Posts with the tag South Dakota

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

North Dakota Tops Analysis of Corruption

Josh and Kade — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 14:31:12 EST

Enlarge USA TODAY file photo A statue of "Honest John" Burke, governor from 1907 to 1913, stands in front of the North Dakota's state capitol building in Bismarck. North Dakota had the highest rate of public corruption convictions won by federal prosecutors from 1998 through 2007.

By John Fritze, USA TODAY WASHINGTON — Its largest city is legendary for machine-style politics and its elected leaders have been under investigation for years, but by one measure, Illinois is not even close to the nation's most-corrupt state.

North Dakota, it turns out, may hold that distinction instead.

Federal authorities arrested Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich Tuesday after a wiretap allegedly recorded him scheming to make money on his appointment to fill the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by President-elect Barack Obama. Blagojevich, a Democrat, ran for election in part on cleaning up after his predecessor, Republican George Ryan, who was convicted in 2006 of racketeering, bribery and extortion.

IN ILLINOIS: Obama 'appalled and disappointed' by Blagojevich arrest

"If it isn't the most corrupt state in the United States it's certainly one hell of a competitor," Robert Grant, head of the FBI's Chicago office, said Tuesday.

On a per-capita basis, however, Illinois ranks 18th for the number of public corruption convictions the federal government has won from 1998 through 2007, according to a USA TODAY analysis of Department of Justice statistics.

BLAGOJEVICH SCANDAL: News is a recycled blot on Chicagoans' pride

Louisiana, Alaska and North Dakota all fared worse than the Land of Lincoln in that analysis.

Alaska narrowly ousted Republican Sen. Ted Stevens in the election in November after he was convicted of not reporting gifts from wealthy friends. In Louisiana, Democratic Rep. William Jefferson was indicted in 2007 on racketeering and bribery charges after the FBI said it found $90,000 in marked bills in his freezer. Jefferson, who has maintained his innocence and will soon go to trial, lost his seat to a Republican this year.

But North Dakota?

Don Morrison, executive director of the non-partisan North Dakota Center for the Public Good, said it may be that North Dakotans are better at rooting out corruption when it occurs.

"Being a sparsely populated state, people know each other," he said. "We know our elected officials and so certainly to do what the governor of Illinois did is much more difficult here."

Morrison said the state has encouraged bad government practices in some cases by weakening disclosure laws. North Dakota does not require legislative or statewide candidates to disclose their campaign expenses.

The analysis does not include corruption cases handled by state law enforcement and it considers only convictions. Corruption may run more rampant in some states but go undetected.

Michael Johnston is a political science professor at Colgate University in New York — which is ranked just after Illinois for corruption convictions. Johnston, who has studied political corruption for 30 years, said places such as Illinois gain a bad reputation that becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

"Expectations build up … and you replicate those expectations when you get to the top of the ladder," Johnston said. "It gets repeated."

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-12-10-corruptstates_N.htm?se=yahoorefer

[Yes North Dakota and believe it or not South Dakota too. Both Dakotas are neck and neck when comparing in corrupted practices. It is my opinion SD should be the front runner being that they are much closer knit then ND will ever be. The closer the knit, the more likely, cover up's.

Is it surprising to know that smaller counties have the most corruption over the bigger counties? It's the truth. It is why it is important the FBI randomly investigate these counties to assure government funds are not used inappropriately.

Key is for the FBI to randomly choose. Randomly choosing keeps those who would cheat, honest. A government official would never know what county is next. Never knowing who is next is a good deterrant, he/she would refrane from defrauding the government, automatically]

Kade

McCain Campaigns at Drunken Biker Rally in South Dakota

jgabriel — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:20:43 EDT

McCain looks a bit like a - what's that? - celebrity! Although I don't know if I would want to be this kind of celebrity...biker dudes, topless women...and several of the bikers came away unconvinced.

Bruce Charles Wenger, 54, who served 31 years in the Army and now is a criminal defense lawyer in Hudson, Wis., made his annual pilgrimage to Sturgis on his Harley. He wore shoulder-length white hair and a black leather vest over his bare chest.

"As a career military man, it sickens me that our boys are dying in Iraq," Wenger said heatedly. "It's pointless. That's why I'm supporting Obama."

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-mccain5-2008aug05,0,6838766.story

An Obamarific 4th of July in Brookings, SD!

Todd Epp — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 23:14:05 EDT

From Lois Hatton in Brookings, SD:

Obama supporters decorated a truck and participated in the Brookings Fourth of July parade.

The Obama truck was decorated with American flags and banners, red, white and blue ballons, and lots of Obama signs. It was a lot of fun decorating the truck and the entry was a great success.

Photo: Brookings Obamamaniacs pictured left to right: Chris Moller, Roger Prunty, Betty Prunty, Angela Hatton, Sally Damm, Stacy Chidaushe, Greg Taylor.

Originally posted on SD Watch http://www.southdakotawatch.net

Technorati Tags: Brookings, South Dakota, Barack Obama, parades, 2008 election, 4th of July, July 4th

Clinton Offered Fundraiser to SD Dem. Party in Exchange for Two Superdelegates

Todd Epp — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 23:17:11 EDT

Wow.

That's about all I can say. In a heated exchange at tonight's S.D. Democratic Executive Board meeting in Oacoma, Hillary Clinton delegate Malcolm Chapman said--and State Chair Jack Billion confirmed--that the Clinton campaign offered a major fundraiser to the state party in exchange for two superdelegate votes.

Chapman noted that he had almost "cut the deal" with the Clinton campaign. Billion said the price was "too high." He also said non-office holding superdelegates like him had to give a lot of consideration to Sen. Tom Daschle's, Sen. Tim Johnson's, and Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin's position on the race as they are major financial benefactors to the local party.

I'll post more as I learn more.

(Originally posted on SD Watch at http://www.southdakotawatch.net)

Technorati Tags: Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Malcolm Chapman, Jack Billion, superdelegates, South Dakota

Follow Twitters about the SD Democratic Convention

Todd Epp — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 22:57:51 EDT

This will include coverage of the selection of seven additional delegates from South Dakota to the national convention in Denver.

Go to SD Watch at: http://tinyurl.com/634rkw

Native American Voters

Kjumpingelk — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 19:57:53 EDT

The link take you to a video talking about Native American's and how they are starting to be profiled higher than other elections.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWX23gsD8o4

Barack Should Get Some Camo and Hunt Pheasants in S.D.

Todd Epp — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 01:02:53 EDT

Barack Obama is honest about not being a hunter and fisherman.

From his website:

Barack Obama did not grow up hunting and fishing, but he recognizes the great conservation legacy of America’s hunters and anglers and has great respect for the passion that hunters and anglers have for their sport. Were it not for America’s hunters and anglers, including the great icons like Theodore Roosevelt and Aldo Leopold, our nation would not have the tradition of sound game management, a system of ethical, science-based game laws and an extensive public lands estate on which to pursue the sport. Obama recognizes that we must forge a broad coalition if we are to address the great conservation challenges we face. America’s hunters and anglers are a key constituency that must take an active role and have a powerful voice in this coalition.

I have a modest proposal. Barack should come to South Dakota for the pheasant opener. South Dakota's best and favorite outdoorsman, Tony Dean, could take him on an honest to goodness pheasant hunt with some of his buddies. And let me make my pitch now, Tony: Pick me, pick me!

Besides being a great photo shoot, Barack could learn first hand about one of the most hallowed of midwestern and rural rights--the hunt with friends. From Tony, besides getting good hunting advice and good company, he'd also get a first hand education about conservation issues, CRP, global warming, and wildlife management.

More importantly, he'd have fun.

I want to see Barack in camo this fall in South Dakota. It would do his image good and further help him understand what makes "regular" people tick. Plus, if "Barry the Bomber" can hit three pointers on the hardwoods, he can nail rooster pheasants in South Dakota's cornfields.

Technorati Tags: Barack Obama, hunting, outdoors, Tony Dean, 2008 election, South Dakota

Todd and Donna Meet The Man Crush in Sioux Falls

Todd Epp — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 01:50:40 EDT

Through sheer luck, my friend and former Marine Lynn Hart of Flandreau invited Donna and I to accompany him and his girl friend (and my friend) Helen Gilbert, also of Flandreau, to Sen. Barack Obama’s Vets for Obama pancake feed at the Sioux Empire Fairgrounds this morning.

Finally, I met the Man Crush!

And yes, he’s even dreamier in person!

Todd Epp, Donna Osment-Epp, and Sen. Barack Obama, my man crush for these many months.

(Originally posted on SD Watch.) Technorati Tags: Barack Obama, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, veterans, pancakes

Photos of a Sunny Barack on a Sunny Sunday in South Dakota

Todd Epp — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 01:39:31 EDT

Here are photos I took at the Sen. Barack Obama rally outside of the Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD today (Sunday).

Sen. Barack Obama takes the stage in front of the Mitchell Corn Palace on a warm and sunny Sunday afternoon.

Sen. Barack Obama on the podium.

A portion of the enthralled throng at the Corn Palace rally from my rather tight vantage point.

A member of Sen. Obama's Secret Service detail keepin' it safe--and keepin' it real.

An enormous Old Glory on a glorious late spring day in South Dakota with the next President of the United States, Barack Obama.

(Originally posted on SD Watch.) Technorati Tags: Barack Obama, Corn Palace, Mitchell, South Dakota, 2008 election, South Dakota Primary

A First Person Experience of How Barack Gives Hope

Todd Epp — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 01:26:01 EDT

Let me show and tell you about why Barack Obama is different.

This morning after his speech about veterans’ issues at the Vets for Obama gathering in Sioux Falls, he went around to every table and talked to every person and shook every hand and posed for every photograph.

But that isn’t the amazing part.

At the table next to ours was Christine Johnson and her children, Jordan, age 5, and Abbey, age 7.

Barack comes over to meet the Johnsons. He notices that Jordan has some dogtags on.

His dad’s dog tags.

Abbey says, “This is a very sad day.”

Barack asks why. Mrs. Johnson explains that her husband, Tech Sgt. Dan Johnson with the South Dakota Air National Guard, had shipped out just prior to the event for Iraq.

For his third tour in Iraq.

MSNBC CALLS NOMINATION FOR OBAMA!!!!!

Grand Moff Joseph — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:02:45 EDT

BREAKING NEWS RIGHT NOW ON MSNBC TV:

MSNBC CALLS THE NOMINATION FOR OBAMA!!!!!!

HISTORY IS MADE PEOPLE!!!!!!

Historic Proportions.

Chris Comninel — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 18:27:49 EDT

Hello all,

Tonight will be a night of historic proportions when Barack Obam hits the number (2118) to become the presidential nominee for the Democratic Party. As of now (6:35 EST), he is only 10 delegates from clinching the nomination, and it is almost a lock that will gain the requisite number of delegates, super and pledged.

Hillary Clinton has fought a very hard and tough campaign, whether we like it or not, and she may still be claiming some type of "victory", probably symbolic, as Obama passes such a threshold. As she speaks, we must accept her attempt to be proud and prideful of her campaign. This is a time for UNITY, we can't be spewing blogs of hate and anger, because it will simply continue to splinter our party.

Let's all take time and reflect our own unique part in this campaign, as well as what this campaign has stood for since day one. Whether you were original Obama supporter (awesome foresight), or joined the campaign when your candidate dropped out (like me-Jan. 30, woo!), or took your initial role in this movement when you casted your ballot for Obama, all of you have contributed a great deal to this grassroots movement we're calling a campaign. Congratulations, I am very proud and all of you should be too. This is a moment to cherish and hold on to for the rest of your life. YES WE CAN!!

Thank you all for everything!!

Final Hours to Vote in South Dakota!

Zachary Scott Edwards — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 18:00:06 EDT

Barack at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota

Here in South Dakota, the polling locations close at 7:00 pm, but if you are in line, they must let you vote. We need everyone doing everything possible to get more voters out to vote right now!

In East River, South Dakota, there are 2 hours left to vote.

In West River, South Dakota, there are 3 hours left to vote.

Click here to find your Voting Location. Don’t forget to call your friends, family, and neighbors and encourage them to go vote for Barack right now!

If you have any problems voting, need more information on your polling location, or need a ride to the polls, call 1-866-675-2008, then press 4.

This race is extremely close, and we need everyone’s help in these final few hours!

LOOK:AP & MSNBC REPORTS WRONG-GOTV!!!!

CorpusMama — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:41:24 EDT

AP is calling the nomination for Obama and MSNBC is reporting it!!!

This causes voters not to show up at the polls. We need to win tongiht. We need more votes!!! Please keep calling and working it to GOTV.

Montana and South Dakota we need you we honor you, please help us.

Yes We Can

"C-DAY" Today: Culmination of a LONG, LONG HAUL

1 "Bitter" Yvonne "Hussein" Raphael from California, a "Typical" American — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:36:05 EDT

To say that the reaction of HRC being channeled through Harold Ickes at the May 31 Rules meeting was mind-boggling to me is an understatement. He looked like a two-year old who had been told that he can't have ice cream for breakfast. The problem is that he's not two. Mrs. C's image in the eyes of the remaining uncommited superdelegates, IMHO, was not helped by that display of pique. Hillary Clinton is pitching a fit about FOUR Michigan delegates being, as Harold put it, "taken" from her and "given" to Senator Obama!!!! OH PLEASE!

That said, I am seriously praying for a massive turnout and voter support today of Barack in South Dakota (which last year tried unsucessfully to pass a law to oppose Roe v. Wade), and I am confident of a fantastic victory in Montana. GO South D.!!! You GO MONTANA!!! MUCH LOVE TO ALL OF YA!!!

Why We Have To Call Today To GOTV

Jody Rodgers — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:26:44 EDT

Out of the over 1,000 phone calls I have made for the campaign maybe one of the most important ones I made was last night. I had reached an older woman in South Dakota and she told me supported Obama but that she wasn't going out to the polls today because she had heard that Obama had already clinched the nomination. When I had stressed to her that he had not and how crucial her vote was she stated that she thought her vote wouldn't count because of the fact that the South Dakota Superdelegates like Daschle had already decided for the voters of SD who their state was going to support. Of course I explained to her about the difference between delegates and Superdelegates and how she had a vital role in determining how many delegates that SD was going to send to the National Convention and how important that may end up being was. In the end she took what I was saying to heart and decided to go out to the polls today!

Too often I feel when I am calling on the day of the primary or the night before it isn't having an impact but obviously we have an significant role to fill in dispelling myths in SD. He hasn't wrapped this up quite yet and my friends we still have an urgent need today making calls. So if you can, please sacrifice at least half of your lunch and get out, an informed, vote today!

Printable South Dakota for Obama Signs

Dan — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 22:08:19 EDT

I've put together some ready-to-print 8½ by 11 inch signs made just for South Dakota. Print them out and tape them up in the windows of your house, tape some up in your car, give them to other supporters or use them as signs! Email your friends and family asking them to do the same!

I also have a growing collection of other signs, wallpapers, etc. at obamamedia.wordpress.com.

If you like the work I'm doing please consider helping Barack by making a donation and help me reach my personal fundraising goal (all donations go directly to the campaign).

One Last Thing

Zachary Scott Edwards — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:31:47 EDT

Barack sent out this email to South Dakotans this morning...

Zach--
I wanted to get in touch with you one last time before tomorrow's primary.
We've had a long journey together in South Dakota. For more than a year, you have been dedicated to the idea that when ordinary people come together, we can do extraordinary things.
It was inspiring to see our movement in South Dakota this week, and it strengthens my faith that the American people -- not just here, but across the country -- are ready to stop settling for what the cynics tell us we must accept and start reaching for what's possible.
This is our chance to make history.
But the election is going to be close, and it's vitally important that you vote and bring your family and friends to vote with you.
Find your polling place and vote tomorrow:
http://sd.barackobama.com/SDlookup
When Michelle and I talked about my running for president, one of the core goals we both had for this campaign was to leave the political process better off than we found it.
That's just what you've done in South Dakota. And you refused to let the tired old tactics of the political status quo distract you from building this grassroots movement.
If you get out and vote today or tomorrow -- and bring others to vote too -- our movement will continue to grow. The world will know that South Dakota stood up for a different kind of politics. And real change will be within reach.
Find your polling place:
http://sd.barackobama.com/SDlookup
Thank you,
Barack
P.S. -- Here are a few details and rules that will help make the voting process run smoothly. Make sure to share these with your friends:
Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Anyone in line at 7:00 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
You must present one of the following types of identification: (1) a South Dakota driver's license or non-driver identification card; (2) a passport or photo identification card issued by the United States government; (3) a tribal photo identification card; or (4) a current student photo identification card issued by a high school or an accredited institution of higher education, including a university, college, or technical school, located within South Dakota.
If you are unable to present personal identification, you may complete an affidavit in lieu of showing personal identification.

Help South Dakota Get Out the Vote

Zachary Scott Edwards — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 10:52:52 EDT

The intersection of Vote St. and Quest St. goes right through South Dakota

There is only one more day until we vote in South Dakota and the grassroots has mobilized to knock on doors, make the important phone calls, and work to help Get Out the Vote.

If you are in South Dakota, and need to find where to vote tomorrow, click here. You can also call 1-866-675-2008.

This is the crunch time where every minute counts. Our local offices are the best place to go if you want to get involved, but you can also call your nearest office and they can help you find a canvass near you—we need your help today!

KEVN reports...

Obama supporters continue door to door campaign
Volunteers are going door-to-door passing out literature, posting signs, and trying to get the last of the undecided voters on the Illinois Senator's side.
Richard Ptacek says, "There's an opportunity here to clarify some things. I think there are a lot of talking points out there that are not accurate and maybe today when I get out and meet some of these people I can help clarify some of those things or at least get them to look at it a little closer." Richard and his family from Piedmont have decided to spend their Sunday canvassing -- hoping to share with others their belief in Obama's ability to change America. Richard Ptacek says, "A lot of times a families politics do dived families. In our case it brings us together. So we're gonna take the time to go to work together to share our experience, strength and hope with others to."

If you are able, please join us for this extremely important day of reaching out to local voters, talking about Barack, and making sure they know where they are voting on Tuesday. We’ll provide all of the materials to make it easy, make sure you are comfortable and going out with a canvass buddy, and provide food and drinks to enjoy before and after you go out!

We need every voice speaking loud and clear about the importance of tomorrow’s vote in South Dakota—and if you are at home, and ready to make the difference, then please, get started making calls!

VIDEO: Barack at the Corn Palace

Zachary Scott Edwards — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 23:04:15 EDT

This evening, during the rally in Mitchell, South Dakota at the Corn Palace, Barack spoke about his commitment to providing honest solutions to our nation's problems. He discussed that if we are going to change the ways of Washington we must end the dominance of special interests in Washington, and we must also be honest with the American people with how we are going to solve our problems. Watch the Video below:

Change isn't going to come unless we work for it, and tomorrow is the final day before the elections in Montana and South Dakota. We are going to need everyone's help to make phone calls tomorrow-- check back in the morning for more details on how you can help from home.

This is the Sunday night open thread...

Tom Daschle Stumps in South Dakota

Steve — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 22:52:28 EDT

I stumbled on this two part video of Tom Daschle stumping for Barack about a month ago. It sounds really authentic and is pretty inspirational.

part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8CHOd4gAV4

part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjxaRayOw18

VIDEO: Ida Fast Wolf Introduces Barack

Zachary Scott Edwards — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 19:52:22 EDT

The opening speaker at yesterday’s Town Hall meeting in Rapid City, South Dakota was 8th grade teacher Ida Fast Wolf, a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and a Rapid City resident. Ida’s story has become all too familiar across the country—the story of rising gas prices hitting middle class families harder than ever before .

Ida was forced to give up her job teaching on the Pine Ridge Reservation, because her commute was making it economically impossible to continue. In the video below, Ida introduces Barack at the Town Hall and explains why she believes he is the candidate for South Dakotans, and the best candidate to bring real change to Washington.

Managing our current energy crisis is one of Barack’s top concerns, and he has vowed to speak honestly about the problems we face, end the spin coming out of the White House, and remove the overbearing influence of special interests that have shaped our public policy for far too long.

For more information about Barack’s Energy plan, click here. Barack also has comprehensive plans to help teachers, the middle class,and First Americans. If you would like a complete list of South Dakota issue sheets, click here.

South Dakota is a very large state with lots of ground to cover. Our campaign, and grassroots supporters here, needs your help to do the outreach that is extremely important to our success. There are just two days left to make a difference, the race is extremely close, and everyone will need to work together to ensure our supporters are getting out to vote for Barack. Click the link below and help get the word out about voting on Tuesday!

Phone calls to SD

Jeanine — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 19:36:09 EDT

Score card:

Already voted for Obama: 1

Already voted but didn't say: 1

Will vote for Obama: 1

Undecided (but the target of the call, who wasn't home) will vote for Obama: 1

No answer (and we were told not to leave messages): 13

Bad number (disconnected): 6

Not interested (quick hang up): 1

and I lost track of 1.

This seems to be a high number of bad numbers?

Mitchell, South Dakota

Citizen — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 19:21:03 EDT

Fired Up! Ready to Go! Keith Olbermann's comment was that Barack's speech in Mitchell, SD this morning was one of the Great Stump Speeches. I hope you heard it. It truly was Greaaaaaaaaat!

If you have a Doxie, Dachshund Owner for Obama has a modest fundraiser at:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/Dachshunds

Please visit and donate for Obama. Maggie, that's her picture on the donation page, she's my longhair black and tan doxie, and I thank you.

Slideshow: Barack at the Corn Palace

Zachary Scott Edwards — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 17:26:25 EDT

This afternoon in Mitchell, South Dakota, Barack held a rally in front of the famous Corn Palace. He spoke to a packed crowd about his commitment to changing the ways of Washington through honesty and accountability and his commitment to creating more jobs, pushing to end our dependence on foreign oil through investments in renewable energy, and ensuring that veterans are provided a G.I. Bill for the 21st century. Here are some pictures from the event.

In just two days, South Dakota and Montana will be voting, and we need your help to get our supporters out to vote for Barack! Join the grassroots, who are working hard on the ground, and make the difference from home right now!

Video: Veterans Breakfast with Barack

Zachary Scott Edwards — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 15:41:58 EDT

This morning in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Barack hosted a breakfast with local veterans. During the discussions that followed, Barack talked about his plans to honor our veterans and fulfill our sacred obligation to their service. Video from the breakfast is below.

Our commitment to veterans doesn't stop when their service ends, and we must always be working to include more veterans in our decision making process to ensure their concerns are being heard in Washington. If you would like to join Veterans for Obama, click here, and if you have would like to direct your policy ideas to our campaign, click here.

Start making phone calls, or make a donation—this is how all of us can make a difference right now!

Slideshow: Veterans Breakfast with Barack

Zachary Scott Edwards — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 14:11:43 EDT

This morning in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Barack held a pancake breakfast with members of South Dakota Veterans for Obama. The event was a way for Barack to thank veterans face to face and get feedback on the changes they want to see in Washington.

As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, Senator Obama is committed to creating a dialogue with veterans across the country in order to focus on the priorities that matter most to the heroes who defend our nation today and the veterans who fought in years past.

As the grandson of a World War II veteran who went to college on the G.I. Bill, Senator Obama has reached out to Republicans and Democrats in order to honor our commitment to America's veterans. He will continue to reach out to veterans across the country to ensure that Washington is creating a dialogue and working to keep our promises and fulfilling our commitments.

Click here to read more about Barack’s plan to honor our veterans. Below are some pictures from the breakfast this morning.

We would appreciate feedback from veterans who would like their voice to go to Washington with Barack. Click here to present your ideas to our campaign. Also, if you would like Veterans for Obama updates from the campaign and information on events near you, click here to join Veterans for Obama.

Bring Change to Washington: Get Involved in South Dakota

Zachary Scott Edwards — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 12:10:21 EDT

Yesterday in Aberdeen, South Dakota, Barack held a Town Hall meeting with local residents to discuss his plans to bring an end to the War in Iraq as carefully as we went in carelessly, provide quality, affordable and portable health care coverage, and open up an honest dialogue in Washington that will rely on the input of millions of Americans—pushing back against the special interests that have written our public policies for far too long.

Barack spoke about the fierce urgency of now—which we are seeing all across South Dakota. There are just 2 full days before we vote—and this is the time to stand up to get involved in your neighborhood. We need you to sign up to Get Out the Vote, because this is the most important thing you can do for Barack—and it’s vital to our success in this important election.

South Dakota: In the News

Zachary Scott Edwards — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 10:42:32 EDT

Obama tours downtown Rapid City after speaking to 3,000 supporters
The Democratic presidential frontrunner held a town hall meeting at the Central States Fairground, did interviews with local reporters and then headed downtown, where he toured Prairie Edge and The Firehouse before departing.
Obama said some people have asked why he is running for president so early in his political career and at a relatively young age; he turns 47 on Aug. 4.
He quoted Dr. Martin Luther King, saying he couldn’t walk away from “the fiery urgency of now.

“There’s such a thing as being too late,” Obama said. “That hour of change is upon us.”

…

There is also a dire need to improve education, alter No Child Left Behind and pay teachers more, Obama said.

He also called for community service programs to help young people pay for college. “We’ll invest in them, they’ll invest in America and together we’ll move the country forward,” Obama said.

He said people are tired of politics as usual in Washington, D.C., of spin and public relations.

“We can’t afford to wait,” Obama said to loud cheers. “They want truth and facts and honesty from their elected officials.”

Obama talks U.S. trade

Following the speech, Obama said he was interested in cracking down on unfair trade practices that hurt the US...and Country of Origin Meat Labeling is an important part of that. I think it's important to have country of origin labeling so Americans can make a decision about what they want, coming from ranches in South Dakota or they ship it in from thousands of miles away, that's also part of our overall trade policy I want to implement when I'm president.

Ida Fast Wolf opens for Obama

The opening speaker at today's Obama Rally was 8th grade teacher Ida Fast Wolf. She explained she has to give up her job at Porcupine School due to gas prices. I drive an hour and 45 minutes each way everyday, but because my heart was in my classroom, and with my students, the drive was worth it, but because gas prices are skyrocketing toward the end of the school year, I was paying almost $170.00 per week in gas, I cannot afford to do that anymore. So now I'm going to start looking for another place to teach, closer to home, but my goal is still to go back on the Pine Ridge. Obama's said today his solution for gas prices is to invest billions in alternative fuels like wind and bio-fuels. To get the money for that, he proposes charging polluters a fee per pollution unit. He says that system worked in the past in the effort to reduce acid rain and it is cheaper than people think.

Look guys: It's time to finish this nomination.

EMK — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 01:56:37 EDT

Today seems to be a long and emotional day for the Obama family. Also, HRC and a lot of her die-hard supporters (those who are unwilling to support Obama), as well as the corporate media (a.k.a. the MSM) will fight long and hard to back Obama into a corner to make him do something that is not in the interests of the people.

The Obamas need our help with prayer and assistance. If you can call, call. If you can blog, blog. Also, don't be afraid to post issues that are not covered by the corporate media, as they are very important and we may not be aware of them. Furthermore, if you have any campaign strategy advice for ObamaHQ, or any policy advice, give them to Sen. Obama now!

Tomorrow is PR and Tuesday is MT & SD. So without any shenanigans (I've found some on YouTube, and this is not how Obama wants to win this campaign), let's get as many delegates as possible so that we can MOVE ON to the general election!

Obama would be a great president, even if he ran as an independent!

Sincerely,

EMK

Video: Barack on the Needs of Small Businesses

Zachary Scott Edwards — Sat, 31 May 2008 23:22:22 EDT

This evening during the Town Hall meeting in Aberdeen, South Dakota, Barack was asked about what he would do for small businesses. Watch his response below.

Click here if you would like to read more about Barack's plan to help small businesses by cutting health care costs, improving access to capital and investing in innovation and development.

And don't forget-- the May fundraising deadline is tonight at 11:59 EDT; if you act now, you will be helping to bring us one step closer towards taking back Washington.

He Who Helps All People Of The Land

Nancy Lloyd — Sat, 31 May 2008 17:22:30 EDT

The following was from one of our Obamans in South Dakota:

He Who Helps All People Of The Land

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/caitlinharvey/gGBTlf

VIDEO: George McGovern on the Grassroots

Zachary Scott Edwards — Sat, 31 May 2008 16:49:01 EDT

Here in South Dakota, grassroots organizers have been working for months to get the word out about Barack, and they have been doing the hard work it takes to bring real change to Washington. These next few days, leading up to our primary on Tuesday, are extremely important and we need everyone’s help.

The video below is from an event earlier this week with former Senator George McGovern, where he discusses what really makes the difference in a close election—the grassroots.

If you are ready to join the South Dakota grassroots, click here help Get Out the Vote, and help make the difference in your neighborhood.

And don’t forget—local grassroots organizers wouldn’t be successful without the phone calls being made all across the country. Join us here in South Dakota, from wherever you are—and start making calls right now.

If you don’t have time to make calls, consider making a donation—the reporting deadline is tonight, and it’s up to us to make the difference in this election.

Slideshow and Video: Barack in Rapid City, South Dakota

Zachary Scott Edwards — Sat, 31 May 2008 13:30:26 EDT

This morning in Rapid City, South Dakota, Barack held a Town Hall meeting and talked with local residents about the need to turn the page on the spin coming out of Washington and offer a new direction for our foreign policy.

Video from this morning's town hall in Rapid City:

Today is the last day to make a matching donation and make the statement that we are ready for change in Washington, and ready to create an open dialogue with the American people. We need your help to make our voice loud and clear.

The final two primaries will be held this Tuesday, and we need to be reaching out to as many people as possible. Make calls today and stand up for the change we need in Washington.

Get Out the Vote this Weekend

Zachary Scott Edwards — Sat, 31 May 2008 10:56:25 EDT

Join us to canvass neighborhoods all across South Dakota this weekend as we work to get out the vote. We need your help, and this is the most important thing you can do to help Barack this weekend.

Watch the video below, called “Next Door,” and join us to talk with your friends, family and neighbors about Barack!

Click here to find your local office and come in right now! You can also signup online and one of our organizers will be in touch to help you get involved.

South Dakota: In the News

Zachary Scott Edwards — Sat, 31 May 2008 10:27:34 EDT

Candidate with bold idea

Every four years, we hear bold, sweeping ideas from presidential candidates, and then nothing changes. However, this year, one candidate is offering "change we can believe in."

The difference between Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, John McCain and any other candidate in recent history is that Obama knows that change must start from the bottom up. He is not promising that he alone can make the changes necessary to get our country back on track. He is telling Americans that we must make changes.

Making citizens accountable for their own actions is the boldest idea I have ever heard from a presidential candidate. Let's do something very bold, and send the new guy to Washington. The experienced ones we keep sending aren't taking care of business. Let's vote for Obama on June 3, and then make South Dakota blue in November.

Obama audien ce will call shots

Aberdeen's audience will be able to largely direct Sen. Barack Obama's town hall meeting today, a spokesman said.

"The theme will depend on where folks take it," said Matthew Lehrich, Obama campaign spokesman.

Obama is scheduled to speak at 5:30 p.m. today at the Aberdeen Civic Arena. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. He will make opening remarks, then take questions from the audience, Lehrich said.

A limited number of tickets will be available beginning at 9 a.m. today at Obama's Aberdeen office, 13 Second Ave. S.E. Around 2,500 seats could be available in the Civic Arena.

The Civic Arena holds 3,200 seats when it's configured for basketball; however, only about half of the bleacher seating on the main floor will be used for the event.
….

"You know that this is a significant event in history," he said. "That's kind of cool."

Final Friday to Early Vote in South Dakota

Zachary Scott Edwards — Fri, 30 May 2008 12:07:04 EDT

For most of South Dakota, today and Monday are the last days to Early Vote for Barack. If you haven’t yet--- make sure you find your early voting location and get out there today. This is the best way to make sure your voice is heard—and it also frees you up to help get out the vote on Tuesday June 3rd—the day of the South Dakota primary.

Click here to find your early voting location.

Click here to sign up to help Get Out the Vote.

The grassroots in South Dakota has had tremendous success getting the word out about Early Voting—but if you haven’t already reached out to your friends, family, and neighbors, make sure you reach out today! There is such a short amount of time left, and we need you to really step up in these final days.

Click here for other ways you can spread the word about Early Voting in South Dakota.

On Wednesday, Senator George McGovern early voted for Barack with some of his local neighbors. It's the little things, like asking some of your friends, and family to come down to your local county auditor to early vote, that make all the difference in a close election. Click here to invite someone to look up their early vote location.

Join Us to help get out the vote and make the difference in your neighborhood today!

South Dakota: In the News

Zachary Scott Edwards — Fri, 30 May 2008 10:31:04 EDT

Obama ‘Right For The Time,’ Supporters Say

Former Missouri Sen. Jean Carnahan and former Mississippi Gov. Ray Mabus were in town as part of their “Change is Coming” tour across eastern South Dakota to support Obama. Both are advisers to his campaign.

…
“We’ve got a long history of talking to our foes and people we disagree with, using some tough diplomacy, to get what we need to advance American interests,” Mabus said. “Not talking to people — the Bush and McCain plan — just hasn’t worked. At least Obama says he will do that. I think you can make some progress there, particularly if you don’t do it alone.

“The most important thing we can do is get out of Iraq and end the war that is not making us any safer and we shouldn’t have gotten into in the first place,” he added. “Obama has been the only candidate who has a very consistent position, saying we need to get out of this war and who has set forth a timetable for getting out.”

Every vote counts

I attended an event at the local Obama campaign office today that featured George McGovern. He told a story about an election in the 1940s, shortly after he had returned from World War II. A Democrat named Fred Nichol was running for the office of Davison County state's attorney. McGovern and his wife, Eleanor, were preoccupied with setting up their new lives together and weren't planning to vote.

Then they received a call from Nichol. He volunteered to pick up the McGoverns and drive them to the polling place so they could vote for him. They did, and as McGovern remembered it, Nichol won by a single vote.

I dug through our archives to verify the story. The year was 1946, and Nichol did indeed win, though the unofficial results quoted in The Daily Republic's coverage said the margin was two votes. Whatever the actual margin, the point remains: In an election, every single vote counts.

Nichol, by the way, went on to become a circuit court judge, a state legislator and a federal judge. Had he taken even two votes for granted back in 1946, he might never have attained those other offices.

Obama tells truth

I have supported Barack Obama for quite a while now and for many reasons:

Electability: I think Obama can unite the country behind him and beat John McCain by a percentage large enough to really make the country feel united.

Grace under pressure: I've watched Obama deal with the issues, setbacks and flash points of campaigning with consistent intelligence, courtesy and, above all, honesty.

Honesty: Whether dealing with inane notions such as a vacation from the gas tax (37 cents a day in exchange for no repairs to our infrastructure for a year) or the facts of race in America, Obama has told the truth. Talk about refreshing and desperately needed.

I urge everyone to consider voting for Obama June 3. But no matter what, vote.

Or you can vote early today…

Details on Barack's Upcoming Visit to South Dakota

Zachary Scott Edwards — Thu, 29 May 2008 17:41:08 EDT

Obama to Campaign in Rapid City, Mitchell

Town hall meetings scheduled in Rapid City, Aberdeen Saturday, rally at Corn Palace Sunday

SIOUX FALLS, SD—U.S. Senator and Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama will visit South Dakota this weekend to talk to voters about his plans to put an end to business as usual in Washington and bring about meaningful change for hardworking American families. Obama will hold town hall meetings in Rapid City and Aberdeen Saturday. Sunday, he will headline a rally at the Corn Palace in Mitchell.

Details of Senator Obama’s schedule are below. Further details will be announced as they become available.

SATURDAY, MAY 31

Rapid City, SD
TOWN HALL MEETING WITH BARACK OBAMA
Pennington County Event Center
915 E. Centre Street
Rapid City, SD 57701
Doors Open: 8:00 AM
Program Begins: 10:00 AM
The event is free and open to the public; however, space is limited and tickets are required. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Members of the public are invited to pick up free tickets at the location listed below:

Ticket Distribution Location:
Obama for America Rapid City Field Office
1315 Haines Ave (corner of Haines & Anamosa)
Rapid City, SD 57701
Tickets are available :
Thursday, May 29 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Friday, May 30 from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
***For security reasons, do not bring bags. Please limit personal belongings. No signs or banners permitted.***

Aberdeen, SD
TOWN HALL MEETING WITH BARACK OBAMA
Aberdeen Civic Arena
203 S. Washington Ave.
Aberdeen, SD 57401
Doors Open: 3:30 PM
Program Begins: 5:30 PM
The event is free and open to the public however tickets are required. To pick up a ticket please visit our ticket distribution location listed below.

Ticket Distribution Location:
Aberdeen Obama for America Office
13 2nd Ave. SE
Aberdeen, SD 57401
605-225-2008
Tickets are available :
Thursday, May 29 from 5:00PM to 9:00PM
Friday, May 30 from 9:00AM to 9:00PM
***For security reasons, do not bring bags or umbrellas. Please limit personal items. No signs or banners permitted.***
Further details to be announced as they become available.

SUNDAY, JUNE 1

Mitchell, SD
RALLY WITH BARACK OBAMA
Corn Palace
(Main St. between 6th & 7th)
612 N. Main
Mitchell, SD 57301
Gates Open: 1:00 PM
Program Begins: 3:00 PM
The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are NOT required, but an RSVP is strongly encouraged.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP ONLINE.

South Dakota: In the News-- Early Vote Edition

Zachary Scott Edwards — Thu, 29 May 2008 10:25:09 EDT

Absentee Option Convenient For Voters

Ada Fravel's schedule forced her to vote early in the upcoming primary.

“I'm coming in today because I'm going to be gone on Election Day, so I want to make sure my vote counts,” says Fravel.

But South Dakotans don't need an excuse to cast an absentee ballot. Any voter who is registered to a party can vote before the primary, by mail or in person.

So far in Minnehaha County 2,300 people have requested to vote absentee. County auditor Sue Roust says she's surprised by how many of those are from one party.

“One interesting thing is that two thirds are from Democrats and only one third are from Republicans. Usually it's much more balanced.”

Roust says the Democratic ticket is very competitive between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Since South Dakota is one of the last primaries, she knows the nation will be paying close attention.

Don't forget to Early Vote today! It's easy, and the best way to support Barack in South Dakota. Make sure your friends, family, and neighbors know how to support Barack-- by Early Voting! CLICK HERE to find your Early Voting location.

AUDIO: Barack on Real Change for First Americans

Zachary Scott Edwards — Wed, 28 May 2008 18:09:30 EDT

"Perhaps more than anyone else, the Native American community faces huge challenges that have been ignored by Washington for too long. It is time to empower Native Americans in the development of the national policy agenda."
--Barack Obama

Barack has spoken at great length about the importance of having a senior Native American policy advisor in a cabinet level position in his White House. He is committed to hosting an annual summit, held at the White House, for tribal leaders to help come up with an agenda that works for them.
In the clip below, Barack talks about how when he is president, he will ensure that Native Americans have a seat at the table and an advocate in Washington.

When Barack speaks about change in Washington, he has consistently talked about our need to be addressing the problems Americans face on a day to day basis. The Washington bureaucracies, like the Bureau of Indian Affairs, must start focusing on local communities and start creating solutions based upon the reality on the ground. In the clip below, Barack talks about the need to shake things up in Washington.

One of the most important aspects of Barack’s policies towards Native Americans is not that he will include them in his cabinet, or that he will hold an annual summit with their leaders in the White House—it’s the fact that he doesn’t take a one-size fits all approach to the hundreds of Indian Nations across the country. Every tribe is different, and by acknowledging and understanding these differences, Barack is the leader who can help us move forward and make real change in Washington. Listen to the final clip of Barack explaining his commitment to Native Americans and his hope to create a real dialogue in Washington.

Click here to join South Dakota First Americans for Obama, and help us bring real change to Washington.

Conference Call with Michelle Obama today!*Updated

Zachary Scott Edwards — Wed, 28 May 2008 14:55:19 EDT

TODAY: Michelle Obama to Speak to South Dakota Women for Obama by Teleconference

Women for Obama phone banks scheduled at each of campaign’s 11 South Dakota offices

Today, Michelle Obama will speak via teleconference to volunteers at Women for Obama phone banks across South Dakota. The women will gather at each of the campaign’s 11 offices around the state to make phone calls to other women in their communities to discuss Sen. Obama’s plans to lower gas prices, provide universal healthcare, and deliver the change in Washington that South Dakota families need.

Mrs. Obama will join the volunteers on a conference call to thank them for their hard work and encourage them to continue to organize friends and neighbors on the campaign’s behalf as the June 3rd primary nears.

The conference call will take place at 5:15 pm*** CST. Click here to find an office near you, and join us for this special event.

Stand for Change today. South Dakota Early Voting Ends Soon!

Zachary Scott Edwards — Wed, 28 May 2008 10:19:35 EDT

Today is another important election day, and we are running out of time to early vote in South Dakota! Early Voting has been going on for over a month, but there are only 4 days left -- there is no early voting on the weekends! This is the crunch time, and if you have thought about getting involved in this important election, the time has arrived-- this is the fierce urgency of now!

If you are a registered Democrat, you can early vote! CLICK HERE TO FIND YOUR EARLY VOTING LOCATION.

There are tons of other ways to get involved and make a difference here in South Dakota.

Invite someone else to participate in Early Voting.
Find your local office and help us get our supporters out to vote.
Sign up online to let us know you want to help get out the vote-- one of our staff or grassroots supporters will get in touch to get you more information.
Host a volunteer at your house who is here to help get out the vote.

This movement has never relied on special interests or top-down change. We've been successful because people have come together, in states across the country, to bring about our common vision of change.

Help us do the important work here in South Dakota and make sure your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers are Early Voting for Barack. If you are not in South Dakota, but want to make a difference, consider taking a trip here, or start making calls using our online calling tool.

Stand up during this final push in South Dakota and make an impact in this important election.

Building a Movement in South Dakota

Zachary Scott Edwards — Tue, 27 May 2008 20:29:18 EDT

Here in South Dakota, tens of thousands of phone lines were disrupted this evening. But that, and a little rain, didn’t stop our grassroots volunteers and staff members from going out and talking with local residents!

If you are not in South Dakota, we need you to reach out to our neighboring states, using the online calling tool, to get as many people on the ground here as possible. We have an enormous amount of ground to cover here to Get Out the Vote, and we need your help to get it done!

Foreign Policy Town Hall in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Zachary Scott Edwards — Tue, 27 May 2008 18:05:25 EDT

This afternoon in Sioux Falls, three of Barack’s top foreign policy advisors, held a town hall style discussion with local residents to talk about Barack’s plans to restore American leadership on the world stage and decrease the risk of terrorism by rooting out al Qaeda, rebuilding international cooperation, engaging in strong diplomacy and attacking global poverty.

Panel members included Denis McDonough, a former aide to Sen. Tom Daschle, Dr. Susan Rice, an assistant secretary of state in the Clinton administration and Tim Roemer, a former congressman from Indiana and member of the 9/11 Commission.

The event was held at the Disabled American Veterans Headquarters and many of the questions focused on how Barack would work with veterans to get them the benefits they deserve. One of the attendees, a Vietnam Veteran, spoke about how disappointed he was in the challenges to Iraq War veterans claims to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). He was extremely passionate about ensuring that we aren’t cutting budgets that are directly affecting veterans health—and was impressed with Barack’s work to deal with this serious issue that impacts many of the veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan.

The plan to review disability claims for PTSD and TBI veterans was abandoned in 2005 after Barack and Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) passed legislation to limit it and helped publicly pressure the agency to finally abandon the effort.

Click here to read more about Barack’s commitment to Veterans, and the work he has done to ensure we are fulfilling our obligation to their service.

There will be another forum tomorrow, this time, in Rapid City. If you are a local resident, or want to come ask some of Barack’s top foreign policy advisors a question, click here for more details and to RSVP .

If you are a veteran, and want to tell the campaign why you support Barack—click here to share your story! We’d love to hear from you—and if you have a policy or idea you would like the campaign to adopt, click here to present your idea.

And don’t forget, the best way to make a difference here in South Dakota is to Vote Early! Click here to find where to go.

Early Voting in South Dakota with George McGovern

Zachary Scott Edwards — Tue, 27 May 2008 11:19:12 EDT

On Wednesday, in Mitchell, South Dakota, former U.S. Senator George McGovern will meet with local residents at our local office, and then walk to the Davison County Court House to early vote for Barack!

McGovern represented South Dakota in the United States Senate from 1963 to 1981 and was the Democratic presidential nominee in 1972.

He endorsed Obama earlier this month, saying about the senator, “With passion and eloquence he is calling America home to its founding ideals, both at home and abroad.”

Click here for more details and to RSVP for this special event, and if you are a resident of Davison County— make plans to early vote on Wednesday with former Senator George McGovern!

The video below is from a rally earlier of this month, where Senator McGovern talked about the importance of the election here in South Dakota, and why he decided to support Barack.

If you haven't Early Voted yet, click here to find out where you need to go! If you have already Early Voted for Barack, we need your help Getting Out the Vote. Click here to make an impact in your neighborhood.

If you are not in South Dakota, but still want to make a difference, we need as many people as possible taking trips here to Get Out the Early Vote until June 2nd, and then helping for the all-important Primary on June 3rd. Click the link below to start making calls encouraging supporters to come help Get Out the Vote in South Dakota!

South Dakota: In the News

Zachary Scott Edwards — Tue, 27 May 2008 10:41:10 EDT

Sen. Christopher Dodd campaigns in Huron for Obama, calls him ‘right candidate for America’

No matter whether they live in Connecticut or South Dakota, Americans want the same things, he said.

“And we deserve political leadership that reflects that common interest and that common sense of purpose, and we haven’t had it,” he said.

“We’ve had political leadership determined to divide us as a people and not unite us as a people,” he said.

No matter their viewpoint, Obama will invite everyone to be part of the solution to massive problems, such as health care, gas prices, mortgage foreclosures and a crippling national debt that is greater than the debt accumulated during all 42 of the previous presidential administrations combined, Dodd said.

A knock on Obama is his lack of experience, but Dodd said character, judgment and decency are important, too.

“You can gain experience,” he said. “I don’t think you can gain temperament, judgment, character. I think you either have it or you don’t, and Barack Obama’s got it.”

Obama talks guns, faith and alternative energy

“South Dakota, like the rest of the country, is deeply concerned about the rising cost of gas prices and health care,” he said. “We’ve put forward a plan on each of these areas.”

He said he was an agent for change in Washington and that would include assisting rural and agricultural areas. Obama said his administration would treat “family farmers and family ranchers with the help and respect they deserve.”

He said he supported country of origin labels, would work to make health care more available in rural areas and was a booster of wind energy and biofuels.

“The key to rebuilding rural communities is economic development,” Obama said, as well as keeping young people in the state and in smaller towns.

In Many of his positions echo the words of former South Dakota senator Tom Daschle, an early Obama supporter and a national co-chairman of his campaign.

Obama brings national security panel to Rapid City

Roemer will bring his experience as a member of the 9-11 Commission, officially named the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States to a panel that will also include Denis McDonough and Susan Rice.

McDonough is a senior foreign policy advisor to Obama and past staffer for the U.S. House International Relations Committee who once worked as an aide to former South Dakota Sen. Tom Daschle. Rice worked as an assistant secretary of state in the Bill Clinton administration.

In a town hall-style meeting, the three will discuss Obama's foreign policy plans and policies to reduce the risk of terrorist attacks while pursuing members of the al Qaida terrorist organization, rebuilding international relations and addressing global poverty.

Roember, who served 12 years in the U.S. House of Representatives from the 3rd Congressional District in Indiana, is now president of the Center for National Policy, a Washington, D.C., think tank.

Roemer said those who criticism Obama for not being tough enough on national-security or terrorism issues don't understand the depth of his intelligence or resolve. Obama will be tough when necessary to protect the United States and its interests, but he will also be measured and thoughtful in his approach to foreign relations and security, Roemer said.

Video: New Obama South Dakota Ad Featuring Tom Daschle

Zachary Scott Edwards — Mon, 26 May 2008 18:05:58 EDT

Our campaign in South Dakota will begin airing a new TV ad tomorrow featuring former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle. In the 30-second ad, Daschle, one of Obama’s earliest public supporters, asks voters to join him in backing the candidate who is “rooted in the same values as most South Dakotans.”

“South Dakotans are suffering with the cost of gas and groceries; we need a leader who will take us in a new direction” Daschle says.

“He has an understanding of America, rural and urban alike. He will talk to us straight; we’ve needed that in this country for a long time” Daschle says. View the ad now:

We also have begun airing a 60-second spot entitled “Listening”. View the ad now:

Many of shots in the ad “Listening” are from Barack’s recent town hall forum in Watertown. Barack talked with local residents and discussed his plan to provide Real Leadership for Rural South Dakota. Click the image below to read more about Barack’s plan.

Join Us at a National Security Forum Tomorrow

Zachary Scott Edwards — Mon, 26 May 2008 13:58:58 EDT

TOMORROW: Senior Obama Advisers to Host National Security Forums in Sioux Falls and Pierre

Events to feature top Daschle aide, former Clinton official and former 9/11 Commission member

Three of U.S. Sen. Barack Obama’s top foreign policy advisers and supporters, including senior foreign policy adviser Denis McDonough, a former aide to Sen. Tom Daschle, Dr. Susan Rice, an assistant secretary of state in the Clinton administration and Tim Roemer, a former congressman from Indiana and member of the 9/11 Commission, will participate in panel discussions across South Dakota tomorrow and Wednesday. The three will discuss Obama’s plans to restore American leadership on the world stage and decrease the risk of terrorism by rooting out al Qaeda, rebuilding international cooperation and engaging in strong diplomacy.

The town hall-style events are free and open to the public.

McDonough, who served as Senate Democratic Leader Daschle’s foreign policy adviser from 2000 to 2004, is a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress. He has previously served as a member of the Democratic staff of the House International Relations Committee, where he focused on U.S. policy in Latin America.

Rice was the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs in President Clinton’s administration. She also served as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African Affairs for the National Security Council.

Roemer represented Indiana’s 3rd District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1991 to 2003, and then went on to serve on the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission). He is currently the President of the Center for National Policy, a national security think tank in Washington, D.C.

TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008

Click here to RSVP for the Sioux Falls Foreign Policy Forum

Click here to RSVP for the Pierre Foreign Policy Forum

WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 2008

Click here to RSVP for the Rapid City Foreign Policy Forum

South Dakota Grassroots Hungry for Change

Zachary Scott Edwards — Mon, 26 May 2008 11:31:17 EDT

Yesterday, in our local offices all across South Dakota, we held barbecues to thank our supporters for everything they have been doing to help get their friends, family, and neighbors out to vote early.

There are only 8 days left before the Primary, and only 7 days left of Early Voting—we need everyone helping to get out the vote! You can sign up online and one of our organizers will help you get involved—even if you've never knocked on a door, or made a get out the vote phone call—we’ll make it easy and fun—and you'll be making a big difference in your community!

Signing up to get out the vote is the best way to help Barack right now. Click here to get involved

We held a barbecue at our state headquarters in Sioux Falls right before kicking off one of our afternoon canvasses. Senator Scott Heidepriem was in attendance and gave a passionate speech about our need to come together as Democrats and work for the change we all want to see in Washington. After his speech, Senator Heidepriem went out to knock on doors and talk about why he thinks Barack should be our next president. In fact, he also signed up for several more shifts this week and continued to stress after his speech that as Democrats, we must meet face to face with our neighbors, and listen to our community at large.

The afternoon really fired everyone up, and especially the work from another Senator who believes in the power of a grassroots campaign. If you haven’t had a chance yet, we encourage you to find your local office and stop by. We also need everyone to start signing up for get out the vote shifts. Join us, and make the difference in your neighborhood.

South Dakota: In the News

Zachary Scott Edwards — Mon, 26 May 2008 10:35:20 EDT

Obama supporters host Family Fun Day in RC

Barack Obama supporters gathered at Memorial Park in Rapid City Sunday for a family fun day in the park. The weather cooperated and supporters were able to enjoy hotdogs, bratwurst, potato salad and much more. Today's family activity was a chance for Obama campaign leaders to inform the community about the Illinois Senator's platforms. Ida Fast Wolf says, "A lot of kids here. It's important in our culture also to have our kids. You know you think they're too young to understand but they're a part of the process; because that's why we're here -- for our future. And I think Senator Barack Obama believes in that also. And that's important to us." Following the cookout, campaign volunteers put on their walking shoes and went door-to-door canvassing for Obama votes.

Ray Mabus, Jean Carnahan Coming to SD for Obama

Former Mississippi Governor Ray Mabus to Tour South Dakota for Obama

Stops scheduled in Madison, Watertown and Brookings Wednesday; on Thursday, Mabus to be joined by former U.S. Sen. Jean Carnahan for visits to Lennox, Beresford, Yankton, and Vermillion

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Obama supporter and former Mississippi Gov. Ray Mabus will speak at events across eastern South Dakota this Wednesday and Thursday as part of the Obama campaign's "Change is Coming" community conversations. On Wednesday, Mabus will visit Madison, Watertown and Brookings. On Thursday, he will be accompanied by former Missouri U.S. Sen. Jean Carnahan at stops in Lennox, Beresford, Yankton, and Vermillion. The events will offer South Dakotans the opportunity to continue their dialogue with the Obama campaign about the issues impacting them most, and learn about Senator Obama's plans to provide affordable health care to every American, fix our struggling schools, and end the costly war in Iraq.

The town hall-style events are free and open to the public.

Click here for more information

The worst case scenario card

Vicki from Saint Paul, MN — Sun, 25 May 2008 15:00:48 EDT

Tired and overwrought? Is that the explanation for Hillary's comment in South Dakota that she's in the race because things can happen in June (for example: Bobby Kennedy's 1968 Assassination in California). Or, is it a public airing of a regularly-voiced opinion among her campaign staffers? Is it not akin to embracing "hard-working whites" as her own? If she didn't believe it, why didn't she apologize to the Obama family as well as to the Kennedys?

There can no longer be any doubt that the Hillary campaign has allowed crass cynicism to govern its actions - calling for long-festering prejudice and misinformation to work to its advantage in a race against an African-American. And for what - a desperate grab for the promise of power that has been slipping from her hands since Obama's victory in Iowa? How can it have come to this and, more importantly for me, how can my feminist friends look away from it, just so they can vote for a woman?

A lot of Americans believe that we can, and should, have a woman as our president. What we seem to disagree on is whether it should be this particular woman. If no other argument sways the supporters of Hillary, it should be this one: she has played the "worst case scenario" card so that the remaining convention delegates will stop and consider whether something bad might happen to her opponent. I don't know how she could stoop any lower or how voting for someone who would do it could possibly be good for our nation.

Join Us Today!

Zachary Scott Edwards — Sat, 24 May 2008 11:19:57 EDT

Today, all across South Dakota, we will be gathering at our local offices to kick off canvasses, hold barbecues, call our friends, family, and neighbors, and make sure that everyone knows about Barack. We hope you will join us for one of our Memorial weekend events-- they are our way of saying thanks for everything that our grassroots supporters have been doing across the state.

Click the image below to find an event near you---and join us this today!

If you don’t see an event near you, you can also come into one of our local offices, things are going on every day, and we would love to have you stop by!

Click here to find your local office.

We also want to make sure that you are empowered with the resources to talk about Barack and his policies. We've created a South Dakota resource page and encourage you to download issue sheets and make sure anyone you know who is undecided is given the chance to hear more. Click here to visit the South Dakota Resource Center.

Barack is committed to South Dakota and our campaign has released a packet of rural policies that deal specifically with issues that rural South Dakotans face everyday. Click the image below for more details.

We hope you will join us today, or sometime this long Memorial weekend to help get out the word about Barack. It's a great way to make a big difference this weekend-- and all this barbeucue isn't going to eat itself! Click here to find an event near you, and Join Us!

AUDIO: Billy Mills on Barack Obama

Zachary Scott Edwards — Fri, 23 May 2008 18:01:20 EDT

Olympic gold medalist Billy Mills – a Lakota Sioux born and raised on South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Indian Reservation –hosted a conference call with reporters this afternoon to discuss the 2008 presidential election and why he has decided to publicly endorse Senator Barack Obama.

Mills rose to prominence at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo where he came in as a virtual unknown and stunned the world by surging forward from third place in the final lap to capture the gold medal. He has since been inducted into the U.S. Track and Field Hall of Fame and the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame.

Mills currently serves as the national spokesperson for Running Strong for American Indian Youth, an organization he co-founded in 1986 that seeks to build the capacity of Native communities to solve problems and strengthen the future and self-esteem of their youth.

Click here to listen to Billy Mills discuss his reasons for supporting Barack.

One of the most important reasons Mills gave for publicly endorsing Barack, was his commitment to meeting on a regular basis with Native American leadership across the country.

Barack Obama in Elko, NV, January 18, 2008 (watch here):

"We've got to make sure we are not just having a BIA that is dealing with the various Native American tribes; we've got to have the President of the United States meeting on a regular basis with the Native American leadership and ensuring relationships of dignity and respect."

Click here to learn more about Barack’s positions for First Americans, and join Billy Mills, a member of South Dakota First Americans for Obama.

Today is Election Day!

Zachary Scott Edwards — Fri, 23 May 2008 11:15:28 EDT

TODAY IS ELECTION DAY!

To be fair, every weekday from now until June 2nd is Election Day! Here in South Dakota, we can vote early, and this is the best way to support Senator Obama. We hope you will take the time today to find your early voting location, by clicking the image below, and go make your voice heard!

If you have already voted early, we need you to call your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors and let them know that today is Election Day!

You can also use our invitation form, and send them an email reminder! Click here to get started.

We have seen a tremendous outpouring of support here in South Dakota, and this Memorial weekend, we will be hosting events all across the state to show our gratitude. We will be hosting barbecues and other events at our local offices, and we hope you can make it to one!

Click the image below to find an event near you---and join us this weekend!

If you don’t see an event near you, you can also come into one of our local offices, things are going on every day, and we would love to have you stop by!

Click here to find your local office.

And don’t forget, TODAY IS ELECION DAY!

Senior Obama Advisers to Host National Security Forums

Zachary Scott Edwards — Thu, 22 May 2008 19:29:33 EDT

Three of U.S. Sen. Barack Obama’s top foreign policy advisers and supporters, including senior foreign policy adviser Denis McDonough, a former aide to Sen. Tom Daschle, Dr. Susan Rice, an assistant secretary of state in the Clinton administration and Tim Roemer, a former congressman from Indiana and member of the 9/11 Commission, will participate in panel discussions across South Dakota next week. The three will discuss Obama’s plans to restore American leadership on the world stage and decrease the risk of terrorism by rooting out al Qaeda, rebuilding international cooperation, engaging in strong diplomacy and attacking global poverty.

The town hall-style events are free and open to the public.

McDonough, who served as Senate Democratic Leader Daschle’s foreign policy adviser from 2000 to 2004, is a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress. He has previously served as a member of the Democratic staff of the House International Relations Committee, where he focused on U.S. policy in Latin America.

Please find event details below.

Sioux Falls Foreign Policy Forum
Tuesday, May 27th
12:15 p.m.

Disabled American Veterans Headquarters
1519 W. 51st St.
Sioux Falls, S.D.
RSVP HERE

Pierre Foreign Policy Forum
Tuesday, May 27th
5:45 p.m.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall
401 S. Central Ave.
Pierre, S.D.
RSVP HERE

Rapid City Foreign Policy Forum
Wednesday, May 28th
10:45 a.m.

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Surbeck Ballroom
501 E. Saint Joseph St.
Rapid City, S.D.
RSVP HERE

South Dakota Sportsmen for Obama meet in Sioux Falls

Zachary Scott Edwards — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:01:06 EDT

South Dakota Sportsmen for Obama met this morning at our headquarters in Sioux Falls to discuss their passion to bring about their common vision of change to Washington and how they plan to reach out to their friends, family, and neighbors to make it happen.

The organization is a group of hunters and anglers from around the state who support Obama because of his commitment to protecting the habitat used for hunting and fishing and his respect for the traditions that so many South Dakotans hold dear.

Barack did not grow up hunting and fishing, but he recognizes the great conservation legacy of America’s hunters and anglers and has great respect for the passion that hunters and anglers have for their sport.

Were it not for America’s hunters and anglers, including the great icons like Theodore Roosevelt and Aldo Leopold, our nation would not have the tradition of sound game management, a system of ethical, science-based game laws and an extensive public lands estate on which to pursue the sport.

Barack recognizes that we must forge a broad coalition if we are to address the great conservation challenges we face. America’s hunters and anglers are a key constituency that must take an active role and have a powerful voice in this coalition.

Click here to read more about Barack’s plan to support the rights and traditions of sportsmen.

If you would like to join South Dakota Sportsmen for Obama, click here.

South Dakota: In the News

Zachary Scott Edwards — Thu, 22 May 2008 10:30:20 EDT

Women across state rallying behind Obama

WASHINGTON - A group of prominent South Dakota women announced Wednesday they will encourage women across the state to vote for Illinois Sen. Barack Obama in the June 3 Democratic presidential primary.

South Dakota Women for Obama will make phone calls, send e-mails, knock on doors and host house meetings to talk about Obama and why they support him in the primary and November's general election if he becomes the Democratic nominee.

The group is being led by Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, D-S.D., who said Obama was raised by a single mother with the help of a grandmother, who worked hard to keep the family afloat.

"As a father working with his wife, Michelle, to raise their two young daughters, he understands how important it is to build a better future for all women," Herseth Sandlin said. "As president, Barack Obama will work to make life better for women."

…

Ann McGovern, daughter of former South Dakota senator and presidential candidate George McGovern, said she supports Obama because he opposed the Iraq War before the invasion. Clinton supported going to war.

"I'm the mother of three sons and now the grandmother of three grandsons, and I grew up in a household where my father was in politics from the time I was a young girl," McGovern said. "I very strongly support him for his approach to diplomatic solutions to world problems."

Obama campaign to host Family Fun Days

This weekend, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama's campaign will host 14 family barbeques throughout South Dakota to rally the campaign's supporters before they hit the streets to go door to door for Obama.

The events will also encourage participants to vote early and provide information about the process.

Organizers say undecided voters are encouraged to attend to find out more about Obama's plans to bring people together to deliver universal health care, lower gas prices and end the Iraq war.

Senator Chris Dodd Headlining South Dakota Events

Zachary Scott Edwards — Wed, 21 May 2008 18:04:38 EDT

Friday events scheduled for Sioux Falls, Huron and Aberdeen

Connecticut U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd will visit South Dakota on behalf of U.S. Sen. Barack Obama Friday to headline an education town hall in Sioux Falls and “Change is Coming” community conversations in Huron and Aberdeen. Dodd will make the case for why Obama is the best choice in this election for South Dakotans who want to move beyond the broken politics of the past and unite people around our most important priorities: delivering universal health care, lowering gas prices and ending the war in Iraq.

Dodd is currently serving his fifth term in the Senate where he is a respected legislator who works in a bipartisan fashion to better people’s lives. Dodd is the author of the landmark Family and Medical Leave Act, and he currently serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Dodd also serves as Chairman of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Peace Corps, and Narcotics.

Additional event details will be released as they become available.

Sioux Falls Education Town Hall

Siverson Lounge, Morrison Commons
Augustana College
2001 S. Summit Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57197

Friday, May 23rd
10:00 a.m.
RSVP HERE

Huron “Change is Coming” Community Conversation

Plains Dining & Recreation Center
960 4th St. NE,
Huron, S.D.

Friday, May 23rd
2 p.m.
RSVP HERE

Aberdeen “Change is Coming” Community Conversation

Ramada Convention Center
2727 6th Avenue SE
Aberdeen, S.D. 57401

Friday, May 23rd
5:30 p.m.
RSVP HERE

South Dakota Women for Obama Steering Committee

Zachary Scott Edwards — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:20:35 EDT

Elected officials, community leaders to lead outreach in run-up to June 3 primary

Our campaign announced today our South Dakota Women for Obama Steering Committee. The group of 12 women—elected officials and community leaders from around the state—will advise the campaign on women’s and family issues and lead outreach efforts to South Dakota women.

“Whether it's skyrocketing energy costs, a lack of access to quality, affordable health care, or a severely underfunded education system, women and families in South Dakota face a number of challenges in meeting their most basic needs,” U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin said. “It's time for a change. We need a leader like Barack Obama who can put an end to business as usual in Washington by bringing people together and finding common ground on difficult issues.”

Click here if you would like to join South Dakota Women for Obama.

Deb Billion said the Democratic primary presented a difficult choice between two talented candidates, but that she joins women across the country who are backing Obama because he is the candidate who can best bring about the change our families need.

“What’s clear to me is that if we want to make real progress on the issues that face families, we need to change more than just parties – we need to change the way business is done in Washington,” she said. “When I listen to Barack Obama talk about being raised a single mother and watch him interact with his two little girls, I know he will continue to be a tireless advocate for women and families. He has a proven track record of taking on the special interests, and he is best choice to bring people together and finally make progress on critical issues, like ending the war in Iraq, providing a world-class education for all of our children and making universal health care a reality.”

Click here to Read more, or Click here to Join Women for Obama

**UPDATE** Audio from the call:

Ann McGovern on why she supports Senator Obama:

Click here to listen.

South Dakota: In the News

Zachary Scott Edwards — Wed, 21 May 2008 10:37:22 EDT

Obama office opens in Spearfish

t's the location of one of six new Sen. Barack Obama campaign offices that were opened in South Dakota last weekend. The South Dakota Democratic primary will be held June 3 and Obama supporters are working to gain each and every vote.

Volunteers in the Northern Hills spent the better part of last Saturday moving desks, laptop computers and telephones into the backside of a residence located at 240 Kansas St., in Spearfish.

“We want area residents to know where Senator Obama stands on issues that affect them,” said Matt Lehrich, Obama's South Dakota campaign spokesperson. “We have about three weeks until the election and we are going to be very busy in the Black Hills.”

Whether it's making phone calls, staffing booths or going door to door, Lehrich said Obama supporters in Spearfish are up to the challenge.

Obama Announces Two More SD Offices Opening

Senator Barack Obama's campaign is announcing the opening of two more office locations in South Dakota. That means Obama will have eleven offices statewide.

A grand opening is planned for 7:30 tonight at the new Huron office location, while similar plans for the new Madison office are to be determined. Over the weekend, Obama's campaign announced additional campaign offices would open in Brookings, Mitchell, Spearfish, Pierre, Watertown and Yankton. He already has offices in Sioux Falls, Aberdeen and Rapid City.

Click here to find an office near you.

Office Grand Openings Across South Dakota

Zachary Scott Edwards — Tue, 20 May 2008 16:08:09 EDT

Opening of local headquarters in Huron and Madison, bringing total number of Obama S.D. offices to 11

This week, our campiagn in South Dakota will host grand opening events at eight of our new South Dakota office locations, including two that have not been previously announced. (That brings the total number of Obama offices in the state to 11! Click here to see all of our offices.) Local volunteers, supporters and undecided voters alike are invited to attend to learn about the senator’s plans to deliver real change for South Dakota and find out how to get involved with the campaign.

Details of the grand opening events are below.

Brookings Office Grand Opening

5:30 p.m.
Thurs, May 22, 2008
683 Faculty Dr
Brookings, SD 57006

Huron Office Grand Opening

7:30 p.m.
Wed, May 21, 2008
375 Dakota Ave. Ste. 108
Huron, SD 57350

Madison Office Grand Opening

Date and Time TBA
211 SE 4th St
Mitchell, SD 57301

Mitchell Office Grand Opening

5:30 p.m.
Thurs, May 22, 2008
400 N. Main St.
Mitchell, SD 57301

Pierre Office Grand Opening

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
118 N. Garfield Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501

Spearfish Office Grand Opening

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
240 E Kansas St.
Spearfish, SD 57783
RSVP #: 605-642-2650

We hope you can come down to one of our local offices to get involved, or join us for one of our grand openings. Click here to find an office near you.

South Dakota in the Spotlight

Zachary Scott Edwards — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:01:02 EDT

Our South Dakota State Director just sent out this email to supporters across the state. Take a read, and Join Us at one of our local offices to help Get Out the Vote.

Dear Friend,

Barack had a great trip to South Dakota last week, talking to voters in Sioux Falls and Watertown about his plan for rural communities and working families across the country.

The reception was overwhelming, and I wanted to take this moment to let you know how we can build on our momentum in South Dakota.

The primary is coming up on June 3rd, and -- but you don't have to wait another day to vote for change.

Early vote locations are open right now, and folks across the state are heading to their county auditor's office to say they've made up their mind and they're for Barack Obama.

Look up your early vote location and vote for Barack today:

http://sd.barackobama.com/SDearlyvote

After voting early, make an even bigger difference.

We saw the incredible enthusiasm for Barack during his trip to South Dakota last week. But if we want to reach the maximum number of people and make sure everyone votes for Barack by June 3rd, we need folks like you to take the lead in your communities.

It's not too late to sign up as a Community Captain -- you'll work with a local Obama organizer to identify supporters and help bring new people into this movement.

No prior experience is necessary -- our team will make sure you have all the support and training you need.

Learn more and sign up now:

http://my.barackobama.com/SDcaptain

Thanks,

Nathan

Nathan Peterson
South Dakota State Director
Obama for America

New South Dakota Early Vote Locations

Zachary Scott Edwards — Mon, 19 May 2008 20:31:13 EDT

Obama Campaign Commends Shannon and Todd Counties for Requesting Early Voting

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.—Obama campaign South Dakota State Director Nathan Peterson issued the following statement today commending the Shannon and Todd county commissions for requesting early voting:

“By requesting early voting in Pine Ridge, Kyle and Mission, the Shannon and Todd County commissioners have done a great service of expanding voting rights to citizens in these communities. The right to vote is the bedrock of our democracy and the foundation for a government that works for the people. We applaud the Shannon and Todd County commissioners for their proactive effort to protect equality, and we encourage every eligible voter in Shannon and Todd Counties to take advantage of this opportunity to make their voices heard.”

New Voting Locations Below:

SHANNON COUNTY RESIDENTS:

Wednesday, May 21st
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
CAP Office
Pine Ridge, SD

Wednesday, May 28th
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
OLC College Center
Kyle, SD

TODD COUNTY RESIDENTS:

Thursday, May 22nd
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
County Building
Mission, SD

If you live in another county in the state, most of the Early Voting locations are open from Monday – Friday, during normal business hours. To get more information about your local Early Voting location, click here to use our online lookup tool.

Don’t forget to let your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers know about early voting, especially if they are in one of these counties with new Early Voting sites.

Click here to use our One-Stop Early Voting invitation form.

Remember, all day tomorrow, if you are a registered Democrat, you can vote for Barack!

Tomorrow the Last Day to Change Registration!

Zachary Scott Edwards — Sun, 18 May 2008 20:37:40 EDT

The Obama campaign in South Dakota just sent out this email reminder. Don't forget, tomorrow you can participate in One-Stop Early Voting all across the state!

Dear Zach,

Tomorrow is a crucial deadline in South Dakota -- it's the last day to register as a Democrat so you can vote for Barack in the primary.

Even if you aren't registered to vote or have never voted before, you can register and vote early all at once -- but you must act tomorrow, Monday, May 19th.

Don't wait -- look up your early vote location, and register and vote for Barack tomorrow:

http://sd.barackobama.com/SDearlyvote

Thanks,

Obama for America

P.S. -- If you're already registered, make an even bigger difference.

This movement has never relied on special interests or top-down change. We've been successful because people like you have come together, in states across the country, to bring about our common vision of change.

Help lead this effort in South Dakota -- become a Community Captain for Barack today:

http://sd.barackobama.com/SDcaptain

Sunday News in South Dakota

Zachary Scott Edwards — Sun, 18 May 2008 11:53:36 EDT

Obama: Federal role in wind power

Tax incentives vital, he tells Argus Leader

The federal government needs to take responsibility for building transmission lines to encourage the development of wind power in South Dakota, Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama said during an interview Friday with the Argus Leader.

WATCH THE INTERVIEW:

Obama gets serious about South Dakota
Sen. Barack Obama said Saturday that the opening of six more campaign offices in South Dakota, including one in Spearfish, reflects his commitment to Democratic voters in the state before the June 3 primary.
…
The Journal described a typical West River ranch scenario to Sen. Barack Obama on Saturday, and asked how he would help the family stay on the ranch and look to the future.

The family is fighting high fuel prices, drought, hay and grass shortages, the need for a second job in town to provide affordable health insurance and -- even though livestock and grain prices are strong -- reduced commodities to sell because of drought-related downsizing and reduced crop production.

As president, what solutions would Obama offer this family?

* "No. 1 is to make sure that we are providing agricultural subsidies that actually help the family farmer or family rancher you're talking about. Right now, too much of that money goes to agribusinesses that don't need the support."

* "No. 2 is making sure the markets are open. If we can't sell beef into Japan or South Korea, that's a problem. We've got to have a president who focuses on that issue." It's also important to finally implement country of origin labeling, he said.

* "We've got to deal with the high costs of inputs. And frankly, the only way we're going to reduce gas and diesel prices over the long term is by reducing demand and making our operations more efficient. That's why I'm committed to putting $150 billion over 10 years into clean technology like biodiesel."

* "We've got to deal with the rising cost of health care." A program to provide affordable health insurance for small entrepreneurs including farmers and ranchers could "allow that wife not to have to drive all those miles to get a job that provides health-care insurance."

* Tailor economic development programs to provide assistance based on local needs and priorities. "I don't assume what's going on in Texas is the same as what's going on in South Dakota."

Six New Offices Across South Dakota

Zachary Scott Edwards — Sat, 17 May 2008 16:46:31 EDT

Obama Campaign Opens Six New South Dakota Offices

Regional headquarters open in Brookings, Pierre, Yankton, Watertown, Mitchell, and Spearfish

Our campiagn announced today the opening of six new offices across South Dakota. The offices in Brookings, Pierre, Yankton, Watertown, Mitchell, and Spearfish join the state headquarters in Sioux Falls and regional headquarters in Aberdeen and Rapid City bringing the total to nine throughout the state.

By opening the offices, the Obama campaign hopes to make it easier for South Dakotans to get involved in the senator’s grassroots movement for change. They also serve as local resource centers where area residents can learn about where Obama stands on issues important to South Dakota families.

“Senator Obama understands that real change comes from the ground up and we are focused on building a grassroots movement here in South Dakota,” Obama Deputy Campaign Director Steve Hildebrand said. “These offices will give South Dakotans across the state an opportunity to learn more about the senator and join in our movement to deliver health care to every American, end the Iraq war and revive the economy by creating good-paying jobs and lowering gas prices.”

Click here to view all nine of our offices across South Dakota. We'd love to have you stop by one of them and start getting involved today. We have things to do for everyone, and need your help to help grow our grassroots movement across the state. Hope to see you soon!

South Dakota: In the News

Zachary Scott Edwards — Sat, 17 May 2008 11:21:05 EDT

Kennedy stumps for Obama, fires back at Bush, McCain
Ethel, Max Kennedy re-connect with West River, Native voters.
Ethel and Max Kennedy brought a mix of the old and new of American politics to western South Dakota on Friday in support of Barack Obama.
The 80-year-old widow of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and the ninth of their 11 children are reaching across generational lines to connect what they call the inspired Democratic politics of the 1960s with the energy of the Obama campaign today.

Max Kennedy, 43, spoke to about 100 people at The Journey Museum, telling them that older Democrats say Obama inspires them in ways they haven't experienced since his father campaigned.

"They told me that they loved him. And so I understood that happened. But I never felt anything like that for a politician until I began to see Sen. Barack Obama," Kennedy said. "And I am so grateful for my generation to have a candidate who inspires us in that way.

"His candidacy has become a movement. And it's a movement for our generation to unify this nation and come together again."

Undecided Voters Swayed By Speech
About 7,000 people packed the Sioux Falls arena Friday to see democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama, and his speech may have swayed some of the undecided voters in the crowd.
Bernie Larsen was one of several people who came to see Senator Obama without knowing whether she would back Barack or Senator Hillary Clinton.
"You'll hear it," Larsen said before the speech. "I'll know what I hear tonight, and I'll know if he's the guy or not."
University of Sioux Falls student Jon Bohlen took time to see Senator Clinton speak last week before turning out to see Obama, yet, before the speech, he told us he wasn't even sure he'd vote democrat.
…
"He's going to bring wind energy to South Dakota, get corn energy, Biofuels..." Bohlen said after the speech. "Yeah, I did like that a lot."
"It feels good just to hear somebody offering all that, and you have hope in somebody like him." Larsen said. "And that's what I think I feel."
Both Larsen and Bohlen said the speech also helped them make up their minds.
"He really was a positive influence," Bohen said afterward. "I think I really will cast (a vote) for Barack."
"Yeah, I'm going to vote for him," Larsen said.

Barack in Watertown: Real Leadership for Rural Communities

Zachary Scott Edwards — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:27:34 EDT

This morning in Watertown, South Dakota, Barack hosted a town hall forum with a packed crowd and discussed his plan to provide real leadership to rural communities. As a Senator from a rural, Midwestern state, Barack has worked to ensure rural America’s prosperity and vitality, and he will continue to do so as our next president.

The town hall meeting this morning was another opportunity where Barack was able to speak face to face with farmers and ranchers to make sure that his policy proposals meshed with the problems rural communities face every day.

In a conference call on Monday, “Dallas Tonsager and Dennis Wiese, both former presidents of the South Dakota Farmers Union, said Obama was the best choice for South Dakota farmers and ranchers. Wiese said he was impressed that Obama based his rural agenda on personal meetings with farmers and ranchers, rather than Washington lobbyists.”

Barack has been reaching out for years to listen and respond to rural communities needs. As president he will:

• Ensure Economic Opportunity for Family Farmers and Ranchers
• Promote Rural America’s Leadership in Developing Renewable Energy
• Support Rural Economic Development
• Improve Rural Quality of Life
• Protect the Rights of Sportsmen

To read more about Barack’s plan to provide Real Leadership for Rural South Dakota, click here.

If you are in the Sioux Falls area, don’t forget about Barack’s One-Stop Early Voting rally tonight with special guests Senator George McGovern and Senator Tom Daschle! Click here for more details.

Using MSNBC's number - 27 superdelegates to shut out Clinton

Thatcher — Fri, 16 May 2008 13:17:25 EDT

On March 28, over at Chris Weigant's blog, Chris asked his readers to place their bets (in quatloos) when Clinton would drop out of the Presidential race. Well, I've done pretty well so far. I predicted that Obama would surpass Clinton in Superdelegates before the West Virginia primary (got it right) and several of my delegate totals from the primaries were darn close (I didn't do so well on my original delegate estimate for Indiana). Also, I was only 1 day off for the John Edwards endorsement of Obama. My final prediction is Clinton drops out on June 16, just 31 days from now.

27. This is the magic number.

The blog editor won't allow tables ... so the rest of the post is over at The Dead Guy

One-Stop Early Voting All Across South Dakota

Zachary Scott Edwards — Fri, 16 May 2008 12:45:38 EDT

There are lots of things you can do across South Dakota to help Barack Obama today!
If you haven’t participated in One-Stop Early Voting yet, make sure to find your early voting location and vote for Barack today! Even if you aren’t registered, or have never voted before, you can get find your One-Stop location and join the millions of Americans across the country that have already stood with Senator Obama.

Click here to use our online lookup tool and vote for Barack today!
Don't forget to encourage your friends, famiy, neighbors, and co-workers to Early Vote for Barack too!

We are also pleased to announce that this evening in Sioux Falls, Barack is going to be holding an One-Stop Early Voting rally with special guests Senator George McGovern and Senator Tom Daschle.

Join us for the rally today!

Sioux Falls Arena
1201 N. West Ave.
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Doors Open: 5:00 PM
Program Begins: 7:00 PM

The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are NOT required, but an RSVP is strongly encouraged. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, and to RSVP for tickets, click here.

During today’s event, Barack will be speaking about South Dakota and our unique opportunity to have an election day EVERY DAY, up until June 2nd. Then, on June 3rd, we will be holding our Primary for anyone who didn’t participate in early voting. If you are going to participate in the June 3rd Primary, you must be registered as a Democrat by Monday, May 19th!

Click here to fill out your registration forms online.

Don’t forget, if you vote early, you can register and vote all at once! This is the best way to support Senator Obama here in South Dakota. Click here to find your One-Stop Early Voting location, and then don’t forget to join us for tonight’s rally!

Daschle, McGovern to Join Obama in South Dakota Friday

Zachary Scott Edwards — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:17:18 EDT

Daschle, McGovern to Join Obama at SD Campaign Stops

SIOUX FALLS, SD—U.S. Sen. Barack Obama will visit South Dakota tomorrow to talk with voters about his plans to change Washington and finally tackle the challenges facing hardworking American families. Obama will hold a town hall meeting on rural issues in Watertown tomorrow morning before heading to Sioux Falls in the evening to hold an early vote rally at Sioux Falls Arena.

Senator Obama will be joined by former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle at both events and will also be joined by former U.S. Senator and Democratic presidential nominee George McGovern at the rally in Sioux Falls.

Details on the events below.

FRIDAY, MAY 16
Watertown, SD

TOWN HALL MEETING ON RURAL ISSUES WITH BARACK OBAMA

With special guest Senator Tom Daschle
Codington County Extension Complex
1910 Kemp Ave West
Watertown, SD
Doors Open: 9:00 AM
Program Begins: 11:00 AM

The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are required. To pick up a ticket please visit our ticket distribution location listed below. Seating is limited and is based on a first come first serve basis.

Ticket Distribution Location

Obama Watertown Headquarters
Near the Maple Street Diner
Midland Plaza
100 South Maple
Watertown, SD
Thursday, May 15 from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

FRIDAY, MAY 16
Sioux Falls, SD

ONE-STOP EARLY VOTE RALLY WITH BARACK OBAMA

With special guests Senator George McGovern and Senator Tom Daschle
Sioux Falls Arena
1201 N. West Ave.
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Doors Open: 5:00 PM
Program Begins: 7:00 PM

We hope you can join us for one of these very special events. Don’t forget that here in South Dakota we can participate in One-Stop Early Voting. Even if you aren’t registered, or have never voted before, you can do it all at once and vote for Barack today! Click here to find your Early Voting location and make your voice heard right now.

South Dakota: In the News

Zachary Scott Edwards — Thu, 15 May 2008 10:59:40 EDT

Obama campaign reaches out to rural South Dakota
Two former state agriculture leaders made a pitch to rural South Dakota on Monday for presidential hopeful Barack Obama, touting farm-policy initiatives aimed at strengthening disaster assistance, helping beginning farmers and boosting alternative fuel supplies.
…
Obama’s campaign previously released a list of 25 current Democratic state lawmakers – a number of them farmers - who were endorsing him.

In a conference call Monday, Dallas Tonsager and Dennis Wiese, both former presidents of the South Dakota Farmers Union, said Obama was the best choice for South Dakota farmers and ranchers. Wiese said he was impressed that Obama based his rural agenda on personal meetings with farmers and ranchers, rather than Washington lobbyists.

Wiese and Tonsager agreed that Obama’s strong support for permanent disaster assistance was essential to farmers and ranchers who are often damaged by drought, flood, blizzards and hail.

“I think disaster is always an issue in South Dakota,” Tonsager said.

Grain and livestock prices have been at profitable levels in South Dakota in recent years. But Tonsager said farm markets are subject to dramatic swings, and farm programs should be designed to cushion farmers when the prices fall, he said.
Mitchell headquarters set up for presidential hopeful Obama
A sure sign of South Dakota’s upcoming primary has arrived in Mitchell, where members of Sen. Barack Obama’s presidential campaign have set up shop on the corner of Fourth and Main.
…
The campaign, which also has established offices in Sioux Falls, Rapid City and Aberdeen, will hold an organizational meeting at 6:30 p.m. today at the Mitchell office in an attempt to recruit volunteers for Obama’s presidential run.
Lehrich said the campaign doesn’t have a specific number of volunteers they’re hoping to recruit, but is confident interest will grow. Wednesday, volunteers already were preparing to canvass door to door across the city.

This is our Health Care story!

ObamaBob NSB — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:07:53 EDT

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1185304443/bctid1520991239

Enjoy our new ad in WV and South Dakota.

YES WE CAN!!

The Math

jordarundt — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 21:26:08 EDT

According to Howard Wolfsson, "the road to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue goes through Pennsylvania.". I have done some calculations, and gone through the map, and i found that we don't have to win Pennsylvania to win the GE.

In the map below, the states that Kerry won are marked with blue. The states Bush won by a wide margin are colored red. Swing states are colored green. Kerry won PA,but I have colored it red to prove my point.

The blue states are the states Kerry won in 2004, green states was close and red states was Bush states.

I will give a small explanation. I will assume that a combination of Bushs record low approval rating, along with 8 years of republican rule will get democratic voters out in droves, hence securing the Kerry states quite easy. I have chosen to use a very conservative prediction, keeping both Florida and Ohio in red. That leaves Colorado, Iowa, Missouri, New Mexico, Nevada and Virginia as swing states. Usually Arizona would be among the swing states, but considering Senator McCain is from Arizona, I have put it in the red column. Assuming that we lose Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania we will have to win all 6. If we win those 6 states, it will be a draw. Giving each candidate 269 electoral votes. If that happens, the house of representatives will elect the President (we better do what we can to help the dems keep the majority).

OBAMA IS WINNING - STILL!

V, aka VCubed/Virginia V — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 03:16:51 EDT

Check out Slate.com:

POLITICS: WHO'S WINNING, WHO'S LOSING, AND WHY.
Slate's Delegate Calculator
THE MATH ONLY GETS GLOOMIER FOR CLINTON—EVEN AFTER A BIG PENNSYLVANIA WIN.
By Chris Wilson and Chadwick Matlin
Updated Wednesday, April 23, 2008, at 1:03 AM ET

Hillary Clinton's 10-point victory in Pennsylvania awards her a net gain of about 16 pledged delegates, based on projections from the popular vote. Because Pennsylvania awards about two-thirds of its delegates by district, we won't have a precise figure until later this week.

Coming into today, the odds that Clinton would catch Obama in pledged delegates were very small. Now they're zero. Before Pennsylvania, Clinton needed to win each remaining primary with 65 percent of the vote to close the gap. Even though she won Pennsylvania, that figure is now just over 68 percent. (Try it on the calculator below by dragging the red bar at the top to the right.) Furthermore, the state with the most remaining delegates is North Carolina, where Obama leads in the polls by about 20 points. Assuming he nets at least 20 more of the state's 115 delegates, Clinton needs 80 percent of the vote in each of the other eight remaining primaries to catch up.

One Week to Win 2 States ~ This is It!

V, aka VCubed/Virginia V — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 02:15:30 EDT

Now is the time to give your all. Indiana and North Carolina must and will be blowouts, if you and I give our all.

Let no one say Hillary got more steam out of this than Obama - we overcame a 20+ lead after every smear thrown at Obama, in less than one month, after 55 minutes of organized attack at the final so-called "debate" - so for all practical purposes, she lost! She needed a 15 point win, she only got 10, if that. She only got 10 more delegates than Obama, 75-65, with 18 to be determined. There are just as many delegates up for grabs in IN and NC, so let's go get them!

If you've never pushed an undecided or Clinton-leaning voter to reconsider, do it now, in one of those upcoming elections. It is so easy. Over 10% of voters still believe Obama is a practicing or undercover Muslim, and/or doesn't salute the flag. You can change that! Just say, nicely and firmly, why you want Jan. 2009 to usher in the Obama Administration.
Phonebank

If you've never donated or have 5, 10, 20 to spare, do it now.
Donate

If you've never written a newspaper, or in news sites online, write now. Start with Indiana and NC. If you get into a groove, keep on going. Just say, nicely and firmly, why you want Jan. 2009 to usher in the Obama Administration.
Rapid Response

If you're bilingual and write nicely in Spanish, write Puerto Rico's media outlets, at least online.
Latino Rapid Response

If you can travel to one of the last states, from Kentucky to Oregon, or West Virginia or Puerto Rico, get set and go now!
Hit the road!

If you ever wanted Obama campaign gear, get it now, only at
BO Store

Remember, as future President Barack Obama reminds us:

INDIAN COUNTRY TODAY: Important Endorsements

Hope4Unity — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 11:08:42 EDT

South Dakota is ready for CHANGE.

Read INDIAN COUNTRY TODAY, April 11, 2008 to learn about important endorsements from South Dakota and the reasons given for them:

http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096417012

THANK YOU to Oglala Sioux Tribe President John Yellowbird Steele; Oglala Sioux Tribe Vice-President, William "Shorty" Brewer; Rosebud Sioux Tribe President, Rodney Bordeaux; Rosebud Sioux Tribe Councilman, Robert Moore; Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Chairman, Michael Jandreau; Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Chairman, Joseph Brings Plenty.

EVERY City and State for Barack Obama!!

Homeboy — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 18:12:13 EDT

It's been a crazy month for me. I've spent countless all nighters trying to improve my grassroots Barack Obama website that I hope will make a difference in the younger voters out there. There are still a few glitches to fix, but for the most part, the new site is online and ready to help promote Obama as best as it can.

Probably the biggest difference is that there is now a page for every US city and state where people can leave comments and quickly interact. I chose the simple comment system because I know that many younger voters won't take the time to sign up for Barackobama.com but still want their voices to be heard, so this is their chance to be heard.

The most time consuming part of the whole website redesign was the creation and upload of over 30,000 images people can get on t-shirts. Like I mentioned earlier, there are a few problems with a few cities and states, but basically, EVERY CITY has its own Barack Obama t-shirt.

Let me say that again... EVERY US CITY has it's own t-shirt design!

I'm an artist and web designer, and this is how I'm supporting Obama. It doesn't matter what you're good at.. there's definitely something you can do to help him get noticed.

Goodluck!

-Homeboy

PS... here's links to the state pages...

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
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

"I don't think this war is worth losing my best friend over"

Sam Graham-Felsen — Wed, 02 May 2007 15:30:15 EDT

"I like the fact that Obama's done so much so far with small donations. He talks about a new brand of politics where regular people can get involved," says Ned H. of Harrisburg, South Dakota.

Ned, a 21-year-old junior at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, donated to a campaign for the first time in his life last week. Despite his age, Ned has been engaged in politics on the local level and beyond for quite some time. Ned twice ran unsuccessfully for the school board of Harrisburg (once coming within 2 votes against an long-term incumbent).

His passion has been education reform:

When I went to college, I realized I wasn't prepared nearly enough and that the education I had received simply was not up to par. I ran two times for school board to try to change things. I wanted to make sure teachers got paid better, to improve the quality of education. At least in my school district, it was more about educating everyone at the bottom level, more about preparing kids to go straight into the workforce rather than into college. The agriculture department in our school was really big and there's definitely a place for that, but the emphasis could have gone to upper level classes rather than emphasizing that students know how to judge cattle.

The other issue that hits home for Ned is the war in Iraq. One of Ned's best friends is an Army Ranger who has been to Iraq and will certainly be going back. Ned says he attended his friend's graduation from training school while he was "incredibly proud," he was also "nervous."

I try to keep an open mind and I think suddenly pulling out is a bad idea, but at the same time I don't think this war worth is losing my best friend over. I've opposed the war from the beginning. I couldn't see losing someone over this.

Ned is a Democrat but he says he doesn't consider himself "very far left at all." He says there are plenty of issues on which he disagrees with the majority of Democrats. Part of it, he says, is cultural. His family has been in South Dakota for generations, ever since his great great grandfather settled there thanks to the Homestead Act.

Ultimately, as a person from a predominantly Republican state, Ned is interested in a leader that can do "what Bush promised and failed to do… 'be a uniter, not a divider.'"

"I think it's time for someone who brings us together based on what we have in common," says Ned.