Indiana Action Team

Polls Close in 45 Minutes

Amanda Scott — Tue, 06 May 2008 17:15:08 EDT

The polls in Indiana are open until 6PM local time so head to the polls before they close!

For non-Indiana residents, there is still 45 minutes to call Hoosiers and make sure they get out and vote for Barack before the polls close!

And to all the Hoosier supporters who have worked tirelessly for Barack and this campaign over the past week, month, year -- THANK YOU! We could not have done any of this without our amazing grassroots support. This campaign is about you and for you. And after years of waiting, your voice will be heard today and we will bring change to Indiana.

Canvassing in Indiana

Amanda Scott — Tue, 06 May 2008 16:14:11 EDT

Obama supporters are on the streets all across Indiana today. At one local staging location, union members are uniting to bring change to their home state of Indiana.

Check out these pictures of Hoosiers getting ready to canvass:

Polls in Indiana are open until 6PM local time, so grab your Photo ID and some friends to head to your local polling location to vote for Barack today!

And don't forget -- You can call the Voter Information Hotline with any problems at: 1-866-675-2008, press 4.

After you vote, head to your local office to help us make sure every Hoosier gets a chance to get to the polls before 6PM.

If you're not an Indiana resident -- pick up your phone and help us by making calls to voters in Indiana to make sure all of our supporters know when, where, and how to vote for Barack. It only takes a minute to get started . . . MAKE CALLS NOW.

We Need You

Amanda Scott — Tue, 06 May 2008 15:00:31 EDT

Calling all Indiana Obama Supporters!

There's only three hours left until the polls close in Indiana and we need you to help us make sure every Hoosier has the opportunity to vote before 6PM local time.

Come to your local office and join us in bringing change to Indiana!

Barack Visits Voters at Butler University

Amanda Scott — Tue, 06 May 2008 14:11:00 EDT

Barack stopped at Hinkle Fieldhouse on the campus of Butler University to greet Hoosier voters late this morning.

Check out these pictures and video from his stop:

Polls in Indiana are open until 6PM local time, so grab your Photo ID and some friends to head to your local polling location to vote for Barack today!

And don't forget -- You can call the Voter Information Hotline with any problems at: 1-866-675-2008, press 4.

After you vote, head to your local office to help us make sure every Hoosier gets a chance to get to the polls before 6PM.

Now

Amanda Scott — Tue, 06 May 2008 13:24:30 EDT

Mitch Stewart, Indiana State Director, just sent out this email to Hoosiers across the state:

Amanda,

Today is Primary Day -- the polls are open, and the weather is warm in most parts of the state.

If you haven't voted yet, look up your polling place and vote for Barack by 6:00 p.m.:

http://in.barackobama.com/INlookup

If you have already voted, here are a couple ways you can make an even bigger difference for Barack today:

Call every Indiana Obama supporter you know who is a registered voter and make sure they vote for Barack by 6:00 p.m. today.

Then use our online phonebank tool to call even more Hoosiers and help Get Out The Vote for Barack. You'll get a list of names and a script you can follow -- simply pick up the phone and start calling now:

http://in.barackobama.com/callindiana

Head over to your local Obama headquarters. Our offices across the state need as much help as they can get this afternoon, so find an office in your area and join us right away:

http://in.barackobama.com/INoffices

Everything we've worked for together comes down to what we do in these next few hours.

Please don't stop working until the polls close at 6:00 p.m.

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Indiana State Director
Obama for America

P.S. -- Here are a few more details and rules that should make your day go smoothly:
If you are registered and will be 18 or older by November 4th, 2008, you can vote in the May 6th Primary.
When you vote, you must bring with you a Photo ID issued by the state of Indiana or the U.S. Government that has your name and an expiration date after November 7th, 2006.
Acceptable ID includes Indiana driver's licenses, Indiana state photo ID card, a U.S. Passport, U.S. Military ID or Student ID from an Indiana state school, so long as it includes a photo and an expiration date.
And if this is your first time voting, make sure you bring an acceptable document that shows your current address -- such as an Indiana driver's license, current utility bill, bank statement, or paycheck.

Barack Eats Breakfast in Greenwood

Amanda Scott — Tue, 06 May 2008 12:21:29 EDT

Barack made a surprise visit to the Four Seasons Family Restaurant in Greenwood, Indiana, this morning to eat breakfast.

Rick, a Greenwood resident, has been visiting the diner for the past 20 years. He sits in the same spot, which just happened to be next to the spot Barack took this morning. Rick is voting for Barack today because he believes in Barack's ability to change the divisive politics of Washington. He said:

Things have just come to a point where the government is going the wrong way, and he believes we need to change it. That's what impresses me about him -- he's willing to go against the grain.

Check out these pictures from his morning stop:

Polls in Indiana are open until 6PM local time, so grab your Photo ID and some friends to head to your local polling location to vote for Barack today!

And don't forget -- You can call the Voter Information Hotline with any problems at: 1-866-675-2008, press 4.

After you vote, head to your local office to help us make sure every Hoosier gets a chance to get to the polls before 6PM.

Barack Stops by Automotive Components Holdings Last Night

Amanda Scott — Tue, 06 May 2008 11:22:47 EDT

Barack stopped by at Automotive Components Holdings during the 11:30 shift change in Indianapolis last night.

Check out these pictures from his stop:

Polls in Indiana are open until 6PM EST, so grab your Photo ID and some friends to head to your local polling location to vote for Barack today!

And don't forget -- You can call the Voter Information Hotline with any problems at: 1-866-675-2008, press 4.

After you vote, head to your local office to help us make sure every Hoosier gets a chance to get to the polls before 6PM.

On the Ground in Indiana

Amanda Scott — Tue, 06 May 2008 10:16:13 EDT

This morning, Hoosiers are hitting the polls and the streets to make sure every supporter votes for Barack today.

In downtown Indianapolis, supporters have been up and doing visibility since 6AM to help remind people to vote today.

Polls in Indiana are open until 6PM EST, so grab your Photo ID and some friends to head to your local polling location to vote for Barack today!

And don't forget -- You can call the Voter Information Hotline with any problems at: 1-866-675-2008, press 4.

After you vote, head to your local office to help us make sure every Hoosier gets a chance to get to the polls before 6PM.

Video: Barack at Indianapolis

Amanda Scott — Tue, 06 May 2008 08:41:01 EDT

Last night, Barack spoke to over 21,000 Hoosiers. Check out this video from his speech:

Polls in Indiana are open and are open until 6PM EST, so grab your Photo ID and some friends to head to your local polling location to vote for Barack today!

And don't forget -- You can call the Voter Information Hotline with any problems at: 1-866-675-2008, press 4.

The Polls are Open in Indiana!

Amanda Scott — Tue, 06 May 2008 06:00:23 EDT

Today is the day where Hoosiers across Indiana make their voice heard!

Polls are officially open and are open until 6PM EST, so grab your Photo ID and some friends to head to your local polling location to vote for Barack today!

Make sure you know your voting rights for today.

If you are registered and will be 18 or older by November 4th, 2008, you can vote in the May 6th Primary.
Polls will only be open for 12 hours -- 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. -- and we're anticipating high turnout, so try to vote early in the day. Go before work if you can, or plan to take time to vote on your lunch break.
You can find your polling location here.
When you vote, you must bring with you a Photo ID issued by the state of Indiana or the U.S. Government that has your name and an expiration date after November 7th, 2006.
Acceptable ID includes Indiana driver's licenses, Indiana state photo ID card, a U.S. Passport, U.S. Military ID or Student ID from an Indiana state school, so long as it includes a photo and an expiration date.
And if this is your first time voting, make sure you bring an acceptable document that shows your current address, such as an Indiana driver's license, current utility bill, bank statement, or paycheck.

Also, the Obama campaign is providing voters in Indiana with a toll-free voter information hotline, in order to make sure everyone who is eligible is able to participate. The Voter Information Hotline is staffed by volunteers who will have the most up-to-date information for voters about the May 6 primary, including polling locations, transportation to the polls, and help with any questions that may arise on Election Day.

You can call our Voter Information Hotline with any problems at: 1-866-675-2008, press 4.

So grab all your family members, neighbors, friends, co-workers and head to the polls right now to vote for Barack!

Barack's Rally in Indianapolis

Amanda Scott — Mon, 05 May 2008 23:15:51 EDT

Over 21,000 Hoosiers joined together downtown Indianapolis to hear Barack speak tonight. Even during the off and on rain, the cheers for Barack never wavered.

Barack told the crowd:

I was convinced that this was the moment that we had to break through from the old type of politics. And I believe that the American people want that.

If we keep on doing the same old things, in the same old ways -- having Washington just try to get by and get through the next election then we are betraying our children, our great grand children and that's not the kind of America I want to live in. I don't want to just win an election, I want to change the country and that's why you're here as well.
When all we're doing is arguing back and forth, who said what, then we are forgetting what this election is about. This campaign is about you. This about your voice, your dreams, your struggles and your aspirations. And when this country is focused on its hopes and its aspirations instead of its fears, then thats when we are going to be able to deliver on change for every American.

Check out these pictures from the event:

Find your polling location to vote tomorrow -- polls are open from 6AM - 6PM EST -- so stop by and vote on your way to work! Then stop by your office location and help us make sure every Obama supporter votes tomorrow!

Video: Barack at Indiana's Jefferson Jackson Dinner

Amanda Scott — Mon, 05 May 2008 22:35:14 EDT

Barack is speaking right now in Indianapolis to over 21,000 Hoosiers.

While he speaks, watch his speech from last night's Indiana Jefferson Jackson Dinner.

Find your polling location for to vote tomorrow -- polls are open from 6AM - 6PM EST -- so stop by and vote on your way to work! Then stop by your office location and help us make sure every Obama supporter votes tomorrow!

Live From Indianapolis

Amanda Scott — Mon, 05 May 2008 22:08:55 EDT

Despite the rain, Hoosiers have filled downtown Indianapolis to see Barack. But before Barack comes on stage, guests are being treated to a performance by Stevie Wonder.

Indianapolis Supporters Gather For Barack

Amanda Scott — Mon, 05 May 2008 21:11:20 EDT

Hoosiers are coming from all across Indiana to see Barack speak in downtown Indianapolis. Before his Get Out The Vote rally, I talked to supporters who were excited to see Barack and ready to get fired up to vote in tomorrow's critical primary.

Kathleen from Carmel has never had the opportunity to vote for anyone besides a Clinton or a Bush during her lifetime. She is ready for a change and someone who truly cares about the people.

Ben from Avon drives over 150 miles everyday for work and doesn't believe that the gas tax holiday will help anyone. He is voting for Barack because he believes that Barack is for the people and stands up for American people and the issues they face on a daily basis.

Steve, a South Bend resident, told me that Barack is best Democrat for the job -- period.

Norma, Mecca and Don Dee live in Indianapolis and are excited to see Barack in their city. Norma wants an affordable healthcare plan for all Americans and Amber likes his stance on foreign policy. She told me:

I like that he wants to talk to our enemies as well as our allies. He wants to stimulate our economy again and bring new jobs. He is the only one who can reach across the aisles in Washington to work with both parties.

Stay tuned for more from Barack's rally tonight as we Get Out The Vote in Indiana!

Find your polling location for to vote tomorrow -- polls are open from 6AM - 6PM EST -- so stop by and vote on your way to work! Then stop by your office location and help us make sure every Obama supporter votes tomorrow!

Brown County Loves Obama

Amanda Scott — Mon, 05 May 2008 17:03:45 EDT

On Saturday, Brown County held their annual Spring Blossom parade in Nashville, Indiana.

Check out these pictures from some of our Hoosier supporters!

Find your polling location and stop by your local office to help us Get Out The Vote! And join Barack tonight for a rally in Indianapolis!

A Lifetime Republican For Barack

Amanda Scott — Mon, 05 May 2008 13:59:23 EDT

Carol from Indianapolis has been a registered Republican her whole life. She, and her husband, have never wavered from voting for a Republican candidate.

This Tuesday, however, Carol will be requesting a Democratic ballot to vote for Barack Obama. She is just one of many Republicans who see Barack as the right candidate to be President and unite this country.

I see Senator Obama not as a typical politician, but a person wanting to change the old style of politics to a new style of politics and getting Republicans, Democrats and Independents all working together for what is best for our country.

He gives us hope for a change in Washington. As he has said many times, it is time for our elected leaders in Washington to work together and cross party lines to get good bills passed.

He is running a campaign like one that I have never seen before. His campaign is negative free and it is being managed and run in an efficient and composed manner. He has people excited about voting again. When I listen to him speak, he has a way of empowering people to get involved. I have never done this type of thing before for any candidate, and yet I am doing so with excitement.

Carol sees that there is a change needed in Washington and she is making her voice heard this Tuesday by voting for Barack. If you are a registered Republican or Independent residing in Indiana – you too can request a Democratic ballot to vote for Barack on May 6th!

Find your polling location and make your voice heard in the Indiana Primary!

Indiana's Top Ten Callers

Amanda Scott — Mon, 05 May 2008 13:12:02 EDT

Last night during the Indiana Jefferson Jackson dinner, the top 10 Indiana phonebankers (and a family member) got the chance to meet Barack.

Between April 17-April 24, Indiana callers were challenged to call fellow Hoosiers for Barack. Amy Lou Peterson (Speedway, IN), Lea Alcock (Evansville, IN), Chad Williams (Terre Haute, IN), Colin Diersing (Bloomington, IN), Gary Rhodea (Evansville, IN), Spencer Hahn (West Lafayette, IN), Joshua Peconge (Muncie, IN), Ben Treanor (Lafayette, IN), and Alecia Penninga (Valparaiso, IN) made over 16,700 calls in one week!

Find your polling location and stop by your local office to help us Get Out The Vote!

You can join our grassroots phonebankers all across the country in helping make calls to voters in Indiana to make sure all of our supporters know when, where, and how to vote for Barack. It only takes a minute to get started. Phonebanking is underway now and will run tonight until 9:00 PM Eastern.

Labor Temple Breakfast with Barack

Amanda Scott — Mon, 05 May 2008 11:12:00 EDT

After visiting the University of Evansville, Barack stopped by the Evansville Labor Temple for a breakfast that was being held for Stephen Melcher, who is running for Vanderburgh County Commissioner.

Indiana residents: Find your polling location and stop by your local office to help us Get Out The Vote! And join Barack tonight for a rally in Indianapolis!

And for everyone who is watching this critical race, help us by calling Indiana residents to make sure all of our supporters know when, where, and how to vote for Barack. You can call until 9pm (EST) tonight!

Barack Stops by the University of Evansville

Amanda Scott — Mon, 05 May 2008 10:04:18 EDT

Barack stopped by the University of Evansville this morning. He visited with construction workers who are working on the new Dr. William L. Ridgway University Center.

Check out these pictures from his stop:

Tomorrow is the big day in Indiana. Find your polling location and stop by your local office to help us Get Out The Vote!

And no matter where you are, you can join our grassroots phonebankers all across the country in helping make calls to voters in Indiana to make sure all of our supporters know when, where, and how to vote for Barack. It only takes a minute to get started. Phonebanking is underway now and will run tonight until 9:00 PM Eastern.

Indiana's Jefferson Jackson Dinner

Amanda Scott — Sun, 04 May 2008 23:01:45 EDT

Barack spent today traveling across Indiana, and ended his night by speaking at the Indiana Jefferson Jackson dinner in Indianapolis.

Here's an excerpt of what he told fellow Hoosier Democrats:

This year you have a choice. If you want to take another chance on the same kind of politics we’ve come to know in Washington, there are other candidates to choose from.

But I still believe we need to fundamentally change Washington if we want change in America. I still believe this election is bigger than me, or Senator Clinton, or Senator McCain. It’s bigger than Democrats versus Republicans.

It’s about who we are as Americans. It’s about whether this country, at this moment, will continue to stand by while the wealthy few prosper at the expense of the hardworking many, or whether we’ll stand up and reclaim the American dream for every American.

Reclaiming this dream will take more than one election. It will take more than one person or one party. It will take the effort and sacrifice of a nation united. And that’s the truth.

We’ve always known this wouldn’t be easy. The change we’re looking for never is. And that’s why the only way a black guy named Barack Obama who was born in Hawaii, and started his career on the streets of Chicago, can win this race is if you decide that you’ve had enough of the way things are; if you decide that this election is bigger than flag pins and sniper fire and the comments of a former pastor – bigger than the differences between what we look like or where we come from or what party we belong to.
I will never forget that the only reason that I'm standing here today is because somebody, somewhere stood up for me when it was risky. Stood up when it was hard. Stood up when it wasn't popular. And because that somebody stood up, a few more stood up. And then a few thousand stood up. And then a few million stood up. And standing up, with courage and clear purpose, they somehow managed to change the world.

Now it’s our turn – our turn to follow in the footsteps of all those generations who sacrificed and struggled and faced down the greatest odds to perfect our improbable union. And if we're willing to do what they did; if we're willing to shed our cynicism and our doubts and our fears; if we're willing to believe in what's possible again; then I believe that we won't just win here in Indiana, we won't just win this election in November, we will heal this nation, we will repair this world, and we will extend America's promise into the twenty-first century.

Tomorrow is a big day in Indiana. Help us with our last final push the day before the primary! And if you live in the Indianapolis area, join us at a rally with Barack tomorrow night!

A Rally For Barack

Amanda Scott — Sun, 04 May 2008 21:36:44 EDT

Tonight, Indianapolis residents of all ages joined together to show their support for Barack before the Indiana Jefferson Jackson dinner.

Check out these pictures and video from the rally and march:

A Family Picnic in Fort Wayne

Amanda Scott — Sun, 04 May 2008 20:17:19 EDT

The Obama family joined Fort Wayne residents at Headwaters Park in Fort Wayne, IN, for a picnic gathering.

There's still time left to call Indiana residents!

The Obama Family Goes Canvassing

Amanda Scott — Sun, 04 May 2008 19:22:49 EDT

This morning, Barack and Michelle took daughters Malia and Sasha canvassing in Elkhart, Indiana. After spending time talking to residents, Barack played a pick-up game of basketball with Anthony, a local 14-year-old, and Rod Roberson, another neighbor, who is president of the Elkhart City Council and a former Northwestern University basketball player.

Check out these pictures from their time in Elkhart:

Don't forget to sign up for a shift to come canvass with us tomorrow!

Video: Barack's Speech in Indianapolis

Amanda Scott — Sat, 03 May 2008 21:16:50 EDT

Earlier today Barack spoke to Indianapolis residents about his plans for the future. He laid out his plans to provide real relief for working families, create new jobs here in America, end our dependence on foreign oil, and provide every American with a world-class education.

Here's the video of his speech:

Sign up to help us Get Out The Vote tomorrow!

Barack and Michelle Visit Kempton

Amanda Scott — Sat, 03 May 2008 20:33:03 EDT

Barack visited the former Indiana homestead of his mother’s family, the Dunhams, with his wife Michelle and daughters Malia and Sasha today.

The Kempton, Indiana, property was once owned by Barack’s second, third and fourth great-grandfathers and the house that currently sits on the land was built by Barack’s great uncle, William Riley Dunham, who was a Democratic member of the Indiana General Assembly.

Details of the Obama family history in Indiana:

Barack’s fourth great-grandfather, Jacob Dunham, moved to Kempton in the 1840s and is buried at the Kempton Cemetery.
Barack’s third great-grandfather, Jacob Mackey Dunham, was a farmer in Kempton and married his third great-grandmother there July 21, 1853.
Barack’s second great-grandfather, Jacob William Dunham, was born in Kempton February 7, 1863. Jacob William Dunham moved to Kansas, where Obama’s grandfather and mother were eventually born.
When Jacob William Dunham left Indiana, he sold the land to Barack’s great uncle, William Riley Dunham, who built the existing home in the late 1800s.

Check out these pictures from their tour:

And don't forget to sign up for a Get Out The Vote shift this weekend!

Barack and Michelle in Noblesville

Amanda Scott — Sat, 03 May 2008 17:08:08 EDT

This afternoon, Barack and Michelle joined Hoosiers for the Hamilton County Family Picnic in Noblesville, Indiana.

Check out these pictures and video from the event:

There are four hours left to call Indiana residents tonight!

Barack Gives Speech to Indianapolis Families

Amanda Scott — Sat, 03 May 2008 14:29:18 EDT

Barack delivered a speech to Indianapolis residents today at Lawrence North High School about helping working families succeed in a global economy by changing the Washington culture of gimmicks and game-playing and creating a new kind of politics that ends the influence of lobbyists, brings both parties together, and tells the American people the truth about the challenges we face.

He laid out his plans to provide real relief for working families, create new jobs here in America, end our dependence on foreign oil, and provide every American with a world-class education.

Barack told the crowd:

When I began this campaign for the presidency, I said I was running because I believed that the size of our challenges had outgrown the smallness of our politics in Washington – the pettiness and the game-playing and the influence-peddling that always prevents us from solving the problems we face year after year after year.

I’m running because we can’t afford to settle for a Washington where John McCain gets the chance to give us four more years of the same Bush policies that have failed us for the last eight. More tax breaks for CEOs who make more in a day than some workers make in a year. More tax breaks for the same corporations that ship our jobs overseas. More of the trickle-down, on-your-own philosophy that says there’s nothing government can do about the problems we face – so we might as well just hand out a few tax breaks and tell people to buy their own health care, their own education, their own roads, their own bridges. That hasn’t worked in the past, and it won’t work for our future.

We can’t afford to settle for a Washington where our energy policy, and our health care policy, and our tax policy is sold to the highest-bidding lobbyist. We can’t keep taking thousands of dollars of their money year after year, election after election. Senator Clinton says they represent real Americans, but you and I know who they really represent – the oil companies and the drug companies and the insurance companies who keep us from bringing down the cost of our premiums and our prescriptions and investing in renewable fuels.

We can’t afford to settle for a Washington where politicians only focus on how to win instead of why we should; where they check the polls before they check their gut; where they only tell us whatever we want to hear whenever we want to hear it. That kind of politics may get them where they need to go, but it doesn’t get America where we need to go. And it won’t change anything.

You can read the full text of Barack's speech here. And don't forget to sign up to help us Get Out The Vote this weekend!

Road To Change: Indiana

Amanda Scott — Fri, 02 May 2008 17:50:18 EDT

Barack has spent a lot of time in Indiana over the past few weeks, talking to folks everywhere from the South Bend Fairgrounds to the CMW factory in Indianapolis about how we can bring jobs back to Indiana and solve the problems we're facing.

Our team made a recap video of the grassroots movement you've built.

Take a moment to watch it right now -- then share it with any undecided voters you know and encourage them to look up their polling place and vote for Barack on Tuesday:

We've come a long way together in Indiana, and there's only one more step in this journey -- making sure that you, your family, friends, and neighbors get out and vote for Barack on Tuesday.

Polls will only be open for 12 hours, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and we're anticipating high turnout, so try to vote early in the day. Go before work if you can, or leave time on your lunch break to vote.

Look up your polling location now and encourage everyone you know to vote for Barack on Tuesday.