CO HQ Blog

One Year Later… We’re Still Fired Up

Noah from Denver, CO — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:47:58 EST

On Tuesday November 4th, Neighborhood Teams from Longmont to Carbondale met to celebrate our work over the past year and plan next steps on organizing for health insurance reform. The event in Grand Junction had 90 attendees. At the Capitol Hill event in Denver, volunteer Venita Currie signed-in more than 80 people.

West Denver Regional Field Director, Alfredo Fletes, and Community Organizer Pat Salazar-Vine were very happy with how many people came to their event. Pat has been working for health insurance reform with Organizing for America for months, and this was a wonderful confirmation of her hard work.

Joesph Soto is an Organizing for America high school intern from Aurora. He had this to say:

I loved the event. It gave me a renewed sense of optimism about the President and being an advocate of his legislative agenda. It was great to connect with some folks from the Obama campaign, and even more so, to say that I'm an active and involved part of what will eventually change the country.

Neighborhood Team Leader Laura Avant helped attendees sign-up to volunteer for “Finish Line” phone banks. Everyone was eager to take part in these events because they will send a strong message to our members of Congress when they need to hear from us the most – right before the votes!

Volunteers also shared stories from election night 2008, remembering how wonderful it felt to see our hard work culminate in real change by electing President Barack Obama. Everyone agreed that these memories are an important source of motivation as we move forward and continue to fight for change. Send a quick e-mail to OFAColorado@dnc.org to join up with the Neighborhood Team active in your area.

Update: Health Insurance Reform passes the House of Representatives!

Join us for a thank you event this Thursday, November 9th.

October 20th Day of Action Recap!

Noah from Denver, CO — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:20:53 EDT

Last week Organizing for America volunteers across Colorado accomplished something incredible. In just one day, we motivated thousands of our neighbors to play an active role in the shaping of health insurance reform. In Denver, we started the day watching our east coast friends heat up “the thermometer” – a graphic on BarackObama.com that tracked our progress towards the goal of 100,000 calls to congress. You could feel the anticipation.

Regional Field Director Anand Singh got the day started by training health reformers on how to make the most out of our phone calls. Before long the office was bustling.

Out on the Western Slope, the Day of Action coincided with OFA Grand Junction’s weekly “Women 2 Women” phone bank. The women cheered and chanted "Get A Mop, Get A Mop!" along with live webcast to OFA volunteers referencing President Obama’s call to help clean up the health care system. At one point during the webcast, Neighborhood Team Leader Kathi Roy shouted:

We love you Mr. President, but you're cutting into our call time! We have over 700 women in Western Colorado to call, and we need to call through the entire list tonight, so please wrap this up!

Back on the Front Range, “Women 2 Women” had some competition from “Students 2 Students.” Nicole Shook and Emily McKenzie from East High School coordinated their own phone bank of high school volunteers. Nicole and Emily are committed to getting other students involved and their hard work paid off.

It was an inspiring day all across Colorado. We watched as that thermometer smashed our goal of 100,000 reaching more than 300,000! That work was possible because Coloradans like you decided that it was time for congress to deliver on health insurance reform. We want you to be a part of it too! Send a quick e-mail to OFAColorado@dnc.org to be put in contact with your local team.

Back in Colorado

Christopher Hass — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:49:47 EDT

From Gabe Lifton-Zoline, the new Colorado State Director for Organizing for America:

Since Inauguration Day, Organizing for America has been dedicated to making real the change we fought for during the election. But to be successful, we need to hear from you -- your effort and commitment are the backbone of this movement and this organization.

That's why I'm so excited to announce that we're back on the ground in Colorado and, starting this week, we'll be hosting Listening Tour Town Halls across the state.

Will you make your voice heard and join us on the Listening Tour?

At Listening Tour meetings, you'll get a chance to meet new state staff members, hear about some lessons learned during the general election, and offer your thoughts on how we can organize Colorado going forward. Your ideas will be used to write a Colorado-specific plan for Organizing for America in 2009 and beyond.

The campaign brought an unprecedented number of new voices into the process -- we need to make sure those voices remain at the center of the debate as the President and Congress work on providing solutions for our economy.

But these meetings are not just for folks who were involved in the campaign -- we're hopeful that every Coloradan will get involved.

We can't stop growing our movement now. We've never had a better opportunity to shape our future -- and just like during the election, we'll do it from the bottom up.

Sign up now to attend a Listening Tour event.I look forward to seeing you,

Gabe

Gabe Lifton-Zoline
Colorado State Director
Organizing for America

P.S. -- If you can't make it to a Listening Tour event, you can still get involved with Organizing for America in Colorado. Let us know how you'd like to see Colorado organized.

The Next Step: Attend a Change is Coming House Meeting Dec. 13-14

Christopher Hass — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:59:59 EST

Today David Plouffe sent out the following message to supporters, inviting them to attend one the many grassroots house meetings taking place throughout the country later this month:

Exactly one month ago, you made history by giving all Americans a real opportunity for change.

Now it's time to start preparing and working for change in our communities.

On December 13th and 14th, supporters are coming together in every part of the country to reflect on what we've accomplished and plan the future of this movement. Your ideas and feedback will be collected and used to guide this movement in the months and years ahead.

Join your friends and neighbors -- sign up to host or attend a Change is Coming house meeting near you.

Since the election, the challenges we face -- and our responsibility to take action -- have only gotten more urgent.

You can connect with fellow supporters, make progress on the issues you care about, and help shape the future of your community and our country.

Learn what you can do now to support President-elect Obama's agenda for change and continue to make a difference in your community.

Take the first important step by hosting or attending a Change is Coming house meeting. Sign up right now.

To get our country back on track, it will take all of us working together.

Barack and Joe have a clear agenda and an unprecedented opportunity for change. But they can't do it alone.

Will you join us at a house meeting and help plan the next steps for this movement?

Thanks,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

Thank You, Colorado

Christopher Hass — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:41:01 EST

Video: Election Night Speech in Grant Park

Christopher Hass — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:06:36 EST

"I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to – it belongs to you." - Barack Obama, Election Night 2008

Read the full speech, as prepared for delivery . . .

Polls close in 30 minutes

Jenn Prosser — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:30:30 EST

There are thirty minutes left until polls close.

You can vote until 7:00 p.m. As long as you are in line at 7:00 p.m. you are allowed to vote. If you have any problems, call 1-877-CO-08-VOTE (1-877-260-8868). Stay in line. Every vote counts. Let's deliver Colorado for Barack!

On the Ground: Election Day in Arapahoe County

Jenn Prosser — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:03:59 EST

We are now halfway through Election Day, and across Colorado supporters are voting and helping others get out to vote.

There is a lively buzz filling the staging location in Aurora, where dozens of volunteers are making phone calls to remind folks to vote. Other volunteers are stopping by between canvass shifts.

Ginger the staging location director told me about what today means to her:

We've been practicing today for the past two weeks, and we have this down to a fine tuned machine. Barack has elevated this whole area, and empowered this community. I'm inspired by the passion and the people who walk in here step by step. Today I would say we had at least fifty brand new people we've never seen before. I am so proud to be a part of this.

Have you voted already? Share your voting story with us and then come help get others out to vote. If you haven't voted, there are only five hours left until polls close. Find your polling location .

Polls have opened in Colorado

Jenn Prosser — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 09:00:06 EST

Polls have open in Colorado.

Have you voted yet? Find your polling location here. If you have already voted, help get others out to vote and volunteer at a staging location near you.

Final words from Michelle

Jenn Prosser — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:12:14 EST

Michelle recorded this video before her rally today in Littleton:

Click here if you need to look up your polling place location. Sign up to volunteer. Every vote counts!

Senator Tom Daschle Gets out the Vote

Greg Hauenstein — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 17:28:41 EST

Our work today and tomorrow will decide the outcome of this election.

Knowing this, the Campaign for Change RV made one final swing through the state to fire up the troops and sign up new ones to hit the streets, dial the phones, crunch the data, drive the vans, and check the polls. Along this trip through Fort Collins, Loveland, Berthoud, Longmont, Louisville, and Lafayette were Former Governor Roy Romer and Senator Ken Salazar were joined today by Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle.

The crowds everywhere were stunning. As Former Governor Romer addressed the crowds in Loveland and Longmont he noted that things were much different from when he was in office. There were so many more volunteers in the offices and staging locations than he had ever seen volunteer in these areas of the state.

Senator Daschle is one of the longest supporters of Barack's bid for the Presidency. He told the crowds that what he saw in an up-and-coming US Senator four years ago has spread to millions across the country, and that with hard work, this can be spread even further:

"As you make these connections, I know you understand the historic nature of this election. I would argue that this election ranks up there with 1860 and 1932 as two of the most transformational elections of our time. I don't care if you live to be 100. We're going to look back on the year 2008 and we are going to say we were part of that effort. That was the year we changed America. That was the year we gave America new hope."

Here is a video of our stop in Loveland:

This is it. This is our last chance to change this country. Sign up to help us out now.

Day three: Don't stop now

Jenn Prosser — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:34:26 EST

Remember to vote tomorrow, if you've already voted help get others to vote. Sign up here.

Day Two Comes To A Close in Colorado

Jenn Prosser — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:48:18 EST

The second day of get out the vote is nearing its end, but volunteers across Colorado are still working hard. Thousands of Coloradans spent their Sunday evening calling folks and reminding them to vote, whether by returning their mail-in ballots to a drop off location or going to the polls on Tuesday.

When call time ended, supporters helped with data entry and preparing for the next day.

Here are some photos from today:

You can still help out in the last crucial days. Sign up to volunteer at a location near you or make calls to battleground states. Tomorrow will be another big day for GOTV.

Day Two: Californians Canvass Colorado

Jenn Prosser — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 20:26:25 EST

Coloradans aren't the only people working to help Barack win the Rocky Mountain State -- thousands of volunteers from states such as Utah, Maine, New York, South Dakota and even Alaska have traveled to Colorado and are knocking on doors and calling folks to get out the vote.

I spoke with a couple of Californians who had arrived in Denver yesterday. Danielle told me why she came to Colorado for the last few days.

There wasn't much we could do in California so we decided to come to Colorado. This is our big push to get people to vote -- to not be complacent, to not get over confident about Barack being ahead in the polls. We're making people to get out and vote and just do everything we can to make sure we actually win.

Angelo, another Californian, had just returned from knocking on doors when I spoke to him. He told me about one of the people he had met while canvassing.

There was a Republican on my list who I started talking to. He had voted Republican his entire life but he was on the fence -- he didn't like McCain but he didn't know anything about Obama. I know a bit about Obama, I'm not going to say I'm an expert in any way. But I talked to him. I asked him what mattered to him and tried to put it into context -- that it would help you and the ones you care about more if you vote for Obama rather than McCain. And he said he would vote for Barack.

It's not to late to join the campaign. Sign up to volunteer.

Day Two: Get Out The Vote in the Colorado sunshine

Jenn Prosser — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 17:07:23 EST

On average, Colorado gets 300 days of sun per year. Volunteers have taken full advantage of two of those days by knocking on doors all over the Rocky Mountain State.

Others are getting their warmth from the energy inside the staging locations where they are making phone calls and helping to run the biggest grassroots campaign Colorado has ever seen.

Lynn has been volunteering in Denver for months and will be there through the end. She told me about the importance of the last four days:

It's important to volunteer at any time, but the last couple days are crucial. We are keeping up the sustained effort for Barack and Mark Udall and we need every volunteer we can get. We're not getting complacent, we are keeping our momentum that we've built through the past few months so that we can make sure Barack wins on Tuesday.

This office has become a community and it's this marvelous world of spirit and enthusiasm and filled with wonderful people. Seeing the smiles around the offices, being a part of something so, it has probably extended my life.

There are two more days of sunshine and two more days of campaigning, and there's still time to help out today. Visit a staging location near you and help Barack win Colorado this Tuesday!

If you don't live in Colorado, find a GOTV event near you to volunteer today.

Barack has two words for Colorado

Jenn Prosser — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 13:12:37 EST

Yesterday, the streets of Pueblo were filled with thousands of people, as Barack stood on the corner of South Union and D Street, talking to Coloradans one last time before Election Day.

He said:

Colorado, I have just two words for you: three days. Three days. After decades of broken politics in Washington, eight years of failed policies from George W. Bush, 21 months of a campaign that has taken us from the rocky shores of Maine to sunshine of California, we are three days away from bringing fundamental change to the United States of America.

Don't believe for a second that this election is over. Don't think for a minute that power will concede anything without a fight, we're going to have to work like our future depends on it these last few days, because it does. But I know this Colorado, the time for change has come, we have a righteous wind at our backs. And these last few days, if you will knock on some doors for me, if you will make some phone calls for me, if you will stand with me and fight by my side, then I promise you we will not just win Pueblo, we will not just win Colorado, but you and I together we are going to win this election and we are going to change the country and we are going to change the world.

Here is a video from the event:

With only two days left before Election Day, we need your help! Sign up to volunteer and make sure Barack wins Colorado this Tuesday.

Get out the vote, Colorado!

Jenn Prosser — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 00:40:50 EDT

Today marked the beginning of the end. Today was the start of GOTV - the final four days, the time when hundreds of thousands of supporters across the nation knock on doors and call voters reminding them to get out the vote.

This evening, we stopped by a staging location in Colorado Springs that was run by a volunteer named Marco.

He said:

We had over 100 phone bankers and nearly 100 canvassers, including about 18 people who came in and hadn't even signed up to canvass. It's a wonderful thing.

Steve, the phone bank captain at the staging location, took a second between training volunteers to tell us about his day.

He said:

We had teenagers phonebanking, we even had an 11 year-old making calls with her dad. Everyone had such an upbeat positive attitude, it has been great.

We need all the help we can get these last few days, sign up to volunteer near you!

Early Vote comes to an end

Greg Hauenstein — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 21:14:36 EDT

Yesterday saw the end of early voting in Colorado. Over a million people have cast their ballot, and all over the country, turnout records are shattering.

Just down the street from our state headquarters was a polling place with a line of voters out the door and supporters waving people in down the street.

Michelle voted the day early vote locations opened, but as of this morning her son hadn't. She told us about their conversation:

"This is the last day! He's 30 so I can't punish him, but he said 'Mom, I promise I will.'"

Maggie was with Michelle. Both are long time volunteers, Maggie canvassing over 1,000 doors and hosting several house parties. She, like Michelle, voted as early as possible and devoted her free time to getting others to the polls.

"God forbid something should happen on the fourth, machines break down, you forget your ID, it would be horrible.

Less than three days left. It's time. We need you and it's the most important thing in the world right now."

Robert Redford Comes to Aurora

Greg Hauenstein — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 11:29:30 EDT

Robert Redford is no stranger to West, attending the University of Colorado at Boulder, working at Estes Park, and founding the Sundance Film Festival in central Utah.

Today he came to Aurora to speak to people about the importance of early voting and why Barack Obama and Mark Udall should be elected.

"We need somebody who is intelligent, compassionate and has moral fiber. This is a man who, when other people play partisanship like a sport, he doesn't think like that, he doesn't work like that, and he doesn't live like that.

Look what we've lost. We can get it back with the team we have."

He introduced Mark Udall, a longtime fan of Robert's movies, including "The Candidate."

"McKay is standing there and says 'What do we do now?' Well what we're going to do is work on the green energy economy, we're going to help our veterans, we're going to help working people, we're going to pass the children's health insurance program, and we're going to end the war in Iraq honorably and responsibly. We're going to end it."

At 81, Ruth Ellen has been a lifelong Republican, but this year is supporting the Democratic ticket.

"I'm so ashamed of my party, especially the last four years. So I drive my little green Prius and drive all the old folks to the polls to early vote."

Early voting ends in Colorado

Jenn Prosser — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 21:32:44 EDT

Over the past two weeks, hundreds of thousands of Coloradans have voted early either by mail-in ballot or visiting an early vote site.

Supporters have been sending us their early voting stories, and here is what some of them have been saying:

I voted early on October 25th, in Englewood at the Civic Center. It was great! Thanks for the most fantastic campaign in history! -Patty

You are so organized, and so are we! We've voted, and so have our neighbors. You should see the cars lined up for the mail-in ballot drop offs. It's great! -Mary

My vote is in and so are five friends'! -Homer

I voted at the County building -- 200 Oak Street in Fort Collins this morning! I dropped off my husband's absentee ballot (another vote for Obama!) and figured while I was there, since there wasn't much of a wait, I'd vote!

I was all decked out in my halloween costume, which made a lot of the workers there smile as I joked "I don't look like myself today!" when presenting them with my ID. -Margie

The Campaign for Change RV comes to Commerce City

Greg Hauenstein — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:52:38 EDT

On Wednesday, the Campaign for Change RV headed to Commerce City. On board were Lt. Governor Barbara O'Brien, Congressman Ed Perlmutter, and Texas State Representative Rafael Anchia.

It was retail politics at its finest as they made stops and spoke to voters at grocery stores, restaurants, and community centers. They made sure to tell everyone they spoke to where their early vote location is located.

Here are some pictures from the day:

Michelle draws big crowd in Colorado Springs

Jenn Prosser — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:07:58 EDT

On Tuesday, Michelle returned to Colorado for her second visit in October, this time traveling south to Colorado Springs, where she spoke to around 2,500 people about the election and the importance of early voting.

Before the event started, Michelle shook hands with the 300 people who listened to the event outside after the auditorium filled up. During her speech, Michelle expressed her delight at retuning to Colorado at the end of the campaign. She said:

It has been 21 months and I can probably count down the hours. We have seven more days and once we get through this day, we'll be almost done, it will be six! This journey has been wonderful for the Obama family -- we have seen so much. And I have been traveling around even more this week, because we're in the final days. But it is good to come back to the states that have given us so much. Colorado is really one of those states -- you guys have been amazing.

Michelle talked about the incredible sacrifice of the military members and families in the Springs. She said:

Our hearts go out as I think about all of our troops our men and women who are away today and fighting and taking care of this nation across the seas. But it also reminds me that we cannot forget the loved ones left at home. Whether you are a parent or a child or a grand parent, we have to remember that when our troops go to war our families go with them, which means that we have to make sure that they come home to families that have been cared for.

That is one of the reasons that the conversations that I have been having with military families all across this country has meant so much to me -- it has opened my eyes to the challenges that you uniquely face. And I know that once this nation understands more about those challenges we will be unified around solutions around answers around discussions to make your sacrifice not so hard.

Here is a video of the event:

Today is the last day to vote early in Colorado. You can find your early vote location here.

Barack and Michelle will return to Colorado on Saturday

Jenn Prosser — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:01:55 EDT

Denver, CO -- U.S. Senator Barack Obama will join with Michelle Obama to host a 'Change We Need Rally' on Saturday, November 1st, at the intersection of S. Union Avenue and D Street in Pueblo.

This will be Sen. Obama's fourth trip to Colorado since the Democratic National Convention in August.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1st

CHANGE WE NEED RALLY WITH BARACK AND MICHELLE OBAMA

Union Avenue Historic District
Intersection of S. Union Avenue and D Street
Pueblo, CO 81003

Public Entrance: Corner of C Street and S. Main Street, located in the heart of the Union Avenue Historic District

Gates Open: 1:00 PM
Program Begins: 3:00 PM

The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are NOT required. Members of the public are encouraged to RSVP here. Space is available on a first come, first serve basis.

Barack Makes Phone Calls in Brighton

Greg Hauenstein — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:24:45 EDT

After Sunday's record shattering crowds in Denver cleared out and the cheers in Ft. Collins died down, Barack decided he was not yet done with our state for the day. He went to our field office in Brighton and thanked the volunteers and staff for the work they are doing and pressed them to keep working hard through election day.

Robert was one of the volunteers there.

He said:

"I'm a native of Brighton. I've been around here for seventy-one years now. I've been a life long Democrat... Obama, to me, is the all-American person. He started at the bottom and rose all the way to the top."

Dozens of volunteers joined Barack as he made phone calls to voters letting them know they can vote early through Friday and that their help is needed all weekend and on Election Day.

Here's a video of the stop:

With just 6 days left until Election Day, we need your help. Sign up for a GOTV shift and help change the world.

Ben Harper performs for Barack

Jenn Prosser — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:20:01 EDT

The day before 100,000 people piled into Civic Center Park to watch Barack speak, several hundred gathered in the Greek Amphitheater to see another Colorado favorite talk about the election -- Ben Harper.

The musician and his wife, actress Laura Dern, flew to Colorado Saturday to talk to folks about voting early for Barack. The pair started in Denver, where they headlined a R2B event.

Ben spoke to the crowd before he performed two songs. He said:

There is a danger in suggesting who other people should vote for, and I recognize that. But I think there is a greater danger in being silent out of fear. And I'm proud to be here as one voice in a collective voice of millions of people who can bring Barack Obama into the White House.

They then traveled north to Boulder with actor Zach Braff, where around 1,600 students gathered to hear Ben perform and listen to Zach talk.

Here are some photos from the event:

Charles Meets Barack

Greg Hauenstein — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 22:39:06 EDT

After Charles met Senator Obama on Sunday before the historic rally in Denver, he said it was one of the most memorable experiences of his life.

That's saying something, as Charles was born in 1922.

He's seen the Great Depression, a world war, served in the Korean War, and has volunteered for campaigns since Franklin D. Roosevelt, but it's the energy of this campaign that has excited this lifelong Democrat more than any others.

He sees similarities between Barack and the last candidate he volunteered for: Bill Clinton.

"I like anyone who's come from a hard life because they understand people that are having a hard life. Barack Obama, like President Clinton, they really understand the people and lives we're going through with."

Charles volunteers in our Boulder office almost every day, greeting people at the door making sure they sign in, and always has a story to tell folks with an open ear.

We caught up with Charles yesterday:

Zach Braff entertains early voters at CU

Jenn Prosser — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 22:46:28 EDT

Ordinarily, you might think it would be a struggle to get students to spend an hour at a political event during the weekend, but this is not your average election and Zach Braff is not your ordinary political speaker.

That's why 1,000 students turned out at Mary Rippon Amphitheatre on Saturday. The star of 'Scrubs', as well as Ben Harper and Laura Dern, spent the sunny autumn afternoon entertaining the students and talking about the critical role they play in the election.

Zach told the crowd:

For months and months, I've been trying to get young people to vote, and my main message has been it doesn't matter who you vote for -- you get out there and vote. The most important thing is that you vote. I've been saying that for so long, and I'm tired of saying that. So I'm now going to come out and say "you've got to vote for Barack Obama."

I've been watching the news and they keep saying that Colorado is the new Florida. So I said, "get me on a plane to Colorado and tell those young people who use the interweb that they got to vote." You have to vote, you guys. You can vote early up until Halloween at the Rec Center. I love the Rec Center, it's the best. You can do a lot of things at the Rec Center, I'm sure -- I've never actually been to the Rec Center. But if I were to go to the Rec Center, I would vote.

Rebecca was at the event, proudly sporting her "I voted early for Barack Obama" button. She told me why she had voted early for Barack:

I voted because I'm tired of oil companies running our country. I want to bring to change to America. I think there are a lot of people who are suffering and it's not right.

I didn't want to wait in those lines. I would have, if I had put myself in that situation. But it's so easy to vote early. Why put yourself in that situation? It could take you a couple of hours on election day, it took me 10 minutes the other day.

Hillary visits Aurora

Jenn Prosser — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 17:57:32 EDT

There are only eight days until Election Day and the excitement is growing across Colorado. People from across the country are visiting Colorado to take part in helping Barack win the Rocky Mountain state.

Last Friday, Senator Hillary Clinton was one of those people. She visited Aurora, where she spoke to around 1,600 people about why Barack must be elected on November 4th.

She said:

This election is too important for anyone to be on the sidelines of history. This election will determine whether or not America gets back on the right track for the kind of future that all of us, our children and generations to come deserve.

Hillary has been fiercely campaigning for Barack, traveling all over the country to talk to folks about why they should vote for him. She said she has seen strong support for him wherever she goes:

I have been all over the country and from Florida to New Hampshire to Pennsylvania where I was this morning. Everywhere I go people are being convinced that they must join with us.

I believe that on the merits, voters are recognizing what the Obama/Biden ticket offers. I also believe that the economic crisis that we have been enduring and that unfortunately will continue to play out over the months ahead is a wake up call to all Americans because for the months a head because, as the governor was saying, just looking at the returns here in Colorado and the number of people who have already voted, Barack Obama will be elected not only by Democrats, but by Independents and Republicans who know we have to change.

Here is a video from the event:

Road Blog: Barack on the Bush-McCain Philosophy

Obama Road Blog — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 18:02:56 EDT

"It is so nice coming back to Denver, we have so many great friends here from all walks of life." - Barack Obama

Over 100,000 friends of the campaign came to Barack's downtown Denver rally today, according to Police Chief Whitman. And according to the show of hands when questioned by Barack, the overwhelming majority of this huge crowd had already early voted, a crucial step in winning Colorado and winning this election.

Today Barack made the choice between him and his opponent clear, even as John McCain has tried unsuccessfully to separate himself from George W. Bush.

We know that it's time for new ideas and new leadership in the White House, but Senator McCain voted with President Bush 90% of the time over the last eight years. Just the other day George Bush returned the favor, and voted early for John McCain. Well Colorado, George Bush isn't the only one who gets to vote early -- you can vote early too, and you can finally put an end to the Bush-McCain philosopy.

Arun Chaudhary
October 26th, 2008
En route to Fort Collins, CO

Michelle Obama to hold Early Vote For Change Rally in Colorado Springs

Greg Hauenstein — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 16:25:01 EDT

DENVER, CO – Michelle Obama, wife of Democratic presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama, will return to Colorado on Tuesday, October 28, to host an Early Vote for Change Rally in Colorado Springs. Early voting in Colorado started Monday and runs through October 31.

Mrs. Obama’s most recent visit to Colorado was earlier this month for a voter registration rally at Farrand Field in Boulder, which drew a reported record crowd for that venue of 9,700 people.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28

Colorado Springs City Auditorium

221 E Kiowa St.

Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Doors Open: 4:30 pm

The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required but an RSVP is strongly encouraged. To RSVP please visit www.co.barackobama.com

Media outlets should RSVP by visiting http://co.barackobama.com/page/s/mediarsvp

***For security reasons do not bring bags or umbrellas and please limit personal items. No signs or banners allowed.***

Barack Rallies 100,000 in Denver, CO

Amanda Scott — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 14:47:32 EDT

Barack spoke to over 100,000 residents of Denver, Colorado this morning about putting our country on the right track again.

Well, we know what the Bush-McCain philosophy looks like. It’s a philosophy that says we should give more and more to folks at the top and hope that it trickles down. It’s a philosophy that gives tax breaks to wealthy CEOs and to corporations that ship jobs overseas while hundreds of thousands of jobs are disappearing here at home. It’s a philosophy that justifies spending $10 billion a month in Iraq while the Iraqi government sits on a huge surplus and our economy is in crisis.
For eight years, we’ve seen the Bush-McCain philosophy put our country on the wrong track, and we cannot have another four years that look just like the last eight. It’s time for change in Washington, and that’s why I’m running for President of the United States.
We know that the economic crisis that hit Wall Street has been hurting middle class families on Main Street for years. But during the primaries, Senator McCain was saying that we’ve made “great progress economically” under George Bush, and just last month he was still arguing that the “fundamentals of our economy are strong.” That’s not change.
We know that we have to get spending under control in Washington so that we’re not mortgaging our children’s future under a mountain of debt. But for all of Senator McCain’s tough talk on spending, he voted for four out of the five Bush budgets that let things get totally out of control. That’s not change.
We know that it’s time for new ideas and new leadership in the White House. But Senator McCain voted with President Bush 90 percent of the time over the last eight years. Just the other day, George Bush returned the favor and voted early for John McCain. Well, Colorado, George Bush isn’t the only one who gets to vote early – you can vote early too. And you can finally put an end to the Bush-McCain philosophy. You can vote for a new direction for our country. You can vote for change.
We know what’s coming from the McCain campaign over the next nine days, because it’s the same kind of politics that we’ve seen over the last eight years. It’s a politics that is more about tearing your opponent down than lifting this country up. Well I can take nine more days of John McCain’s attacks, but the American people can’t take four more years of the same failed policies and the same failed politics. We’re not going to let George Bush pass the torch to John McCain. It’s time for change. And that’s why I’m running for President of the United States.

Read Barack's full remarks, as prepared for delivery...

Northern Colorado greets the Early Vote Tour

Greg Hauenstein — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 23:04:42 EDT

The Early Vote Tour wrapped up this evening after visiting Steamboat Springs, Walden, Hot Sulphur Springs, and Granby.

People that have never seen a Democratic Presidential campaign came out in droves, packing diners and sidewalks to greet Senator Ken Salazar, Governor Roy Romer, and Colorado Democratic Party Chair Pat Waak as they spread the word that they can vote for Barack Obama right now.

In Granby, we spoke to Felicia about what this campaign means to her:

"I have three children. One is a Wall Streeter, one is a teacher, and one is a fast food manager. White, pink, and blue collar workers. They are all for Obama and as much as anything I'm doing this for them. Obama speaks to all of them.

I've never been so inspired by a candidate and I haven't been this involved with a campaign since Bobby Kennedy in 1968."

At the end of every speech, the local field organizer told everyone how important it was that they volunteer. With just 10 days left until Election Day, and a beautiful weekend ahead of us, we need you to volunteer. Find your local field office and join your neighbors as you knock on some doors and call members of your community.

Joe visits Colorado

Jenn Prosser — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:27:27 EDT

On Tuesday, Joe Biden came to Colorado for the first time since August. It may have been a few months since he was last here, but the vice presidential nominee certainly made the most of his visit -- stopping in Greeley and Commerce City on Tuesday and Colorado Springs and Pueblo on Wednesday. Over 7,000 Coloradans came out to see him over the two day trip.

The Senator spoke about the state of the economy, Barack's and his dedication to helping the middle class and the importance of voting early in Colorado. Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd at Sierra Hills High School in Colorado Springs, he said:

I want you to turn off the TV about red states and blue states. I want you to turn it off. I want you focusing on one thing -- get out now and vote now. Because you know something is going to come our way. You know these guys are not only going to throw the kitchen sink, they're going to find the bathroom sink. There's going to be a lot coming our way. Maybe I've been down this road too many times before, but we cannot afford to wait. So for those of you who have not voted yet… you have no excuse, go vote now.

We have the best ground operation this state or any state has ever seen. We have committed volunteers, we have over fifty offices… We are not taking a single thing for granted. The stakes in this election could not be higher. This is the single most important election any of you no matter how young or old you are in this gymnasium will have ever voted in.

Here is a video from his stop in Greeley:

After his two rallies on Monday, the Senator stopped at the office in Parker, thanking the volunteers for their hard work and encouraging them to give all they can to the next two weeks.

Patrick was one of the volunteers at the office when Joe showed up.

He said:

I got a phone call saying that somebody might come in the office that night, so I stopped by to make some phone calls. It was amazing seeing Biden, there was just this energy that filled the office when he entered the room. He was right there in front of me, while he gave his speech. He even pulled my baby brother out of the audience and held him while he was talking. He was incredibly nice and it was really inspiring to get to see him in person.

An email from Senator Ken Salazar

Jenn Prosser — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:27:23 EDT

Senator Ken Salazar just sent out this email and we wanted to share it with you:

Dear Jenn,

I just got back from touring Colorado with Governor Bill Ritter and former Governor Roy Romer, and I wanted to share a little bit about the trip.

After hearing from so many Colorado families who are struggling because of the disastrous Bush-McCain economic policies, it was clear that Barack Obama is the only candidate who can bring the change we need and fix our economy.

But the McCain campaign is hard at work here in Colorado trying to distract voters by spreading false personal attacks about Barack with "robocalls," mailings, and a flood of TV ads.

We need to fight back against these distractions and get the truth out in our communities and neighborhoods.

Volunteers are already out in full force doing the kind of work that wins elections -- knocking on doors, making phone calls, and talking to undecided voters about Barack's message of change. But they need your help.

Watch this short video of volunteers working for change, then sign up to join us and help win Colorado for Barack.

With only 12 days left until Election Day, the McCain campaign and the RNC are focusing all their energy on lies and distortions, and doing their best to distract Coloradans from the issues that really matter.

They're even employing "robocalls" so sleazy that some Republicans think they've gone too far -- John McCain himself thought so when they were used against him in 2000.

With such serious issues up for debate in this election, it's alarming to see the McCain campaign continue to distract voters rather than talk about the real issues at stake.

As a Coloradan and close friend of Barack, I think we can agree that Coloradans deserve better -- that's why we are out there right now fighting back in every corner of our state.

By focusing our positive energy, we can show the undecided voters of Colorado what this campaign stands for and share with them Barack's message of change.

Watch the video -- then sign up to volunteer and help make a difference here in the Rocky Mountain state:

http://co.barackobama.com/cospreadthetruth

And please be sure to forward this message to friends and family who may not know the truth about Barack.

Thanks for all that you do,

Ken Salazar

P.S. -- From now until Oct. 31st, every day is election day. Log on to VoteForChange.com now to find your early vote location and go vote early today:

http://CO.VoteForChange.com

When Pizza Meets Politics

Greg Hauenstein — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:17:08 EDT

Our last stop on the Early Vote Tour Thursday was Idaho Springs. Taking a walk down Miner Street, Governor Romer, Commissioner Stulp, and Senator Salazar visited two Idaho Springs establishments: Tommyknocker's Brewery and BeauJo's Pizza.

The Democrats of Clear Creek County came out in droves to BeauJo's Pizza to hear from the surrogates, eat some unbeatable pizza, as well as make phone calls to voters and let them know they can vote now, either through early voting or voting by mail.

Joe was making phone calls when we arrived. He talked to us about the great turnout at the restaurant.

It's very heartening. It's indicative of how things are going. We have dozens of unpaid volunteers taking time to make calls to total strangers! I'm fifty years old and my first election was Ford versus Carter. I'm a student of history and this election is as important as Hoover versus Franklin Roosevelt. People here clearly believe that Barack is the answer.

Here are some pictures from the stop:

Barack will be in Denver and Fort Collins on Sunday!

Jenn Prosser — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 22:18:48 EDT

Barack is returning to Colorado on Sunday, October 26th for two early vote for change rallies!

EARLY VOTE FOR CHANGE RALLY WITH BARACK OBAMA
Civic Center Park
Central Denver Park District
Denver, CO

Sunday, October 26th
Gates open: 10:00 a.m.
Program begins: 11:30 a.m.
RSVP Here

EARLY VOTE FOR CHANGE RALLY WITH BARACK OBAMA
The Oval on the Colorado State University Campus
Public Entrance: University Ave. and West Drive
Fort Collins, CO 80523

Sunday, October 26th
Gates open: 1:30 p.m.
Program begins: 3:30 p.m.
RSVP Here

Both events are free and open to the public. Tickets are NOT required, but an RSVP is strongly encouraged. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Senator Salazar casts his vote for Barack

Jenn Prosser — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 21:40:47 EDT

Today was the the forth day of early voting in Colorado and already hundreds of thousands of people have cast their ballots.

On Monday, Senator Ken Salazar was one of the first people to vote, stopping by the Denver Elections Division shortly after polls opened. With his nine-month-old granddaughter in his arms, the Colorado Senator cast his vote for Barack.

Early voting is going on from now through October 31st. By voting early you can avoid the long lines on Election Day and help Barack win Colorado by volunteering on November 4th. You can find a list of places to early vote in your county here.

Early Vote Tour comes to Golden

Greg Hauenstein — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 21:03:34 EDT

The Campaign for Change RV is back out on the trail! The RV is coming to towns all over Colorado letting people know they can vote NOW.

As we headed up into the mountains we stopped at our Jefferson County Headquarters in Golden. Volunteers were there making phone calls and preparing for canvasses this coming weekend. The weather is supposed to be great and they are hoping for a great crowd.

We talked with Arica, one of the volunteers in the office. She came all the way from Orange County, California and has taken a month off of her job to help get Barack elected.

He represents the America I was taught America was supposed to be. I was raised that way but I never saw it. I never got to be a part of something big.

I told my husband that if he gets the nomination I would go work for his campaign. He said, "sure sure," but I told him, "I need to know that you're hearing me. If he gets the nomination, I'm going to work for him."

Senator Salazar was quick to lead by example and made some phone calls to voters in Jefferson County.

Keep an eye on http://co.barackobama.com for further updates from the road!

Governor Kaine campaigns in Colorado

Jenn Prosser — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:43:28 EDT

With less than two weeks left until November 4th, Colorado is shaping up to be one of the most important states in the election. As proof of Colorado's importance, Tim Kaine, the governor of another important battleground state, Virginia, traveled out west to campaign for Barack.

Speaking to a crowded room in Loveland, the Governor said:

They have me camped out in Virginia all the time because Virginia is like Colorado, we could go either way. Most of my weekends are spent campaigning in Virginia. I said I'll give you one weekend out-of-state between Labor Day and Election Day and they said come to Colorado.

Governor Kaine described three of the most important issues to Americans today: becoming energy independent, fixing our economy by supporting the middle class and small businesses and establishing universal health care. He outlined Barack's policies for each of these issues explaining why Barack offers the best solutions for America.

Governor Kaine explained that Barack will give tax cuts to 95% of Americans and will eliminate capitol gains taxes for small businesses.

He said:

I want big businesses and wealthy individuals to do well but they just don't need our help, they're going to do well. The people who need our help right now are the small businesses and the middle class. We need to help the middle class and the small businesses that are the backbone of the economy. Small businesses are responsible for the overwhelming majority of job growth in this country, an overwhelming majority of Americans work for small businesses. We ought to be targeting our strategies to them.

Senator Obama and Senator McCain define success differently and their definition of success tells you how they'll govern. I want somebody who is going to govern by putting the middle class and small businesses first. And that person is Barack Obama.

Bringing change to Main Street Colorado

Jenn Prosser — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 22:41:00 EDT

When Barack came to Colorado last month, he told 3,000 people in Westminster, "I am running for President because we simply cannot afford four more years of an economic philosophy that works for Wall Street instead of Main Street, and ends up devastating both."

In support of Barack's dedication to Main Street, the Colorado Campaign for Change has been holding a series of Main Street Meetings across the state, bringing together small communities to talk about what issues matter to them.

Last week, State Senator Jim Isgar, Governor Bill Ritter and Senator Ken Salazar stopped by Carvers restaurant in Durango where the campaign was holding a Main Street Meeting. While there, they spoke to a crowded room of around 65 people about rural issues and protecting Colorado's water.

Two days later, Colorado Policy Director Joy Silvern traveled to Berthoud where she answered questions about how Barack will lower taxes and develop universal health care.

One of the Berthoud locals, Steve, owns a small business. He told the group about what an Obama/Biden administration would mean to him.

He said:

We have a company with 28 employees that covers the Front Range. We would see nothing but a promise under an Obama plan. Eight years of Bush Cheney have been devastating to the small business environment. The things that are specifically being talked about like the 3,000 dollar tax credit for a new employee, I don't know that a lot of people who don't own small businesses get that - that's a big deal to us, that makes it a lot easier to hire new employees.

Colorado Senator Ken Salazar: Vote for Obama

New Media Dept. — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 19:39:11 EDT

An Obama-Biden radio ad featuring Colorado Senator Ken Salazar hit the airwaves all over the Centennial State this Tuesday. The ad primarily targets Latino/Hispanic voters. Here’s what the popular Colorado democrat had to say about the coming election:

Like my parents, we all will do anything for our families…and you can do something for your family right now: Vote. You don’t have to wait until Election Day, you can vote early, today through October 31st. With Barack Obama and the democrats, real change is within our grasp. Affordable health care, investing in jobs here at home, and a college education that’s affordable for every family.

Listen to the entire radio ad:

Joe Biden will be in Pueblo tomorrow!

Jenn Prosser — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 19:37:28 EDT

This Wednesday, October 22nd, please join Joe Biden in Pueblo, where he will talk about Barack's vision for creating the kind of change we need.

Early Vote for Change Rally
with Joe Biden

Union Depot
132 W. B Street
Pueblo, CO 81003

Public entrance at the South Corner by the Parking Lot Area.

Wednesday, October 22nd
Gates Open: 12:30 p.m.
Program Begins: 2:15 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required; however an RSVP is strongly encouraged. You can RSVP here.

So you want to vote for Barack

Jenn Prosser — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:34:50 EDT

There are still eight days left to request a mail-in ballot by mail, and you can pick up a mail-in ballot from your county clerk's office through October 31st.

Watch this video and learn more about voting by mail:

If you have questions, visit our Mail-in Ballot page.

Vote Today!

Jenn Prosser — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:43:30 EDT

Colorado State Director Ray Rivera just sent out this email and we wanted to share it with you:

Dear Jenn,

From now until the end of the month, every day is Election Day in Colorado.

Early voting is fast, easy, and it could make the difference in this crucial battleground state. Show your friends and family that you've made up your mind and you're ready for change now.

Barack recorded a short video about Early Vote in Colorado.

Watch the video and find your early vote location today:

Early voting is simple, safe, and convenient. It's also a vital part of our strategy.

The more supporters who make their voices heard now, the more energy and resources we can devote to our get out the vote efforts closer to Election Day.

Vote early today and see if you can get five or more friends to vote early with you.

All across the country, supporters like you are working together to grow this movement for change. We know that Colorado families can't afford four more years of failed Bush-McCain policies.

That's why we need you to help make sure we have an advantage in Colorado before Election Day.

Take a moment now to watch the video, fill out some basic information, and make your voice heard:

http://co.barackobama.com/ColoradoEarlyVote

This is our chance to take America in a new direction -- so the next four years don't look like the last eight.

We can't do this without you.

Thanks,

Ray

Ray Rivera
Colorado State Director
Obama for America

P.S. -- After you vote early, help Barack bring the change we need to Washington by making sure others vote early as well. Join us for a neighborhood canvass and help get out the vote. Learn more now:

http://co.barackobama.com/COgetinvolved

Colorado Energy Tour: The Campaign for Change visits New Belgium

Jenn Prosser — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 17:13:10 EDT

On Monday, the Colorado Campaign for Change RV, equipped with solar panels, again took the road -- this time on a statewide energy tour. On the RV were Governor Bill Ritter and former Secretary of Transportation and Energy, Frederico Pena.

The morning started off in Fort Collins where they were joined by Denver Mayor and former brewery owner John Hickenlooper for a tour of the New Belgium brewery. New Belgium is the third largest mid-sized brewery in the United States and is known as a model of sustainability and eco-friendly practices. In 1999, New Belgium became the largest private consumer of wind-power electricity at that time and the first wind-powered brewery in the country.

At the end of the tour, Mayor Hickenlooper praised the brewery and explained why how New Belgium is an example of the kind of companies that Barack supports and will continue to support when he is president.

He said:

Imagine a country where you have a leader in place who has that same sort of sense about the need to transform our country, the need to do it with respect to both how we consume and how we produce and understands the opportunities that are a part of that. It's not built of desperation or a lack of hope, it's built out of a sense of an ability to create jobs and create a different energy future, to create a different economy and at the same time be responsible stewards of the environment.

You guys have definitely done it here at the New Belgium brewery, there are companies doing it around America and what we badly need is a leader in Washington D. C. who will partner with the states and develop a new energy economy in this country. So that's one of the reasons why I so heartily embrace Barack Obama's campaign for presidency because I believe he has the vision for that new energy economy.

Here are some more photos from the first stop of the energy tour:

Seniors Roundtable in Fort Collins

Greg Hauenstein — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 12:30:54 EDT

With all the turmoil in the economy over the last month, there is no clearer time to highlight the need to protect Social Security and not leave it to the whims of Wall Street. This was a major topic of conversation at the Fort Collins Senior Center on Friday morning.

State Senator Bob Bacon joined a packed room of seniors to discuss Senator Obama's plan to protect Social Security, reform our health care system to make insurance affordable, and reform our tax policy so people on fixed income aren't overburdened by taxes.

"There are enormous problems every four to eight years. Some are of our own making, some we have no control over. We need someone who will tell us the truth because fixing these problems won't be easy."

Betty lives in The Worthington Independent Living in Fort Collins and volunteers at the Campaign for Change office every week. She laughed as she talked about her volunteer experience.

"I've been working every Tuesday from 1:00 to 4:00. I've been so pleased with the number of young people coming in. It's so important that they take an interest. They need to save their country."

Senator Bacon took questions from the audience afterwards. Topics discussed ranged from Social Security and Medicare to Iraq and college affordability. You can find where Barack stands on all these issues by visiting our issues page.

The Denver Post endorses Barack

Jenn Prosser — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 19:59:06 EDT

The Denver Post editorial board endorsed Barack today in an article that will run in Sunday's Perspective section of The Denver Post.

Here are a few clips from the editorial:

In just 16 days, a presidential campaign that has raged for almost two years will at last come to an end.

In that time, America has undergone profound changes. And for most Americans, those changes have not been for the better.

...The speed and virulence of the worldwide liquidity crisis, caused by the collapse of the junk mortgage market, has stunned most Americans and has led voters, who now review their shrinking retirement funds and rising unemployment rates with alarm, to focus overwhelmingly on America's economic ills.

Given this inescapable economic agenda, The Post believes Barack Obama is better equipped to lead America back to a prosperous future.

It's time to change course.

What's the chance that Obama will reach out in such a bipartisan fashion? Actually, he has a long record of doing exactly that. We don't mean his brief tenure in the Senate so much as his successful run as a community organizer in Chicago.

Republicans love to mock Obama's history as a community organizer. But here was a man with no money to offer, no patronage to dispense, no way to punish his opponents. All he could do was to work with people from all walks of life, liberals and conservatives, business people and the unemployed, and bring them together in common cause for a better community. Could there really be better preparation to reunite a worried and divided America to again pursue our "more perfect union"?

As novelist Christopher Buckley said in endorsing Obama, the Illinois senator "has a first-rate intellect and a first-rate temperament."

With the help and prayers of the American people, we believe those talents can also make Barack Obama a great president.

RFK Jr. visits Colorado

Jenn Prosser — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 18:50:48 EDT

Last week, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. toured Colorado, talking to folks across the state about the solutions for global warming, restoring America's relationships abroad and why he is supporting Barack.

In Boulder, Bobby spoke at a gathering of about 100 people.

He said:

Today we have these people on Capitol Hill who know nothing about our country. Who just look at our country as a place where people can come from across the earth and make a big pile for themselves and whoever dies with the most stuff wins.

But we know there's something more to our country than that, and that's the thing that we love, that's the thing that we're proud to give to our children.

And I can tell you this that I believe truly in my heart that the only person who is able to re-establish that prestige and that love for the United States and will do it very, very quickly, is Barack Obama.

Coloradans are already voting for Barack

Jenn Prosser — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:55:06 EDT

Earlier today, Colorado State Director Ray Rivera sent out an email reminding everyone to request a mail-in ballot so they can vote early for Barack. And people in Colorado responded, telling us that they have already voted for Barack.

Ray:
4 votes for Obama are in from my family!!!
-George

I delivered my ballot and voted for Obama and Biden and delivered it to the Election Commission office in Denver on Mexico street
yesterday! Let's hope this election goes the right way.
-Susan

Mark your lists. both my wife, Rethea, and I voted by mail on Saturday. We voted a straight Democratic ticket to not only get Barack elected, but also to give him the Democratic support he will need in both houses of Congress to save this country and turn it around.
-Robert

I proudly voted for Senator Obama yesterday! As did my 56 year-old neighbor who was voting for the first time! Her 18 year-old grandson -- obviously a first-time voter -- will be dropping off his mail-in ballot for Senator Obama today!
-Theresa

I did vote for Barack by mail last week! Go Barack! Colorado for Barack!
-Marc

My vote is cast! Obama 08!
-Andrew

State Senator Andy Kerr casts his vote for Barack.

Ray,
We have already voted for Barack through absentee ballot. In fact my entire family, of fifteen registered voters, have added to the Barack totals in Colorado.
YES WE CAN!
-Ned

Obama team,
I received your message regarding requesting a mail in ballot. Not only have I already requested and received my mail in ballot ... I have voted and returned my ballot. I voted for Barack. My wife did also.

In all my years (I'm only 50), I've never been so enthusiastic about voting for a young man who seems to embody intelligent change such as Mr Obama. Barack's ability to articulate change, his vision, his ability to hear and dialogue with people of differing opinions, his background ... overall, impressive!!! I'm thrilled at the opportunity to place this man in the white house.

Count a total of 2 votes already in Barack's column. Good luck! Thank you for your efforts. Keep up the good work.

Best regards,
-Ben

Already voted for Barack and so did my first voting son!
Thanks,
-Becky

Did you vote for Barack today?

Jenn Prosser — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:31:08 EDT

Colorado state director, Ray Rivera just sent out this email:

Dear Jenn,

Every day is Election Day in Colorado because you can vote by mail from now until October 28th.

Voting by mail could make the difference in this election. The race is neck-and-neck in Colorado, and with only three weeks left until Election Day, we don't want the country staying up late waiting on results from Colorado.

Show that you have made up your mind and are supporting the Obama-Biden ticket by requesting your Mail-In ballot today.

Take a moment to request your Mail-In Ballot now.

Mail-in voting is convenient and saves you from potentially long lines on Election Day. It's also a vital part of our strategy here in Colorado.

The more supporters who make their voices heard now, the more energy and resources we can devote to our Get Out The Vote efforts closer to Election Day.

This year's Colorado ballot is also the longest ever. With mail-in voting, you can vote at your convenience in your own home and make sure you have time to review and fill out your entire ballot to vote for Democrats up and down the ticket.

Take a moment now to fill out some basic information and make your voice heard:

http://www.voteforchange.com

Don't forget to invite five friends to request their Mail-In Ballots and follow the voting instructions -- be sure to put on the right amount of postage and sign and date the outside of your ballot.

If you're a first-time voter, remember to include a copy of your ID.

We can't do this without you.

Thanks,

Ray

Ray Rivera
Colorado State Director
Obama for America

P.S. -- After you've requested your ballot, come volunteer at your local Campaign for Change office. For each volunteer shift you complete between now and October 20th, you'll be entered for an opportunity to meet Barack the next time he's in Colorado. Sign up now to volunteer:

http://co.barackobama.com/COvolunteer

Video: Colorado Rural Tour

Greg Hauenstein — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:42:46 EDT

After over a dozen stops and hundreds of supporters came to show their support, the first Colorado Rural Tour came to a close late Friday night.

Agriculture Commissioner John Stulp, former Governor Roy Romer, Governor Bill Ritter, Senator Ken Salazar, Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, as well as local elected officials and candidates came out to share their support for Senator Obama with the people of their communities. From issues of support for the Farm Bill, to energy independence, to the economic crunch that Main St. has been dealing with for years, they let their fellow Coloradans know that Senator Obama is the only candidate that will be fighting for them in the White House.

Here's the video from the tour:

We'll be launching a second Rural Tour this weekend in Southwest Colorado. Keep an eye on http://co.barackobama.com to see if the RV is coming to your town!

Vote early in Colorado!

Jenn Prosser — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 19:01:47 EDT

Usually, people vote on the first Tuesday in November, but in Colorado, polls open a week from tomorrow and thousands of people have already cast their vote by using a mail-in ballot.

Last week, while Kal Penn was traveling around the state visiting colleges, he took a moment to record this video for us about voting early and getting involved in the Campaign for Change:

Isaac Slade of The Fray also stopped by the office to request a mail-in ballot so he can cast his vote for Barack early and skip the lines on election day.

Have you requested a mail-in ballot yet? If not, you can download the form here.

If you already have your ballot, take a creative photo of you voting for Barack, submit it to Colorado@barackobama.com and you might see your face on the Obama blog!

Colorado Rural Tour Day Three: Photos

Greg Hauenstein — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 22:09:08 EDT

Friday wrapped up the Campaign for Change Rural Tour. The RV worked (and sometimes strained) its way up the Western Slope back towards Denver.

The towns of Olathe, Hotchkiss, Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs, Edwards, and finally Dillon all got to see the Campaign for Change RV roll through and hear its passengers, Agriculture Commissioner John Stulp, Former Governor Roy Romer, and US Senator Ken Salazar tell them why Senator Obama is the best choice for rural America

Here are some pictures from the final day:

Colorado Rural Tour Day Two: Photos

Greg Hauenstein — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 02:09:13 EDT

On Thursday the Campaign for Change Rural Tour continued across Southern Colorado. Joining the tour for the day was US Senator Amy Klobuchar from Minnesota. As a member of the Agriculture Committee with Senator Salazar as well as being from a state with a large agriculture community, she was right at home on Highway 50 visiting Pueblo, Cañon City, Salida, Gunnison, and Montrose.

Many of these communities have never seen a Democratic Presidential campaign, but it's a testiment to Senator Obama and the organization he and the citizens of Colorado have built together that they are reaching into every county in the state.

Here are some pictures from the day:

Rural tour gets some local attention

Jenn Prosser — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:54:23 EDT

For the past three days, Colorado Obama staff and a number of politicians including Governor Bill Ritter, former Governor Roy Romer, Senator Ken Salazar and Congressman John Salazar have been traveling across the state in an RV. They have been visiting the rural parts of Colorado talking to folks about why Barack is the best choice for rural America.

Here is some of the press coverage the tour is receiving:

From the Pueblo Chieftain:

...Romer was the main attraction Thursday - a Democratic legend coming home to support Obama.

"I would never have imagined when I was governor that one day, Colorado would decide the presidential election," Romer said as he shook hands and exchanged hugs with well-wishers. "But that's why I'm here, to do what I can to help Barack Obama over the finish line." A veteran of thousands of political rallies, Romer hardly missed a beat in connecting Pueblo and the national financial crisis to the presidential race. "When I was governor, we worked hard to bring new jobs to Pueblo and right now we need to revitalize our economy," Romer told the group. "I want a president who is calm and cool under fire, and is inclusive in taking advice, and that's what I see in Senator Obama."

From the Canon City Daily Record:

Sen. Salazar told the crowd that Obama knows "the world does not begin and end in Denver, Colorado.

"Fremont County is important to him, important to you, important to all of us," Salazar said. "We do not want four more years of Bush-Cheney policies in the White House. We need to restore the American dream."

From the Montrose Daily Press:

After the event, Olathe corn and onion grower John Harold called Obama's farm record "marvelous," in relation to rural Colorado. He said the Farm Bill ensured food independence. Lose that, he said, and systems collapse could eventually follow.

Harold said the recent chaos on Wall Street has stopped most of his onion commerce with Mexico, where until recently he sent truckloads of produce per day.

"My business in Mexico stopped," he said. "You can't do anything (business). Barack Obama has enthused a younger generation. My contention is, they have to get involved."

From the Fort Morgan Times:

Being a "swing state" has brought a lot more attention to Colorado during this presidential campaign, Ritter noted.

"I've never seen a presidential campaign like this in Colorado," Salazar said.

Ray Rivera, state director for Obama for America, said everywhere the Obama campaign goes in the state, people say they've had enough of the way the country's been run over the past eight years.

These people have enabled the campaign to go where Democrats have never been welcomed before, he said.

"The campaign is what we see in this room," Rivera said, adding that local supporters need to get the word out.

Eva Longoria wants you to vote

Jenn Prosser — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:40:51 EDT

It's something that guys dream about -- Eva Longoria, visiting their college campus, talking to them about how much they mean to her.

Last Saturday, it actually happened.

Eva, as well as actors Kal Penn and Adam Rodriguez, spent the day visiting college campuses around Colorado talking to students about their vital role in this election. The three started their day at Auraria campus where they spoke to several dozen students about the upcoming election and the importance of the youth vote.

Eva said:

People keep complaining about the government, complaining about Bush, complaining about the economy. But complaining is not going to change it -- only you are going to change it. Obama has said many, many time "change can not start at the top. It starts with us." That's the middle class, that's college students, that's you and you and you.

Colorado is a swing state. Colorado is one of the deciding states in this election. You don't want to be known as the state that lost hope for the rest of the country. You want to be the state that changed the face of the nation by standing up and showing up and saying 'no more, we want change.' The people who are going to bring change to this country are you.

The actors then traveled up to University of Northern Colorado, where a field filled with students listened as Adam Rodriguez from CSI Miami spoke to the crowd.

He said:

The biggest part of what makes mediums like Youtube and Facebook so powerful is their capacity to spread virally. And that's what you guys need to be today, you need to be the Facebooks and the Myspaces and the Youtubes once we leave here. You guys are the ones who want change and that's why you're here today. The important part is what you take from here and what you do after you leave here today. Let's spread this virally. Let's take this excitement we have, this opportunity to create change, and let's be a part of making that change -- this change that is going to carry us through the rest of our lives.

Here are some more photos from the actors' day in Colorado:

Colorado Rural Tour Day One: Photos

Greg Hauenstein — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 01:56:56 EDT

The Campaign for Change RV began its tour across rural Colorado early Wednesday morning. Colorado Agriculture Commissioner John Stulp, Former Governor Roy Romer, Governor Bill Ritter, and US Senator Ken Salazar all came along for the ride and told their fellow Coloradans why Senator Obama is the best choice for rural America.

Day One brought the tour to Sterling, Fort Morgan, Windsor, and Greeley. Here are some pictures from the day:

Vote for Barack and see your face on the Obama blog

Jenn Prosser — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:39:13 EDT

In the next couple days, people across Colorado will have the opportunity to vote for Barack as mail-in ballots start arriving in mailboxes.

If you have requested a mail-in ballot, we want to see your excitement as you cast your vote for Barack. Send your most creative photos of you filling out your mail-in ballot to Colorado@barackobama.com.

Send your photos by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 20th and you could see your photo on the Obama blog! The best photo will be featured on the national blog; the runner up will be on the Colorado page.

If you haven't requested a mail-in ballot yet, you still can. You can avoid the lines on Election Day by requesting a mail-in ballot. This year's ballot is the longest in Colorado's history, and mail-in ballots give you the time to research the issues before you cast your vote. Visit our mail-in ballot page to learn more.

Voter registration deadline: TODAY!

Jenn Prosser — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:31:32 EDT

Today is the last day you can register to vote in Colorado.

Use the Vote for Change tool below to check your registration, request a mail-in ballot or register to vote.

Be sure to tell your friends and family about Voteforchange.com so they can vote for Barack and make sure that he wins Colorado on November 4th!

VP Debate Watch Parties from all over Colorado

Greg Hauenstein — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:28:54 EDT

Thursday night, millions of people all over the country gathered around their TV sets to watch the Vice Presidential debate. What they saw in Joe Biden was what Barack saw in him when he made his decision to add Joe to the ticket: a man with deep understanding of the struggles of working families, a Senator with decades of experience dealing with crises all over the world, and a committed public servant who loves his country and wants to give everyone the same opportunities he and Barack had.

House parties were held all over Colorado and neighbors gathered together to watch and discuss what they saw. Amber was in downtown Denver. Her partner is currently serving in Iraq and she heard a clear difference between the two campaigns tonight:

"I agreed with Senator Biden. I feel he had a better articulated plan. His plan was clear about how we're going to get out and the importance of being transparent with the people about what our expectations are. "

Thursday night's debate shattered TV ratings and Americans saw a clear choice.

John McCain and Sarah Palin want four more years of a war that is draining the country of lives, money, and respect, four more years of a broken health care system, and four more years of economic policies that have left our communities and our financial markets in shambles.

Barack Obama and Joe Biden will end this war and bring our troops home to the care they deserve, Barack and Joe will create a health care system in this country that all can take part in, and Barack and Joe will get the economy back on its feet by giving tax cuts to the middle class famlies who need it and who are, as Joe said, "The economic engine of America..."

Sebelius talks to Coloradans about Barack's plan for small businesses

Jenn Prosser — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 01:45:01 EDT

On Tuesday, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius visited Colorado, stopping in Pueblo, Colorado Springs and Denver to talk to Coloradans about Barack's plans to support small businesses.

In Denver, Kathleen was joined by four other women, including Lieutenant Governor Barbara O'Brien for a panel discussion about small businesses. Speaking to a crowd of around 60 people in Denver, she said:

You don't need to go any further than the local news station to know this country is teetering is on the brink of an economic crisis, the likes of which we haven't seen since The Great Depression. For a lot of Colorado families and for a lot of families in our state, those economic woes were not a surprise because they've really been struggling with the cost of groceries and gas going up, jobs disappearing in this country; 660,000 jobs have been lost this year alone across America.

There are serious economic challenges and I think it has become abundantly clear that we cannot continue to do what we've been doing the past eight years and expect it to turn out differently. Albert Einstein said that awhile ago, he called it insanity. And that's really what voters are faced with in this upcoming election.

Senator Obama has focused on the challenges facing those working families, feeling that it starts with a fair tax policy, that you have to shift to reward work once again and that working men and women should get a tax break. He has proposed a $500 per worker tax break. Ninety-five percent of the citizens of this state will get a tax break from the Obama administration just from that one element alone.

He thinks it's important that small businesses be recognized as the engine of the economy that they are here in Colorado, in Kansas and across the country. Most workers work for companies employing fewer than 50 people. And those employers would no longer pay capitol gains tax as a way to incentivize additional investment in hiring new workers.

And that really is compared to the McCain tax policy which not only continues the Bush tax breaks, which at one point John McCain opposed -- now he supports and supports continuing those tax breaks. Senator McCain has proposed the need to add an additional $300 billion in tax breaks for the wealthiest corporations and the wealthiest individuals in the country -- starting with the big oil companies; they would get a big chunk off the top of that. No tax plan for working middle class Americans, most would not receive any relief at all, under the McCain tax plan.

One of the panelists, Leanna Clark, is a co-owner of a public relations firm that has been experiencing difficulties paying for their clients' health insurance because of the problems in the economy.

She said:

I love what I do. I love the business, the staff and the clients. But I hate a lot of what goes along with owning a small business -- primary in my mind is the rising cost of health care. Over the past nine years at my company we have seen our health care costs increase 219%. And we are a company who philosophically believes in covering the health care costs for our employees and will continue to do so, but nobody can bear that kind of increase without making some kind of adjustments.

I believe that Barack Obama gets it and the plan that he is proposing makes a lot of sense. I asked a lot of questions, and I did a lot of research… Senator Obama's direct tax credit to my company would cut what we're spending annually on health care in half, and that is amazing.

Here are some more images from the Governor's day in Colorado:

All star volunteers meet Barack

Jenn Prosser — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:21:19 EDT

Two weeks ago the Colorado Campaign for Change issued a challenge to supporters across the state: whoever knocked on the most doors over a weekend would get the opportunity to meet Barack. And last Monday, when Barack returned to Colorado, eight volunteers from across the state shook hands and spoke with the senator before he took the stage at Mount View High School.

Christine was one of those canvassers -- she knocked on around 400 doors in Arapahoe County over the course of two days and on Monday she found herself in front of Barack.

Here's what she said about the experience:

When he walked into the room I was speechless. He is a very real and genuine person. I felt that he really does care about what we all think, what we all are going through out here in the real world. I am prouder than ever to support and campaign for this man and know that he will put America back on the right track.

Christine brought her son Jordon with her. She says the seven-year old was incredibly excited about meeting the senator. She said:

He told me after that he was very nervous about meeting him. I know that he will remember this day for the rest of his life. And, my hope is that I have taught, and will continue to teach him that being a citizen of this country is about something more than just yelling at the television when you disagree with your leaders -- it is about putting actions with those words. It's about more than just voting. That if you see something wrong you do whatever you can to make it right. It is about getting out there and doing whatever you can to change the world in which you live. As he grows up I hope he holds on to the memories from this election and knows that he was part of something special.

Here are photos of some of the other volunteers who got to meet Barack:

Michelle fires up Farrand Field

Jenn Prosser — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:28:28 EDT

Yesterday, Michelle spoke to a crowd of around 9,700 at CU, talking about the importance of registering to vote.

Here's a video from the event:

Lauren, a supporter from Boulder, wrote this post on Talking Points Memo about her experience at the event:

My daughter called me yesterday to ask me if I was going to go hear Michelle Obama speak. Truthfully, I was not sure if I should take the time out of my schedule to go...but when my daughter asked and I realized that it would inspire her to go, I decided it was too important not to go.

My daughter is 23. She has only voted in one disappointing presidential election. I have been doing my best to inspire her to participate in this election. She has watched Obama speeches on Cspan with me. We have had meaningful discussions about the candidates and their positions.

Today we went to CU campus in Boulder to hear Michelle Obama. The level of organization of the campaign was immediately apparent because in order to enter the field that was chorded off, you had to fill out a form giving your name and address, indicating whether or not you were registered and where you stood in terms of your vote i.e. definitely voting for senator Obama, unsure, etc. I realize that they would know exactly how many people entered the field while not really able to account for those remaining outside the chords.

The crowd was of course mainly made up of young voters while mixed with middle age and elderly. There was a huge voter registration stand setup on the field as well as people in the crowd in hats that said 'register here' with clipboards in their hands.

We heard from Senator Mark Udall's wife. He is our congressman and running to fill a republican senate seat which he stands a good chance of winning. And we heard from Colorado's first lady. There was a famous retired Bronco's football player who spoke about how he voted for the first time in the last election and he had regrets about not voting before that. He gave a speech encouraging everyone to vote.

Michelle has her own presence and charisma. The crowd came alive most when she spoke. Personally I think she was born to be a 'first lady' and she does a great man like Senator Obama justice. They are well matched. While she talked about all of the issues we would expect including health care, the war, etc... she did mention the economic crisis and her own opinion that her husband would be the best man to lead our country in a healthier direction. Being at a university addressing students she reminded everyone that she and Barack got through their expensive education with student loans and had not paid them off until several years ago. Then she asked us if we wanted a president who knew what it was like to grow up in the working class, who had student loans, who watched his own mother struggle with the healthcare/insurance system as she struggled with cancer before her death, a president who could relate to the lives of a majority of americans?

She spent time discussing the fact that Bush won CO by less than 100,000 votes in 2004. She reminded everyone that the registration deadline is Oct 6 and encouraged everyone to help them meet a goal of registering 4200 new voters and announced that they were half way there.

My favorite part was when she invited us to imagine our country being led by President Obama...to envision it. That felt good!

As we left, I realized my daughter was now very inspired. She asked for a stack of voter registration forms and where they needed to be delivered. As we walked back to the car she started calling friends on the phone to ask if they were registered. I had previously made her some get out the vote cards with different email sites that support registration and she now felt more motivated to get them into people's hands. The Obama shirt I ordered for her had arrived when I got home and she asked me to get it to her so that she could wear it to a dance club tonight.

I have no doubt that she will get some of her friends registered and she said she wanted to volunteer with me on election day. All in all I am very glad that I went with her to share the experience of seeing Michelle today and to see my daughter become more motivated and inspired to participate in her government. I am sure we will always remember this day.

From the Denver Post: The only life story that matters: yours

Jenn Prosser — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 20:30:25 EDT

The only life story that matters: yours
by Dottie Lamm and Marilyn Van Derbur Atler

As two women who have done extensive public speaking, we know that telling one's life story is important for initial credibility. And, certainly, all the contenders for president and vice president have compelling stories. Yet we need to look beyond these stories and ask, "What's your story line for America?"

This election is not about their life stories from the past. Instead, it is about the life stories you and your children will live out in the future.

Before you vote on what story you want your family to live, here is a comparison of the candidates' positions on some issues of urgent concern to women:

• Taxes: Despite the distortions from opponents' ads, the Obama/Biden team will lower taxes for the middle 95 percent of working families. The McCain/Palin team, on the other hand, will continue the Bush tax cuts to the top 1 percent of Americans.

• Equal pay for equal work: Sen. Obama co-sponsored legislation to overturn a Supreme Court decision making it more difficult for women to challenge pay discrimination. Sen. McCain opposed the same legislation, calling it "a great burden on business."

• Child care and child protection: While in the Illinois Legislature, Sen. Obama helped to dramatically expand day care services and passed legislation to ensure young children are taught how to protect themselves against sexual predators. Sen. McCain has outrageously distorted the facts of this accomplishment in a new ad which tells voters that Sen. Obama "wanted to teach 5-year-olds about sex," before they could read.

• Violence against women: Sen. Obama voted for funding to prevent domestic violence and abuse. Sen. McCain has voted against all such programs, including a grant to aid children who have witnessed family violence.

• Reproductive choice: Sen. Obama says it's never been more important to protect a woman's right to choose. While in the Illinois Legislature, he was the chief sponsor of a bill requiring that hospitals providing emergency services for sexual assault victims and also provide medically accurate information about emergency contraception. Sen. McCain brags about his zero percent rating on pro-choice issues. According to a Sept. 21 New York Times editorial, "Mr. McCain, whose website proclaims his dedication to overturning Roe v. Wade, would appoint justices who could be expected to lead the charge to eliminate the right to abortion."

His running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, has said that she would not support abortion even in cases of rape or incest.

The Constitution gives women the right to vote. Thousands of early 20th century women fought for, marched for and went to jail for this right.

Your vote is also your choice. What life stories will you, your children and your grandchildren live?

Choose wisely.

Dottie Lamm is former first lady of Colorado. Marilyn Van Derbur Atler is author of "Miss America By Day" (Oak Hill Ridge Press, 2003).

Road Blog: Barack in Westminster, CO

Obama Road Blog — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:07:47 EDT

Barack Obama was a half hour late this afternoon for his speech at the Mountain High School Gymnasium in Westminster, Colorado where 3,000 supporters waited patiently. As Barack explained once he had arrived:

I apologize for the delay... I was on the phone with Secretary Paulson as well as the Speaker of the House and the Congressional leaders because they are still trying to work through this, this rescue package, and obviously this is a very difficult thing to do. It's difficult, because we shouldn't have gotten here in the first place.

Barack emphasized that while both parties have come to an agreement, their members have not. "Things are never smooth in Congress," Barack remarked.

Barack told the folks here that our priority right now is to stabilize the markets so that job loss doesn’t get any worse than it already is, and he urged the public and the markets to remain calm. And while Barack remains confidant that a deal will come to pass, he said that, "It's going to be a little rocky. It's sort of like flying into Denver. You know you're going to land... but it's not always fun going over those mountains."

Here are two clips from the event:

Peter Rubi
September 29, 2008
Westminster, CO

Coloradans share what Social Security means to them

Jenn Prosser — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 22:12:59 EDT

There are around 557,000 people who receive Social Security benefits in the state of Colorado. That is 12% of the population. Ninety-one percent of those recipients are seniors.

Last Wednesday, two of those recipients joined Governor Ritter and Paul Teske, a professor of public affairs, for a panel discussion about Social Security. They shared with a room of around 100 Coloradans why Social Security plays a crucial role in their lives.

Vivian became dependent on Social Security after she suffered an accident at work. She talked about why it was important to her that Social Security remain a government program and not be privatized.

She said:

Years ago, I put money in a company that some of you may remember, Silverado. I first lost money then. And then in 1998 thinking things would get better, I did it again. A lot of us who worked for government agencies at the time, we lost thousands of dollars. So I did not have that money. Privatizing social security, believe me, is not the answer, I found out the hard way.

No way can we privatize it. No matter what terminology you want to use, privatizing or personal accounts -- it is the same thing. It is just unstable, you cannot depend on it. My social security is my primary income right now… if it wasn't for social security I would not have the quality of life I have now, I would not be able to survive on a day-to-day basis.

And that is one of the many reasons why I support Barack Obama. Because he does understand exactly what we as everyday workers, everyday individuals, have to go through. I hope no one ever has to go through what I went through but unfortunately I have met too many people in Colorado and across the states that their only income is social security -- that is all they have, they do not qualify for other programs. If they did not have social security they would not be able to survive. Barack Obama is the one who understands that need.

Harriet talked about how four generations of her family rely on Social Security.

Here's a video of her sharing her story:

As president, Barack Obama will help people like Vivian and Harriet by completely eliminating income taxes for 65,000 seniors and eliminate the need for 316,000 seniors to file a tax return here in Colorado. Senator John McCain has proposed a tax cut that would leave the middle class behind, failing to cut taxes for 1.69 million households in Colorado including 480,000 seniors.

The First Debate

Jenn Prosser — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 21:39:39 EDT

Last night Barack and Senator John McCain had the first of three presidential debates.

In Denver, over a hundred people showed up at the Downtown Tavern to watch the debate. Before the debate, the booths of the bar were crowded with people making phone calls reminding undecided voters to watch the debate.

Ann showed up an hour and a half early to call voters and remind them to watch the debate.

She said:

I started volunteering recently, so I decided to kill two birds with one stone and come here to make calls then watch the debate. A lot of undecided voters that I've been calling say they're going to watch the debate, so I think that will help Barack.

After the debate, I spoke with Rachel who was really pleased with Barack's performance.

She said:

Knowing that Senator McCain has so much experience debating, I was a little concerned about the debate before, to be honest. But Barack did really well and showed how strong he is on foreign policy and other issues.

Christian author Don Miller visits Colorado Springs

Jenn Prosser — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:25:41 EDT

Christian Author Don Miller says he never expected to get involved in a political campaign. Yet a month ago, he stood in front of thousands of people, with millions more across the country watching him on television, and gave the closing prayer for the first night of the Democratic National Convention.

Last Tuesday, the New York Times best-selling author of Blue like Jazz and Searching for God Knows What returned to Colorado for a Conversation about Faith and Politics, speaking to a hundred people in Colorado Springs about why he was working to help elect Barack.

He said:

I feel like one of the reasons that I'm here is 20 years from now, when my kids say "What did you do during that election? What did you do when the first African-American man was nominated for president? What did you do when that Christian man stood up in the Democratic Party, dad?" I want to say "I got on board. I went around the country. I made calls." And when they asked "But dad didn't people yell at you?" I would say "Yeah, they did. But I stood strong, because you defend your brother in Christ when he's being attacked and when he's being lied about. You stand up for him." And that's what I want to do for Barack Obama.

We need this president right now. The world needs this president right now. The world is looking for us to choose this leader, to say that we're moving forward, we're sorry for many of the things we have done in the past, here is our gift to you. I think the world needs this leader at this time.

Don told the crowd about how he identifies with Barack and how, while religious voters are often thought of as more conservative, Barack's policies are more representative of the Christian faith.

Here's a video from the event:

New TV Ad: "A Stronger Economy"

Jenn Prosser — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:05:11 EDT

CHICAGO, IL - Today, the Obama-Biden campaign released a new 60 second TV ad, A Stronger Economy, which has Senator Obama telling the American people what he will do as President to put the middle class first and get our economy back on track.

You can watch the ad here:

A message from Kevin Puleo: How you can help us win in Colorado

Jenn Prosser — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:26:20 EDT

The Colorado Campaign for Change Field Director, Kevin Puleo, just sent out this email:

Dear Jenn,

As of today, there are just 40 days left until Election Day, November 4th. That's not a lot of time.

That's why thousands of supporters like you are already working in every corner of Colorado to spread Barack's message of change in their communities.

Two weeks ago, we sent out an email asking you to join your local Neighborhood Team -- and since then, people all across the state have gotten involved, including Scott from Denver.

Our team put together a short video about why Scott decided to start making a difference in his community.

Watch the video to learn how you can have an impact, and sign up to join your own local Neighborhood Team today.

In 2004, George W. Bush won Colorado by just 100,000 votes.

This time around, we are in a very close race and have a real chance to win here. But it's going to take all of us working together.

That's why Neighborhood Teams are already out in force, doing the kind of work that wins elections -- knocking on doors, registering people to vote, and letting supporters know about Mail-In Ballots.

Since supporters like you know your communities better than anyone else, we're counting on you to help put us over the top in Colorado.

Join your Neighborhood Team today and reach out to your community:

http://co.barackobama.com/COneighborhood

We can't do this without you.

Thanks for all that you do,

Kevin

Kevin Puleo
Field Director
Colorado Campaign for Change

P.S. -- An easy way to make sure that your voice is heard in this important election is voting by mail. Requesting a Mail-In Ballot is easy, and voting by mail is safe, convenient, and lets you avoid lines on Election Day. Take a minute to request your Mail-In Ballot and encourage your friends to do the same:

http://co.barackobama.com/COmailin

Another 12 offices open in Colorado

Jenn Prosser — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 20:41:49 EDT

Last week, the Colorado Campaign for Change opened another 12 offices across the state, bringing the total number of offices to 31.

From Five Points to Woodland Park, Steamboat Springs to Castle Rock offices are popping up all over Colorado -- helping reach out to our supporters across the state. The dedication and hard work of our volunteers is what fuels this campaign and so we are working to make sure that there are offices all over Colorado to accommodate that support.

Here are some photos from the office openings:

Grand Junction gets its first visit from a Democratic Candidate in 60 years

Jenn Prosser — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:32:00 EDT

Sixty years ago, a train carrying President Harry Truman rolled into Grand Junction. It was Truman's legendary "Whistle-Stop Tour" that helped him win the 1948 campaign for the Presidency. It was also the last time a Democratic candidate for President visited Grand Junction -- until this past Monday when Barack visited a record sized crowd of 5,800 at the Cross Orchards Historic Site.

People came as early as 5:30 in the morning to stand in line. A group of people brought juice, fruit, and bagels to feed others waiting line.

Cathy was one of the first people in line and told us how the huge line made her and her friends feel:

I think it means that we have a chance. I think it'll be so close... but there's no question that this community has been invigorated.

Real excitement and disbelief that there were so many Democrats here! When I went to get my ticket, it was so exciting to see so many people come out. Democrats, independents or Republicans that are willing to hear the other side.

Barack was introduced by Colorado Governor Bill Ritter and US Senator Ken Salazar. Energy independence, revitilizing rural America, and Colorado's natural resources are among the most important issues here in Colorado, both Governor Ritter and Senator Salazar touched on these subjects.

Governor Ritter said:

We know something about energy in this state. We know that it's important to strike the right balance. You see, the future of this country has to be diversified in its energy use. So it is about natural gas, but it is also about solar, and wind, and geothermal, it's about energy efficiency, energy conservation, it's about all those things and there's one candidate in this Presidential race that understands if we diversify, we secure and that is Barack Obama.

Senator Salazar next spoke to the crowd and addressed the importance of rural America and western Colorado's most important resource: the Colorado River.

He said:

Some people think that when we talk about the Colorado River issues and protecting our Compact that it's a silly issue. It is not a silly issue for rural Colorado, for our farmers, our ranchers, and our communities in the west who understand the importance of water. Barack Obama will protect the Colorado River Compact. John McCain said he wants to open it up. We won't let him do that.

We caught up with several volunteers while there and compiled this video:

Canvassing Colorado

Jenn Prosser — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:36:07 EDT

Last weekend, the Colorado Campaign for Change challenged each of its regions to see which one could knock on the most doors over the weekend. Well, the work paid off because volunteers across the state knocked on over 85,000 doors and had face-to-face conversations with nearly 25,000 Coloradans. Thanks to all our volunteers for their hard work - these conversations with your neighbors about Senator Obama's message of change are what will make the difference in November!

Special congratulations to the winner of our regional door-knocking challenge - the Northeast Denver region! As a prize the Northeast Denver field organizers were presented with the Golden Door Knocker award.

Other states are starting to notice the incredible work that is being done in Colorado and as a result we're upping the ante. Our friends at the Virginia Campaign for Change have challenged us to see which of the two key battleground states can knock on the most doors this weekend.

You can join the Colorado Campaign for Change this weekend and help us show the state that calls itself the "Mother of Presidents" that when it comes to this election, Colorado will be the one that will send Barack to the White House. Find a canvass near you.

Obama Directly Addresses Coloradans in Two-Minute Ad: Plan for Change

Jenn Prosser — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 09:25:17 EDT

CHICAGO, IL – The Obama campaign today released a two-minute advertisement in which Senator Obama will speak directly to the nation on his view of the state of the economy and what he would do to fix it if he is elected president. The ad will begin today nationally and in battleground states around the country.

Watch the ad...

New TV Ad: "Fundamentals"

Jenn Prosser — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:03:27 EDT

CHICAGO, IL - Yesterday of all days, with Wall Street in crisis, John McCain declared that the "fundamentals of the economy are strong." That shows how disturbingly out of touch he is with what's going in the lives of ordinary Americans. Following Senator McCain's out of touch belief, the Obama campaign today released a new 30 second TV ad called "Fundamentals."

Watch fundamentals...

Pueblo is Fired Up for Barack

Jenn Prosser — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 02:28:15 EDT

Last month, when Barack accepted the Democratic nomination in Denver, he promised to return to Colorado soon. Today, he fulfilled that promise, visiting both Grand Junction and Pueblo.

Barack's visit to Pueblo was one of the biggest political events ever held in the city and the energy was incredible. People drove from across the state to see the senator.

Judy and Linda, two sisters from Pueblo, showed up at the Colorado State Fairgrounds for the rally at 9:30 this morning. I talked to them after the event.

This was Judy's first time seeing Barack speak. She said:

"He talked about everything we need. We need change. This event made history."

Here are some photos from the event:

Road Blog: Day in Pictures and Video, Colorado

Obama Road Blog — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 23:42:42 EDT

Accompanied by his friends and supporters Colorado Governor Bill Ritter and Colorado Senator Ken Salazar, Barack returned to colorful Colorado to talk to folks in Grand Junction and Pueblo about rebuilding this fragile economy.

The situation isn't good. Over the weekend Wall Street had more bad news with Lehman Brothers and other financial intuitions facing serious trouble. As the pain of Wall Street is felt on Main Streets across the country, one thing is clear: Over the last eight years, no one has been minding the store.

It isn't just people's pain that is being ignored by Washington. Sometimes it's the successes that fail to gain attention and the support they deserve. In his introduction of Barack, Gov. Ritter talked about a new initiative in Pueblo, already bringing over 500 new jobs to town. "We are creating good middle class jobs that will be good for this economy and good for the state," he told a crowd of 13,500 at the Colorado State Fairgrounds. These are green sector union jobs that can't be exported, the jobs that Barack wants to create all over the U.S., anywhere where there is a shuttered steel mill or an abandoned factory. These are the changes America needs.

As the sun set over the Fairgrounds baseball stadium, Barack himself put it best. Lately we've been hearing a lot about change from both sides, he said, "and they say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. But I wish that instead of borrowing our lines and slogans, I wish John McCain would borrow some of our ideas!"

Enjoy the day in pictures and video from Barack's Pueblo rally.

Arun Chaudhary
September 15th, 2008
En route to Denver, CO

Road Blog: Barack Obama in Grand Junction, CO

Obama Road Blog — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 20:15:26 EDT

For the first time in 60 years, a presidential campaign is rolling through Grand Junction, Colorado. Hasn't happened since Harry Truman swung by when he was a candidate. Folks in Grand Junction were ready to be heard. According to Lt. Wayne Weyler from the Mesa Police Department, a crowd of 5,800 braved the bright sun and dusty gravel at the Cross Orchards Historic Site.

One of the things heard over and over again about Barack Obama from the introducers, local elected officials, and folks talking afterwards is that "Barack gets it."

Today was no exception. The crowd in Grand Junction heard that Barack "gets it" on agriculture from Governor Ritter and that he "gets it" on energy from Senator Salazar.

Grand Junction Local Bill Haggerty, who quit the Department of Wildlife after a career spanning 20 years, knows that Barack "gets it" on corporate bailouts. No more golden parachutes for CEOs who exploit loopholes in the financial system and export jobs overseas. "We don't need another four years like the last eight," Bill told his fellow Coloradans.

Barack himself made clear that he gets it. Speaking about the financial crisis gripping Wall Street he said, "This a serious serious situation. As bad as anything we've seen."

Barack also made it clear what this election is about. "It's not about Britney, it's not about lipstick, it's not about pigs. It's about you ... I feel good about our chances, Colorado. I've got something more powerful than they do, I've got you."

Watch this video in which Barack demonstrates how clear the choice is in this election and compares his policies with those of John McCain and Sarah Palin.

Arun Chaudhary
September 15th, 2008
Grand Junction, Colorado

Colorado students unite for Barack

Jenn Prosser — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:11:19 EDT

Yesterday, a group of students from across Colorado came together for a Campaign for Change Youth Leadership Conference, where they learned about their crucial role in helping Barack win Colorado.

Colorado Youth Vote Director, Jacqui Barry, lead the conference. She talked about the important role that young people have played in history and what that means for the campaign. She said:

It was the student activists in the civil rights movement who marched. It was the Student Activists that took the buses to Bergmingham and marched. It was the Student Activists who fought for Women's Liberation and said women deserve rights.

And now, today, it's the student activists in this room that are going to change the course of this country. It's you guys who are going to win Colorado. And it's us that are going to win this country and, in course, change the world.

Barack will be in Golden on Tuesday!

Jenn Prosser — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 13:37:57 EDT

Barack will be in Golden on Tuesday, September 16th. Details below:

Barack Obama in Golden
Colorado School of Mines
Lockridge Arena
1651 Elm St.
Golden, CO 80401

Tuesday, September 16th
Doors Open: 7:00 a.m.
Program Begins: 9:30 a.m.

The event is free and open to the public -- however, tickets are required. Space is limited, and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ticket distribution locations

Distribution times:
Sunday, September 14th
and Monday, September 15th
from 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Campaign for Change Office -- Golden
710 Golden Ridge Road
Suite 108
Golden, CO
View Map

Campaign for Change Office -- Arvada
7402 West 57th Avenue
Arvada, CO
View Map

Campaign for Change Office -- Morrison
19423 North Turkey Creek Road
Suite 1
Morrison, CO
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Campaign for Change Office -- Lakewood
9797 W Colfax Avenue
Lakewood, CO
View Map

Barack will be in Grand Junction on Monday!

Jenn Prosser — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:56:13 EDT

Barack will be in Grand Junction on Monday, September 15th. Details below:

"Change we need" event with Barack Obama
Cross Orchards Historic Site
3073 F Road
Grand Junction, CO 81504

Monday, September 15th
Doors Open: 9:00 a.m.
Program Begins: 11:00 a.m.

The event is free and open to the public. However, tickets are REQUIRED. Member of the public are invited to pick up their free tickets at the location listed below beginning at noon on Saturday, September 13th. Free tickets are first-come, first-served. There is a two ticket per person maximum.

Ticketing Location
Western Slope Regional Headquarters Campaign for Change Office
844 Grand Ave
Grand Junction, CO 81501
View Map

Barack will be in Pueblo on Monday!

Jenn Prosser — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:20:14 EDT

Barack will be in Pueblo on Monday, September 15th. You can RSVP here. Details below:

"Change We Need" rally with Barack Obama

Colorado State Fairgrounds
Grandstand
1001 Beulah Avenue
Pueblo, CO 81004

Monday, September 15th
Doors Open: 2:00 p.m.
Program Begins: 4:30 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is strongly encouraged.

Statement of Senator Obama on the anniverary of the 9/11 attacks

Jenn Prosser — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:12:04 EDT

In remembrance of the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Senator Obama released the following statement:

Today, we honor the memory of the lives that were lost on September 11, 2001, and grieve with the families and friends who lost someone they loved in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. We will never forget those who died. We will always remember the extraordinary efforts of our firefighters, police and emergency responders, and those who sacrificed their own lives on Flight 93 to protect their fellow Americans. And we give thanks for the Americans defending us every day in our communities at home, and in our military abroad.

On 9/11, Americans across our great country came together to stand with the families of the victims, to donate blood, to give to charity, and to say a prayer for our country. Let us renew that spirit of service and that sense of common purpose. Let us remember that the terrorists responsible for 9/11 are still at large, and must be brought to justice. Let us resolve to defeat terrorist networks, defend the American homeland, stand up for the enduring American values that we cherish, and seek a new birth of freedom at home and around the world.

Senator Salazar and Colorado veterans share their support for Barack

Jenn Prosser — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 17:06:25 EDT

Roughly ten percent of Coloradans have served in the military, making Barack's experience as a member of the Senate Veteran Affairs Committee an important qualification for Coloradan voters. Last week, about two dozen of those men and women came to the Colorado Campaign for Change office in Colorado Springs for a veteran to veteran phone bank.

They reached out to other veterans in El Paso county by calling them and talking about why they are supporting Barack.

Dave, an Air Force veteran who served in Vietnam, told us about the evening.

He said:

I think it's a really nice sign of the vets getting involved in the Obama campaign, how the military is reacting to this whole episode, I think everybody is ready for a change.

Senator Ken Salazar visited the event, thanking the veterans for their service to the country and for helping to get Barack elected.

After speaking to the vets, he joined them in making phone calls.

Colorado Republicans for Obama

Jenn Prosser — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 14:15:54 EDT

Barack believes that politics is about more than being a Democrat or a Republican, it's about people coming together to bring about the change that our country needs.

In honor of that message, we sat down with a few Republicans this week and asked them why they are supporting Barack.

Here's what they told us:

Obama Campaign Announces Colorado Latino Advisory Council

Jenn Prosser — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 18:55:07 EDT

The Colorado Campaign for Change just sent out this press release:

Obama Campaign Announces Colorado Latino Advisory Council

DENVER, CO - Today, the Obama Campaign announced the formation of its Colorado Latino Advisory Council, highlighting the continued growth of support Senator Obama is receiving in the Latino community statewide. The advisory council is made up of key labor, community and faith leaders and elected officials from across the state, who will advise the campaign on issues important to the Latino community, as well as play an active role engaging and mobilizing Latino voters in their local communities.

"I am honored to have the support of these leaders that have dedicated their lives to advancing opportunity - not just for Latinos; but for all Americans. They've all fought tirelessly for an economy that rewards work and the workers who create it, a quality education for our children, access to affordable health care, civil rights and voting rights," said Senator Obama. "With their counsel and support, we will continue building our movement for change in every community in Colorado and across the country."

"Latino voters will play a pivotal role in the November election, and our job is to ensure we are communicating Senator Obama's message to this key community," said National Council Chair, Federico Peña. "The members of the advisory council bring a breadth of knowledge, experience, leadership, and action to mobilizing Latinos here in Colorado. Over the next two months, we will be out talking about the contrast between Senator Obama's commitment to changing the direction of our country and putting in place an economic plan that works for America's middle class families and McCain's plan to continue the failed Bush economic policies of the last eight years."

Former State Senator Polly Baca said, "Senator Obama represents the kind of leadership that will fight for America's working families and will help create opportunities to empower our communities across America at this critical moment in history."

"As the Latino community continues to get to know Senator Obama, it is clear that he is the right candidate for our issues and is the best candidate to deliver the change that America desperately needs," said State Senator Abel Tapia. "Senator Obama not only understands the struggles and diversity of our community but because of his personal history and background he will stand with us and be a fighter for our issues."

Basil Sabbah, Chairman of the Board of Solera National Bank, said, "He will create jobs here in America, lower taxes on the middle class, reform our education system, and ensure that all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care. I look forward to continuing to work to elect Senator Obama as the next President of the United States."

Colorado Latino Advisory Council Members:

Katherine Archuleta, Senior Policy Advisor to Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper; President of the Board of Directors, Latina Initiative

Polly Baca, Former State Senator

Richard Baca, Retired Higher Education Administrator, Mesa State College

Patricia Barela Rivera, Former CO District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration

Adrienne Benavidez, Attorney, District Director with the State of Colorado

Celina Benavidez, Director, Division of Human Resources and Administration, Colorado Department of Transportation

Juana Bordas, President, Mestiza Leadership International

State Representative Ed Casso, House District 32

Zee Ferrufino, Owner, KBNO Radio

Debra Gallegos, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Colorado Department of Transportation

Rick Garcia, Denver City Council Member, District 1

Dr. Eric Gonzalez Juenke, Professor of Political Science

Lucia Guzman - Pastor, United Methodist Church; Director, Denver Council of Human Rights/Community Relations; Former Executive Director, CO Council of Churches

Arturo Jimenez, Denver Public School Board Member, District 5

Paul Lopez, Denver City Council Member, District 3

Rich Lopez, Owner, Greeley Printers

Denise Maes, Chairwoman, Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Debbie Marquez, DNC Member, Eagle County

Chris Martinez, Chairman, RTD Board of Directors

Ramona Martinez, Chair, DNC Hispanic Caucus

James Mejía, CEO, Denver Preschool Program

Christopher Meza, Denver Business Owner

Judy Montero, Denver City Council Member, District 9

Keith Montoya, Owner, Doc 1 Solutions

Dianne Ortiz, Vice Chair, Pueblo Chicano Democratic Caucus

Gil Ortiz, Political Director, Laborers Union, Local 578, Colorado Springs

Dan Pabon, Attorney, Holland and Hart; Denver Young Democrats

Federico Peña, Chair, National Hispanic Advisory Council; National Obama Campaign Co-Chair; Former Mayor of Denver; Former U.S. Secretary of Energy and Transportation

Theresa Peña, School Board President, Denver Public Schools

Mannie Rodriguez, Chair, Colorado Democratic Party's Latino Initiative; Member, Democratic National Committee

Basil Sabbah, Board of Directors Chairman, Solera National Bank; Founder, Boa Energy Drink

Dr. Anna Sampaio, Board of Directors, Latina Initiative; Professor of Political Science

Jennifer Sanchez-Trujillo, Chair, Pikes Peak Latino Initiative (Colorado Springs)

State Senator Paula Sandoval, Denver, District 34

State Senator Abel Tapia, Pueblo, District 3

Rudy Torrez, Housing Counselor, Adams County; Obama Neighborhood Team Leader, House District 5

Speaker Ruben Valdez, Former Speaker, Colorado House of Representatives

Ed Vigil, Costilla County Commissioner, District 1

Message from David Plouffe: 'What you didn't see this week'

Christopher Hass — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:30:58 EDT

Earlier this afternoon, in response to the final night of the Republican National Convention and this morning's newest unemployment figures, campaign manager David Plouffe sent out the following email:

John McCain and the Republicans had all week to make their case -- and they didn't do it.

The whole Republican convention went by without offering a single idea about how to improve the lives of ordinary Americans.

People noticed. In the last 24 hours, more people donated to this campaign for the first time than ever before. Thank you for responding so strongly.

Barack is making clear what this election should be about. At a campaign stop in Pennsylvania yesterday, he spoke out about exactly what we didn't hear at the Republican convention.

You can help make sure Barack's message of change is heard loud and clear. Will you watch the video and make a donation today?

We learned just this morning that unemployment jumped to its highest rate in five years, and our economy lost 605,000 jobs this year alone -- at a time when John McCain believes that the fundamentals of our economy are "strong."

John McCain can talk all he wants about change, but he has voted with George W. Bush more than 90 percent of the time, and Americans aren't buying it.

Here are a few of the responses we received from voters who watched the Republican convention:

"This is one Republican for Obama that knows 100% now that I made the right choice and will in November vote for Obama-Biden." -- Bev from Georgia

"Republicans like Palin, Giuliani, and Romney can engage in red-meat partisan vitriol all they want, right out of the Karl Rove playbook, but this isn't 2000 or 2004. Americans now have seen the full impact of GOP policies on their pocketbook." -- Rick from Colorado

"What the Republicans displayed ... is more of the same old thing -- unproductive politics. I hope and pray that the American voters will see through this and realize that we need a different mindset and approach if we are ever going to get things done in Washington." -- Patricia from Kansas

Watch Barack's response to the Republican convention, and join these folks in supporting real solutions and making sure Americans far and wide know what's at stake.

Thanks for everything you're doing,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

Dede's story

Jenn Prosser — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:36:12 EDT

This past summer, over one hundred people joined the Colorado Campaign for Change as Obama Organizing Fellows, spending six weeks of their lives helping Barack win the state of Colorado. Many of these fellows stayed with the campaign and became field organizers - others returned home afterward, staying involved with the campaign as volunteers.

I met one of the fellows, Dede, last week. After her fellowship ended Dede's husband, Shawn, left for his second tour in Iraq. Dede had to leave the campaign after Shawn was deployed so she could take care of their two year-old son, Michael.

She explained why she supports Barack. She said:

The main reason I was drawn to Obama was because he was the first politician to actually care about the families of soldiers. He cared if my family was together and he understood that when a soldier is deployed, the whole family is deployed -- the soldier's life isn't the only life that is put on hold. I know soldiers that the first time they got to see their child was when they were two. It's not right.

I'm really for any candidate who is for bringing the troops home and not having us over there indefinitely. How I feel about the war in Iraq right now is that it's not really designed to be won, it's designed to be maintained. And every soldier I've talked to who has been deployed over there and has come back has said that they don't really know why they're there - that they don't really have a clear mission. Even when I ask my husband, "what's the mission?" He's like "I don't know."

Dede talked about being a military wife. She said:

My husband and I met after he came back from his first tour of Iraq, he was there for a year. And then we got married. And then a month after this little guy was born, he was deployed to Afghanistan for a year. When he got back he only had a year left of his enlistment of his six year enlistment. So then three days before he was supposed to get out, two days before Christmas, we found out he was going to get stop loss -- he was going to be deployed again to Baghdad for fifteen to eighteen months. He didn't want to do that obviously. It was a pretty bad Christmas.

Being a military wife is hard. My husband and me, we really love each other, and maybe we're still in the newlywed phase because we've had to be apart for so long. But I've seen a lot of marriages crumble, just because of the time. Husbands come back and they're angry. It's definitely hard. We have one child and that's difficult enough -- we want to give him so much, that's why we're stopping at one for now, but I see families that have three or four children and the father or mother gets deployed for two, three, four tours. It's a strain. Usually the spouse that's not in the military ends up not being able to really work, which is what happened to me.

Dede and her husband moved from to Colorado Springs in April, she joined the campaign two months later. She told me about working for the campaign. She said:

When I first started on the fellowship, I wasn't sure if I could do it -- so much goes into a campaign, but then I realized it's got to be done, someone's got to do it. And I said I would, so I'm going to do it. Once I got the hang of it, it was a breeze. And it was fun.

The best thing about it was just meeting all the different people who I would have never had the chance to talk to or meet otherwise. You really build relationships with people, and you really care about people. Even though I'm not heavily involved with the campaign anymore, people still call me and invite me over for dinner. I feel like it wasn't just a fellowship, it really was building community - something that I haven't felt since I was little.

Even though she had to leave the campaign, Dede says she still comes into the office.

I still try to come in and do data entry for as long as Michael can stand it. I don't think I've come to terms with it being over. I just really hope that with all sacrifices everyone's making -- the time and energy and seeing how hard everybody works, that Barack gets elected, because it will horrible if he doesn't.

Fort Morgan celebrates labor

Jenn Prosser — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:48:24 EDT

In 1894, Congress declared the first Monday of September to be a federal holiday. The holiday, Labor day, was to be a "day off for the working citizen." Yesterday, the Morgan County Democrats got together for a picnic at Riverside Park in Fort Morgan.

Kerrie was there registering voters. She talked to us about the movement for change in eastern Colorado.

She said:

I came on board with the campaign in February, and we had a great turn out for the caucus in our small little town in Wiggins -- we had 14 people show up. Some of the women cried because they were just so excited.

Here's a video from the event:

4k in 4 days: We did it!

Jenn Prosser — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 12:36:43 EDT

We reached our goal of registering 4,000 voters in only three days!

Since the beginning, our campaign has been dedicated to getting people involved in the political process and creating a grassroots movement that reaches out to people across the country. Because of this, volunteers both new and old have spent dedicated their Labor day weekends to reaching out and bringing new voters into the democratic process and helping to spread our message of change we can believe in.

The enthusiasm and energy of our volunteers put us over the top in just three days. Let's take that momentum and register even more voters!

Find a 4k in 4days event near you and spend this Labor Day helping Barack win Colorado!

Update: 4k in 4 days

Jenn Prosser — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 21:26:19 EDT

The Convention may be over, but the energy that surrounded it remains and has been turned into action.

This weekend, across the state people are getting involved with the Colorado Campaign for Change's Convention Weekend of Action. The goal is to register 4,000 new voters in four days and we're well on our way to meeting it -- between Friday and Saturday alone we registered over 2,600 voters.

There are tons of 4k in 4 days events going on all over Colorado. This morning in Pueblo, the campaign had a great presence at the Fiesta Day Parade.

Nearly 150 voters were registered at this event alone!

Later on this afternoon, I caught up with Joy and her Vote-mobile. Joy has spent the last two weekends registering voters in the town of Elizabeth in Elbert County.

She has been excited by the change she has seen in her home county. She said:

It's a great experience. We're establishing a basis for future elections. We're looking to establish a long term trend in this county by getting people registered, not just elect a very good president.

Hurricane Gustav: How You Can Help

Sam Graham-Felsen — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 14:54:29 EDT

As Hurricane Gustav approaches and Gulf Coast residents evacuate their communities, our thoughts and prayers go out to those who are affected by this situation.

Mayor Ray Nagin has announced a mandatory evacuation for the City of New Orleans today, Sunday, August 31st. If you are in the New Orleans area, please contact the state emergency hotline at 1-866-288-2484 if you need more information or go to the State of Louisiana site for an updated list of evacuations by parish.

If you are a Mississippi resident, please click here for information.

State and local government officials are working hard to ensure the safety and well-being of the people of the region, and many of you have asked how you can help too.

Please find out how you can help by visiting the American Red Cross or Save The Children today.

If disaster strikes, your support will be vital to those organizations that work to help our communities get back to their feet.

Stay tuned for updates and more information on how you can help.

Kal kicks off the Convention Weekend of Action

Jenn Prosser — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 00:36:33 EDT

This weekend volunteers across Colorado are taking the momentum of the Convention and registering voters throughout the state.

Kal Penn visited a few local offices this afternoon to thank the voters for the work they are doing and spent a few hours making phone calls to undecided voters in Arapahoe county.

Here's a few photos from his visit:

You can get involved this weekend and help out our movement for change by finding an event near you.

Colorado goes back to school with Kal Penn

Jenn Prosser — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:47:30 EDT

While it may seem like the Convention was the only thing happening in Colorado this week, across the state thousands of college and high school students went back to school. Excited about both the Convention weekend of action and schools going back into session, Kal Penn, otherwise known as Kumar from “Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle” spent the day talking to college students and getting them registered to vote.

Kal spoke to over a hundred students at CU this morning, proving that even at 9 a.m. on a Friday morning the Buffs are Fired Up.

Proving that Barack’s policies cross not only party lines but also the lines of school rivalries, Kal then traveled to CSU where he spoke to students and spent the early afternoon registering voters and signing up volunteers. Addressing the crowd at CSU, the actor said:

If you remember when we were kids, CNN and MTV used to always run these stories about how we weren’t going to vote, that we didn’t care enough. But in the last eight years, things have actually gotten bad enough for that to change – we’ve all got friends and family over in Iraq, can’t afford healthcare, can barely afford an education, gas is $4 a gallon. So it’s been interesting to see around the country is that if you are between the ages of 18 and 35 you are registering to vote.

In Ohio, the election was decided by 118,000 votes in 2004. There are around 600,000 college students there. In all the swing states, including Colorado, the margins can be closed by the just the college or youth vote.

Kyle, a student at CSU, was delighted when he saw Kal at his campus and was even more excited when he found out the actor was volunteering for Barack. He said:

Before this, I hadn’t paid any attention at all to politics. My buddy has been ragging on me to get registered to vote, so because of him, I decided to take it more seriously this year. And I’m excited that the first time I’m going to vote it’ll be for Barack. After Barack’s speech last night and meeting Kal today, I feel like my life is complete. Now I need to volunteer and do my part to get Barack elected.

David Plouffe: "We have to do more"

Christopher Hass — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 20:31:09 EDT

As part of the opening program, Campaign Manager David Plouffe spoke to the crowd here at Mile High about the importance of voter registration, neighbor to neighbor contact and Get Out The Vote efforts. He cited Pennsylvania as an example, where already over 316,000 new voters have been registered as Democrats.

With only 68 days left before the election, Plouffe urged supporters to "outhustle, outwork, [and] out-think" the Republican campaign. No matter where you are, you can be part of that work.

Scenes from Mile High: Howard Dean and the Faces in the Crowd

Christopher Hass — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:41:18 EDT

Coloradans take action at Mile High

Jenn Prosser — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:31:17 EDT

In the hours leading up to Barack's acceptance speech, people are taking the energy of Mile High and turning it into action. Throughout the stadium, people are registering to vote, signing up to volunteer and even making phone calls to make sure that people across Colorado tune in to watch Barack's speech.

Cheryl, a volunteer who traveled from Washington state to help out in Colorado, talked to us about the amount of excitement that is flooding Mile High.

She said:

We're calling voters in Colorado and telling them to watch Senator Obama speak tonight, and tell them how great he is. And then if they make 12 phone calls, then they're put in the drawing and they might get to sit on the floor -- there are about 100 seats down there. Make 12 phone calls and then you get a chance to sit close to Senator Obama. It's packed, we have 100 phones here and I'm looking for phones all the time. They love it and they're so enthusiastic about making calls for Barack.

Backstage Tonight: John Volkmar of Colorado

Bradley Portnoy — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:14:19 EDT

John Volkmar of Boulder, Colorado will be among the ten lucky supporters selected to be backstage with Barack tonight. John served in the U.S. Army for 10 years. He says his two tours in Iraq with the 10th Special Forces Group opened his eyes to "the link between our country's lack of an effective energy policy and our flawed foreign policy."

John believes changing this relationship is an essential step towards ensuring that our government works for the interest of the American people instead of special interest groups. He is now pursuing an MBA and hopes to work in the alternative energy industry. John's wife is with him in Denver.

John has been featured in two local news articles. Read about him here in the Rocky Mountain News, or here from KXRM-TV.

Scenes from Mile High: The doors are open

Jenn Prosser — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:57:51 EDT

The doors of Mile High are open and thousands of people are already inside the stadium waiting for Senator Obama's speech.

Jodi, a Denver native, brought her daughter August to Mile High to see Barack's speech. Jodi told us why she is supporting Barack:

Because it's time for a change, it's for my kids' future. I'm doing this for my children, so that's why I'm here and why I was excited to bring my daughter. It's history in the making -- she may not get it now but when she's my age it'll mean a lot to her. This is the first time in history that they've allowed someone like me, someone like my daughter to see the speech.

We also talked to a group who had traveled up from Colorado Springs for the speech. Angie told us how excited she was to be apart of today. She said:

It's a dream come true. We've worked really hard and it's all come to fruition. It's really wonderful.

Another one of the group, Kevin, talked about what how this campaign has affected Colorado. He said:

I just feel like we're at a really amazing point in history right now and it's amazing to be a part of it. This has been so exciting for Colorado and Colorado Springs. It's amazing the number of Democrats that have come out of the woodwork. You tend to feel isolated in an environment like that, but it's really amazing to see how people come together and really start getting behind this campaign; it offers hope.

Early Scenes from Mile High

Christopher Hass — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:52:26 EDT

The stadium at Mile High has yet to open to the public, but the floor is already busy with crews and press making final preparations. Moments ago, Sheryl Crow was on the stage rehearsing for her set later in the night. Here are a few early photos from on the ground at Mile High: