Organizations, endorsements ramp up for Obama

Organizations and celebrities are activating to assist President Obama's election campaign.  The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) will be spending about $85 million to help Obama in eight battleground states:  Pennsylvania, Colorado, Florida, New Hampshire, Nevada, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Maybe even more important than the money is the number of volunteers that SEIU will be able to deploy for the campaign effort.

Today, MoveOn.org announced that it was endorsing the president and that it would "invest significant time and resources into mobilzing people power to win the election adn prevent a hostile takeover by the 1%."   The organization claims that 91 percent of its members who vote approved the Obama endorsement.  MoveOn says that it has seven million total members.

A big personal endorsement came from Spanish TV talk show host Cristina Saralegui who is known as the "Hispanic Oprah."  A Cuban American, her support may be particularly important in swing state Florida, which has a large Cuban and Caribbean community.

Expect these types of endorsements to increase in frequency as the election nears. Will try to post updates as they come in.

AFL-CIO endorses Barack Obama

The last standing major labor organization, the AFL-CIO, endorsed Sen. Barack Obama today. Leaders from the federation promised to organized their biggest ever ground operation. From barackobama.com:

AFL-CIO Endorses Barack

by Amanda Scott, Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 12:50 PM

Calling Sen. Barack Obama a champion for working families, the top leaders of AFL-CIO unions today voted without opposition to endorse him for president of the United States, thrusting the labor federation’s largest ever grassroots mobilization effort into high gear.

AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said...

In so many ways--on jobs, health care, gas prices and the war in Iraq--our country is headed in the wrong direction. Barack Obama has proven from his days as an organizer, to his time in the Senate and his historic run for the presidency, that he’s leading the fight to turn around America. He’s a champion for working families who knows what it’s going to take to create an economy that works for everyone, not just Big Oil, Big Pharma, the insurance companies, the giant mortgage lenders, speculators and the very wealthy. We’re proud to stand with Sen. Obama to help our nation chart a course that will improve life for generations of working people and our children.

In its endorsement statement, the AFL-CIO General Board cited Obama’s strong support of working families on issues such as health care reform, fair trade that will lift up workers here and around the world, retirement security and the freedom to form unions and bargain for middle-class living standards. Obama has a 98 percent voting record on working families’ issues, compared to just 16 percent for Sen. John McCain.

Senator Barack Obama has secured the nomination of his party in a campaign that has energized millions of Americans and spoken to the hopes and dreams of people from every corner of our nation. His leadership can re-engage disenfranchised Americans and bring our country together. Senator Obama has advocated a change of direction for our nation that mirrors the priorities of the labor movement.

The endorsement marks the beginning of a huge, united political mobilization among working class voters. The AFL-CIO will focus on mobilizing more than 13 million union voters--including union members, families of members, retirees and members of the AFL-CIO community affiliate Working America--in 24 priority states, working to elect U.S. senators and representatives, as well as state and local candidates. AFSCME President and AFL-CIO Political Committee Chair Gerald McEntee said...

We’ll work our hearts out for Barack Obama. Our program is going to be worker to worker and neighbor to neighbor. We’re ready to mobilize. We’re ready to rock and roll. This country and our people are ready for change.

This endorsement is a huge benefit to the campaign: hundreds of thousands of volunteers making hundreds of thousands of phone calls, distributing millions of fliers, and engaging in countless shop floor and office suite discussions about why Barack Obama is the best choice for working families. As part of its endorsement, the AFL-CIO has also launched a new web site to help union members learn about Barack's positions on issue and to give them a place to sign up to help the campaign for change, using tested organizing tactics and new technologies all being harnessed to elect Barack Obama.

If you're part of the a labor organization, visit our Labor page to join this community. And learn more about where Barack stands on worker rights, jobs and trade, health care, retirement security, and education.

Barack Obama's opening remarks before the Economic Competitiveness Summit today at Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh.

Video: Al Gore Endorses Barack Obama at Joe Louis Arena

Here's the video of former Vice President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Al Gore endorsing Sen. Barack Obama.



An excerpt from Al Gore's endorsement:

Many people have waited for some sign that our country is awakening once again. How will we know when a massive wave of reform and recovery and regeneration is about to take hold and renew our nation? What would it look like if such a change were beginning to build? I think we might recognize it as a sign of such change if we saw millions of young people getting involved for the first time in the political process. I think we might just recognize it if we saw that new generation casting aside obsolete and hurtful distinctions and reaching out to one another across the ancient divisions that have frustrated action in the past. I think we would know this change was coming if a new generation rejected the special interest politics of the past and the big money that fueled it, and instead used the internet to get small donations and unite Americans in a common effort to realize our common destiny.

Plan for a Clean Energy Future

“Well, I don't believe that climate change is just an issue that's convenient to bring up during a campaign. I believe it's one of the greatest moral challenges of our generation. That's why I've fought successfully in the Senate to increase our investment in renewable fuels. That's why I reached across the aisle to come up with a plan to raise our fuel standards… And I didn't just give a speech about it in front of some environmental audience in California. I went to Detroit, I stood in front of a group of automakers, and I told them that when I am president, there will be no more excuses — we will help them retool their factories, but they will have to make cars that use less oil.”

— Barack Obama, Speech in Des Moines, IA, October 14, 2007

Photos from Detroit

Al Gore's endorsement should help position Barack Obama as the "green" choice. Here is a Flickr slide show from tonight's endorsement by the Nobel Peace Prize laureate in Detroit before a crowd of 20,000. Michigan is another one of the battleground states.

Al Gore to Endorse Barack Obama

Good to have Al onboard!

Message from Al Gore: "My Endorsement"; Watch the Live Stream Tonight at 8:30 pm EDT

by Sam Graham-Felsen, Monday, June 16, 2008 at 11:54 AM

Former Vice President and Nobel Peace Prize laureat Al Gore just sent out this email...

Dear Friend,

A few hours from now I will step on stage in Detroit, Michigan to announce my support for Senator Barack Obama. From now through Election Day, I intend to do whatever I can to make sure he is elected President of the United States.

Over the next four years, we are going to face many difficult challenges -- including bringing our troops home from Iraq, fixing our economy, and solving the climate crisis. Barack Obama is clearly the candidate best able to solve these problems and bring change to America.

This moment and this election are too important to let pass without taking action.

That's why I am asking you to join me in showing your support by making a contribution to this campaign today:

https://donate.barackobama.com/gore

Over the past 18 months, Barack Obama has united a movement. He knows change does not come from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue or Capitol Hill. It begins when people stand up and take action.

With the help of millions of supporters like you, Barack Obama will bring the change we so desperately need in order to solve our country's most pressing problems.

If you've already contributed to this campaign, I ask that you consider making another contribution right now. If you haven't, please take the next step and own a piece of this campaign today:

https://donate.barackobama.com/gore

On the issues that matter most, Barack Obama is clearly the right choice to lead our nation.

We have a lot of work to do in the next few months to elect Barack Obama president, and it begins by making a contribution to this campaign today.

Thank you for joining me,

Al Gore

LIVE TONIGHT -- 8:30 p.m. EDT: Watch streaming video of Al Gore and Barack Obama at a rally in Detroit, Michigan:

http://www.BarackObama.com

Hillary Clinton Pledges Support for Barack Obama

Sen. Hillary Clinton enthusiastically endorsed Sen. Barack Obama for president in a speech that an Obama strategist called "very generous."

In what must have been a difficult situation, Clinton used Obama campaign slogans like "Yes, we can," calling on her supporters to unite behind the Democratic nominee.

She stated that the road against John McCain and the Republicans will not be easy, but that much change is possible if a Democratic president is elected.

I think it was a good effort on her part, and the Obama website has posted a form asking his supporters to thank Hillary for her endorsement.

47 New Endorsements

The Democratic Party is rallying behind by Sen. Barack Obama including former supporters of Hillary Clinton. The latter will announce her support of Obama tomorrow.

From barackobama.com:

Thursday Superdelegate Update: 47 New Endorsements

by HQ Blog, Thursday, June 05, 2008 at 07:28 PM

Today, the Democratic party continued to unify around Barack Obama. Forty seven new superdelegate endorsements were announced today, including that of Ohio Governor Ted Strickland who had been a active supporter of Senator Hillary Clinton throughout the primary process. Earlier today he released the following comments, explaining his choice...

• Gov. Ted Strickland (OH)

Today, I announce my wholehearted and enthusiastic support for Barack Obama for President of the United States.

Earlier today I talked with Sen. Hillary Clinton. I thanked her for her friendship and the strong effort she put forth in this historic campaign. I pledged to work with her to unify the party and to make sure that Barack Obama wins the presidency.

Ohioans have suffered as a result of the failed policies of the Bush Administration, including job loss as a result of rising fuel prices. Ohioans desperately want real, meaningful change. And I believe Barack Obama will bring that change.

The following superdelegates also endorsed Barack Obama today:

• Rep. Jim Matheson (UT)
• Rep. Jim Inslee (WA)
• Tom Foley (WA)
• Norm Dicks (WA)
• Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa
• Georgia AFL-CIO President Richard Ray
• Sen. Jim Webb (VA)
• Rep. Alcee L. Hastings (FL)
• Rep. Corrine Brown (FL)
• Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (FL)
• Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL)
• The entire NY Congressional Delegation (29 members, led by Rep. Charlie Rangel)
• Virginia Democratic Party Chair Dick Cranwell
• Rep. Bob Rankin (CA)
• Rep. Diana DeGette (CO)
• Rep. Zack Space
• Sen. Sherrod Brown
• Ohio Democratic Party Chair Chris Redfern

Obama News on Wednesday

Sen. Barack Obama picked up the endorsements of the United Mine Workers of America and superdelegate Rep. Joe Courtney giving him only 62 delegates more to go for the nomination.

Here's the statement from UMWA:

We are extremely proud to make this endorsement today. Sen. Obama shares the values of UMWA members and our families. He understands and will fight for the needs our members have today and the hopes our members have for a secure future for themselves and their families.

Most of all, Sen. Obama will implement the clear change in direction UMWA members–indeed, all American working people–must have if they are to once again move forward and have a true opportunity to realize the American dream. After eight years of being pushed aside by an administration which neither respects nor values the contributions American working families make to our society, we are looking forward with great anticipation to a new era in our nation starting with the inauguration of President Barack Obama on January 20, 2009.

Today, Barack Obama spoke before 15,000 people in Tampa Bay, Florida. Watch the video.

Five Superdelegates Join Barack Obama

Five superdelegates endorsed Sen. Barack Obama today.

Washington State Democratic Party Chairman Dwight Pelz, Kansas Democratic Party Chair Larry Gates, Alaska superdelegates Cindy Spanyers and Blake Johnson and West Virginia Sen. Robert C. Byrd announced the support for Barack. Here is the report of Bryd's endorsement from the Charleston Gazette.

Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., endorsed Barack Obama for president shortly after noon today, focusing on his hope to end the Iraq War.

"As people all across this great nation know, I have been one of the most outspoken opponents of the Bush administration's misguided war in Iraq and its saber rattling around the globe," Byrd said.

He said he had "no intention of involving myself in the Democratic campaign for President in the midst of West Virginia's primary election. But the stakes this November could not be higher."

Byrd praised both Obama and Hillary Clinton, saying their "integrity, honor, love for this country and strong belief in our Constitution I deeply respect...

"Barack Obama is a noble-hearted patriot and humble Christian, and he has my full faith and support," Byrd concluded.

Barack in Portland, Oregon

Obama News on Thursday

Sen. Barack Obama has picked up four more superdelegates and the endorsement of a major union today.

The United Steelworkers and superdelegates, Larry Cohen, Communications Workers of America President; Congressmen Henry Waxman, Howard Berman and Jim McDermott all announced their support for Obama.

Here is the statement from the United Steelworkers.

When the presidential primary contests began last year, our Union felt strongly that because of Senator John Edwards’s deep commitment to working people and because of our shared beliefs, he deserved our strong endorsement. His belief that unfair trade policies must be changed, his commitment to pass the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) to restore workers’ rights to freely choose workplace representation, and his proposal for universal health care were widely shared by our members.

Today, by virtue of a unanimous vote of our International Executive Board, we find ourselves once again in agreement with Senator Edwards, this time with his decision last evening to endorse Senator Barack Obama. And thus today, the United Steelworkers enthusiastically endorses Senator Barack Obama to be the next President of the United States.

Senator Obama’s call for a significant change of direction amounts to far more than a compelling rallying cry. It is buttressed by his record of consistent support for workers, by his call for sweeping changes to our health care system, by his unflinching support for Employee Free Choice, and by his insistence that America’s trade policies must, first and foremost, serve the interests of America’s working families.

Senator Obama has shown his commitment to working families by proposing significant investments in the future of American manufacturing, in the revitalization of our nation’s infrastructure, and in 21st century clean energy technologies that will lead to significant growth in domestic jobs. He is clearly the candidate who can best lead our nation out of the dark period of economic decline created by the Bush administration’s allegiance to Wall Street profiteering at the expense of worker prosperity.

We share Senator Obama’s call for significant changes to these bankrupt policies, just as we earlier shared Senator Edwards’ And all of us, including we hope Senator Clinton for whom we have the utmost respect, must now do everything we can to ensure that Barack Obama is the next President of the United States. Now is the time for contention and division to cease, and for us to unite behind the changes for which Senator Obama and our members are calling.

America’s workers cannot afford another four years of rehashed Bush administration policies, another four years in which the National Labor Relations Board shills for corporate misconduct, or another four years of a Secretary of the Treasury who considers it his “job” to bail out Wall Street speculators at the expense of hard working families loosing their homes.

Nor can those of us who are committed to changing the direction of the country afford any more racial profiling of an election, when either Democratic candidate would be far superior to Senator McCain’s lock-step commitment to four more years of the broken Bush economy and the broken Bush foreign policies.

We are proud and honored to join Senator Edwards in endorsing Senator Barack Obama to be the next President of the United States. We commit ourselves to working tirelessly for his election and for a new age of cooperation among Democrats, Independents and thoughtful Republicans alike in which working Americans are restored to a place of dignity in society and in the American economy.

Video: John Edwards Joins Barack Obama

Check out the video of John Edwards endorsement of Barack Obama.



Obama also sent out this email announcing the endorsement.

Friend --

I have some very exciting news.

My good friend John Edwards is endorsing our campaign and joining our movement for change.

We're here in Grand Rapids, Michigan -- and if you receive this message in time, you can probably turn on your TV and be part of the moment.

I'm deeply honored by John's support. He is a true leader who dedicated his career to improving the lives of ordinary Americans.

John ran a strong, principled campaign for president, focusing on a number of important issues where we share common ground -- universal health care, bringing our troops home from Iraq, and eliminating poverty in America.

The way he ran his campaign was also important. He ran in a way that reflected our shared conviction that we need to fundamentally change politics.

Like our campaign, John's campaign never accepted donations from Washington lobbyists or special interest PACs.

Let's welcome John Edwards to the campaign with an outpouring of the kind of grassroots support that is bringing our political process back to the people.

Make a donation of whatever you can afford now, and if you choose, include your own note to Senator Edwards. I'll make sure he gets them:

https://donate.barackobama.com/johnedwards

Thank you for all that you're doing,

Barack

John Edwards to Endorse Barack Obama

The Associated Press is confirming that former senator and presidential candidate John Edwards has endorsed Barack Obama.

Campaign spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Mr. Edwards will join Sen. Obama at his Grand Rapids, Mich., rally where he will announce his endorsement.

Mr. Edwards, who dropped out of the race for the Democratic nomination in January, placed second in the Iowa caucuses and was a favorite of the party's liberal wing.

NARAL endorses Barack Obma

Barack Obama scored a surprise endorsement today when NARAL Pro Choice America announced their support for the Illinois senator.

"Today, we are proud to put our organization's grass-roots and political support behind the pro-choice candidate whom we believe will secure the Democratic nomination and advance to the general election," NARAL's president said in the release. "That candidate is Sen. Obama."

Obama also got another superdelegate today when Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan announced his endorsement.

“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.”

Barack now needs 134.5 more delegates to win the nomination.


Barack talks about his green manufacturing agenda at Macomb County, Michigan.

More Superdelegates Join Obama

Four more superdelegates have endorsed Barack Obama so far today. Indiana Rep. Joe Donnelly, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, DC Superdelegate Anita Bonds and former DNC chief Roy Romer all announced their support for the Illinois senator.

Donnelly said:

"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."

And here is Mayor Nagin's statement:

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.

Barack now only needs 146 more delegates to win the nomination.

CA Superdelegate Crystal Strait supports Barack Obama

Today, Crystal Strait, one of the superdelegates I happen to know personally, endorsed Barack Obama. The former president of the California Young Democrats released this statement.

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.

Barack needs 155 more delegates to win the nomination.


Gov. Kathleen Sebelius talks about Vote for Change, the Obama campaign voter registration drive aimed at getting more people involved in the process.

Union and Four Superdelegates Endorse Barack Obama

Sen. Barack Obama picked four superdelegates today and the endorsement of an important union.

The American Federation of Government Employees and its president John Gage endorsed Obama today.

"Our people, I think, recognize the enthusiasm and vitality behind Senator Obama's campaign," AFGE President John Gage said. Gage is also a superdelegate.

The other superdelegate endorsements are Reps. Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and Donald Payne (D-NJ); and DNC member Ed Espinosa of California.

Obama now needs only 163 more delegates to clinch the nomination.

Obama News on Wednesday

Brian Cardarella is donating half of his Bush stimulus check to the Obama campaign, and he's encouraging others to consider donating a portion of their checks. Obviously, the Bush economy makes it harder for many people to donate, but that hasn't stopped Barack from breaking all fundraising records.


Today, Barack picked up three additional superdelegates, former Clinton supporter and South Dakota senator George McGovern was said to have switched to Obama after asking Hillary to concede.

Barack now needs 170 more delegates to gain the nomination. From barackobama.com:

Three Superdelegates Endorse Obama; Delegate Countdown - 170 To Go

by Sam Graham-Felsen, Wednesday, May 07, 2008 at 11:51 AM

Chicago, IL – The day after Barack Obama’s commanding victory in North Carolina and tight finish in Indiana, three superdelegates today endorsed Barack Obama.

The three previously uncommitted superdelegates endorsing Obama are North Carolina Democratic Party Chairman Jerry Meek, North Carolina DNC member Jeanette Council, and California DNC member Inola Henry.

These endorsements brings the total number of superdelegates to endorse Obama to 261. Senator Obama is 170 delegates away from securing the Democratic nomination.

Chairman Meek said, “Over the past year, I’ve watched as Barack Obama has drawn countless new people to the political process. Although my position as State Chair has led me to remain neutral through the primary, I’ve quietly celebrated as Barack Obama offered new hope to millions of Americans who have lost faith in the American dream after years of disastrous Republican policies. Rarely does a public servant emerge with Barack Obama’s ability to unite our country and produce real change. With Barack Obama as our nominee, North Carolina can deliver its electoral votes to a Democrat and Democratic candidates up and down the ballot will benefit. Barack Obama offers the best chance to take back the White House, elect countless democrats down-ballot, and breathe new life into the Democratic Party.”

Jeanette Council said, “I am pleased today to be endorsing Barack Obama as he continues to unite Americans for change. This election is a unique opportunity for all Americans and Barack Obama’s campaign has inspired and changed the entire face of our country. His campaign has mobilized new people and welcomed people of all ages, races, backgrounds, attracted everyone from first time voters to voters who have participated their entire adult lives. The way he has built a campaign that reflects his message of hope and change and brought all different communities to the table is unlike any campaign I have ever seen.”

Council added, “I am first and foremost a Democrat and the Democratic Party is truly the party of the people, the party of inclusion that wants to engage all people in the political process. This is what Barack Obama has done. Seeing this happen, especially here in North Carolina, has changed me forever and given me hope that we can change this country. I put much thought, consideration and most importantly prayer into this decision, and today I know I am backing a candidate who can put our country on the right path. I’m proud to endorse him today.”

Let's keep building the momentum. It's up to us to make sure this movement continues to grow...

Clinton Superdelegate endorses Obama

A major superdelegate supporter of Hillary Clinton has switched to the Barack Obama camp.

Former Democratic Party leader and Indiana native Joe Andrew endorsed Obama today.

"The math[ematics] for this is simple," Mr Andrew told ABC News. "A vote for Hillary Clinton is a vote to continue this process." If Mr Obama can carry both Indiana and North Carolina on Tuesday – he is ahead in the latter but appears to be in a close race in the former – it could be enough to force Mrs Clinton out.

Endorsements pour in for Barack Obama

Sen. Barack Obama received a flurry of endorsements today. From Oregon, Congressman David Wu announced his support for Obama today.

"I think we are blessed to have two strong candidates for president," Congressman David Wu said. "I am endorsing Barack Obama for president today because I believe that he is best suited to turn the page on this sorry episode in American history. He and I both had the judgment to oppose the Iraq War from the very beginning.

"Every dollar that we have spent in Iraq—which adds up to over $500 billion so far—is a dollar not spent at home, a school not built, a bridge not repaired," continued Wu. "We need new policies both at home and abroad. Like Americans, the international community wants to see real change in America and I believe that Senator Obama embodies that change."

The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), an AFL-CIO affiliated labor union also endorsed Obama.

While IFPTE applauds both Democratic candidates, our union’s internal polling results, coupled with Senator Obama’s unblemished record of support for the critical issues facing IFPTE, prompted our action to endorse Senator Obama.

IFPTE’s Executive Council agreed that Senator Obama is the candidate best suited to address the major concerns of America’s working men and women, particularly those issues that directly impact IFPTE’s diverse membership. The Senator believes we need to reform the H-1B program; he will immediately reverse the last eight years of the union busting promulgated on our nation’s Civil Servants; will stand against free trade agreements like NAFTA that fail to protect American workers; will address our nation’s dangerous health care crisis; will work to oppose irresponsible privatization schemes in the public and federal sectors; will work to protect the pensions and retirement security of working Americans; and will not only support the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), but will actively use the bully pulpit of the Presidency to work with Congress in ensuring that this all important labor law reform legislation becomes the

IFPTE is pleased to join the millions of Senator Obama supporters and look forward to working with him over the next seven months as we move toward victory in November.

From North Carolina, 43 mayors announced today that they are backing Sen. Obama.

FULL LIST OF MAYORS ENDORSING SENATOR OBAMA

Terry Bellamy, Mayor, Asheville
Leni Sinick, Former Mayor, Asheville
Linda Blackburn, Mayor, Ahoskie
Frank Wilson, Mayor, Bolton
Loretta Clawson, Mayor, Boone
Kevin Foy, Mayor, Chapel Hill
Mark Chilton, Mayor, Carrboro
Harold Weinbrecht, Mayor, Cary
Harvey Gantt, Former Mayor, Charlotte
Linda Ingram, Mayor, Conetoe
Darryl Moss, Mayor, Creedmoor
Malcolm Johnson, Mayor, Dover
N. Carnell Robinson, Mayor Pro Tem, Dunn
William Bell, Mayor, Durham
Cora McFadden, Mayor Pro Tem, Durham
Perry Blanks, Mayor, East Arcadia
Warnie Bishop, Mayor, Enfield
Roy Bell, Mayor, Garysburg
Yvonne Johnson, Mayor, Greensboro
Keith Holiday, Former Mayor, Greensboro
Mildred Council, Mayor Pro Tem, Greenville
Horace Reid, Mayor Pro Tem, Hertford
Matthew Block, Mayor, Laurinburg
Phil Bazemore, Mayor Pro Tem, Monroe
Eulis Willis, Mayor, Navassa
Lewis Brown, Former Mayor, Navassa
Jerry Merrick, Mayor Pro Tem, Navassa
James Knox, Mayor, Northwest
Randolph Voller, Mayor, Pittsboro
Charles Meeker, Mayor, Raleigh
James West, former Mayor Pro Tem, Raleigh
Estelle Sanders, Mayor, Roper
Perry Dixon, Mayor, Sandyfield
James Mill Sr., Mayor, Scotland Neck
Melvin Broadnax, Mayor, Seabord
Howard Morgan, Mayor, Sedalia
Wilbert Harrison, Mayor, Speed
Ethel Clark, Mayor, Spring Lake
Donald Davis, Mayor, Snow Hill
Betty Gholston, Mayor, Wagram
George Draper Jr., Mayor, Weldon
Robert Spivey, Mayor, Windsor
Vivian Burke, Mayor Pro Tem, Winston-Salem
Carl Lee Sr., Mayor, Lewiston Woodville

Oregon Latino Coalition endorses Barack Obama

A coalition of Oregon Latino group led by the state's largest farmworker union announced its endorsement of Barack Obama.

Latinos make up about eight percent of Oregon's population and tend to vote Democrat. Oregon votes on May 20 and April 29 is the last day to register before the presidential primary.

Coaltion of Oregon Latino groups endorse Barack Obama for president

April 23, 2008

Key Latino groups in Oregon today announced their endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama for president.

Ramon Ramirez, the president of PCUN, the state’s largest farmworker union, made the announcement.

Ramirez and the groups cite the Illinois senator’s commitment to improving the lives of farmworkers and Latino families in Oregon and across the nation as the reason they chose to endorse him.

— Thelma Guerrero-Huston