards this crucial final stretch: http://my.barackobama.com/njgotv1 Thank you for all that you do. We can’t do this without you. Tricia MuellerNJ State DirectorObama for America
Today, Joe Biden’s sister Valerie Biden Owens and her daughter Missy Owens hosted a rally for Change at Rider University to energize volunteers for the campaign’s final push. Valerie shared stories about how she, Joe and their three other siblings were raised in Scranton, Pennsylvanian in a middle-class, Irish Catholic family. Their mom Jean stayed at home to raise them while their dad Joseph Sr. worked at a car dealership. “Joe and I are people who know in our bones what the struggles of the middle-class feel like,” Valerie Biden Owens explained. “We define middle class as: If you miss more than two paychecks in a row, you’re in trouble. We’ve been there.” Valerie further explained how Joe understood the need for the government to support average American families in light of the rising costs of health care and education. Joe is a champion on the issue of making college more affordable by using the tax code to reduce costs.
“What Valerie Biden Owens said at today’s rally really resonated with me, especially when she talked about bolstering our education system. I’m a freshman at Rider University but after I graduate, I want to be a teacher,” said Pam Rotter from Newtown, Pennsylvania. “As a student and a future teacher, I know how a good education can shape a person’s life.” Joe has a proven record of bringing people together to get things done. From global warming to combating violence against women to confronting the challenges of the dangerous world in which we live, Joe Biden has fought every day over the course of his life in public service to improve the lives of middle class families. If you are a student and would like to help elect Barack Obama and Joe Biden, join Generation Obama. It's a locally-based but nationally coordinated grassroots movement led by young activists. As a member of your local Generation Obama chapter, you and other members can utilize the many talents of our country’s next great generation in support of the campaign in a variety of meaningful ways.
After going up and down the state for three days to cover Countdown to Change, I’ve found that there is a recurring theme in why volunteers have decided to become part of Barack Obama’s grassroots movement: they passionately believe in Senator Obama and feel that he is the only man who can bring about the change we need for our country.“We can’t take this election for granted. That’s why I came in today to work on a holiday,” said Tony Dias, from West New York. “This is the most important election in my lifetime. We need to help Senator Obama to make this a win.”
Peter Gatto prepares to canvass Kearny.“I am here today to fight for this election and make sure that we don’t have another Republican in the White House. President Bush and the current administration have a total disregard for the Constitution. Senator McCain is more of the same. He even faltered and voted with President Bush on the torture issue.” said Peter Gatto from Hoboken. “I also feel it’s important to reestablish America’s standing in the world. I travel a great deal and I’m saddened to see that our reputation has diminished greatly in the last eight years. We can’t afford to keep this up.”To read about Senator Obama’s position on foreign policy related issues click here.Tomorrow is the last day to register to vote in New Jersey. Visit www.VoteforChange.com to request to vote absentee or to register to vote.
Day two of Countdown to Change started off with donuts and coffee and a lot of enthusiasm. The Carpenters Hall in Hackensack was filled with about 50 volunteers ready to walk the streets of Bergen County.
Volunteers line up to receive their walk packets.
“I volunteered today because of my sense of responsibility and obligation. I’ve never been moved enough to get involved in a presidential campaign other than vote. This election is different. Obama and what he stands for moves me,” said Phyllis Sneyers from Waldwick. “I owe it to my children and grandchildren to play a part in this election. The decision we make this November will directly impact their quality of life.”
Mother daughter team Phyllis Sneyers and Dana Lustig return to the Hackensack campaign office after their canvass and pose for a photo with their Obama sign. "I’ve never followed an election as mush as I do now. I believe in Obama’s potential and commitment and what he can do for us,” said Dana Lustig from Oakland. “I’m a six year breast cancer survivor. I have a lot at stake. I need a healthcare system that works for me and is secure. I reach out to women all the time who are diagnosed and they find out that they don’t have the right kind of coverage or coverage at all. I have faith in Obama’s plan to provide quality health care for Americans.” Read about Obama’s plan on how to make health insurance work for people and businesses – not just insurance and drug companies. Tomorrow marks the last day of Countdown to Change so you still have one more day to be featured on our NJ blog! Sign up now to participate in tomorrow’s activities.
This morning marked the start of Countdown to Change, a three-day statewide effort to help get out the vote for Barack in New Jersey and our sister state Pennsylvania, a crucial battleground state in this election. The operation unleashed two separate teams of New Jersey volunteers: Team Fired Up and Team Ready to Go. The "Fired Up" volunteers called and go door-to-door in New Jersey to reach voters while the "Ready to Go" volunteers drove to Pennsylvania to canvass. At a campaign office in Hamilton, volunteers arrived in the morning fired up to knock on doors and phone bank for Barack. “I really do believe in Obama and what he has to offer so I decided to volunteer to help elect him and other democratic candidates in New Jersey,” said Sonii Kollie of Hightstown. “When I speak to voters I see both sides of the spectrum. Some are very excited to talk to me about the campaign while others are more private and reserved. Despite the reaction, I feel that it’s my job to pull them in. I feel that voter contact is important because it’s a way for people to get to know the candidate on a personal level.”
Sonii Kollie phonebanks in Hamilton.
Further north in the state, eager volunteers filled the Jersey City campaign office. They came as a family or with friends and were greeted by Ward Leaders Jack Carly and Joe Conte.
The Bryant family spend Saturday afternoon together by canvassing for Barack.
Decked out in Obama buttons and Lautenberg T-shirts, volunteers hit the streets to make a difference, one neighborhood at a time.
Blog coverage of Countdown to Change will continue tomorrow and Monday. Sign up today to be part of this massive grassroots effort and you may find yourself featured on this blog.
On Tuesday, Governor Corzine and Democratic Leaders headed to Seton Hall University and Rutgers University, New Brunswick campus to headline Students for Obama rallies. Joining the students at the rallies were Senate President Dick Codey, Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman, Democratic State Committee Chairman Joe Cryan, and Mayor Cory Booker.
Rutgers students at Brower Commons cheer on Democratic State Committee Chairman Cryan.
As the financial markets continue to experience turmoil, Americans are rejecting John McCain’s call for four more years of the same failed economic policies. In response, McCain’s camp has publicly declared that they will switch the course of their campaign. Instead of talking about how to rebuild America’s financial strength, McCain has declared that he will spend the last month of the campaign launching character attacks against Senator Obama in an attempt to “turn the page on the economy.” John McCain may want to turn the page, but students across New Jersey can’t just turn the page on the job market they’ll be facing when they graduate. Only Barack Obama can bring the change we need to Washington D.C. to get our economy back on track.Learn more about Senator Obama’s plan to jump start our economy.
Fifteen Campaign for Change offices across New Jersey held open houses this Saturday and welcomed members of their communities who want to bring change to Washington DC.
“We wanted to invite Obama supporters in our area to our campaign office and let them know that our door is always open. We would love to have people join us phone bank, register new voters, canvass, and recruit volunteers,” said Chris Czarnik, field organizer for the 12th Congressional District. “Election Day is quickly approaching so we and the other field offices across the state are intensifying efforts in the next few weeks and will need more volunteers.”
Volunteers started to arrive in the late afternoon to meet the staff and find out ways they can get involved. Throughout the day, more and more people arrived and the Lawrenceville office conference room was packed and was filled with over 30 volunteers.During introductions at the open house, volunteers shared with the group the reason they supported the campaign and what issues mattered to them the most. Some spoke at length while others spoke only briefly. Some shared deeply personal and emotional stories that caused more than a few people to break into tears. “I’m tired of the broken policies of the last eight years,” said Casey Reslier-Wells from Hopewell. “It’s been difficult for me and many Americans to pursue the American dream. The economy is in crisis, people are loosing their homes, and health care costs are crippling. John McCain wants to pay for his health care plan by increasing taxes on the middle class. This will cause health care costs to go through the roof and cripple millions of Americans.” The stakes are higher than ever in this Election. Register new voters today through Vote For Change before the October 14 deadline. We need to have everyone’s voice heard so that we can elect Barack Obama and stop the tragic policies of the last administration. We cannot afford more of the same.
People started to arrive at the NJ Campaign for Change headquarters around 7:30 p.m. last night to phone bank for Barack Obama and to watch the debate between Governor Sarah Palin and Senator Joe Biden with fellow supporters. “I’ve been looking forward to this debate all week,” said Cate Denny from Princeton. “I was struck by how vigorously Palin defended the disastrous policies of the past eight years and defended McCain's decision to continue the same course. After the debate, I was more proud to support the Obama/Biden ticket. Senator Biden effectively conveyed Barack’s plan on how to fix our economy, make America less dependent on foreign oil, and support middle class Americans and small businesses.”
The room full of supporters were fired up and felt that Biden won the debate hands down. He made a passionate case for change from the disastrous economic and foreign policies of the last eight years. New Jerseyans made it clear with the applause for Biden that they are tired of more of the same. They want an end to fiscally irresponsible policies, support provided to Main St. and not just Wall St., and a plan to end the war in Iraq so we can focus on al Qaeda in Afghanistan. If you want help bring about the change we need, please make a donation today.
The room at the IBEW in North Brunswick yesterday was packed with energized supporters attending Camp Obama. Over 200 volunteers received real world organizing experience that will have a direct impact on this election. “When I signed-up for Camp Obama, I didn’t know what to expect,” said Andrew Hymas from Bridgewater, NJ. “After today’s training, I’m excited to hit the ground running in a battleground state where I’m needed. I want to put my community organizing skills to use and get out the vote for Barack!” This campaign is fueled by passion and enthusiasm of ordinary supporters and relies on leaders who can organize these supporters and turn their vigor into votes on Election Day.
Geoffrey Borshof, NJ statewide deputy field director, trains volunteers to become deputy field organizers.
Graduates of Camp Obama will go on to become Deputy Field Organizers who will lead this campaign to victory in crucial battleground states around the country.
A voluteer signs up for deployment in Pennsylvania.
If you’d like to help ensure that Barack wins in key battleground states, please click here.
