2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

State Auditor Rebecca Otto, Other Prominent Women Leaders Endorse Senator Barack Obama For President

State Auditor Rebecca Otto, Other Prominent Women Leaders Endorse Senator Barack Obama for President

MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota State Auditor Rebecca Otto announced her endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for President today at a press conference at the Minneapolis Woman's Club. The event was attended by several other prominent Minnesota women elected officials.

“Senator Obama has a proven record of service to women and families, on issues ranging from health care, safeguarding the environment, improving our education system, providing equal rights, and ensuring reproductive health,” Otto said. “He will provide uncommon vision and leadership in the White House benefiting women for generations to come.”

Other women leaders who have endorsed Senator Obama:

State Senator Ellen Anderson
State Senator Mee Moua
State Senator Patricia Torres Ray
State Representative Maria Ruud
State Representative Sandy Wollschlager
St. Paul Public School Teacher Kim Ellison
Minneapolis City Council Member Elizabeth Glidden
Minneapolis City Council Member Betsy Hodges
St. Paul City Council Member Toni Carter
Falcon Heights Council Member Beth Mercer-Taylor

“I am honored to have the endorsement of Rebecca Otto and all of these distinguished women leaders," Obama said. "I look forward to working with them to bring change we can believe in to Washington to promote fairness and equality for women and their families. We don't just want to win an election, we want to build a coalition that will finally solve the problems we've been talking about for decades.”

California First Lady Maria Shriver Announces Support For Barack Obama

CALIFORNIA FIRST LADY MARIA SHRIVER ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR BARACK OBAMA

LOS ANGELES, CA – California’s First Lady Maria Shriver today joined a rally at UCLA with Michelle Obama, Caroline Kennedy, labor leader Maria Elena Durazoand Oprah Winfrey to announce her support for Barack Obama.  Shriver emphasized that at this critical moment in our nation’s history we need a leader who can unite Americans to take on the challenges we face.

“There is no place I wanted to be but here today,” said Shriver.  “This election is about a moment.  This is a moment not just for the United States of America, not just for the Democratic Party, but this is a moment for California.  The more I thought about it, I thought, if Barack Obama was a state, he’d be California.  Think about it:  diverse, open, smart, independent, bucks tradition, innovative, inspiring, dreamer, leader."

“But this is a moment. It’s a moment to have a conversation with yourself. Do I believe in an America that's about unity, about coming together, it's about seeing beyond the labels? We’ve got to see beyond the labels that divide us. And if that's the kind of America I want, I think it will be very clear to you what you should do on Tuesday."

“I’m honored to have the support of Maria Shriver,” said Senator Obama.  “Her courage in lending her voice to this movement means a great deal to me, and reminds us why she is one of the most admired women in America. Maria has been a strong advocate for women, a passionate voice for public service, and an extraordinary First Lady. Her dedication to bringing about a more compassionate, hopeful America sets an example not just for Californians, but for all Americans."

Garrison Keillor Endorses Barack Obama

Garrison Keillor Endorses Barack Obama

Obama Campaign Will Run Targeted Super Bowl Ad in February 5th States

Obama Campaign Will Run Targeted Super Bowl Ad in February 5th States
Super Bowl Ad “Join” Also Running in States with Contests on February 9th, 10th and 12th

CHICAGO – The Obama for America campaign today announced that it will run an ad during the Super Bowl in the majority of states holding nominating contests on February 5th, 9th, 10th and 12th.

Obama’s ad will run during the Super Bowl in markets in the following states:

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia and Washington.

Below is the script of the ad:

“I’m Barack Obama and I approve this message. We want an end to this war and we want diplomacy and peace. Not only can we save the environment, we can create jobs and opportunity. We’re tired of fear; we’re tired of division. We want something new.  We want to turn the page. The world as it is is not the world as it has to be.”

Garrison Keillor Endorses Barack Obama for President

Garrison Keillor Endorses Barack Obama for President

ST. PAUL – Writer and humorist Garrison Keillor today announced his endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for President.

In a letter to Senator Obama, Keillor wrote:

“I'm happy to support your candidacy, which is so full of promise for our country. Seven years of a failed presidency is a depressing thing, and the country is pressing for a change and looking for someone with clear vision who is determined to break through the rhetorical logjam and find sensible ways to move our country forward. That's you, friend.

“I can't think of a happier prospect for next January than to see you and your wife and children stepping out on the platform in front of the Capitol for the inauguration. The sight of this will bring to an end a long sour chapter in our history. It will be an enormous moment. And of course it will be exciting to have a president who can speak with grace and power to the American people. Your campaign is a great tonic for America and that's why so many young people are excited about it. I congratulate you on your awesome achievement so far and pledge my support toward victory in November.”

Keillor is best known as the host of Public Radio’s A Prairie Home Companion and is also a best-selling author and humorist.

“I’ve been entertained and inspired by Garrison Keillor’s work through the years,” Obama said. “His tales of life in Lake Wobegon tell the story of life in quintessential middle America. I’m honored to have his support and, as president, I will wake up every day thinking about how I can help make life better in places like Lake Wobegon all across the country.”

Barack Obama Target Center Minneapolis Minnesota Photos

Barack Obama Target Center Minneapolis Minnesota Photos

Barack Obama Target Center Minneapolis Minnesota Photos

Oberstar, Sertich Head Up Obama’s Iron Range Leadership Committee

Oberstar, Sertich Head Up Obama’s Iron Range Leadership Committee

ST. PAUL – Stressing Barack Obama's strength on handling the economy, Minnesota House Majority Leader Tony Sertich and several other Iron Range leaders unveiled Senator Barack Obama's Iron Range Leadership Committee today in Chisholm. The announcement came the same day thousands of Minnesotans were expected to attend Obama's Minnesota rally at the Target Center and a day after Chisholm-native Congressman Jim Oberstar endorsed Obama for president.

“At this unique moment in history, we need a leader who can overcome our differences and speak to our hopes and dreams as a state and a country,” Sertich said. “Barack Obama is the one candidate who can bring us together and actually make progress on good-paying jobs and other important issues that we face. I will be supporting Barack Obama because he is the candidate who can bring us real change in Washington, and is most looking towards our future.”

Obama has laid out a 21st century economic agenda to help ensure that America can compete in a global economy, and ensure the middle class is thriving and growing. Obama's plan increases investments in infrastructure, energy independence, education, and research and development; modernizes and simplifies our tax code so it provides greater opportunity and relief to more Americans; and implements trade policies that benefit American workers and increase the export of American goods.

The members of Obama's Iron Range Leadership Committee are:

•       Congressman Jim Oberstar, Chisholm
•       Rep. Tony Sertich, Chisholm
•       Rep. Tom Anzelc, Balsam Township
•       Paul Cerkvenik, Virginia
•       Kathleen Murray, Virginia
•       Aaron Brown, Balsam Township
•       Nevada Littlewolf, Virginia
•       John Grahek, Virginia

Barack Obama Minneapolis Live Streaming Video

Barack Obama Target Center Minneapolis Minnesota Live Streaming Video