Organizing for America | Sam Graham-Felsen's Blog: ACORN Political Action Committee Endorses Obama

ACORN Political Action Committee Endorses Obama

By Sam Graham-Felsen - Feb 21st, 2008 at 6:36 pm EST

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NEW ORLEANS, LA -- ACORN’s Political Action Committee today announced that it has endorsed Sen. Barack Obama for President.

ACORN PAC’s representatives went through an extensive process of interviewing each of the major Democratic candidates. ACORN is a national anti-poverty organization which has hundreds of thousands of members in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods in 104 cities.

“Last night, Sen. Obama received the more than necessary two-thirds of the majority needed from our elected national leadership to secure the endorsement,” said Maude Hurd, ACORN’s National President. “Over the past months, we have worked with the leading candidates; ACORN’s members have deep appreciation and respect for Senators Clinton and Edwards and their work on behalf of our communities. What it came down to was that Senator Obama is the candidate who best understands and can affect change on the issues ACORN cares about like stopping foreclosures, enacting fair and comprehensive immigration reform, and building stronger and safer communities across America.”

Alicia Russell of Arizona, ACORN’s western regional representative, said Obama relates to the issues facing low- and moderate-income people. “I think he will commit himself to providing us the necessary path for the low-income and moderate-income families to improve their lives,” Russell said. “He’s on the same level as we are, and sees our issues as we do.”

In the past three weeks, Sen. Obama has met with ACORN leaders regarding foreclosure prevention solutions, including a roundtable discussion on Tuesday in San Antonio.

“Texas ACORN members are proud to stand with Senator Obama in calling for fundamental change in our economy to protect homeowners and neighborhoods from the scourge of foreclosures that is sweeping communities across Texas,” said Texas ACORN president Toni McElroy.

When Obama met with ACORN leaders in November, he reminded them of his history with ACORN and his beginnings in Illinois as a Project Vote organizer, a nonprofit focused on voter rights and education. Senator Obama said, "I come out of a grassroots organizing background. That's what I did for three and half years before I went to law school. That's the reason I moved to Chicago was to organize. So this is something that I know personally, the work you do, the importance of it. I've been fighting alongside ACORN on issues you care about my entire career. Even before I was an elected official, when I ran Project Vote voter registration drive in Illinois, ACORN was smack dab in the middle of it, and we appreciate your work.”

ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now) is the nation's largest community organization of low- and moderate-income families, with over 350,000 member families organized into 800 neighborhood chapters in 104 cities across the country. Since 1970 ACORN has taken action and won victories on issues of concern to its members, including better housing for first time homebuyers and tenants, living wages for low-wage workers, more investment in our communities from banks and governments, and better public schools.

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Thanks | Report to Admin

By Mike Womack Feb 21st 2008 at 7:04 pm EST

Thanks ACORN! This means a lot!

Counting down til the debate.

Counting down to the debate | Report to Admin

By Ilya Feb 21st 2008 at 7:10 pm EST

The debate is coming up shortly

Double your donation now

I will match any donation until the end of the debate tonight

Link

PS Obviously I can't go over the federal limit...

Re: Thanks | Report to Admin

By Natalie from WI Feb 21st 2008 at 7:12 pm EST

Thank you ACORN!! What a wonderful endorsement! :)

Re: Thanks | Report to Admin

By Nomad in NC - Voted for "That One!" Feb 21st 2008 at 7:15 pm EST

Wonderful Endorsement!

Re: Thanks | Report to Admin

By Leila Feb 21st 2008 at 7:47 pm EST

I was a community organizer for ACORN in Los Angeles once! It was HARD work!

Thank you, ACORN!

Re: Thanks | Report to Admin

By Jill Hussein. Here we come November. Feb 21st 2008 at 7:46 pm EST

This is great, Thank you so much ACORN!
I was going crazy last night the site was down being fixed and I could not sleep, no Obama to read I was having withdrawl!!

Okay matching donations tonight? I AM IN ON THAT!! I am off to donate again!

Obama will shine tonight!!!

ACORN | Report to Admin

By ACORN from Tempe, AZ Oct 15th 2008 at 2:38 am EDT (Updated Oct 15th 2008 at 2:38 am EDT)

Dear Dear People:

PLEASE do your research. Google:
Obama and . . .
ACORN
Ayers
Ayers and Chavez (the Pres of Venezuela that
HATES America)
Rev Wright
Odinga

How many shady people must there be before you wake up!!!?????

To my dear family, if I wind up missing or dead, PLEASE investigate thoroughly!!!!

TOO AFRAID TO POST NAME.

Yeah!!! | Report to Admin

By joe ruwe Feb 21st 2008 at 7:04 pm EST

Yeah!!!

Re: Yeah!!! | Report to Admin

By joe ruwe Feb 21st 2008 at 7:14 pm EST

The debate will show the rest of the world who is ready to lead this country. The Clinton campaign is in trouble. Get ready for some Hillary mudpies coming at us tonight!

Re: Yeah!!! | Report to Admin

By Dr. Sharif Feb 21st 2008 at 7:38 pm EST

Can I watch online, I only have CSPan?????

Re: Yeah!!! | Report to Admin

By Marina from Maine Feb 21st 2008 at 7:48 pm EST

Stream the debate online at Link

Re: Yeah!!! | Report to Admin

By Henry Feb 21st 2008 at 7:50 pm EST

Am sure you could.All of these debates have been streamed live.Watch out at cnn.com

Re: Yeah!!! | Report to Admin

By esther Feb 21st 2008 at 7:53 pm EST

YES!!!

Thanks ACORN | Report to Admin

By Nanci A patriotic dissident Feb 21st 2008 at 7:05 pm EST

Great endorsement! Thanks ACORN!

Obama!!! | Report to Admin

By latinObama Feb 21st 2008 at 7:05 pm EST

4th?

VIVA OBAMA SONG | Report to Admin

By Leah from Houston, TX Feb 21st 2008 at 7:06 pm EST

PASS THIS ALONG TO EVERYONE

VIVA OBAMA SONG:

Link

This is a great song in Spanish!

p.s. Thanks ACORN for the endorsement!

Re: VIVA OBAMA SONG | Report to Admin

By Peter from Switzerland Feb 21st 2008 at 7:32 pm EST

This REALLY is a great song :-) !!!
Vote for Obama Mariachi style, just great.
Thanks for the link

H
Obama '08
P
E

HUGE! | Report to Admin

By Kevin ":: g+s+ ::" Winterfield Feb 21st 2008 at 7:10 pm EST

Thank you ACORN!

This one feels soooo right.

-kev
"going positive"

Re: HUGE! | Report to Admin

By joe ruwe Feb 21st 2008 at 7:11 pm EST

Someone was mentioning a possible Feingold endorsement earlier, - any updates?

Mahalo ACORN! | Report to Admin

By Jordan O. Feb 21st 2008 at 7:12 pm EST

A big MAHALO for the endorsement!!

Re: Mahalo ACORN! | Report to Admin

By joe ruwe Feb 21st 2008 at 7:15 pm EST

BTW - nice job in Hawaii!

Re: HUGE! | Report to Admin

By Teresa in Wisconsin Feb 21st 2008 at 8:03 pm EST

Good news! Sen. Russ Feingold is "inclined" to support Obama.

Link

cool | Report to Admin

By Jason in Iowa Feb 21st 2008 at 7:12 pm EST

In some areas this could be very good for GOTV. I worked for ACORN through 2004 in Little Rock, Ark.

Donor's | Report to Admin

By ObamaBob NSB Feb 21st 2008 at 7:14 pm EST

Just passed 953,000 donors!!

YES WE CAN!!

Re: Donor's | Report to Admin

By joe ruwe Feb 21st 2008 at 7:16 pm EST

EVERYBODY THROW IN 10 BUCK RIGHT NOW!!!!!

HERE'S A SUPER BLITZ FOR A GREAT DEBATE TONIGHT!!!!

Re: Donor's | Report to Admin

By joe ruwe Feb 21st 2008 at 7:17 pm EST

WHO'S IN????

Re: Donor's | Report to Admin

By ObamaOnDay1 Feb 21st 2008 at 7:42 pm EST

I'm in! Who's next?

Re: Donor's | Report to Admin

By Jill Hussein. Here we come November. Feb 21st 2008 at 7:55 pm EST

I just threw in another 10 bucks!
YES WE CAN!
I am just beyond excited!

Re: Donor's | Report to Admin

By Sam from ATL Feb 21st 2008 at 8:00 pm EST

I threw in $10. Got my husband, too, as well!

nerves! | Report to Admin

By marytnurse, supporting Barack Obama until I see his library built on donations from We The People Feb 21st 2008 at 7:15 pm EST

I know he's ready, has the integrity, has the sense, all the reasons I've supported him these many months is why I know he'll do well in the debate. I'm just very concerned that she'll be so nasty the stage will fill with it....esp after watching her in that MSNBC special last night. something much like 'if that doesn't work, you beat (her opponent's) brains in'

She'll self destruct before she gives up on this election, it's just a matter of whether it's an EXplosion or IMplosion....GO BARACK!!!

Re: nerves! | Report to Admin

By Jason in Iowa Feb 21st 2008 at 7:19 pm EST

This will be very informative about how she is planning on loosing this election. Is she going to go gracefully or mimic her horrible husband and become an embarrassment and spectacle.

I think she has a little more class than Bill Clinton. And may be willing to loose gracefully.

Re: nerves! | Report to Admin

By marytnurse, supporting Barack Obama until I see his library built on donations from We The People Feb 21st 2008 at 7:32 pm EST

Yes. While I don't have a whole lot of regard for her, I do offer her my respect; and as a woman, I really hope she doesn't set us back that last 30 years...

Re: nerves! | Report to Admin

By Dr. Sharif Feb 21st 2008 at 7:45 pm EST

The shame is as women professionals, I feel she may have already set us back 30 years,

What is with the "Lets get real!!!" doesnt she realize she is insulting all of us. We are not idiots!!

Re: nerves! | Report to Admin

By marytnurse, supporting Barack Obama until I see his library built on donations from We The People Feb 21st 2008 at 7:49 pm EST

yeah, I'd already subtracted the last 35 years....my obscure ability strikes again!

Debate night Laughs and Gaffs | Report to Admin

By Nomad in NC - Voted for "That One!" Feb 21st 2008 at 7:18 pm EST

Folks, when I was watching that dinner in Wisconsin last week when Hillary and Obama were speaking - I never laughed so hard while reading your comments. Let's keep that humor rolling again, because this is such an important debate we need to maintain a light flowing fun debate on here ourselves. Any takers?

Something like each time she says she will be ready on day one, we . . . ???

Re: Debate night Laughs and Gaffs | Report to Admin

By joe ruwe Feb 21st 2008 at 7:21 pm EST

Count me in. Everybody join the 10 dollar blitz for the debate. The master is going to take her apart.

Re: Debate night Laughs and Gaffs | Report to Admin

By Jeannie "Make Three Wishes on Her Bottle of Hope for One and All" in PA Feb 21st 2008 at 7:35 pm EST

I'm in -- pouring my glass of wine and Ready to Go!

PAC? | Report to Admin

By TejasTech08 Feb 21st 2008 at 7:21 pm EST

Is this a PAC in the same sense as the ridiculous one that is funding $10 million of Hillary's advertising right now? Barack has said he doesn't take money from PACs and I believe him. I hope this PAC doesn't try to donate to him, and if they do, I hope he donates it to charity.

Re: PAC? | Report to Admin

By Tim Feb 21st 2008 at 7:43 pm EST

Technically speaking ACORN is a PAC. However, a more accurate term to describe ACORN would be an advocacy group for those living in poverty or lower income families. I'm sure that since they are still a PAC that Obama won't take any funding from them. Still, their endorsement just underscores that fact that Obama has cut into and will probably continue to take even more of Clinton's so called "solid base" of lower income Democrats.

Obama '08
From and Independent college student in Indiana

Re: PAC? | Report to Admin

By Henry Feb 21st 2008 at 7:47 pm EST

Good Question.Somebody with knowledge please answer.Am not that worried after I read the whole article.

Re: PAC? | Report to Admin

By Peter from Switzerland Feb 21st 2008 at 7:53 pm EST

ACORN is a PAC (= political action committee, Wiki: Link )
ALP (American Leadership Project) is a 527 group (Wiki: Link )

BO blog: Link

American Leadership Project:
Wikipedia: Link
Daily Kos: Link
Politico: Link

Re: PAC? | Report to Admin

By LisainNYC Feb 21st 2008 at 7:54 pm EST

The group funding $10 million worth of anti-Obama ads is not a PAC (political action committee) it is a 527 (named after the section of FEC code which describes it).

Re: PAC? | Report to Admin

By Linda from Pottstown, PA Feb 23rd 2008 at 1:33 am EST

527 just refers to the IRS code (not FEC code) that PAC's have to follow. Here's the IRS link for your review: Link

So I believe the ACORN PAC and a 527 group of people are the same regarding filings required. Each group has their own objectives. Endorsing Senator Obama doesn't sound like they are "independent", does it?

Also per Fox News the other day, there were two 527 groups who ran ads for Senator Obama up to the Super Tuesday events... Here's the link for your review and make sure you read the last paragraph: Link

Re: PAC? | Report to Admin

By marytnurse, supporting Barack Obama until I see his library built on donations from We The People Feb 21st 2008 at 7:59 pm EST

PACs and lobbyists aren't all bad, just FYI; SOME lobbyists are in fact for non-profit organizations and such. That being said, there is a 5k contribution ceiling on PACs anyway; lobbyists (that I'm aware of?) have no such limits. All unions have PACs, so I can speak a bit about it as a union leader.

NO, no PAC is the same as a 527; PACs donate manpower and that 5K to the candidates (tho we know Barack won't accept that anyway). However, some PACs DO form independent 527s, which act independently of any campaign finance laws, because they don't specifically and directly deal WITH the candidate. Their funding can be independent of the campaign finance laws and there is no limit, since they aren't 'working on behalf of' the candidate. IF they communicate with the candidate in any way, then they cease to follow the laws. I would think any candidate seeking to shut down their own 527 could easily do so by calling them up and asking them to quit it. But I can't see HDRC doing that. I had hopes that JRE would, and he may in fact have done that since their ads quit.

Re: PAC? | Report to Admin

By Linda from Pottstown, PA Feb 23rd 2008 at 1:43 am EST

Note that Senator Obama says that he does not take money from federal lobbyists, but what about other lobbyists such as "state lobbyists". I'm sure if you google on this you will have no problem finding that he has taken state lobbyists money (there are many articles out there on this).... Just a thought--when I read something that's too good to be true, I like to research it a bit as I'm sure you would as well. Here's one just for fun: Link

PRE-DEBATE COOKIE SALE! | Report to Admin

By ☞Aunt Becky☜ ... Blogyenta: "I kvetch, therefore I am." Feb 21st 2008 at 7:21 pm EST

HURRY! HURRY! HURRY!

Endless batches of AUNTIE B.'S WORLD-FAMOUS, HOME-MADE, AWESOMELY AMAZING VIRTUAL COOKIES are fresh out of the oven.

Cookies are a buck apiece. (Whatta bargain!)Stock up for the debate.

Checkout at the Donate button.

Nu, so what are you waiting for?

Auntie B.

Re: PRE-DEBATE COOKIE SALE! | Report to Admin

By Rhonda in IL Feb 21st 2008 at 7:34 pm EST

Your back!! I haven't seen you post for quite a long time!!! Thanks for the cookies, I might have to hold off on eating them for awhile...I always feel like I could puke before these debates!! I know he will do well, I just never know what kind of cr*p she is going to spew.

ACORN Endorsement | Report to Admin

By A Rebirth Feb 21st 2008 at 7:28 pm EST

Now this is an endorsement worth acquiring, if I may say so myself! How amazing! Change we can ALL believe in. Are we setting the stage already for the Nationals? Everybody say "Yeah!" I say "Hell, yeah!"

stream Cnn debate online | Report to Admin

By Marina from Maine Feb 21st 2008 at 7:51 pm EST

If you don't have cable, you can stream it at Link now!

Isn't anyone troubled | Report to Admin

By scozad Feb 21st 2008 at 7:57 pm EST

Isn't anyone troubled that this is a PAC? Won't the Clintons and McCain use this against Obama???

Re: Isn't anyone troubled | Report to Admin

By MDMike Feb 21st 2008 at 8:01 pm EST

ACORN is a great, truly grassroots organization that is a premier ally for any movement to have in building communities in large and mid-size cities.I'm quite honored they gave us their support.

Re: Isn't anyone troubled | Report to Admin

By Sam from ATL Feb 21st 2008 at 8:02 pm EST

Not if they aren't donating money to his campaign. This is an endorsement. They can provide voters and canvassers, though. : )

Re: Isn't anyone troubled | Report to Admin

By Peter from Switzerland Feb 21st 2008 at 8:03 pm EST

I believe having a PAC endorsment is not problematic, whereas having a PAC contribution (money!) is.

This post has been removed due to offensive or disrespectful content.

Re: Isn't anyone troubled | Report to Admin

By marytnurse, supporting Barack Obama until I see his library built on donations from We The People Feb 21st 2008 at 8:21 pm EST

Please see my post above for info on PACs.

Kansans for Obama | Report to Admin

By Daryl from KS Feb 21st 2008 at 8:02 pm EST

My family is leaving for TX on the night of February 29th, 2008 from Chanute, KS at 5:30 pm, we will return after the election on March 4th!

I challenge anyone from Kansas to join us on this journey, there are 7 million people in Texas that need to be reached and we can do this with your help.

Anyone interested in driving or riding with us down to Texas, please contact:

Daryl Heslop at 620-963-2123
Erin Rhoads at 620-963-2127

I urge you to step out of your comfort zone and join us on this journey to GOTV in Texas, they need our help!!!

We've been contacted by the campaign and we will be going to the FT. Worth HQ as this is a greater need then Houston for volunteers.

Please I urge you to get in contact with us as we will rent a 12 passenger van if needed to accomodate anyone wanting to go.

The campaign said that if anyone needs housing in Ft. Worth they should contact hschneir@barackobama.com Hally is the Ft. Worth HQ office staff manager.

Please if you are going to go call us so that we know if a van is needed and make sure you have arrangements for being their for the 5 days.

TO WIN TEXAS, YES WE CAN! | Report to Admin

By N. Julio Barthson - E-Campaign Leader Feb 21st 2008 at 8:05 pm EST

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HAS GIVEN TO BARACK THROUGH MY CAMPAIGN.

MERCI A TOUS CEUX QUI ONT CONTRIBUE A BARACK A TRAVERS MA CAMPAGNE PERSONNELLE.

Barack Obama has a great plan for us all. Barack Obama est notre ami, notre choix.

I wanna win Texas for Barack! Il faut gagner le Texas pour Barack!
Link

I'm traveling to Texas to canvass, campaign until victory for Barack is won. YES I CAN!
I've set my own personal fundraising goal for the campaign, which you can see here:
Link

Pour soutenir la campagne et faire gagner Barack, allez ici s'il-vous-plait:
Link

Barack Obama! L'espoir americain.
Link

I'll invest as much money in Texas for Barack's campaign as you give to Barack through my personal campaign, up to the amount of $5,000.00. YES I CAN!
Will you make a donation to help me reach my goal?
Link

YES YOU CAN!
YES WE CAN!
JULIO.
Link

GOOD LUCK SEN. OBAMA | Report to Admin

By Keoki Feb 21st 2008 at 8:14 pm EST

Aloha Obama Supporters,

The Chinese believes the number 8 is good luck. Hawaii’s area code is 808, so it will be lucky for Sen. Barack Obama. In this tradition, let’s make a donation of $8 on my personal fundraising page so Barack will have good luck in Texas and Ohio on March 4th and the debate tomorrow.

Click the link below to donate on my personal fundraising page:
Link

Thank you,
Keoki

KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING | Report to Admin

By Keoki Feb 21st 2008 at 8:17 pm EST

Be the one millionth donor in this historic campaign for Sen. Barack Obama. Think of it as an investment into the future of yourself and the next generation.

PLEASE DONATE NOW

Click the link below to make a donation to my personal fundraising page:
Link

Debate | Report to Admin

By alpha Feb 21st 2008 at 8:19 pm EST

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Sen. Barack Obama has played his open remarks
very smartly...he has scored a touchdown!

This is going to be a good nite for him!!!

He is standing presidential in principal and on
point. Is Sen. Barack Obama learning how to debate, Sen. Clinton?

GO OBAMA | Report to Admin

By Keoki Feb 21st 2008 at 8:21 pm EST

Obama supporters are the greatest. We'll keep his campaign well funded till he reaches the White House.

Keep on donating for Sen. Barack Obama.

Click on this link to donate:
Link

Mahalo,
Keoki

join | Report to Admin

By marytnurse, supporting Barack Obama until I see his library built on donations from We The People Feb 21st 2008 at 8:28 pm EST

Join us on the Debate thread? Link

That Sam is all over this!!!

Thank you ACORN | Report to Admin

By ♥♪Ben, a true evangelical for OBAMA; For PUBLIC OPTION♪♥ Feb 21st 2008 at 9:24 pm EST

Thank you so much ACORN

YES WE CAN!!!

OBAMA is winning the debate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just donated another $50

Donate: Link

Acorn | Report to Admin

By barbie snow in k-ville TN Aug 27th 2008 at 7:50 pm EDT (Updated Aug 27th 2008 at 7:50 pm EDT)

Michelle Malkin is using this site to prove that the ObaLink

http://article.nationalreview. com/?q=NDZiMjkwMDczZWI5ODdjOWY xZTIzZGIyNzEyMjE0ODI=

ACORN | Report to Admin

By Patricia from Jacksonville, FL Oct 10th 2008 at 11:47 am EDT (Updated Oct 10th 2008 at 11:47 am EDT)

This was just thrown in my face:
"When Obama met with ACORN leaders in November, he reminded them of his history with ACORN and his beginnings in Illinois as a Project Vote organizer, a nonprofit focused on voter rights and education. Senator Obama said, "I come out of a grassroots organizing background. That's what I did for three and half years before I went to law school. That's the reason I moved to Chicago was to organize. So this is something that I know personally, the work you do, the importance of it. I've been fighting alongside ACORN on issues you care about my entire career. Even before I was an elected official, when I ran Project Vote voter registration drive in Illinois, ACORN was smack dab in the middle of it, and we appreciate your work.”