MT HQ Blog

Back in Montana

Christopher Hass — Wed, 06 May 2009 14:40:50 EDT

From Anna Gustina, the new Montana 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 Montana, and starting this Monday, April 27th, 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 Montana going forward. Your ideas will be used to write a Montana-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 Montanan 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,

Anna

Anna Gustina
Montana 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 Montana. Let us know how you'd like to see Montana organized.

Let's Win Montana

Zach in Helena — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:34:59 EST

Time is running out to get your vote in. Click here to find out where your polling location is.

Already voted? Come on in to your local office and help win Montana.

Tom Daschle in Montana

Zach in Helena — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 21:15:20 EST

Monday, November 3rd, Former Senate Majority Leader and Obama campaign national co-chair Tom Daschle will be in Montana to help Get-Out-the-Vote for Barack Obama. Daschle will kick off "Get-Out-the-Vote" activities in Billings and Bozeman, including one at MSUB, and attend a tribal council meeting in Crow Agency. Daschle’s visit comes as the Obama campaign picks up momentum in Montana during the final days before the election. With general agreement among news organizations that the presidential race in Montana is too close to call, the Get-Out-the-Vote efforts will make the difference in deciding whether Montana turns blue in 2008.

Billings Get-Out-The-Vote Canvass Kickoff
Obama’s Campaign for Change Office – Billings
906 Broadwater Avenue
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Sign up

Crow Agency
Tribal Council Meeting and Forum
Multipurpose Building
9882 S. Heritage Road
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Sign up

Bozeman Get-Out-The-Vote Canvass Kickoff
35 N. Bozeman Street
3:00 PM – 3:40 PM
Sign up

Welcome Back MSU Canvass
Strand Union Building (SUB), Room 234
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Sign up

Bozeman Campaign for Change Phone Bank
Obama’s Campaign for Change Office
19 N. 10th Avenue
5:00 PM – 5:40 PM
Sign up

Help Get Out the Vote and Win Montana

Zach in Helena — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 14:08:12 EDT

Get Out The Vote (GOTV) has started. Over the next four days, we’ll be knocking on doors and calling supporters, reminding them to go vote on Tuesday, answering their questions, and arranging rides. Recent polls show Senator Obama virtually tied with Senator McCain here in Montana, which means that a good GOTV effort will absolutely be the difference between winning and losing. Don’t wake up on the 5th and wish you’d done more.

We can win Montana – ONLY WITH YOUR HELP!

Zach in Helena — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 23:57:07 EDT

We can win Montana, but we urgently need your help. We have roughly 70 staging locations around the state for you to work out of – please help out at a location near you. The way we win this is with your help calling and knocking on supporter’s doors, which we will be doing every day from now until November 4th at 8:00pm. Sign up for a Get Out The Vote shift right now. With your help, Barack can win Montana. Please sign up today.

Obama and Sportsmen

Zach in Helena — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 17:25:16 EDT

Have questions about Senator Obama’s stance on the second Amendment? Barack Obama is completely committed to your right to bear arms. Watch this video of Senator Obama in Virginia to learn more.

Learn about the NRA’s misleading smears of the Senator, and forward this video to a friend.

Obama supporters in Billings enjoyed elk chili and pheasant stroganoff to help turn Montana blue on Election Day. Billings’ wild game feed, coming a couple days after the 150th anniversary of President Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday, is part of a week of Sportsmen for Obama game feeds that began Monday in Missoula and ends Thursday in Great Falls.

"Barack Obama is the only candidate who shares our conservation ethic--one that is critical to maintaining Montana's outdoor heritage for generations to come. For hunters and anglers, the choice is clear," said Rep. Kendall Van Dyk of Billings, one of the hosts of the lunchtime feed in Billings.

Join Montana Sportsmen for Obama.

Wild Game Feeds for Obama

Zach in Helena — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:17:55 EDT

Today, supporters in Bozeman will be enjoying elk burgers in order to help turn Montana blue on Election Day. Bozeman’s wild game feed, coming one day after the 150th anniversary of President Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday, is part of a week of Sportsmen for Obama game feeds that began Monday in Missoula. All around the Treasure State, hunters and anglers are spreading the word about their support for Sen. Obama and preparing their favorite wild game dishes, such as venison chili, elk enchiladas and pheasant stroganoff.

"I hunt, I fish, and I vote,” said Missoula sportsman Land Tawney, one of the hosts of today’s feed. “Barack Obama is the clear choice to ensure future generations in Big Sky country have the same world class opportunities we enjoy today. This week, we clean out our freezers of wild game to make room for a bountiful fall. Tuesday, November 4th, we vote for Barack Obama, protecting our heritage to hunt and fish."

Bozeman - Tuesday, Oct. 28
12:00 PM
Wild Game Feed with author Jim Posewitz
Emerson Grill
207 W. Olive Street
Bozeman
Featuring: Elk burgers and local sides prepared by game chef Don MacArthur

Billings - Wednesday, Oct. 29
12:00 PM
Wild Game Feed with author Jim Posewitz
Home of Kendall Van Dyk
16 Alderson Avenue
Billings
Featuring: Elk chili and locally famous pheasant stroganoff

Great Falls - Thursday, Oct. 30
12:00 PM
Wild Game Feed with author Jim Posewitz
Home of Bryan Dunn
3625 Stagecoach
Great Falls
Featuring: Elk chili

All are welcome to attend. Learn more and join sportsmen for Obama.

Senator Baucus Backs Obama Tax Cuts

Zach in Helena — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:55:51 EDT

Senator Baucus today said Barack Obama is the right choice to help cut taxes for working Montanans, noting under the Obama plan 95 percent Montana's working families will get a tax break. Baucus is in a key position to help cut taxes for middle-class Americans. He's chairman of the powerful U.S. Senate Finance Committee, the panel that will consider Obama's tax plan.

"Senator Obama is the clear choice to provide tax relief to the middle class and turn our economy around. I know a thing or two about cutting taxes, I passed the largest tax cut in a generation. And I know Barack Obama. I'm here to say that Obama is the right man for the job. At times like these, we need a real leader to stand up for working Montanans and change America." Said Senator Baucus at an event today in Billings where he helps citizens enter their information into the Obama Tax Calculator.

Under Obama's plan, 98.7 percent of Montanans keep the tax cut they got under Bush, and 95 percent of working families get an additional tax cut under Barack's plan. Try out the tax calculator at taxcut.barackobama.com.

Free Breakfast and Early Voting

Zach in Helena — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:11:45 EDT

This Saturday morning, many county election offices will be open to encourage early voting. In Bozeman, Billings, and Missoula Barack Obama’s Campaign for Change will be providing free breakfast on campuses and free rides to go early vote. In Missoula, Senator Tester will join voters and speak about the importance of early voting.

You can even register and vote at the same time.

Come have breakfast and early vote in Bozeman, Billings, or Missoula (with Senator Tester).

Not in those cities? Find your early vote location and vote today.

Super Volunteer: Dorothy Baltrusch

Zach in Helena — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 18:27:10 EDT

Billings resident Dorothy Baltrusch has been recognized by the Obama campaign as a "Super Volunteer" for her tremendous efforts to spread the word about her support for Sen. Obama through phone calls, neighborhood canvasses and events at her home.

At 89-years-old, Baltrusch calls herself the chair of Really Old Women for Barack Obama. She says she supports Obama because of his plan for the economy and on issues important to seniors.

"The strength of our economy comes from the bottom and the middle, not from the top," said Baltrusch. "Obama promises no tax increase for families making less than $250,000."

Get involved, sign up to volunteer today.

Senator Obama Phone Banks in Missouri

Zach in Helena — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:35:33 EDT

Senator Obama joined volunteers at the Obama headquarters in Kansas City to call some folks to make sure they get out and vote.

Kids for Obama Gather to Highlight McCain's Long Absence from Montana

Zach in Helena — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 21:03:08 EDT

Today, a group of young Obama supporters who had not yet been born when John McCain last visited Montana lent a hand to help Barack Obama. Many of these young supporters have met or seen Barack Obama in person during one of his five trips to the state during this campaign. None of them, however, has even had the chance to see Sen. McCain, since they were all born after his last stop in the Treasure State.

"He's going to protect kids. He protects kids from bad guys" - Maggie Marie Luckey, 6
Maggie's Mom Sandi, "She was so excited to come here today. I went to get her from school and she was telling everybody, 'I'm going to a party for Obama!'"

Obama Early Vote Truck Tour Roundup

Zach in Helena — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 18:36:16 EDT

Last week the Obama Early Vote Truck Tour concluded its tour around the state. Below are photos from some of its forty stops.

Have you early voted yet? Find your early vote location and vote today.

Firefighters for Obama Take Action in Billings

Zach in Helena — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:14:34 EDT

Today, Firefighters for Obama will be making phone calls from the Campaign for Change office in Billings to voters in the region to discuss Senator Obama's new wildfire plan and his plans to bring real change to Washington, D.C.

The Wildfire Plan is just one reason why Billings-area firefighters are supporting Sen. Obama and urging voters to cast their ballots early, but for firefighters, it is an important element of Obama's platform. Obama recognizes the heroic efforts of America's local, state and federal wildland firefighters who risk their lives to battle massive wildfires that have endangered communities throughout Montana.

Learn more about Senator Obama's wildfire plan.

Last Day of Obama Early Vote Truck Tour

Zach in Helena — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:55:25 EDT

Today, the Obama Early Vote Truck Tour finishes its two-week tour around the state. The Obama Early Vote Truck Tour will feature Early Vote rallies in Thompson Falls, Ronan, Stevensville, Hamilton, and Missoula to finish off a 40-stop journey around the state to raise awareness about the early vote option in this year's election and encouraging Obama supporters to cast their ballots prior to Election Day.

The final rally in Missoula this afternoon will feature former Congressman Pat Williams, Sen. Carol Williams, Rep. Michelle Reinhart, Sen. Dave Wanzenried, and Sen. Carolyn Squires. All are invited. The rally will take place at the Campaign for Change office at 218 Front Street at 3:30pm.

Find your county election office now, and early vote today.
Already early voted? If you're a member of Facebook.com, join our facebook group.

Actor Kal Penn to Rally Students to Early Vote in Missoula

Zach in Helena — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 22:35:55 EDT

Tomorrow, Thursday, October 16 at 1pm, actor Kal Penn, star of Harold and Kumar, The Namesake, and "House," will be in Missoula to talk to students about how Barack Obama will bring the change we need to Washington D.C.

Penn will speak at an early vote rally about Sen. Obama’s plans to address the pressing issues facing our country and the importance of early voting in Montana. After the rally, Penn will chat with students on the Oval and encourage them to join the "Votercade" of cars and vans heading over to the Missoula county courthouse to cast their ballots early for Sen. Obama.

Attend the Rally. And find your early vote location and vote today.

Sen. Jon Tester Joins Obama Early Vote Truck Tour

Zach in Helena — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 21:34:15 EDT

This week Senator Jon Tester will join the Obama Early Vote Truck Tour for Early Vote rallies in Great Falls, Fort Benton, Rocky Boy, Havre, Browning, and Cut Bank. In Fort Benton, Sen. Tester will cast his ballot early with other Obama supporters at the Chouteau County election board offices. Find the Early Vote Truck Tour stop near you.

At each stop, Sen. Tester will talk about the critical issues in this election and the importance of electing Barack Obama in order to bring the change we need to Washington, D.C. He will also provide details about early voting in Montana.

"There's just no reason to wait until Election Day to cast your vote for change," said Sen. Tester. "That's why I encourage all Montanans to take advantage of early voting. All you have to do is go down to your county elections office and cast your ballot today. It's easy, convenient, and it ensures your vote is counted.

Find your early vote location and vote today!

Jag and Nancy Schweitzer to Lead Early Vote Dog Parade

Zach in Helena — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 18:17:00 EDT

Updated (with photos):

Tomorrow, October 14th, Montana's First Lady Nancy Schweitzer will walk with Jag and a group of early voters and their dogs from the Obama Campaign for Change Office to the City County Building to cast their ballots.

Given Jag's popularity in Montana as both First Canine and a celebrated author, he decided to lend a paw to Sen. Obama's campaign by gathering a group of friends who would all make sure their two-legged friends made their voices heard by voting early. Jag and a group of other dogs will gather with their owners at the Obama Campaign for Change Office in Helena around noon for some short remarks before heading up to the elections office.

Any eligible voter can early vote in Montana by visiting their local county elections office from October 6th to November 3rd. People who have not yet registered to vote can also register and cast a ballot in one stop at their county elections office during the early voting period. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8am-5pm, but certain counties have extended hours. To find your local county election office, visit MT.voteforchange.com or call 877-MT-EARLY (877-683-2759).

All are welcome to attend and bring their dogs. The Early Vote Dog Parade will leave at 12pm on Tuesday from 34 N. Last Chance Gulch.

Senator Obama in Toledo

Zach in Helena — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:00:46 EDT

Senator Obama is in Toledo, Ohio today and will be giving a major speech on the economy at 11:30AM mountain time. You can watch the speech by clicking here.

Above, Senator Obama canvasses door to door with volunteers yesterday in Toledo. Sign up to volunteer.

Early Vote Truck Tour

Zach in Helena — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:56:53 EDT

The Early Vote Truck Tour stopped in Billings on Wednesday, encouraging citizens to vote early at their county election office. State Representative Kendall Van Dyk and County Commissioner Bill Kennedy spoke at the event. This week, the Early Vote Truck Tour stopped in over 21 cities and towns around Montana to rally Obama supporters and encourage them to make their voices heard by voting for change - early.

"It's getting to be more and more every year. In fact, I was talking to our chief election officer the other day, and I was in his office, and he believes in Yellowstone County alone we're going to exceed 50 percent or near 50 percent absentee and early voters," Van Dyk said.

County Commissioner Bill Kennedy addresses a crowd in Billings

Find an early vote truck tour stop near you.

Congresswoman Lois Capps Comes Home to Support Obama

Zach in Helena — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:46:16 EDT

Today, Kalispell-native Lois Capps will be in Thompson Falls and Libby to rally support for Sen. Barack Obama. Congresswoman Capps will speak at a Health Care Forum in Thompson Falls and walk with supporters to early vote at their county elections office. Later, she will attend a Women for Obama dinner and Health Care Forum in Libby. Tomorrow, Capps will speak at an Early Vote Rally and Health Care Forum in Kalispell.

Capps graduated from Flathead High School before receiving her nursing degree from Pacific Lutheran college and a Masters in Religion from Yale University. She was a practicing nurse and college professor for many years before taking over her husband's seat in Congress in 1998. Capps is the founder and co-chair of the House Nursing Caucus, as well as the Democratic Chair of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues.

Learn more and attend these events.

Republicans Challenge Voter Registrations

Zach in Helena — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:15:43 EDT

As you may have heard, the Montana Republican Party has challenged thousands of voter registrations across the state. Democrats are currently standing up and fighting to protect Montanans fundamental right to vote. The Montana Democratic Party has joined with two of the challenged voters and filed a lawsuit against the Republican operatives that were behind this shameful attempt to suppress the vote in Democratic leaning areas in Montana.

We need to make sure these Republican efforts fail - and we have to do this by registering and convincing even more undecided voters between now and election day. Sign up to help today!

Gov. Schweitzer Kicks off Early Vote Truck Tour

Zach in Helena — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:49:37 EDT

This afternoon, Governor Brian Schweitzer kicked off the first day of early voting in Montana by driving the Campaign for Change Early Vote Truck to his county election office to cast his ballot. On Monday, the Early vote Truck began a two week journey around Montana of roughly 40 stops across the state to raise awareness about the early vote option in this year's election and to encourage Obama supporters to cast their ballots prior to election day.

At each stop, a speaker will talk about the critical issues in this election and the importance of bringing the change we need to Washington, D.C. The speaker will also provide details about early voting in Montana.

"We're fortunate in Montana to have the early vote option," said Gov. Schweitzer. "It allows people to vote at their convenience without worrying about being sick, having to work or getting out in bad weather on Election Day. A lot of people have every intention of going to the polls on Election Day, but sometimes real life gets in the way. If you early vote, you can cast your ballot and rest easy."

Find an early vote truck tour stop near you.

VP Debate Watch Parties

Zach in Helena — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:46:05 EDT

Tonight, across Montana, supporters will be gathering to watch the first and only Vice Presidential Debate between Governor Sarah Palin and Senator Joe Biden. Find a debate watch party near you.

Debate Watch Party in Trout Creek

Find a debate watch party near you.

Former Governor Ray Mabus in Montana

Zach in Helena — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:10:26 EDT

This Wednesday and Thursday, Former Mississippi Governor Ray Mabus will be in central Montana to talk to voters about his support for Sen. Barack Obama. Governor Mabus will conduct town hall meetings and house parties in Shelby, Havre, Fort Benton, and Lewistown.

Governor Mabus served as Mississippi Governor from 1988 to 1992, before being appointed by Bill Clinton as U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia in 1994, where he resolved a border crisis in Yemen, avoided a 1994 crisis with Iraq, and helped the U.S. and Saudi Arabia sign $16 billion in contracts. He served in the U.S. Navy and in his early career he was legal counsel to the U.S. House Agriculture Committee.

Wednesday, October 1st
Shelby
Rural Issues Town Hall Meeting
Marias River Electric Meeting Room
910 W. Roosevelt Hwy
5:30 PM - 6:15 PM

Havre
Rural Issues Small Town Meeting
The Eagles Lodge
202 1st Street
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Thursday, October 2nd
Fort Benton
Rural Issues Lunch
Bob's Riverfront Restaurant
1414 Front Streetv
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Lewistown
Rural Issues House Party
Home of Bob and Kathryn Agostinelli
494 Stendal Road
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Debate Watch Parties

Zach in Helena — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 16:10:11 EDT

Supporters at a Debate Watch Party in Helena.

Get involved and canvass this weekend.

Debate Watch Parties

Zach in Helena — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:17:52 EDT

Tonight, supporters all across Montana will be hosting and attending debate watch parties. Find a debate watch party near you.

Find a debate watch party near you.

Super Volunteer: Lance Four Star

Zach in Helena — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:53:24 EDT

Each week, the Obama Campaign for Change in Montana will be highlighting a volunteer who has shown exceptional commitment working for change.

Wolf Point resident Lance Four Star has been recognized by the Obama campaign as a "Super Volunteer" for his tremendous efforts to spread the word about his support for Sen. Obama while balancing classes at Fort Peck Community College.

Chairman of the Assiniboine Council, Four Star has lived on Fort Peck Indian Reservation for about five years. He lived with his parents on the reservation shortly after he was born, and then lived in Washington and Arizona.

While attending high school in Arizona, Four Star interned with Sen. John McCain. Despite that connection to McCain, Four Star believes Obama is a better choice for president and likes the fact that Obama has pledged to have a Native American adviser on his staff if elected president.

"I decided to become a volunteer because I see the need for change in our community and country. I decided to volunteer for the Campaign for Change to do my part to help make that change for tribal members and residents of the Fort Peck Reservation. And I also believe in Sen. Obama's message. I've seen a little bit of change in bringing awareness. I've seen the level of awareness raised by registering voters and talking to people face to face."

Stop by your local office and get involved. Or help out without leaving your home.

Obama's Senior Economic Advisor Holding Economic Townhalls Around Montana

Zach in Helena — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 18:41:06 EDT

Sen. Barack Obama’s senior economic advisor, Austan Goolsbee, will be in Billings on Wednesday followed by Bozeman and Helena on Thursday. He will be leading roundtable discussions with local residents about the economic challenges facing communities in Montana and across the nation.

A nationally recognized expert on the economy and professor at the University of Chicago, Goolsbee is one of the key architects of Obama’s economic plan.

Today, Senator Obama spoke in Colorado about the importance of boosting the United States economy and detailed his plan to bring needed change to America’s economic policies. Obama’s plan would provide tax cuts for 95 percent of all working families. For families making less than $250,000 a year, Obama’s plan offers three times the tax relief for middle-class families as McCain’s plan does.

Obama’s plan would change the tax code to reward companies that create good-paying jobs on American soil, and it would end tax breaks to companies that ship jobs overseas. It would boost small businesses by eliminating capital gains taxes for small businesses and start-ups. Learn more.

Click here for more information and to sign up to attend.

Super Volunteer: Anna Wolff

Zach in Helena — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 18:16:19 EDT

Each week, the Obama Campaign for Change in Montana will be highlighting a volunteer who has shown exceptional commitment working for change.

The Obama Campaign in Montana has named Anna Wolff a "Super Volunteer". The great-grandmother works out of the Miles City campaign office, and spent labor day weekend knocking on doors and talking to her neighbors about Barack Obama, while occasionally taking breaks to check on her husband.

“Our economy is in bad shape, our education system is going backward instead of forward, and I worry about it. My children and grandchildren are grown, but I have great-grandchildren, and I worry about them,” said Wolff. “I grew up when America was first in everything, and I’d like to see it stay that way. It’s a matter of pride and patriotism." Wolff added "Volunteering has no age limit. You can be young, you can be old, and we always need more.”

The “Super Volunteer” award recognizes that that the driving force behind the Obama campaign has always been the volunteers who spend countless hours talking to their friends and neighbors about why they support Sen. Obama and why he’s the right choice for bring the change we need to Washington D.C.

Stop by your local office and get involved. Or help out without leaving your home.

Major General Paul D. Eaton in Montana on Saturday

Zach in Helena — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 13:49:44 EDT

This Saturday, September 13, Major General Paul D. Eaton will be in Great Falls, Helena, Anaconda, and Missoula in support of Barack Obama. His visit includes sessions with Montana's military men and women, a conversation with veterans at the Willis Cruse House, Military Appreciation Day at the Carroll College football game, and a veterans' open house.

Major General Eaton is a West Point graduate from a military family. He served in Iraq as Commanding General of the Coalition Military Assistance Training Team (CMATT), where he was in charge of training the Iraqi military from 2003 to 2004. Before retiring in 2006, he returned to the U.S. and became Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Training in Fort Monroe, Virginia.

A Montana Veterans for Obama meeting in Billings earlier this week.

Join Montana Veterans for Obama.

"We Will Never Forget..."

Zach in Helena — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:59:55 EDT

Statement of Senator Obama on the Anniversary of the 9/11 Attacks:

Today, we honor the memory of each and every life that was lost on September 11, 2001, and grieve with the family and friends who lost a loved one in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. We will never forget those who died. We will always remember the heroic 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 our security 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.

Women's Week of Action

Zach in Helena — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:18:39 EDT

Today is the second day of the Women's Week of Action and the theme is economic security. Senator Obama’s plan for economic security for women is far reaching. For example, Senator Obama will help address the challenge of balancing work and family by guaranteeing seven days of paid sick leave to the 22 million working women who currently have none. Senator Obama will also expand child care tax credits, double funding for afterschool programs to serve 1 million more children, and will create a summer learning program to serve an additional 1 million young people. 21,000 Montana working women would benefit from the expanded child care tax credits and 5,183 Montana children will benefit from this expansion of afterschool programs. Learn more about Senator Obama’s plan for economic security for women.

"Barack Obama clearly understands problems working women are having to deal with everyday,” said Nancy Anderson, the Chair of the Cascade County Central Committee who will be speaking at the Great Falls event. "Obama's plan directly addresses the challenges that women and families face and will have an impact on the lives of Montana women, while John McCain offers nothing more than four more years of George Bush’s failed policies."

Learn more, or attend a Women’s week of Action event today in Billings, Carbon County, Miles City, Great Falls, Bozeman or Glendive.

Two Office Openings

Zach in Helena — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:30:51 EDT

Today, we're opening our Lake County office in Pablo. The office is located at 51356 US Highway 93 (next to Joe's Jiffy Stop). There's an office opening party there tonight, and all are invited.

Last week, we opened an office in Bigfork at 191 Jewel Basin Court (off Highway 83). The opening was a big success.

"I've never seen anything like this. A crowd of democrats this size is so inspiring to us all. The amount of people who want to be involved in this campaign is unprecedented. This whole movement is astounding," said volunteer Molly Moore.

Find your local Campaign for Change office.

Women's Week of Action

Zach in Helena — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:41:15 EDT

This week, Montana Women for Obama will be holding a Week of Action to reach out to women across Montana on the important issues facing women in this election. Each day's events will focus on a different issue, including equal pay, economic security, and healthcare.

Tuesday's theme is equal pay for women. At each event a speaker will discuss Sen. Obama's commitment to fight for paycheck equity and to close the pay gap that leaves women earning only 77 cents for every dollar earned by men. Events will be held in Helena, Miles City, and Missoula.

Learn more about the Women's Week of Action and join Montana Women for Obama.

Joe Biden in Kalispell

Zach in Helena — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:43:12 EDT

Vice Presidential Candidate Joe Biden visited Kalispell on Sunday. Senator Biden spoke on range of issues, including his close relationship with former Montana Senator Mike Mansfield, the Obama-Biden plan for ensure that all Americans have healthcare coverage, and the dangers of allowing four more years the failed Bush-McCain economic policies.

"It's just been enormous, there are so many supporters I didn't know we had out there, here in the Flathead area there's a lot more, it's very surprising to me, and I'm really glad to hear about it" said Kalispell volunteer Molly Moore.

Joe Biden in Kalispell on Sunday

Zach in Helena — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:54:12 EDT

Senator Joe Biden will visit Kalispell this Sunday. The Vice-Presidential nominee will host a discussion with voters about the important issues facing our country.

Location: Flathead High School
644 4th Avenue West
Kalispell, MT 59901

Doors Open: 12:30 PM
Program Begins: 2:30 PM
Tickets are free, but required. Stop by the Kalispell, Whitefish, or Pablo Campaign for Change Office between 9am and 9pm Saturday, as well as at our Bigfork Office between 10am and 6pm Saturday, and the Kalispell Office between 9am and 1pm on Sunday to pick up tickets before they run out.

Republicans for Obama

Zach in Helena — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:13:08 EDT

This week, while the Republican National Convention is in St. Paul, Minnesota, groups of Republicans around Montana will be gathering to show their support for Sen. Obama and discuss how to reach out to other local Republicans in the weeks leading up to the November election. Sign up for Republicans for Obama.

Last night, Retired Major General Donald E. Loranger Jr., who served as the vice commander of Air Combat Command's 8th Air, spoke at a Republicans for Obama event in Kalispell.

"After decades of political acrimony which has brought our political process to a virtual standstill, Barack Obama offers us the best opportunity in my lifetime to bring us all together to successfully meet the challenges our society faces," said Loranger in an earlier statement.

Learn more about Republicans for Obama.

Llama for Obama

Zach in Helena — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:49:36 EDT

On Sunday, August 31, the annual Reed Point Sheep Run featured the run of the sheep (a small steal from Pamploma), food, vendors and a parade. The Stillwater Democrats marched Daisy the Democrat Donkey and the chair of the local group walked with the Llama for Obama wearing an Obama Mama t-shirt. There was lots of applause and many thumbs-up from the crowd. The llama, Chocolat, was a huge attraction as children and adults lined up to hug him and have their pictures taken with him. He stayed to help staff the booth and good political conversation and fun was had by all.

Hurricane Gustav: How You Can Help

Zach in Helena — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 16:42:41 EDT

Senator Obama sent out the following email today:

Today, the thoughts and prayers of all Americans are with those in the path of Hurricane Gustav -- and many of you are asking what you can do to help.

We do not yet know what the impact of Hurricane Gustav will be, and we hope with all our hearts that the damage will not be as great as it was three years ago.

But we know there will be damage, and there is something you can do right now.

Your financial support will strengthen organizations like the American Red Cross that are evacuating Gulf Coast residents and planning to help communities get back on their feet.

Make a donation to support the American Red Cross today.

At times like this, it is our compassion and resilience that define who we are as a nation.

Please give whatever you can afford, even $10, to make sure the American Red Cross has the resources to help those in the path of this storm:

https://donate.barackobama.com/redcross

Thank you for your generosity, and I hope you will join Michelle and me in praying for the safety of those in the path of the storm and the first responders who are doing all they can to ensure the safety of their communities.

Barack

Update: You can also stop by any of our offices to drop off canned food and first aid supplies to help people left in the wake of this and other storms.

Last Night

Zach in Helena — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:40:06 EDT

Barack's speech last night was truly historic. I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did, and judging from the newspaper coverage and photos from watch parties, that seems to be the case.

All fired up and want to support the campaign? Get involved this weekend by participating in the Weekend of Action.

Barack Talks to Vets in Billings

Zach in Helena — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:52:20 EDT

Senator Obama spoke to a group of veterans and military families yesterday at Riverfront Park in Billings. He spoke at length on the failures of the current administration to take care of the nation’s veterans, before taking questions from the audience on a variety of issues. You can watch his remarks about veterans, energy, and the VA system here.

What's going on right now, the simple fact is we're not doing right by our veterans. Not here in Montana, and not anywhere in the United States, and I want you to know that one of the reasons I'm running for president of the United States is because I want to make sure that today's veterans are treated like my grandfather was, when he came home, he got the GI Bill and was able to go to college and got FHA loans to go to school and was treated with honor. As President I'm going to make sure that the VA system in Montana gets the oversight, direction, and resources it needs to do the job. [Watch the video]

Before he spoke, Senator Obama talked privately with the family of Spc. Chris Dana, a Montana National Guard veteran who suffered from Posttraumatic stress disorder and committed suicide in 2007, shortly after returning from Iraq. His stepbrother, Matt Kuntz, has became an advocate for better treatment of PTSD.

Wish you could have been seen Senator Obama speak? Attend a Convention Watch Party tonight, and share his historic speech with other supporters.

Barack's Visit to Billings

Zach in Helena — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:56:05 EDT

The Obama Campaign for Change announced some details about Sen. Obama’s visit to Billings this Wednesday August 27th. Barack will have a discussion on Securing America’s Future with Montana veterans and military families, focusing on his commitment to America’s servicemen and women and their families. In order to ensure that Barack can have a real discussion with Montana veterans and military families, the event is invite only. If you are interested in seeing the event, it will be broadcast LIVE by all three Billings TV stations.
UPDATE: The event will also be streamed LIVE at barackobama.com/live. The even will start at about 10:50 AM. Click here to watch.

Welcome Joe

Zach in Helena — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:53:48 EDT

As I’m sure you know, Barack Obama has chosen Senator Joe Biden to be his running mate! Below are what prominent Montana politicians have to say about Senator Biden.

Governor Brian Schweitzer called Biden, "a straight shooter":

Senator Biden was mentored by one of Montana's own great leaders, Mike Mansfield. Mansfield, who worked in the mines of Butte before becoming a Senator understood the value of hard work and knew what a dollar was worth. So, does Joe Biden.

Senator Max Baucus lauded Biden, saying:

I've served with Joe for more than 30 years in the U.S. Senate - he's an honorable man, a solid public servant and a good friend. As a former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and now as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, Joe brings a wealth of experience to the table. He has a history of working across party lines and is well-respected by people on both sides of the aisle. Joe's a working class man who knows what folks in Montana and across the country are going through right now. I'm confident that he'll be able to work together with all Montanans to bring more good-paying jobs to our state and to move our country forward.

Senator Jon Tester said:

Biden is a dedicated family man and he has never lost touch with the working folks who make this country great while leading the way in the Senate. I look forward to working with Barack and Joe to bring about the change Montanans and Americans need and deserve.

Welcome Senator Biden to the ticket yourself.

How Many Houses

Zach in Helena — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 20:11:56 EDT

The Politico recently reported that John McCain was unable to answer a question about how many homes he owns. When asked how many houses he has, McCain told Politico: "I think - I'll have my staff get to you ... It's condominiums where - I'll have them get to you." Estimates range from four, the McCain campaign’s initial guess, to twelve, according to USA Today.

"John McCain hasn’t been to Montana in almost eight years, and as each day passes, it becomes increasingly clear just how out of touch he is. I imagine there aren’t too many Montanans who own so many houses they can’t remember how many they have," said Obama campaign spokesman Caleb Weaver. "McCain’s inability to remember how many houses he owns may explain why he thinks "the fundamentals of our economy are strong" and why he just offers more of the same economic policies that we’ve gotten from President Bush for the last eight years."

Watch the new ad.

With all of the confusion over just how many houses McCain has, Obama’s Campaign for Change is offering Montanans an opportunity to win a free t-shirt by correctly guessing the actual number of houses McCain owns. Download an entry form and drop it by your local Campaign for Change office.

Obama to Visit Billings

Zach in Helena — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 22:00:01 EDT

Today, the Obama campaign announced that Senator Obama will visit Montana for a fifth time on Wednesday August 27th, the day before his speech at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. We'll share more details with you as they become available.

Barack Obama in Butte on the Forth of July. See more photos of his visit.

Backstage with Barack

Zach in Helena — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:33:21 EDT

Exciting news for Montana supporters! The Obama Campaign for Change announced yesterday that Barb Sackman, of Fallon, Montana, has been selected as one of the ten winners of Backstage with Barack, a national contest that allows winners to visit Barack backstage before he speaks at the Democratic convention on August 28th.

Barb Sackman is a schoolteacher in Terry, MT, who, with her husband, raises wheat and cattle on their farm in Fallon.

"Well I just couldn't believe it. I really, nothing like this has ever happened to me before. You know, I'm just from a small town. It's not something you expect to hear. You know, actually, I did a little bit of jumping around. My son and daughter were with me, they thought that maybe I was losing my marbles. Yeah, I was pretty excited. I totally feel like I got the golden ticket," Sackman said on the evening news.

Can’t attend the convention? Find a convention watch party near you.

Celebration of Social Security’s 73rd Birthday

Zach in Helena — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:08:18 EDT

Today, Obama's Campaign for Change delivered birthday cakes to Senior Centers around Montana celebrating the 73rd anniversary of the signing of the Social Security Act by President Franklin Roosevelt on August 14, 1935. Yesterday, former Sen. John Melcher praised Sen. Barack Obama’s plan to strengthen Social Security, a program that has provided economic security and peace of mind for generations of Montana families.

"Sen. Obama knows that people across Montana and the entire United States count on Social Security to be there for their families when they retire or if they become disabled, and in the last eight years we have seen the erosion of many gains it took nearly a lifetime to achieve," said Melcher, a champion of Social Security during his time in Congress. "We need a president committed to protecting and strengthening Social Security, and all John McCain is offering is four more years of Bush’s plans to undermine the program through privatization."

New Energy for America

Zach in Helena — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:27:54 EDT

Tomorrow, Obama supporters across Montana will be at gas stations talking to drivers about Senator Obama’s New Energy for America plan.

As part of the campaign’s effort to spread the word about Senator Obama’s plan, Public Service Commission Chairman Greg Jergeson and other Great Falls elected officials will hold a press conference to discuss the importance of the plan and its impact on Montanans. If you’d like to attend, click here for details.

Read the New Energy for America Plan.

Learn more about Senator Obama’s position on energy.

Getting from Divide to Unity

Zach in Helena — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 22:43:48 EDT

This evening, Obama supporter Bill Johnson began his journey from Divide, Montana to Unity, New Hampshire with the handmade ObamaCart. Bill plans to pull the ObamaCart through cities and towns along the way to highlight Obama’s commitment to changing politics in Washington D.C. and moving beyond the partisan polarization of the last eight years. After leaving Divide tomorrow, Bill plans to travel nearly three thousand miles through Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and bring his journey to a close in the town of Unity, NH.

Bill, a Vietnam Veteran and member of Montana Sportsman for Obama, initially came up with the idea as a joke. However, after talking with other Obama supporters, he realized that a trip from Divide to Unity could draw attention to Barack Obama’s ability to bring people together and new faces into the political process.

"Barack Obama is a leader who has the ability to bring people together in a rational, nonpartisan way to get things done and bring about the more perfect union our forefathers had in mind,” says Bill. “Although I am very respectful of McCain’s military service and supported him when he ran in 2000, his complete support for George Bush over the last eight years is really disappointing. We need a leader ready to move us out of the jaded politics of the past."

Join Bill’s group and wish him well on his journey.

Report: While Montanans Pay Record Gas Prices, Exxon Reaps Record $11.68 Billion Profit

Zach in Helena — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:07:39 EDT

Montanans Paid $1,050 More for Gas During Last Three Months than in 2001

Read the full report (pdf).

In the wake of Exxon’s announcement this morning of a record setting $12 billion profit, the Obama campaign is releasing a report today highlighting the real impact of this on Montana. From April to June, while Exxon was reaping billions in profits, a typical Montana family paid $1,050 more for gas than they paid in the same three months of 2001, when President Bush took office. Gas prices in Montana have risen over 118% since 2001, and, according to AAA, only nine states currently have prices higher than Montana. The report also compares Senator Obama’s plan to provide middle class families with tax relief with Senator McCain’s plan to offer Big Oil companies another $4 billion in tax breaks.

I have a good job, but paying $4 a gallon for gas has put an incredible burden on my family,” said Billings resident Kevin Connors, a single father of three who commutes 120 miles per day for work. “I am working two jobs this summer just to pay for gas and food for my kids. I’m just not sure how a lot of people are going to make it.

Senator Obama made the following statement today:

Perhaps the only thing more outrageous than Exxon Mobil making record profits while Americans are paying record prices at the pump is the fact that Senator McCain has proposed giving them an additional $1.2 billion tax break. While Senator McCain’s plan has succeeded in helping his campaign raise over $1 million from oil and gas company executives and employees just last month, it won’t lower gas prices or end our dangerous dependence on foreign oil. Instead of an energy policy that reads like an oil-company wish list, it’s time to create a new American energy economy by investing in alternative energy, creating millions of new jobs, increasing fuel efficiency standards, and ending the tyranny of oil once and for all.

Read the full report (pdf).

Read about Obama's energy plan.

Release: Independent Sources Debunk False Emails Circulating Montana on Obama Tax Plans

Zach in Helena — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:14:43 EDT

Sources also Contradict Claims by McCain Aides to Montana Newspapers

HELENA, MT – A recent Time Magazine article and analysis by the independent organization factcheck.org firmly establish that emails about Sen. Barack Obama’s tax plan circulating Montana are false and misleading. Several voters have contacted Obama’s campaign staff in Montana asking about an email claiming that Barack Obama plans to raise taxes in a variety of different areas. McCain and his advisors have made similar claims in recent weeks to Montana reporters.

The independent organization factcheck.org concluded that an email received by many Montana voters on Obama’s tax proposals is “a pack of lies.” The independent group wrote on its website that “Alert readers may already have noted that this chain e-mail does not provide links to any of Obama's actual proposals or cite any sources for the claims it makes. That is because they are made up.” Additionally, factcheck.org noted that Sen. Obama is not planning to pay for his health care plan with proposed tax increases, but instead by allowing the Bush tax cut for people making more than $250,000 per year to expire as it is already set to do. To read the full report by factcheck.org, visit: factcheck.org.

Absarokee Day

Zach in Helena — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:01:37 EDT

On Saturday, two of our organizers in Bozeman made a trip to Absarokee. Charlie reports back:

I traveled out to Absarokee to do voter registration and take part in the Absarokee Day Parade. I had heard rumors that there might be a live donkey provided by the Stillwater County Democrats and when I arrived, there she was, Daisy the Democratic Donkey.

This Miniature Donkey would leave its role as a farm animal and become the life of the parade with adoring fans of all ages. After the parade I was excited to do voter registration with Daisy by my side. In addition to several first time registers we also got a surprise, a first place ribbon! What a way to cap off a successful day and bring pride to the Stillwater County Democratic Party!

Daisy, The Democratic Donkey
Charlie, Eric, Daisy, and the Blue Ribbon.

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Kick-Off Weekend Canvass in Missoula

Zach in Helena — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:02:23 EDT

If you're going to be in the Missoula area this weekend and were planning on participating in the canvassing effort, you're in luck. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will be speaking to the Campaign for Change Volunteers as they prepare to head out to knock on doors and talk about Senator Obama’s plans to bring real change on the issues that are important to Montana voters.

Click here to sign up to attend, but feel free to come even if you don't sign up. The Missoula office is located at 218 E. Front Street and the event begins at 11am.

Not near Missoula? There are plenty of other events this weekend all over Montana.

Obama's Campaign for Change Missoula Headquarters

Bozeman's Office

Zach in Helena — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:17:58 EDT

Yesterday I visited the Bozeman field office. Sadly, I missed the office opening, but I took some pictures of the office itself, and of Megan, the field director there.

They've really done an excellent job decorating the new office, especially considering that it was previously the Bozeman DMV. The office is located at 19 N. 10th Ave. Bozeman, MT.