As a gay man, and supporter of Barack Obama from very early on, I as well as thousands of other gays and lesbians feel deeply insulted and betrayed by the selection of Rick Warren to give the invocation at his innauguration. Obama claims to support the GLBT community, but will invite a divisive and bigotted preacher of hate and fear to speak first in the innauguration ceremony. What kind of message is this to the GLBT community? Will we see a continued diminishing of our rights as we have under the Bush administration? How are we expected to believe in a president with so little regard to one of the strongest voting groups that supported him? It is not too late for the president-elect to change his choice in this matter! I urge all supporters of the GLBT community to speak out, and make your voices heard! Shame on you Barack Obama!
Don Goss, Jacksonville, FL
Early Voting for the entire state of Florida has just been extended.
Every Early Vote location in Florida will now be every day from 7am-7pm up through November 2.
Please pass along this great news to everyone you know who will be voting in Florida. Click here to find your nearest early vote location.
Here's the release:
GOVERNOR CRIST EXTENDS EARLY VOTING HOURS ~~ ~Ensures maximum number of Floridians can exercise right to vote~ ~~October 28, 2008Contact:GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE(850) 488-5394TALLAHASSEE - Governor Charlie Crist today signed Executive Order 08-217, extending the hours for early voting during the current General Election. Effective immediately, early voting sites will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., through Friday, October 31, 2008, and for a total of 12 hours between 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, and 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2008. "I have spoken with the Secretary of State and members of the Florida Legislature and have concluded that it is always the right thing to do to give voters every opportunity to cast a ballot," Governor Crist said. "I have a responsibility to the voters of our state to ensure that the maximum number of citizens can participate in the electoral process, and that every person can exercise the right to vote." Prior to the 2008 General Election, Florida has seen historic numbers of Floridians registering to vote for the first time. In addition, record numbers of voters have chosen to cast a ballot during early voting. Early voting began on October 20 and runs through November 2. Current Florida law allows for early voting to be conducted eight hours per day on each weekday, and for a total of eight hours during both weekends during the early voting period. Floridians can contact their county's Supervisor of Elections for dates, times and locations of early voting. Florida voters can also request absentee ballots to be mailed to them until October 29. Please see the attached Executive Order 08-217. STATE OF FLORIDA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 08-217 WHEREAS, early voting is scheduled to end November 2, 2008; and WHEREAS, early voting turnout has already reached record levels and is forecast to continue with record turnout. There are only 267 early voting sites throughout the state and long lines have formed at many of the early voting sites; and WHEREAS, a historic number of Floridians have registered to vote for the first time in this election; and WHEREAS, new voting equipment is being used in 15 Florida counties; WHEREAS, as a result of this unique combination of circumstances resulting from the historic voter turnout in this election, there is a possibility that election officials will be unable to conduct an orderly election, and thus residents in our state could be deprived of a meaningful opportunity to vote; andWHEREAS, because of the existing and continuing possibility of an emergency occurring before or during the regularly scheduled election, and in order to ensure maximum citizen participation in the electoral process, and provide a safe and orderly procedure for persons seeking to exercise their right to vote;NOW, THEREFORE, I, CHARLIE CRIST, as Governor of Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Article IV, Section 1(a) of the Florida Constitution, by the Florida Elections Emergency Act, and by all other applicable laws, issue the following Executive Order, to take immediate effect:I hereby declare that, based on the above-described conditions, a state of emergency exists. It is hereby found and declared to be necessary to extend the voting hours during early voting. Accordingly, I order the Supervisors of Elections to open early voting sites from 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. through October 31, 2008 and open early voting sites for a total of twelve (12) hours between 7 a.m. November 1, 2008 and 7 p.m. November 2, 2008.IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Florida to be affixed, at Tallahassee, the Capitol, this 28th day of October, 2008. GOVERNORATTEST:SECRETARY OF STATE
GOVERNOR CRIST EXTENDS EARLY VOTING HOURS
~~ ~Ensures maximum number of Floridians can exercise right to vote~ ~~
October 28, 2008
Contact:
GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE(850) 488-5394
TALLAHASSEE - Governor Charlie Crist today signed Executive Order 08-217, extending the hours for early voting during the current General Election. Effective immediately, early voting sites will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., through Friday, October 31, 2008, and for a total of 12 hours between 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, and 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2008.
"I have spoken with the Secretary of State and members of the Florida Legislature and have concluded that it is always the right thing to do to give voters every opportunity to cast a ballot," Governor Crist said. "I have a responsibility to the voters of our state to ensure that the maximum number of citizens can participate in the electoral process, and that every person can exercise the right to vote."
Prior to the 2008 General Election, Florida has seen historic numbers of Floridians registering to vote for the first time. In addition, record numbers of voters have chosen to cast a ballot during early voting.
Early voting began on October 20 and runs through November 2. Current Florida law allows for early voting to be conducted eight hours per day on each weekday, and for a total of eight hours during both weekends during the early voting period. Floridians can contact their county's Supervisor of Elections for dates, times and locations of early voting.
Florida voters can also request absentee ballots to be mailed to them until October 29.
Please see the attached Executive Order 08-217.
STATE OF FLORIDA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 08-217
WHEREAS, early voting is scheduled to end November 2, 2008; and
WHEREAS, early voting turnout has already reached record levels and is forecast to continue with record turnout. There are only 267 early voting sites throughout the state and long lines have formed at many of the early voting sites; and
WHEREAS, a historic number of Floridians have registered to vote for the first time in this election; and
WHEREAS, new voting equipment is being used in 15 Florida counties;
WHEREAS, as a result of this unique combination of circumstances resulting from the historic voter turnout in this election, there is a possibility that election officials will be unable to conduct an orderly election, and thus residents in our state could be deprived of a meaningful opportunity to vote; and
WHEREAS, because of the existing and continuing possibility of an emergency occurring before or during the regularly scheduled election, and in order to ensure maximum citizen participation in the electoral process, and provide a safe and orderly procedure for persons seeking to exercise their right to vote;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, CHARLIE CRIST, as Governor of Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Article IV, Section 1(a) of the Florida Constitution, by the Florida Elections Emergency Act, and by all other applicable laws, issue the following Executive Order, to take immediate effect:
I hereby declare that, based on the above-described conditions, a state of emergency exists. It is hereby found and declared to be necessary to extend the voting hours during early voting. Accordingly, I order the Supervisors of Elections to open early voting sites from 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. through October 31, 2008 and open early voting sites for a total of twelve (12) hours between 7 a.m. November 1, 2008 and 7 p.m. November 2, 2008.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Florida to be affixed, at Tallahassee, the Capitol, this 28th day of October, 2008.
GOVERNOR
ATTEST:
SECRETARY OF STATE
A few months ago I ordered alot of Obama bumper stickers and offered them to you all for free, with free shipping. Well, now I'm in a bind! I got a new car and my sticker went with the old one :(
While I do have my handy sticker that says "This Ain't No Hockey Game" :) HEHE, ordered on ebay if you're interested!!!
I would like another Obama sticker. If anyone has it in their heart to send me one, I would forever appreciate it! Please let me know-- cjbennett@cox.net Thank you!
It's official, Barack sent out the email this morning, did you get it?
Friend --I have some important news that I want to make official.I've chosen Joe Biden to be my running mate. Joe and I will appear for the first time as running mates this afternoon in Springfield, Illinois -- the same place this campaign began more than 19 months ago.I'm excited about hitting the campaign trail with Joe, but the two of us can't do this alone. We need your help to keep building this movement for change.Please let Joe know that you're glad he's part of our team. Share your personal welcome note and we'll make sure he gets it:Welcome Joe Thanks for your support,Barack
I have some important news that I want to make official.
I've chosen Joe Biden to be my running mate.
Joe and I will appear for the first time as running mates this afternoon in Springfield, Illinois -- the same place this campaign began more than 19 months ago.
I'm excited about hitting the campaign trail with Joe, but the two of us can't do this alone. We need your help to keep building this movement for change.
Please let Joe know that you're glad he's part of our team. Share your personal welcome note and we'll make sure he gets it:
Welcome Joe
Thanks for your support,
Barack
Send Joe a note! Welcome Joe!
Make sure to turn on your TV at 3:00 p.m. to join Obama and Biden in Springfield, Illinois. Or, watch online at http://www.BarackObama.com.
Barack Obama has caught up to John McCain in Florida. The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in the state finds Obama with a statistically insignificant one-point advantage over his rival, 46% to 45%. When “leaners” are included, the Democrat leads 49% to 47%.
Over the past six months, McCain has maintained leads ranging from seven to sixteen percentage points. Last month, McCain led 48% to 41% in the Sunshine State. A big push for Obama this month in Florida comes from unaffiliated voters.
Last month, he had just a three-point lead in this demographic. This month, he leads by twenty-three. Obama leads 50% to 43% among women in Florida, while McCain leads 47% to 41% among men. The Democrat has double-digit leads among voters under 40 years of age, while McCain has a big lead among senior citizens. This month, Obama is viewed favorably by 51% of Florida voters, up from 44% last month. He is viewed unfavorably by 47%, down from 53% last month. McCain’s numbers are 60% favorable, up from 57% last month, and 39% unfavorable, up from 38% last month.
I live in Niceville and want to go to the Platform meeting at the Dem HQ in Fort Walton Beach Friday-does anyone want to carpool? Email me and let me know!
Jennifer cjbennett@cox.net
In Rock Island, Illinois we were hit with a horrible storm at 6:00 a.m. on Monday morning. The after math of what they are calling straight line winds, is devestation. There are power lines down all over town with entire poles being broken in two like they were toothpicks, street lights broken in half at the pole, houses with holes in their roofs, cars crushed by fallen trees, cable lines and phone lines torn out, huge oak and maple trees completely uprooted. We are now on day 3 of nothing. Personally we have two huge branches on our roof and without being able to lift them to look underneath, it appears as though our roof has been saved. One huge branch is on our garage, branches are everywhere in the yard and there is barely enough room to get out of the back door. We are lucky compared to many others.
They have called in repair personnel from other states to help get electricity back to the 53,000 who are still without power. The thing that tore me up was hearing that a 9 month old baby was killed during the storm. The family was camping and had no warning of the impeding storm. No sirens were sounded until well after the damage had been done.
They are completely out of ice in this area and have been for 2 days. Those who did have ice threw the price up to $5.00 per bag. I had just returned home form a short trip to Florida on Friday evening so went to the grocery store on Saturday morning spending well over $200.00 to replenish the freezer and the refrigerator. All of that is gone, in the garbage. I just cannot imagine how this is going to impact the grocery stores when power is restored and everyone wants to go restock the frig. I uess I can cross the bridge to Iowa and shop there to avoid huge crowds of people. Right now they are speculating that the power may not be restored until Friday. So, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are being eaten out at whatever places we can find that are open.
Absolutely incredible! Let's keep up the good work!
Rick Minor
Chair, Leon County Democratic Party
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orlandosentinel.com/news/politics/orl-voters1208jul12,0,466937.story
Aaron Deslatte
Tallahassee Bureau
July 12, 2008
TALLAHASSEE
John McCain's Florida problems may be growing: Democratic voters have out-registered Republicans by a nearly 7-to-1 margin since January.State totals show Democrats gained a net of 106,508 voters from January through May, compared with 16,686 for the GOP -- a shift that could muddle any McCain campaign math that banks on a Florida win to gain the White House.New Democratic registration outnumbered Republicans in six Central Florida counties -- even heavily Republican Seminole County."It's a clear sign that Democrats are re-surging in Florida," said political scientist Aubrey Jewett with the University of Central Florida. "I think the numbers certainly should worry the McCain campaign."In a state with 10.45 million voters, the new figures didn't significantly change the overall ratio of Democrats to Republicans; the state is still roughly 41 percent Democrat and 37 percent registered Republican, with most of the rest No Party Affiliation. That partisan edge has existed for years, but it hasn't delivered many statewide victories to Democrats.In 2004, the state had roughly 360,000 more registered Democrats than Republicans -- and George W. Bush defeated John Kerry by 380,000 votes.Still, this year's figures are an ominous sign for Republicans. The new voters materialized without any large-scale state party registration drives or even a settled candidate atop the Democratic ticket."It's a huge swing," says Marian Johnson, the veteran political director for the Florida Chamber of Commerce. "I looked at that and said, 'Wow.' "Tallahassee GOP strategist David Johnson said that, at the least, the numbers should prompt Republicans to ramp up registration efforts.But Florida GOP spokeswoman Katherine Gordon noted that in 2004, the party got more new voters to the polls than Democrats did even though the GOP registered 60,000 fewer new voters."Will so many new voters register and actually vote that they can outpace the tested Republican grass-roots machine that essentially hasn't lost a targeted statewide race in 10 years?" she said. "Doubtful."County elections supervisors said the spike in Democratic registration was partly because of earlier-than-usual registration drives by third-party groups such as the League of Women Voters and ACORN, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, which targets black and Hispanic voters. The groups were trying to get ahead of a 2007 law that dramatically increases fines on third-party groups that don't turn in registration applications within 10 days.The law has yet to take effect because the League and two labor unions filed suit to block it, arguing it discriminates against minorities who rely more heavily than whites on third-party organizations to register to vote. A ruling is expected soon."We wanted to get as many people registered as we could before the [state] started enforcing the law," said Marilynn Wills, state president of the League of Women Voters.Meanwhile, ACORN, which organizes low-income voters, says it has already turned in about 123,000 registration forms in Central and South Florida -- where Democratic gains this year have been the biggest. "People are looking at their pocketbook, and they really want to see a change," said Carolyn Patmon, an ACORN volunteer leader from Orlando.Orange County Elections Supervisor Bill Cowles credited ACORN and groups like it for most of the nearly 12,000 new Democratic voters so far this year, compared with a loss of 2,500 registered Republicans.Nationally, Democratic voter registration and turnout surged this year during the heated, months-long primary contest between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Florida officials were stunned when a record 1.75 million Democrats voted in the state's Jan. 29 primary even though no Democrat campaigned in the state.
Hello everyone,
HBOFilms has given permission to show the recent movie Recount in Tallahassee. Admission is free and the movie and will be shown at the Moon (1105 E. Lafayette St., Tallahassee) on Saturday, July 19. Doors open at 5:30 pm with the showing at 6:15 pm. Food and beverages will be available.The movie tells the story of the 2000 Presidential election and recount. Many scenes were filmed in Tallahassee. Extras in the movie are invited to attend and will be recognized. To register for the free movie go to http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/44xxq.Ion Sancho, Leon County Supervisor of Elections, will moderate a panel discussion after the movie. Sancho stated that he’s moderating the panel discussion because he agrees with George Santayana, the Spanish born American Philosopher, who said, “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”“I encourage our citizens to come to free showing of Recount so we don’t allow this event from ever happening again in the United States,” Sancho replied.Voter registration cards will be available and volunteers to answer any voter questions.The Democratic Club of North Florida will have tickets to its Old Fashioned Picnic August 16, 4:00-7:00 at Lee Vause Park. Single tickets are $10 or $15 for a couple. Elected officials and candidates will be on hand to give stump speeches and to sign up volunteers.Barack Obama yard signs, bumper stickers and buttons will be available and the Leon Democratic Party will accept donations for the campaign items. For more information: David Jacobsen, chair Tallahassee Showing of HBOFilms, RecountCell: 339-1084 Home: 385-6504
Saturday, July 5th, was the unveiling of a 3' x 5' OBAMA '08 flag made by John Whitley and his friend, Kevin, of Ft. Walton Beach, along with a "Keep our Beaches Beautiful" banner. The flags were displayed on a 36' flagpole, which provided them with GREAT visibility!!! THANKS JOHN-
Voter registrations were taken and petitions signed to prevent further offshore drilling. It was a big tourist weekend and a great time to show that the Panhandle is OBAMA COUNTRY!!!
We plan to have more beach events in the future and need more local volunteers...maybe during evening hours. We had media support from a member of the new Progressive talk radio station - 1120 AM - BEACH radio of Destin.
And, Mrs. Florida came by and took pictures-we are lucky to have her living in our own Niceville. She is an active Obama supporter and will be representing Florida at the National Mrs. America contest at the end of the month, which happens to be in Daytona this year.
Please Contact Toni Craig- 850-862-9969 - our Organizing Fellow - to get involved !!!
Zogby Poll: Building Mo-bama! Democrat Leads McCain in Electoral College Tally, 273-158
The Democrat also leads 44% to 38% in the nationwide horserace test as Libertarian Bob Barr wins 6%
UTICA, New York – As the race for President passes the Independence Day holiday and heads toward the dog days of summer, Sen. Barack Obama holds a 44% to 38% lead over Sen. John McCain in the horserace contest, but also leads by a substantial margin in a state-by-state Electoral College tally, a new Zogby Interactive poll shows.
The extensive national poll of of 46,274 likely voters also shows Libertarian candidate and former Congressman Bob Barr wins 6% support, eating into McCain’s needed conservative base of support.
The online survey was conducted from June 11-30, 2008. It carries a margin of error of 0.5 percentage points. After nearly a decade in development, the Zogby Interactive survey on a state level was remarkably accurate in the 2006 midterm elections. In 18 U.S. Senate elections polled two years ago, the Zogby online survey correctly identified the winner of 17 of 18 races, and in the 18th race – in Missouri, it was still within the margin of error, though it had Republican Jim Talent winning (he was defeated narrowly by Democrat Claire McCaskill).
Zogby’s Electoral College Count
7-7-2008
Obama
273
McCain
158
Undecided
105
This latest extensive survey of all 50 states reveals that while Obama holds a narrow lead in the national preference test, he holds a substantial advantage right now in the Electoral College. Using this survey - and an average of other public state polls in certain states to corroborate the Zogby results – Zogby calculates that Obama leads McCain, 273-158. A total of 11 states with 105 electoral votes are within the margin of error and therefore too close to call. A candidate needs 270 to be elected President.
Neither Obama nor McCain breaks a 50% favorable rating. Obama is viewed as very or somewhat favorable by 49.7%. For McCain, that number is 43.2%.
Pollster John Zogby: “Obama is in the driver’s seat right now, especially where it really counts - in the electoral votes. Bob Barr could really hurt McCain’s chances. McCain can’t afford the level of slippage to Barr we found among conservatives in this polling. While there has been plenty of talk about Obama’s recent emphasis on his centrist positions, he can get away with it during these dog days of the campaign as McCain finds himself still trying to shore up the conservative base. McCain will have to move to the center because right now Obama is clobbering him among independents. But there is the rub for McCain: Bob Barr has some juice among conservatives and is hurting him in several states. ”
Bob Barr receives the support of 7% of voters who identify themselves as conservative or very conservative voters. Barr gets 43% of libertarians and 11% of independents. McCain’s support among conservatives is 74%. On the left, Ralph Nader gets less than 2% nationally.
Obama has the support of 83% of Democrats, while McCain gets 75% of Republicans.
Independents break 39% for Obama, compared with 31% who support McCain.
For white voters, race doesn’t appear to be playing a significant factor. McCain leads Obama, 43%-39%, with Barr at 6%. Among black voters, Obama wins the vast majority of support.
For a complete methodological statement on this survey, please visit:http://www.zogby.com/methodology/readmeth.dbm?ID=1318
The Leon County Democratic Party now has Obama campaign materials!! Obama yard signs, bumper stickers, lapel stickers, buttons, and rally signs arrived today!
Please feel free to stop by the Leon Dem Party office at 214 S. Bronough St. (lower floor), Tallahassee, FL 32301. Our office hours, for now, are Monday-Thursday (10am-3pm, 6pm-9pm) and Saturday (1pm-4pm).
To help defray costs (and pay for our next order), we're asking for suggested contributions:
Checks and cash are accepted. Thank you, and please call our office at 850-577-3367 if you have any questions.
All the best,
For the second time this week, Tallahassee's Obama supporters have been featured on the Obama campaign's national blog!
To see the blog entry and the photos, click on: http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/amandascott/gG55jb
A big thanks to Obama Regional Field Director Fred Wong, Monica O'Neal, Larry Simmons, Dr. James Moran, Greg Ellis, Cheree Wiltsher, and ALL the members of Tallahassee for Obama for making our Unite for Change event such a tremendous success!
Hello everyone!
As we approach the "Unite for Change in Tallahassee!" event on Saturday, the Obama campaign has featured Leon County Democrats on its national blog! Please visit http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/amandascott/gG5RvX to see the blog post, which also includes a great photo of our signwaving in front of the Capitol on Wednesday morning.
So, our hard work is definitely getting noticed! Let's keep it up and make each of our Unite for Change events a HUGE success!
Poll: Obama surges ahead in Florida
The latest Quinnipiac University poll indicates that Barack Obama has jumped ahead of John McCain in the big swing states of Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Obama appears to benefit from Hillary Clinton’s withdrawal from the presidential race. He fared especially well in the poll with women voters and African-Americans.
The poll shows:
In Florida, Obama leading McCain 47 percent to 43 percent
In Ohio, Obama ahead 48 percent to 42 percent
In Pennsylvania, Obama 52 percent, McCain 40 percent.
Most Florida Democrats – 57 percent -- want Clinton on the Democratic ticket. Likely women voters in Florida backed Obama by 50 percent to 40 percent.
The poll also indicated a big racial gap. White voters backed McCain in the state 50 percent to 40 percent, while black voters favored Obama 95 percent to 4 percent.
President Bush got a 27-percent approval rating in Florida. And 13 percent of those who voted for Bush in 2004 support Obama. But 19 percent of those who backed Clinton in the primaries now support McCain.
Some 23 percent of Florida voters said they were less likely to vote for McCain because of his age.
The poll surveyed 1,453 likely Florida voters on June 9 to 16.
Many political analysts tend to discount polls this early in the campaign. The results are likely to jump around until voters get more acquainted with the candidates and settle into a clear pattern.
This latest poll, nevertheless, offers encouragement to Obama and evidence that he has good reason to compete in Florida, a state that has voted Republican in every presidential election in the past three decades except one: Bill Clinton’s re-election amid the good times of 1996.
(From Sun-Sentinel Blog, http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/dcblog/2008/06/poll_obama_surges_ahead_in_flo_1.html, June 18, 2008)
