Vt. politicians to endorse Sen. Obama for president

[Ethelk2044]

http://www.rutlandherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070912/NEWS03/709120346/1004/NEWS03


MONTPELIER — The presidential primaries are still months away, but today several prominent Vermont politicians are expected to formally endorse Democratic candidate U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Il. Obama has raised more money in the state than any of his competitors and seems to be ahead of all of them in Vermont — although that may make very little difference to his campaign.

It might seem early for endorsements, but the fact that so many states have moved their primary date earlier in 2008 means that the entire presidential election schedule will be "front-loaded," Democrats said. And it means Vermont's primary — which remains on Town Meeting day in March — could be even less important than usual.

"The Democratic nominee is going to largely be decided by the middle of February," said William Sorrell, Vermont's attorney general and one of those who will endorse Obama at a rally in Burlington today. The event, organized by the unofficial local group Vermonters for Obama, will be at Club Metronome in Burlington this evening. The goal of the organization is not just to show Vermonters' support for Obama in the Democratic primary, but to raise money and gather volunteers who will work for the candidate in New Hampshire.

If the Democrats have essentially chosen a candidate by the time the primary in Vermont takes place, volunteers in New Hampshire, which will have one of the earliest contests as usual, could be one way Vermonters will still have an effect on the outcome.

"New Hampshire is one of the earlier states," Sorrell said. "Momentum is going to be all the more important this year because it is such a front-loaded process."

Sorrell will be joined by state Treasurer Jeb Spaulding and former Burlington mayor and gubernatorial candidate Peter Clavelle, who are also expected to endorse Obama.

"I really think he represents the American dream. He has a very culturally diverse background," Spaulding said. "He has the kind of understanding of various perspectives we need to have as a president. I am with him all the way."

[saltpoint]

1. Ethelk, this is an interesting piece from the Rutland HERALD. I'm

putting this post in my keepers file to check on this coming winter.

I have a hunch that it's a harbinger of the success Senator Obama is likely to enjoy. He is not currently the frontrunner. Spaulding's quote in the article may be prescient, IMO.

[Dawgs]

2. Same in Georgia!!

Sanford Bishop, Hank Johnson Will Co-Chair Obama Campaign In Georgia
(9/10/07) Barack Obama’s point men in Georgia will be Reps. Sanford Bishop and Hank Johnson, according to published reports.

The Associated Press said the two Democrats will serve as co-chairmen of the Georgia campaign, playing a largely ceremonial role in which they will help to rally support and bring in contributions.

“Barack Obama is a unifier with the leadership and judgment necessary to make progress on the great challenges facing America,” Bishop writes on Obama’s blog today.

Johnson endorsed Obama in late July, writing on the blog: “Barack Obama, who had the sound judgment to oppose the Iraq War early on, is the only candidate who will turn the page on this disastrous foreign policy and lead our nation to a new standing in the world."

http://georgiaunfiltered.blogspot.com/2007/09/sanford-bishop-endorses-obama-named-co.html

[Colobo]

3. Gobama!

[jenmito]

4. It's good to see some strong endorsements for Obama!

I notice he doesn't seem to get coverage in the "Hillary will be the Dem. nominee" media when he DOES get endorsements from people like zbigniew brzezinski.

[flpoljunkie]

5. Thank you, Vermont!

[AtomicKitten]

6. Hooray!

[cali]

7. And Leahy and Sanders

have sort of tacitly endorsed him. They both went to a VT fundraiser for him a few weeks back and said stuff that was close to but not quite an endorsement.

[sandnsea]

8. Good for Vermont!

Sorrell had some long friendship with Dean, I vaguely remember bashing Dean about it. hehe. oops. Anyway, I hope this has some weight for some folks who have been apprehensive about backing another unknown.

[cali]

9. I remember that too!

oh well, another time altogether. And actually, Dean's big friendship was with Sorrell's mother, who was his political mentor.

[illinoisprogressive]

10. I've heard rumors that Leahy is for Obama, too.

[Imagevision]

11. Obama, youngblood, new talent, people over 55 shouldn't be allowed to be president

look at Bush, and Reagan in his last 4 years was senile...

[sandnsea]

12. That's not useful

What if he doesn't win now and has to wait until HE is over 55 to run again? Then what?

[Colobo]

13. We need him now.

[sandnsea]

14. We don't need to alienate the elderly

There were as many elderly people in Portland as there were young people. I think it's great to turn a new page, but there are a lot of older people who want to do that too. Me for instance. I'll be 50 in a few weeks. Am I the enemy of the Obama campaign? He's only a few years younger than me. And I'm only a few years younger than my sister, who is 55. Tell her we don't want her vote?

:shrug: