Arlingtonians for Obama

The dawn of a new era.

jgunnink — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 10:49:59 EST

I remember where I was when I got my first real introduction to Barack Obama. It was February, 2007. I was in SFO, getting ready to fly back to Virginia after a company offsite, looking for something to read at one of the airport book kiosks, when I saw his face staring up at me from the jacket of his latest book "The Audacity of Hope." I had heard about his fabled senate race though I had missed his historic speech at the 2004 DNC. I thought, what a marvelous American story, so I bought the book. For the next 5 hours in the air I read, and read, and with each page became more and more convinced that Barack should be our next president. I know that sounds incredibly premature, but that's how convinced I was of his integrity, his judgement, his intellect, and his ability to lead.

When I got back to Viriginia I tried to convey to my wife Susan how excited I was about him and that I was thinking about doing some political volunteer work for the first time in my life. She worked for Ted Kennedy in the nineties and had seen all sides of politics, so while she was encouraging I could tell that she was understandably cautious about such a fresh face, particularly in the dog eat dog world that modern politics had become. I gave her the book to read while I picked up "Dreams from my Father" at Barnes and Noble and started to learn even more about this amazing man.

Within a few weeks I had registered with his website and signed up for an event to meet up with others hopeful for change. I remember being struck by the diversity of people at that event - people of all races and age groups had showed up. The people I met that day would set the stage for my involvement in the campaign over the next year. Within a few months, Susan and I had hosted a kickoff house party, marched in a parade with Obama supporters, and I had attended several fundraising events including one in D.C. where I got to see Barack in person and shake his hand. In June I spent several nights at the Arlington County Fair collecting signatures to get Barack on the primary ballot in VA. I was blogging and raising money. By the end I tallied that between personal fundraising and the house party, I had helped raise close to $4,000 for his campaign.

I couldn't believe the energy at every event, though it never surprised me given the man and the power of his message. When primary season began, I was thinking that America didn't even know yet what a candidate they had. Some were surprised by Iowa, but I wasn't. When Barack swept the Beltway, including a Virginia primary that had the highest voter turnout ever and which even saw conservative neighbors of mine voting for Obama, I couldn't have been more proud of my new adopted state, and I knew that it was just the beginning.

After Barack was nominated at the DNC, many of our old doubts and fears resurfaced, with people talking about the Palin bump and how the Republicans were going to outmaneuver us again. Throughout this time I maintained an optimistic viewpoint. I just knew there was way too much substance there for people to ignore. When pundits call this or that debate a draw, I was like "which debate were they watching?" In the end the American people spoke, and spoke loudly.

I want to thank everyone for enduring my emails over the last year and a half. This was a long a grueling campaign and I know the road ahead will be even harder. But I am convinced that that Barack Obama will go down as not just the first African-American president, but as one of our great presidents. I have always felt that he is a once a century politician, and that we are all lucky to be alive to experience this. He is not just our Kennedy, he is our FDR. So join me today in a toast to him, but more importantly to the American people, who finally found the courage to reclaim their country.

Yes, We Can! in every language -- Yes We Did!

Kevin Vincent — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 01:09:50 EDT

Back in January before the Virginia primary -- what seems like years ago now -- I posted a blog with translations of "Yes We Can". Since the primary, I have gotten a few additional translations. Now almost on the eve of this historic election, when we will all get to proudly cast our ballots for Barack Obama, it is time to post an updated version. I wish I also had translations of "Yes We Will" to add and then on Wednesday that I could add "Yes We Did!" translations, but we'll have to do that after November 4.

If you want to see the updated translations, here's the link --

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/kevinvincent/CjTS

I have been so proud to be part of this amazing movement for Change and Hope. And like you, I can't wait to see Barack in the White House.

Thank you so much for everything you all have done for the past two years, and for everything else I know you will do during the next three days, to make this dream for all of us come true. We still have much work to do, but I know that --

Yes We Can!

Yes We Will!

Kevin Vincent, Coordinator

Arlingtonians for Obama

Absentee in person ends TODAY

J. Scott — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 12:59:57 EDT

Virginia, this is it. Millions of people have already voted absentee for Barack Obama and today is the last day for eligible residents to vote absentee in person in Virginia.

Registrars are open across Virginia today, click here to find out where and when your registrar is open for absentee voting.

After you vote, you should make sure that others get out and vote by signing up here. And if you do not have time today, you can still vote on TUESDAY NOVEMBER 4th!

Enjoy these pictures of people voting absentee in Richmond!

Our final challenge

J. Scott — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 19:23:46 EDT

We just sent out this e-mail:

Dear Scott,

This is it. Get out the vote -- the final stage of a historic campaign here in Virginia -- has begun. This is when we prove that what we've built is real and can deliver the change America needs.

We've talked to thousands of undecided Virginians and formed neighborhood teams to spread our message of change throughout our communities. But all of this work means nothing if we don't get people out to vote.

Watch this short video about our strategy to win the commonwealth and sign up for a volunteer shift to get out the vote:

We have the chance to make history here in Virginia. This is your chance to be a part of it.

This plan won't work without you. What you do or don't do in the next two weeks will decide the outcome of this race.

We can't risk waking up on November 5th to four more years of the same failed policies and the same cynical politics.

Sign up for a shift and do your part in bringing this campaign across the finish line:

http://va.barackobama.com/GOTV

This is our moment. We've worked too hard to let this slip through our hands now.

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Virginia State Director
Obama for America

P.S. -- If you will be gone from your locality on Election Day, or will be commuting to work 11 out of the 13 hours on November 4th, you can vote right now. Find out how:

http://va.barackobama.com/voteearly

OBAMA PUMPKIN STENCILS!!!

Obama4Me — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:27:19 EDT

CARVE A PUMPKIN AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR SENATOR OBAMA!!! THIS IS TOO CUTE!! LETS DO OBAMA PUMPKINS ACROSS THE US!!

http://yeswecarve.com/category/stencils/page/2/

Blue Obama Biden Wallpapers

Dan — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:59:24 EDT

I've create some common sized wallpapers using the Obama Biden logo set on a blue background. Click on the screen to to select the screen size...

Available in the following standard screen sizes: 1600x1200, 1280x1024, 1024x768 & 800x600. As well as the following 2 wide screen sizes: 1920x1200 & 1680x1050

My first women-to-women postcard writing event

Jill — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 06:46:25 EDT

September 29, 2008. Alexandria, VA. 15 women. 2 hours. 300 Virginia travel postcards.

This was the first women-to-women postcard writing event I’ve hosted (and given the feedback, probably not the last—though time is of the essence for getting things into the mail). I heard about them during the primaries and was intrigued by the idea. I’ve sought out events to host that tap into those who are anxious to take action in support of Obama, but reluctant to try phonebanking and canvassing.

I have to say I was surprised, impressed, and delighted by the fact that this amazing group of women (I’d only met 4 of them before this event) poured their hearts out in support of Obama and completed all 300 postcards. Using pens & clipboards, provided by some who could not attend, they were intent on getting the job done--at times so intent, the only thing that could be heard was the “Yes We Can” CD playing in the background. I’m not sure some of them stopped writing log enough to get anything to eat or drink. We’re talking some goal-oriented women! We ended the evening with all the cards written, stamped and ready to be dropped off at the local Obama office for addressing and mailing to undecided women voters.

Free Printable Obama Signs

Dan — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 01:21:51 EDT

Here are updated versions of the signs, now featuring the Obama Biden text with the "O" logo. All of these signs are ready-to-print PDFs and currently sized for standard letter paper (8½ by 11 inches). The contents are all vector based and should scale up nicely if you wish to print at larger sizes.

Print some out and tape them up in your car, in your house, give them to other supporters or use them as signs! Email your friends and family asking them to do the same!

If you find these signs useful, then please consider helping Barack & Joe by making a donation to Obama for America and help me reach my personal fundraising goal (all donations are directly to the campaign).

It's secure, very easy and takes just a minute. Every dollar helps Barack and Joe get out their message especially in tight battleground states.

Click on any of the thumbnails below to go to the download site.

Landscape on a white background...

Landscape on a blue background...

Portrait on a white background...

Portrait on a blue background...

Today's Obama Works event

Jill — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:53:39 EDT

Jones Point Park Clean Up

On a perfect early fall morning, more than 20 energetic volunteers, inspired by Sen. Obama's call to service, pitched in to clean up Jones Point Park Alexandria, VA on Sept. 20. Jones Point Park, the largest open space in the Old Town Historic area, encompasses 60 acres in the southeast corner of Alexandria, Virginia, at the site of the new Woodrow Wilson Bridge. The Park is owned by the National Park Service and managed by the Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities. Because of the somewhat remote location along the Potomac River, it doesn't receive some of the attention given to other open spaces in the city. Volunteers showed up with work gloves and enthusiasm for the event. The park is used primarily as a dog walking area and several regulars let us know what a great job we had done in beautifying the shoreline. What a great morning it was and what a terrific group of people answered the call to service.

Obama and sustainability seen from Tibet and Korea

David Berry — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 22:11:07 EDT

I arrived in Korea on the Chusok holiday, when families honor their departed predecessors with celebratory family dinners like thanksgiving. Last week I was with a wonderful family in Drikung Tibet. Back on e-mail I’m sad for American families that McCain is ahead of Barack Obama in the polls. The personalities don’t matter to me; it’s the policies and results. I am restless to contribute to the awareness we need to move toward sustainability. I can't think of anything we could do for sustainability whether making speech or publishing a paper, making a green investment or running a workshop that would make as much difference as an Obama Administration over a McCain Administration.

Here are a few things we can do:

1. We can each think of at least one person we know who may not vote because they think it doesn’t make a difference, they are not enthusiastic about Obama, they supported Hillary, or they will be out of town. Rather than argue we can gently support them in seeing the stark differences on the economy, environment, social equity and foreign policy between McCain and Obama. McCain is supported by lobbyists and big oil for a good reason.

2. We can go to our county office and vote early at a poll booth. We sign a form saying we may be out of town on Election Day. Take a wavering friend or two with you. You will avoid the lines on Election Day and you will be sure you and your friend get a vote in.

3. I have created a group and page on the Obama site “The Spirit of Sustainabilty” http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/TheSpiritofSustainablityEconomyEnvironme From there we can raise the profile of environment and sustainability in the campaign. The Obama Energy and Environment web page has been improved since I sent e-mails to campaign advisors and I will keep going. I set up a fund raising for sustainability page on the Obama web site: http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/davidberry . The funds go straight to the campaign as a signal that many Obama supporters favor policies that promote sustainability.

4. If direct campaign activity is of interest to you, after registering at the Obama site through either of those web links there are opportunities to write letters to the editor and otherwise help with the campaign in your area. I am writing to friends to encourage them to support the Obama campaign in recognizing the importance of sustainability and to pass the word on to their friends.

Some content: Regarding economic fairness, an Obama Administration would cut taxes for everyone making under 112k much more than McCain and about the same for those under 160K. He would raise taxes for those making more than 600K per year. The McCain tax plan gives tiny tax cuts to average working Americans and gives large tax cuts to the top 10% of incomes. Why are these facts so hard for the American people to see when it is available in the press and on line?

Regarding environment, Obama has better proposals including on climate change and renewal energy. These are outlined on his web site at http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/newenergy .The more frequent stronger hurricanes climate scientists predicted since the early nineties are here and Sarah Palin doubts a human factor in global warming. McCain poses as green but the League of Conservation Voters gives him a lifetime voting score of 24% compared to Obama’s 86%. http://lcv-ftp.org/LCV/omchart.pdf Obama is also better on air and water quality.

Obama is better on health care http://www.barackobama.com/issues/healthcare/ and the Iraq war where the Iraqi government now insists on a timetable for troop withdrawal like what Obama has proposed. This race should not be close. What awful chord in American culture resonates with the distortions of the McCain ads and doesn’t bother getting the facts? Let’s each do what we can to get the result that will support sustainability now.

You can forward this e-mail to friends. From the web page at http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/davidberry folks can sign on to the Obama site and read his detailed proposals themselves.

A Nice Note

Brenda — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 19:38:58 EDT

While pulling out of a parking spot after grocery shopping, I noticed a handwritten note on my windshield. I'm think... great, somebody wrote something nasty in response to my Obama bumper sticker. I was pleasantly suprised. It read "Great bumper sticker. Obama... our next president!" I drove home with a smile on my face! I think I'll make a habit out of writing notes myself.

Obama and McCain Income Tax plans

David Berry — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 05:54:45 EDT

Some e-mails have been circulating with false information about the tax plans of Obama and McCain. The Tax Policy Center a joint project of the Urban institute and the Brookings Institution has analyzed the plans and finds the following percentage changes in after tax income based on the two plans. McCain’s tax cuts favor the upper brackets and those folks may favor his plan. While the Obama plan will neither cut nor increase my taxes, I strongly support it out of fairness:

Family Income

above $2.87 million: McCain tax cut 4.4% Obama tax increase 11.5%

603,403 to 2.87 million McCain tax cut 3.4% Obama tax increase 8.7%

226,982 to 603,402 McCain tax cut 3.1% Obama no tax change

160,973 to 226,981 McCain tax cut 3.0% Obama tax cut 1.9%

111,646 to 160,972 McCain tax cut 2.5% Obama tax cut 2.1%

66,355 to 111,645 McCain tax cut 1.4% Obama tax cut 1.8%

37,596 to 66,354 McCain tax cut 0.7% Obama tax cut 2.4% > 60% of taxpayers

18,982 to 37,595 McCain tax cut 0.5% Obama tax cut 3.6% > are in the bottom

Up to 18,981 McCain tax cut 0.2% Obama tax cut 5.5% > three groups

Why I’m Voting for Obama

D Theus — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:55:03 EDT

I’m a moderate, middle class, working mother and small business owner who has voted both Democrat and Republican over the past 24 years. Despite being a diligent voter, until this election I’ve never been politically active because I generally find things in both candidates to admire; where I think they fall short, I have trusted in our democracy to be a check on their power to do really stupid things. And so I've never felt the need to become active - until now. Why now? Why am I now stumping for Barack Obama?

I like to "vote on the issues," but this is the first election I've participated in that I don't think is primarily about "the issues." Both Senators running for President have a reasonable position on many issues - with the exception of McCain's position on the the economy. I think this election is about values, the economy and how our leaders conduct themselves on behalf of us, the voters, citizens and residents of the USA. I am not talking about "stated values," but "demonstrated values," in how our leaders behave. I have become extremely dissatisfied with the way the GOP leaders currently in office run our country, as have many Americans, and I believe the change they brought to Washington eight years ago has morphed into serious compromise of American values. After eight years of the GOP and Bush/Cheney governance, including lack of regulatory oversight especially in the financial and environmental sectors, I no longer have faith that even our great democracy can withstand such poor judgment in our Chief Executive and his primary Lieutenant. As a result I’m adding my voice to those who want to see our country in the hands of people who not only talk about our values, but who live them as well. I want REAL change in Washington.

I believe Senator Obama can bring the change we need back into power and that, by virtue of how he's running his campaign, Senator McCain cannot. In short, here’s why.

Why I Will Vote for Sen. Obama

I like Obama’s values, shaped by a life dedicated to public service and in situations and circumstances that make him able to appreciate the issues that concern me such as those facing middle class working and socioeconomically diverse families in urban America.
I like Obama’s substance, especially on the economy, representing thoughtful and realistic pluralist positions that factor in the complexity of our world today in which economic security and national security are entwined.
I like Obama’s tactics, demonstrating that even when he plays rough he does not compromise his values and behaves in a gentlemanly way, respectful and courteous of his opponents and the American people.
I like Obama’s running mate, Senator Joe Biden, showing that Obama understands his weaknesses and is shrewd enough to shore them up in a way that makes him stronger and enables him to better serve the nation should be he be elected and should he be incapacitated.

Why I Won't Vote for Sen. McCain

I like what McCain used to stand for, independent thought and a willingness to take on the GOP extremists, but that makes me all the more disappointed in his capitulating to the extremist right wing in his selection of Sarah Palin that allows the GOP who's stumping for him to engage in hypocrisy on everything from teen pregnancy to “celebrity” campaign tactics.
I don't like McCain's tactics - he no longer stands for 'change' in the GOP - succumbing to the same smear tactics such as distorting facts and taking statements out of context that Karl Rove used so effectively on President Bush's behalf in the last two elections (to the point that even Rove says McCain is going too far). To me, by giving in to such tactics tarnishes the Senator's 'maverick' credentials and demonstrates that nothing in Washington will change, tactically or with respect to fundamental policy positions that have put our economy at such risk.
I believe that McCain's position on taxes is irresponsible. McCain's proposal to provide tax cuts across the board is a 'hail Mary throw' that the richest Americans and corporations will "trickle down" their wealth to save our economy, which is currently buckling under the missteps resulting from the GOP's ineffective government oversight and policy these last eight years (which McCain supported as Senator 90% of the time). I am a small business owner and I know the value of a balanced set of books and manageable debt. Sound fiscal management is what enables us to weather economic challenges we can't avoid and invest for the future. Our country's budget numbers are just too unbalanced, and our economic vulnerability too acute, to support the "less income and more spending" fiscal approach McCain espouses through his tax plan. The U.S. cannot afford to continue growing our already huge deficit at a time when we need resources to respond to the war, failing economic sectors, natural disasters and the rise of formidable economic peers in the form of China, India and the European Union.
I believe that McCain’s choice of Governor Sarah Palin for Vice President is irresponsible. Regardless of where either McCain or Palin actually stand on the issues, putting anyone (man or woman) “one heartbeat from the presidency” who has so little leadership experience representing the large and diverse populations that comprise our country; anyone whose actual record of accomplishments are both uncertain and preliminary; and anyone who (admittedly) has so little understanding and knowledge of the major issues facing our nation – putting anyone like this so close to assuming one of the most powerful positions in the world is irresponsible. It is irresponsible because no matter how good Sarah Palin could be, she is not seasoned enough yet to be that effective and the result is that it will be others – who have not been elected – who will be calling the shots in the event that McCain, a 72 year old cancer survivor, cannot perform his duties. For a conservative's view on her lack of experience, read David Brook's NY Times 9/15/08 Op-Ed )

What am I going to do?
With this message I'm becoming politically active for the first time in my adult life. I'm walking door-to-door, calling my neighbors, emailing my friends. I'm asking YOU to think about what is important to you this November and I'm asking you to get active too in whatever way you can.

What am I asking you to do?

If you agree with this statement, forward it to all your friends and add your thoughts
Learn More
Donate to Obama
Register to vote by October 6 (for VA voters)
Vote on November 4
Vote for the demonstrated values you want to represent you
Feel free to contact me to discuss this election more: Dana Theus, Arlington, VA [dana (at) theus (dot) com]
Vote for Barack Obama!

because politics are personal

Jeannie Biniek — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 23:42:09 EDT

I have never considered my parents to be very political people. My dad has always voted and he even took us with him when we were younger to the polls. Politics were not, however, something we discussed at the dinner table - or really at all, for that matter. I was drawn to politics on my own. I saw Mark Warner speak as a senior in high school and decided that i needed and wanted to do something to get him elected. I wasn't old enough to vote that year, so I made sure my mom voted. At the time, she was what I now recognize to be a "sporadic voter". She paid attention to what was going on, but didn't always actually make it to the polls. (that has since changed)

In the past year, my parents have shown me that they're actually more political than I ever thought. I love to talk politics, and these days I can almost always find an audience, but with my parents the conversation is a bit different. Its more than just talking points and academic arguments; its more than idealistic 20-somethings talking about their view of the world. Its hard for me to really articulate what exactly it is, but it just feels more real. Its grounded in their own experiences - that life isn't fair, but if you work hard and never give up, that if you support and love you friends and family unconditionally, that you will be able to make somthing of your life. For them, politics is personal. Its about the effect campaigns have on people's lives. Its about what happens after election day.

In the last year my parents have answered my request to get involved on numerous occasions. They have donated money, attended events, and my mom even traveled out of state to canvass for the primaries (her first campaign volunteer experience in her life). Every weekend they let me borrow their car so I can go canvass. They cook me dinner, even buying stuff they know I like because they know I'll be there. And today they agreed to open up their house to be a staging location for the campaign. They don't stop their lives to participate in politics. Instead, politics is something that's just part of them. My mom forwards me links to articles; my dad tells me about who was on Meet the Press or a particularly cleaver Daily Show skit. I never thought my parents were political. But I just didn't quite get it.

Obama's 570 bills!!

delantero — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:19:17 EDT

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/2/21/164117/783?new=true

Of the 570 bills Senator Obama introduced into the Senate during the 109th and 110th Congress (Senate Bill numbers are in parentheses), they can be summarized as follows:

25 addressed Energy Efficiency and Climate Change
Suspend royalty relief for oil and gas (115)
Reduce dependence on oil; use of alternative energy sources (133)
Increase fuel economy standards for cars (767, 768)
Auto industry incentives for fuel efficient vehicles (1151)
Reduce green house gas emissions (1324)
Establish at NSF a climate change education program (1389)
Increase renewable content of gasoline (2202)
Energy emergency relief for small businesses and farms (269)
Strategic gasoline and fuel reserves (1794)
Alternative diesel standards (3554)
Coal to liquid fuel promotion (3623)
Renewable diesel standards (1920)
Reducing global warming pollution from vehicles (2555)
Fuel security and consumer choice (1994, 2025)
Alternative energy refueling system (2614)
Climate change education (1389)
Low income energy assistance (2405)
Oil savings targets (339)
Fuel economy reform (3694)
Plug-in electric drive vehicles (1617)
Nuclear release notice (2348)
Passenger rail investment (294)
Energy relief for low income families (2405)

21 addressed Health Care
Drug re-importation (334)
Health information technology (1262, 1418)
Discount drug prices (2347)
Health care associated infections (2278)
Hospital quality report cards (692, 1824)
Medical error disclosure and compensation (1784)
Emergency medical care and response (1873)
Stem cell research (5)
Medical Malpractice insurance (1525)
Health centers renewal (901, 3771)
Children’s health insurance (401)
Home health care (2061)
Medicare independent living (2103)
Microbicides for HIV/AIDS (823)
Ovarian cancer biomarker research (2569)
Gynological cancers (1172)
Access to personalized medicine through use of human genome (976)
Paralysis research and care (1183)

20 addressed Public Health:
Violence against women (1197)
Biodefense and pandemic preparedness and response (1821, 1880)
Viral influenza control (969)
End homelessness (1518)
Reduce STDs/unintended pregnancy (1790)
Smoking prevention and tobacco control (625)
Minority health improvement and disparity elimination (4024)
Nutrition and physical education in schools (2066)
Health impact assessments (1067, 2506)
Healthy communities (1068)
Combat methamphetamines (2071)
Paid sick leave (910)
Prohibit mercury sales (833, 1818)
Prohibit sale of lead products (1306, 2132)
Lead exposure in children (1811, 2132)

14 address Consumer Protection/Labor
Stop unfair labor practices (842)
Fair minimum wage (2, 1062, 2725, 3829)
Internet freedom (2917)
Credit card safety (2411)
Media ownership (2332)
Protecting taxpayer privacy (2484)
Working family child assistance (218)
Habeus Corpus Restoration (185)
Bankruptcy protection for employees and retirees (2092)
FAA fair labor management dispute resolution (2201)
Working families flexibility (2419).

13 addressed the Needs of Veterans and the Armed Forces:
Improve Benefits (117)
Suicide prevention (479)
Needs of homeless veterans (1180)
Homes for veterans (1084)
GI Bill enhancement (43)
Military job protection
Dignity in care for wounded vets (713)
Housing assistance for low income veterans (1084)
Military children in public schools (2151)
Military eye injury research and care (1999)
Research physical/mental health needs from Iraq War (1271)
Proper administration of discharge for personality disorder (1817, 1885)
Security of personal data of veterans (3592)

12 addressed Congressional Ethics and Accountability
Lobbying and ethics reform (230)
Stop fraud (2280)
Legislative transparency and accountability (525)
Open government (2180, 2488)
Restoring fiscal discipline (10)
Transparency and integrity in earmarks (2261)
Accountability of conference committee deliberations and reports (2179)
Federal funding accountability and transparency (2590)
Accountability and oversight for private security functions under Federal
contract (674)
Accountability for contractors and personnel under federal contracts
(2147) Resctrictions awarding government contracts (2519)

10 addressed Foreign Policy:
Iraq war de-escalation (313)
US policy for Iraq (433),
Divestiture from Iran (1430)
Sudan divestment authorization (831)
Millennium Development Goals (2433)
Multilateral debt relief (1320)
Development bank reform (1129)
Nuclear nonproliferation (3131,977,2224).

9 address Voting/Elections
Prohibit deceptive practices in Federal elections (453)
Voter access to polls and services in Federal elections (737)
Voter intimidation and deceptive practices (1975)
Senate campaign disclosure parity (185)
Require reporting for bundled campaign contributions (2030)
Election jamming prevention (4102)
Campaign disclosure parity (223)
Presidential funding (2412)
Integrity of electronic voting systems (1487)

11 addressed Education
Increase access of low income African Americans to higher education (1513)
Establish teaching residency programs (1574)
Increase early intervention services (2111)
Middle school curriculum improvements (2227)
Public database of scholarships, fellowships and financial aid (2428)
Summer learning programs (116)
TANF financial education promotion (924)
Higher education (1642)
Build capacity at community colleges (379)
Campus law enforcement in emergencies (1228)
Support for teachers (2060).

6 addressed Hurrican Katrina
Hurricane Katrina recovery (2319)
Emergency relief (1637)
Bankruptcy relief and community protection (1647)
Working family tax relief (2257)
Fair wages for recovery workers (1749)
Gulf coast infrastructure redevelopment (1836)

5 addressed the Environment
Drinking water security (218, 1426)
Water resources development (728)
Waste water treatment (1995)
Combat illegal logging (1930)
Spent nuclear fuel tracking and Acountability (1194)
Asian Carp Prevention and Control Act (Introduced in Senate)[S.726.IS ]

4 addressed Discrimination
Claims for civil class action based on discrimination (1989)
Domestic partnership benefits (2521)
Unresolved civil rights crimes (535)
Equality or two parent families (2286)

4 addressed Homeland Security
Judicial review of FISA orders (2369)
National emergency family locator (1630)
Amend US Patriot Act (2167)
Chemical security and safety (2486)

Obama's Senate Record

delantero — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:17:14 EDT

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/2/21/164117/783?new=true

Of the 15 bills Senator Obama sponsored or co-sponsored in 2005-7 that became law:

Two addressed foreign policy:
Promote relief, security and democracy in the Congo (2125)
Develop democratic institutions in areas under Palestinian control (2370).

Three addressed public health:
Improve mine safety (2803)
Increased breast cancer funding (597)
Reduce preterm delivery and complications, reduce infant mortality (707).

Two addressed openness and accountability in government:
Strengthening the Freedom of Information Act (2488)
Full disclosure of all entities receiving federal funds (2590)

Two addressed national security
Extend Terrorist Risk Insurance (467)
Amend the Patriot Act (2167)

One addressed the needs of the Armed Forces
Wave passport fees to visit graves, attend memorials/funerals of veterans abroad (1184).

The Blue Tide is Coming

Brandon — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 09:11:08 EDT

I knocked on over 100 doors yesterday in South Arlington and I was really blown away by the encounters I had. This was far and away the best day of canvassing.

I ran into at least 6-8 people who either previously voted with the GOP or were undecided but who are now voting for Obama. A pregnant woman and her neighbor were discussing how Palin was the last straw- she's now voting for Obama while her husband votes McCain.

I registered two new hispanic citizens to vote and told them about
Obama and Warner...they can't wait to vote.

On almost every street people stopped me to say hi and talk about the campaign, people drove by in cars with fist pumps and shouts of "Obama!" There is an Obama yard sign on almost every street.

The stories go on and on. The blue tide is coming to NOVA, but we need everyone's help. Please get out there and canvass if you can...you won't regret it.

If you missed it.

Arusha Gordon — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:53:36 EDT

In case you missed Thursday's night historic speech, you can watch it here. More than 80,000 people joined Barack in Denver to be part of the moment, and tens of millions more shared the experience across the country.

This campaign belongs to supporters like you who have built a movement for change across the commonwealth and across the nation. We have an unprecedented opportunity this weekend to capture the interest and momentum from the convention - please join us during our Weekend of Action.

Virginia volunteer to speak tonight

Arusha Gordon — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:34:04 EDT

From today's Virginian-Pilot. One of our super-star volunteers will be taking center stage tonight.

Chesapeake woman speaks tonight at Democratic convention
A Chesapeake woman is set to take the stage tonight at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.
Beth Robinson, who was invited last week by Sen. Barack Obama’s campaign, plans to speak on behalf of military wives and families. Robinson’s husband, Matt, is a Marine who has served in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Robinson has multiple sclerosis and has said that she plans to talk about healthcare.
“Unless you’re a healthy person, the system doesn’t work well,” she told the Virginian-Pilot in an interview last week. “They don’t make it simple for people, especially for a person who hasn’t learned to be an advocate for themselves.”
Robinson will speak as part of the convention’s American Voices Center Stage feature. She is scheduled to speak at about 9 p.m. EST. She will be appearing after former President Bill Clinton and before U.S. Sen. John Kerry.

Beth introduces Michelle at a roundtable for military families last month in Norfolk. Thanks to Stephanie of Lawyermama.com for this great photo.

TOP TEN TIPS FOR LETTERS TO THE EDITOR especially for the Dem Convention:

chicagoexpat — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:56:50 EDT

Increase the media coverage of your favorite moments about the convention by writing a letter to the editor on behalf of your favorite candidate for president!

(As one follow-up to the blog post "Don't whine about the news/polls/attack ads... ORGANIZE!" http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/chicagoexpat/gG5FMS )

TOP TEN TIPS ON PUBLISHING LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

1) It is best to keep the letter short, to the point, and polite. Remember you are trying to persuade your undecided neighbors to vote for Barack Obama for President.
a) Newspapers generally don't print anything over 200 words, or about 20 lines
b) Stay on message, and stay with one message per letter

2) Write informally and conversationally in tone, you’re writing for your neighbors. Use your own language, don't try to sound like a reporter or an editorial essay writer. Be yourself.

You can appeal to people’s emotions with your own style, imagery, phrasing, or varied sentence structure if you want. Passion is fine, but be polite. A letter from a young person, noting their age or grade, is also very effective.

Also, successful "letters to the editor" are often based on a strong news hook or a timely response to a current issue covered by your news outlet (like the political conventions, or when Obama comes to your state for an event, or an article about the campaign, or when the Presidential debates are held).

But if you want to write a letter, you don't have to wait for this to happen: JUST DO IT!

3) You can personalize it with something specific that happened to you or something in your community. Did you hear the Obama give a speech somewhere?

The important thing is to write about something that matters to you about supporting Barack Obama for President.

4) Send it on appropriate letterhead. That is, if you're speaking only for yourself, don't use your business or organization letterhead but only your personal letterhead (if you have any).

If you're announcing an endorsement or official position of your organization or business, then you can use organization letterhead (check with the boss though!).

5) Include your contact information to verify you wrote the letter; some outlets do not publish letters until they verify who wrote the letters sent to them.

6) In general, letters should be typed up (newspaper editors will not want to decipher anyone’s handwriting). Also proofread and spell check your letter before sending it.

7) Choose the newspaper to send it to. Check your local paper for the correct address and editor to send it to. Many papers now have on-line, internet access for sending letters-to-the editor.

Don't forget weekly community newspapers. The major daily newspapers in your area have the most readers, but the smaller, weekly community newspapers are also important. They are also usually more likely to print your letter than a major newspaper.

One site list newspapers across the nation, broken down by state and locality, at http://www.newslink.org/

You can find others by using any web search engine. For finding addresses for community weekly papers, e.g., you can go to a search engine like Google and type in your metro area and keyword, like "Pullman, Washington, news media" or "Vancouver, Washington, news media."

8) If you don't get your letter published, it may not have been published simply for space or deadline reasons. You can always send it again, or send it to a different daily, weekly, or community newspaper.

9) Please send a copy of your letter to your local party HQ or Obama campaign, it will lift their spirits.

10) Example of letters people have already written include:

"Another Pro-Obama Letter To the Editor" that was published as a blog post.
(at http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/dobrocat/gGx42L )

Kaine!

Adam — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:59:31 EDT

This weekend Governor Kaine will be hitting the road, hosting town halls across the Commonwealth to talk to voters about Barack's plans for middle class tax relief, job creation, and energy independence.

With the convention coming up fast and Barack's VP choice sure to be announced soon, could Kaine get the nod?

Barack want's his supporters and volunteers to know before anyone else--sign up HERE to get a text message from the campaign as soon as Barack makes his decision. No fooling, you'll be the first to know.

Here's the invitation Mitch, Barack's Viginia state director, just sent out about Governor Kaine's town halls.

This weekend, August 16th and 17th, Governor Tim Kaine will be hosting Town Hall meetings all across Virginia to talk about why he's supporting Barack Obama for president.

He'll be appearing at events in Winchester, Leesburg, Manassas, Warrenton, Williamsburg, and Richmond.

Each one will be a special opportunity to learn more about Barack's plan to help working Virginia families and meet up with fellow supporters to grow this movement for change.

Learn more details about these events and sign up today to attend:

Hope to see you there!

--Mitch

P.S. -- All across Virginia, supporters are coming together to form Campaign for Change Precinct Teams. These teams are a great way for you to help build this movement for change in your own community and across the state.

Learn more about joining one today.

Where Are the McCain People?

Brandon — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 12:45:37 EDT

I was out canvassing again today in South Arlington, VA and ran into a horde of Obama canvassers. A few of us started talking and we realized that we've never run into any McCain canvassers. Does the McCain campaign canvass at all? A quick glance at the "get involved" section of his web site seems to suggest that they do not. All the "events" on the web site seem to be nothing more than just gatherings of the faithful at private homes. I've noticed that the Obama campaign does a few of those as well, but canvassing seems to be a primary focus as well.

What good is it to spend the time and energy gathering like-minded volunteers in a private place to all talk about how much they agree? People need to get out there and talk to the undecided voters and show people that our national debate and decision belongs to more of us than television talking heads. It seems that the Obama campaign has a huge advantage over that of McCain in the effort to put a human face on the campaign.

Oh, and if you haven't started canvassing yourself, get out there! Go to the My Neighborhood section and print a walk list today. It's a great way to help the campaign, get some exercise, and meet some neighbors.

150 doors in

Jeannie Biniek — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 22:52:40 EDT

Over the past three weekends I've knocked on about 150 doors. I've been searching for unregistered voters and working to persuade sporadic voters to come out in November for Barack. With each conversation, I become more convinced that we can turn Virginia blue this year. The people I've met have been eager to engage in a conversation. Not about the frivilous topics you see on tv, but about health care, trade, the economy, and education. They care about the war, America's image abroad, and and how their taxes are spent. They are ready for change.

Many of these people, however, are undecided. They're skeptical that the change they seek is possible. Cynical that our system includes ordinary folks only during elections. Even through this skepticism and cynicism, however, they are willing, even eager, to listen and to talk. So, I'll be out there again this Saturday talking to my neighbors. I believe that through these conversations we can build the bridges we need to create the change we all seek. And in November Virginia will be blue for the first time in 44 years.

Amazing Grand Opening at the new Arlington for Obama HQ

Jeremy Caverly — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 23:58:27 EDT

Check out the great pictures of all the fun at the Obama office opening in Arlington this Saturday!

View more here!

Vets Fight Back

Adam — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:27:46 EDT

Terron Sims and Seth Lovell (left), and Nick Baucum (right), veterans of the wars
in Iraq and Afghanistan, are introduced today in Arlington.

In Arlington today, veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom came together to call on Sen. John McCain and his campaign to cease their increasingly negative, false attacks on Barack and return to issues that matter to voters across Virginia and the country.

The vets denounced McCain's most recent ad, on the air in NOVA, which makes grossly misleading claims to charge that Barack doesn't support our troops.

Nick Baucom, a U.S. Marine who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, said he is disappointed in the McCain campaign's typical games.

I respect Sen. John McCain and his service to our country, but I no longer respect his campaign's tactics. This attack is a new low and right out of the Bush-Cheney playbook.

The men and women in our armed forces, not to mention Virginians, deserve better than that.

Seth Lovell, a Virginia National Guardsman and veteran of both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, backs Barack because of his strong record on veteran's issues, and was happy to see him visit the troops last week.

As a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, I was proud to see Senator Obama meeting with our troops last week. I'm supporting Senator Obama precisely because he supports our troops.

Senator Obama has been a leader on veterans issues. He was an early vocal supporter of Sen. Jim Webb's GI Bill, and has consistently shown judgment that puts our troops and the security of our country first.

Republicans and Democrats alike are condemning this latest in a series of false attacks. Terron Sims, a U.S. Army veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, sums up the general reaction nicely:

It is wrong for [Sen. McCain] to use our men and our women serving in that war to attack Barack Obama.

These tired attacks have become part of the Washington playbook and represent exactly why we need real change in Washington.

A special thanks to the veterans who spoke out today for their service and for their support. You can read more about Barack's positions on vet's issues here.

Yet More Canvassing!

Adam — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 18:03:18 EDT

Volunteers in Fairfax yesterday, getting ready to change the world. I'm not exaggerating.

Stories and pictures keep coming in from this weekend's ambitious statewide canvass. If you took part, tell us how it went.

There is just no substitute for people going door to door talking to their neighbors about Barack. It really is the most effective form of voter contact, and this campaign is where it is today because thousands upon thousands of volunteers have decided to put in the time and knock on doors for Barack.

If you couldn't make it out this weekend there are canvasses happening everyday from now till Nov. 4, at every Obama office in the Commonwealth. Operators are standing by.

Fight the Smears

Adam — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:33:51 EDT

A new viral smear has emerged claiming that Barack "blew off" the troops in Afghanistan to play basketball for a photo shoot.

After it emerged on the web Thursday, the smear was quickly refuted and denounced by Army leadership at Bagram airfield, where the snub supposedly occurred.

While it may be tempting to laugh off this smear as yet another on-its-face absurd claim, this campaign has taught us better. Not everyone has time to fact-check their email, and when someone hears a story from someone they trust, they're likely to believe it.

So we have to fight the lies by spreading the truth. If someone you know hears this or any other ridiculous rumor about Barack, use our website to fight the smears yourself.

Read the Daily News account of the smear here.

100 Days Left! It's Canvass'n Time.

Adam — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:47:48 EDT

This weekend marks the beginning of the last 100 days till Virginia and the rest of the country casts its ballots in this historic election.

We're kicking off the end of the beginning with an exciting, ambitious statewide event, and we want you to be a part of it. Across the Commonwealth, Virginians are headed to their local campaign headquarters to join a 100 Days to Change Canvass.

Barack can't do this without you. This movement is built upon neighbors talking to neighbors, friends talking to friends, sharing Barack's vision of change. He's asking you to join this movement.

Brittany will be there. Brittany was standing in line for the midnight premiere of The Dark Knight last week, just minding her business, when a volunteer came up and asked her to register to vote.

Brittany did him one better. A recent high school graduate, Brittany was inspired to get involved, and she's been registering voters for Barack ever since.

Brittany, on the right, registering voters at the Hunstman Square center in Springfield.

Brittany is fired up, and she's bringing some friends to the canvass in Fairfax Station on Saturday. Do likewise and sign up for the canvass near you.

Retired Military Leaders Come Out for Barack

Adam — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:41:17 EDT

Brig. Gen. David McGinnis (Ret.) announces his support for Obama in Arlington yesterday.

Decorated Virginia military veterans came together in Arlington Monday to declare their support for Barack Obama. Col. Thomas Beres, USAF (Ret.), Brig. Gen. David McGinnis, U.S. Army National Guard (Ret.), and Adm. David R. Oliver Jr., U.S. Navy (Ret.) announced their support for Barack's stance on veteran's issues and for his vision of a smart, tough, and principled foreign policy.

The respected military leaders also criticized John McCain for running another dishonest attack ad in NOVA designed to mislead voters about Barack's support for our troops and his position on ending the Iraq war.

McGinnis, who served in active duty for 23 years, went public with his support because he believes Barack will bring the change of direction the country needs right now.

Barack Obama has a clear strategic vision for America's security, and his plans for Iraq have remained consistent. John McCain's plan is to keep our troops in Iraq indefinitely. His plan is George Bush's plan. That's not what the American people are looking for, and neither are these worn-out and discredited negative tactics.

Oliver, who served in Iraq at the personal behest of Paul Wolfowitz, is also hoping to see a break from the politics and policies of the Bush presidency.

If you think we need to make a change, if you think it's time for our men and women to come home from Iraq, time to finish the job against al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and time to re-establish American leadership by strengthening our alliances and engaging in tough, principled diplomacy, then vote for Barack Obama when you step in the booth in November.

As a veteran and military leader whose first priority is America's security, that's what I'm going to do.

Tips on Writing Letters to the Editor

chicagoexpat — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 13:01:09 EDT

Here are some general tips for writing "letters to the editor" on behalf of Barack Obama's candidacy (or any candidate or issue you're interested in).

& how to use a search engine like Google to find lists of newspapers for your own state or metro area, with a list of web resources for newspapers in Washington state.

& an example & testimonal from someone who got their letter published in their Sunday newspaper.

-- Lou

++++++++++++++++++++

QUICK TIPS ON LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

Successful letters to the editor are often based on a strong news hook or a timely response to a current issue covered by the targeted news outlet (like, Senator Obama's trip overseas, or a release of an "attack ad" by a local partisan group).

The main daily or weekly newspapers in your area will have the most readers, but don't overlook the smaller community newspapers. They're important too, and are far more likely to print your letter.

1) It is best to keep the letter short, to the point, and polite. Remember you are trying to persuade voters.
a.) Newspapers generally don't print anything over 200 words, or about 20 lines
b.) Stay on message, and stay with one message per letter

2) Write informally and conversationally in tone, you’re writing for your neighbors. Use simple language.

3) You can appeal to the reader’s emotions with imagery, phrasing, and varied sentence structure. Passion is fine, but be polite. A letter from a young person, noting their age or grade, is also very effective.

4.) Like a letter to an official, you can personalize it with something specific that happened to you, or your program, that relates to the issue. The important thing is to write about something that matters to you about supporting Senator Obama.

5) Send it on letterhead appropriate to the author. That is, if you're speaking only for yourself, don't use your business or organization letterhead but only your personal letterhead (if you have any).

If you're announcing an endorsement or official position of your organization, then you can use organization letterhead (check w/ the boss though!).

6.) Include your contact information to verify your authorship; some outlets do not publish letters until they verify who wrote the letters sent to them.

7.) Type it up (newspaper editors will not want to decipher anyone’s handwriting), proofread, and spell check your letter before sending it.

8) Check your local paper for the correct address and editor to send it to. Many papers now have on-line, internet access for sending letters-to-the editor

9.) If you don't get your letter published, it may not have been published simply for space or deadline reasons. You can always send it again, or send it to a different daily, weekly, or community newspaper.

10.) Even if your newspaper doesn't accept "Letters to the Editor" from the Internet, it still makes it very easy to find the right place to send one. For finding addresses for local papers, go to a search engine like Google and type in your metro area and keyword, like "Washington State newspapers" "Seattle newspapers" or "Seattle Community newspapers"

Most states have some organization that has collected and organized state newspapers into lists, as well as official lists usually compled by a state officer with some responsibility over newspapers (such as, the Secretary of State).

Some Washington state newspaper listings found off Google:

http://newslink.org/wanews.html

http://www.secstate.wa.gov/library/wa_newspapers.aspx

http://www.usnpl.com/wanews.php

http://www.dailyearth.com/USNews/washington.html

11.) An example of a successful effort is at "Another Pro-Obama Letter To the Editor" that was published as a blog post.
(at http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/dobrocat/gGx42L )

Getting Started

Brandon — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 12:09:11 EDT

Greetings! My name is Brandon, I'm a 30 year old resident of Arlington, VA and an Obama supporter. People often accuse my generation of being disaffected or indifferent to the events that happen around us. To the extent that this is true, I believe it's because the previous generation (sorry Boomers) has given us so little to believe in.

For me, Barack Obama is the first politician in my lifetime who I find really speaks to the issues I care most about. I admire that he has the courage to openly support unpopular yet correct positions- for example, his speech on race and his opinion that Americans should learn Spanish and other languages. I admire the fact that he stays away from identity politics and focuses on the issues. I feel called to support Obama and to get involved in some small way in the course of our history.

I've been impressed by all the grassroots tools on the web site so I decided to give some of them a go. This morning I printed out a walk list using the tools on this site and set out into my neighborhood. Unfortunately, most people weren't home but it was good to get a dialog going among some of the neighbors. I'm going to keep on trying. It feels good to be involved.

Voices from Fairfax

Adam — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 11:42:58 EDT

Last week, Barack came to Fairfax to talk to Virginians about securing the economic future for women and families. The field house at Robinson Secondary was packed, and we met a lot of incredible people at the event eager to hear Barack address their concerns.

Everyone we talked with was feeling the economic crunch, but we were struck by the optimism and hope in the room.

Virginians are responding to Barack's plan to revitalize and grow the middle-class, and believe that if we work together we'll be able to bring about the change the country needs right now. Click below to see a short clip of some reactions to Barack's talk. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories with us.

Voices From Fairfax

Share Your Stories

Adam — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 20:54:21 EDT

Hey everybody. With so many of you headed to office open-houses tomorrow, we thought it would be a good time to give folks a way to share their photos and stories with us.

Tomorrow and for the rest of this historic campaign, a lot of you will take pictures and have experiences that we want to see and hear about. Share your stories and your stuff here.

Why Should I Vote for Him?

Nicholas from Arlington, VA — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 15:21:22 EDT

A recent conversation with an unenthusiastic 30 year-old voter, who said Barack 'promises too much' and that he didn't feel he would make any difference led me to write the following:

"I can't just let our Obama conversation hang without a final word. The important thing is that O shows us which direction he would attempt to take the country: negotiation, not war; education, not weapons.

"An administration anchored on hope and planning for the future, not fear of 'terror' and the unknown; a policy that places less tax burden on the middle class and poor, and more on those who make more than 250k.

"He is a 'we're all in this together and work out a better future' person.

"W and Mc are the politicians who base their ideas on provoking fear, e.g. 'Only I can make you safe;' and on hatred of the government, e.g. 'I'll let you keep 'your' money and let corporate America go un-regulated,' which is how we got in this credit mess: W looked the other way, while Wall Street built a finance scam based on swindled ordinary folks, who got suckered into loans the brokers knew the borrowers could not afford -- but talked the borrowers into believing they could.

Cheney Ordered Covert Intrusion into Iran ... Bush Is Threatening War ... Please Speak Out!

Nicholas from Arlington, VA — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:06:07 EDT

Senator, the President is once again threatening war with Iran, saying 'All options are on the table.'

We know from the detailed report in The New Yorker [ New Yorker expose' ] that the Administration, led by Vice President Cheney, is conducting "a major escalation of covert operations against Iran ... designed to destabilize the country's religious leadership."

This calls for a response, Senator, and you are the one on whom we attach our hope for ending any possible chance that Bush would take us into another unilateral attack.

Me, Barack Obama, and an undiscovered love of my country.

Meg — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:51:03 EDT

I was never what you would call a patriot.

One houseparty at a time

Jeannie Biniek — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 22:13:41 EDT

Twenty-five people gathered in my apartment on Saturday. Over half had no relation to me other than our support for Barack Obama and this movement for change. The remaining folks were my friends and family. Most of whom have had very limited engagment in the political process up to this point. It was my first houseparty. Either as a guest or a host. And to be honest, I was a little nervous, because I wasn't quite sure what to expect.

My houseparty was an awesome experience. At one point, I took a step back and just watched as complete strangers introduced themselves and opened up about why they were there, their personal experiences and life stories, and what they were hoping to see going forward. I didn't have to do anything except open my home. Simply provide a space where people could come together, share and learn from one another.

Really, its a simple idea: The people who are affected by an issue are the ones who are best able to come up with solutions that will work. Regular folks have what it takes to shape the policies created in Washington so that they successfully address our needs. Specifically, we know from our own personal experience what must be done. The challenge is building a bridge between communities of people and those active in the policy-making process. One important thing we've been lacking, especially on a national scale, is the organization it takes to yield influence over these decisions. This campaign, and Saturday in particular, provide some guidance into how to make that happen.

One houseparty at a time we are building the infrastructure of our organization. Connecting to one another. Understanding how we are each affected by decisions that are made in our nation's capital. One houseparty at a time we are changing what it means to participate in the political process. One houseparty at a time we are taking back this country and deciding for ourselves what our future will look like.

Why It's Important to Hit the Doors and the Phones

Brian Coy — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:34:23 EDT

Sean at FiveThirtyEight.com has an excellent post up today on Voter files and how important field work is to building the data and knowledge about your voters that you need to win. He spends some time discussing Virginia's Democratic voter file in particular:

"But one of the reasons Virginia's elections are getting more and more competitive is that, from what I've heard from a number of firsthand sources who have worked cycles in Virginia, is that that voter file is as good a state voter file as Democrats have anywhere. It's more than just changing demographics in NoVa."

This is a direct testament to the outstanding work that Virginia Dems have done over the past few years on the doors and on the phones, building a voter file that is accurate and reliable enough that when the time comes to GOTV, we are hitting the right voters year in and year out. This year's enthusiasm is a great opportunity to double the quality and size of our voter file here in Virginia. If we can just commit to the work it will take to do it, it could be the thing that guarantees our victory in this year's Presidential, Senate and Congressional races, and sets us up for victory in 2009.

Get Ready for Change! Voter Reg is here!

Chrisi — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 22:28:47 EDT

"The time to hesitate is through."

Spoken through the immortal genius of The Doors, of course, but it applied to us as well!

We have a great chance to turn Virginia Blue for Barack Obama in the fall by uniting our party, healing wounds, and registering more voters than ever before.

Please take the time to sign up for a voter reg event, or email me at chrisimwest@gmail.com to be added to our Northern VA Voter Registration List.

Encourage your friends, neighbors, co-workers, and fellow Obama AND Clinton supporters to come together to help change this country.

It's about change, and it's about time!

Yes we can!

Chrisi

Alexandria 4 Obama

5-4 vs. 4-5 . . .Whew!

Robin Lee — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:59:11 EDT

Today the Supreme Court reversed a lower court decision and granted prisoners at Guantanamo the right to petition for writs of habeas corpus. By invoking this right to have the legality of their detention reviewed by a U.S. federal court, these petitioners could be released altogether or at least be placed under the control of the regular American criminal justice system. The decision which was yet another rebuke of the Bush Administration would probably not have come out this way if Bush had been able to appoint another Justice to the High Court. That should be sufficient cause for every Democrat, and most Republicans (Cheney, Addington and Yoo of course not among them) to elect Barack Obama in November. Its really chilling to think that for one vote the Supreme Court would side with the Unitary Executive against the Constitution.

PC or Mac?

Robin Lee — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 07:51:37 EDT

Awhile back during the Republican Primaries Yahoo News asked the candidates whether they used PCs or Macs. McCain offered up that he was:

Neither, I'm an illiterate that has to rely on my wife for all of the assistance I can get.

Are you kidding? Senator McCain, personal computers and the internet are not some fad that's going away anytime soon. Maybe I am making too much of this but how can someone really function in this economy without knowing how to use a computer? I guess we should take some comfort in the fact that in 2008 the Republicans have nominated a Luddite to be the next President of the United States.

Turn Virginia Blue in '08!

Jeremy Caverly — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:29:50 EDT

Did you know a Democratic presidential candidate hasn't won Virginia since 1964?

We've made great strides over the past few elections, but we need your help if we want to make history. Help us turn Virginia blue!

http://www.vademocrats.org/bluevirginia

I have a dream

John — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 22:05:06 EDT

Now that it's official I've been thinking about the next 5 months. Here is my prediction:

BHO will achieve an overwhelming victory in November! Not a sweep but, substantial wins in many predictable and close states and close and surprising numbers in traditionally Red states! Why?

The reality of who BHO is will slowly start to settle in and Americans will focus on it. The flawless campaign (as good as it can get!) took attention away from the historic element of the race. Pride will start to creep into our collective consciousness and those that might not otherwise support him, will give him the traditional American, "lets give him a chance" vote. The whole world is watching. The possibility of African-European heads of state are now, for the first time, a possibility! France, England, Spain, etc, Turkish- German PM in Germany? The sense of possibilty he has engendered is unprecedented. The implications for an American foreign policy resurgence is palpable. Chenck back on Nov 6th.

A New Politics of Hope

Travis Valentine — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 09:18:32 EDT

After watching the returns the other night, I was reminded of the time I saw Sen. Obama speak before he announced. I wrote about that in a post I made on the NDN blog in February of 2007:

The last time a Senator made a trip to George Mason to campaign, it was John Kerry in 2004. After winning the VA and TN primaries, Sen. Kerry, his wife, Max Cleland and others stood in the Johnson Center and addressed cheering students hopeful for change. Before that, Sen. John Edwards made a visit and spoke to a smaller crowd, addressing a larger audience outside of the room. Both events were candidate forums held by the school paper, The Broadside.
At both of those events, there were small groups of hecklers and it was obvious that divisions ran rampant.

Yesterday, a different scene took place as Senator Barack Obama took the very same stage as Sen. Kerry before him. There were no interruptions, not even from those who disagree with him who still showed because they wanted to listen to what he had to say just as much as the believers next to them. What resulted was complete awe in all that is Obama. And it happened because students from all over made it happen.

It was like your typical campaign rally: music, signs, balloons, and a bit of tardiness on behalf of the man we all came to see. Introducing him were the people who helped bring him: the Director and Deputy Director of Students for Obama, Meredith Segal and Tobin Van Ostern, as well as Farouk Olu Aregbe, the man behind the now popular "One Million Strong for Barack" Facebook group (which now has over 200,000 members), and who, according to Obama, "has a funny name like me."

But when Obama showed, the thousands of students who came to see him erupted - the Johnson Center, with soundproofing at every level above the noisy ground floor, was just as loud as it was in '04. He wasn't introducing Prince, as he says his wife asks when wondering why large crowds come to hear him speak. Obama knew where he was and used it to incite a rousing welcome. He entered with "George Mason knows how to throw a party!" and, in his usual self-deprecating way, dismissed his popularity by asking the crowd if the basketball team was making an appearance after his speech. Then, after a few minutes of "calm down," the crowd fell silent.

Obama's presence lived up to the introductory comments of Miss Segal, when she said that the Senator represented a "New Politics of Hope." After he gave the same background we see in the introductory video on his website, he touched on traditionally liberal themes: climate change, education, health care, social security, etc., he did so in his usual way. He held every individual who crammed themselves into the Johnson Center in the palm of his hands as if to say "yes, we can." But he can't do it alone.

Recognizing the incredible youth presence behind the event, Obama gave a brief history of the United States. Yet unlike Howard Zinn, Obama's understanding of history reflected the influence of young people, noting the Civil Rights movement, women's suffrage, and other such pivotal moments in our Nation's history, including the formation of our "rag tag" colonies, as challenging times where young people made a collective decision to change things around.

Of the two quotes from Dr. King that Obama recited, one stood out the most. That "the moral arc of the universe bends at the elbow of justice" had a profound resonance in itself; but Obama cautioned that the arc wouldn't bend on its own. He said that we, together, could be the agents of change we wanted to see in the world.

One could argue that Obama's humble nature makes those around him have so much optimism because he recognizes, in a different way than others do, his limitations as just one man. He has flaws, which he addressed by saying that he probably made more mistakes than most of the people in the audience. It seemed that by bringing his faults and achievements (past, present, and future) to the forefront, he became more like everyone else in the room. He was at the same level as all the other ordinary people there, which seemed to elevate in everyone else the sense that we share a role in changing the country.

The crowd was diverse, something Obama embraced from the start. Yet he he also acknowledged the ideological diversity he has grown accustomed to by recalling a story about a trip he took to Cairo, IL during his Senate campaign. Cairo, according to Obama, was like other segregated cities of the 60s, but when he pulled up for his rally he saw voters of all colors and beliefs out to support the "skinny guy with a funny name." In recalling that trip, he had proven that something was happening and that he somehow fits into that change as either the agent of change or a representation of the change that allowed Cairo's moral arc to accept him.

Without a doubt, Mr. Obama came to George Mason a humble man with faults just like any other. But he left a humble man, whose forgiveness had been exchanged with the hope of the thousands of the young and old who came to see him, yearning for someone to tell them how to help bend our arc more towards justice.

(My pictures turned out a bit dark, but I'll post some others soon. Until then, enjoy the video from PoliticsTV).

This is our moment

Jeannie Biniek — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 09:17:36 EDT

This is our moment.

We have tromped through ice and snow in Ohio and rain in South Carolina;

We have made phone calls to women in New Jersey and independents in Nevada;

We have asked our friends and family for money – over and over and over;

We have given a little bit from our own pockets – month after month after month;

We have talked to strangers on the metro, in the airport, and on the bus;

We have engaged our friends who support other candidates in conversations about our vision for change, the definition of experience, and our own role in the political process;

We have taught people how to register voters;

We have written phone banking scripts;

We have handed out stickers at bars on a Friday night;

We have made homemade signs and shirts;

We have made politics personal and grown this movement by pulling in our families, whether or not politics was "their thing";

We have dreamed of a better future;

We have taken action to realize our hopes;

And tonight we have made history.

This is our moment.

The First 100 Days!

Robin Lee — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 10:03:00 EDT

It's exciting to be an American today. Aren't you impressed with how good the Obama campaign looked yesterday? Face it, Obama is going to be the Democratic nominee in November and will be our next President next January. Wow.

OK, now it's time to go to work. Obama has run a magnificent campaign for the nomination, we have to make sure that his campaign to be President is equally well run, disciplined and imaginative. Finally, we need to start thinking about the first 100 days! I have been making a pitch, which I will continue to refine about how important fiscal discipline will be in the next Administration. We (Democrats) will run the White House, Senate and House for the first time in almost 20 years. We need to prove by the first things that we do that we are worthy of the public trust we are granted.

Onward! To West Virginia, Oregon and beyond!

Chrisi — Thu, 08 May 2008 09:58:29 EDT

Hello fellow hopemongers!

You know it's that time again! Time to get fired up after another inspiring
speech, and another convincing win- because we trust the American People and
they've done the right thing again tonight.

Primary after primary, caucus after caucus, our candidate has shown the rest
of the country that this election is not about Barack Obama. Or Hillary
Clinton. Or John McCain. It's about us. Regardless of race, education,
economic status, or religion, people come together over this campaign.

Donate! Register voters! Travel to WV or OR! Make phone calls! Email your
friends and family! We can do this, but not without each and every one of
you.

I just donated again (don't tell my husband!) to show this campaign that
we're all still fired up and ready to go! Will you join me in making a
statement that we're going to keep going until this race is won?

Yes we can, Virginia!
Now let's get to work, and show 'em how it's done!
Chrisi

https://donate.barackobama.com/donateinvite

Let's get to work!

Chrisi — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:03:44 EDT

Do not be disheartened or discouraged about tonight- we came back from a 20 point deficit! And we are only looking forward in this campaign. Right now that means North Carolina and Indiana, Oregon, West Virginia, and so forth!

What an Elitist...!!!!!!!

John — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 17:13:46 EDT

It's really interesting to watch how the media seems to be having a crack attack as they try to find fault with everything that BO says/does. All the networks are at it now, not just Fox!! He must be doing something right! Its almost laughable to watch how they twist and contort any comment he makes to suit their purposes! How does the product of a 1960's biracial marriage of a poor midwestern white girl and an african immigrant become an elitist? Wasn't he a scholarship student? I won't even mention Michelle's history, South side Chicago in the 70's was such an elitist abode!

On the "bitter" comment. It's obvious who the elitists are. McCain..third generation son of admirals and husband of an heiress; Hilary, daughter of well heeled Chicago businessman. If they can't understand by now that being out of work and steadily losing hope for your childrens' future does not engender bitterness,...hmmm.. Do they have a clue?

I know you usually shoot the messenger but, finally someone describes the real economic environment, maybe we can now (Jan '09)begin to discuss real solutions..Could that be the reason Barack has raised more money from more people than any politican in American history! HilarCain..who are they meeting that is so optimistic and cheerful? Oh, leave out the other multimillionaire/coupon clippers they consort with, who are invested globally and dont really care about the average American? Anyone else? I'm not seeing many people get up with a smile on their face as they go to work, except.....

NYT(today)..Mark Penn -- whose firm, Burson-Marsteller, owns Charles Black's(McCain advisor) firm -- stepped aside last week as chief strategist for Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton's campaign after he met with representatives of the Colombian government, which is pursuing a trade pact.

Barack, have you hit(unwittingly???) on a populist theme(what would Pat Buchanan say?)..run with it, embrace it...I think that is what is frightening the media elite and their masters. They dont own you. And, you are speaking to real issues! Its scary!! What will you do as President? Stand up for the working American citizen...heaven forbid!!

Trips to NC and PA

Chrisi — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 23:33:02 EDT

If you would like to travel to PA or NC, please get in touch with me-- I just need some info from you first!

Please join Team Obama: Walking for Change at Walk MS

Kevin Vincent — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 23:41:57 EDT

Pat Haman (co-coordinator and co-founder of Arlingtonians for Obama, and also my wife), has formed a team to participate in this year's MS Walk to raise funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. We are joining our interest in finding a cure for multiple sclerosis with our grassroots efforts to elect Barack Obama. Pat is the Team Captain and she and I invite you to join "TeamObama: Walking for Change."

The team will be walking April 6 in Reston starting at 9:00 am. The walk is 3.5 miles in length and everyone is encouraged to wear their Obama sportswear, hats, and buttons to show their support for Team Obama! The Walk will conclude before noon.

We have met so many wonderful people campaigning for Barack at the grassroots level; this seems to be a fun way to continue our message of hope here in Northern Virginia.

To join the team, you can sign up online at
http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/TeamObama

As some of you know, Michelle Obama's father suffered with MS and Senator Obama supports the work of the National MS Society. You can see Senator Obama's video urging support of the National MS Society at -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VB90yV17f0

Unless you are planning to go to Pennsylvania on the weekend of April 6 to campaign for Senator Obama, we think it is especially fitting that Obama volunteers in Northern Virginia support Barack Obama and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society by joining Team Obama: Walking for Change in the MS Walk on April 6. Please join Team Obama in Walking for Change!

If you are unable to join us, please consider making a small donation to help our effort. We, as well many other Obama supporters in Northern Virginia, have a number of people in our lives suffer from the devastating effects of MS. Every contribution to research brings us one step closer to helping people live symptom free for longer and longer periods of time.

An Incredible Day for America

Paul Friedman — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:25:22 EDT

Tuesday, March 18, was an incredible day for America.

Barack Obama spoke to America like no other politician running for the highest office in the land since John F. Kennedy spoke about his religion and the need for a strict separation of church and state. He spoke to us like adults. He spoke to us about his infamous pastor, his own family, our history dealing with race, the problems we all share, and then he articulated the justifiable fears, angers, and resentments that whites and blacks have developed over time. Finally, he gave us a choice. Be distracted yet again by meaningless arguments (this time related to guilt-by-association attacks) or move forward together and bring real change to our nation.

This speech will go down in history and I urge you to watch it in full and then make a special donation to honor this moment in time at:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/PAF

The speech of a statesman; the best in our time

Nicholas from Arlington, VA — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 23:34:29 EDT

I doubt any of us has heard or seen the likes of Senator Obama's remarkable speech, given today in Philadelphia. It shall be remembered as the speech that presented a wise statesman to the country he will lead as our President, beginning January 20 of next year.

Could any person of this era have presented such bold, personal, challenging and moving remarks to the citizens of this much wounded nation? Today Barack Obama demonstrated courage in the face of adversity.

Many no doubt expected a mea culpa and a finger of blame, yet the Senator rose above his critics and those who harp on his friendships, and presented to us the face of a measured and thoughtful leader. It is now clear why U.S. Senator Barack Obama will be the 44th President of the United States of America.

Nicholas Penning, Arlington, Va.

www.penningthoughts.com

Race & Gender

Erica — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 10:42:23 EDT

This week, I listened to my co-workers as they tried to navigate their positions following the Geraldine Ferraro comments. One woman in the room came to the conclusion that the country was more ready for a Black man to be President than to see a woman of any race as President. The others in the room eagerly nodded their heads. I couldn't stay silent.

I suggested that the woman in question is particularly divisive and that those who reject her bid for the Presidency may be doing so because they don't like that particular woman. It is not necessarily that the country is not ready for a woman President, but rather that many of us do not like the choice of Hillary Clinton to fulfill that role. Many of the values that we admire and want to see in a woman President are not reflected in Hillary Clinton.

Similarly, many of us who support Barack Obama realize that the country probably is not ready to accept an African-American President in general ..... but that's just it. Barack Obama is not just any African-American man. He is an exceptional and uniquely qualified man for many reasons. His ability to see that this is one world and we have to find a way to live in and on it together, is a reflection of the fact that he has lived abroad and has relatives outside of the USA. Even his American experience is a broader and more inclusive experience given that Hawaii is outside of the mainland. Barack Obama has an extraordinary international perspective which for me, transcends and improves upon military experience.

I love supporting Barack Obama. I love the fact that he is African-American. But that's not at all why I support him. Get it?

Obama Calls Clinton out on Foreign Policy claims

Bhronda — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 13:24:50 EDT

Why are we not seeing more of this. We need to expose the lack of validity of al of her claims, loudly, internationally, and constantly without relent. We need to work tirelessly as if we are fighting for our lives. No more sitting comfortably, my friends.

PLEASE READ THIS ARTICLE AND OTHERS FROM THE BRITISH PRESS.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/03/08/wuspols408.xml

Please help me get the word out!

Angela - Arlington VA — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:46:13 EST

I was reading/blogging on the Women For Obama blog site and the group was entertaining ideas about us women doing something to get attention for the Obama campaign like volunteering at 3AM or doing a march in Philly. I was just brainstorming.... and maybe instead of doing something at 3AM or a march, we can have a "Stand" for Change rally. We don't necessarily have to do it in one location. We can go to the capitol in our respective states.. I live in Arlington, VA and we could go to the US Capitol, and also set up something for Richmond. We need to find coordinators in each state and make THIS happen.. YES WE CAN!!!!!

Women for Obama! Kids for Obama! -- Yes We Can!

Fly Girl — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:19:34 EST

We've seen RECORD numbers of voter turnout -- WHY? Because Barack Obama got them EXCITED about being a part of the political process. We are proud to be volunteering for a real LEADER.

Keep it up! We can win this -- Yes We Can!

Superdelegates Catching the Wave!

Adrian Jordan — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:28:03 EST

Since February 26, 2007 18 new superdelegates have pledged to support OUR candidate Barack H. Obama to be the next President of the United States of America. Thank you*:

2-26-08 - Sen. Chris Dodd (CT), Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (SD), DNC Steve Powell (IL) added for Obama
- Added "Shadow Senators" Michael Brown (DC) and Paul Strauss (DC) for Obama
2-27-08 -
- Added Sen. Byron Dorgan (ND) for Obama
- Added Rep. John Lewis (GA) for Obama
- Added DNC Marianne Stevens (ME) for Obama
- Moved DNC Senfronia Thompson (TX) from Clinton to Obama
2-28-08 -
- Added Rep. John Barrow (GA) for Obama
- Added DNC Ben Jeffers (LA) for Obama
2-29-08 - Added DNC Brian Melendez (MN) and DNC Donna Cassutt ( MN) for Obama
- Added DNC Renee Pfenning (ND) for Obama
- Added DNC Rep. Hon. Yvonne Davis (TX) for Obama
- Added Sen. Jay Rockefeller (WV) for Obama
3-1-08 - Added DNC Joe Wineke (WI) for Obama. Added Stewart Burkhalter (AL)# as new add-on superdelegate for Obama.

* Superdelegate numbers are from demconwatch.blogspot.com.

Green Matters! (One-Day, Mass-Donation Event on Earth Day, 4-22-08)

Rye — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 11:13:17 EST

PURPOSE:
The "Green Matters" event is a grassroots, one-day mass-donation event with the purpose of bringing the ENVIRONMENT into the forefront of the 2008 Presidential race.

HOW IT WORKS:
A massive one-day donation event on a nationally celebrated day of environmental awareness (Earth Day), and on the same day as the Pennsylvania primary, will penetrate the national dialogue, once again moving the environment to the forefront of Presidential politics. Our idea is to combine concern for the environment with Barack Obama's wide appeal and extensive grassroots support by recruiting people to make an official campaign donation in support of Barack Obama and the environment, on Earth Day - April 22, 2008.

The success of this endeavor will show that the environment is a strong viable issue in the 2008 campaign, that Barack Obama is the right candidate to tackle the issue, and that Green Matters to many Americans.

WHY?:

Why do we feel it is so important to send this message now, more than ever?

* The health of the environment is a health care issue

* Environmental insecurity is an issue of national security

* A poor environment disproportionately affects the poor

* The environment is an issue that affects everyone

WHAT TO DO:
1. Go to www.envirobama.com/greenmatters to sign up and be a part of making history this Earth Day.

2. Sign up for the MYBO Environmentalists for Obama group at my.barackobama.com/page/group/EnvironmentalistsforObama

3. Go to www.envirobama.com to learn more about Barack Obama's strong environmental positions.

4. Pass all of this info on to as many people as possible, spread word across the internet, and help us get word out to powerful people and media outlets.

5. JOIN US BY PARTICIPATING ON APRIL 22 IN A ONE-DAY, MASS-DONATION EVENT TO SHOW THE WORLD THAT GREEN MATTERS!

Thank you,
Environmentalists for Obama
Envirobama.com

Obama "Missing Ideas"

Matt Black — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 09:10:05 EST

In today's WashPost, Sebastian Mallaby makes some excellent points, some of which Hillary will probably use in tomorrow's debate.

Senator Obama should be prepared for them, but not just rhetorically. After this campaign, it will be time for him to govern, and this kind of rethink will be crucial if we're really going to transform hope into meaningful action. If he can parry her thrusts with some respect for the ideas not yet heard, it may impress a lot of undecideds in Ohio who are already a bit suspicious of this new populist Hilllary, who seems to now be aggressively channeling John Edwards.

Obama's Missing Ideas

By Sebastian Mallaby

"Understand that what's lacking right now is not good ideas," Barack Obama declared in Thursday's debate. "The problem we have is that Washington has become a place where good ideas go to die." The audience applauded heartily, and Obama's lines boomed out of my radio at breakfast the next morning. But the truth is that, on some of the big issues facing the next president, good ideas are actually quite scarce. Just take a look at climate change.

Strategic Investment in the Future

Barth — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 15:49:43 EST

Our demise as a nation is predicable on the current path but not inevitable if we are willing and committed to making essential changes in long term investments in education, science, research and technology.

Changing the politics is critical; however, it only opens the door. Once we've walked through the door Barack is holding open for us a lot of hard work will be needed to address the festering problems facing the Nation. Many of the problems (health care, Iraq, immigration, the economy, etc.) will need immediate attention. There is certainly an element of urgency in addressing the alligators closest to the boat ... but we shouldn’t forget that the objective is to drain the swamp through a concerted effort and major investment in the long term strategic interests of our country. Without this investment the alligators come back.

Obama campaign offices are closed -- for now

Kevin Vincent — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 01:38:38 EST

UPDATE -- Now that the Virgnia primary is over, the Obama campaign offices in Northern Virginia at 400 N. Washington Street in the City of Falls Church and near Bailey's Crossroads on Leesburg Pike have both closed. We will reopen offices at other locations later after Barack wins the Democratic nomination. Please keep checking this website for announcements of Obama campaign activities until our offices reopen later in the year.

Yes, we can and yes we did! Thanks go to all Northern Virginia volunteers for your fantastic work winning the Virginia primary for Barack Obama in a landslide!

**************************************

Why I support Barack Obama

Jeannie Biniek — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 13:52:46 EST

Dear friends and family,

I am writing to you all, on the eve of Super Tuesday, and one week before Virgina, Maryland and DC go to the polls, to share my reasons for supporting Barack Obama for President. I have never sent out an email on the eve of an election before. I've worked hard to get people I supported elected, but I've never made such a personal appeal to my friends and family. I've never felt so strongly - not ever - that we were on the verge of something incredible, and that electing a person to office would get us there.

You all know the issues. I could discuss them at great length, being the policy wonk that I am, and would love to if you're so interested. But for me, its not about the specific proposals the candidates have put forth. I both agree and disagree with all of them. For me, this election truly represents an opportunity to fundamentally change the way our political system works. To provide an avenue for ordinary people to participate in our government. To reclaim the voice that has been ignored, lost and silenced. This election is a chance for us to say this is our country and we will have a say.

I believe this so strongly because of what I have witnessed. Barack Obama's campaign is different than any I have ever been a part of. He's relying on ordinary people who don't make a lot of money to both fund and run his campaign. In South Carolina, locals were responsible for organizing their communities and running "staging" areas to get out the vote. These volunteers, who so desperately wanted to see change in the way elections were run in their state, came together to shun the "pay to play" system that had dominated South Carolina. In January, 260,000 people donated over $32 million to Obama's campaign. A large majority of these donations were under $100 (I think it was 90% but I can't remember); proving that together we can contribute more than the lobbyists and special interests who have dominated the financing of political campaigns in the past. And finally, I see friends and family who have never thought they had a role to play in politics, volunteering, sending emails, and donating money.

This campaign goes beyond electing Barack Obama President. Its about challenging ourselves to take the initiative to change the things we believe are wrong with the world. To come together to find solutions to problems. To realize that we have a stake in each other's futures, and a responsibility to do our best to ensure things end up better tomorrow than they are today. This election is not about entrusing a President to fix the problems of our country, but about believing in our own ability to be the change we wish to see. Barack Obama, and the campaign he has led, has already proven that when people come together for a common purpose, we can do things we were told were never possible. This is the kind of action that is necessary to change our country. By electing Barack Obama, we are standing up for a different kind of politics, and for a system of government in which we will all have a role to play.

I hope you will consider supporting Barack Obama. And if you already do, I hope you will reach out to those around you and get them to come out too. Check out this inspirational video made by supporters http://my.barackobama.com/page/invite/yeswecanvideo.

With love and respect,

Jeannie

Arlingtonians for Obama Yard Signs!!!

Paul from Arlington, VA — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 10:48:02 EST

Arlingtonians for Obama,

In order to increase Barack's visiability within the county and the region, we are currently distributing yard signs. If you would like to contribute to this effort and show your support for Obama, please email me your name and address and we'll get a sign before the February 12th primary. You can send me a message at paul.alexander.holland@gmail.com

Please let me know if you'd like a yard sign!

Thanks,

Paul Holland

MLK would be proud.

rachsig — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 10:24:14 EST

"I don't think [Martin Luther King, Jr.] would endorse any of us," Barack explained last night in the South Carolina Democratic debate, in response to a question to all of the candidates asking why the Reverend would endorse them were he alive today. Once again, Barack Obama shows that underneath the politician's exterior, he is completely in touch with the people he has served as a community organizer, a law professor, and a legislator. Barack knows that what MLK preached, true brotherhood (and sisterhood) and nonviolent revolution, has yet to be surpassed in intellect and compassion by politics.

Yesterday all three of the candidates appeared at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day march in Columbia, South Carolina to speak at the rally, but, as far as I know, only one actually went into the crowd and marched with the people. Obama. He looked calm, confident, and so proud to be walking with Americans on such a special day. When Barack spoke at the rally, he radiated with the energy of the crowd, because he, too, was one of us, although by then he had climbed up on stage. He was physically on stage, above the people, but in his heart, he felt what we all felt: unity, hope, and the courage to stand up for what we believe in: all values that Martin Luther King, Jr. espoused.

The point is, these words and actions show that Barack Obama has never been a person who considers himself above the rest, although he has always excelled at everything he's put his mind to. He knows that some of the strongest and most intelligent people in America are sitting on stoops of broken-down houses in inner city neighborhoods, waiting for opportunities to come to them. He also appreciates the dignified position and responsibiliies that are awarded to Senators--but he, more than any other Democratic candidate, knows that these are not inherent in the characters of each politician. On the contrary, he even admitted last night that "no one's hands are clean in politics." But Barack became a politician because he wanted to exercise power in a way that would enact positive change in this country, and the world--so he risked dirtying his own hands, because he knew it would lead him to a place where he would have some influence.

For too long, Washington has been built on Ivory Tower politics that judges situations from afar with a bottle of Perrier and an entourage of bodyguards. Only Barack has gone out, alone and unprotected, in the unglamourous position of an organizer, to really experience the problems that have resulted from centuries of neglect in our nation.

Martin Luther King, Jr. may not endorse Barack Obama over the other candidates, but I think it is fair to say that he would be certainly proud of the thoughtfulness, dedication, and humility shown by Senator Barack Obama.

Time's getting short, Take off the gloves

John — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 14:34:52 EST

I said in my last post that I thought Hilary was going off the deep end. Apparently, none of the public commentators saw it my way. It seems she was just, "just getting in touch with her feminine side". Oh well, I've been wrong before...but ...

Anyway, the singlemindedness in the determination of Billary ;) to return to free housing has cranked up the competition. Unfortunately, its time to bring out the nukes!! If Bilary wants to play hardball, its time someone mentioned their not so sweet past! Shouldn't we question if that is what we want as experience in the White House? Adulterous husband caught in unseemly encounter, numerous lawsuits, suspect land dealings with government money, impeachment, last minute pardons of fugitives, callousness to the Holocaust in Rwanda, poor trade policy. Take Robert Rubin/Tech stock market of the 90's out of the equation and all we really had was a personable, sax playing, well spoken governor.

Time to hit them where it hurts if you want to win Sen.! Show how tough you can be under that boyish smile. You saw what they could do in Nevada! Get your attack dogs to work, quick! We dont have much time until Super Tuesday. Everything is on the line now.

We MUST SPREAD WORD on DELEGATE WIN in NV

Anna Roy — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 23:44:23 EST

The amazing most wonderful news all year has been that Obama won more delegates than Clinton in Nevada. We know this, but the thing is, we have to get this MESSAGE OUT in the United States. We NEED the MEDIA and the PEOPLE - our friends, family, neighbors and relatives to help us spread the WORD...I was on Yahoo news and there was nothing about Obama getting one more delegate or him winning all counties but 1. On NY Times.com they are mentioning it, but this is a BIG DEAL!

We need to turn this around and we NEED TO OWN THIS... I emailed Yahoo News (bottom of their main website, go to send feedback) and we need to push our local and national media to report on this and tell EVERYONE WE KNOW....We can't count on the media but we can count on people....WORD OF MOUTH...POWER TO THE PEOPLE....We can make history and we will make history... Email, fax, call your media, your friends etc. this is awesome...and to think - I was so DOWN two hours ago!!! Call your relatives in other states, across the county, your next door neighbor, ask them to do the same.... organize the whole nation!

Take Action!!! Out With The Old...In With The New

Katie from Danville, VA — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 21:00:06 EST

Barack Obama's message is simple: our country needs to change. To this end, I am asking every Obama supporter to help.

If you are anything like me, you've accumulated a lot of stuff that you no longer need or use (old books, videos, cds, clothes, etc). Please take these items to your local Goodwill or Salvation Army ON OR BEFORE Febuary 5th (Super Tuesday). This isn't your typical event. You can do it at your own pace! And when you are done, send out pictures of yourself in Obama gear dropping off the goods, write up a blog, etc. Let's do something to show that this campaign is about more than politics.

Why? Because it's time to prove to the cynics that we are a movement, that the people are about to speak, and they need to listen up. Together, we can change the world.

We made history in Iowa. I was lucky enough to be there, and it changed my life. Will you help to make history again?

By signing up, you are committing to change. If you live outside of Danville, VA, would you consider starting your own event in your area?

Thank you.

This community service event started organically in Columbus, OH. How can you help grow it?

Click on the link below:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4vb9d

How will you make change happen?

Todd Smyth — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:04:50 EST

They can debate the details of their policies all they want but nothing will ever get passed or changed unless one of them can end the partisan gridlock. Corporate special interests only get their way when half of us fail to participate. They divide the rest of us and pit us against one another and that’s how they win. If someone were able to unite enough of us, the power of corporate special interests would become irrelevant and we could begin repairing the damage caused by a corporate run government.

I wish they would focus all the debates on: How will you make change happen?

Yes, We Can! in every language Update -- Yes We Will!

Kevin Vincent — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:00:54 EST

Back in January before the Virginia primary -- what seems like years ago now, I posted the following blog. Now almost on the eve of this historic election, when we will all get to proudly cast our ballots for Barack Obama, it is time to post an updated version. I only wish I could post translations of "Yes We Will" and then on Wednesday "Yes We Did!"

I have been so proud to be part of this amazing movement for Change and Hope. And I can't wait to see Barack in the White House. Thank you so much for everything you all have done for the past two years, and for everything else I know you will do during the next three days to make this come true.

Yes We Can!

Yes We Will!

******************************************************************************

We are all proud of the diversity of support for Senator Obama. Each
grassroots Obama campaign group is a cross-section of America, with
volunteers coming from a wide variety of nationalities and ethnic
backgrounds, and speaking a multitude of tongues. In order to help
demonstrate the breadth of support for Senator Obama here in Northern
Virginia, a few of our volunteers have begun translating the phrase
"Yes, We Can!" from the Senator's New Hampshire speech into the other
languages that they speak.

Please take a look at the list below. If you speak a language that is
not listed, please add your own translation to our list. It turns out
that "yes, we can" is not a simple phrase to translate into many
languages, so don't worry if you can't provide a literal translation.
In fact, the Spanish phrase "Si Se Puede" is the genesis of "Yes, We
Can!" but it does not translate literally to "yes, we can." But "si
se puede" better captures the spirit of the phrase than a literal
translation of "si nosotros podemos".

If your native tongue is not included in the list below, please share
with us the translation that you think best captures Senator Obama's
meaning when he reminds us all that Yes, We Can!

Si Se Puede -- Spanish
Hai! Dekiru yo! -- Japanese
Si puo' fare -- Italian
Sim se pode -- Portuguese
Hum kar suktay henh -- Urdu
Evet! Yapalim!-- Turkish
Oui, c'est possible -- French
Ja, das machen wir -- German
Da, My mozhem! -- Russian
Yichalal -- Amharic
Bai, Ahal Dugu -- Basque
Wo men zuo de dao! -- Mandarin Chinese
Tak, My mozhemo! -- Ukrainian
Bid Chadnaaa -- Mongolian
Ayo, menk karogh enk! -- Armenian

Ooba, kylalabyz! -- Kyrgyz

Ndio, tu ta weza! -- Swahili

Chven shegvidslia -- Georgian

Jes, ni povas -- Esperanto

Hami Garna Sakchaun -- Nepali

Oo-Lin Hal-Soo-It-Suh! -- Korean

Neh, boroomeh -- Greek

Na'am Nahnu Qadirun -- Arabic

Oui, On peut! -- Quebecois

Sim, pode-se -- Brazilian Portuguese

Ja, het kan! -- Dutch

A kan de! -- Sranan

Si por! -- Papiamento

Da, mi mozemo -- Croatian

Ja, Ons Kan! - Afrikaans

Kyllä. Me osaamme! -- Finnish

Haa, hum kar sakte hain! -- Hindi

Ha ji, Chak de! -- Punjabi

Au, Aame Shu! -- Gujrati

Beyachad yecholim -- Hebrew

Tak, my możemy -- Polish

Chu 4;g ta sẽ lām Đứợc -- Vietnamese

************************************************************************

"Yes We Can" in More Languages --

Kaya Na Tin Ito!! -- Tagalog

Kasaysayan at Pagbabago -- Tagalog (alternative)

Baleh, Ma Meetavaneem -- Farsi

Iyie Eelaa Naa -- Ogoni

Igen, meg tudjuk csinálni -- Hungarian

Ha, Amra O Pari! -- Bengali (Shadhubhasha)

Oy, Amra Parmoo! -- Bengali (Sylheti)

Glancing At The Headlines

leedynamo — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 14:32:27 EST

I see all the predictable analysis about how Hillary Clinton righted the ship, supposedly co-opted Obama's change message and so on and so forth.

Obama came from a long way down in New Hampshire to close to within three points. Yes, some of us got caught up in the polls showing Obama ahead, but Obama for America never stopped working.

So, now we're in an old-fashioned contest for a major party nomination. There is nothing wrong with that. Odds are that this will be the real contest for the Presidency anyway.

Both candidates can benefit from being tested.

Blog by Ian Martinez

Kevin Vincent — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 12:25:35 EST

Ian Martinez sent the following message last night to the DC for Obama group that he leads. I think it is worthwhile reading by all of us in Virginia so I'm posting it here with Ian's permission:

*********************

Well, troops,

As we go forward in this process to elect the next president, our next president, it is important to remember that no one is giving this thing away, and just as the Senator tells us, no change worth making was ever achieved without hard work. Remember when he so eloquently defined hope as the fuel that drives us to achieve the impossible, to do what we thought we couldn't? Hope exists for right now.

The pundits -- and the apologists, even our own -- will talk about the power of the media to build someone up, to break someone down.

I prefer instead to focus on the power of legions of volunteers delivering decisive victory in Iowa.

Those very same pundits and partisans will talk about a reality check, about the fears of more traditional voters.

I prefer to think forward, to eschew fear and to deliver an equally decisive victory in South Carolina.

And there will be some who, finally feeling the sting of defeat, jump ship, or see their will flag in the face of a letdown -- to this I can testify because we saw a number of those other campaigns jumping onto our rolls in the past week.

I prefer to see an opportunity to take victory back in the south and in the west -- and to add even more supporters hungry for change.

We've tasted sweet victory in the freezing cold, and now we've tasted bitter defeat on what seemed the sunniest of days. To those who would make sense of this process, who would analyze or explain it, I say: this is life! Up and down. Back and forth.

And the only way we win, the only way we achieve anything in this life, is to work for it. There may be some who signed on because it was the cool thing to do, or because it seemed, in the past week anyway, the expedient path. But I doubt there are too many like that. Because we've been working since we were 20 back in national polls, in third place in Iowa and off the radar elsewhere. We've worked when a narrow third quarter fundraising victory -- perhaps just about as narrow as tonight's -- allegedly sealed the race for the opposition.

And now, we work. I know every single person on this list has something to give. Every one. Why else come out, why else sign up? Isn't this what you're in it for, to overcome? There are primaries in South Carolina, Nevada AND RIGHT HERE IN THE CHESAPEAKE that need our action and our attention.

So now, I urge you to live the words Barack spoke tonight, graciously as ever, "Yes We Can." Can we bring victory to South Carolina? Yes we can, if we organize, cooperate, and sacrifice. Can we sweep the three states we're blessed to call our own? Yes we can, if we show discipline and tenacity.

Can we?

Yes we can, DC for Obama. Yes we can.

Here's to the next one,

Now is the Time

Evan — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 23:11:23 EST

In the words of John Paul Jones

I HAVE NOT YET BEGUN TO FIGHT!

We must all redouble our efforts starting tonight to ensure that Barack Obama is victorious on Feb 5th and Feb 12th. It was easy to eat up the news that Barack was going to win this thing without much of a fight, after tonight we know that will not happen. However, we must continue to believe that with our help Barack Obama will be the next President. We must all work hard to make more phone calls and raise more money. As John Edwards said 2 states down 48 to go! We must not give up.

FIRED UP? READY TO GO?

I pose it as a question to all of you.

I remain FIRED UP and READY TO GO

ON TO NEVADA SOUTH CAROLINA AND LET'S WIN THERE!

28 Days Later

Keith L — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 13:05:36 EST

28 days from now it could all be over. 28 days from now is Feb 5, Super Duper Tuesday.

But it's not over yet.

We've won one state. We're probably going to win tonight. We're looking really good for South Carolina. But as Barack cautioned, we haven't won yet.

We can't afford to sit back and think the game is over. We can't be that team that has a great first quarter, goes into halftime looking like the obvious winner, and then sits back the rest of the game, only to suffer a surprise upset in the fourth quarter.

There's no reason that has to happen. We have to run up the scoreboard. You don't have to be a varsity player to add to the team score in this game. All you have to do is get in it.

Now is the time to decide what you can do to help Senator Obama win the nomination.

I just got back from NH. I was there along with a ton of other people from the DC area and as far away as California and Hawaii! Anyone who was in NH is permanently fired up and ready to go!

Hillary's firewall is on fire. But she still has a lot of money. Neither she nor Edwards will roll over and hand this to us. We will have to work to win it.

There's a lot you can do "seal the deal" on Feb 5. Check the barackobama.com site and sign up for something. Anything.

What we all dreamed of is now clearly possible. But we have to keep working to make it reality.

We have the momentum, we have the numbers, we just have to do the work. Please help.

Entire Washington, D.C. Region Parties for Obama in Arlington, VA

DCforObama.org — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 12:51:50 EST

We had an amazing night at Bailey's in Ballston Mall! Click image to watch the video (on FOX no less!). I've printed our Fearless Leader's wrap up e-mail below!

Wow! What a Night to Celebrate!

What an amazing victory in the Iowa Caucus -- and what a fantastic victory party we had at Bailey's in Ballston Mall last night. More than 300 of us (including some DC for Obama folks) packed into the room and got to yell our lungs out when Barack Obama was declared the winner.

This is just the beginning and we have lots of work to do. We next turn our focus to New Hampshire . . . and then South Carolina . . . and eventually back here in Virginia as we prepare for the February 12 primary. Barack Obama is on his way to the White House and we are all FIRED UP to help him get there!

But before we do that I want to take a moment because some congratulations and thanks are definitely in order for the fantastic victory party last night.

First, thanks go to Jim McBride who organized the event, and publicized it with emails to every Obama supporter in the entire DC area! Thanks Jim for a wonderful job. Now you can turn back to the all important job of running the Obama phone bank operation in Virginia. [Please check with Jim if you can help with phoning -- we need everyone's help with the phone bank].

Thanks also go to Frank Anderson from the Fairfax group who lugged in what looked like a ton of equipment we used for the PA system at Bailey's, and who put up with numerous snafus in trying to make everything work.

And thanks to -- Chrisi West who helped with the organizing and setting up the room. Mary Kay Ogden who helped with room arrangements. Krysta Jones, Jean Crawford and Madi Green who sold tee shirts and collected contributions (plus Madi gave a stellar interview on CNN -- if the video is posted anywhere, please forward the link). Pat Haman who announced our upcoming canvassing plans (and generally keeps me sane). Keith Lutman and others who valiantly tried to make laptops work to accept online donations but couldn't find a wireless network. Plus lots of other volunteers from Alexandria and Arlington and DC, many of whom I met for the first time last night and I already have your names tangled up, who helped in myriad ways to make the event success.

I also want to thank our Arlington elected officials who spoke in support of the Obama campaign last night -- Delegate Bob Brink and Commissioner of Revenue Ingrid Morroy. Thanks for your endorsements and support.

And I especially want to thank one of the members of Arlingtonians for Obama who couldn't even join us last night. We "loaned" Jaime Mulligan to the national Obama campaign staff earlier this year and she has been in Iowa since May. It's the incredible work of dedicated supporters like Jaime that enabled Barack Obama to not only win the Iowa caucuses, but to win with a resounding margin of victory!

We're Fired Up, and Ready to Go!

Kevin Vincent
Coordinator, Arlington for Obama
Northern Virginia Regional Coordinator, Virginia for Obama

It’s Obama’s Time - It's Our Time

Paul Friedman — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 19:49:54 EST

On Tuesday, February 12, 2008, Virginians can register their vote as to who should be the 2008 Democratic nominee for President of the United States of America. While Democrats are fortunate to have an excellent field this time around, one person stands above the rest – United States Senator Barack Obama (D-IL).

A man of insight and judgment, it was Barack Obama who opposed going to war in Iraq (http://www.barackobama.com/issues/raq/) because it was “a dumb war…a rash war” while Senators Clinton, Edwards, Biden and Dodd all voted for it. In a brilliant speech, (http://www.barackobama.com/2002/10/02/remarks_of_illinois_state_sen.php) Barack actually predicted the disaster his war would become with remarkable clarity.

Endorsed by the leader of Virginia’s Democratic Party, Governor Tim Kaine, Barack Obama represents a dramatic break with he past and an opportunity to explore an exciting future. Barack embodies hope for a better world. Some say that Barack should wait his turn but he feels “the fierce urgency of now” as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said.

No one knows what the future will bring. Our nation is at war, our constitution is threatened, and our planet is in peril. Whether it was forging a deal in Illinois that resulted in a law requiring videotaping of criminal suspect interrogations to prevent forced confessions or joining with Senator Russ Feingold to pass the most dramatic congressional lobbying and ethics reforms since the Watergate era, Barack Obama has proven he is the best candidate to bring the nation together to take on those challenges.

Moreover, as the Boston Globe endorsement put it, "The most sobering challenges that face this country — terrorism, climate change, disease pandemics — are global. America needs a president with an intuitive sense of the wider world, with all its perils and opportunities. Barack Obama has this understanding at his core.''

Now that Barack has won in Iowa, he has the momentum and will be on the rise in all the key early primary states with the likelihood of winning them all. A Chicago Tribune poll even shows him up two-to-one (50%-25%) in Illinois over Hillary. Moreover, according to Real Clear Politics, the home of political polls, Obama beats every Republican in the field head-to-head.

Now is the time to show your support. Our moment in history is rapidly approaching. To join our movement to elect Barack Obama you can donate at: http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/PAF.

Generation Obama Stands Up In Iowa

David — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 01:04:05 EST

Twenty-two percent of caucus goers were between the ages of 17 and 29 tonight. 57 percent of those people caucused for Obama. There is finally a candidate that young people are ready to support. As many 17-29 year olds caucused as 65+ year olds. Change is in the wind. Tonight's turnout was a repudiation of partisan politics and triangulation. It was a movement for inclusive rather than exclusive politics, but most of all a movement for authenticity. That is what my generation craves. We aren't as cynical as we are made out to be, but we value authenticity over the perception of perfection.

That is why Obama resonates with us. That is why I am psyched tonight. As a twenty-five year old, I have only voted for Al Gore and John Kerry in Presidential elections. I am involved and vote in almost every election or primary I can all the way down to School Board Representative. But I have never once been excited about a Presidential candidate. Not once. I have only lived through campaigns whose slogans may have well been "Remember the 90s? It will be like that, but without the oral sex." They were campaigns where the candidates moved to the middle and talked in platitudes. I am a centrist and it turned me off because I knew they were being disingenuous. It turned off my friends who didn't even vote because the candidates didn't seem to want any more than putting a Democrat in the White House. No change to make America stronger only change to make the Dems stronger.

Barack Obama has built an authentic campaign based on change for the United States of America. A campaign built towards the future. That is why I support him and that is why I think a lot of my peers not only like him but are willing to get out there and vote for him.

Virginia for Obama state page

Jane - Richmond, VA — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 23:38:33 EST

Read about Governor Tim Kaine helping the Iowa effort http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/vahome

Answer to the Healthcare question.

Evan — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:17:16 EST

The one place where polls seem to demonstrate that voters trust
Hillary instead of Barack is healthcare. This a great article from
Newsweek explaining why Barack Obama's plan to give everyone a seat at
the table to negotiate on behalf of America, makes the most sense and
demonstrates that he has a keen understanding of the issues.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/80882/page/3

Obama Files for Virginia Ballot Nov. 28, First Presidential Candidate to Qualify

Jane - Richmond, VA — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 16:54:45 EST

Released by Obama Press Office:

Governor Tim Kaine joined Obama volunteers this morning to announce that Barack Obama will file today for the Virginia ballot. Following the annoncement outside of the Patrick Henry building, volunteers walked the petitions over to the State Board of Elections. Obama is the first presidential candidate to qualify for the Virginia ballot this election cycle.

"This campaign is not about me, it is about the hundreds of volunteers across Virginia who gathered signatures, and the millions of people across this country who deserve a voice in the White House," said Barack Obama. "I am honored to have the support and guidance of my friend Tim Kaine and I look forward to continuing to get to know the people of Virginia so that together we can change this country."

"I am excited about the successful volunteer petition effort in Virginia and the hard work of so many great volunteers," said Kaine. "Senator Obama's leadership and commitment to bring people together to work towards common goals is reflected in the campaign's growing momentum in Virginia and across the country."

Through the efforts of Obama's Virginia supporters, the Obama campaign submitted nearly 20,000 signatures to place Barack Obama on the ballot for Virginia's February 12th Presidential primary -- the first Presidential campaign to file in the Commonwealth. Obama's signature total, achieved by volunteer efforts alone, reflects his strong grassroots support in Virginia. The signature total is nearly double the required signature total under Virginia law and nearly four times the amount generally required by the Democratic National Committee.

Governor Tim Kaine endorsed Barack Obama for President in February and he currently serves as a national campaign co-chairman. During Obama's last visit to Virginia in late October, he joined Governor Kaine for a Countdown to Change event in Charlottesville with more than 4000 people.

Come Hear Senator Obama on November 30

Kevin Vincent — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 13:04:10 EST

Senator Obama is giving a very important speech at the Democratic National Committee meeting in Northern Virginia on November 30 and we still need volunteers to attend. Volunteers need to get their seats when the doors open at 10:30 AM so will need to arrive at the hotel before 10:00 AM. We want to have a great showing of Obama supporters at the DNC Meeting to show all the members of the DNC and the national press that Northern Virginia is OBAMA Territory! So make sure you attend and wear your Obama gear! Volunteers are also needed to staff (2 hour shifts) the Obama booth and for other tasks throughout the day on Friday and also on Thursday and Saturday.

To attend Barack's speech and/or to take a shift at the Obama booth,
contact Coordinator Kevin Vincent at kevin.vincent62@gmail.com or you
can sign up online at http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4vzyh If you are also volunteering to work at the booth, please specify the two-hour shift on Thursday, Friday or Saturday that you want. If you cannot attend the speech Friday morning, please don't sign up online, but just email me separately with your availability.

Time: Friday, November 30 at 10:00 AM
Duration: 3 hours

Location:
Sheraton Premiere at Tysons Corner (Vienna, VA)
8661 Leesburg Pike
Vienna, VA 22182

VA Governor stumps in Iowa for Obama

Jane - Richmond, VA — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 08:05:16 EST

VA, take pride: http://iowa.barackobama.com/page/community/post_group/IowaHQ/CxJ5

TheAtlantic.com

Jane - Richmond, VA — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 07:03:28 EST

Barack personifies change. He is the bridge to the 21st century, long overdue for our country. Seize this moment in time. Read http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200712/obama

Why the Election on Tuesday Matters for the Obama Campaign

Kevin Vincent — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 23:36:37 EDT

On Sunday and Monday, I want to urge you to please help campaign for the local Democratic Party candidates in Virginia and then to make sure that you vote on Tuesday. Everyone who is a member of this group is committed to Barack Obama's candidacy. Many of you are also Democratic activists and already have been hard at work for our local Democratic candidates. On the other hand, I know that many of you are only interested in Democratic candidates in federal elections and that some of you consider yourself to be Independents or even Republicans even though you support Senator Obama's campaign. All of us should consider, however, how a victory for the Democratic Party in Virginia on Tuesday will benefit the Obama campaign.

First -- A Democratic victory in Virginia in Tuesday will definitely put Virginia "in play" in the 2008 general election. For more than 35 years, Virginia has been written off by both parties as a certain Republican "red state" in presidential elections. Neither party has spent any money, time or effort to campaign in Virginia because the outcome has always been considered certain. If the Republicans win enough seats next week to continue to dominate the Virginia legislature and local offices, the national campaigns, including our own Obama campaign, are likely to assume that Virginia will once again be a lock for the Republican candidate in November 2008. Virginia has been trending Democratic in recent state and federal elections, however, and if the Democratic trend continues next week, we can expect to see Barack Obama campaigning here in Virginia next year after he gets the Democratic nomination. Whether Barack ultimately wins or loses in Virginia in November 2008, we are still the winner if we can make the Republican candidate work to defend "red" states like Virginia.

Second -- Governor Tim Kaine has been an early and active supporter of Senator Obama's presidential candidacy. He was the first governor to endorse a candidate outside of his own state. The Governor's political staff are leading the Obama campaign effort in Virginia right now. Besides leading the Obama campaign in Virginia, Governor Kaine is also leading the 21/51 effort of the Democratic Party of Virginia to take back control of the Virginia legislature next week. We can reward Governor Kaine and his staff for their support of the Obama campaign by helping them achieve a victory next week.

Third -- A victory for the Democratic Party in the Virginia legislature next week will increase President Obama's ability to govern our Nation after he is elected President. How so? The Virginia legislature controls the congressional redistricting process that will occur in Virginia after the 2010 census, midway through President Obama's first term in office. For several years, the Republican Party has controlled both houses of the Virginia legislature, and as a result, they were able to "gerrymander" congressional district boundaries so that only three (3) of the eleven (11) members of Congress from Virginia are Democrats. If the Democratic Party wins control of one or both houses of the Virginia legislature next week, we will be able to redraw the congressional district lines so that the Virginia delegation in Congress better reflects the views of Virginians -- and so that Virginia's Representatives in Congress will be more inclined to support, rather than obstruct, President Obama's policies.

Fourth -- A victory for the Democratic Party in Virginia next week will help to signal the wave that is sweeping all of America now. That wave is rejecting the gridlock and obstructionism -- the politics as usual -- that is currently controlling both the White House and the Virginia legislature in Richmond. Senator Obama and the Obama campaign are on top of that wave, and plan to ride it to victory in November 2008. We can help swell the wave that will elect Barack in 2008 by supporting a Democratic victory in Virginia on Tuesday.

Fifth and most importantly -- Senator Obama likes to say that his campaign is about more than just electing Barack Obama. The Obama campaign is not just about Barack Obama, it is about all of us, all of us working together to bring Change to America. We can bring Change to Virginia on Tuesday by going out to support Democratic candidates. Then we can bring Change to the White House in November 2008.

Let's all work to support our Democratic candidates in Tuesday's election. We can bring Change to Virginia in the election next week.

Time to Turn in Your Petitions

Kevin Vincent — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 00:50:20 EDT

If you are collecting signatures to get Barack Obama listed on the Virginia ballot it is now time to turn in your petitions. Please find a notary and get your forms notarized, even if they are incomplete. Then mail them to me --

Kevin Vincent, 3839 26th St. N., Arlington VA 22207

We want to have all petitions turned in by October 31.

Please let me know if you have any questions or are having trouble finding a notary. You can reach me at kevin.vincent62@gmail.com

Why we fight ...

Jeremy Caverly — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 02:24:04 EDT

Sometimes when I hear the news media or elected officials trumpeting just how "strong" and "prosperous" our current economic conditions are, referencing the latest "indicators", I wonder to myself how much those numbers are inflated by defense and related spending.

Are the positive numbers on paper the result of an endless war-profiteering feedback loop?

Defense industry interests support politicians > politicians support endless war > defense industry interests profit exponentially > politicians [with initials HRC] support expansion of war > "services" economy booms!

I am usually not one for negativity, but I do think there are certain facts that should be brought to light about someone seeking the highest office in the land. With this is mind, I fear that media outlets like Guerrilla News Network (GNN.tv) may be the only ones that will bring as much attention as possible to stories like this one in the Independent.

Clinton Bucks Trend, Rakes in Cash From Weapons Industry
“The US arms industry is backing Hillary Clinton for President and has all but abandoned its traditional allies in the Republican Party. [...]

Mrs Clinton’s wooing of the defence industry is all the more remarkable given the frosty relations between Bill Clinton and the military during his presidency. An analysis of campaign contributions shows senior defence industry employees are pouring money into her war chest in the belief that their generosity will be repaid many times over with future defence contracts.” [...]

- The Independent (10/19/07)

Would you say this is a laughing matter?

Barack Obama in Charlottesville - Oct. 29th

Jane - Richmond, VA — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 16:16:25 EDT

To Purchase tickets:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/officialevent/4vmv5

22 Million, No Big Deal

Evan — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 11:52:47 EDT

Today’s news headlines are about how Hillary Clinton Raised $27 million compared to Obama's $20 million. This of course is a flawed way to look at things the only money that matters at this point is money that can be used in the primary. A comparison of $22 million for Hillary and $19 million for Obama is the correct view. It is not surprising that Hillary raised more money when we examine where she gets her money. She had a very public fundraising scandal. Furthermore when evaluating the numbers we must remember that Obama DOESN'T ACCEPT DONATIONS FROM LOBBYISTS OR PACS!!! He instead relies on everyday Americans to make small contributions attracting over 350,000 people to own a part of the campaign. So lets all take another look at how much we want Obama as president and think about making another small donation to the campaign. So that when the 4th quarter numbers of 2007 are reported days before the Iowa caucuses we will have good news for the country!

Win A Conference Call with Barack

Kevin Vincent — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 11:29:06 EDT

Win a Conference Call with Sen. Obama!
Most of you have probably received the message but this is a reminder that the campaign has organized a low-dollar group fundraising contest for the end of this quarter. The 3 groups that recruit the largest number of people to donate to the campaign through their pages on MyBarackObama.com by this Sunday, Sept. 30, win a conference call with Barack! As little as $5 counts; given the size of our membership, we have a real shot at winning, but it's going to take everyone's participation. Since we already have 9 contributions on our group fundraising page we have a slight headstart over most other groups, but they will be catching up quickly. So please donate now at https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute?outreach_page_id=14966. Everyone who donates and forwards the link to even 1 person gets to be on the conference call!

Come Visit Obama Grassroots HQ in SecondLife

Dr. Dann — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 19:09:20 EDT

Those interested in applying the "bleeding edge" in eco-friendly new media to Obama's 2008 campaign will be wowed by the virtual reality Grassroots Obama HQ of a grassroots team of over 150 Obama supporters, accessible via the free VR world of SecondLife. Here's the 3-D address (in short form):

http://tinyurl.com/24643r

This attractive and informative site is stocked with large screen tv, free hats, t-shirts and banners (for your SL character or "avatar") - lots of keen stuff! What's more, those who participate on-line can join other Obama supporters from around the nation as we regularly meet there to discuss Obama policies and strategize how to help him become the next President of the USA!

So, for those who'd like to meet Obama supporters "face-to-face" without guzzling imported oil to get there, we hope to see you soon at the Grassroots Obama HQ in SecondLife!

Ecologically yours,

Dr. Dann

Campaign Update, Talking Points and Schedule for this Week

Kobi Little — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 21:45:56 EDT

This week's blog is packed with new information from the campaign. Special thanks to my friend Teal Baker for her contributions to this post. Take it all in and then share it with others. If you like this blog or if you find this information useful please send me a friend request and join my group, Kobi Little's National Network for Obama.

Breaking news from the conference call with Campaign Manager David Plouffe: A new online fundraising contest is being launched that will grant the members of the My.BarackObama.com groups that raise the most money through the end of the week the opportunity to participate in a personal conference call with Senator Barack Obama and Campaign Manager David Plouffe. Be on the lookout for more information from the My.BarackObama.com team.

State of the Campaign

When we got into this race as a largely unknown candidate new to the national political stage, we never expected that nine months later at this stage of the race, we would be in a tight three way race in Iowa; leading in the money race; have the largest grassroots organization in modern political history; and have an organizational advantage in the early states and February 5 over a quasi-incumbent from the most powerful political machine in modern political history.

Barack is the candidate with the message and biography that is most in synch with the electorate – according to a Gallup poll in September Democratic voters prefer change to experience by a margin of 73 percent to 26 percent.

The Obama campaign has: the largest organizations with the most experienced staff and enthusiastic volunteers in the 4 early states;

An unexpected financial advantage that allows the campaign to compete in multiple contests at the same time;

The most donors by far in the race, who as the election draws nearer will get even more active on our behalf, giving us financial sustainability;

A significant organizational advantage in February 5th states.

Barack Obama's Schedule: On Monday, Barack Obama received the endorsement of the New York City Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association. Tuesday, he’s speaking at Change to Win in Chicago. Wednesday, he can be seen live on the NBC/NECN/New Hampshire Public Radio/New Hampshire Democratic Party debate, which will be broadcast live on MSNBC at 9pm EST. Following the debate he’ll head to New York, where he’ll participate in a live interview on ABC’s The View at 11am EST on Thursday before leading a major rally in Washington Square Park. On Friday, he speaks at Howard University’s Convocation and participates in the CBC Issues Forum in Washington, DC.

Anyone going to the Governor's Gala Reception in Arlington on September 25?

Kevin Vincent — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 23:41:41 EDT

Governor Kaine will be holding a "Gala Reception" at the Ritz Carlton in Crystal City in Arlington at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, September 25. Tickets start at $75. This is a great opportunity for visibility for the Obama campaign and to gather additional signatures for the petition drive.

Please let me know by reply post if you plan to attend and can help with the petition drive at this event.

Group Fundraising Update -- Our chance for a conference call with Barack!

Kevin Vincent — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 23:20:55 EDT

Although our "lottery" for someone to attend the Arlington fundraiser with Barack on September 17 came up a little short, we shouldn't give up on the concept of group fundraising for the Obama campaign. The Obama staff has informed me that in order to boost the number of contributors before the end of this quarter and to promote the use of the new Group Fundraising function on my.barackobama.com, they are sponsoring a new contest. I was told that "The group that has the most people donate to their page by September 30th will get a chance to speak with Barack in a conference call!"

More importantly, with nine contributors already, I was told that our group fundraising page is ahead of most other Obama groups. So here's our chance -- if every member of Arlingtonians for Obama can make an online contribution -- no matter how small -- on the group fundraising page we will all be able to participate in our own conference call with Barack.

Remember the contest is for the largest number of contributors, so any amount will do -- $5, $10, whatever you want (of course the more you contribute the more funds for Barack's campaign).

So don't delay, make a contribution on the Arlingtonians for Obama group fundraising page now!

Sign Barack's Petition

Kevin Vincent — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 00:42:03 EDT

Most Obama groups in Virginia have members who are participating in the Petition Drive to make sure that Barack Obama is listed on the Democratic Primary ballot in Virginia on February 12. If you are not yet participating in the petition drive, we could use your help. And if you have not yet signed the petition, please make sure that you contact your local Obama petition drive group to find an event near you where you can sign the petition. Each congressional district in Virginia has its own petition drive group with a webpage on my.barackobama.com. Just search in Find a Group with the keyword "Congressional" in Virginia for links to the 11 Virginia congressional district petition drive groups.

Every Obama supporter who is registered to vote in Virginia needs to sign Barack's petition!

Win A Chance to Meet Barack on September 17 -- UPDATE

Kevin Vincent — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 00:24:38 EDT

Unfortunately, we fell a little short of our minimum goal of $1000 for the fundraiser this evening in Arlington. Although we were unable to send anyone to the fundraiser because we fell short, we still raised a total of $730 for the Obama campaign, from ten different contributors. Thanks so much to everyone who contributed!

UPDATE -- If you have contributed in order to participate in the "lottery" to attend the September 17 fundraiser, please forward to me the "thank you" confirmation you have received for the contribution. Although the my.barackobama.com website allows us to track the amount of contributions and number of contributors for the "lottery", we are unable to identify who has contributed. So please let me know if you have contributed so we can put your name in the hat to select the winner. You can send me an email through the website or email me directly at kevin.vincent62@gmail.com.

The Arlingtonians for Obama group has stolen a page from the national Obama campaign and is giving contributors at our newly created Arlingtonians fundraising page a chance to meet Barack on September 17. To see the Arlingtonians group fundraising page and make a donation, click here:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/maingroup/ArlingtoniansforObama

Your contribution not only gives you a chance to attend the fundraiser and meet Barack but it also helps the Obama campaign meet its twin goal of maximizing contributions and the number of people who contribute during the third quarter of the year which ends September 30.

Your group can use this idea for any upcoming Obama fundraisers in your area. At most fundraisers the Obama campaign unfortunately must charge contributors a very large sum ($1000 or more) to be sure that Barack has the funding he needs to get elected. By pooling our contributions we can make sure that some of the members of your group who can't afford to attend these very expensive fundraisers will have a chance to attend.

Virginia Petition Drive Events

Kevin Vincent — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 02:10:41 EDT

The Virginia Petition Drive is underway and we need YOUR help. There are lots of upcoming events where Obama volunteers from Northern Virginia plan to circulate petitions to Virginia voters to make sure that Barack Obama is listed on the Virginia primary ballot in February. The following events have been posted (or will be as soon as we work out the time and locations to meet) on the 8th District Petition Drive webpage of my.barackobama.com or on this webpage. Please sign up at one or more of these events to help us with the petition drive --

Arlington Farmers Markets (most Saturdays)

Alexandria Market Square (one or two Saturdays each month)

Falls Church Farmers Market (starting soon)

Metro Stop Afternoon Rush Hours (starting this week)

Countdown for Change Rally on September 18

Clarendon Day in Arlington on September 29

Vintage Crystal Wine & Jazz Festival in Arlington on September 30

National Folk Festival in Richmond Saturday, October 13 & Sunday, October 14

Plus any other events you can suggest where you think lots of Virginia voters will be gathering.

If you can't find an event posting where you can sign up on the Obama website to volunteer for one of these events, please send me a message and I will pass along your contact information to the volunteer coordinator for the event.

Please do your part to help put Barack on the ballot in Virginia so he can win in February!

Kevin Vincent, 8th District Coordinator for Obama

Virginia Petition Drive Needs Volunteers -- Arlington County Fair

Kevin Vincent — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 00:23:14 EDT

Hundreds of people in Virginia have volunteered for the Barack Obama campaign and everyone asks the same question -- "What can I do to help?" Naturally enough, the attention of the national staff of the Obama campaign is focused on the early states -- Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada -- and most Virginia voters are focusing now on the Virginia elections to be held in November. So it is still too early for the Obama campaign to get into full swing in Virginia. However, there is one very big task for the Obama campaign that is now underway in Virginia and we can use your help!

In order to make sure that Barack Obama is listed on the ballot in the Virginia Democratic Primary to be held February 12, 2008, the Obama campaign needs to turn in 15,000 signatures on ballot petitions. The Obama campaign is expecting to get most of these signatures in Northern Virginia.

Next week, the Arlington County Fair will be the focus of the petition drive. The Fair begins Wednesday, August 15 and runs through Sunday August 19. We plan to get many hundreds of signatures at the Fair but we need lots of volunteers to make that happen. The Obama campaign also will have a spot at the Arlington County Democratic Committee booth at the Fair where we can sell Obama tee shirts, caps, buttons, bumper stickers, and sign up more volunteers for the campaign. We are asking Obama supporters to sign up for one or more two-hour shifts, and we could use as many as 60 volunteers in order to make sure that the fair is fully covered.

If you can help with the petition drive at the Arlington County Fair please sign up on the Events links on this page. In case the links for the later days of the Fair (Friday through Sunday) do not show on this page, the links are listed below.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4vffr (Friday)
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4vfzt (Saturday)
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4vfzb (Sunday)

To make sure you receive notices about future petition drive events in Northern Virginia, please also sign up at

http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/VirginiaPetitionDriveCD8/members?&p=0#ezlist

Gathering signatures for the petition drive is lots of fun, especially in a very Democratic jurisdiction like Arlington. Most voters you ask will agree to sign, even if they are supporting other candidates (voters can sign the petitions for all of the Democratic candidates), and even those who refuse to sign are rarely rude. More importantly, you will find plenty of enthusiastic Obama supporters when you ask people to sign the petitions, and the petition drive is an opportunity to sign up additional volunteers and supporters for Barack Obama's campaign for President.

The Real Competition

Tel — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 18:56:26 EDT

The most recent Democratic debate brought one thing into focus for Obama supporters: it really is going to come down to two candidates in the primary, Obama and Hillary. Edwards’ performance showed us just what kind of President he would be, pitting the rich against the poor, urban against the rural. We don’t need this kind of divisiveness. There were only three candidates who made a good showing: Biden, Clinton, and Obama.

Senator Clinton knows who the real competition is. It only took her campaign a matter of hours to seize upon a poor answer by Obama, and start the attack. Yes, she does have a point: US leaders must be careful not to be used as a propaganda tool. Even lower-level meetings must be monitored closely. It would be a terrible thing, for example, for a First Lady to meet with the wife of a war criminal such as Charles Taylor, or the wife of a troublemaker such as Yasser Arafat.

Be that as it may, Barack has to be careful how he responds, if he chooses to respond at all. The “too inexperienced” cliché is going to be the theme she harps on for the rest of the campaign. So, how to counteract it? Remind people that “experience” is just another way of saying “more of the same.” Clinton can’t hide the fact that she’s been part of the Washington establishment since 1992. Do we really want somebody who’s going to keep fighting sixteen-year-old grudges?

Northern Virginia Young Lawyers for Obama

Christina — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 00:49:12 EDT

I wanted to pass along more information about the Northern Virginia Chapter of Young Lawyers for Obama (http://www.lawyersforobama.org) that I'm starting in conjunction with David Burd, the national coordinator for Young Lawyers for Obama. We're just getting the Northern Virginia chapter going (there are about 15 chapters nationwide so far) and we're trying to engage people who may not necessarily be practicing attorneys in Maryland or in D.C. but who are still interested in getting involved - D.C. gets most of the attention when it comes to attorney groups and we don't want to miss anyone in Arlington or Tyson's Corner or Alexandria.

We'll be having a brief organizational meeting, tentatively scheduled for the evening of August 3rd. if you're interested, please let me know and I will pass along the details. Let me know what you think!

Many thanks,
Christina
Northern Virginia Young Lawyers for Obama

Virginia Ballot Petition Drive -- July 4 events

Kevin Vincent — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 20:06:15 EDT

As I posted in an earlier announcement, the drive to collect 15,000 signatures to put Barack Obama's name on the presidential primary ballot in Virginia has now begun. There are several events occuring in Northern Virginia on July 4 where crowds of Democrats and other Virginia voters will be gathering and we can collect signatures for the petition at these events.

Governor Tim Kaine -- who has endorsed Senator Obama's candidacy -- will be appearing at the following events and has invited Democrats to join him and our local Democratic candidates for the 2007 celebration of our nation's independence!

I plan to be at the Fairfax parade, (and if I can last all day in the sun) the Vienna and Manassas events at the locations shown below with Obama petitions to circulate. Please show up and wear your Obama gear and if you can help with the petition drive, please look for a volunteer wearing an Obama tee-shirt and cap and holding a clipboard.

Also if you want to cover the Prince William parade, which I can't make, please post a reply message and I can send you instructions on how to download and print the petition forms

FAIRFAX
WHEN: Line up at 9:45 am
WHERE: University Dr., Fairfax City
OTHER DETAILS: Limited parking is available in Parking Garage B located on Page Ave.

Additional parking in lots on the corner of North St and Chain Bridge Rd. Meet at the Massey Complex parking lot (Parade Division VI) located on Page Ave. parallel with Main St.

VIENNA
WHEN: 1:30 - 2:15 pm
WHERE: Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St., Vienna
OTHER DETAILS: Parking at Park St. and Cherry St Meet at Booths 306 and 307 near the band stand and the baseball backstop
MANASSAS
WHEN: 6:00 pm
WHERE: Old Town Manassas, near the Train Depot and Manassas Museum.
OTHER DETAILS: Street parking available.

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY
WHEN: Line up at 9:00 am
WHERE: Dale Boulevard, Dale City
OTHER DETAILS: Meet at The Boys and Girls Club at 5070 Dale Blvd in Woodbridge