2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Obama’s Campaign for Change to Launch Statewide Minnesota Canvass, Open Seven New Offices Saturday

Obama’s Campaign for Change to Launch Statewide Canvass, Open Seven New Offices

ST. PAUL – U.S. Sen. Barack Obama’s Minnesota Campaign for Change will launch a statewide canvass and open seven new offices across Minnesota tomorrow morning. A variety of Minnesota leaders will attend the office openings, including U.S. Congressman Keith Ellison, Minnesota House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Minnesota Assistant Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, state Rep. Larry Haws, state Sen. Kathy Sheran and state Sen. Keith Langseth. This will be the first wave of office openings for Obama’s Campaign for Change.

Obama’s Campaign for Change staff and volunteers will use the offices to build an unprecedented grassroots organization to bring Obama’s message of change to Minnesotans in their communities. The offices will serve as the frame upon which Obama’s neighbor-to-neighbor, grassroots campaign will be built.

After the office openings on Saturday, Obama volunteers will head out into their communities to knock on doors and talk to their neighbors about Obama’s ideas to strengthen the economy and get America back on track.

These events are free and open to the public.

At each office, the doors will open at 10:00 AM.

See office address information below.

Obama’s Campaign for Change – Wayzata Headquarters
15700 Wayzata Blvd
Wayzata, MN

Obama’s Campaign for Change – Duluth Headquarters
302 Superior Street
Duluth, MN

Obama’s Campaign for Change – St. Cloud Headquarters
904 W. Saint Germain Street
St. Cloud, MN

Obama’s Campaign for Change – Minneapolis Headquarters
514 Hennepin Avenue E
Minneapolis, MN

Obama’s Campaign for Change – Northfield Headquarters
102 3rd Street E
Northfield, MN

Obama’s Campaign for Change – Mankato Headquarters
Midtown Square
220 E Main Street, Suite 1
Mankato, MN

Obama’s Campaign for Change – Moorhead Headquarters
817 Center Avenue
Moorhead, MN

Obama for Minnesota Campaign Builds Momentum, Organization, Opens Offices

Obama for Minnesota Campaign Builds Momentum, Organization

ST. PAUL – Since U.S. Sen. Barack Obama secured the Democratic nomination for president on June 3 at an event in St. Paul, Obama’s Minnesota Campaign for Change has demonstrated the ability to quickly grow in strength and depth, launching an unprecedented volunteer-based voter-contact effort to grow Obama’s movement for change. The campaign is focused on a direct conversation with voters about Obama’s ideas to bring about real change.

"Barack Obama’s campaign for change is recruiting and training thousands of volunteers and neighborhood leaders who will organize their communities and send a message that Minnesotans are ready to choose the future over the past and unite America around a common vision for change," Jeff Blodgett, Obama’s Minnesota state director, said. “Barack Obama has laid out clear plans to strengthen the economy, create good jobs and end the Iraq war by being as careful getting out as we were careless getting in. That’s the kind of change Minnesotans are hungry for.”

Since securing the nomination, Obama has enlisted more than 3,000 Minnesota volunteers, and his supporters have knocked on nearly 133,000 doors – registering new voters, bringing them into the process and talking about Obama’s ideas to get America back on track.

We're officially kicking off our general election efforts in the Twin Cities area this Thursday, July 17th, at 5:00 p.m., with the grand opening of our Campaign for Change Minnesota Headquarters in St. Paul.

Then we'll continue growing our Campaign for Change all across the state on Saturday, July 19th, at 10:00 a.m., when we open Campaign offices in Minneapolis, Wayzata, and five other towns.

Thursday, July 17th -- 5:00 p.m.

Minnesota Headquarters Grand Opening
777 Raymond Avenue
(North of Key's Café, off University Avenue)
St. Paul, MN 55114
 
Saturday, July 19th -- 10:00 a.m.

Minneapolis
504 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55403

Wayzata
15700 Wayzata Boulevard
Wayzata, MN 55391

Obama’s Minnesota campaign has begun aggressive outreach to Minnesota supporters of U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton and will continue to work to build a unified party heading into the November elections.

On June 3, Obama became the presumptive Democratic nominee for president at an event in St. Paul that attracted nearly 30,000 Minnesotans to the Excel Center.

Barack Obama Campaign To Open Offices In Minnesota Soon

Barack Obama Campaign To Open Offices In Minnesota Soon

The Obama campaign will open offices across the State of Minnesota soon. The state headquarters will be located near the intersection of University and Raymond Ave. in the St. Anthony Park neighborhood of St. Paul.

At an Obama organizational meeting held Saturday, June 28, Obama Minnesota State Director, Jeff Blodgett stated that he was, "Humbled and honored to join a campaign in full swing." He went on to say that "What excites him is the culture of the campaign. That culture comes from the top, from Barack Obama and his experience as a community organizer." He emphasized the importance of "Direct voter contact. Talking to voters is most important, more important than television."

Nick Kimball will serve as Communications Director for Minnesota through Election Day, November 4, 2008.

Obama Campaign Manager Says Minnesota Looks Strong For Obama In Fall Campaign

Obama Campaign Manager Says Minnesota Looks Strong For Obama In Fall Campaign

David Plouffe, Barack Obama Campaign Manager, said this about Minnesota during an afternoon Conference call, "We feel that we got a strong base of support in the state of Minnesota and a strong organization. It was one of our stronger organizations that we built in the Primary season."

DFL Party Announces New Communications Team

DFL Party Announces New Communications Team
John Stiles takes over as communications director; Eric Fought joins party as associate communications director

St. Paul (June 17, 2008) — The Minnesota DFL Party announced today the appointment of John Stiles as communications director and Eric Fought as associate communications director, effective Monday, June 16, 2008.

John Stiles, who has served for the last year as the DFL Party’s associate communications director, takes over as communications director following the departure of Kelly Schwinghammer.

Eric Fought joins the Minnesota DFL Party from Nebraska, where he previously served as communications director for the Nebraska Democratic Party and, most recently, as campaign manager for the U.S. Senate campaign of Tony Raimondo. An award-winning broadcast journalist, Fought brings more than 15 years of experience in communications and public relations to the DFL Party.

In addition to Democratic politics, in recent years Eric has worked extensively with non-profit organizations and government agencies. His previous roles include serving as regional director of Public Affairs for the U.S. Department of the Navy and communications director for a statewide child-advocacy organization.

Fought is originally from Wisconsin, where he became active in Democratic politics at an early age.

“We are extremely pleased that John Stiles has chosen to accept the position of communications director and that Eric Fought has joined our team in Minnesota,” said Minnesota DFL Associate Chair Donna Cassutt. “The experience that they each bring in messaging skill, rapid response and political acumen ensures that they will be effective advocates for the DFL Party and our entire ticket throughout this cycle and beyond.”

Jeff Blodgett to Serve As Obama's Minnesota State Director

Jeff Blodgett to Serve as Obama’s Minnesota State Director

Minneapolis, MN — Senator Barack Obama’s presidential campaign announced today that Jeff Blodgett will serve as Minnesota State Director for the general election.

“I am honored to be a part of this amazing campaign, and am excited to join the tens of thousands of Minnesotans already working to elect Barack Obama,” Bodgett said. “We will work very hard here for every vote and make sure that in November Minnesota’s voice is heard loud and clear in this movement to change Washington.”

“We are lucky to have Jeff Blodgett join our team,” Obama campaign manager David Plouffe said. “His community and political organizing experience in Minnesota are unparalleled. More than anyone, Jeff understands community organizing is the backbone of this grassroots movement, and that real change comes from empowering others to become part of the political process.”

Jeff will be taking a formal leave from current job as Executive Director of Wellstone Action beginning July 1. Blodgett ran all three of Paul Wellstone’s senate races. In 2006, he was Senior Advisor to Amy Klobuchar’s U.S. Senate campaign, and oversaw get-out-the-vote efforts in Minnesota for Kerry/Edwards in 2004.

Minnesota State Capitol Building

Gina Countryman Named Communications Director For Republican Party Of Minnesota

Gina Countryman Named Communications Director For Republican Party Of Minnesota

ST PAUL- Minnesota Republican Party Chairman Ron Carey today announced Gina Countryman will take over as Communications Director for the state party and that Mark Drake has left the state party to join the campaign of Senator Norm Coleman.  Countryman has worked at the state party for a number of years, most recently as Research Director. She has also worked in the communications department of the Office of Governor Tim Pawlenty.   

“Over the past few years, Gina Countryman has distinguished herself by leading our cutting-edge research initiatives while also serving as a key member of our communications team,” Carey said.   “Her expanded role for the state party will bring her vast talents to the forefront of communicating the Republican message to the citizens of our state.”

A Statement From Senator Norm Coleman On Senator Obama Clinching Democratic Nomination

A STATEMENT FROM SENATOR NORM COLEMAN
Statement On Senator Obama Clinching Democratic Nomination

SAINT PAUL – The following is a statement from U.S. Senator Norm Coleman on Senator Obama clinching the Democratic nomination:  

"As the first African-American to become a major-party nominee for the presidency, Senator Obama has taken a historic step and I congratulate him on securing the commitments to be his party's nominee.  At the same time, as we turn to the general election, voters will see that clear contrasts exist between Senator Obama and Senator John McCain.  With a long, distinguished record of serving our nation in both the military and in Congress, Senator McCain has embodied the values of leadership, patriotism, accomplishment and experience that voters are looking for in this election.  Whether it be fighting to end wasteful Washington spending or making our nation more secure, John McCain's record of bipartisan accomplishment is more than just words."  

GOP Convention Names Party Headquarters, Delegation Hotels

GOP Convention Names Party Headquarters, Delegation Hotels

Saint Paul's Hilton Garden Inn to Host Minnesota Delegation;
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis to Welcome Republican National Committee

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) - With less than five months before the 2008 Republican National Convention gets underway at the Xcel Energy Center, the Committee of Arrangements (COA) today announced the host hotels for the 56 Republican delegations that will travel to Minneapolis-Saint Paul to formally nominate Sen. John McCain as the GOP's candidate for President of the United States. The GOP also announced the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis will serve as the headquarters hotel for the Republican National Committee (RNC).

As part of today's announcement, convention President and CEO Maria Cino joined MSP 2008 Host Committee CEO Jeff Larson and Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Ron Carey at Saint Paul's Hilton Garden Inn to proclaim the hotel's selection as the official delegation hotel for the host Minnesota delegation.

"Today's announcement is an exciting and pivotal step in our preparations for the convention," Cino said. "Our partners in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul hotel community have worked diligently with our convention staff to secure accommodations for the thousands of guests who will be attending the convention, and we're grateful for their efforts.

"We want to congratulate the Hilton Garden Inn for being selected as the official hotel for the Minnesota delegation, and the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis for being selected as our Party's convention-week headquarters," Cino added. "We're confident the Hilton Garden Inn and the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, along with all the delegation hotels in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area, will serve as outstanding hosts for our visitors from across the country."

"We're looking forward to establishing our headquarters at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, as well as an exciting and successful convention in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, where we will launch Sen. John McCain to the White House," said convention Chairman and RNC Co-Chairman Jo Ann Davidson.

The convention's Delegate Services staff has reserved more than 16,000 hotel rooms in 101 area hotels. Thirty-five hotels will serve as official delegation hotels for the 56 delegations representing states, territories, and the District of Columbia. The remaining hotels will host other visitors during the convention, including media and GOP officials.

"I am thrilled the Minnesota delegation will be staying at the Hilton Garden Inn during the Republican National Convention," Chairman Carey said. "As we nominate Senator McCain to be the next president of the United States, I look forward to showcasing our great state to the entire world. I am certain our delegation will have a world-class experience at the Hilton Garden Inn."
"We know that the hotel industry in the Minneapolis, Saint Paul and Bloomington area will do an amazing job hosting the delegations from around the country," said Jeff Larson, CEO of the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee. "This is an excellent opportunity to roll out the red carpet and truly demonstrate what 'Minnesota Nice' is all about and we look forward to hosting the delegates, media and visitors who will be in for the convention."

Travel Technology Group, the convention's Official Housing Bureau, will assist convention guests with their travel plans. Travel Tech will manage the official convention hotel block and coordinate a paperless, online reservation system as part of the convention's effort to be more environmentally friendly.

The official delegation hotel assignments for the 2008 Republican National Convention are:
Alabama - The Marquette Hotel
Alaska - Ramada Mall of America
American Samoa - Four Points by Sheraton Minneapolis
Arizona - The Saint Paul Hotel
Arkansas - Embassy Suites Minneapolis-Airport
California - Sheraton Bloomington Hotel Minneapolis South & Sofitel Minneapolis- Bloomington
Colorado - Four Points by Sheraton Minneapolis
Connecticut - Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Maple Grove Northwest Minneapolis-Arbor Lakes
Delaware - Best Western Normandy Inn & Suites - Minneapolis
District of Columbia - DoubleTree Guest Suites Minneapolis
Florida - Minneapolis Airport Marriott
Georgia - DoubleTree Hotel Minneapolis - Park Place
Guam - DoubleTree Hotel Minneapolis - Park Place
Hawaii - Embassy Suites Bloomington
Idaho - Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
Illinois - Millennium Hotel Minneapolis
Indiana - Embassy Suites Bloomington
Iowa - La Quinta Inn & Suites Minneapolis Bloomington West
Kansas - Country Inn & Suites by Carlson Bloomington at Mall of America
Kentucky - Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
Louisiana - Crowne Plaza Minneapolis North
Maine - Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
Maryland - Embassy Suites St. Paul-Downtown
Massachusetts - Crowne Plaza Bloomington
Michigan - The Northland Inn
Minnesota - Hilton Garden Inn St. Paul City Center
Mississippi - Embassy Suites Minneapolis-Airport
Missouri - Ramada Minneapolis Northwest & Water Park
Montana - Best Western Normandy Inn & Suites - Minneapolis
Nebraska - Best Western Normandy Inn & Suites - Minneapolis
Nevada - The Saint Paul Hotel
New Hampshire - Hilton Minneapolis
New Jersey - Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport Mall of America
New Mexico - Holiday Inn Minneapolis Metrodome
New York - Minneapolis Marriott City Center
Northern Mariana Islands - Country Inn & Suites by Carlson Bloomington at Mall of America
North Carolina - Holiday Inn Minneapolis Metrodome
North Dakota - DoubleTree Guest Suites Minneapolis
Ohio - Radisson Plaza Hotel Minneapolis & The Marquette Hotel
Oklahoma - Four Points by Sheraton Minneapolis
Oregon - La Quinta Inn & Suites Minneapolis Bloomington West
Pennsylvania - Minneapolis Marriott Southwest
Puerto Rico - Courtyard Minneapolis Maple Grove/Arbor Lakes
Rhode Island - Hyatt Place Minneapolis Airport-South
South Carolina - Hilton Minneapolis
South Dakota - Courtyard Minneapolis Maple Grove/Arbor Lakes
Tennessee - Ramada Mall of America
Texas - Crowne Plaza Hotel St. Paul-Riverfront
US Virgin Islands - Radisson University Hotel-Minneapolis
Utah - Sofitel Minneapolis - Bloomington
Vermont - Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
Virginia - Radisson University Hotel-Minneapolis
Washington - Crowne Plaza Northstar Minneapolis-Downtown
West Virginia - Crowne Plaza Bloomington
Wisconsin - Minneapolis Marriott City Center
Wyoming - Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis St. Paul-Shoreview