2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Jeff Blodgett Strategy Briefing On Obama Campaign Get Out The Vote Effort

Blodgett Strategy Briefing On Obama Campaign Get Out The Vote Effort

ST. PAUL – Minnesota state director Jeff Blodgett held a press briefing today at 1:00 PM on the Obama Campaign for Change Get Out The Vote strategy. The briefing took place at “packet land,” the central location for assembling the material volunteers will use to accomplish the campaign’s aggressive goals during GOTV. Volunteers will be working at this location throughout the day.

The Obama Campaign for Change is organizing an aggressive, coordinated GOTV operation in a state known for grassroots get-out-the-vote efforts.

"We plan to work with a universe of 500,000 voters, voters who don't always vote in elections or they're new voters. We intend to knock on their doors, up to four times, between last Saturday up through election day."

"In addition, we intend to make phone calls to hundreds of thousand of voters who don't live in areas where it's convenient to door knock. And so, that combined effort we're working with about a million voters in our universe."

"In addition to the 37 field offices, we're going be offering 130 staging locations," said Jeff Blodgett at the strategy briefing.

Patricia Heaton To Visit McCain-Palin 2008 Volunteers Thursday And Friday In Minnesota

Patricia Heaton To Visit McCain-Palin 2008 Volunteers Thursday And Friday In Minnesota

Patricia Heaton, star of the hit series "Everybody Loves Raymond" will campaign In Minnesota for John McCain and Sarah Palin. She will visit Women For McCain-Palin 2008 volunteers in St. Paul on Thursday, October 30, 2008 and Victory Offices in Burnsville and Eden Prairie on Friday, October 31, 2008.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

7:45 P.M.

Women For McCain-Palin 2008

Ramsey County Victory Office
678 Transfer Rd
St. Paul, MN
(651) 645-5432

Friday, October 31, 2008

10:00 A.M.

Burnsville Victory Office
12225 Wood Lake Dr.
Burnsville, MN 55337
(952) 882-9356

NOON

Eden Prairie Victory Office
6870 Washington Ave S
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
(952) 944-1085

Bill Clinton Headlines ‘Five Days To Change’ Rally For Obama Campaign Thursday Evening In Minneapolis

BILL CLINTON HEADLINES ‘FIVE DAYS TO CHANGE’ RALLY FOR OBAMA CAMPAIGN, FRANKEN THURSDAY EVENING IN MINNEAPOLIS
Clinton Campaigns with Al Franken To Bring Change For Minnesota's Middle Class

SAINT PAUL– The Obama for America and Al Franken for Senate campaigns today announced that former President Bill Clinton will headline a “Five Days to Change” Get-Out-The-Vote rally in Minneapolis Thursday evening. Clinton will be joined by U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar.  

“President Clinton has always understood that you grow the economy by investing in the middle class and putting people first,” said Al Franken. “Minnesota families need a change in Washington so we can get our economy back on track -- and I'm so honored to be able to stand with President Clinton in fighting for that change in this election.”

“President Clinton presided over a time of great economic prosperity,” Obama’s Minnesota state director Jeff Blodgett said. “We’re honored to have President Clinton campaigning in Minnesota as the campaign comes to a close. President Clinton has a unique understanding of what it takes to bring the change we need for middle class families.”

The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are NOT required, but an RSVP is strongly encouraged.

***For security reasons, do not bring bags. Please limit personal items. No signs or banners allowed.***

Col. Bud Day To Campaign In Minnesota For John McCain Monday, October 27, 2008

Col. Bud Day To Campaign In Minnesota For John McCain

Col. Bud Day at the St. Paul McCain Headquarters at 2:30 PM. Bud is a Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, one of the most decorated American soldiers of the 20th century, and was a P.O.W. with John McCain for almost six years at the infamous Hanoi Hilton. He will speak about his experiences and his support for John McCain.

Meet and Greet with Col. Bud Day

Monday
October 27, 2008

Meet and Greet with Bud Day - 8:00 AM Tomorrow Morning
Happy Chef Restaurant
2100 Highway 169
North Mankato, MN

Meet and Greet with Bud Day - 11:00 AM Tomorrow
Eden Prairie Victory Office
6870 Washington Ave. S.
Eden Prairie, MN

Meet and Greet with Bud Day - 2:30 PM Tomorrow
St. Paul McCain HQ
678 Transfer Rd.
St. Paul, MN

Ralph Nader For President 2008 Rally At The University Of Minnesota Friday, October 31st

RALPH NADER TO HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE AND RALLY IN MINNEAPOLIS, MN FRIDAY, OCT 31

On Friday, October 31 at 6:30 p.m., consumer advocate and independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader will hold a press conference at 220 Blegan Hall, 269 19th Ave. South followed by a 7 p.m. rally at the University of Minnesota, Willey Hall- Room 175, 225. Mr. Nader will speak on a variety of topics including the economic crisis, the fraudulent Commission on Presidential Debates which excludes alternative voices from participating, and other pressing issues especially pertinent to Minnesota residents.

The Nader/Gonzalez campaign opposes the use of public money to construct sports facilities like the new Twins’ Baseball stadium in Hennepin County. The facility will cost $522 million with 75% of the total ($392 million) paid by taxpayers via a sales tax increase (0.15% in Hennepin County and 0.5% in Minneapolis proper). Although a 1997 law requires local sales tax increases to be approved by the public through referendum, an exemption was granted by the legislature without public vote due to the "time critical nature" of stadium’s construction (the Twins’ lease at the Metrodome was on the verge of expiration and management had indicated they would move the team without a new stadium).

The Nader/Gonzalez campaign also opposes the use of coal power and supports the development of sustainable energies including solar and wind. That is why the Nader/Gonzalez campaign stands staunchly against the proposed $1.6 billion Big Stone II 600 MW coal plant that will drain 3.2 billion gallons of water from the Minnesota River, and emit 4.7 million metric tons of greenhouse gases every year. For a region in the sweet spot of America’s wind belt, and an increasingly carbon constrained world, it doesn’t make sense for Minnesotans to make long-term and hefty financial commitments to yesterday’s dirty way of producing electricity in, even in nearby states. There is no such thing as clean coal. That is the imagination of the Coal Institute.

Mr. Nader will also speak on the significance of a recent poll conducted in August by Minnesota Public Radio that found that 77 percent of  the state’s likely voters say they would consider voting for an independent or third-party candidate. This astounding figure highlights the publics dissatisfaction and distrust with the two-party duopoly and its stranglehold on the American political system. Mr. Nader will highlight the crucial role of independent and third-party candidates in American history and the tremendous accomplishments they’ve achieved in their struggles to end slavery and give women the right to vote.

Mr. Nader will also address other critical issues the major party candidates have taken "off the table" that the Nader/Gonzalez Campaign has put on the table, including:

- a comprehensive, six-month negotiated military and corporate withdrawal date from Iraq;
- a single-payer, private delivery, free-choice public health insurance system for all;
- a living wage and repeal of the anti-union Taft-Hartley Act;
- a no-nuke, solar-based energy policy supported by renewable, sustainable, energy-efficient sources;
- a carbon tax to deter global warming and a Wall Street securities derivatives tax to pay for the Washington bailout of Wall Street;
- an end to the corporate welfare and corporate crime waves that have resulted in millions losing pensions, savings and jobs and squandered tax dollars;
- a major public works jobs program to repair America’s schools, clinics, public transit, bridges, drinking water & sewage treatment systems paid for by reducing the bloated, wasteful military budget and ending corporate subsidies; and,
- more direct democracy reflecting the preamble to our constitution which starts with "we the people," and not "we the corporations."

About Ralph Nader
Attorney, author, and consumer advocate Ralph Nader has been named by Time Magazine one of the "100 Most Influential Americans in the 20th Century." For more than four decades he has exposed problems and organized millions of citizens into more than 100 public interest groups advocating solutions. He led the movement to establish the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and was instrumental in enacting the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and countless other pieces of important consumer legislation. Because of Ralph Nader we drive safer cars, eat healthier food, breathe better air, drink cleaner water, and work in safer environments. Nader graduated from Princeton University and received an LL.B from Harvard Law School.

About the Nader/Gonzalez Campaign
The Nader/Gonzalez independent presidential candidacy will be on the ballot in 45 states, is polling at 5-6 percent nationally, and despite being excluded from the presidential debates,* a recent Time/CNN poll shows Ralph Nader polling 8 percent in New Mexico, 7 percent in Colorado, 7 percent in Pennsylvania, and 6 percent in Nevada — all key battleground states.

Presidential Candidate Ralph Nader To Hold Halloween Night Costume Party In Minnesota

Halloween Night Costume Party with Presidential Candidate Ralph Nader

715 Hennepin Avenue South
(Located between 7th and 8th Street on Hennepin)
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403

Friday October 31, 2008
8:30pm

Costumes, Drinks, Hors d'oeuvres

Guest Minimum Contribution:
$100 per person with costume
$150 per person without costume

Republican Former Minnesota Gov. Arne Carlson Endorses Barack Obama For President

Republican Former Minnesota Gov. Arne Carlson Endorses Barack Obama for President
Respected two-term Republican governor cited Obama’s steady leadership in crisis and rejection of McCain’s shameful negative tactics

ST. PAUL – Republican former Minnesota Gov. Arne Carlson today endorsed Senator Barack Obama as the best candidate to be the next president of the United States. In a speech to more than 100 Minnesotans at the Minnesota State Capitol, Carlson cited the stark contrast between Senator Obama’s steady leadership through economic crisis and Senator McCain’s erratic, uncertain behavior and his low-road campaign.

Carlson, who supported John McCain during the Republican primary process, was joined at the event by U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar who was campaigning across Minnesota for Obama’s Campaign for Change on Thursday.

Carlson served as Minnesota governor from 1991-1999 and served three terms as state auditor from 1979-1991. He lives with his wife in Plymouth, MN.

“Barack Obama is the only candidate who can bring this country together to get the economy working again for middle-class families,” Carlson said. “I was hoping for a real discussion between serious candidates about how to fix this economic crisis. It had been my hope that Senator McCain would have seen the series of challenges we face as an opportunity to lead the Republican Party with fresh ideas. But, he hasn’t done that. 

“Instead of offering a national vision for our nation, Senator McCain has resorted to smear tactics in an effort to scare voters and stir up the right-wing base. Senator Obama has been a remarkably disciplined and focused leader who will become a truly great president. There is no doubt that Senator Barack Obama is the right choice for president in these challenging times.”

Sarah Palin Road to Victory Rallies In Iowa This Saturday In Sioux City And Des Moines

Sarah Palin Road to Victory Rallies In Iowa This Saturday In Sioux City And Des Moines

Governor Palin will discuss John McCain's plans to strengthen the economy, protect America's workers and entrepreneurs and keep our nation secure by putting country first.

“The race for the White House in Iowa continues to heat up as internal polling tightens.  We’ve seen both campaigns open more offices, bring in more staff, continue their advertising and plan visits to the state,” said campaign manager Rick Davis.  “Senator McCain and Governor Palin are within striking distance in Iowa.  Given our historically strong Get Out the Vote program and how our message of conservative values is resonating better with Iowans -- while we’re still the underdog -- we feel very good about our investment in the Hawkeye State.”

Saturday morning, Governor Palin will be holding a rally in Sioux City. 

Saturday afternoon, Governor Palin will be holding a rally in Des Moines.

An additional rally for Sunday featuring Senator McCain is expected to be announced Wednesday. 

“Governor Palin is excited to be traveling back to Iowa this weekend so that Iowans can hear straight talk, straight from her, about how she and Senator McCain will work across the aisle, strengthen our economy, keep taxes low and lead in Washington.”  
-- Wendy Riemann, Iowa McCain Spokeswoman     

The Palin Sioux City Rally on Saturday, October 25th will take place at:
Sioux City West High School Gym
2001 Casselman St
Sioux City, IA

Doors open at 9 a.m.
Program starts at 10 a.m.

The Palin Des Moines Rally on Saturday, October 25th will take place at:

Hy-Vee Hall
730 Third Street
Des Moines, IA

Doors open at 12:30 p.m.
Program starts at 1:30 p.m.

Tickets are required for each rally and are free.  A list of ticket distribution centers for each rally is listed below, along with the office hours for each distribution site. 

Ticket Distribution Sites for Sioux City Road to Victory Rally on Saturday, October 25th with Governor Palin

Woodbury Victory Office
4281 Sergeant Rd.
Sioux City, IA  51106
9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Sioux County Victory Office
419 1st Ave NE
Sioux Center, IA  51250
9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Pottawattamie County Victory Office
1851 Madison Ave, Suite 716
Council Bluffs, IA  51503
9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Ticket Distribution Sites for Des Moines Road to Victory Rally on Saturday, Oct. 25th with Governor Palin

McCain Regional Headquarters/Iowa Victory Headquarters
2775 86th Street
Urbandale, IA  50322
9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Republican Party of Iowa
621 East 9th Street
Des Moines, IA  50309
9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Story County Victory Office
413 Northwestern Ave.
Ames, IA  50010
9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Marshall County Victory Office
32 West Main Street
Marshalltown, IA  50158
9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Jasper County Victory Office
107 First Avenue West
Newton, IA  50208
9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Warren County Victory Office
1214 North Jefferson Street
Indianola, IA  50125
9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Rudy Giuliani To Join Norm Coleman For Rally In Bloomington

AMERICA’S MAYOR RUDY GIULIANI TO JOIN MINNESOTA’S MAYOR IN WASHINGTON FOR RALLY IN BLOOMINGTON

Senator Norm Coleman, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and other Minnesota Mayors will hold a rally for Minnesota’s Mayor in Washington, Norm Coleman. The rally is part of Norm’s Hope Express Tour and is free and open to the public.

The rally will take place at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, October 23 at the Hotel Sofitel in Bloomington.

Mary Pawlenty, First Lady of Minnesota To Campaign In Pennsylvania With Cindy McCain

Mrs. Cindy McCain to Participate in Road to Victory Rally in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

ARLINGTON, VA -- The McCain-Palin presidential campaign today announced that Mrs. Cindy McCain will participate in a Road to Victory Rally in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on Saturday, October 18th.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

WILKES-BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA

WHO: Mrs. Cindy McCain
          Mrs. Brooke Burr, First Lady of North Carolina
          Mrs. Mary Pawlenty, First Lady of Minnesota

WHAT: Road to Victory Rally

WHEN: Saturday, October 18, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. EDT
*Please Note: Doors open for general public admission at 4:00 p.m. EDT.

WHERE: Wilkes University
              The Marts Center
              274 South Franklin St.
              Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701