by Anthony from Portland, OR
Demonstrating how much support Sen. Obama has here in Oregon, yesterday morning on the capitol steps in Salem group of 26 elected Oregon officials enthusiastically announced their endorsement of Barack in the presidential primary. In all, nearly half of the Democrats in the state legislature are supporting Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination, including 5 senators and 19 representatives. State Treasurer Randall Edwards and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Susan Castillo were also on hand to declare their backing.
Representative Mary Nolan took the microphone and explained how there's only one candidate in the Democratic race that can bring the kind of change that Oregon and the country need right now after the failed policies of the Bush years. Treasurer Edwards also spoke, citing Sen. Obama's vision to end the war in Iraq, fight global warming, and provide healthcare to all Americans as the reasons for his endorsement. Speaker of the House Jeff Merkley agreed, referring to Barack's "detailed agenda" as the reason behind his support. Senator Ben Westlund noted Obama's electability as the key factor in his decision, remarking that having "a strong candidate at the top of the ticket is critically important" for Democrats in Oregon and around the nation.
At the press conference, State Sen. Avel Gordly - a registered Independent - filled out a voter registration card to formally change her party affiliation to Democrat so that she could vote for Barack Obama in Oregon's closed primary next month. She then headed across the street to the secretary of state's office to drop it off.
State law says that you must be a registered member of a party to vote in its nominating contest, and April 29th is the last day Oregonians can register or change their party status to Democratic in order to vote for Obama. Gordly encouraged all registered Independents, Republicans, and members of other parties do the same if they desire the kind of change being sought by Barack Obama, who she called "a unifier."
See the full list of Oregon officials who endorsed Barack in Salem yesterday.
If you live in Oregon and are not currently registered as a Democrat, you should register now the ensure that you are able to participate in the upcoming May 20th primary.
Visit OR.BarackObama.com for more news and info from Oregon, and to find out how you can get involved.
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