Posts with the tag Minnesota

UNITED AGAINST RACISM

WEBMASTER — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 12:46:34 EDT

Hi Friend

There is a new group that just started on Facebook that I thought Organizing for America members may be interested in joining. Please see United Against Racism -

http://apps.facebook.com/causes/354956/80588439?m=9dc74a6e

United Against Racism

posted by David Apperson

"Sitting on the Dock of the Bay..."

James — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:51:52 EDT

We have just had another of those strange flight travel incidents, which nobody seems to be able to explain or resolve in any way. It seems that a Continental plane pulled into Rochester, Minnesota because of bad weather, then sat on the tarmac, about fifty feet from a gate, for twelve hours. Everyone involved has diligently and rationally absolved themselves of fault in this situation. Again. The passengers suffered pretty badly, with just one bathroom. That bathroom was clogged up and inoperable. No food and no drinks were served by the one flight attendant, while all this went on. The Airport says that the terminal was open and available, but the crew of the aircraft would have had to request clearance to dock. The Airline says it knows nothing at all about any of what went on. The crew of the plane says that the terminal was closed and they had no place to dock. That someone's lying here is being totally ignored.

But it is vitally interesting to listen to interviews of the passengers after they were finally deplaned. The succession of lies that they were told by the crew of that plane is unbelievable. It is almost of daytime soap opera caliber stuff. They were told that the terminal was closed. They were told, time after time, that they would be flying out very soon, until they started to be told that a bus was coming to take them back to Minneapolis (60 miles away). Then they were told that the bus had broken down. They were served nothing by the lone flight attendant, but a pack of self-serving lies. There was no bus. There was no flight clearance. The crew never contacted the terminal to ask for docking privileges. There could be only one motivation for all the lying and misrepresentations. Money. Why else would anyone perform like that crew performed?

Flight crews start getting paid as soon as they pull away from the gate. That crew was well into overtime pay while that plane sat there on the tarmac. Not only that, but the crew was using up hours of 'air' time which would give them time off in the weeks ahead, because of the way flight rules are structured within the industry. The passengers were 'gamed' by that crew. The media allows this to continue by not letting the public know about the true motivation behind this kind of miserable flight violation.

And you might think that the passengers kind of deserved what they got because they did not get violent or complain to the point of intolerance? Think again. Post 9/11. Yes, think TSA. Think about the expressions you yourself observe on many of the near-moronic faces of airport security 'officers.' You cannot, as a passenger, encounter flight personnel, or security personnel, with an 'attitude' anymore. You will be charged with a felony, and our ridiculously skewed court system will find you guilty. It happens more than three thousand times a year in this country. The passengers had to do what they did. They had to stay quiet and take the lies. They probably even knew that they were being lied to. And there is the cell phone issue I heard brought up this morning. Once you pull away from the gate you are not allowed to use your cell phone on the aircraft. Only the crew could give you permission to do that, and guess what. Yes, you guessed it. The crew said no cell phones.

The crew will not be fired or punished for their behavior. Anymore than Officer Crowley will be punished for his illegal harassment, humiliation and arrest of Professor Gates. In fact, they will all be rewarded. The flight crew will get the off time and overtime pay, while Crowley will get promoted and have some badly written book published. Some injustices that occur in our culture are actually rewarded. I am not sure why, exactly. Maybe it is just that Jupiter is in transit, or Venus is trining Mars. But, if the airlines do not stop supporting outrageous behavior committed by their flight crews, there will be an occurance of violence at some point. One of these days, or nights, an overheated and fully stuffed aluminum tube is going to explode like a bratwurst left too long on the grill. That coming event is so easily preventable, but, sadly, I don't think anything will be done. Our whole culture is sitting on the dock of the bay, watching .....

http://www.jamesstraussauthor.com

http://www.themastodons.com

http://www.from-the-chateau-dif.blogspot.com

Minnesota Election Blog

WEBMASTER — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:06:58 EDT

As President Obama recently related to me regarding local service; "Now is our time to work together, reaffirm our enduring spirit, and choose our better history."

It is our responsibility as Americans to vote, and vote we must. And now is the time to prepare for the next election. I invite all citizens of Minnesota to post a message on the Minnesota Election Blog.

Minnesota Election Blog
minnesota-election.blogspot.com

BARACK OBAMA FIRST 100 DAYS

WEBMASTER — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:23:01 EDT

During the first 100 days of the Obama presidency we have seen outstanding leadership in tackling the many issues facing our great nation. And it seems that overwhelming poll numbers indicate that America agrees with President Obama. see THE WHITE HOUSE

The question remains; What can we as fellow Americans do to help our neighbors and countrymen? Included are nine things you can do to help the President celebrate his first 100 Days in office:

1. Donate unused suits to the Salvation Army
2. Donate time to Americorps
3. Donate toys for children at Toys for Tots
4. Donate blood at the Red Cross
5. Donate a can of food each week to a Local Shelter or Food Pantry
6. Donate money to Save the Children
7. Donate time at local a Veterans Hospital
8. Donate an hour a day to your Child
9. Donate to the Make a Wish Foundation

Participation is greatly appreciated. What you do for the least of our brethren, you do for yourself -
http://donate.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxWJh

Barack Obama First 100 Days posted by David Apperson

Minnesota Community Forums

MN CD3 Carol — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 04:46:30 EDT

Minnesota has had Community Forums the last four years. At first, they were called DFL Meetups, and later they were called DFL Links when we started using new group software. The meetings linked people to campaigns, community organizations, issue advocates, and the DFL. The Democratic Farmer Labor Party is the name of the Democratic Party in Minnesota. I help forums get started and assist them in the third Congressional District. Most of the forums use the name of the city in which they meet and the term "Progressives." Most meet on the fourth Tuesdays of the month and have nonpartisan issue speakers at least two thirds of the time. The hosts submit their forums with the issue topics and speakers to community newspaper calendars, but almost all the attendees vote for Democrats. Can anyone suggest ways to attract a more diverse group of attendees?

'Lakes Area Make Change Happen meeting agenda for 2/14/2009

Judy H. — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 22:34:39 EST

Lakes Area Change Meeting February 14, 2009
10:00 AM - Noon
Chisago Lakes Area Library, Community Rm.
11754 302nd St.
Chisago City, MN 55013

Facilitator: Judy H. Note takers:
Timekeeper:

Please bring:
-Food shelf donation
-Copy of agenda
-References for items you'll cite (laws, etc.)
-Others interested in joining our group!

Agenda

TOPIC (DISCUSSION LEADER / TIME ALLOTTED)

Introductions (Judy Herbert 5)

Ongoing Mtg. Sched (Judy Herbert 3)

Group Names Ideas, (Jo Dolan 8)
Selection (vote)

Decision Making (Judy Herbert 13)
Rules Discus. &
Vote

Group Structure (Judy Herbert 15)
Ideas & Vote

Press Releases (Jo Dolan 5)

Our 4 Issue/ (Judy Herbert 65)
Action Areas (disc.)

Wrap Up & Action (Judy Herbert 5)
Items

Adjourn (Judy Herbert 1)

'Lakes Area Make Change Happen' mtg. notes for 12/13/2008

Judy H. — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 22:22:40 EST

ROUND ROBIN ISSUES RELATED:

-Access to Health care (8 people mentioned)

-Economy/job creation (8)

-Holding Government officials accountable (5)

-Peace (2)

-Environment/Climate Change

-Gay Rights

-More progressive appointees

-Civil liberties/rescinding the Patriot’s Act

-Eliminating special treatment for “Faith-based Initiatives”

MOST IMPORTANT FOUR ISSUES/ACTIONS:

HEALTH CARE:

-Contact local legislators re: -Support of US House bill: HR 676: Single Payer Health Insurance (Keith Ellison, sponsor)

-Sponsor MN Legislative Bill: Minnesota Heath Act

-Work with state agencies advocating a Single Pay Insurance Plan:

-Greater Minnesota Health Care Coalition

-Minnesota Universal Healthcare Coalition

-UH-CAN Minnesota

-Access and disseminate statistics on survey of residents re: Single Payer preferences

ECONOMY:

-Contribute to:

-Food shelves

-Local groups contributing to those without resources, I.e. Salvation Army, Family Pathways (Chisago County), etc.

-Create a centralized volunteer network, including volunteer activities and those requiring volunteer help

-Eaglebrookchurch.com has a “needs” board

-”volunteers.org”

-Support local businesses:

-Matt Entenza: MM2020.org ?? --”Buy Minnesota” businesses

-Support legislators: Obama’s plan to create jobs to improve infrastructure

-Support efforts to convince Columbus, MN to participate in bus service between Forest Lake/Minneapolis

GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY:

-Request legislators to prepare legislation to insure that government officials who break laws are treated with comparable consequences as private citizens

-Request that legislators eliminate the Presidential Pardoning privilege

-Locate instances of the difference in treatment between citizen wrong-doers and governmental wrong-doers

ENVIRONMENT/CLIMATE CHANGE:

-Request legislators to push for US signing of the Kyoto Protocol

-Work for more local recycling use, including educating citizens

-Support recycling by purchasing recycled goods

PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURAL SPEECH

WEBMASTER — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:39:36 EST

Presidential Inaugural Address Delivered by President Barack Obama on 20 Jan 2009

My fellow citizens -
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition. Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents. So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.
For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.
For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.
Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.
This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control - and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart - not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort - even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.
As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.
So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
"Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet it."
America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.
President Barack Obama

Presidential Inaugural Speech - A message for all people
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxHqT

source: David Apperson, webmaster

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

WEBMASTER — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 02:26:14 EST

The Pickens Plan: For those who would like to become an active participant in a solution for our nations energy needs I urge you to join with T.Boone Pickens in his quest for a cleaner planet through alternative energy.

Also see Green Wave Energy: Green Wave was founded by Mark Holmes and was formulated for viable alternative energy solutions. Green Wave Energy is promoting state-of-the-art energy-saving products and services throughout the country.

Green Wave Energy understands alternative energy technology will become “main stream” when

individuals and organizations understand that alternative energy technology exists and
when people see the economic benefits of using alternative energy technologies

Call 949.645.1701 for information on how Green Wave Energy can help you save the planet.

Alternative Energy
Source: David Apperson

url: http://veterans.barackobama.com/page/community/tag/alternative-energy

PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION TEAM

WEBMASTER — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:06:01 EST

Obama-Biden PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION TEAM is giving all people a voice in the administration -

The PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION TEAM is doing a great job. Thank the Almighty Creator that this is a new day in the history of this great nation.

WEBMASTER - DESIGNERS AND DEVELOPERS

WEBMASTER — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 04:14:56 EST

President Barack Obama

Internet Webmasters, Designers and Developers

If you are an independent webmaster, designer or developer and have linked a business, personal, or political website or blog to your barack obama posts or other barackobama.com web pages and would like to be recognized for your efforts let me know.

Mail your contact and other pertinent information to:

David Apperson, Webmaster
10336 Loch Lomond Rd PMB 105
Middletown CA 95461

or email contact information to yofast@gmail.com

Thursday: Join President Clinton, Sen. Klobuchar, and Al Franken in Minneapolis

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 10:49:07 EDT

This Thursday, October 30th, please join President Bill Clinton with special guests U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Senate Candidate Al Franken in Minneapolis, where they will talk about Barack's vision for creating the kind of change we need.

Five Days to Change Rally
with President Bill Clinton
and Special Guests Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken

Minneapolis Convention Center
Exhibit Hall A
1301 2nd Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN

Thursday, October 30th
Doors Open: 7:00 p.m.

http://mn.barackobama.com/MinneapolisChange

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

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

Donate to Elwyn Tinklenberg, Michelle Bachmann's opponent

Guy from New York, NY — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 06:59:27 EDT

To understand why we are fighting for Barack Obama, I urge everyone to read this article and especially to watch the MSNBC Hardball segment where Chris Matthews interviews Republican Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann. She has basically called anyone that is a liberal "un-american" and even called for an investigation of Congress to root out and expose those who have "un American views". She is in a close race, and these outrageous comments have fueled a significant amount of fund raising for her opponent Elwyn Tinklenberg.

You can read and watch the video here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/17/gop-rep-channels-mccarthy_n_135735.html

And you can donate here: https://secure.actblue.com/entity/fundraisers/18660

VIDEO: Getting out the vote

Becky Furgason — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:33:24 EDT

The following email was sent out today from Minnesota State Director Jeff Blodgett:

Dear Becky,
Did you know the second most common reason that people don't vote is that they don't know how? The top reason: No one ever asked them to.
There's no doubt about it -- the conversations you have with friends, family, and voters across Minnesota will decide the outcome of this election.
In the next two weeks, we're planning the largest get out the vote (GOTV) operation in Minnesota history. But it'll only happen if you're a part of it.
Watch this video explaining the importance of our GOTV operation and sign up to become a part of this historic effort:

We have to make sure every voter hears Barack's message of change and votes. What we do or don't do in the next two weeks will decide the outcome of this race.
To meet our GOTV goals, we'll need to fill over 50,000 door-knocking shifts in the last four days, including 30,000 on Election Day, November 4th, alone.
We can't risk waking up on November 5th to four more years of the same failed policies and the same cynical politics.
Can you volunteer to get out the vote between now and Election Day and help change the course of history?
Join our Campaign for Change today and do your part by signing up below:
http://mn.barackobama.com/GOTVMN
Thanks,
Jeff
Jeff Blodgett
Minnesota State Director
Obama for America
P.S. -- You can also make calls or knock on doors on your own time. Visit Neighbor to Neighbor now and do your part right from home:
http://mn.barackobama.com/n2n

Rep. Michele Bachman and her Anti-American's

Annette Sousley — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 21:04:19 EDT

Friday, Oct. 17, 2008 Michele Bachman, (R) MN 06, was on Hardball with Chris Matthews on MSNBC. She charged that Barack Obama and other liberal members of congress were anti-American and needed to be investigated by the media.

Bachmann thinks that anyone who disagrees with her personal political agenda is unpatriotic. She stated that she thinks anyone who questions McCain/Palin's tatic's of negative campaigning are wrong and unpatriotic and that they and she are the only ones correct.

After this episode aired Friday, her opponent in MN was put on the list at the Red to Blue donation list. In just over 24 hours his campaign received donations in excess of $400,000 at last count. There is also a move under way to censure her for her call to have all Democratic members of congress, (Senate and House of Representatives) investigated for Anti-American Activities.

It seems we have turned the clock back 50 years and have returned to the 50's and are back to the McCarthy era again.

The web site to go to and sign the petition to censure her is http://www.censurebachmann.com/ This needs to be done. We cannot let this kind of thing go on without some kind of answer. This is the same type of hate filled rhetoric that is coming out of the rallies and without a censure from the congress it cannot be allowed to continue.

Please take a minute to fill out the petition and help to stop this from happening and make your voice heard once again. Let her know that Barack's supporters are not going to put up with this.

Thanks all for helping to get the word out and stopping this nonsense from continuing.

Minnesota Artists for Obama

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 20:12:36 EDT

"Our purpose today is to come together to contribute and contribute significantly to make sure Barack Obama is elected the next president of the United States."

With those words, Marian Moore opened up a night of musical entertainment, dance, and revelry at The Lab in Minneapolis hosted by Minnesota Artists for Obama.

[Tonight is the product of] three ordinary citizens who thought this election was too important to just stay on the sidelines and see what happens. So they put in their time and resources to make this happen.
The presidency for Barack Obama is within reach, and we have just 23 days. After that, the window's closed. What can we give and what can we do to make sure we wake up happy on November 5th?
We really can't afford another 4 years of an assault on everything that is good and that is beautiful in the world

The fundraiser, organized by Susan, Mary, and Jan, demonstrates the belief in the power of coming together at the grassroots level, a fundamental tenet of Barack's campaign for change.

The 250 folks who gathered to show their support for Barack, enjoyed musical performances by Adam Levy of the Honeydogs, Prairie Home Companion regulars Prudence Johnson and Dan Chouinard, and John Munson and Matt Wilson of The Twilight Hours. Rhythmic Circus, a local tap dancing troupe, also performed.

Jeff Blodgett, the Obama campaign's Minnesota State Director, spoke with passion about Barack Obama:

The McCain campaign keeps asking the question, "Who is Barack Obama?"
But we know who he is, we know the answer. We know that Barack Obama is a man who has devoted his entire life to his community, his country, and that he will be a president who will make the economy work for the American people again.
Barack Obama is someone who has tapped into something we're feeling right now in this room--people are ready for change. They're tired of divisive politics and people want real leadership.
And while some want to create fear by asking these questions, our campaign here in Minnesota is focused on talking to people about the issues. Because that's what the people want to hear--what is the next president going to do to help me and my family?
Minnesotans deserve better than they're getting from John McCain and his campaign.
And on November 4th, we're going to make sure they get it.

From day one, this campaign has been driven by the everyday people, like Susan, Mary, and Jan, who, instead of sitting idly by, stood up and acknowledged their responsibility to make change happen in their community.

Whether it's volunteering at your local Obama office, joining a Team Obama in your neighborhood, or setting up a personal fundraising page, there's something we can all do to impact the future of this country.

After all, as Susan, Mary, and Jan ask, "When has an election in our lifetime been more critical than this?"

Check out the photos from the Artists for Obama event in Minneapolis below, and sign up to volunteer:

Reflections on Canvassing

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:50:18 EDT

Last week, we posted a video of two friends, Anya & Emily, canvassing in Minneapolis.

Both Anya and Emily have made a personal commitment to volunteer for at least three hours each week to make sure Barack wins Minnesota on November 4th.

Watch the video of the drive back from the canvass, as Emily and Anya share their experiences with each other:

When you get out and talk to voters about Barack, you feel like you're making a difference, because...you are!

Check out Neighbor to Neighbor right now and see how easy it is to print up a list of people to canvass right in your own neighborhood.

This post-debate weekend is the perfect weekend to get out there and talk to your neighbors about the real differences between Barack Obama and John McCain. Getting a real live visit from a real live supporter makes a difference at this crucial time when voters are making up their minds.

And it's also a great time to get your kids involved!

Anya said it best: it's inspiring just to hear how excited other people are about Barack Obama.

Michelle Obama in St. Paul: "Barack gets it."

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:14:19 EDT

In front of a crowd of more than 4500 in St. Paul yesterday, Michelle Obama said that, for her, this is not just politics. "It's personal. It's personal for me, it's personal for all of us now."

Hard-working people who don't want government to solve all their problems. Folks in this country aren't asking for much. They just want to be able to do what my dad did for me -- get up, go to work every day and earn a decent living.

And from my vantage point, as a wife, as a mother, as a daughter, the choice is clear. There's only one candidate who is speaking at all to the issues that I care about.

Michelle's story is the American story. Michelle grew up on the South Side of Chicago, attended public schools, and took used scholarships and loans to pay her way through college and law school. After a few years practicing corporate law, she returned to the South Side of Chicago to give back to the city she loves and to help others serve their communities as the executive director of a non-profit.

Michelle reminded folks that Barack was raised by a single mother and his grandparents. And while they didn't have much money, they taught him to believe in the promise of America.

I can't speak for anyone else, but Barack Obama gets it. And he doesn't get it in some philosophical, theoretical way. He gets it because he's lived it.

"Don't we deserve leaders who get it?" asked Michelle.

Find out how you can get involved today and join this grassroots movement for change. Sign up to use our Neighbor to Neighbor tool, set up a personal fundraising page, and join your local Team Obama. We need everyone to do their part to help bring real change to America and make sure we elect a president who gets it.

Check out the pictures from Michelle's Change We Need Rally at Macalaster College:

Fridley Canvassing

Joe Brothers — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 23:23:04 EDT

Calling all residents of Fridley and surrounding communities. The Obama campaign is starting to canvas Fridley and needs our help. If you can put in one hour or four, your help is needed and tremendously appreciated. Please contact Kyrra Rankkine at 612-388-4514.

Video: How you can help Barack's Campaign for Change this weekend

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 18:22:19 EDT

Jaci Urness, the State Field Director of Barack Obama's Campaign for Change in Minnesota, sent out the email today to Barack's supporters in the state...

Dear Xavier,

Can you give a couple of hours this weekend to help Barack and DFLers for change win Minnesota?

Election Day, November 4th, is only a few weeks away and the race is still incredibly close here.

We're counting on supporters like you to give a little bit of time to make a big difference.

I recorded this short video to let you know where the race stands and our strategy to win Minnesota, and what you can do to help.

Watch the video to learn more about our plan for victory -- then sign up to become a part of it.

John McCain and the Republicans are making a strong push here in Minnesota -- he's moved staff into the state, and is spending a fortune to flood the airwaves with dishonest attacks against Barack and the rest of the Democratic ticket.

We're fighting back and opening new offices all across the state, bringing the total to 31.

But we need you to help us by spending an afternoon or evening doing the kind of work that wins elections -- knocking on doors, making phone calls, and reaching out to the people you know.

Sign up now to volunteer this weekend and make a difference in your community:

http://mn.barackobama.com/MNstrategy

This is an opportunity for you to have an impact on this campaign, and a say in the direction this country goes.

Thanks for everything you are doing,

Jaci

Jaci Urness
Field Director
Minnesota Campaign for Change

Voted

Yes — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:24:38 EDT

My first blog post. Is this anything like my first bike?

I got something done today. This Sunday I will be leaving for seven months to work in Arizona on a ranch. I have a long list of things to accomplish before then.

Today I managed to strike out two. I ordered a new ID card and I registered to vote. But it gets better, turning my two things into three with the third being something I didn't think I would manage to accomplish before leaving.

I asked about an absentee ballot. They went "well, we're mailing the ballots out tomorrow. would you like to vote today?"

And so I took an extra fifteen minutes - sorry, Linda, I know you were waiting for me to hurry back to the coffeeshop! - and put in my vote for Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

My vote may quite possibly be the first vote cast in the most northern county of Minnesota. The county with the lowest number of people per square mile in Minnesota. The only county in the state without a traffic light. When weather forecasts mention where I live, it's called 'extreme' northern Minnesota.

I made my choice for president and vice-president. I voted for Barack Obama and Joe Biden. And that's one vote for them in Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota.

YouTube: Why I'm Voting for Obama

TCforObama — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:36:42 EDT

Hey Everybody! I have been a little absent from this site since the general election got into full swing, but I have certainly not been absent in my continuing support for Barack Obama and trying to do my little part to help him become the next President of the United States.

Before I get into the real reason of this post I first want to mention briefly one activity I participated in that was tremendously rewarding, working the Barack Obama booth at the MN State Fair. The reaction we got from people was overwhelming positive. To see so many people come up to our booth to ask questions, learn more about our candidate, purchase pins and t-shirts, and sign up for the campaign was incredible. It reaffirmed to me that we truly have a once-in-a-lifetime candidate.

On to why I'm writing this blog, and that's to plug my first ever video made specifically for YouTube. Last weekend I was surfing the web and eventually found myself at YouTube. I noticed that a lot of average people had made videos about why they are supporting Barack Obama. After watching a ton of them I was inspired to make one for myself. If you have a moment, please take a look, rate and comment. I hope it inspires you to make your own video. If it does, please link it to mine by clicking on the "Post a Video Response" link.

Thanks!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68DDsKG8rXQ

Change means: Healthcare for All Americans

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 14:46:14 EDT

Healthcare is an issue that many Americans care about. Parents worry about having insurance that covers their children, seniors worry about being able to pay for prescriptions and others worry about having pre-existing conditions.

Jane from St. Paul shared her story:

I am 41 years old with two kids and my husband is an assistant principal at a charter school. The premiums for his plan would be over $800 a month. We have small health issues that make us unattractive to the health insurers found on ehealth.com.
So we are covered under MN comprehensive health plan and pay over $500 a month for just me and the boys and we each have a $1,000 deductible. I haven't been to the doctor in 4 years because we simply can't afford to pay for a doctor because all of our money is going to pay for premiums on a policy with a huge deductible.
My children have asthma and average one or two visit a month between the two of them at $80 a visit. So on average we spend between $650-750 a month on health care and I receive no care at all!

Barack's plan provides affordable, accessible healthcare for all Americans, builds on the existing healthcare system, and uses existing providers, doctors and plans to implement the plan. Under the Obama-Biden plan, patients will be able to make health care decisions with their doctors, instead of being blocked by insurance company bureaucrats. Under the plan, if you like your current health insurance, nothing changes, except your costs will go down by as much as $2,500 per year.

Barack will require insurance companies to cover pre-existing conditions so all Americans regardless of their health status or history can get comprehensive benefits at fair and stable premiums. He will create a new Small Business Health Tax Credit to help small businesses provide affordable health insurance to their employees.

A healthcare plan that promotes public health and looks out for ordinary Americans is the change Washington needs.

Find out where John McCain really stands on health care by visiting JohnMcCainRecord.com today.

My Detailed 2008 Election Predictions for All 50 States

Eli Corp — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 01:44:09 EDT

My Detailed 2008 Presidential Election Predictions!

You can check out your own state and see how every demographic group will likely break down in this election.

Today I made some minor changes to my predictions after news broke that McCain was abandoning his Michigan campaign, and putting resources into Indiana and Pennsylvania. I also made some very minor changes to Minnesota, New Hampshire, Nevada, North Carolina and Ohio after looking at some new polling data. These changes were minor and did not change the eventual electoral outcome in any of the states, but instead solidified Obama's lead in those states.

Let me first explain how these election projections were made. Each State was carefully researched for the most recent census and other important demographic data. Using State by State U.S. Census data I broke down the state by Gender, Race, Party Affiliation, Age, Education Level, and Religion.

Using a complex formula I did the following, I created a Demographic profile of individuals. (ex. Men-White-Democrat-18 to 44-College Educated-Catholic) There were about 216 Different Demographic Groups represented.

Next I created a two part formula, the first was issue oriented, the second demographic oriented based on CNN Election 2004 Exit Polls.(http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2004/pages/results/) The issues represented a wide variety of issues from Women's Issues, to Urban and Rural Issues, Foreign Policy and Economic Policy. I also included cultural issues such as Gun Rights and Racial Issues.

By answering a series of Yes/No Questions regarding those issues, I assigned specific numerical values to each question either Negative (liberal) or Positive (conservative).

On the Demographic formula I assigned importance based on exit polls from CNN. For instance Party is more important than Age or Gender. Race is more important than Gender etc.

The end result is a formula that is about 90%-95% accurate. I double checked the results against Exit Poll Data from 2004, and they match up remarkably well. Political Party numbers do tend to be under-represented in my formulas but do match up fairly accurately, and do balance out in the end. I used Exit Poll data, and numbers of Democrats and Republicans in the state legislatures to determine likely voter models for each political party.

HERE ARE THE FINAL RESULTS:

I project that Barack Obama will become the 44th President of the United States!

I project that Barack Obama will win with 338 Electoral Votes to John McCain's 200 Electoral Votes. (270 needed to win)

Obama will win 26 States and the District of Columbia. McCain will win 24 States.

Obama will win 51.12% of the Total Popular Vote; 67,531,664 - 338 Electoral Votes

McCain will win 47.03% of the Total Popular Vote; 62,130,227 - 200 Electoral Votes

Nader, McKinney, Barr and others will win 1.86% of the Vote; 2,451,238 - 0 Electoral Votes

TOTAL VOTES: 132,113,129 - 538 Electoral Votes

Projected difference between Obama and McCain: +4.09%

Obama Projected Wins:

California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington DC, Wisconsin.

McCain Projected Wins:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia.

Below is a full list of Predictions from every State and Washington DC.

FULL LIST OF EVERY STATE AND WASHINGTON DC WITH NATIONAL POPULAR VOTE:

Here is a full list of all state predictions:

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

Washington DC

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Community Organizing

Sara G — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 21:54:15 EDT

I noticed that I haven't updated my blog for a really long time, so I thought I would quick update everyone what is going on.

I had my community organizing training on Labor Day, which was an incredible experience in and of itself. I really had to open myself up and put myself out there, which is something that I never do.

After training, I was sent back to Western Minnesota and met my field organizer, Libby. I was made Team Captain with Heather, and we were sent on our way to do our work. I am not going to get into details, obviously, but I wanted you to know that it has been amazing.

Western Minnesota isn't exactly Democrat country anymore. It has turned more independent, and in fact where I live right now, it is pretty Republican. We have been working hard opening offices, canvassing and making phone calls. I had the opportunity to meet Tom Vilsak of Iowa (the Former Governor), which was pretty great. I have met a tremendous amount of great people, and even the voters who haven't been willing to vote for Obama are "civil" about it.

I just want to urge everyone that is reading this to please get out there and work hard for Obama. He needs our help to win this thing. Make phone calls, talk to your neighbors, make sure people are registered and know voting rules or go door to door. Every little bit helps.

Minnesota Latino Community Demonstrates Unprecedented Organizing Strength

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 17:46:20 EDT

Earlier this afternoon, Minnesota Latinos for Obama launched a major effort to raise money for a national Latino GOTV operation designed to engage and turnout millions of new Latino voters.

We'll have pictures and a full write up soon, but for now, check out the press release about the event and fundraising effort:

ST. PAUL – Today, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson joined Minnesota state Sen. Patricia Torres Ray and hundreds of members of Minnesota's Latino community for a reception at the Landmark Center in St. Paul to kick off a major push to raise more than $100,000 as Minnesota's contribution to a national Latino voter turnout program that will engage millions of new Latino voters for Barack Obama's Campaign for Change. This unprecedented financial haul is a symbol of the growing Latino organizing strength in Minnesota and the strong base of support Senator Obama has mobilized among Minnesota Latinos.

Governor Richardson spoke to hundreds of supporters about Senator Obama's plans to strengthen families, restore our economy for working Minnesotans and build strong communities.

"Barack Obama is the only candidate who can bring this country together to get the economy working again for middle class families," Governor Bill Richardson said. "John McCain just does not get what families are dealing with in this tough economy. We just cannot continue with four more years of the failed policies of the last eight years. Senator Obama will invest in our families, get a hold of this economic crisis and get this country back on track by re-focusing on middle-class families."

Torres Ray, the first Latina state senator in Minnesota history, has long been a strong and active Obama supporter.

"Latinos are a critical and growing group of voters who will help determine the course of this election in key states," Torres Ray said. "Here in Minnesota, the Latino community has never been as strongly organized and activated as it is now. This outpouring of support for Senator Obama reflects the fact that he has stood with us time and again on issue after issue. John McCain has let Latinos down, letting the radical wing of his party shape his views and undermine his principles. We need Barack Obama and Joe Biden in office to return a strong voice for the issues we care about."

The week ahead...

Jeff Blodgett — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:51:59 EDT

Jeff Blodgett is the Obama campaign's Minnesota State Director.

Before I get to the activities we have lined up this week I want to take a moment to discuss Barack Obama’s huge victory in Friday’s debate.

What you saw on Friday was the past versus the future. While John McCain offered more of the same failed policies of the last 8 years, Barack Obama demonstrated the vision and judgment to be Commander in Chief and outlined his plan to pursue 21st Century policies in Iraq and Afghanistan, and to reinvigorate our alliances.

And while the focus of the debate was foreign policy and national security both candidates addressed the current economic crisis. Barack Obama again showed that he will be a fierce advocate for the middle class while John McCain couldn’t escape his record on the economy – which is just more of the Bush policies that have been a disaster for American families.

This week the campaign will continue to carry the message of change on the economy throughout the nation and across Minnesota. This week, the contrast between the candidates’ on health care will come into sharp focus. Barack Obama has a plan for universal, affordable health care – with no one left out. Barack Obama is committed to turning the page on the failed politics of yesterday's health care debates and working toward a 21st century health care system. Under Obama’s plan, those with health insurance can expect their costs to go down as much as $2,500, and those without health insurance will have a choice of new, affordable health insurance options.

John McCain’s plan will impose taxes on workers’ health care benefits for the first time in history and could force up to 20 million people from their current plan.

On Wednesday, Barack will make a stop just across the border in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The event is open to the public—Click here for more information and to RSVP.

On Thursday, Minnesota Latinos for Obama will be joined by Gov. Bill Richardson for a fundraiser benefitting the Obama Victory fund at the Landmark Center in St. Paul. For more information about this event visit: https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/Oct2MN

Thursday evening, Sen. Joe Biden will meet Gov. Sarah Palin for a debate on domestic and foreign policy issues. Joe Biden has a proven record of bringing people together to get things done, from combating violence against women to confronting the challenges of the dangerous world in which we live. On Thursday, the American people will have an opportunity to decide for themselves which candidate for Vice President is ready for the job from day one.

Thank you for your support.

Jeff Blodgett
State Director – Minnesota
Obama for America

P.S. – Below are links to some of the new ads released by the Obama campaign.

“A Stronger Economy” - http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/astrongereconomy_ad/

“Zero” - http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/zero_ad

“Article” - http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/article_ad/

Guitarists for Obama

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:24:12 EDT

Over the weekend, local musicians and guitar enthusiasts gathered at th ehome of Glorial Raheja in St. Paul for a "Guitarists for Obama" organizational meeting and jam session.

Musicians across the country have been inspired by the grassroots movement Barack's historic presidential run has created, including Dakota Dave Hull, Phil Heywood, and Peter Lang, who are pictured above.

These Musicians & Artists for Obama are teaming up to make music which tap's into the campaign's universal themes of hope, unity, and cange. A couple you might recognize, including Sheryl Crow, John Mayer, John Legend, and Stevie Wonder contribted to a CD titled Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement. Click here to support Barack's movement for change and get the a copy of the CD.

If you're interested in helping some local grassroots supporters film a music video for Barack, Deb Harley emailed us to let us know about an opportunity:

When: 5 p.m. - Dusk, Thursday, October 2nd
Where: By the fountain at Lake Harriet Rose Gardens (across the Peace Garden on Roseway Rd)
What to bring: Bring signs of change.
THANK YOU CAKE SERVED FOLLOWING THE SHOOT!

Check out more pictures from the St. Paul meeting below:

Have a cool photo or story to share? Share it online or email us so we can feature it on the blog.

Independent Voter: Obama gets my vote

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:14:05 EDT

Democrats, Republicans, and Independents from across Minnesota are coming together in support of Barack Obama, united by their belief that only Barack can bring about the change America needs--fiscal responsibility, a robust economy, a responsible end to the war in Iraq, and the safety of every American family

Leah Thompson of Fergus Falls is one of the many supporting the only candidate who will change the way Washington works from the bottom up.

Leah writes in the Fergus Falls Daily Journal:

As an Independent voter, my vote will go to Barack Obama for many reasons, but above all, for his position on holding Corporate America (big business) accountable for paying their share of taxes that loopholes have long allowed them to skirt around.
Billions of dollars worth, billions in uncollected taxes. Obama wants big business held accountable to the same rules as you and I.
Contrast this to the policies that John McCain espouses; he opposes federal oversight to big business in-country and out.
For example, he opposed federal oversight to the very financial markets that wiped out last week from making risky mortgage investments for the past three years.
Now, the taxpayers have to bail them out to the tune of $700 billion.
John McCain admits he doesn’t “know much about the economy” on a larger scale.
He couldn’t even recall the number of houses he personally owns. He thinks it is seven. He knows for sure he owns 13 vehicles. These facts alone should cause anybody to wonder how he could possibly relate to working class folks. Read that again. How can he possibly relate to working class folks?
Last week, with the Chernobyl-sized meltdown on Wall Street, he insists “the fundamentals of our economy are strong.” Huh? Do we want this guy writing financial policies that will affect us, our families, our communities?
“The fundamentals of our economy are strong” His solution to this Wall Street mess is to propose a study group for fact-finding, and maybe even dismantle the Washington Good Old Boys Network — of which he is a member by the way — and has been a member for years and years.
Said “network” is funding McCain’s campaign by the millions of dollars. Can we really trust that he wants to dismantle the system that fills his pockets?
The Good Old Boys Network in Washington is (has already?) ruining your financial future. And your children’s financial future. Our belief for a better future seems all but a long shot.
The Good Old Boys grease the wheels of financial markets and big business by letting them loophole out of paying their fair share of taxes on their profit. Millions, billions, that could be funneled to the needs of our whole American society and take the pressure off the ordinary taxpayer.
Executives of said corporate America live a life of decadence and greed while you and I work one, two, three jobs to support our families.
John McCain proposes that it is only fair to allow big business tax breaks. That’s not fair. That’s greed.
Barack Obama will establish oversights so that all Americans, business and citizen, pay due taxes, not just the working class. Now that’s change. Change we can all believe in.
Leah Thomason - Fergus Falls

Leah is just one of hundreds of Republicans and Independents that are supporting Barack. Learn more about these supporters and join the community.

Gov. Bill Richardson to Join Minnesota Latinos for Obama Reception

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 17:19:03 EDT

On October 2nd, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson will join Minnesota state Senator Patricia Torres Ray and Minnesota Latinos for Obama for a reception at the Landmark Center in St. Paul.

Governor Richardson will speak to supporters about Senator Obama's plans strengthen families and restore our economy for working Minnesotans. The event, hosted by Minnesota Latino's for Obama, will help build Senator Obama's already strong support in the Latino community.

For more information on attending the event, click here.

If you want to get involved with Latino for Obama events in Minnesota, be sure to sign up and check out the Minnesota Latinos for Obama Resource Center.

You can also text MNLATINO to 62262 and recieve information on Latino events straight to your cell phone!

St. Cloud Students Rally with Gov. Tom Vilsack

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 16:38:25 EDT

Over the weekend, former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack toured Minnesota, kicking off canvasses, meeting with supporters and volunteers, and holding town halls on health care and the economy.

Read the St. Cloud Times' write up on yesterday's rally at The White Horse Tavern in St. Cloud:

Angela Amic never worked for an election campaign before this one.
But a belief in U.S. Sen. Barack Obama’s Democratic presidential campaign prompted her to become the campaign’s campus organizer, and brought her to The White Horse Tavern in downtown St. Cloud on Saturday evening.
There, she met former Iowa Gov. Tim Vilsack, once a Democratic presidential candidate himself and now an Obama surrogate.
Vilsack addressed a group of about 20 students and other Obama supporters to cheer them on and encourage them to redouble their efforts going into the final month of the campaign.
Working on a rehabilitational counseling degree, Amic said it’s been difficult to see many people with disabilities struggling to make ends meet.
“It’s tough to see a single parent struggle to feed her children when she can’t afford health insurance to get the treatment she needs so she can continue to provide for her kids,” she said.
A belief in Obama’s health care plan, stance on the Iraq war and on gender equality prompted her to get involved in the Obama campaign, she said.
The Obama campaign has registered 1,100 St. Cloud State students and has a target of getting 2,000 students to the polls Nov. 4, she said.
Students have responded to the Obama campaign, said Sen. Tarryl Clark, DFL-St. Cloud, a Minnesota Obama surrogate.
“People are ready for the kind of change Barack Obama’s going to bring,” she said.
Knowing the Catholic lean of the St. Cloud area, Vilsack reminded his audience of his Catholic roots and told them to stay strong in the face of pressure from those who oppose abortion rights to vote against Obama, who is an abortion rights supporter.
“My church is split. There are those who want to restrict the discussion and those who want to broaden the discussion,” he said. “I side with those who want to broaden the discussion to include the many ways that we can choose life.”
Friday’s presidential debate on foreign policy between Obama and Republican U.S. Sen. John McCain was a chance for people to see that Obama is qualified to be commander in chief, Vilsack said.
“Now, we’re looking forward to talking more about the economy in this campaign and how we can help the middle class,” he said.

Barack's candidacy has inspired millions of young Americans like Angela to believe in their power to make America great again. Bring Barack's message of hope, action, change to your school today by joining Minnesota Students for Obama.

Hungry for Obama?

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 11:34:19 EDT

Looking for something to snack on in between phone calls at the St. Paul Obama headquarters?

Treat yourself to an Obama cookie:

If you're using the campaign's Neighbor-to-Neighbor tool to reach out to undecided voters in your neighborhood, you might consider making some of your own!

My reccomendation? Try making some of Michelle Obama's Shortbread Cookies. They're delicious.

Minnesota voter registration soaring

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 10:09:16 EDT

From The Star Tribune:

Voter registrations in Minnesota have already surpassed the record set in 2004, and the state could have nine out of every 10 possible voters signed up in time for November's election.
According to the Secretary of State's office, 84 percent of eligible voters in Minnesota -- about 3,145,000 -- are registered. That's 12,000 more voters than the record set in 2004.
The national average for voter registration is 68 percent.
"In our office, we see this as a watershed year," said Secretary of State Mark Ritchie.
With weeks of registration left and same-day registration estimated to pull in about 150,000 additional people, Ritchie said he expects the number to climb to about 90 percent.

Minnesota is one of a handful of states that allow Election Day voter registration. Register to vote today to make sure you're on the rolls by Election Day and can vote for Barack without having to fill out a registration card at the polls.

VoteforChange.com makes it easier than ever to register. Instead of tracking down the right forms, all you need to do is answer a few basic questions and you'll be ready to vote. You can also:

• Confirm your existing registration

• Apply to vote absentee

• Learn about early vote options

• Find your polling place

Visit voteforchange.com today and to register and ensure that your voice is heard.

The morning after: a conversation with former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 22:25:30 EDT

The Minnesota Independent had an opportunity to interview former Governor of Iowa Tom Vilsack earlier today and asked him about last night's debate between Barack and John McCain:

Below is Minnesota Independent's edited transcript of the interview:

Minnesota Independent: We had the first debate last night between Obama and McCain. What did you take away from it?
Tom Vilsack: First of all, this was a debate that Sen. McCain wanted to have first, focused on what he believe to be his strength — foreign policy. But I think Sen. Obama acquitted himself extraordinarily well. He showed great, comprehensive knowledge of the world and of the issues facing the United States. His presence on the stage was presidential. I think Sen. McCain at times appeared angry and a bit caustic.
MI There’s a poll out this morning showing Obama leading in Iowa by eight percentage points. He’s consistently had a comfortable lead there despite the fact that Bush won the state four years ago. What do you attribute that change to?
TV: It starts with Sen. Obama and the fact that he developed a close relationship with the people of Iowa as he campaigned. They got to know him, they were inspired by him, and they are attracted to the policies that he is articulating. Secondly, the state has trended more Democratic over the course of the last eight years. When I was elected governor the Republicans had a registration edge of 60,000. Today Democrats have a registration edge of 90,000. I think part of that is the new people that Sen. Obama is bringing into the party and into the political process every day.
MI: Nationwide we see a slightly different picture. Despite the best climate for Democrats since Watergate, Obama is clinging to a rather small lead. Why do you think he’s having trouble stretching out that lead given the political climate?
TV: I think America is still a divided country politically. So it doesn’t surprise me that the race is close nationally. I fully expect Sen. Obama to continue having this lead, and over the course of the next several weeks widening it, particularly as the focus of the debate is on the economy. It is very clear that Sen. Obama has a better grasp on the financial crisis this country faces and has a better short-term and long-term solution to that crisis.
MI: What role do you think race is playing in the presidential election?
TV: I think what it is doing is providing the country a wonderful opportunity to say to ourselves and to the rest of the world that we are finally prepared to live up to the ideal that was articulated by Martin Luther King 40 years ago, that indeed Americans are prepared and ready to judge someone not based on the color of their skin but on the content of their character.
MI: Are you convinced that it’s necessary to spend $700 billion to get us out of the current financial mess?
TV: I’m not convinced that anybody knows for sure what the right amount is. It may turn out that it’s less than that at the end of the day. It is fairly clear, though, that Main Street suffers when credit becomes hard to get. It’s fairly clear that we cannot afford not to respond to this crisis. Unfortunately Sen. McCain interjected himself into the process earlier this week. It was not helpful. We took a couple of steps back because of that, and I think people are trying to regroup this weekend. My hope is that by the end of this weekend there’s a deal. Then we’ll have to make sure it’s implemented properly and monitored properly.
MI: We’re going to have a debate featuring the vice presidential candidates on Thursday. What do you make of Gov. Sarah Palin?
TV: I fully expect her to do very well in this debate. She’s going to be well prepared. She’s going to be provided the answers and scripted in terms of what she can say. They’ve done a very good job of protecting her during the course of this campaign.
MI: But do you think she’s a qualified vice presidential candidate?
TV: I think it’s up to the people of the United States to make that decision. I will tell you that I have some serious concerns about the manner of the selection as it relates to Sen. McCain’s temperament and his decision-making process. Having myself gone through the vetting process in 2004, it’s hard for me to understand how a decision of that magnitude could be made in three or four days. Which apparently it was when John McCain was told by his handlers that he could not select a person that he wanted to select — which was either Tom Ridge or Joe Lieberman — that that would not be acceptable to the extreme right wing of the party and he had to pick someone that was. He then spent a couple of days figuring that out. That’s not the kind of decision making that we should bring to the White House to decide some of the critical issues that face this country after eight disastrous years of the Bush administration.

The First Debate

Becky Furgason — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 12:44:08 EDT

Last night's debate was a clear victory for Barack Obama; he demonstrated the vision and judgment to be Commander in Chief. He also demonstrated his strong advocacy for the middle class, laid out the changes we need to strengthen the economy, provide healthcare to Americans, and achieve energy independence.

Cuppa Java in Minneapolis was one of many locations where supporters and undecided voters gathered to watch Obama and McCain debate issues that affect our lives and hear their plans for improving America's future.

Michael, Professor of History at University of Minnesota, said he thought it was a good debate and was impressed by Barack's strength on foreign policy,

"I thought one of the best points Obama kept raising was the point that for a long time we've focused just on Iraq and that the next President has to have a much broader vision, one that includes Iraq but does not exclusively focus on it. And that strategically we have to think about the treats in the world as not just limited to Iraq but in Afghanistan as well. I think that's probably one of his greatest strengths that you have to improve the image of the United States abroad and I think that's best done by someone who is a clear break from the most recent administration which McCain clearly is not and Obama clearly is."

Patty, the event's organizer, agreed that the debate went well. She felt Barack was very genuine and was pleased to see that he chose to use most of his time talking about his plans to fix our nation's problems rather than solely focusing on what John McCain would not do or has not done.

Learn more about Barack Obama and Joe Biden's plan to secure America and restore our standing in the world and their plan to strengthen the economy.

The vice presidential debate is scheduled to take place in St. Louis, MO on October 2nd and the next Presidential debate is scheduled for October 7th in Nashville, TN.

THIS WEEKEND: Gov. Tom Vilsack to Campaign Across Minnesota

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:58:44 EDT

Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack will be in Minnesota this weekend, talking with folks about Barack's plans to restore the economy and make it work for rural Americans again.

ST. PAUL – Former Iowa governor Tom Vilsack will join Barack Obama’s Minnesota Campaign for Change this weekend to talk to voters around the state about Senator Obama and Joe Biden’s plan to restore the economy and turn around the current economic crisis.

Vilsack will make several campaign stops around the state on Friday and Saturday including a speech on behalf of the campaign at AFSCME Minnesota’s annual convention, a Twin Cities debate watch party, a canvass kick off in Mankato, an Alexandria office opening and a economic town hall meeting in Willmar.

“Governor Vilsack has long been a strong advocate for middle-class Americans,” Obama’s Minnesota state director Jeff Blodgett said. “He knows first-hand the struggle many families are facing in this economic crisis, and how important it is that we elect Barack Obama to make this economy work for middle-class families here in Minnesota. We’re facing a historic economic crisis, yet John McCain thinks the ‘fundamentals of the economy are strong.’ I’m not sure what world he’s living in but there’s just no way we can trust him to lead us out of this mess.”

See below for details.

Friday September, 25

HOPKINS DEBATE WATCH PARTY
VFW Post 425
100 Shady Oak Road
Hopkins, MN 55343
Program Begins: 7:30 PM

Saturday September, 26

MANKATO CANVASS KICK OFF
Mankato Campaign for Change Office
220 E. Main St, Suite 1
Mankato, MN
Program Begins: 10:00 AM

WILLMAR RURAL ECONOMY TOWN HALL
Willmar Campaign for Change Office
1807 1st Street South
Willmar, MN 56201
Program Begins: 1:00 PM

ALEXANDRIA OFFICE OPENING
222 East 6th Avenue
Alexandria, MN 56308
Program Begins: 4:00 PM

Cost of Iraq War to Duluth

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:29:27 EDT

Perhaps the most noteworthy detail coming from the government bailout of Wall Street is that taxpayers may be on the hook for 700 billion dollars, tens of billions of which will undoubtedly come from the pockets of Minnesotans.

What is less at the forefront of the debate is how the War in Iraq has and will continue to complicate the financial health of the US in the future if and when this bailout is implemented. The War has not only served as a terrible drain on our soldiers and military families, but also as a drain on our treasury.

Minnesota State Auditor Rebecca Otto and Duluth Mayor Don Ness announced the findings of the non-partisan National Priorities Project report: that Minnesota alone has committed $15.8 billion dollars to pay for the Iraq War.

For the same amount of money, Minnesota could have funded one of the following priorities:

4,532,602 People with Health Care for One Year
18,086,082 Homes with Renewable Electricity for One Year
345,631 Public Safety Officers for One year
247,938 Music and Arts Teachers for One Year
1,717,699 Scholarships for University Students for One Year
100,619 Affordable Housing Units
5,225,329 Children with Health Care for One Year
2,285,863 Head Start Places for Children for One Year
270,034 Elementary School Teachers for One Year

Otto went even further, breaking down the numbers for Duluth specifically, which has committed $199.5 million to the Iraq War:

57,398 People with Health Care for One Year
229,030 Homes with Renewable Electricity for One Year
4,377 Public Safety Officers for One year
3,140 Music and Arts Teachers for One Year
21,752 Scholarships for University Students for One Year
1,274 Affordable Housing Units
66,170 Children with Health Care for One Year
28,947 Head Start Places for Children for One Year
3,420 Elementary School Teachers for One Year

Mayor Ness tied the War on Iraq to problems facing everyday Minnesotans:

This is what happens with a Republican Administration. You get an energy policy written by oil lobbyists, and the end result is four-dollar-a-gallon gas. It’s time for a change.

State Auditor Rebecca Otto added:

We’re already seeing less federal revenue coming into state and local governments. According to the GAO, this problem is only going to get worse. And, as a result, you’re going to see property taxes go up.

The Bush Administration has devoted too much of Minnesota’s vital resources to a war that should have never been waged. In doing so, they have weakened our nation’s ability to provide healthcare, renewable energy, and quality education to every single American.

Barack Obama will end the war 16 months after coming into office and reinvest the money saved back into infrastructure, education, and middle class tax cuts.

John McCain would commit us to Iraq for a hundred years if need be, and now we know exactly where that money will come from.

--Compiled by David Jonas, Minnesota Political Assistant

Kal Penn's Minnesota road trip

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 21:29:57 EDT

Andrew Zucker, the Youth Vote Director in Minnesota, just sent out this email...

Dear Xavier,

It's hard to believe, but there are only 6 weeks to go before Election Day. Now is the time to make sure you and everyone you know are registered to vote to help bring the change America desperately needs.

Earlier this month, "Harold & Kumar" star Kal Penn did his part by going on a road trip through Minnesota, registering students to vote and promoting our new online voter registration tool, Vote for Change.

Watch a video of Kal Penn stopping by a fraternity house to promote Vote for Change:

You'd be surprised by how many college students aren't registered to vote -- including your own classmates. When Kal was in college, he moved from house to house, and sometimes couldn't remember where he was registered.

With Vote for Change, that's no longer a problem. Keep track of where you're registered to vote, or find out if you're registered at all. You can also use it to vote absentee or find your polling location.

To win this election and bring about change for our generation, we're going to need as many young people registered to vote as possible.

Watch this video now and invite all of your friends to check out Vote for Change:

http://mn.barackobama.com/MNvoteforchange

Thanks,

Andrew

Andrew Zucker
Youth Vote Director
Minnesota Campaign for Change

From the Land of Mavericks

Sherry — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:41:27 EDT

We live in the land of Wellstone, and so we know about mavericks. We have seen individuals fight the big interests, the establishment, the status quo -- and win. We have seen people who were more public servant than politician. We have seen their honesty and unselfish work for others.

And because of this, we, in Minnesota, know that John McCain and Sarah Palin are no mavericks.

We know because of the old policies McCain is cooking up and calling change. In the land of the hot dish, we know leftovers when we see them.

We know because Palin especially (and McCain) are surrounded by – and being mentored by -- a bevy of Bush advisors and lobbyists. Their agenda is power (no matter the cost) to create their world order – not creating a better world.

True reformers, like Barack Obama and Joe Biden, speak with honesty, compassion, and reason. They leave the name calling on the schoolyard. We need leaders who consider reform the ONLY course, not the politically expedient one.

Obama Supporters Cheer Breast Cancer Walkers

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 14:54:24 EDT

Members of Minnesota Women for Obama were up bright and early this morning to cheer on participants in the Susan G. Komen 3-day Walk for Breast Cancer.

As part of the Women's Week of Action, a group of Obama supporters stood at the 25 mile marker with "Women for Obama" rally signs and offered words of encouragement and handed out Women for Obama buttons and stickers to the run/walkers.

Check out the pictures of below:

To learn more about the Susan G. Komen marathon and how you can help find a cure to breast cancer directly, click here.

Rally to Restore the Economy

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 12:28:21 EDT

Yesterday, nearly 4,000 regular Minnesotans showed up for a Rally to Restore the Economy in downtown Minneapolis.

These folks came from all over to send John McCain the clear message that Minnesota is ready for change, and don't want another four years of the same economic mess George Bush has given us for the last eight.

Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak offered the crowd some advice on how to talk to their friends and neighbors about Barack Obama's plan to get the economy working again.

RT asked five volunteers to join him on stage, each holding a homemade sign with one point of Barack's economic plan written on it:

Middle-class tax cuts
Regulate Wall St
No more foreign oil
Kick out the lobbyists
End the war,

RT also asked the crowd to get involved with Barack's Campaign for Change in Minnesota.

From the Star Tribune:

Mayor Rybak asked those in the crowd to do five things before the election.
1. Sign up to vote
2. Send a text message to No. 62262, which spells “Obama.” Type MN in the message to get on Obama’s text message system, and convince 5 others to do the same, Rybak asked.
3. Knock on doors in your neighborhood and encourage people to vote for Obama.
4. Host a debate-watching party next Friday and invite uncommitted people to attend.
5. Take Election Day off. “This will be the largest get out and vote operation in Minnesota,” Rybak said.
To close the rally out, Rybak invited St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and Minneapolis City Council members to join him onstage where they high-fived one another. The crowd responded with cheers, chanting “Yes we can!”

Check out these pictures from the rally:

MPR: Obama supporters hold counter rally

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 16:35:42 EDT

From MPR:

Minneapolis — As Republican presidential candidate John McCain addressed a crowd of 10,000 in Blaine, Democrats held a counter-rally in downtown Minneapolis in support of presidential candidate Barack Obama.
Organizers put the crowd in Peavey Plaza at 3,500, and noted that they drew that number even though Obama wasn't there.
Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak blamed Republican free-market principles for the current turmoil in the financial markets. And he blasted McCain for being a long-time supporter of deregulation.
"That's what John McCain -- 20 years ago, 10 years ago, five years ago, one year ago, one week ago -- he thought that having no regulation would work. How is that working out for you today?" Rybak said.
Obama's Minnesota state director Jeff Blodgett said the economy has been an important issue for a long time, but recent events have put it into sharp focus.
Blodgett said now that the sizzle of the Republican National Convention is over, voters want to hear what McCain is saying about the economy.
"They spent a lot of time on personalities, and a lot of time on attacks and a lot of time on distractions," said Blodgett. "Now it's time to find out if he has anything to say to hurting middle class families in Minnesota. And from what he's said all week, that the fundamentals of the economy are strong, I doubt we'll hear anything of the kind.
Other speakers at the "Rally to Restore the Economy" included DFL House Speaker Margaret Kelliher and U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison.

Red Hat Society Visits St. Paul Campaign for Change HQ

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 09:41:27 EDT

Yesterday, as the Minnesota Campaign for Change continued it's 5-day Women's Week of Action, members of the Red Hat Society stopped by to sign up to volunteer, pose with a life size cut-out of Barack, and pick up some lawn signs.

Check out their picture with Barack below:

To learn more about the Red Hat Society, click here.

Friday at Noon: Rally to send a message to John McCain

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:08:28 EDT

The Minnesota DFL Party sent out this email to its supporters this morning:

Dear Friend,
This Friday at 12:00 noon -- while John McCain and Sarah Palin touch down ever so briefly in Minnesota at an airport hangar in Blaine -- you can fight back.
Join the Minnesota DFL Party, Barack Obama's Campaign for Change, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and Minnesota House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher at the "Rally to Restore America's Economy."
WHAT:          Rally to Restore America's Economy
DATE:           This Friday, September 19
TIME:            12:00 noon
WHERE:         Peavey Plaza, downtown Minneapolis (at 11th Street and Nicollet Mall)
WHO:            Mayor R.T. Rybak, Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, a special musical guest -- and Minnesotans like you who want change.
RSVP:             http://MN.BarackObama.com/EconomyRally
Unbelievably, John McCain still thinks that "the fundamentals of our economy are strong." And all too believably, he's dragging his campaign into the gutter to try to distract us from his full-throated support of George Bush's disastrous economic policies.
And don't forget that the last time they were in Minnesota, John McCain and the Republicans spent virtually their entire convention attacking Barack Obama -- not to mention people like you who are trying to create change in your communities.
But while John McCain is offering nothing to fix our serious economic problems, Barack Obama is offering real change. Join fellow Democrats and Obama supporters and Rally to Restore the Economy.
Barack Obama will put the economy back on track in Minnesota again. Barack's comprehensive economic plan -- which includes tax cuts for 95 percent of American families -- will bring new jobs to our state, stimulate economic growth, and put money back into the pockets of hardworking Minnesotans.
The DFL Party has always been based on the principle that real change comes from the bottom up, not from the top down. Barack's campaign for change is rooted in this same principle.
On Friday, we can send the message to John McCain that Minnesota wants change -- not more of the same. Click here to RSVP to Friday's Rally to Restore the Economy.
Thanks,
Donna Cassutt
Associate Chair
Minnesota DFL Party
PS: Change begins with all of us, and we can't make change without you. Join us on Friday to send a message to John McCain and start taking our economy back.

Obama should visit and focus more on Minnesota

Chartman — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:56:08 EDT

Don't get me wrong, I hate polls and I don't really believe them because of they are skewed and don't sample people with cell phones. I'm just worried by the recent polls that show Obama and McCain even in the state. I know that is not true but with the RNC that was just held here in St. Paul and the way the state had been leaning Republican over the years. I thought that the Obama campaign would want to have another big or even small set off events around Minneapolis and Minnesota. Something to rally people again. I know he has been to Wisconsin a lot but I feel like they need to do another high profile event where he can get big crowds and do smaller events around Minnesota in some of the smaller towns. Minnesota is important and I hope the campaign will remember this. We need to get it out there that we would like another campaign stop soon especially as I learned today McSame and "Tina Fay" are having another event here in Anoka on friday. Obama also needs to spend a little more on TV adds in the state. I have seen a lot of McCain adds (all negative) and none to few from Obama. I think it is time to get MN energized again.

Thanks "Team Obama - Southeast Metro" for your support!

Matt H. — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 22:49:29 EDT

I just wanted to thank everyone who turned out tonight for the Team Obama - Southeast Metro gathering tonight at the Black Sheep Cafe!

What a diverse group of passionate people who all want to take an active role in this campaign!

I have to admit that I was a little hesitant to commit for a leadership role - my fear was that most of the work would be all be on my shoulders and I didn't want to let Barack and the campaign down. I now appreciate everyone's passion and commitment to playing their role to ensure that Minnesota votes for Barack Obama on November 4th!

Thank you,

-Matt

Heartland for Change: Tour of Wind Turbine and Biofuel Gasification Facility in Morris

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:40:44 EDT

State Senator Tarryl Clark, Former Agriculture Commissioner Jim Nichols, and Campaign for Change Outreach Director Scott Cooper toured the Biomass Gasification Facility and a wind turbine at the University of Minnesota's Morris campus after an incredibly productive town hall on renewable energy in rural Minnesota.

UM-Morris is a leader in renewable energy initiatives, both in Minnesota and America, and is home to the first large-scale wind research turbine ever constructed in the United States, which produces 5.6 million kilowatt hours of power each year--more than half of the campus' annual energy requirements.

The wind turbine and biomass gasification facility are an example of what can be done to secure our energy future, and it's going to require far more than the same old Washington gimmicks proposed by John McCain and Sarah Palin. It will require a sustained and shared effort by government, businesses, education and research facilities, and the American people. With the clean tech research being done at UM-Morris, Minnesota proves that, with clarity of direction and adequate resources, Americans poses the insight, courage, and determination to build a new economy.

The Biomass Gasification Facility is a testament to the potential of partnerships between communities, universities, and state and local governments, as Senator Obama calls for. What started with the Minnesota Legislature's appropriation of funds to build the facility in 2005, is on track to reach its goal of energy self-sufficiency on the UM-Morris campus by 2010.

Biomass technology allows crops such as corn stover and other fibrous plants to be used as fuel sources, sources which don't produce greenhouse gases and emit fewer pollutants than coal, oil, and wood. Click here to take a virtual tour of the Biomass Gasification Facility

The facility at UM-Morris generates steam to meet 80% of the campus heating and cooling needs--proof that, with proper investment, Americans can rise to the energy challenge and transform our energy economy.

Senator Obama has a comprehensive energy plan that provides immediate relief to struggling Minnesotans, and summons the nation to confront our dependence on foreign oil, address the moral, economic, and environmental challenge of global climate change, and build a clean energy future that benefits all Americans. You can learn more about Barack's New Energy for America plan by clicking here.

Here are some more pictures of the tour of the biomass gasification facility and wind turbine at UM-Morris.

The Heartland for Change RV Tour is making its way through 24 communities across Minnesota, talking with folks in coffee shops, senior centers, and in their homes about Barack Obama and Joe Biden's plans to bring the change Minnesotans need. Click here to find a stop near you or to follow our travels across the state.

Tailgating for Change! Voter Registration at the Bowling Green Game

Michael in Ohio — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 19:31:56 EDT

Football is huge at colleges across Ohio... and so is the hunger for a new kind of politics in the White House! Every weekend at football games, and before them at the tailgate parties, student volunteers in Ohio register hundreds of new voters. This weekend in Bowling Green, BG played Minnesota, and though the outcome of the game wasn't ideal, the voter registration drive at the tailgate was! Local Field Organizer Corrie has the story, below the picture:

Saturday night was a winning night at the BGSU football stadium even if the home team didn't win. BGSU college dems and SFBO hosted an Obama tailgate where we barbequed, registered voters, and signed up tons of supporters and future volunteers! A few even joined us the next day to canvass after the festivities! After talking about Barack and feasting on hot dogs and hamburgers the crew headed to the stadium decked out in Obama gear to show support not only for the local team but also for Barack!

Looking for a way to get involved on your campus? It can be as easy and fun as tailgating! Now is the perfect time to start making a difference--the deadline for registering voters is October 6th, and there are still plenty of unregistered students out there, waiting to let their voice be heard. Ohio has the second highest student population in the country, at around 665,000--and John Kerry lost Ohio by a mere 118,000 votes. Now more than ever, young people in Ohio have the opportunity to single-handledly turn this country around by turning the Buckeye state blue. Get started right now, by clicking HERE.

Check out this video about Students for Barack Obama and what this movement means to a whole new generation of active, engaged citizens:

Picture Post: Kal Penn's Minnesota Road Trip Comes to St. Cloud

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 09:35:59 EDT

Yesterday, actor Kal Penn visited St. Cloud State University as part of his road trip across Minnesota! He'll be traveling from college to college, encouraging students to register to vote and kicking off Students for Obama chapters across the state.

Kal currently stars in the medical drama House on FOX, but is known for his breakout role in Harold & Kumar Goes to White Castle.

Here are some pictures from his visit there:

If you haven't already, be sure to add yourself as a "supporter" of the Minnesota for Obama Facebook page.

If you're not registered to vote, want to register to vote absentee, or have questions about registering, visit VoteForChange.com. Registering to vote takes a matter of minutes.

Heartland for Change: Austin

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 18:02:26 EDT

The Minnesota Campaign for Change is hittin’ the road on a Heartland for Change listening tour. 24 cities in 7 days, with one message: change is coming! Follow the Heartland Change RV on its journey through Greater Minnesota by visiting MN.BarackObama.com/MNHeartlandTour. You can also follow the RV on Twitter: twitter.com/heartlandchange.

After leaving Winona, the Heartland Change RV headed for Austin and El Mariachi restaurant, where a crowd of over 50 supporters greeted State Senator Tarryl Clark and Campaign for Change Outreach Director Scott Cooper.

Among the topics discussed during the Austin roundtable was renewable energy, and the fact that investment in alternative energy technology will strengthen our economy in the short-term by creating millions of green-collar jobs, many right here in Minnesota, and in the long-term by reducing our dependence on foreign oil.

Barack Obama has been one of the strongest proponents in Congress for increasing the national supply of home-grown American renewable fuels. As president, Senator Obama will ensure that rural areas continue their leadership in this arena. On the drive to Austin, the Heartland Change RV passed by a wind farm.

Several of the participants recommended providing tax credits for families who invest in green technologies and fuel-efficient vehicles. Senator Obama's New Energy for America plan does just that, providing a tax credit to families that purchase a car getting more than 50 mpg and a $1,000 emergency energy rebate to help families deal with skyrocketing energy costs.

As the event was ending, one of the participants in the roundtable recommended that folks who wanted to get involved in their neighborhoods sign up for the Neighbor-to-Neighbor tool, which lets folks print out lists of Democrats in their neighborhood to canvass on behalf of Barack Obama. To learn more about Neighbor-to-Neighbor, click here.

Here are some more pictures from the Heartland for Change event in Austin:

The Minnesota Heartland for Change RV tour still had six full days of stops left. Click here to find a stop near you!

Heartland for Change: Winona

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 15:48:06 EDT

The Minnesota Campaign for Change is hittin’ the road on a Heartland for Change listening tour. 24 cities in 7 days, with one message: change is coming!

The Heartland for Change RV listening tour is off to a great start in Minnesota. After a roundtable talk about health care and education in Red Wing, State Senator Tarryl Clark and Outreach Director Scott Cooper headed off to the Blue Heron Coffeehouse in Winona, a town recently hit by a TRW plant closing, to talk about strengthening our economy.

After short introductory remarks from State Senator Sharon Erickson-Ropes and Steve Kranz, the local DFL chairman, the 30 Minnesotans who showed up for this coffeehouse roundtable were able to talk about the issues they felt were important.

As the RV travels through Greater Minnesota, its being met by Democrats who are more enthusiastic about Barack Obama and Joe Biden’s campaign for change than they’ve been about a campaign in quite some time. The folks in Winona wanted the campaign to know that it’s time to stop ceding traditionally “Republican” issues to the Republicans, because the last eight years are an example of what happens when we allow that to happen. For example, offered one woman, small businesses:

We have to start talking more about supporting small businesses, because it’s such a "Republican issues." The plans Barack Obama has about small businesses are real and they will work.

Scott Cooper, who works closely with small business owners in the state, agreed:

This campaign is about tearing down those walls in our politics that say something is Democratic, or Republicans. They don’t exist in our lives, in our communities, in our coffee shops. Senator Obama believes that we should talk about the stuff that matters in our daily lives. On small businesses, Senator Obama has proposed tax cuts for small businesses – to help provide health care, eliminate capital gains tax and help with payroll taxes.

The residents of Winona, which is home to Winona State University, are excited about what an Obama presidency will mean for the cost of higher education, but also concerned about jobs after college for Minnesota’s young people, because young people are the ones who will be most affected by the failure of Bush economics. Senator Tarryl Clark responded:

We need to invest in new American energy, like those new wind farms in Faribault, which will create millions of new jobs in green technology. These are jobs right here in Minnesota, and jobs that can’t be exported.

Here are some more photos from the Winona roundtable:

Heartland for Change: Red Wing

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 12:13:55 EDT

The Heartland Change RV made its first stop this morning at Liberty's Restaraunt in Red Wing, where State Senator Tarryl Clark, State Senator Steve Murphy, State Representative Sandy Wollschalager, and Campaign for Change Outreach Director Director Scott Cooper were on hand to facilitate to the roundtable discussion.

About 50 residents of Goodhue County showed up to share their stories and ideas with the Campaign for Change. Scott introduced the concept of the RV tour:

Barack Obama has always said that change doesn't come from the top-down, it comes from the bottom-up. So we're traveling around in this RV to hear from you about the issues that are important to you and as a way of getting your feedback up to the Campaign. This is what Barack's campaign for change is all about, talking with people like you who have been working for change for many years in your communities

Universal health care and fixing our broken economy were the first two things people wanted to learn more about. In Minnesota, unemployment increased by 16,800 in July to a total of 171,500, the highest its been since since 1983. Nearly half a million Minnesotans are without health care.

Senator Obama has a health care plan that starts by covering every American. Read more about Senator Obama's universal health care plan.

There was also a great discussion on the way to fix America's education system. Among those who spoke was Millie from Goodhue. Here's what she had to say:

I'm a retired teacher and deeply concerned about shrinking school budgets and increased numbers of students with greater needs.

The result is highly qualified teachers leaving the procession, and something needs to be done to reverse this trend.

There were concerns on both sides about what to do with No Child Left Behind. On the one hand, the law provides increased funding for disability education in Minnesota, and on the other hand it encourages "teaching to the test." Senator Obama will reform NCLB, which starts by funding the law. He will also improve NCLB's accountability system so that we are supporting schools that need improvement, rather than punishing them. You can read more of Senator Obama's education plan here.

The last topic of discussion was a way to move America towards renewable energy.

Click here to read more about the Red Wing roundtable and to see pictures from the event.

US Senator Charles Schumer's Letter: Obama and Details on the 2008 Races in Battleground States, from Democrat Perspective

Stephen Fox, Contributing Editor New Mexico Sun News — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 14:22:51 EDT

Here is something I am absolutely certain of: The only reason we're poised to achieve once-in-a-lifetime change in the Senate is because our grassroots - people just like you - have done everything we've asked to give the DSCC all the campaign resources we need to execute our proven campaign plan.

For that, you have my deep, sincere thanks. And if we elect that filibuster-proof majority in November, you'll have the gratitude of an entire nation.

Let me tell you where we stand.

There are 11 battleground states. [OREGON, ALASKA, COLORADO, NEW MEXICO, MINNESOTA, KENTUCKY, NORTH CAROLINA, VIRIGNIA, MISSISSIPPI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, AND MAINE]

And that doesn't even count the five other states just on the horizon that we'll all be talking about on Election Day. Here are just a few examples of the success we're seeing this cycle.

Democrat Tom Udall holds a commanding lead in New Mexico. In fact, just a few days ago we learned that the NRSC canceled its entire $2.3 million television buy here, essentially conceding the race.

The nation's most vulnerable Republican incumbent, John Sununu, trails Democratic ex-Governor Jeanne Shaheen by 11 points.

Even in a Republican stronghold like North Carolina, two recent polls show Democratic State Senator Kay Hagan pulling even with incumbent Republican Elizabeth Dole.

I know that we can make the most of our opportunity this year because we're using the same proven strategy that took back the Senate in 2006. You're helping us frame the terms of each race, respond to every attack, and directly connect with millions of voters to drive them to the polls.

Thanks to your overwhelming support, the DSCC was able to launch TV ads in North Carolina that exposed Dole as the 93rd most effective senator, undercutting her hollow message of experience and results.

In Colorado, Democrat Mark Udall was under siege by $6 million worth of attack ads paid for by shadowy third-party Republican groups. The DSCC rushed to his defense with ads of our own and now Mark has an impressive lead.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, your contributions support a bigger and better version of the sophisticated voter contact strategy that took back the Senate two years ago. Already this year, we've made more 2.5 million phone calls and knocked on 650,000 doors in our battleground states nationwide.

That's just the tip of the iceberg. All told, the DSCC has already spent $28 million of your money to put us in position for a monster November.

Like I've said before: there is no doubt we are in such a strong position to deliver a filibuster-proof Senate majority entirely because we have you on our side.

Thank you so much.

Sincerely,

Chuck Schumer

P.S. We're ahead in 5 races for current Republican seats. But that's only halfway to a truly filibuster-proof majority. We can't get there without your continued support.

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2008 Senate Battlegrounds

Alaska
Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich (D) vs. Sen. Ted Stevens (R)

The corruption scandal sweeping through the Alaska Republican Party has put Ted Stevens - a 7-term incumbent - on the brink of losing his seat in November.

Democrat Mark Begich has opened up a lead in the latest polling, but nobody is under any illusion that this race is over. Alaska has always been a Republican stronghold, and with Governor Sarah Palin on the presidential ticket, the party is sure to be energized to turn out in November.

Begich is doing everything necessary to hold on to his lead. He's raising money and reaching out to voters. Just this week he launched a new ad to drive home his commitment to repeal the disastrous No Child Left Behind law.

Stevens won't let a 40-year career end without a fight, so we won't let up for a second before Election Day. With your help, the DSCC will do everything possible to ensure that Mark Begich wins in November.

Colorado
Rep. Mark Udall (D) vs. Rep. Bob Schaffer (R)

Six months ago, this race was neck and neck. Now, Mark Udall leads by 10 points in the latest Denver Post poll.

What happened? First, Bob Schaffer was discovered to have been the recipient of an all-expense paid tropical vacation from a front group for convicted Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Then, it was revealed that when he was vice-president of Aspect Energy, he negotiated an oil deal in Iraq that the State Department officials specifically identified as detrimental to stability in Iraq.

Then there were two different DSCC TV ads paid for by grassroots supporters like you. Our investment here is another key reason Udall enjoys a strong position heading into the stretch run.

Colorado will be a battleground state in November, so we're not taking anything for granted in this race. In fact, Udall has already seen more third-party attack ads than any other Democratic candidate this cycle. It's our job to help him fight back.

Kentucky
Bruce Lunsford (D) vs. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R)

No matter how much money Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell spends, he can't shake the tough challenge posed by Democratic business leader Bruce Lunsford. McConnell is even getting hundreds of thousands of dollars in help from corporate Republican third-party organizations.

None of it is slowing Lunsford, who is on the air with a devastating straight-to-camera indictment of Republican failures in Washington.

Let's be blunt. It's always tough to beat an entrenched incumbent, but Mitch McConnell has been the man responsible for all of those Republican filibusters blocking progress on health care, energy costs, and the housing crisis. It's critical that he is held accountable in November.

Maine
Rep. Tom Allen (D) vs. Sen. Susan Collins (R)

Republican incumbent Susan Collins likes to portray herself as a voice of Republican moderation, but the truth is that she's been a reliable cheerleader for even the worst of George Bush's policies.

Democrat Tom Allen is ready to hold Collins accountable for her record. He has built a formidable campaign organization and has more than $3 million in the bank for the stretch run. He will have the resources to bring his message of change to Mainers.

Allen and the DSCC have both taken to the airwaves to push Allen's proven record of results. This race is poised for a strong finish.

Minnesota
Al Franken (D) vs. Sen. Norm Coleman (R)

The race between Al Franken and Norm Coleman is a dead heat, and the massive TV blitz has begun. Coleman has launched attack ads against Franken, and corporate special interests are blanketing the state against Franken.

That's why the DSCC has unleashed a striking new ad this week that apes a blockbuster movie trailer to make sure that every Minnesota voter knows Norm Coleman is a classic Bush Republican. We think it's pretty terrific and will break through the noise in this race to get a lot of attention from voters. Take a look and see for yourself.

Mississippi
Gov. Ronnie Musgrove (D) vs. Sen. Roger Wicker (R)

The polls in the race for Trent Lott's old seat are just about as close as they can get. Democrat Ronnie Musgrove and interim Senator Roger Wicker have been trading the lead for months.

Make no mistake. Mississippi is top territory for Democrats. But Republicans always do well in the Deep South, so Musgrove is working hard to persuade independent and even Republican voters. Both sides are blitzing the state with TV ads.

What's going to make the difference in this race? You are. Thanks to your support, the DSCC is already running ads in Mississippi to expose Wicker's sordid record. As long as we can count on you along the way, the DSCC will be able to make the investments necessary to win on Election Day.

This is going to be one of those races - like Montana and Virginia in 2006 - where we win by just a few thousand votes. You helped the DSCC make all the difference before and I know we will do it again.

New Hampshire
Gov. Jeanne Shaheen (D) vs. Sen. John Sununu (R)

Jeanne Shaheen is another big target for third-party attacks ads. By our count, seven different groups have spent more than $2.5 million trying to drag Shaheen through the mud.

These groups don't have to disclose their donors, so they can't be held accountable. Instead, the DSCC just has to fight back. With our new ad this week targeting John Sununu's dismal record on supporting funding for Medicare, that's exactly what we're doing.

The DSCC's job is to level the playing field when our candidates are under attack, and it's working in New Hampshire. Shaheen has sustained a strong lead in this race, and John Sununu remains the most vulnerable Republican incumbent in the country.

Still, New Hampshire is another presidential battleground state, and John Sununu has a history of taking advantage of dirty political tricks to win. We can't take a moment off if we're going to elect Jeanne Shaheen.

New Mexico
Rep. Tom Udall vs. Rep. Steve Pearce (R)

Democrat Tom Udall holds a solid lead in the latest polling and has more than five times as much campaign cash on-hand as Steve Pearce.

While Udall continues to connect with voters and run TV ads focused on the middle class squeeze, the NRSC has all but given up in this state. They cancelled a $2.3 million planned ad buy and have essentially told Pearce that he's on his own now.

The Washington Post has called a Udall victory a "done deal" and the venerable political handicapper Charlie Cook has declared that Pearce doesn't have a "fighting chance" in November. Very good news for Democrats.

However, the United States Chamber of Commerce - one of the most reliable Republican attack organizations - didn't get the memo and is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on ads against Udall. We haven't seen much movement in the polls as a result, but the DSCC watches this race every day. You know we'll be ready to support Udall whenever he needs it.

North Carolina
State Sen. Kay Hagan (D) vs. Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R)

Senator Dole is scared. We used to call this the sleeper race of the cycle. Now, it's just another terrific opportunity to pick-up a Republican held seat in one of the most closely-watched races in the country.

After trailing by as many as 12 points in recent months, two new polls give Democrat Kay Hagan a slim lead in this race.

The Republicans are launching a major counter-offensive. Dole fired back with her first negative attack against Hagan this cycle. Even the NRSC is spending some of their meager budget attacking our candidate. They will not go down without a fight.

At the DSCC, we always say we can level the playing field for our challengers facing well-financed incumbents. The race in North Carolina is a perfect example. We'll need your help along the way, but you better believe that we'll do everything in our power to defeat Elizabeth Dole in November.

Oregon
Speaker of the State House Jeff Merkley (D) vs. Sen. Gordon Smith (R)

Oregon remains one of the hottest Senate races in the country. Republican incumbent Gordon Smith is clinging to a single-digit lead despite outspending Democrat Jeff Merkley by a wide margin. In fact, in numbers released Wednesday, Smith scored the highest disapproval rating of his career in the Senate.

It really makes for a strong pick-up opportunity, which is why we've already seen the Republicans' third-party friends taking aim at Merkley. Remember, these organizations don't have to disclose their donors and therefore can't be held accountable for the mud they sling.

Again, one of the keys to Democratic victory in this state will be a strong and vibrant investment by the DSCC. We've known Oregon would be a strong pick-up opportunity months ago and we have been airing TV ads statewide week after week since May.

In our latest spot, we are directly responding to Smith's claims last week that he's a strong opponent of the war in Iraq. The DSCC immediately launched a new ad reminding Oregonians that no matter what he says now, Smith supported George Bush's failed Iraq policy for 1,518 days.

In 58 days, we can show Gordon Smith just what we think about that and send him packing. When you make a contribution, winning states like Oregon is exactly where your money goes.

Virginia
Gov. Mark Warner (D) vs. Gov. Jim Gilmore (R)

Mark Warner has maintained a strong, double-digit lead in the polling in this race, and it's easy to see why.

Warner has more than $5 million in campaign cash on hand. Gilmore is nearly broke. Warner has been running TV ads emphasizing his bipartisan record of accomplishment. Gilmore has been reduced to sleazy personal attacks.

Winona Daily News: Democratic lawmakers rally for Obama with WSU students

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 07:23:23 EDT

From the Winona Daily News:

Members of Minnesota’s Democratic congressional delegation whipped a crowd of mostly students into frenzy Friday in Winona at a campaign rally for presidential nominee Barack Obama.

“Get fired up and ready,” Sen. Amy Klobuchar, DFL-Minn., told about 60 students and faculty members at Winona State University’s student union.

Klobuchar was speaking to many first-time voters who will cast ballots in a state expected to have a tight race between Obama and Republican nominee John McCain.

Klobuchar mentioned McCain’s acceptance speech, saying that he was a hero whom she highly respected, but he didn’t speak about how he was going to be different from President Bush.

Most of the rally, however, was devoted to Obama.

Rep. Gene Pelowski, DFL-Winona, said if Obama wins, he’ll continue to provide funding for local problems, including bridge repairs, flood assistance and home foreclosures.

Pelowski expects a high voter turnout for the November election because of Obama’s popularity with students.

“There’s a lot of youth interest this election, especially for Obama,” he said.

Last election, some polling places ran out of ballots. Pelowski doesn’t expect that problem this year because officials already are anticipating a high turnout.

Klobuchar agreed Obama connects with young voters.

“He is a long-term thinker, and young people understand those kinds of thinkers,” Klobuchar said. “Young people are going to war, are in debt from student loans, and he feels for that.”

Jack Lineham, 18, is a political science major and new member of WSU’s College Democrats. He hopes more voters between 18 and 25 boost the turnout.

“Lots of times, politics affects us more than older people — the way we’re affected with going to war, student loans and higher tuition,” Lineham said.

Heartland for Change RV Tour to Visit 24 Minnesota Towns

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:05:17 EDT

Barack Obama’s Minnesota Campaign for Change will be hitting the road next week, with the launch of a Greater Minnesota Heartland for Change RV tour across the state, highlighting Barack’s comprehensive plans to bring jobs, health care and economic resurgence to Minnesota’s small towns, cities and middle-class families.

Find a Heartland for Change stop near you by visiting http://MN.BarackObama.com/MNHeartlandChange.

The Heartland Change RV has been making its way across the country listening to voters who have been hit hard by the failed Bush/McCain economic policies of the last eight years.

In addition to local elected officials at each stop, several other Minnesota leaders will headline events at various points on the tour:

•   Minnesota House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher
•   State Auditor Rebecca Otto
•   Minnesota House Majority Leader Tony Sertich
•   Assistant Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark
•   Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Bob Bergland
•   Former Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Jim Nichols

The RV will make stops in 24 towns, giving folks an opportunity to share their concerns, talk about the issues they're dealing with, and hear Barack's ideas for making the economy work for Minnesota families once again.

If you aren't able to make it to one of the 24 scheduled stops, you can track the Heartland Change RV's journey online at http://MN.BarackObama.com/MNHeartlandTour starting next week.

Democracy Now! Video Footage

Bobi McBratney - AD 13N Neighborhood Leader Las Vegas, Nevada — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:58:20 EDT

This is a "Must See" video of the arrest of reporter Amy Goodman at the RNC. I am so dismayed that this woman was arrested for allegedly disrupting the peace. The video footage clearly shows that she was peacefully inquiring about her fellow co-worker reporters that had been bloodied and arrested.

"Link TV's John Hamilton talks to "Democracy Now!" host Amy Goodman about her recent arrest at the RNC, as well as that of her producers."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-R9eB1Mkg0I&eurl=http://bravenewfilms.org/blog/51915-rnc-amy-goodman-on-being-arrested

Howard Dean at Augsburg College

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:49:41 EDT

About 300 people braved the cold and light rain to join DNC Chairman Howard Dean as he kicked off a Midwestern "Register For Change" bus tour today in Minneapolis with a rally at Augsburg College.

Chairman Dean was joined by Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak, Congressman Keith Ellison, and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, each of whom appealed to the crowd to get registered and get involved in Barack's campaign for change right here in Minnesota.

Dean implored the students in the crowd not to make the same mistake his generation did following their handwork on civil rights and women's rights:

You can't take a vacation from politics... you need to be in politics, because politics is about justice... and because we have this belief that we can make the world better. And if you want to get there, we have to elect Barack Obama.

Campus organizers and volunteers walked through the crowd, registering voters and signing up volunteers. And although the Republican National Convention was happening just a few miles away in neighboring St. Paul, there was no doubt among the crowd that John McCain and Sarah Palin were just more of the same.

The Register for Change Bus Tour kicked off on July 17th in Crawford, Texas. It will register voters nationwide between now and November. Registering new voters plays a huge role in our strategy to elect Barack President—and getting new people involved has always been at the heart of Barack’s message of change.

Here are some more photos from the rally:

If you you're not registered to vote, be sure to visit VoteForChange.com to get registered in a matter of minutes.

Are they going to talk about policy or what?

Janis — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 23:32:43 EDT

In watching Sarah Palin's speech, I was infuriated by the RNC convention's continued lack of talk about policy. Why are they only able to rally people by waving flags, chanting "USA", marching out the veterans and hiring Gretchen Wilson. Because, of course, Democrats or Americans in general without affiliatation clearly hate the flag, their country, and country music. The "us vs. them" mentality is so backward and counter productive. As a woman, I was actually, hoping that Palin would do women proud by talking about policy. But she ended up just slinging mud and relying on "liberal" steriotypes. How disappointing.

The News Out Of St. Paul: More of the Same

Jeff Blodgett — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:43:17 EDT

On the third day of the Republican National Convention what’s become clear is that John McCain and his Vice Presidential pick have one thing to offer voters: four more years of the same failed leadership we’ve endured through eight long years under George W. Bush. What you saw last night, and what you’ll see tonight, are a lot of speeches proving that John McCain’s campaign manager meant what he said when he declared that their campaign wouldn’t be “about issues.”

What you didn’t hear last night was a single mention about the economy. At a time when millions of Americans are struggling like never before to pay their mortgage, their medical bills, and their gas bills, last night’s speakers at John McCain’s Republican convention proved how out of touch their candidate is. That’s a great disservice to this country. The American People are hurting. Minnesotans are hurting. We have big problems that require real solutions, and we just can’t afford more of the same.

We have a choice to make in this election. We can either choose a new direction for our economy, or we can keep doing what we’ve been doing—and that’s the course that Senator McCain and Governor Palin would have us follow.

Below is a television ad that the Obama campaign recently released which clearly illustrates that the biggest difference between Barack Obama and John McCain is the fact that there is absolutely no difference between John McCain and George W. Bush. Watch the ad below:

You can also visit www.justmoreofthesame.com to learn more about why American families can’t afford more of the same old politics.

Jeff Blodgett
Minnesota State Director
Obama for America

FOX 9: Minnesota Campaign Focuses on Voter Contact During the RNC

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:05:51 EDT

While the Republicans are in town promising another four years of the last eight years, the Minnesota Campaign for Change is talking to voters across Minnesota about Barack Obama's plan to jumpstart the economy and help American families.

From FOX 9, click here for a video of the segment:

On the second day of the Republican National Convention, Minnesota Democrats are trying to regain last week's momentum by hitting the streets, going door to door spreading Obama's message.

Pat Zeddie is one of 400 volunteers who went door to door Tuesday. The effort was geared towards the Illinois Senator's plans on improving the economy.

"I think it's really important for people sitting on the fence or uncommitted they hear things in the media and Obama's voice also being heard," said Zeddie.

On Monday, Obama volunteers suspended the campaign in order to keep attention on Gustav. But now that the RNC is in full swing, Democrats are stepping up their efforts.

"It's very important for us to have our own direct conversation with voters as the RNC is here in town generating attention of their own," said Jeff Blodgett, part of Obama's Minnesota campaign.

Obama supporters have reported Obama signs being stolen from their yards. They blame Republican delegates, who are feeling the strong Democratic presence in Minnesota.

We can bring change to Minnesota and America, but we need to reach as many Minnesota voters as possible with Barack's message of change. Click here to doorknock in your neighborhood during the RNC.

TOMORROW: Howard Dean's "Register for Change" Bus Tour Comes to Minneosta

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 04:01:28 EDT

Tomorrow, Governor Howard Dean's cross-country "Register for Change" bus tour will pass through Minnesota, stopping in Minneapolis for a rally with U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Congressman Keith Ellison at Augsburg College.

Here are the details:

REGISTER FOR CHANGE RALLY WITH HOWARD DEAN
Thursday, September 4th - 12:30 PM
Augsburg College
Urness Hall Lawn
2211 Riverside Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN
Map & Directions

The Register for Change tour made dozens of campaign stops in key states throughout the country in the run up to the Democratic National Convention in Denver, and it's only fitting that it comes to the Twin Cities, the site of the Republican National Convention.

Come out and meet fellow Obama supporters—and check out the Register for Change Bus! For more information, visit the Register for Change site.

Kal Penn's Minnesota Road Trip

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:27:54 EDT

This weekend, actor Kal Penn is going on a road trip across Minnesota! He'll be traveling from college to college, encouraging students to register to vote and kicking off Students for Obama chapters across the state.

The trip will highlight Barack's vision for fundamentally changing Washington to make progress on the toughest issues facing us and the pivotal role young people play in helping to make that change.

Kal currently stars in the medical drama House on FOX, but is known for his breakout role in Harold & Kumar Goes to White Castle. Next spring, he will serve as a visiting professor of Asian American Studies at the University of Pennsylvania.

To RSVP for one of the events, click on the Facebook link below.

Saturday, September 6th

Rally at the University of St. Thomas
2:30 p.m. - John Roach Center Room 126

Rally at Hamline University
4:00 p.m. - Kay Fredricks Ballroom (3rd floor Klas)

Rally at Macalaster College
5:00 p.m. - Plaza in front of Campus Center
Rally at Augsburg College
6:15 p.m. - Location TBA
Rally at The University of Minnesota
7:30 p.m. - Location TBA

Sunday, September 7th

Rally at St. Cloud State University
1:00 p.m. - Location TBA
Rally at St. Olaf University
4:30 p.m. - Location TBA
Rally at Minnesota State University - Mankato
6:00 p.m. - Location TBA

Be sure to add yourself as a "supporter" of the Minnesota for Obama Facebook page.

If you're notregistered to vote, want to register to vote absentee, or have questions about registering, visit VoteForChange.com. Registering to vote takes a matter of minutes.

Canvass for Change During the RNC

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:15:50 EDT

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with our friends in the Gulf Coast region. As we all come together to help in the recovery efforts (click here to donate), the Campaign for Change also plans to get volunteers out into the community and talk with their neighbors about Barack Obama's ideas to bring the change we need.

Barack Obama and Joe Biden know that Minnesota families need immediate and lasting relief, not another four years of the last eight years. That's why they're calling for an additional round of rebate checks to jumpstart the economy and help families cope with soaring prices.

Click here to sign up for a Week of Action event near you.

CBS News: The Fight for Minnesota

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 10:18:50 EDT

It's not a coincidence that the Republicans chose St. Paul as the site of their convention this year.

From CBS News:

In much the same way the Democrats went to Denver with thoughts of recapturing Colorado, the Republicans are in St. Paul with hopes of finally snapping Minnesota’s blue streak: for eight consecutive Presidential elections, Minnesota has voted Democratic.

This week, right here in Minnesota, the Republicans will officially nominate John McCain and Sarah Palin to continue George W. Bush's disastrous economic policies for another four years.

There's no better time to show Minnesotans what's different about Minnesota's grassroots campaign for change.

We can bring change to Minnesota and America, but we need to reach as many Minnesota voters as possible with Barack's message of change.

Sign up to talk to your friends and neighbors this week about Barack Obama and Joe Biden's plans to bring real and immediate relief to Minnesota families.

Picture Post: Camp Obama Minnesota

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 12:08:46 EDT

Over the course of the day, more than 500 grassroots supporters from across the state will go through the Camp Obama training, equipping them with the techniques and strategies they'll need to take ownership over this campaign for change in their communities by joining their local Team Obama.

The aim of the Team Obama program is to ensure that our Barack's Campaign for Change has trained and empowered volunteer leaders across Minnesota. Click here to learn more about joining Team Obama in your neighborhood.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the people of the Gulf Coast region. If you can, please a make a donation to the Disaster Relief efforts of the Red Cross.

Visit http://mn.barackobama.com/howyoucanhelp to learn more ways to help those affected by Hurricane Gustav.

Update from the State Director: 66 days and counting...

Jeff Blodgett — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 20:11:58 EDT

Campaign Update

On Thursday night, Barack really hit it out of the park – or the football stadium, to be exact. Americans from all walks of life, in Denver and in living rooms across Minnesota, were energized as Senator Obama laid out a specific, detailed agenda for the future.

One thing is clear: Minnesotans are focused, united, and ready to get to work electing Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

Since Thursday, we have seen a surge of people coming in to get lawn signs, buttons and t-shirts. But more importantly, people are coming in to sign-up to volunteer. I’ve been involved in many campaigns, but I’ve never seen something like this.

These are regular, everyday Minnesotans who are eager to answer Senator Obama’s challenge to knock on doors, make phone calls, stuff envelopes, anything to help spread his message of change directly to their friends and neighbors. If you're ready to answer the call, sign up to volunteer and your local field organizer will contact you about ways to get involved.

We are running the largest grassroots campaign this state has ever seen because people win elections – not commercials, buttons, lawn signs or bumper stickers – and based on the conversations we’re having with people across the state and with the help of our grassroots volunteers, I feel confident that we will win in Minnesota and send Barack Obama and Joe Biden to Washington to bring the change this country so desperately needs.

Camp Obama and the Republican National Convention

While the Republicans spend four days talking to themselves about eight years of George Bush’s failed economic and foreign policies, we’ll be out talking to voters about Barack Obama’s plan to keep the American promise alive. We need you to sign up to doorknock in your neighborhood during the RNC, to counter the Republican spin and spread Barack's message of change.

On Monday, the first day of the RNC, we will host Camp Obama. Hundreds of Minnesotans have signed up to attend and learn the strategies and techniques that have driven this campaign and prepare them to lead our efforts between now and Election Day.

On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, while the Republicans trot out the same stale tactics to scare voters while offering nothing but an agenda that has made us less secure and less safe, we’ll be sending thousands of volunteers out across the state to talk to Minnesotans about Barack Obama’s plans to get our economy working again and put the middle class first for a change.

Click here to find an RNC Week of Action canvass in your neighborhood.

McCain and Palin, Still More of the Same

When the Republicans come to town next week they will be accompanied by John McCain’s new running mate, Alaska’s first-term Governor Sarah Palin. While we all congratulate Gov. Palin and her family on her designation as the Republican nominee for vice president, her addition to the ticket does not change the fact that the Republicans are offering more of the same failed Bush policies of the past.

Thank you all for your continuing support and commitment to this campaign.

Jeff Blodgett
Minnesota State Director
Obama for America

Palin... More of the same

Tim — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 08:33:28 EDT

An article in Politico titled "Palin tough target for Obama to hit" suggests that Republican Sarah Palin (no relation to Michael Palin) represents an "unwelcome and unexpected challenge". Unwelcome? Unexpected? Yes. Challenge? No.

Klobuchar: Palin Reminds Her Of Bush, No Different Than McCain

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:22:46 EDT

Senator Amy Klobuchar was on MSNBC this morning responding to John McCain's choice of Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate.

The bottom line is: she didn't indicate that she would be any different than John McCain. She talked about being a maverick, but John McCain voted 90% with George Bush.... We want to put a team in place like Barack Obama and Joe Biden who are really going to fight for the middle class instead of a continuation of the same.

Check out the video of Senator Klobuchar below:

Sarah Palin will join George Bush and John McCain in St. Paul next week at the Republican National Convention. If you haven't already, CLICK HERE to sign up to doorknock in your neighborhood during the RNC.

Minnesota Morning News Round-Up

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:06:26 EDT

On a cloudless August night in Denver, before a united party and thousands of grassroots supporters from all across America, Senator Obama accepted the Democratic Party presidential nomination.

Here's how it's playing in the Minnesota press:

Star Tribune: Obama: 'Don’t tell me Democrats won’t defend this country'

With mountaintops in the distance, Barack Obama reached the summit of his "improbable quest" for the presidency, formally accepting the Democratic Party's nomination Thursday before a rapturous crowd in Denver's Invesco Field.

On the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech -- given when Obama was 2 -- the 47-year old Illinois senator evoked images of a new generation of leadership and an American Dream in which a black man might become president.

"Four years ago, I stood before you and told you my story -- of the brief union between a young man from Kenya and a young woman from Kansas who weren't well-off or well-known, but shared a belief that in America, their son could achieve whatever he put his mind to," Obama said. "It is that promise that has always set this country apart."

The crowd of more than 84,000 erupted in cheers. "It was amazing. I have no voice left," said Ashleigh Leitch, a first-time delegate from Wilmar, Minn. "To be on the floor when something like this has happened. I know I have witnessed history today."

As promised, Obama spelled out a number of remedies he would offer working-class voters feeling the squeeze of a stagnant economy: Ending tax breaks to corporations that ship jobs overseas; eliminating capital gains taxes for small businesses and high-tech start-ups; and tax cuts that he said would benefit 95 percent of working families.

"Tonight, more Americans are out of work and more are working harder for less," Obama said. "More of you have lost your homes and more are watching your home values plummet. More of you have cars you can't afford to drive, credit card bills you can't afford to pay, and tuition that is beyond your reach."

Obama fixed much of the blame on White House policies that he said would continue under Republican hopeful John McCain.

Northland's NewsCenter: Obama Lays Down Challenge:

He is the first African-American in history to be nominated by a major party for a shot at the presidency of the United States and digging in hard to the opposition Thursday night in Denver, Sen. Barack Obama made it official.

Bringing a low growl to his already powerful delivery, painting himself as the product of two American dreams lived, in so few words the junior Senator demanded, not declared, an end to the Republican era and in doing so, let John McCain know that he was angry.

With the passing of next week's Republican convention and the flood gates of the general election nearly open, Obama lashed out against nearly every angle of attack; declaring patriotism blind to any party loyalty, "change" something that the halls Washington have failed to prepare John McCain for and for making government responsive to working families, not CEO's with golden parachutes.

He asked people not to deny the math on John McCain, who he said may be known as a maverick senator, but voted with George Bush 90% of the time.

He asked people whether it was time for more of policies based on giving tax breaks to those at the top, calling Republican trickle down economics "an old, discredited philosophy."

"In Washington they call it the "ownership society," but what it means is that your really on your own," said Obama.

"Pull yourself up by the boots straps, got no boots? You're on your own," he said lampooning the conservative adage.

But he also asked people to take a chance that government could have a positive impact on people's lives, that government can yet be responsive to the needs of the average American.

Already beloved by Democrats, in many ways it was a message that was aimed at those who have yet to see his vision.

Bringing four days of Democratic revelry to an end, the Democratic hopeful made his case to voters and ensured his place in American history, marking the start of what could be an even more ground breaking day the first Tuesday this November.

Pioneer Press: Amid the glitz, glamour and spectacle, there was electricity in the night air

DENVER — As an old-school journalist, I don't usually write first-person accounts of the events I cover. But Thursday night was an exception, not by choice but of necessity.

I was seated in Invesco Field with 84,000 Democratic National Convention delegates, party officers, elected officials, fellow journalists, curious citizens and assorted political hacks waiting for Barack Obama's long-anticipated speech accepting his party's presidential nomination.

And I was stuck. I had a seat in the print press section, and the ushers told us scribblers that once we got to our assigned seats, we could not move. The stadium would soon be locked down.

That meant I could not do my traditional job. This is my 13th national political convention, and I've always tried to be down on the convention floor recording the reactions of the Minnesota delegation during the presidential nominee's acceptance speech that wraps up the four-day event.

Because I couldn't tell you what the delegates thought and felt, I'll describe what I observed.

Obama's big show was unlike anything I have witnessed before. All the previous conventions were in smaller arenas, with the exception of the 1992 Republican convention at the Houston Astrodome where George H.W. Bush was nominated for re-election. I don't think that crowd was half as large, and I know it wasn't nearly as boisterous as this one.

Earlier Friday, I covered Gov. Tim Pawlenty's Republican-response news conference herewhere he predicted the Democratic event would provide "lots of glitz and glamour and spectacle." He was exactly right.

But Pawlenty doubted Obama would deliver much substance. You can read about his speech elsewhere, and I'll let you be the judge of whether he satisfied your appetite for more detail on where he stands and what he would do as president.

But his message calling for change sparked one of the most enthusiastic receptions I have witnessed at a national convention. There was electricity in the air.

For the Minnesota delegates and me and my fellow Twin Cities journalists, Thursday night's session started shortly before 2 p.m. when we lined up to board buses to the stadium. The delegates were remarkably happy and energetic for a group that had been putting in 14-hour days on convention business. Monday through Wednesday, their days started with a 7 a.m. delegation breakfast and ended with a session at the Pepsi Center arena that ran from 3 to 9 p.m. (A few brave or foolish delegates partied into the night; not me.)

By the time we reached the open-air football stadium at 2:45 p.m., the lines to the gates snaked for blocks. While inching toward the gates in skin-burning sunshine, I overheard a cop complain into his radio, "I've got 4,000 people out here and only two Porta-Potties." But most of us made it through the metal detectors and to our seats by 3:30 p.m.

My vantage point was a stadium seat 17 rows above the north end zone. The speaker's podium was on a thrust stage at the opposite end of the field. Peering over the CNN tent studio, I had a clear view of each speaker's profile — about 100 yards away.

Convention organizers filled the five hours before Obama arrived with speeches by about 30 mostly obscure party leaders and elected officials. They alleviated the hot air with rockin' performances by will.i.am, Sheryl Crow, Stevie Wonder and Michael McDonald that had the crowd dancing in the aisles and video tributes to Obama shown on giant replay screens.

A couple of the warm-up acts stood out for me.

One was Georgia Rep. John Lewis' tribute on the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech during his 1963 march on Washington. Lewis, a civil rights leader who was beaten and jailed for trying to register African-Americans to vote, is the sole surviving speaker from that march. The crowd appeared genuinely moved when he said, "The dream still burns in the hearts of Americans."

Before Obama arrived, former Vice President Al Gore received the biggest, flag-waving ovation of the night.

Gore also got the most laughs of the night. John McCain has promised to continue President Bush's policies, he said. "The same policies all over again? Hey, I believe in recycling, but that's ridiculous."

When he finished speaking, the crowd broke into a spontaneous stadium wave.

By 7:30, the stadium was packed, and a Denver Post reporter reported that 15,000 people were standing in the parking lot waiting in vain to get in.

After Obama finished his 45-minute speech, the Democrats sent us on our way with a spectacular fireworks display that you could never see indoors.

I'm eager to see if the Republicans can match or top this show in St. Paul next week.

Twin Cities Billboard: Does This Look Like Change to You?

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:18:48 EDT

Billboards like the one above located at the corner of Interstate 94 and 280 are popping up all over the Twin Cities.

Join fellow Obama supporters and grow our movement in your community face-to-face next Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday during the Republican National Convention. Click here to find a canvass near you.

From the Associated Press:

MINNEAPOLIS – Delegates to the Republican National Convention who are traveling into downtown St. Paul off Interstate 94 next week will be treated to a billboard-sized welcome from the other party.

The Democratic National Committee bought billboard space to display a picture of John McCain embracing President Bush with the message: “Does this look like change to you?”

“We’re going to spend every day looking for every opportunity to remind voters in the Twin Cities and across the country that a vote for John McCain is a vote for George W. Bush and his failed policies,” said Damien LaVera, a spokesman for the DNC.

That will include not just the billboard but posters on several bus stops that serve the Xcel Center.

The Democrats also plan to distribute to reporters a multimedia press kit, which will include flash drives with an extensive catalog of McCain’s record – histories of his votes, past statements and other material the Democrats want to highlight.

A team of two dozen Democratic fact checkers will be sending out rapid responses to every GOP speaker.

In addition to the visual and multimedia cues, Democrats will hold daily press briefings in downtown St. Paul to counter the Republican message radiating from the Xcel Center. They’re setting up a media center just across the street from the convention center.

That’s become standard procedure at the national political conventions, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty is among those Republicans touting the McCain message this week at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

LaVera wouldn’t hint at which Democrats would be tapped for the St. Paul patrol, but said there would be numerous national party figures.

They’ll be joined at the daily press conferences by Minnesota Democratic leaders, as well as people who LaVera described as “Minnesota voters” who he said would talk about the impact of McCain’s policies.

Picture Post: Eight is Enough Campaign for Change Fundraiser

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:22:43 EDT

Last night, around 500 people showed up for a concert benefitting the Minnesota Campaign for Change headlined by indie rock group Low, percussionist Dosh, and rapper P.O.S. at the Turf Club in St. Paul.

Folks were also treated to performances from Tapes N' Tapes, Kill the Vultures, STNNNG, Skoal Kodiak, TRL, Plain Ole Bill, Nikoless, winsihp, Hymies, Mike 2600, Norton Fortune, and Clint Simonson.

Regional Field Director Maggie Thompson told the crowd how they could get involved--from doorknocking during the RNC to texting MN to 62262 to learn about upcoming events and rallies.

Here are some photos from the event:

If you were at the show, drop us a line and let us know what you though.

Updated: Campaign for Change State Fair Special Guests

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:21:16 EDT

If you're going to be at the State Fair during the next few days, be sure to stop by the Campaign for Change booth located near the corner of Cooper & Wright.

Here's an updated schedule of special guests:

Friday, August 29th:

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 31st:

U.S. Representative Betty McCollum: 2:00 p.m.

Monday, September 1st:

U.S. Representative Keith Ellison: 4:30 p.m.

Minnesota Delegates celebrate historic nomination of Barack Obama

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 07:36:01 EDT

From the Star-Tribune:

DENVER - Barack Obama, the son of a black father from Kenya and a white mother from Kansas, claimed the Democratic presidential nomination Wednesday amid chants of "Obama" and "Yes we can."

Sealing a long-anticipated moment in history, Obama won the nomination by the acclamation of thousands of roaring delegates, making him the first black man to assume a major party's mantle for the presidency.

"It's a miracle, it's a dream," said Eden Prairie delegate Tori Hill, a black travel consultant. "We've reached the mountain top. ... It's surreal. It is our time, our moment. It is America's moment."

The improbable -- but expected -- victory came after former rival Hillary Rodham Clinton asked the convention delegates to end the roll call of states and make it unanimous "in the spirit of unity, with the goal of victory."

But first, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and the Minnesota delegation celebrated after he cast 78 of the delegation's votes for Obama, and eight for Clinton.

Obama, the 47-year-old first-term U.S. senator from Illinois, later made a "surprise" appearance at the end of a fiery acceptance speech by his running mate, Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware.

Explaining his decision to open his formal acceptance speech to the public tonight in a 76,000-seat stadium nearby, Obama said, "Change in America doesn't happen from the top down, it happens from the bottom up."

The night also provided a prime-time speaking slot for former President Bill Clinton, who said he was "here to support Barack Obama."

Biden introduced himself to the nation with one of the convention's most hard-hitting speeches, attacking Republican hopeful John McCain.

"The choice in this election is clear," Biden said. "These times require more than a good soldier -- they require a wise leader. A leader who can deliver change. The change that everybody knows we need. Barack Obama will deliver that change."

Don't forget to attend one of over 100 Convention Watch Parties across Minnesota today. To find a watch party in your neighborhood, click here.

Minnesota Hillary Supporters Unite for Change

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:46:43 EDT

"Barack Obama is my candidate. And he must be our President." - Hillary Clinton

Senator Hillary Clinton took to the podium last night and delivered a resounding speech to the assembled delegates and to Americans across the nation.

About 30 Hillary supporters gathered in Edina last night to watch Hillary's speech and to learn how to get involved in Obama's Campaign for Change.

Hillary supporters sported shirts that read "Let's Make History (Again): Hillary Supporters for Obama" and were also given a chance to join Minnesota Women for Obama.

As one of the most groundbreaking candidates ever to run for the Presidency, Senator Clinton has inspired millions of women and men with her unyielding commitment to the causes that we all care so deeply about. This fact was not lost on Hillary supporters, many of whom wiped tears from their eyes as they listened to Hillary's speech and celebrated the historic nature of her campaign

There was no doubt among the Hillary supporters gathered about what we all must do to face the challenges ahead of us: unite behind Barack Obama and present a fully unified Democratic Party to the country and to the world.

Here are some photos from the night's festivities:

For more photos from the Hillary Clinton Watch Party in Edina, click here.

Are you a Hillary Supporter for Obama? Share your story!

While the Republicans are in town

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:38:22 EDT

Jaci Urness, Field Director of the Minnesota Campaign for Change, sent out this email yesterday:

This Thursday, Barack Obama will accept the Democratic nomination at the Open Convention in Denver.

Next week, John McCain and his lobbyist and special interest friends are coming to St. Paul for the Republican National Convention. They will officially nominate John McCain to continue George W. Bush's disastrous economic policies for another four years.

We can bring change to Minnesota and America, but we need to reach as many Minnesota voters as possible with Barack's message of change.

Sign up to join fellow Obama supporters and grow our movement in your community next week.

When John McCain and the Republicans come into town next week, it won't be to reach out to everyday Minnesotans like you -- it will be to push the same tired, cynical attack politics and raise money for more negative ads.

There's no better time to show Minnesotans what's different about our grassroots Campaign for Change than during Republican convention week. Together, we've built a movement from the ground up that the Republicans just can't match.

That's why supporters are coming together in our communities on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday to talk with voters face-to-face about some of the issues that are affecting Minnesota families the most -- like high gas prices, creating new jobs, and ending tax giveaways to corporations shipping jobs overseas.

No experience is required to participate. All you need is a hunger for change and a willingness to turn your enthusiasm into action.

Find a training or voter outreach event near you and sign up today:

http://mn.barackobama.com/mnweekofaction

Thanks for your help,

Jaci

Jaci Urness
Minnesota Field Director
Campaign for Change

Youngest Delegate At DNC Is From Minnesota

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:33:19 EDT

WCCO has an interview from Denver with David Gilbert-Pederson, a Convention delegate from Minnesota. David is the youngest delegate at the Convention. You can watch the video interview here.

DENVER (WCCO) ― With 4400 delegates at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, there's a range of faces and ages. The oldest is from Virginia and he is 90 years young. The youngest of all the delegates in the country, is only 17-years-old, and he's from the great state of Minnesota.

While he is still a teenager, he's no political newcomer. David Gilbert-Pederson started working inside campaigns when he was 12. He was making posters, stuffing envelopes and, as he says, standing there and looking cute for cameras.

The home-schooled south Minneapolis kid also feels the calling.

"Whatever decisions adult politicians make will effect my generation and generations to come. And I feel like it's my duty and responsibility to elect leaders that will make it a world I want to inhabit and that I would want my children and my grandchildren to inhabit," David said.

David stays in political touch with his cell phone and online. It's been an important new tool in this political campaign directly targeting the all-important youth vote.

"Senator Obama's coming and his campaign is coming directly to us in our medians -- Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, text messaging," he said. "If I see it on Facebook, cause that's where I'm at anyway, I'm like, ooh this is a cool event. Look, these seven of my friends said they were going to come. I feel like it's a cool thing to do now."

From the floor of the Democratic National Convention to casting a ballot, it's a truly memorable year for David.

"It'll be a great experience to be able to check off those boxes in November," he said.

David will turn 18-years-old in October just in time to vote. And according to people at the DNC, he's quite a celebrity in Denver with lots of media wanting to meet the title holder.

Minn Post: Klobuchar's Monday speech wins far-flung fan

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 06:02:15 EDT

Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar's Monday-night speech at the Democratic National Convention recieved great reviews from a delegate from the America Samoa.

From MinnPost:

DENVER — Sen. Amy Klobuchar has a (small) fan club — in American Samoa.

Marilyn Ah Ching, an American Samoa delegate to the Democratic National Convention, was wowed by Klobuchar's Monday speech, which lasted less than five minutes.

"Just hearing her speak, I could tell she is someone to watch for the future. She's going to get there.''

This testimonial came unsolicited.

What was there to like in such a brief time?

"She was real,'' said Ah Ching. "She didn't read the teleprompter. She spoke from the heart. She was different from the rest. I'm keeping my eye on her.''

By the way, there are only two flights a week leaving American Samoa for the mainland. It took Ah Ching almost three days to get from her home to Denver.

Let's Make History (Again): Hillary Supporters for Obama

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 18:35:40 EDT

Later tonight, Senator Hillary Clinton will deliver the headline prime-time address to the Democratic Convention in Denver.

Here in Minnesota, Hillary supporters will be celebrating Women's Equality Day and honoring Senator Clinton's historic run with Convention Watching Parties.

Hillary supporters, like Jeanine pictured above, are uniting for change and rallying behind Barack Obama.

Yesterday, Minnesota Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, assistant Senate Majority Leader Tarry Clark, and former Minnesota DFL Chair Rick Stafford, Hillary supporters during the primaries and Democratic National Convention delegates, released this joint statement:

On behalf of each Minnesota delegate pledged to Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, we are proud to unanimously declare our strong support of Senator Barack Obama to be the next president of the United States. Senator Clinton made history in her run for the presidency and we remain inspired by her courage, passion and leadership. But now we stand united behind Barack Obama.

Minnesotans are fed up. They want a president who will be accountable to the voters. They want an honest president they can trust. We’ve always been best off when regular Americans take personal responsibility for the future. With Barack Obama leading the way, regular Americans will be setting the agenda again.

Barack Obama has spent his life bringing people together for change. He will continue to reach out to people of all walks of life and across the political spectrum to bring the change our country needs. We are proud that we are unified today as we continue to build a movement for change that wins in November.

You'll be able to stream Senator Clinton's speech LIVE on DemConvention.com

State Fair Update: Red, White, and Blue

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:20:14 EDT

Over the last five days, the Minnesota Campaign for Change has seen an overwhelmingly positive response from folks at the State Fair.

We're signing up volunteers, talking to undecided voters, and getting the word out about Barack's plan to bring real change we can believe in to Washington.

Late last night, in honor of the Democratic National Convention, hardworking staff members repainted the Campaign for Change booth in red, white, and blue.

If you're going to be at the fair over the next few days, be sure to stop by Campaign for Change booth on the corner of Cooper & Wright and check it out!

Here are some photos:

The final product!

Have some cool photos from the State Fair? Share them with us!

Transcript: Sen. Amy Klobuchar's Speech at the Democratic Convention in Denver

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:11:53 EDT

Minnesota's own Amy Klobuchar addressed the Democratic National Convention this evening. Here's the text of her speech:

My fellow delegates, are you fired up and ready to go? Are you tired of that subprime leadership in the White House? In 2006, people all across America voted for change in Washington. We took back the Senate. We took back the House, and now, in 2008, it’s time to complete that change and put Barack Obama into the White House.

I arrived in Washington in a little different style than some of the other Senators. Unlike the senator from Arizona, my family doesn’t have a private jet. I left Minnesota with my husband and our daughter and loaded up our Saturn with our college dishes and a shower curtain from 1985.

We were barely out of our driveway when I got a call from a certain senator from Illinois, Barack Obama. We weren’t even sworn in yet, and he was already determined to break the lock the lobbyists had on Washington. By the time we got to the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Barack had all the new senators on a call, and by the time we got to Washington, we had an ethics reform plan in place.

Within months, he had marshaled support on both sides of the aisle, and it became the law of the land. No more golf junkets to Scotland. No more gifts of caviar. No more special discount flights on corporate jets. No more fast track between Capitol Hill and K Street. We said it’s time to stop the insiders’ no-bid military contracts. We said drug company lobbyists shouldn’t be able to prescribe our health care and that never again will federal energy policy be made from an undisclosed location.

They say that inertia is the most powerful force in the political universe. They say you can’t change Washington. Barack Obama has already started, and he’ll finish the job as president of the United States.

At another time in our history, when our nation was hurting and yearning for hope, President Franklin Roosevelt proved that democracy works best when Washington puts the American people first. “I never forget,” he said, “that I live in a house owned by all the American people and that I have been given their trust.” My fellow delegates, it’s time to elect a president America can trust. It’s time for the American people to take back their White House. It’s time for change we can believe in. It’s time for Barack Obama.

"A strong leader and an honest man"

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:14:18 EDT

On Saturday, Barack made his first public appearance with his choice to be the VP nominee, Senator Joe Biden. The response here in Minnesota's elected officials has been overwhelmingly positive and our grassroots supporters have been offering their own welcome messages to Joe as he joins our campaign.

If you haven't already, be sure to send Joe a welcome message.

Ian from Winona writes:

Senator Biden, congrats on your selection as the vice presidential "presumptive" nominee for vice president of the democratic part. You bring extensive foreign policy experience and a track record of working for the middle class and working Americans. Thank you for your service to our country and welcome aboard the campaign for change.

Herschel from Eden Prarie:

Joe, congratulations on your selection to be a part of this historic campaign. You will help write a story of equity and prosperity for all in this nation and the world. You have received an "A" in advance for your groundbreaking work, so welcome aboard and show the world why you have achieved such a grade.

Patricia from Saint Michael:

As a Hillary Clinton supporter I am delighted with Barack's selection! I have always admired Joe Biden and believe he will be a great compliment to Barack and the new administration. This is such a great nation but so many Americans are hurting in so many areas of their lives. I am praying we can at last pay it forward again. Our faith in politics has been destroyed by the self interest of a great many in Washington. I believe these two will restore this faith. I am a 64 year old working grandmother and a small business owner . I had hoped Hillary would have been our next President, as a role model for the next generation of young women, as she has been for mine. I sincerely believe Barack Obama and Joe Biden will fulfill the vision Hillary has for this country. I am confident they will be our next President and Vice President.

Robert from Lauderdale:

Congratulations and good luck to a respectful and respected man.

Joyce from Thief River Fall:

It's time for change. Are you 'READY TO GO' AND 'FIRED UP' to help America in a time where things aren't going so great for a lot of us...? I hope so!

Virgil from Minneapolis:

Sir, I was 18 (Draft age) when FDR died so the first President I voted for was President Truman. Yours is the best ticket I have seen since I was a first time voter. Thank you for running.

Michael from Sauk Centre:

I have been a supporter from the beginning of the Obama campaign. I saw Senator Biden in several of the debates, and was very impressed with his foreign policy knowledge. I would like to personally welcome you Senator Biden to the ticket. Senator Obama made a great choice by picking you Senator Biden. We need to put a Democrat back in the White House.

Amy from St. Paul:

I'm so pleased to have Joe on the ticket. He brings great international experienc and will be a great balance with Barack. Welcome, future vice president Biden!

Heidi from Minneapolis:

The leadership of our country and our future as a leading country has always been a paramount passion of mine. Not since Wellstone, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and JF Kennedy have I felt inspired about our leadership. I will support Barack & Joe whenever, wherever and however I can! Lets rebuild this country we love and rebuild our relationships with world that have been destroyed these last 8 years and show true leadership...leading by example. Finding renewable and alternative energies, taking care of our populous with affordable health care, and not allowing our corporations to lead us into the weak economy we have now earned. Short-sightedness of stockholders for a return for today vs. tomorrow is the worst way to make a decision and I know Barack & Joe have the wisdom and kindness to help us together to co-create a better future!

Judy from Fridley:

What a terrific choice. A strong leader and an honest man. We've got the winning ticket for sure! Welcome Joe!

Ericka from Minneapolis:

Welcome Joe! My story is simple. I am a 36 year old woman with two children and a wonderful husband. We have watched our government betray us, threaten us, attempt to scare us into submission and insult us for years. We have been active, progressive citizens despite the temptation to lose hope. But today, we have two inspiring, thoughtful, intelligent, grounded, strong leaders speaking to us about hope and sacrifice and making this country great again! Thank you for your years of public service and WELCOME!!!!

Beverly from Lindstrom:

I'm glad you are with us Joe. Lets change America. And please don't forget about the middle class. I'm with you both.

Jean from Laporte:

Your nomination was a wonderful 60th birthday present for me. As a Baby Boomer, I have seen the great human rights reforms of the '60s, the tragic Vietnam era, the end of the cold war, the return of the hope and enthusiasm of the '90s, and the disastrous corruption, carelessness, and subversion of the Constitution of the Bush administration. I am heartened that Senator Obama and you will be standing for the return to principled government, responsible foreign policy, a focus on people instead of profits, and strength through building, rather than destroying. Welcome.

Norm from Moorhead:

Way to go, Joe! You are a REAL straight-talker. I look forward to the VP debate.

Josh from Saint Peter:

Welcome Joe! Your experience as a Senator, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and presidential candidate will be of utmost value to the Campaign for Change. You're highly respected in Washington and around the United States as a straight talker whose ability to lead is unquestionable. Thank you for your past and future commitments and service to our great nation!

Nicole from Blaine:

Welcome to the Obama campaign! I am excited that you'll be the next Vice President. I know you'll be an asset to this campaign and look forward to hearing more from you in the coming weeks and months.

In the News: Minnesota at the Democratic Convention

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:44:26 EDT

Today marks the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Denver! Minnesota's very own Amy Klobuchar will address the convention this evening, as will Michelle Obama.

On Thursday, Barack will accept the nomination in front of 75,000 people. Sign up to attend an Convention Watch Party and join your friends and neighbors in celebrating this historic movement.

The Minnesota delegation includes the youngest delegate, 17-year-old David Gilbert-Pederson of Minneapolis.

Here's some other ways Minnesota's delegates are making news:

A lifelong civil rights activist, Lucy Buckner-Watson, of Inver Grove Heights, is here to help fulfill her dying father's dream of seeing an African-American become president of the United States.
Iraq war veteran Sam Scott, of Andover, a sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves, came to express his opposition to the war.
Seventeen-year-old David Gilbert-Pederson, of Minneapolis, the youngest delegate to the Democratic National Convention that opens here today, made the trip to pick up campaign tips from his party's wiliest political pros and seek inspiration to work hard for candidates through Election Day.
Buckner-Watson, Scott and Gilbert-Pederson are three of the 88 Minnesota delegates who arrived here Saturday and Sunday for the convention that will wrap up Thursday with the nomination of Sen. Barack Obama as the Democratic candidate for president.
The convention may look like a four-day infomercial to folks watching it on television back home.
But to most delegates, it's the culmination of months or even years of hard work and a chance to play a meaningful role in the nation's political process.
Click here to read the profiles of these six delegates from The Pioneer Press...

Are you a Minnesota delegate to the Convention? Be sure to share your story!

Vice President Mondale Launches “Seniors Talking to Seniors” Program

The Senior Vote Team — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 15:33:40 EDT

Earlier this week, former Vice President Walter Mondale joined human-rights advocate Dr. Josie Johnson and Obama for Minnesota State Director Jeff Blodgett to kick off a new “Seniors Talking to Seniors” program in St. Paul, Minnesota. This program will be coming to other states in the coming weeks.

Vice President Mondale stressed the importance of reaching out to seniors and highlighted Obama’s detailed plans to help seniors.

“Senator Obama has comprehensive plans to protect Social Security, strengthen retirement savings, make affordable health care available to every American and to protect and honor our seniors,” Vice President Mondale said. “With the ‘Seniors Talking to Seniors’ program, we will be launching a sustained effort to grow Senator Obama’s broad support among this important group of voters.”

After his remarks, senior volunteers hit the phones to talk with other seniors about Barack Obama’s strong record of fighting for issues important to them. The “Seniors Talking to Seniors” program is a key element of Obama’s strategy to win in Minnesota and in other states.

“The ‘Seniors Talking to Seniors’ program will Minnesota’s seniors the tools they need to spread Senator Obama’s message and recruit new supporters within their own communities, neighborhoods, churches and other aspects of their lives,” said Blodgett. “It is a neighborhood and town-based effort that will build broad-based support for Senator Obama’s candidacy among seniors.”

See more on Senator Obama’s plan to help seniors HERE.

Joe Biden!

Jeff Blodgett — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 22:27:39 EDT

As you know, this morning, Barack Obama announced he has chosen Senator Joe Biden as his running mate. Take a few seconds to send Joe a message welcoming him to the campaign, we'll make sure he gets them.

Barack and Joe will appear for the first time as running mates this afternoon in Springfield, Illinois -- the same place this campaign for change began more than 19 months ago. You can watch a live stream of the entire event at http://www.BarackObama.com at 2 p.m. CST.

Here’s what Senator Hillary Clinton and others are saying about the choice:

Sen. Hillary Clinton – “In naming my colleague and friend Sen. Joe Biden to be the vice presidential nominee, Sen. Obama has continued in the best traditions for the vice presidency by selecting an exceptionally strong, experienced leader and devoted public servant. Sen. Biden will be a purposeful and dynamic vice president who will help Sen. Obama both win the presidency and govern this great country.”
Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel – “Joe Biden is the right partner for Barack Obama. His many years of distinguished service to America, his seasoned judgment and his vast experience in foreign policy and national security will match up well with the unique challenges of the 21st Century. An Obama-Biden ticket is a very impressive and strong team. Biden’s selection is good news for Obama and America.”
Republican Sen. Richard Lugar – "I congratulate Senator Barack Obama on his selection of my friend, Senator Joe Biden, to be his vice-presidential running mate. I have enjoyed for many years the opportunity to work with Joe Biden to bring strong bipartisan support to United States foreign policy…"
Republican Sen. Arlen Specter – "No one on the Democratic side knows more about foreign policy than Sen. Biden. He's been an articulate spokesman on the subject. He also knows about domestic policy. He's been a leader on crime control."

Be sure to watch Their First Campaign Appearance as Running Mates LIVE!

On August 28th, Barack Obama will accept the Democratic nomination in front of more than 75,000 supporters in Denver and millions of viewers at home.

I want to encourage you to attend or host a Convention Watch Party to share the moment with millions of fellow supporters across the country who helped Barack get here.

These watch parties are a great opportunity to gather with friends, family and colleagues and start planning how you will continue to build the movement in your area in the final months of the campaign.

To host a Convention Watch Party, or attend one in your area, visit http://mn.barackobama.com/organizeforchange.

There are 72 days until Election Day and it’s going to take the continued support of Minnesotans like you to help ensure Barack Obama and Joe Biden win Minnesota and bring about real change in Washington.

Sincerely,

Jeff Blodgett
Minnesota State Director
Obama for America

Rochester Post-Bulletin: Obama brings fire back to 75-year-old

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 12:04:38 EDT

This morning's Rochester Post-Bulletin includes this story about a 75-year-old Caledonia woman who is fired up about Barack's candidacy:

Back in the day, Julia Massman knew them all. She had shaken their hands and heard them speak at state conventions -- political leaders like Wendy Anderson and Rudy Perpich and Hubert Humphrey.

Then the Caledonia woman fell away from active involvement in the DFL Party and stayed away for years. Then she began to feel her political soul stirred again.

Though she had never been a national delegate or even tried to be, Massman campaigned actively at the DFL district convention in Albert Lea to be a national delegate. She won it on the basis of a speech she delivered at the district convention that included this simple declaration:

"I'm a 75-year-old, Irish, Catholic white woman, and I'm supporting Barack Obama," Massman recalled.

Massman knew there was political potency in the statement. It directly refuted the conventional wisdom at the time that older, white women, particularly supporters of Sen. Hillary Clinton, never would support Obama's candidacy.

At age 75, Massman -- a former dairy farmer, mother of 13 and grandmother of 27 -- will be attending her first national convention as the state's oldest national delegate when the Democratic National Convention kicks off Monday in Denver.

Massman makes no secret of what it was that re-ignited her passion for politics. The moment for her came during Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention in 2004. Massman instantly was converted.

Massman calls Obama intellectual and thoughtful, someone who has grown up in different places and countries and knows what it's like to live in those environments.

"He represents the perfect American. I'm Irish-Dutch. He's Irish, Scotch and Kenyan, and most Americans are more than one nationality. We are a melting pot, after all," she said.

DFL leaders say the DFL delegation will be one of the most diverse ever. It will include 25 African-Americans, six American Indians, 10 Asian-Pacific Islanders and seven Latinos. Its youngest will be 17-year-old David Gilbert-Pederson of Minneapolis. Its second youngest will be 18-year-old Sam Hagedorn, a native of Rochester and a graduate of Mayo High School.

John Stiles, the state DFL Party's communications director, said the DFL delegation will almost certainly be more reflective of the state's diversity than the GOP delegation, which he said will be almost "entirely white," older and mostly Christian, "with no people of different religious beliefs in it."

Previewing the Democratic National Convention

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 09:11:32 EDT

That's the view from Minnesota at the Democratic National Convention, which starts next week. If you haven't already, be sure to sign up to host or attend a Convention Watch Party for Barack's historic speech next Thursday night.

The St. Cloud Times profiled local members of the 109-member Minnesota delegations. Here are some excerpts:

Yolanda Lehman

On Sunday, Yolanda Lehman, her husband, Christopher, and their two children will board the family automobile for the 14-hour trip to Denver.

Lehman, a St. Cloud resident, professor at St. Cloud State University and former pastor of Resurrection AME Zion Church, is a first-time delegate to the Democratic National Convention that begins Monday. And she’s far from the only first-timer.

“I’m a lifelong Democrat, but I hadn’t worked for a candidate before,” said Lehman, a member of U.S. Sen. Barack Obama’s Minnesota grass-roots campaign committee and an Obama delegate.

“But there have been calls from the Obama campaign to make this a more open process and I think people responded to that.”

Claudia Cody

Hailing originally from Rio de Janeiro, Cody said she has been a Democrat since becoming a U.S. citizen in 1995.

The University of Minnesota professor, construction company owner, real estate agent and chairwoman of the Minnesota DFL Latino caucus is going as a delegate pledged to U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign.

“But Sen. Obama will be the Democratic nominee,” she said. “She stepped down and directed us to support Sen. Obama, so I’m following her lead. You’re either a Democrat or you’re not.”

Universal health care, immigration reform and the economy are top issues for Cody, who said Democrats and Obama must address them from “an abundance perspective, not one of scarcity. All folks should have access to an opportunity for a quality life.”

You can read the rest of the profiles by clicking here.

The next Vice-President: Joe Biden!

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 03:21:48 EDT

Breaking news: the text message is out and it's official... Barack Obama has selected Joe Biden to be his running mate!

Please take a minute to share your story with Joe and welcome him into our movement for change.

We'll make sure to share some of your stories with Senator Biden so he gets a chance to better know the remarkable folks who've built this campaign from the bottom up.

Be sure to watch the first Obama-Biden rally live at 2 p.m. CSTon www.BarackObama.com.

Obama-Biden '08!

Latinos for Obama Organizational Meeting Re-Cap

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 20:04:23 EDT

The Minnesota Latinos for Obama organizational meeting at Maria's Cafe in Minneapolis was a huge success! Over 70 Latinos from the across the state.

Minnesota's Latinos are excited about their chance to have an impact on the election this November. Those in attendance heard from Minnesota State Senator Patricia Torres-Ray, the first Latina elected to the State Senate, who spoke about the importance of talking to friends and families about Barack Obama.

Field Organizer Maggie Mitchell, a Latina herself, explained the different ways of getting involved in the Campaign for Change.

Minnesota State Director Jeff Blodgett was on hand to answer any questions.

Here are some pictures from the meeting:

You can see a slideshow of pictures from today's event by clicking here.

If you're a Minnesota Latino for Obama, be sure to sign up to recieve campaign updates on the issues important to the Latino community!

Picture Post: Women for Obama Kick-Off in Duluth

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 12:29:13 EDT

Last night, the Minnesota Campaign for Change officially launched Minnesota Women for Obama with events in Duluth, Rochester, and Minneapolis.

Over 1000 people participated in the kick-off, either in person or by watching a live webcast of the event on MN.BarackObama.com!

Chelsa Nelson, a student at the University of Minnesota in Duluth shared her story about the Dultuh event:

The Women for Obama event was incredibly inspiring. I felt it brought a sense of community to women across the state of Minnesota. Women are the majority and are yet often overlooked and it was very empowering for the Obama campaign to pay special attention to our issues, passions, and concerns.

I am looking forward to continuing to contribute my time and resources to this well run and inclusive campaign. We need as many volunteers as possible to get Barack Obama elected and I feel this event did a wonderful job of exciting women and encouraging women’s involvement.

Here are some photos from the kickoff event in Duluth:

You can see the rest of the pictures from the Duluth event by clicking here.

Were you at one of the events last night? Did you stream it live? Share your story!

American Corn Growers Association Endorses Obama

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:59:13 EDT

The Crown Growers Association announced their endorsement of Barack Obama for president this morning, citing his leadership on the issues important to rural Americans, notably his support of the Farm Bill.

This is only the second time that the ACGA has endorsed a presidential candidate.

Earlier this month, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar visited Farm Fest to announce the formation of Rural Minnesotansfor Obama.

Here are some excerpts from the ACGA press release on the endorsement, highlighting Barack's commitment to Rural Americans:

"When we compared the official policy statements and voting records of the two contenders for the White House, we identified an obvious choice for farm families and rural America,” announced Keith Bolin, ACGA president and a corn and hog farmer in Obama’s home state of Illinois. “We have closely studied the on-line agricultural and rural policy statements of the two candidates and their voting records. Following a meeting with the Obama campaign at our board conference in Omaha last week, the decision was clear to us. ACGA endorses and supports the election of Senator Obama for President of the United States.”

“At this time of great opportunity to rebuild not only rural America, but all America through an aggressive national commitment to renewable energy of all kinds, the voting record and policy statements of Senator Obama and Senator McCain indicate very contrasting differences,” added Bolin.

“While John McCain is a great man and a true hero, he has built a very pronounced and consistent record on agriculture and ethanol during his twenty-two years as a U.S. Senator, and it is perhaps the single most negative record of any Senator,” explained Bolin. “When compared to Senator Obama, who supports the expansion of renewable energy such as advanced ethanol, biodiesel and wind generated electricity, our decision was obvious.”

“Senator Obama also supported the recently passed Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 -- or as it is commonly called, the farm bill,” explained Bolin. “Farmers and rural voters understand the importance of farm bills. These packages not only address agriculture and farms, but cover the full dynamic scope of issues vital to rural America: conservation, trade, rural development, research, nutrition, rural credit, and more. In fact, the new farm bill spends over 80 percent of its resources on non-farm programs and rightfully does not even have ‘farm’ in its title.”

“So it is not lost on rural Americans that Senator McCain has opposed every farm bill that has come before Congress for more than a decade. It did not matter if the farm bills were written under Republicans or Democrats. It did not matter if the farm bill came at a time when crop prices were high or low, reflected policies that were “liberal” or “conservative,” or stressed conservation, rural development, trade, or research. Senator McCain opposed them all and publically demanded that President Bush veto this year’s farm bill.”

Bolin concluded his statement by addressing the issue of experience. “I can say unequivocally as an Illinois farmer that Senator Obama has exactly the same amount of experience in terms of time served in the Illinois Legislature and in the U.S. Congress as another Illinois lawyer who was elected President just as the nation was coming apart at the seams - Abraham Lincoln. Senator Obama is ready to lead America and the American Corn Growers wholeheartedly endorse him for President of the United States of America.”

TODAY: Latinos for Obama Organizational Meeting

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:48:44 EDT

This year Minnesota's Latinos have a chance to move America in a fundamentally different direction. Increasing Minnesota’s Latino voter base and maximizing turnout across the board will ensure success on Election Day.

In order to achieve this goal, the Campaign for Change needs to build a group of dedicated volunteers to help lead Latino voter registration and mobilization efforts.

That is why the Campaign for Change is holding a Latinos for Obama organizational meeting TODAY!

Here are the details:

Latinos for Obama Organizational Meeting
August 22nd, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Maria's Cafe
1113 E Franklin Ave
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404

Come out to hear how you can help support efforts to mobilize the Latino community on behalf of Sen. Barack Obama!

The Campaign for Change Goes to the State Fair!

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:01:26 EDT

Today, the Minnesota Campaign for Change was out in full force at the Minnesota State Fair, signing up supporters and registering new voters.

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar was on hand this morning, speaking to a Minnesotans about Barack's plan to provide real economic relief to Minnesota families.

If you're going to be at the fair over the next two weeks, be sure to stop by the DFL booth, located near the main entrance, and the Campaign for Change booth on the corner of Cooper & Wright.

Here are some photos from today:

To see all of the pictures from the first day of the State Fair, click here.

Do you have a great photo from the state fair? Get a picture with the life-size cut-out of Barack at the booth? Share your stories and pictures with us!

Picture Post: Women for Obama Kick-Off - Minneapolis

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:06:24 EDT

Last night, the Minnesota Campaign for Change officially launched Minnesota Women for Obama with events in Duluth, Rochester, and Minneapolis.

Over 1000 people participated in the kick-off, either in person or by watching a live webcast of the event on MN.BarackObama.com!

Jackie Reis, a resident of White Bear Lake, described the Minneapolis event:

What a great night!
Surrounded by so many great women--diverse in every way--all there to support Senator Obama. The emotion was high--tears and cheers mixed--as we joined in unity, motivated by the speakers, and shared our hopes for the future and the change that a "President Obama" will bring to us--our children, our families, our country.

Here are some pictures from the event in Minneapolis:

Sen. Amy Klobuchar shares why she supports Barack.

And the crowd listens attentively...

You can see the rest of the pictures from the Minneapolis event by clicking here.

Were you at one of the events last night? Did you stream it live? Share your story!

Minnesota Women for Obama Kick-Off in the News

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 08:09:38 EDT

From the Star-Tribune:

In an effort to solidify his support among female voters -- many of whom had been devoted followers of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton -- supporters of presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama lauded their candidate's support of women's issues at a Minneapolis rally Wednesday.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., got the crowd cheering by thanking Obama backers and those who had campaigned for Clinton, saying, "We're all together now."

"Are we fired up and ready to go?" Klobuchar asked. "Are you tired of that same old leadership in D.C.?"

"Yeah!" the mostly female audience responded.

Organizers said more than 600 people attended the event at the Woman's Club of Minneapolis as it was simulcast to similar gatherings in Duluth and Rochester. They heard a cavalcade of noted female speakers argue that Obama has long record of supporting women's issues, especially when compared to his likely Republican opponent, Sen. John McCain.

Klobuchar then introduced one of Obama's potential running mates, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, who urged the crowd by phone to help "mobilize other women across the country," in support of Obama.

Perhaps the biggest cheers were for famed arctic explorer Ann Bancroft. She told the pro-Obama crowd that "it's time to win the hearts of the world back."

"It's going to take all of you," Bancroft said. "Each one of those small steps makes a difference to the bigger goal.

"Those steps matter."

From FOX 9: Minnesota Women Leaders Launch 'Women For Obama':

MINNEAPOLIS--Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Minnesota women leaders host ‘Minnesota Women for Obama’ kick-off on Wednesday.

‘Women for Obama’ is an opportunity to bring together women from all over the state of Minnesota to unite in support for Senator Barack Obama.

Obama's Minnesota Campaign for Change has an aggressive and far reaching female outreach organization that will be sharing Senator Obama's plans and beliefs on issues of great importance to women with voters from now through November 4...

Picture Post: Virginia Office Opening

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 08:03:50 EDT

Earlier this week, the Campaign for Change opened an office in Virginia at 327 Chestnut Street.

With nearly 100 people showing up, it is clear that the Iron Range is ready for change. Those in attendance heard from State Rep. Tom Rukavina.

To read local press reports of the office opening, click here.

Here are some photos from the event:

Not from Virginia? Click here to find your local Campaign for Change regional headquarters.

ECM: Convention Delegate looks forward to Obama speech

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:51:21 EDT

We're just about 6 days away from the start of the Democratic National Convention in Denver, where, in a little over a week, Barack will accept the Democratic nomination for president.

Next Thursday, Barack will accept the nominatino in front of more than 75,000 supporters in Denver and millions of viewers across the country. ECM Papers writes about Lucy Buckner-Watson, a convention delegate from Minnesota on whom the historic nature of Barack's August 28th speech is not lost:

One state delegate at the Democratic National Convention who will be listening closely when Sen. Barack Obama delivers his expected acceptance speech next week will be Lucy Buckner-Watson of Inver Grove Heights.

That Obama’s speech is scheduled on Aug. 28 — precisely 45 years from when Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech — is hardly lost on Buckner-Watson.

She was there that day in Washington.

“I don’t think I thought of it as seriously as an occasion as it was until we actually started to hear Dr. King’s speech,” said Buckner-Watson, then a high school activist from Akron, Ohio.

“It was awesome,” she said.

“And another thing that blew me away was no disturbance. Out of those thousands of people from everyplace, no disturbance,” she said.
Click here to read the rest of the article...

The Minnesota Campaign for Change is organizing house parties across the state to watch his speech Click here and sign up to host or attend a house party in your neighborhood.

WOMEN FOR CHANGE: Bianca Scott in Wayzata, MN

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:08:09 EDT

As part of this week's launch of Women for Obama, we'll be profiling different Minnesota Women for Change each day. If you haven't already, RSVP online to attend a Women for Obama kick-off this Wednesday in Duluth, Minneapolis, or Rochetser.

Bianca Scott is an intern in the Campaign for Change office in Wayzata. Blanca is an international studies major at the University of Chicago. She plans on continuing to volunteer with the campaign when she returns to school in the fall. After interning for the campaign this summer, Bianca is now considering adding a political science double major.

How long have you been volunteering with the Obama campaign?

Originally, I was accepted into the 6-week Obama Fellowship program back in June, but unfortunately it was unavailable in Minnesota. I was so glad when I found out I could still contribute as much as I wanted to by being an intern here. My first day in the campaign office made me wish I had started my involvement earlier! But I am ecstatic to be able to now call myself an intern of the Obama Campaign for Change.

What inspired you to get involved?

I would have to say the number one catalyst would simply be Barack Obama's passion.

The ardent way in which he speaks about every thing is inspirational in itself. His care for our country, our future, along with our "fellow citizens of the world" is enough, I believe, to move anyone to become involved with his campaign to ensure a brighter future through his election. I suppose my interest in political science is a factor as well, but it is truly the goal of electing Obama into the office that I care about most.

For those unfarmiliar with the responsibilities of an intern, what does your typical day look like?

As an intern, I am required to work on the campaign at least twenty hours a week. Usually, I drive into the office for a four hour shift and do whatever the Field Organizer says needs to be done. The other interns and I do a lot of calling/id-ing voters from lists, canvasing in various neighborhoods, and voter registration where we go to public places and make sure everyone's voting information is up to date. Volunteers come out with us, too, a lot of the time.

How has your experience on the campaign shaped your worldview?

Although I have been with the campaign for a relatively short time, the experience is already changing my perspective on everything from people to politics. It's interesting, at the end of the day, to realize all the different types of people I've spoken to in a short period of time. I feel as though this work is just broadening my worldview in every direction as I go, and the great part is it's not even close to finishing.

Minnesota student chosen to be backstage with Obama in Denver

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:16:24 EDT

From the Star Tribune:

Kayla Whitaker, a 20-year-old Minnesota college student, has won a spot among 10 supporters who will be with Barack Obama backstage before he accepts the presidential nomination at the Democratic National Convention in Denver next week.

In making the announcement of the contest winners, the Obama campaign said, "The people who make up our movement are of all different ages, races, and backgrounds -- and these folks are no different."

Whitaker, of West Fargo, N.D., attends Minnesota State University, Moorhead.

The campaign describes Whitaker as an "evangelical Christian who credits Barack for her newfound interest in the political process."

Whitaker said she entered an Obama campaign contest, which said that anyone who contributes $5 or more gets a chance to be one of the 10 winners. She sent in $15 and gave herself no change of winning. The contest was illegal in Minnesota until it was modified to not require a donation.

"Well, I had been meaning to donate anyway," Whitaker said this afternoon. "It's not like they're going to pick a college student from North Dakota."

And even after she heard the voice-mail message with the news, "I couldn't believe it. I called the lady back to make sure it wasn't a joke or something."

Whitaker said that she and a guest of her choice leave Aug. 26 on the all-expenses paid trip. Obama is scheduled to accept the nomination two days later.

WOMEN FOR CHANGE: Minnesota State Field Director Jaci Urness

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 08:19:36 EDT

Jaci Urness has been with the Obama campaign since February 2007, first as a field organizer, then as a Regional Field Director, and now as the Field Director for the Obama campaign in Minnesota. Urness, an East Grand Forks native, earned her B.A. in political science and a minor in journalism from the University of Iowa.

How long have you been with the Obama campaign?

I began this campaign on the announcement tour back in February 2007 and have been on ever since. I remember the first time I heard Senator Obama…it was a packed gym in Cedar Rapids, IA and I had been standing outside all day in the freezing cold making sure all the attendees were signed in and in the proper lines. Finally, I was able to go inside the gym. It was packed – wall to wall - and in walks Barack. He was positive, charismatic, and quite the contrast from our current President. I knew right then this was going to be one amazing campaign but I am still sometimes in shock at just how incredible the last 19 months have been.

What did you do before joining the campaign? And what was your role before becoming the state field director?

Before joining the campaign I was a Field Organizer in on the DFL Coordinated Campaign in the 5th Congressional District. Before that I worked in Former Majority Leader, Dean Johnson’s Senate office during the 2006 session.

To this day I still believe being a Field Organizer (FO) is one of, if not the toughest, jobs in a campaign. These young people give up their lives to work every day, often over 14 hours a day, for peanuts, because they believe we need to change the direction this country is going. It’s pretty inspiring to now be on the directing end and see the excitement and frustration in the FO’s and relive my memories through their new experiences.

For those who aren’t familiar with the responsibilities of a state field director, what is your day to day like?

As the Field Director I wear many different hats. Essentially my role is to manage and coordinate how we as a campaign are connecting directly with voters around the state. Whether that is through phone calls, door to door contacts, at community events or through our neighbor to neighbor program I am responsible for making sure we are doing as much as possible to reach as many voters as we can. . In addition I am responsible for setting the tone and direction for all field staff on the ground. That means being truly committed to our motto- Respect, Empower, Include- because I know it has to be carried out at all levels, starting from the top down if we want to see it work from the bottom up.

Click here to read the rest of Jaci's interview...

Update from the State Director

Jeff Blodgett — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 17:52:29 EDT

Jeff Blodgett the State Director of the Obama Campaign for Change in Minnesota. He'll be posting updates on the campaign on a regular basis.

This campaign is about winning the White House and fundamentally changing our politics.

In Minnesota, we are working hard to deliver that change by running a massive grassroots campaign fueled by the effort and energy of volunteers and supporters from across the state who are out on the doors and on the phones talking to their family, friends, and neighbors about why they believe Barack Obama is the candidate who will bring real change to Washington.

This week the campaign held a successful event focused on senior voters, and next week we also have a lot planned as we continue to move quickly toward Election Day.

Here’s a quick run-down on the week that was and the week ahead:

The week that was

“Seniors Talking to Seniors” Kick-Off Event – On Thursday, we launched our “Seniors Talking to Seniors” program with a kick-off event at our headquarters in St. Paul. Former Vice President Mondale spoke with the more than 70 seniors in attendance about the crucial role they will play in this year’s election and urged them to join the effort to grow Senator Obama’s broad support among this important group of voters. After Vice President Mondale’s remarks, seniors hit the phones and made nearly 2,500 calls to talk about Barack’s plan to protect Social Security, strengthen retirement savings and make affordable health care available to every American. Click here to see photos from the event.
New Ad Highlighting Senator Obama’s Plan to Stand Up for the Middle Class – The campaign unveiled a new ad this week that discusses Obama’s plan to put the middle class first by growing the economy, ending tax cuts for companies that ship jobs overseas, creating new jobs here at home, investing in education and cutting taxes for working families. The ads will run during the Olympics air on national cable and broadcast in all 50 states beginning Monday.
- Click HERE to see the ad.
- Click HERE to see an ad the campaign released earlier this week on John McCain’s economic plan.

The week ahead

Women for Obama Kick-Off Event – On Wednesday, August 20 more than 500 women will come together in Minneapolis, Duluth and Rochester to kick-off our Women for Obama efforts. In Minneapolis, the event is at the Women’s Club, in Duluth at Fitger’s, and in Rochester at the Public Library. All the events begin at 7pm. For more information, or to RSVP for one of the kick-off celebrations, visit http://my.barackobama.com/mnwomenkickoff.
Minnesota Latinos for Obama Kick-Off Event – Increasing Minnesota’s Latino voter base and maximizing turnout across the state will ensure success on Election Day. On Friday, August 22, we will hold a Minnesota Latinos for Obama kick-off event to ramp up our effort to build the base of dedicated volunteers we’ll need to help lead our Latino voter registration and mobilization efforts. For more details and to RSVP for the event visit: http://my.barackobama.com/mnlatinosmeeting

Click here to keep reading Update form the State Director....