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OK Superdelegate Endorses Obama; Delegate Countdown - 134.5 to go

Wed, 14 May 2008 16:18:26 EDT -

Chicago, IL – Today, Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan, who is a designated superdelegate for the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, endorsed Barack Obama for president, citing Obama’s strong commitment to uniting our country for the change America needs after eight years of a divisive political climate and the help he will give to down ballot candidates this fall.

Morgan’s endorsement means that Obama has been endorsed by 288.5 superdelegates. Obama is 134.5 delegates away from securing the Democratic nomination.

Morgan said, “Senator Obama embodies the character of a leader that I believe all Oklahomans and all Americans want—principled and strong and ready to change the way business is done in Washington. He understands bringing people together and giving everyone a seat at the table will move our state and our country forward, and I deeply admire that about Senator Obama.”

Morgan, who serves on the board of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee whose mission it is to elect Democrats in all 50 states, said key to his decision to support the Illinois Senator was Obama’s electability and how having Obama at the top of the ticket will help down ballot candidates this fall.

Morgan added, “The job of the DLCC is to ensure Democrats are positioned to win in legislatives races throughout the United States. Senator Obama’s message is spreading like wildfire and creating enthusiasm from voters unlike anything we have seen in our lifetime. I believe that enthusiasm will affect down ballot races—helping elect Democrats to legislative seats in record numbers and ultimately lending a voice to the causes about which all Americans care deeply.”

Senator Obama said, “I am grateful for Senator Morgan’s support. He has been in the trenches as a Democratic legislator in Oklahoma, and has worked hard to bring two parties together to create real change in his home state. This November, we have a chance to win in so-called “red states” like Oklahoma and unite Americans for change. That change happens in state houses all across this country and I am proud to have his support.”

Montana Volunteer Spotlight: Brian in Billings

Wed, 14 May 2008 15:21:06 EDT -

Brian is a senior at Billings West High School in Montana, and is an Obama precinct captain. After participating in a Camp Obama training, he decided to organize meetings at his school and encourage students to become involved in the campaign; over 45 students showed up to his most recent meeting. He also leads groups of students in phonebanking and canvassing his neighborhood.

Brian considers himself an environmentalist who enjoys outdoor activities, and he likes Barack's plan to protect publicly owned lands. He is also proud of the fact that Barack has been against the war in Iraq from the very beginning, and has a responsible plan for ending it and bringing our troops home.

In November, Brian participated in a triathlon and a half Ironman, experiences which he says "shaped my world view," because they taught him that he can accomplish anything that he sets his mind to. After completing the competitions, Brian says, "I believe everything is possible. I can do anything."

Brian likes how Barack inspires Americans to believe that "together, we can make our nation a better place. Barack was the first one to speak about hope, and everyone copied his message."

He says that when he meets someone who is still undecided about who to support, he tells them to research Barack's positions on specific issues on his campaign website, and that "we should worry about policies, not distractions."

Brian is encouraging everyone he meets to vote early and stop by our office in Billings to volunteer. Make sure to stop by your local office and find out how you can become involved in your community!

Video: Barack's Manufacturing Agenda in Macomb County, MI

Wed, 14 May 2008 14:31:42 EDT -

Here's the full video of Barack's speech today in Macomb County, Michigan, in which he unveiled his national manufacturing agenda and urged a return to an economy driven not by foreign debt, but by American innovation:

You can watch more videos and highlights at YouTube.com/barackobama.

AP: NARAL Pro-Choice backs Obama

Wed, 14 May 2008 13:39:50 EDT -

The AP reports...

NEW YORK (AP) - Democrat Barack Obama has won the endorsement of NARAL Pro-Choice America. The leading abortion rights advocacy organization has supported rival Hillary Rodham Clinton throughout her political career.
The organization was set to announce the endorsement of its political action committee Wednesday.
NARAL president Nancy Keenan said in a statement: "Today, we are proud to put our organization's grassroots and political support behind the pro-choice candidate whom we believe will secure the Democratic nomination and advance to the general election. That candidate is Senator Obama."
Officials said NARAL's political committee board was about evenly divided among Clinton and Obama supporters and that the decision to endorse was hard fought. Ultimately, the board voted unanimously Friday to support the Illinois senator.

For more on Obama's support for a woman's right to choose, check out Women.BarackObama.com.

Barack Unveils Manufacturing Agenda in Macomb County, Michigan

Wed, 14 May 2008 12:47:13 EDT -

Senator Obama visited Macomb County, Michigan this morning to unveil his manufacturing agenda. Among other measures, Obama’s plan will create a $50 billion Clean Technologies Deployment Venture Capital Fund, promote advanced vehicle technology and incentivize production of fuel-efficient vehicles, convert manufacturing centers into clean technology leaders, and create a $60 billion infrastructure fund to rebuild our highways, bridges, ports, and transit systems.

Prior to the event, Obama toured the Chrysler Stamping Plant in Sterling Heights, MI and met with workers there:

He was introduced before his speech at Macomb Community College by Roy Gross, a 48-year-old truck driver who transports new cars to the showroom. Barack explained:

It’s time to recapture the spirit of innovation that has always fueled America’s economic success. It’s time we had an economy that was driven not just by foreign debt, but by the power of America’s imagination. It’s time to tap the ingenuity of engineers and entrepreneurs, policy experts and working folks to meet the challenges of our time. That’s what this election is all about. So while this is a moment of challenge, it’s also a moment of opportunity. And the question you’ll face in November is which candidate can lead America to seize it.

Read the full text of Barack's remarks, as prepared for delivery . . .

Video: Obama Speaks about the Economy in Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Wed, 14 May 2008 11:17:49 EDT -

Here's the video from Obama's remarks on the economy in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, last night...

Click here for more on Obama's plan to revitalize our economy.

And if you want to be a part of the effort to secure the nomination, please make calls to Oregon and Kentucky today and help build on our delegate lead!

College Democrats President and Vice President Endorse Obama; Delegate Countdown - 135.5 To Go

Wed, 14 May 2008 10:23:15 EDT -

Chicago, IL – Today, the College Democrats of America (CDA) President and Vice President endorsed Barack Obama, citing his ability to inspire young voters to become a part of the political process, and the record numbers of young voters who have come out to the polls during this election season.

You can view their YouTube video here:

CDA President Lauren Wolfe said, "We reached out to college students nationwide through Facebook, MySpace and YouTube and the responses were overwhelming. College students want change - and Senator Obama offers an opportunity for all of us to move forward in this country to talk about the issues that matter. We've struggled under the burden of college loans that pile up day by day; while the average casualty age for an American soldier in Iraq is 21. Young people are the ones paying the price for George Bush's failed leadership. Senator Obama offers us a new beginning and wants to make our voices heard in our government."

"We are ready to roll up our sleeves for Senator Obama by working with Students for Barack Obama and the millions of students ready for change."

CDA Vice President Awais Khaleel said, "As college students, we've come of age under the failed leadership of George W. Bush and we are excited that we finally have a candidate who speaks to our issues. Senator Obama is talking about the issues we care about as college students – whether that's college affordability or ending the Iraq War.

"We've heard from thousands of youth voices through Facebook, MySpace, YouTube and email. Without a doubt, college students are ready for change and a new kind of leadership. Senator Obama empowers our voices and makes us feel like an important part of the process. That is why we support him to be the next president of the United States."

Senator Barack Obama said, "At this defining moment in our nation's history -- a moment when we can finally come together and bring about the change that is so desperately needed in this country -- I am proud to accept the support of the College Democrats of America's President and Vice President - Lauren Wolfe and Awais Khaleel. The College Democrats represent the future and their work is critical to a Democratic victory in November. They have worked hard to organize at the grassroots, energize their college campuses, and mobilize students for change. During this primary, young people have proven to be an incredibly powerful force at the polls and I am grateful for their support. I look forward to working with the College Democrats to continue building our grassroots movement for change in colleges and universities across the country."

Morning News

Wed, 14 May 2008 10:02:54 EDT -

From the St. Louis Dispatch:

"You'll see that a vote for John McCain is a vote for George Bush's third term,'' Obama said before about 200 people at Thorngate Ltd., a clothing-manufacturing plant that is one of the few remaining factories in Cape Girardeau.

"Four more years of George Bush's tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. ... Four more years of a health care plan that works for the healthy and the wealthy while tens of millions go without care.

... "Four more years of a war that has cost us thousands of lives and a trillion dollars without making us safer, while we run up a mountain of debt that is mortgaging our children's future."

Obama spoke for about an hour, including a question-and-answer session ...

... Thorngate was chosen for Tuesday's stop in part because its 360 employees are union. The audience cheered when Obama pointed out that he was wearing a union-made suit manufactured in the United States.

... Said Cape Girardeau County Democratic Chairwoman Brenda Woemmel: "The mere fact that he came here, to Rush Limbaugh's hometown, says: 'I'm not surrendering any territory, any voter, or assuming that I don't have a chance.'"

Janice Williams, a worker at Thorngate for 13 years, said simply, "I want a change in the White House."

From the Associated Press:

Oregon and Kentucky hold primaries May 20, but Obama is putting nearly all his focus now on November battleground states. On Wednesday, he will campaign in two Michigan areas that are home to many so-called Reagan Democrat, the blue-collar voters ...

Next week he will be in Florida. Florida and Michigan not only are competitive states where McCain will campaign. They also need Obama's close attention to soothe hurt feelings over a scheduling quarrel that led the national Democratic Party to essentially nullify the results of their primaries in January.

Obama could draw bigger, noisier crowds this week by holding rallies in St. Louis and Detroit, his aides noted, but he wants to target swing voters in less heavily Democratic communities.

"He knows he needs to spend more time in places like Cape Girardeau, Hannibal, Poplar Bluff, Springfield, Columbia, and multiply that by 50," said McCaskill, an early endorser. "He has got to make sure that people outside of Democratic strongholds understand he is somebody who loves his country very much and will fight for the middle class."

McCaskill said Obama is "trying to show his belief that there are no red places or blue places or Democratic states or Republican states, there's just a whole lot of America that wants a different set of priorities in the White House."

From the Chicago Tribune:

Excitement over [next] Tuesday's primary echoed everywhere, from the TV ("Oregon could put Obama over the top!"); to the newspapers ("Oregon at Center of Presidential Fight"); to cafes like the little one on High Street where I met Mike, 56, and his friend Steve Christiansen, 60.

"There's a buzz on the street, conversation at work," Mike said. "My kids talk about it at the dinner table. It's been re-energizing for a lot of people in Oregon."

... For once, said Mike, the people of Portland and Eugene and Tillamook and Bend have been able to press primary candidates on such Oregon issues as timber subsidies, water rights, salmon. In the past few weeks, Mike's teenage son got to shake both Democratic candidates' hands. Steve waited eight hours in line to shake Barack Obama's.

... Mike planned to head to Obama headquarters on Willamette Street the next day to pick up canvassing supplies. He hadn't canvassed since 1972.

"To be part of the primary, to be in play has been great," he said. "Great for our family, great for our friends, great for our state."

... I heard that over and over. The interminable primary was giving Oregonians chances they rarely get—to see candidates, to learn campaign skills, to make political alliances, to organize for the fall, to feel part of presidential history.

From the Mail Tribune:

Illinois Sen. Barack Obama's presidential bid received an unlikely boost Tuesday in the form of a past Mississippi governor and a former Bill Clinton appointee.

Ray Mabus blew into Medford's Central Library after a 950-mile trek through rural Oregon in support of Obama. The former governor hoped to rally voters for the May 20 Democratic primary.

... Mabus spent the day in North Bend and Roseburg before ending in Medford, where approximately 30 people greeted him. Most wore pins, stickers and T-shirts emblazed with the Illinois senator's face.

Mabus chose to support Obama last April despite his appointment during Bill Clinton's presidency as the United States ambassador to Saudi Arabia. He was the governor of Mississippi from 1988 to 1992.

Mabus spoke informally, suggesting that Obama's campaign shows a lot about his personality.

"If you want to know what kind of president Obama will be, just look at the type of campaign he's run," Mabus said. "He did not go negative."

He then went on to described how people who live in rural areas stand to gain from an Obama presidency. Among other things, Mabus said Obama supports student loan forgiveness to medical students who choose to practice in rural areas.

.... Jacksonville resident Dan Davis announced the creation of a "Veterans for Obama" group during Mabus' speech. Davis was a part of the "Veterans for Kerry" movement in 2004.

"We're just getting our feet on the ground," Davis said. "We feel veterans have a lot at stake in this election. We are concerned by the criminal actions by the current administration in the Iraq war and ignoring veterans when they return home."

From the Native American Times:

The Obama campaign announced today the endorsements of the Crow Nation and the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Ft. Peck Reservation. Tribal leaders cited Sen. Obama's commitment to Indian Country and to the issues facing its residents.

"Sen. Obama's leadership qualities and commitment to issues of importance to Indian country distinguish him from his opponents" said Chairman A.T. Stafne of the Ft. Peck Tribes. "Our twelve voting members in the Tribal Council passed this endorsement resolution unanimously. I was personally impressed with his commitment to a true government-to-government relationship and his promise to appoint a Native American policy advisor in his White House. "

"Senator Obama understands the challenges facing Native Americans in Montana," said Crow Nation Chairman Carl Venne. "His record as a US Senator shows that he cares about Indian communities. He respects Indian sovereignty and is a strong advocate for Indian healthcare and education."

Democrats Abroad Chair Christine Schon Marques Endorses Barack Obama; Delegate Countdown - 136.5 To Go

Wed, 14 May 2008 08:45:04 EDT -

CHICAGO, IL – Today Democrats Abroad Chair and superdelegate Christine Schon Marques endorsed Barack Obama for president, citing his unique ability to unite all Americans and restore our moral standing in the world.

As a Democrat abroad, I've seen the repercussions of the Republican Administration every day, in the diminished reputation of the United States and in the lack of real leadership both at home and abroad, from the economy to the war in Iraq,” said Schon Marques. “I'm proud to be a Democrat, and proud of both our candidates. Today I pledge my support to Senator Barack Obama because I believe that he will take our country in the right direction, he will restore America's reputation, he will honor the men and women who are bravely serving our country, and he will reach out to Americans across the country and around the world. I hope that voters overseas join me in registering today at www.VoteFromAbroad.org so that all our voices are heard this November.

Indiana Congressman Pete Visclosky Endorses Barack Obama; Delegate Countdown - 137 To Go

Wed, 14 May 2008 08:42:00 EDT - CHICAGO, IL -- Today, Indiana Congressman Pete Visclosky endorsed Barack Obama for President, citing his commitment to build a working coalition to address the real issues Americans face:

America needs a President who offers a vision of the future comprised of sensible solutions to today's troubles. My choice is Senator Barack Obama, who promises to seek pragmatic, progressive solutions to problems like jobs, Iraq, the energy crisis, and healthcare. Barack Obama will bring people together, give them hope, spur change, and set the U.S. back on a course toward progress, prosperity, and global leadership.

Senator Obama said: “I want to thank Congressman Visclosky for his support. Pete has been an advocate for Indiana’s working men and women. I look forward to working with him to strengthen our economy, create a clean energy future and ensure our seniors are able to retire with the dignity they deserve.

Visclosky is the 286th superdelegate to endorse Barack Obama.

Open Thread

Wed, 14 May 2008 01:22:58 EDT - We won't know the final vote totals and delegate counts out of West Virginia until tomorrow, but one thing is certain — we are closer now to securing the nomination than ever before. Thank you to all the volunteers on the ground, and the supporters from all across the country who made calls over the past few weeks. Now it's on to Oregon and Kentucky . . . This is your Open Thread.

Obama Statement on Mississippi Victory

Tue, 13 May 2008 23:18:05 EDT -

Barack Obama...

I want to congratulate Congressman-elect Travis Childers on winning this special election. By electing Travis in this traditionally overwhelmingly Republican district, the people of Mississippi voted to end the politics of division and distraction, and bring about real change. This is the third special election in recent months that Democrats have won in traditionally Republican areas -- an unmistakable sign that Americans want to make a clean break from the failed Bush policies of the past - and are not looking for four more years of those failed policies from John McCain. I look forward to working with Travis in the months ahead to fix our economy, and make a difference in the lives of America's hardworking families.

Barack Obama in Louisville, KY: "It's about your hopes"

Tue, 13 May 2008 22:03:32 EDT -

Last night, Barack spoke to a crowd of over 8000 people in Louisville, Kentucky, one week before the state's primary:

You can watch more videos and highlights at YouTube.com/barackobama.

Truman Dinner in Billings, Montana

Tue, 13 May 2008 20:37:49 EDT -

Last Saturday, the Yellowstone County Democratic Party held its 22nd annual Truman Dinner in Billings, Montana. Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal spoke on behalf of Barack, and the dinner's keynote speaker was Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, who has endorsed Barack.

Before the dinner, Governor Freudenthal and Senator Klobuchar stopped by our office in Billings to speak about why they are supporting Barack, and to encourage our supporters to get involved in their communities by becoming precinct captains.

Governor Freudenthal spoke about how Barack understands how the Rocky Mountain region works and respects Western values.

He said:

The question is what kind of person are people looking for in a President? [Barack] is an incredibly honest guy. He does what he says he's going to do.

...I was amazed by the phenomenal impact he had in Wyoming. What struck me were the number of people who were suddenly reenergized when Senator Obama came to town. People who I hadn't seen at a political event before became involved. The campaign opened offices in Wyoming before it was clear that Western states that are sparsely populated were needed to win the nomination.

Senator Klobuchar spoke about Barack's electability and how he has attracted independent voters to the Democratic Party. She said:

He's willing to work across the aisle to get things done. He's also been a leader on ethics reform since he first got to the U.S. Senate. Those are the kinds of qualities that we need in a President.

Check a slideshow of pictures from Saturday's events:

If you live in Montana, make sure to vote early!

Obama Speaks on the Economy in Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Tue, 13 May 2008 18:27:35 EDT -

Barack Obama just delivered these remarks (as prepared) in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He was introduced by Senator Claire McCaskill...

It’s great to be here in Missouri with my good friend Claire McCaskill. This is a state that voted for change when you sent Claire to the Senate in 2006; you voted for change in February when we surprised the pundits and pulled out a victory; and this is a state where we will compete to win when I am the Democratic nominee for President.

There is a lot of talk these days about how the Democratic Party is divided. But I’m not worried, because I know that we’ll be able to come together quickly behind a common purpose. There’s too much that unites us as Democrats. There’s too much at stake for our country. And there will be a clear choice on November 4.

Now there’s one thing we know for sure about this election. The name George Bush will not be on the ballot. The name of my cousin Dick Cheney will not be on the ballot. But while the Bush-Cheney ticket won’t be up for reelection, the Bush-Cheney policies will, because John McCain is running for four more years of the same approach that has failed the American people.

There is a reason that a record number of Americans think that we’re on the wrong track. We’ve lost hundreds of thousands of jobs just this year. The cost of everything from health care, to a tank of gas, to college tuition has skyrocketed while wages have stayed stagnant. Millions of American families are facing foreclosure. We’re spending tens of billions of dollars fighting a war that should’ve never been authorized and never been waged.

Meanwhile, Americans have lost faith that Washington can or will do anything about problems they face day in and day out. Because the troubling statistics only begin to tell a story found in communities and at kitchen tables across the country. It’s a story of empty factories shut down forever because the jobs have been shipped overseas and nothing took their place. It’s the story told by a mother who can’t sleep because she can’t afford health care for her sick child; a father who lost his job but can’t afford a tank of gas so that he can look for a new one; a family that doesn’t know where they’ll be living in a month or a year because they’re about to lose a home.

It’s a story of an American Dream that is slipping away. And what the American people need at this defining moment is leadership that restores the fundamental American belief that you can make it if you try in this country – that your dreams matter more than the demands of special interests or the convenience of political posturing. That’s why I’m running for President. That’s why we’ll be united as Democrats. Because Washington has failed the American people, and this election is our chance to turn the page.

John McCain has served his country with honor, and I respect that service. But for two decades, he has supported policies that have shifted the burden on to working people. And his only answer to the problems created by George Bush’s policies is to give them another four years to fail. Just look at where he stands and you’ll see that a vote for John McCain is a vote for George Bush’s third term.

Four more years of George Bush’s tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans who don’t need them and didn’t ask for them.

Four more years of a health care plan that works for the healthy and the wealthy while tens of millions go without care, and families struggle with rising costs.

Four more years of a President who supports privatizing Social Security.

Four more years of a war that has cost us thousands of lives and a trillion dollars without making us safer, while we run up a mountain of debt that is mortgaging our children’s future.

Four more years of a White House that is run by the kind of lobbyists who run John McCain’s campaign, while Washington tells the American people – “you’re on your own.”

Well we know that the American people cannot afford any more of the Bush-McCain program. Not this time. Not when the stakes are so high. Not when the opportunities are so great. We need a new direction in Washington. We need new leadership in the White House.

We know that government cannot solve all of our problems, and we don’t expect it to. We don’t want our tax dollars wasted on programs that don’t work or perks for special interests that don’t work for us. We understand that we cannot stop every job from going overseas or build a wall around our economy, and we know we shouldn’t.

But that is not an excuse to spend another four years doing nothing to reclaim the American Dream for working people. We’re the nation that built the largest middle class in history. We all have a stake in each other’s success. We can’t continue an economic program that rewards Wall Street at the expense of Main Street because then we all end up hurting. It’s time to end a failed approach that tries to build prosperity from the top down, and renew our common prosperity from the bottom up.

Instead of a tax code that rewards wealth and not work, we’ll provide an income tax cut of up to $1,000 for a working family, and eliminate income taxes altogether for any retiree making less than $50,000 per year.

Instead of more inaction on health care, we’ll finally bring this country together, stand up to the drug companies and insurance companies, and make health care affordable and accessible for every single American.

Instead of putting a secure retirement at risk, we’ll safeguard Social Security, we’ll protect pensions instead of CEO bonuses, and we’ll help all Americans save more so they can have a retirement that is dignified and secure.

Instead of gimmicks like a gas tax holiday that rewards the oil companies while doing nothing to lower gas prices in the long-term, we’ll raise fuel efficiency standards, invest in alternative energy, and create millions of Green Jobs that will free this country from our addiction to oil.

Instead of a blank check to fight an endless war in Iraq, we can end this war, restore our military, finish the fight against al Qaeada, and invest some of those dollars to put millions of Americans to work rebuilding our roads and bridges, laying down new rail lines and new broadband, and making sure that all of America can compete and win in the 21st century.

That’s the new direction we need in this country. The other party has already decided to run on the failed policies of the past; that’s why we need to be the party that stands for the future. Everywhere I go, I meet Americans who can't wait another day for change. Change that refuses to let lobbyists drown out the voices of the American people.. Change that puts folks back to work. Change that finally delivers on the promise of health care you can afford, and an energy policy that makes sense. Change that leaves behind partisanship that stands in the way of progress, because we’re all in this together as Americans.

This is our chance to build a new majority of Democrats and Independents and Republicans who know that four more years of George Bush just won’t do. This is our moment to turn the page on the divisions and distractions that pass for politics in Washington, so that we can write the next chapter in the history of American prosperity for all Americans.

Watch Barack Live on CNN Now

Tue, 13 May 2008 18:17:34 EDT - Barack is speaking at an economic town hall in Cape Girardeau, Missouri right now. You can watch live on CNN, or online at CNN.com.

Together We Can Help

Tue, 13 May 2008 16:26:39 EDT -

On May 2, high winds, heavy rain and flood water claimed thousands of lives and damaged hundreds of thousands of homes in southwestern Myanmar. Cyclone Nargis is the worst storm to hit Asia since 1991 and the worst to hit Myanmar since 1926.

On Saturday, May 10, severe storms and tornadoes ripped across the central U.S., destroying homes in Missouri, Oklahoma, and Georgia. Media reports indicated that twenty-three people were killed by the storms, and at least 150 more were injured.

And on Monday, May 12, at 2.28 p.m. Beijing time, a major earthquake, measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale, jolted southwestern China's Sichuan Province. Several lower-scale earthquakes and aftershocks followed in the same area. According to the latest reports, more than 12,000 people have died and many more have been injured or are missing. Many schools were destroyed, including one that had at least 900 students in it. As authorities reach more remote areas, these numbers are expected to rise.

Throughout this campaign, we have seen time and again that when ordinary people reach out and act together, they can make a difference. Right now, your donations can help the Red Cross and its humanitarian partners provide shelter, supplies and access to clean drinking water to survivors in Myanmar and China, as well as families in Missouri, Oklahoma, and Georgia.

Visit RedCross.org to find out how you can help.

"I voted for Barack Obama today."

Tue, 13 May 2008 16:09:25 EDT -

Earlier today, Brooke in Charleston, West Virginia sent out this message:

I live in Charleston, West Virginia. And I voted for Barack Obama today.

So did my wife. And my mother-in-law, my father-in-law, my Presbyterian pastor and his wife, my friend the retired Episcopalian priest and his wife, my bank teller, my boss, my co-worker, the lady who runs the business on the second floor of our building and her husband, the waitress at my favorite restaurant, at least two dozen of my neighbors, my State Senator, my United States Senator, my company's tech guy, my college Sociology professor, a couple who runs a bed and breakfast in Sutton, WV and several of their staff, several first time voters from my church's youth group, several more church members, the cooks at The Purple Fiddle in Thomas, WV, a local Municipal Judge and his wife, and the older lady who exited the polling place alongside my wife and I this morning.

These folks represent black and white, rich and middle class, young and old, religious and not... just like every other town in America. As Barack says, we are not as divided as our politics suggest. That being said...

Yes West Virginia Can!

Obama Endorsed by Crow Nation and Fort Peck Tribes

Tue, 13 May 2008 15:15:28 EDT - HELENA, MT – The Obama campaign announced today the endorsements of the Crow Nation and the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Ft. Peck Reservation. Tribal leaders cited Sen. Obama’s commitment to Indian Country and to the issues facing its residents.

Sen. Obama’s leadership qualities and commitment to issues of importance to Indian country distinguish him from his opponents” said Chairman A.T. Stafne of the Ft. Peck Tribes“ Our twelve voting members in the Tribal Council passed this endorsement resolution unanimously. I was personally impressed with his commitment to a true government-to-government relationship and his promise to appoint a Native American policy advisor in his White House. ”

“Senator Obama understands the challenges facing Native Americans in Montana,” said Crow Nation Chairman Carl Venne. “His record as a US Senator shows that he cares about Indian communities. He respects Indian sovereignty and is a strong advocate for Indian healthcare and education.

To find out more about Senator Obama’s positions on Native American issues, go to http://tribes.barackobama.com.

Video: West Virginians for Obama

Tue, 13 May 2008 12:37:18 EDT -

At yesterday's rally in Charleston, West Virginia, supporters talked about why Barack inspires them. Watch the video...

Polls are open until 7:30 PM in West Virginia so make calls now and help get out the vote!

Video: Keeping Our Faith With Veterans

Tue, 13 May 2008 12:01:58 EDT -

Yesterday in Charleston, West Virginia, Barack spoke about the importance of honoring our veterans' service and proposed the creation of a new, 21st century GI Bill. Here's the video of the full speech:

Polls are open in West Virginia right now, and you can help us Get Out The Vote by making calls to voters to ensure that all of our supporters now when, where, and how to vote today.

And if you are a veteran or an active service member, you can use our peer-to-peer calling campaign to speak directly with veterans in West Virginia, to share your story and explain why you support Barack Obama.

ABC News: Former DNC Chair Roy Romer Backs Obama; Delegate Countdown - 146 To Go

Tue, 13 May 2008 11:32:21 EDT -

ABC News reports that Roy Romer, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee and former governor of Colorado, has endorsed Obama...

"My reasons are that the party needs to get on right now with a lot of business, including figuring out what to do with Michigan and Florida," Romer told ABC News. "It's important to make known right now not only my vote but as many superdelegates as possible."

Romer said his support for Obama is based on the delegate math as well as Obama's strength in the west (the Illinois Democrat carried Colorado over Clinton by a two-to-one margin: Obama 67%, Clinton 32%).

Remember, this is a race for delegates, and you can help us move closer to our goal. Obama only needs 33 more pledged delegates for a majority of pledged delegates -- so get on the phone and make some calls now to West Virginia...

DC Superdelegate for Obama; Delegate Countdown - 147 To Go

Tue, 13 May 2008 11:02:43 EDT -

The Washington Post reports that superdelegate Anita Bonds, chair of the DC Democratic Party, is throwing her support behind Barack Obama.

Bonds, who has attended events for both Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Obama during the campaign, said, "You try to exercise your best judgment....We want to go to the convention as unified as we can."
"I am with the mayor. I'm with the chairman," she said, referring to Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray (D). Both Gray and Fenty are Obama supporters.

Senator Obama now needs only 147 delegates to secure the nomination.

Please help us build momentum and gain more delegates... Make some calls now to West Virginia and get out the vote. Obama only needs 33 more pledged delegates for a majority of pledged delegates, and you can help us move closer to that goal. This is a race for delegates, and every delegate counts!

New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin Endorses Barack Obama; Delegate Countdown - 148 To Go

Tue, 13 May 2008 10:00:35 EDT -

CHICAGO, IL – Today, New Orleans Mayor and Superdelegate Ray Nagin endorsed Barack Obama for President, citing Obama’s advocacy for the people of Louisiana and working men and women across the country:

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Senator Obama worked to help address the needs of our Gulf Coast communities. As the Gulf Coast continues to rebuild, other cities have faced tragic disasters across this country. Therefore, it is critical that this country's infrastructure and emergency response systems are evaluated and rebuilt to sustain our cities and protect our families. What happened in Louisiana should never happen again.
I have learned firsthand that a unified constituency can make what seems impossible, possible. Senator Obama represents a new generation of leadership, one that can help heal the divisions of the past and unify this country so that together we can build a stronger future.
Since the immediate days following the storm, I have been travelling to our nation’s capitol to advocate for policies that aid our rebuilding effort. I know firsthand, we desperately need the leadership of someone committed to changing the system in Washington that can hold us back from moving forward. For these reasons, I endorse Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nominee.

Said Obama:

I want to thank Mayor Nagin for his support. I share his commitment to renewing the great city of New Orleans, which is one of the great national challenges of our time. I look forward to working with him and all New Orleanians to prepare for the storms that may come while advancing opportunity and prosperity for the people of this great American city.

Mayor Nagin is the 283rd superdelegate to endorse Obama, who is 148 delegates away from securing the Democratic nomination.

Help us grow the movement and gain more delegates -- make calls to West Virginia now and get out the vote!

Indiana Congressman Joe Donnelly Endorses Barack Obama; Delegate Countdown - 149 To Go

Tue, 13 May 2008 09:53:09 EDT -

CHICAGO, IL -- Today, Indiana Congressman Joe Donnelly endorsed Barack Obama for President, citing his commitment to working families and building a real coalition for change:

"Today, I am pleased to announce my support for Barack Obama. At a time when too many Americans have lost faith in their government, Senator Obama can move us beyond the politics of stalemate and gridlock that has kept us from meeting the monumental challenges of our time: our dependence on foreign oil, a health care gap that leaves tens of millions uninsured, the steady deterioration of our manufacturing base, and an economy that is not working for working people.

The Democratic Party's strength comes from its core commitment to the American Dream and from a coalition that is ideologically, economically, geographically and ethnically diverse. Barack Obama will stand with working families while building that coalition so that we can change this country, and that's why he's the best choice for America."

Barack Obama said, "I am honored to have the support of Congressman Joe Donnelly. Joe has brought an independent, principled, and pragmatic voice to Washington that is more focused on getting results for Hoosier families than scoring political points. As President, I look forward to working with Congressman Donnelly to build bipartisan majorities to create jobs, make health care more affordable and accessible, and to give our veterans the care and support that they have earned."

Donnelly is the 282nd superdelegate to endorse Barack Obama, who is 149 delegates away from securing the Democratic nomination.

Morning News

Tue, 13 May 2008 09:51:41 EDT -

From the Charleston Gazette:

On the day before West Virginia's primary election, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama called for passage of the new GI bill Monday in Charleston, while taking a jab at U.S. Sen. John McCain - his likely opponent in the fall presidential election - for refusing to support it.

The proposed 21st Century GI Bill would allow soldiers to receive free tuition for college. Obama said it is one of a number of upgrades to GI benefits and healthcare the federal government should provide.

"It would provide every returning veteran with a real chance to afford a college education, and it would not harm retention," Obama told about 1,500 people at the Charleston Civic Center.

... "At a time when the skyrocketing cost of tuition is pricing thousands of Americans out of a college education, we should be doing everything we can to give the men and women who have risked their lives for this country the chance to pursue the American dream."

... "I'm honored that some of you will support me, and I understand that many more here in West Virginia will probably support Senator Clinton," he told the crowd at the Civic Center.

"But when it's over, what will unify us as Democrats - what must unify us as Americans - is an unyielding commitment to the men and women who've served this nation and an unshakable fidelity to the ideals for which they've risked their lives."

From the Louisville Courier-Journal:

In Sen. Barack Obama's first Kentucky campaign appearance of the year, he preached his message of change last night to a huge and enthusiastic crowd.

Change from President Bush's economic policies. Change from his foreign policies.

Change that will come about, he said, only if Sen. John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee, is defeated in November.

"Understand that John McCain is running for George Bush's third term," Obama told the crowd during a rally at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, a week before the state's May 20 primary.

So enthusiastic was the crowd that at times Obama could hardly be heard as he repeatedly criticized the Bush administration for high gas prices, rising education costs and a lower standard of living.

He ripped into McCain for saying that Bush's economic policies are making great progress.

"Now, I don't know who he's talking to," Obama said. "He's not talking to the people at the Ford plant."

Obama's visit comes as he closes in on the 2,025 delegates he needs to clinch the Democratic presidential nomination.

As of yesterday, he had 1,591 pledged delegates to Clinton's 1,426. Over the weekend, he overtook her lead among superdelegates and now leads her 281 to 271 in that category.

That leaves him just 153 [now 149] delegates short of the nomination.

The Obama campaign said 8,000 people crammed into the convention center last night and 2,000 more had to be turned away. The line to get in snaked around the center and about half a dozen blocks down Jefferson Street.

... Julie Johnson of Louisville said she was thrilled with Obama's message. "I'm ready for some change," she said. "My son has been to Iraq four times, and I'm ready for it to end."

Gaynor Herbert, also of Louisville, said she believes Obama will move the country away from Bush's policies. "I think we're ready for change, and I think he's the one to do it."

From the Baltimore Sun:

"It's been awhile since I've been to Louisville," Sen. Barack Obama said Monday night in his opening remarks to several thousand people at a rally at the Kentucky International Convention center.

Indeed, it was only days after Obama announced his presidential candidacy in Springfield, Ill., in February 2007, that the Illinois Democrat traveled to Louisville for two of his first official campaign fundraising events that also drew thousands of people.

"It has been 15 months since I first announced that I was running for the presidency of the United States of America and that's a long time in politics," Obama told the crowd. "There are now babies who were born and are walking and talking."

... Obama told the audience that was "proud of the campaign that we've run." At the same time, he acknowledged "there's been times where we lost a sense of what this campaign was about" before he said the message was turned back into a positive one.

... For the rest of the week, Obama's headed for the fall battleground of Missouri; a visit to a Michigan that is still a political question mark for Democrats; South Dakota, which joins Montana in ending the parade of primaries and caucuses on June 3, and he spends the weekend in Oregon, which holds its primary on the same day as Kentucky.

From the Rapid City Journal:

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.

... Obama supports the development of a permanent disaster-assistance program rather than the ad-hoc programs that critiques say can come too little too late, if at all.

... Obama would assist beginning farmers with direct tax credits to them and capital-gains-tax breaks to landowners who sell to new farmers. Obama also would use the land-grant universities as the base for a professional development program for beginning farmers.

... Both [Obama and Clinton] say more should be done to develop wind resources and transmission lines. And they both want stronger conservation provisions in farm policy, with Obama specifically urging increased funding for the Conservation Reserve Program and related programs.

From the Charleston Gazette:

Workers at Barack Obama's headquarters on Quarrier Street would elect Delores Smith the most popular volunteer.

She feeds them.

The other day, she fed them tons of fried chicken, 10 pounds of potato salad and enough corn bread to feed the proverbial army.

Then she brought lasagna, salad and garlic bread. Last Friday, she brought baked spaghetti and baked macaroni.

They're spoiled enough now to make requests. "A retired principal wanted the baked macaroni," she said. "I try to get them to give me ideas."

She volunteers at headquarters just about every day. Several times a week, she arrives with banquet-sized containers of home-cooked food, a welcome break from potato chips, Fritos and fast-food burgers.

"We love volunteers who bring food," worker Tom Kessler said as he piled baked spaghetti on a paper plate. "This is what keeps us going. There's never time for lunch. Suddenly, it's 8 or 9 at night and you realize you haven't eaten yet."

This isn't Smith's first experience with campaign cooking. In 1960, she fed future President John F. Kennedy.

She worked then for Gene Fredericks, a Democratic Party leader. He accompanied Kennedy on a campaign swing to Cabin Creek, then invited him home for dinner.

Kennedy asked for old-fashioned Southern cooking.

She fed him roast beef, navy beans and her famous cornbread.

... Last Thursday morning, she got a call from Max Kennedy, son of Ethel and Bobby Kennedy, who was campaigning in the area for Obama.

"He thanked me for what I was doing," she said. "Then he came to headquarters. He was making calls. We were working together."

From the Boston Globe:

Apparently [Barack Obama's] not a bad pool player, as he proved today at Schultzie's, a dimly lit pool hall in South Charleston, W.V.

Obama, according to a media pool report, arrived in rolled-up shirt sleeves. "We heard there were pool tables and chips and salsa," he said. He drank lemon lime soda from a straw and introduced the retired military officers with him: former Secretary of the Navy Richard Danzig; John Nathman, a former Navy four-star admiral; and Jim Smith, a former Air Force brigadier general.

"I can't vouch for their pool playing, but they're good guys," Obama said.

"We can bowl," Nathman shot back, to laughs. Obama lamented the attention he knew would be paid to his skills. "There's pressure involved in everything I do," he said.

Obama played Paul Scott, 24, who said he served two tours in Iraq. The senator led off with an even break that landed a solid in the corner pocket; he went on to sink two more in a row to cheers from the crowd. "That's a sign of a misspent youth," he said.

Obama managed to sink more complicated bank shots, even if it wasn't always clear they were the shots he intended. (He was also the subject of a little charity: No one said anything when he accidentally sank the eight ball.) When Obama took a big lead, Scott said, "They told me to let you win."

As he kept landing his shots, he said to a Newsweek photographer, "You didn't think I could play – you thought it was going to be another bowling outing." Scott edged him on the final ball, but Obama took heart in his performance, saying, "I didn't embarrass myself."

West Virginia GOTV Calls

Tue, 13 May 2008 09:05:45 EDT -

The polls are open in West Virginia, and right now volunteers and staff are working hard to Get Out The Vote on the ground. Across the country, supporters are helping from home by making calls to West Virginia voters. Here at the end of this long primary season, it's as important as ever that we finish strong and ensure that all of our supporters know when, where, and how to vote for Barack today.

As West Virginia Deputy State Director Rudi Shenk explained:

The way these delegates work is that if you push the needle of support just a small amount in a particular area, or in a particular Congressional district, the dividends are great. In fact, we stand to gain a lot of delegates here by our activities and your calls.

We entered today only 33 delegates away from an overall majority of pledged delegates, and 150 delegates away from clinching the nomination. By the end of the day, we'll be even closer. Just how much closer depends on the work we do over these next few hours.

Polls are open in West Virginia until 7:30 PM EST tonight. It only takes a minute to get started. The West Virginia GOTV calling campaign runs today from 9:00 AM to the close of polls tonight.

Open Thread: On the Road

Tue, 13 May 2008 00:48:50 EDT -

Before leaving West Virginia today, Barack stopped by Schultzie's Billiards in South Charleston, for a quick game of pool:

After that, it was on to an evening rally in Louisville, Kentucky:

Polls open in West Virginia in just a few hours, but for now, this is your Open Thread . . .

Video: Vote for Change

Mon, 12 May 2008 19:00:33 EDT -

In March of 2007, only a couple months after Obama announced his candidacy, the campaign launched its first nationwide grassroots event -- Hope Action Change. Thousands of people from all across the country who had used online tools at My.BarackObama.com to organize locally, got together, discussed their concerns, and shared their hopes for a better America.

From a blog post I wrote after spending the afternoon at Janet and Jim Sutherland's home in Council Bluffs, Iowa...

This is what grassroots democracy is all about-- small groups of friends and neighbors coming together to address common challenges and come up with collective solutions.

Over a year later, it's remarkable to see how far this movement has come and how much ordinary people from all across this country have accomplished. From the first national canvass in June of 2007 to the extraordinary work by our volunteers over the past 48 elections and caucuses -- this campaign has truly been powered by the grassroots.

This past Saturday, the Obama grassroots took its organization to the next level, kicking off a 50-State voter registration drive. Hardworking volunteers brought scores of new voters into the process and continued the process that began back in their living rooms in March of 2007 -- reinvigorating our democracy.

This is the story of Vote for Change...

Rather than settle for a fifty percent plus one strategy, this movement is, and has always been about, expanding the electoral map by reaching voters who haven't been reached before. We believe that America is stronger when all of us own a piece of our democracy -- and registering to vote is that critical first step to participation.

Folks who participated in the registration drive came from all walks of life: 65-year-olds who participated in earlier struggles secure the right to vote, just-registered 18-year-olds who were encouraging their peers to take part too, folks who had recently become citizens and were relishing their first opportunity to participate in our democracy, seasoned activists, and folks who had never attended a political event in their lives.

We asked volunteers to share their stories at BarackObama.com and got hundreds of responses. Here are a few from across the country...

Julie in Tulsa, OK:

The most exciting registrations that I worked on were young people who were registering for the very first time. I assisted two of these voters, and they were both so proud! One was about to graduate from high school and the other was in her first year at a local university. Being able to vote in their first presidential election, and to participate in American democracy, meant something really special to both of them.

Erika in Chandler, AZ:

It was a really great feeling to see the community united by this effort. All ages, races and walks of life were represented at this event - it was awesome to be part of a cohesive group working forward toward a common goal.

Phyllis Grand Rapids, MI:

I felt so good about doing what I did. I loved the unity I felt with the other volunteers. It felt wonderful to help in this campaign. I've never volunteered in any thing of political relevance but this one. I am honored to help this great man get into office.

From Suzanne in Charleston, SC:

My husband and I have never so much as walked out of our way to help any candidate and there we were on our Saturday morning in the 88 degree weather trying to register people to vote, two 55+ old baby boomers finally inspired to do something.

Members of the Daily Kos community also blogged about their experiences -- check out diaries from kath25 in Austin, Rian Fike in Miami, ElizabethAM in Dallas, casperr in New York, LaAbogada in Los Angeles, sasatlanta in Atlanta, and kidoakland in Heyward, California, among others...

Share your story here.

And remember, we'll be registering new voters and growing this movement for the next six months. We're just getting started.

Check out BarackObama.com/voteforchange and click here to host a voter registration event in your area.

West Virginia: One More Night to Make a Difference

Mon, 12 May 2008 18:52:19 EDT -

Polls open in West Virginia early tomorrow morning, for the first of the final six contests of the primary. After fifteen months, we're now just 33 delegates away from winning a majority of pledged delegates. After tomorrow, we'll be one step closer.

As West Virginia Deputy State Director Rudi Shenk explained,"We're competing vigorously for every single delegate. There is a clear, clear goal and mission: to gather up as many delegates as possible." But what no poll and no number can communicate are the countless conversations that volunteers and supporters across the country have had with West Virginians, the connections they've made and the people they've impacted.

Many of our grassroots phonebankers have remarked that these have been some of the most challenging calls they've made yet. But with these calls they've been able to answer questions, share their stories, and one by one, grow support for Barack. When we began this race fifteen months ago we knew that it wouldn't be easy, but we also knew that the effort would be worth it.

As Patricia said:

After hearing all the poll numbers with Hillary Clinton way ahead of Obama, I got fired up and made 25 calls to West Virginia to learn about West Virginians from their own mouths. Left many messages. Three wrong numbers. Two fantastic conversations.

From Andrew:

It was a lot of fun. Only took 45 minutes to makes 25 calls, and I got a 50/50 tally for Barack/Hillary. We're not expecting to win, I know, but it would sure be fun to close the gap... I hope we pull a bit of an upset there tomorrow, but we need EVERY OBAMA SUPPORTER TO GET OUT AND VOTE!!!

And as Deputy State Director Rudi Shenk described:

We're seeing what the polls don't suggest, which is that when we knock on doors, when we call folks, they are thrilled to get a call from us. They are thrilled to be part of this process. Many people that we're talking to have never been part of a presidential primary.

Tonight is the last night to make calls to voters in West Virginia before the polls open tomorrow morning. Tonight is the last night to reach out to West Virginians, to have a conversation, to answer their questions and to share your own story before they make their final decision as to who they will support tomorrow.

It only takes a minute to get started. The West Virginia GOTV calling campaign runs today through Tuesday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM EST.

Obama Organizing Fellows: Only a few days left to apply

Mon, 12 May 2008 17:01:57 EDT -

Just a friendly reminder that the deadline for the Obama Organizing Fellows is this Thursday. Apply now if you haven't already!

Video Excerpt: Obama on Serving our Veterans

Mon, 12 May 2008 16:11:44 EDT -

Here's an excerpt from Obama's speech on serving our veterans from Charleston, West Virginia. Check back for the full video later today...

Check out Veterans.BarackObama.com for more on Obama and veterans.

Idaho Superdelegate Keith Roark Endorses Barack Obama; Delegate Countdown - 150 To Go

Mon, 12 May 2008 14:18:02 EDT -

CHICAGO, IL – Today, Idaho Superdelegate Keith Roark endorsed Barack Obama for President. Roark is the 281st superdelegate to endorse Obama, who is 150 delegates away from securing the Democratic nomination.

Roark's statement:

After several months of careful consideration, I am announcing today that I will cast my vote this August at the Democratic National Convention for the next President of the United States, Senator Barrack Obama. I have not come quickly or easily to this decision. Democrats are blessed to have two outstanding candidates vying for our party’s nomination at this defining moment in American history.

I have no doubt that Senator Obama will run the stronger race. The unprecedented enthusiasm Senator Obama has generated here in Idaho is unlike anything I have seen in the past 31 years of active political participation in this State. He has captured the imagination and mint fresh optimism of young voters from Couer d’Alene to Caldwell, from Murphy to Montpelier. I firmly believe that the critical process of rebuilding the Idaho Democratic Party will receive a once in a lifetime boost from Senator Obama’s candidacy.

Keith Roark is Chairman of the Idaho Democratic Party.

Please make some calls today to help build Obama's delegate lead and grow the movement.

Senator Daniel Akaka Endorses Barack Obama; Delegate Countdown - 151 To Go

Mon, 12 May 2008 13:56:02 EDT -

CHICAGO, IL – Today, U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka from Hawaii endorsed Barack Obama for President. Akaka is the 280th superdelegate to endorse Obama, who is now 151 delegates away from securing the Democratic nomination.

Senator Akaka’s Statement is below:

For more than a year, people have asked me who I plan to endorse for President of the United States. I’ve waited this long for several reasons. The Democratic campaign began with more than ten declared candidates. As a veteran of more than 30 years on Capitol Hill, I knew each and everyone of them and had worked closely with all. I had no doubt that each of them had the knowledge and ability to lead our country out of the financial and diplomatic chaos that we’ve experienced for the past eight years.

Having waged a number of campaigns myself, I can tell you they are not easy. Campaigns are tests, and there’s no tougher one than running for President. Like many Americans, I’ve followed the campaign for President closely and with growing interest, eager to see which candidate would articulate a vision for our country, encourage hope and renew faith in our government, and stand to the rigors of a nationwide contest.

After giving it a lot of thought, I’ve decided that for me, that candidate is Barack Obama.

Rather than echo his supporters or review his platform on health care, the environment, or the war in Iraq, I want to add a different voice to those who believe Senator Obama would make a fine President. He is the antidote we need to cure Washington of the uninspired, partisan politics that has plagued our country far too long.

What makes him uniquely qualified? A March 2008 feature in Vanity Fair magazine offers a clue: “He was born and came of age in Hawaii, the 50th state and in many ways among the freest‑thinking, where mixed‑race ancestry is …a given... If Obama comes across as a bit of a softy—if you don’t see the toughness or the ambition at first—it may be in part because he spent his formative years in a place where ‘Live Aloha’ had not yet become a slogan aimed at recapturing a more gracious time, but was simply a way of life.”

I have great hope, that in his own way, Barack Obama will achieve what I have been working to accomplish my entire Congressional career, more tolerance and understanding, an appreciation for common goals and interests, rather than an emphasis on our differences.

While I am pledging my support to Senator Obama, I want to make it very clear that I hold both Senator Hillary Clinton and President Bill Clinton in the highest regard as colleagues and friends. Senator Clinton has campaigned hard and well and I wish her all the best as we move forward. In an example of her leadership and commitment, Senator Clinton has promised that come November, the Democratic Party will be united behind our presidential nominee and I send her my fondest aloha for her courage and selflessness.

Click here for a detailed delegate breakdown at our Results Center and make calls to West Virginia to help Obama build his lead in delegates.

Rally with Barack in Louisville, Kentucky Tonight

Mon, 12 May 2008 13:46:59 EDT -

The Kentucky primary is just over a week away now, and tonight Barack will be in Louisville for a rally at the Kentucky International Convention Center. 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.

Rally with Barack Obama

Kentucky International Convention Center
Hall 2C/2D
221 Fourth Street
Louisville, KY 40202

Monday, May 12th, 2008
Doors Open: 5:00 p.m.
Program Begins: 7:00 p.m.

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

Grassroots supporters have been at work in Kentucky for months now, and we have over a dozen offices on the ground gearing up for this weekend's Get Out The Vote effort. No matter where you are, you can help make calls to undecided voters in Kentucky today using our online phonebanking system. The Kentucky calling campaign runs from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM EST.

Senator Obama in West Virginia: Serving Our Veterans is "True Test of Patriotism"

Mon, 12 May 2008 12:56:50 EDT -

In Charleston, West Virginia, Senator Obama urged America to do better in keeping faith with our returning veterans and outlined his plans to improve care from enlistment through retirement and beyond. Obama is a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and has consistently fought for better treatment and screening for our troops and their families, and has made zero tolerance for veterans homelessness a hallmark of his agenda.

“We must never forget that honoring this service and upholding these ideals requires more than saluting our veterans as they march by on Veterans Day or Memorial Day,” Senator Obama said today. “It requires marching with them for the care and benefits they have earned. It requires standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our veterans and their families after the guns fall silent and the cameras are turned off. At a time when we’re facing the largest homecoming since the Second World War, the true test of our patriotism is whether we will serve our returning heroes as well as they’ve served us.”

Obama was introduced at today’s event by Senator Jay Rockefeller, and was joined by former Secretary Richard Danzig, retired Admiral John Natham of the U.S. Navy and retired General Jim Smith of the U.S. Air Force.

Continue reading for his full remarks as prepared for deilvery...

Hawaii Superdelegate Dolly Strazar Endorses Barack Obama; Delegate Countdown - 152 To Go

Mon, 12 May 2008 12:13:38 EDT -

CHICAGO, IL – Today, Hawaii Superdelegate Dolly Strazar endorsed Barack Obama for President. Strazar is the 279th superdelegate to endorse Obama. Obama is 152 delegates away from securing the Democratic nomination.

Strazar's statement...

As a Democratic National Committeewoman, I have felt it my duty to let this unique presidential campaign process play out, one that has reached across the country and engaged millions of Americans in expressing their preference for a Democratic nominee before expressing my preference as a superdelegate. I am now convinced that it is time to pull together behind a single candidate who has the backing of a growing number of Americans. I therefore announce my wholehearted endorsement of Senator Barack Obama.

I have had and still do have the utmost respect for Senator Hillary Clinton and the positive and uplifting force that both of the Clintons have been in Hawaii. It excites me, however, to enter active campaigning for a son of Hawaii who learned the lessons of "getting along" that so dominate the values of the people of the fiftieth state. I am convinced that these values of inclusiveness and respect for differences that we take for granted in Hawaii are part of what has made our America a nation based on freedom, equality, justice and the pursuit of happiness. I further believe that these values will serve to unify our country and lead us to victory in November.

The will of Democrats in Hawaii was expressed loudly and clearly in February and I am proud to see that that same vision has been reflected throughout the country in Democratic support for Senator Obama.

Dr. Marie Dolly Strazar is a member of the Hawaii Democratic Party.

Rep. Tom Allen (D-ME) Endorses Obama; Delegate Countdown - 153 To Go

Mon, 12 May 2008 10:47:04 EDT -

Breaking from the Portland Press Herald...

Democratic Rep. Tom Allen announced this morning that he is supporting Barack Obama for president.

"I have been friends for a very long time with former President Clinton and Sen. Clinton. I respect their service to our nation," Allen said in a written statement. He added that "most of the primary voters across the nation have now spoken. It is time to bring a graceful end to the primary campaign. We now need to unify the Democratic party and focus on electing Sen. Obama and a working majority in the United States Senate."

More on Rep. Allen's endorsement...

PORTLAND – Congressman and U.S. Senate candidate Tom Allen today pledged his support to Senator Barack Obama. Allen made his announcement during a 10:30 a.m. press conference at his campaign headquarters here.
Allen said he believes that both Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton are “supremely qualified to be president.”
“I have been friends for a very long time with former President Clinton and Senator Clinton. I respect their service to our nation. Hillary Clinton has run a vigorous campaign and has attracted a passionate following in Maine and around the country. She loves this country and is a true leader. For her service, I am grateful,” he said.
“Most of the primary voters across the nation have now spoken. It is time to bring a graceful end to the primary campaign. We now need to unify the Democratic Party and focus on electing Senator Obama and a working majority in the United States Senate. That is how we can change the direction of the country.
“I am running for the U.S. Senate because I believe Maine should lead the change this country needs. I share important priorities with Barack Obama: universal health care, reining in gas and food prices, greater independence from foreign oil, bringing our troops safely home from Iraq, creating jobs and strengthening the middle class.”
Allen said Obama is the embodiment of change for Maine and America.
“In February I watched a new generation of Mainers become involved in our nominating process because they were energized and hopeful about the future. I watched Independents and Democrats – and even a lot of Republicans -- in Maine enthusiastically support Barack Obama because they believe he can and will put America back on track,” he said.
Obama won Maine’s Democratic caucuses in February. His candidacy helped drive record turnout of some 45,000 participants.
Senator Obama said Maine needs Tom Allen in the U.S. Senate for the change we need. Obama’s full statement:
“Tom Allen understands the challenges this country is facing, and no one has worked harder to solve them. He knows that if we’re going to bring about the change this country needs, we’re going to have to change the way Washington works. That’s why he’s never been afraid to stand up to the special interests and demand accountability from our leaders.
“Like me, Tom opposed the war in Iraq from the start, and he’s been a tireless advocate for ending the war and reshaping our foreign policy to truly make this country safer and more respected. He’s fought for tax cuts for the middle class, health care for all, and a return to fiscal responsibility -- something this President and his allies in the Senate seem to have forgotten about completely.
“I’ve had the opportunity to meet voters from every corner of Maine, and they have spoken with one voice about the need for real change. There’s no question that Tom’s record of service, his tenacity, and his judgment will make him an excellent Senator. I’m thrilled to be working alongside him in this critical election, and I look forward to working with him as President.”

Senator Obama now needs 154 delegates to secure the nomination. For a full delegate breakdown check out our Results Center.

Morning News

Mon, 12 May 2008 10:45:30 EDT -

From the Wall Street Journal:

Several commitments over the weekend gave Sen. Obama 276 superdelegates, by his campaign's count. For the first time, that put him in the lead over Sen. Clinton among the governors, lawmakers and party officers who are free to vote for the nomination of anyone they choose at the Democratic convention in late August. Sen. Clinton has 274.5 superdelegates, her campaign says. Delegates from U.S. territories have half-votes.

Sen. Obama is within 155 of the total 2,025 delegates needed for the nomination. Fewer than 500 of them remain up for grabs. That includes about 250 uncommitted superdelegates and 217 pledged delegates yet to be won in the final six primaries through June 3, starting Tuesday with West Virginia.

... Pledged delegates account for about 80% of the convention votes. Because the two Democratic rivals have split pledged delegates so closely, neither can get a nominating majority with the few of them remaining, so the superdelegates will effectively decide the nominee.

"They're not a bunch of guys who smoke cigars in a back room and slap each other on the back," Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean said in a recent interview. "Almost all of them are elected by the same people who elected these other delegates," he said, referring to Democratic voters.

Before voting began in January, Sen. Clinton had a big lead thanks to superdelegates -- one adviser put it at about 120 -- helped by her early courtship of those from the Democratic National Committee and the state parties who were familiar with her and her husband, the former president. But as Sen. Obama split the January contests with her and then won a string of victories in February, dozens of uncommitted superdelegates moved in his direction. Sen.

... Since Tuesday, the Obama campaign has announced 20 endorsements, including five from superdelegates who previously endorsed Sen. Clinton -- among them, former senator and 1972 presidential nominee George McGovern.

... The recent movement toward Sen. Obama marks the third and final wave of superdelegates, says Democratic consultant Tad Devine, who was an architect of party rules that created superdelegates in the 1980s to ensure a voice for party leaders in picking a standard bearer.

"Hillary won the first wave, which occurred before people started voting," Mr. Devine said. Sen. Obama won the second, from the crush of contests on "Super Tuesday" Feb. 5 up until May. The third wave, he added, "is the decisive wave," and Sen. Obama "is already well on his way to winning."

From the Wall Street Journal:

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton stepped up their criticism of John McCain and aimed fewer potshots at each other amid signs the nomination fight is winding down and the Democratic Party is coalescing around Sen. Obama.

Before taking time off the campaign trail Sunday, Sen. Obama zeroed in on the Republican presidential candidate's "gas-tax holiday," ridiculing the proposal as saving motorists "a quarter and a nickel a day" through the summer.

... The shift comes amid signs Sen. Obama has pulled far enough ahead in the race that Sen. Clinton can't catch him. The count of superdelegates -- the party insiders and elected officials who will determine this year's nomination -- has been trending his way, and by Sunday, the campaigns' counts had 276 superdelegates in his camp and 274.5 for Sen. Clinton.

... Sen. Clinton also seemed to pull back her direct criticisms of Sen. Obama, invoking his name only in passing at a Manhattan fund-raiser Saturday. Instead, she sounded themes of party unity. "What I hear and what I see is all about how we're going to finish this nominating contest -- which we will do," she told her supporters. "Then we will have a nominee and we will have a unified Democratic Party and we will stand together and we will defeat John McCain in November and go on to the White House."

From the Wall Street Journal:

... Barack Obama took the lead in the party's superdelegates and began taking steps that foreshadow the direction an Obama-John McCain race is likely to take.

Over the weekend, Sen. Obama overtook Sen. Clinton in the superdelegate tally, with his campaign counting 276 superdelegate supporters, while the Clinton campaign claims the support of 274.5, The Wall Street Journal notes. (Delegates from U.S. territories have half-votes.) Crossing that threshold may help bolster his standing as the Democratic Party's likely nominee. Appearing on CBS's Face the Nation on Sunday, former Sen. John Edwards, who hasn't endorsed either candidate, pointed out that the odds are stacked against Sen. Clinton. "The problem is, I think, you can no longer make a compelling case for the math."

... Sen. Obama is aiming to ramp-up voter-registration efforts and commit more campaign resources to states he lost in the primaries, like Ohio and Pennsylvania, which he hopes to win in November, the Times notes. And while white, blue-collar voters that populate these states have been the focus of recent Democratic contests and will likely continue to be wooed by both Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, Hispanic voters could be in the spotlight also. Their votes could be the tipping point in pivotal states such as Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico ...

From WHAS 11:

Senator Barack Obama, who now has the support of Kentucky's lieutenant governor Daniel Mongiardo, is headed back to the bluegrass. He'll hold a rally in Louisville later tonight.

Supporters were making signs for tonight's rally at the Obama Louisville campaign office. Congressman John Yarmuth showed up to help the supporters. He is a superdelegate and Obama supporter.

Preps were also underway yesterday at the Kentucky International Convention center where tonight's rally will be held.

The rally is free and open to the public. Doors open at five tonight, with the program beginning at seven.

... Kentucky's primary is set for next Tuesday.

From the Great Falls Tribune:

It may be too soon to tell just how high voter registration will be, but early indications are pointing to a big turnout for Montana's last-in-the-nation presidential primary election on June 3.

Elections officials from across the state are reporting above-average voter registration and increased requests for absentee ballots, a sign that the down-to-the-wire Democratic nominating contest between Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York and Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois has energized Montana voters.

In Cascade County, 721 people registered to vote in the last month. That's more than twice the number of people who registered during the same period in 2006. In 2004, the last presidential primary year, 529 people registered to vote in the same time period.

... In Missoula County, political groups, college students and volunteers for Obama's campaign have worked nearly around the clock to register voters.

"We've gotten a lot more registration cards and absentee ballot requests than what we would normally get," said Missoula County Elections Office Supervisor Debbie Merseal.

In Missoula, where Obama held an April 5 rally that drew more than 8,000 supporters to the University of Montana's Adams Center, volunteers worked the long lines of people waiting to see the candidate, registering them to vote and signing them up to receive absentee ballots.

Merseal estimates that of the 1,108 voter registration cards the office processed between April 1 and May 5, 50 to 60 percent were turned in on cards sponsored by the Obama campaign.

... Obama's Montana team leaders landed in the state shortly before the April 5 Mansfield-Metcalf Dinner in Butte, and the campaign officially opened five field offices around the state April 12. Since then, the campaign has added three more field office, with the latest one opening in Butte on Saturday.

Campaign spokesman Matt Chandler said that even before campaign field workers began organizing volunteers, Obama's supporters were out in droves registering voters on their own.

"It was an aggressive campaign to sign up as many new voters as we can and bring them into the process," Chandler said. "We had widespread enthusiasm around the state. I'd say there were hundreds of volunteers statewide walking precincts and knocking on doors."

Mother's Day Open Thread

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:07:01 EDT -

Hopefully everyone had a good weekend, and hopefully you all remembered to call mom. If you haven't already seen it, a few months ago the New York Times published a very detailed, very moving profile of Barack's late mother, Stanley Ann Dunham Soetoro. It's worth reading, now or any night.

This Open Thread is dedicated to mothers everywhere . . .

Vote For Change: Chicago

Sun, 11 May 2008 21:18:55 EDT -

Vote For Change, our 50-state, six month voter registration drive kicked off yesterday across the country. Dan Frydman, one of our HQ interns, was on hand at the Chicago event:

A group of Chicagoans stood outside of Water Tower Place on Michigan Avenue yesterday afternoon--but they hadn't come to the Magnificent Mile to shop. Instead, these Obama supporters were hitting the streets to make sure that their neighbors were registered to vote.

These volunteers were participating in "Vote for Change," a 50-state voter registration and mobilization drive organized by the Obama campaign. Vote for Change kicked-off yesterday with 101 events held in cities and towns all across the country.

In Chicago, Obama supporters gathered at a Vote for Change rally held at Plumber's Hall at 1340 W. Washington. Speakers at the rally included Congresswoman Melissa Bean (D-IL) and Mayor Richard M. Daley of Chicago. After the speeches, local volunteers received voter registration training, and then headed out to register voters in communities around Chicago.

When the rally ended, I joined-up with the group canvassing around the Magnificent Mile. The volunteers included Obama supporters of all ages, and they were all excited about Barack and his message of change. The group was also determined to register as many voters as possible, so they too could support Barack and other candidates in future elections.

It was a busy day in Chicago, and within a half hour the group had already registered five voters. The group seemed to be in high spirits, with volunteers chanting slogans like: "If you're not registered, its OK--register today!"

Throughout the day, I had the chance to speak personally with many of the volunteers in our group, including Ralph--a sixteen-year-old Chicago high school student. Ralph had never participated in a political campaign before, but said that he had been inspired by Barack and his message. Ralph first met Barack several years back at a rally, and immediately realized that he was an intelligent and capable leader. He also sees Barack as a man of the people, one who will listen to the problems facing ordinary Americans and fight to fix them in the White House.

Even though he'll be too young to vote in November, Ralph stressed the importance for folks his age to get involved in the political process. "If teenagers get interested in politics and come out and help, our vote might make the difference," he said. "Our vote will count."

Ralph also recognized the historical significance of this year's race and the candidates involved. "This year is the first time we've had an African-American and a woman candidate," he noted. "Either way--history is going to be made."

Video: Vote for Change in Kansas

Sun, 11 May 2008 18:44:05 EDT -

Yesterday, our grassroots supporters across the country talked to their neighbors about registering new voters so that their voices - and not those of the special interests - would be heard in Washington.

I dropped in on the kickoff event in Lawrence, Kansas, where volunteers were inspired by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to get involved in the campaign and change the process:

I also followed the Patterson family as they canvassed and signed up new voters:

California Superdelegate Pledges to Barack Obama; Delegate Countdown - 155 To Go

Sun, 11 May 2008 15:29:26 EDT -

Today, Young Democrats of America Board Member and Former California Young Democrats President Crystal Strait pledged to vote for Barack Obama for president, citing Barack's ability to bring young people into the political process:

While representing the Young Democrats of America at the DNC, my number one priority is to ensure that young people are fully represented at the polls and in the Party. Barack Obama has shown a real commitment to young voters in his campaign and in response young people have overwhelmingly voted and caucused for Obama in these primary contests. We know that if a young person votes three times in a row for a Party, they become a Party voter for life. We know that because of high youth turnout in 2004 and 2006, 2008 is the third and critical election for young voters. And that's why I know I want to pledge my delegate vote to Barack Obama.

Strait is the 276th superdelegate to endorse Obama. Barack is now 155 delegates away from securing the Democratic nomination.

Sportsmen for Obama Week in Montana

Sun, 11 May 2008 14:06:19 EDT -

On Thursday, as part of "Sportsmen for Obama Week" in Montana, Obama supporters in Missoula participated in two different events in order to encourage Montanans to vote early and meet fellow supporters in their communities.

A group of University of Montana students met at the U of M oval, then biked to the Missoula County Election Office in order to turn in their ballots.

Later in the afternoon, a group of Obama supporters turned in their ballots to the Missoula County Election Office, then headed to a local range to do some skeet shooting.

If you live in Montana, join Sportsmen for Obama to find out more about upcoming sportsmen events, and make sure to vote early!

Sunday News

Sun, 11 May 2008 11:39:26 EDT -

From the Associated Press:

[On Saturday] Obama added superdelegates from Utah, Ohio and Arizona, as well as two from the Virgin Islands who had previously backed Clinton ... He had picked up nine endorsements Friday.

The milestone is important because Clinton would need to win over the superdelegates by a wide margin to claim the nomination. They are a group that Clinton owned before the first caucus, when she was able to cash in on the popularity of the Clinton brand among the party faithful.

Those party insiders, however, have been steadily streaming to Obama since he started posting wins in early voting states.

"I always felt that if anybody establishes himself as the clear leader, the superdelegates would fall in line," said Don Fowler, a former chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

"It is perceived that he is the leader," said Fowler, a superdelegate from South Carolina who supports Clinton. "The trickle is going to become an avalanche."

Superdelegates are the party and elected officials who will automatically attend the Democratic national convention this August in Denver. They can support whomever they choose, regardless of what happens in the primaries.

... Many of the superdelegates who endorsed Obama in the past week said it is time for the party to unite behind him. Obama is coming off a big win in North Carolina's Democratic primary Tuesday. Clinton narrowly won Indiana's primary the same day, but Obama did better than many expected.

Obama has added 21 superdelegates since and Clinton has had a net increase of two.

Kevin Rodriquez of the Virgin Islands said in a statement that he switched from Clinton to Obama because he thinks Obama has brought energy and excitement to the party.

"He has shown he can connect with Democrats, Republicans and independents across this country, whether we live on the mainland or an island," Rodriquez said.

... Obama has a 163-delegate lead among the pledged delegates won in primaries and caucuses. That means Clinton would have to generate an identical lead among superdelegates to catch him.

There are 217 pledged delegates at stake in the remaining six primaries. Obama is on track to secure a majority of the pledged delegates on May 20, when Kentucky and Oregon vote.

From the Washington Post:

Sen. Barack Obama probably did not need to make a surprise appearance Friday at the Twilight Meet at the University of Oregon.

... But such is this moment for Obama that it seemed natural to indulge in a little affirmation. As his bus pulled up, he strode onto the handsome old track just as the women's 5K was ending. A murmur went through the crowd, the public-address announcer confirmed his arrival, and the action came to a halt as 5,000 track fans rose as one to cheer the senator from Illinois who appears suddenly on the verge of claiming his party's presidential nomination. The javelin hurlers dropped their equipment, and the 400-meter hurdlers paused in their warm-ups as a waving Obama made his way around one of the country's most famous tracks bathed in late-afternoon sunlight -- a victory lap.

"You guys are just so fast. I congratulate you," Obama said as he reached the finish line, where the 5K runners still waited -- as if the applause was for anyone but him.

... He is officially on guard against seeming overconfident, saying at every turn that he is still running hard against a tough primary opponent. His campaign is well aware that he faces the prospect of a thumping in the upcoming primaries in West Virginia and Kentucky.

Yet here, in a state where he is strongly favored to win, his stump speeches seem less like bids for votes than a chance for fans to see their hero and hear his pitch one last time before he moves on to the next stage. At an outdoor rally on the university campus after his visit to the track, Obama declared that the state's May 20 vote could be the one that gives him a clear majority of pledged delegates.

And he adopted a retrospective tone, taking stock of the 15-month campaign that has brought him close to defeating a heavily favored former first lady backed by a powerful political machine. He expressed regret for having allowed his campaign to indulge in some of the tit-for-tats that he decries.

"There've been times where you get whacked so many times that after a time, you feel you have to whack back. You've got to go negative. You don't want to look like a wimp," he said. "The times . . . I'm most proud of is when we resisted the impulse, and the times that I'm least proud of is when we succumbed to that impulse."

... But such challenges seem distant for Obama and the crowds turning out to see him. In Eugene, Dennis and Anastasia Sandow, Democrats in their 50s, lined up three hours early for a spot squeezed against a police barrier, with poor sightlines. But they had to be there, they said -- not to decide whom to vote for next week, but to witness history.

From the Boston Globe:

Senator Barack Obama's Massachusetts supporters began focusing their efforts on the November election yesterday, fanning out to busy areas in Boston to register voters, even as the candidate's Democratic primary campaign against Senator Hillary Clinton continued.

Governor Deval Patrick rallied about 100 volunteers at Roxbury's Reggie Lewis Center yesterday. The volunteers scooped up voter registration slips and chose MBTA stations, parks, and other spots to find unregistered voters.

Patrick, wearing blue jeans, stood outside the Back Bay T Station and registered potential voters, saying he wouldn't even object if some were Republicans.

"I think it's in the spirit of the campaign that if someone says, 'I want to register, but I'm going to register as a Republican,' you sign them up," he said.

The registration drive in Massachusetts, where Clinton handily won the February primary, was one of 100 similar events across the country yesterday, the campaign said.

Patrick, a staunch Obama ally, said the effort is not a statement by the Obama campaign that the primary is over, asserting that Obama is not "disrespectful enough or foolish enough" to claim victory while Clinton continues to fight for the nomination.

"One of the beauties of this campaign this whole primary season has been the range of people who have gotten involved the first time," Patrick said. "That's not just good for the Obama campaign. That's good for democracy."

... One volunteer said he was not worried about the hard-fought primary campaign hurting the nominee's chances in the fall against the presumptive Republican nominee, Senator John McCain.

"There's a lot of gloom and doom about the drawn-out primary," said Oliver Bassett, 36, of Jamaica Plain. "But people are getting engaged."

From KOTA TV:

He hasn't campaigned in South Dakota, yet, but presidential hopeful Barack Obama's supporters are keeping him on the forefront in KOTA Territory.

Obama volunteers are busy going door-to-door, or calling registered Democrats to make sure they go out and vote on June third.

It's part of a national 'vote for change", voter registration drive.

Volunteers in Rapid City plan to encourage voters to get involved in the historic race.

"I think a lot of Democrats, necessarily don't think they need to be involved as much because their voice doesn't get heard on the national level... So I think people are really excited because they're getting to be a part of something they've never really been a part of." says volunteer Jason Eckroate.

From Montana's News Station:

The Barack Obama campaign announ