Democrats: Local office is 'home base' for activity
Podcast Episode
Rock County presidential campaign workers have two weeks to encourage local voters to head to the polls in support of their candidates. Kyle Geissler reports.
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A lifesized cardboard cutout of Barack Obama stands in the Democratic headquarters in Janesville near where volunteers work the phones making what they call persuasion dials attempting to make Obama supporters from undecided voters.
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Volunteer Allycia Spenske of Janesville enters voter information from door-to-door canvasing into a laptop computer at the Janesville Democratic Headquarters.
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Trenton Hines, 5, carries an Obama/Biden sign out of the Janesville Democratic Headquarters while visiting with his parents Fred and Tammy Hines.
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Volunteers Clarence Trinkner and Gina Smith, both of Janesville, call undecided voters from the Janesville Democratic Headquarters.
JANESVILLE — Gina Smith sat hunched over a plain, white telephone in the corner of the crowded Democratic Party headquarters at 1300 Milton Ave.
She chatted briefly with a Janesville woman about the economy, health care and foreign policy as two friends would talk over a cup of coffee. When she hung up, she proudly tapped a small bell—indicating the woman's support for Sen. Barack Obama.
The ringing bell elicited cheers from the dozen or so volunteers in the room.
"I got it out of her," she said to a Janesville Gazette reporter during a recent visit to the local campaign office. "If you can get an edge in there, you can talk to them. But if you can't, you're done."
Smith, 56, of Janesville is among hundreds of volunteers across the state who are spending several hours each week making phone calls and going door-to-door in their communities, talking to voters about Obama.
"(The local campaign headquarters) is the up-close and personal connection between the campaign and the community," said Phil Walzak, communications director for the Obama campaign in Wisconsin. "It's the vehicle by which our campaign talks to voters on a one-on-one basis. It's the home base for activity."
The Obama campaign is "robust" in Wisconsin with 50 offices across the state, not only in areas that are Democratic strongholds but also in areas that are staunchly Republican, he said. And the success of the campaign in a battleground state such as Wisconsin depends on volunteers who week after week spread the word about Obama, he said.
In its final weeks before Election Day, the campaign is targeting undecided voters, those 8 percent of voters nationally who still haven't made up their mind, Walzak said.
"It's the undecided or swing voters that move the election one way or the other," he said. "We think that when they hear our message, when they learn more about Obama, they'll come our way ... He's talking in a way they respond to."
Walzak said the Democratic campaign, which has been on the ground in Wisconsin since June, has engaged in "real dialogue" with voters, giving local organizers a sense of which voters have made a decision and which voters need more convincing.
A few blocks from the headquarters, Ted Kinnaman and Samantha Sheldon walked quiet neighborhood streets.
They stopped first at a house at the corner of Mount Zion Avenue and North Ringold Street, where an older woman peered through the screen door.
They explained that they were volunteers on behalf of the Obama campaign and wondered if she'd made a decision about which candidate she supports.
"Oh, I'm the other way," the woman said. "I'm always the other way."
Kinnaman, 79, and Sheldon, 28, said such responses generally don't faze them.
"That's not too bad. I've had people slam the door on me, swear at me," Kinnaman said. "But I just keep going."
Walzak said the volunteers' one-on-one contact with voters is perhaps the most persuasive tool the campaign has in its toolbox.
"They can watch TV or read the newspaper, but the most persuasive thing a voter can hear is testimony from people they trust," he said. "And so we tap into those networks and mobilize them. That's what comes out of these (local campaign) offices."
Smith—known in the local office as the "human autodialer"—called more than 100 women in just two hours. Many women didn't answer. Some women declined to disclose which candidate they support. A handful of women abruptly ended the call.
The most rewarding one- or two-minute conversations, of course, were those in which the women indicated their support for Obama, she said.
"If I'm able to change somebody's mind, it's an incredible feeling," Smith said.
Kinnaman and Sheldon rang the doorbell at one last house on Boynton Court, where a barefoot, middle-aged woman stepped out onto her porch.
Before they could finish introducing themselves, the woman told them she's supporting Obama.
"We like to hear that," Sheldon said.
As the sun was setting and the air was turning cool, Kinnaman and Sheldon headed back to the headquarters, where a batch of volunteers was arriving to work the second shift of the night.
"That's a good way to end the night," they said.
Oct 24, 2008 at 11:42 a.m.
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Obama has a lot of money to spend,no wonder, he gets alot from foiegn palms.I guess I don't know why they would be involved with this election. Maybe to buy a cndidate who might give a few foreign favors after they helped buy him into office????
Oct 23, 2008 at 12:25 a.m.
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Three in my mailbox today was the most. I have got at least one every single mailing day for the past 3-4 weeks. Sometimes it is two in the same day. Today took the cake though, when I got three. Perhaps as we hit the stretch run, I'll get 4 or 5 in one day. These suckers are really high quality paper. Not your typical cheap paper that you get in most junk mailings. This is making some HIGH QUALITY bedding. If any one has an exotic bird, I'm telling you, they'll LOVE this shredded paper! It's all yours, free of charge, courtesy of the DNC!
Oct 23, 2008 at 12:02 a.m.
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You got 3 mailings in one day? How do you rate? I only got one (today). It was extremely nasty though, so I really didn't want to read any more of them. Besides, I had heard the same in several robo calls. I didn't learn anything of any substance.
But I didn't get anything from the Obama group since last week.
Oct 22, 2008 at 11:37 p.m.
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Another THREE mailings from Obama camp today. My paper shredder has had been working over time! If any one is interested in some nice paper bedding for a bird cage, dog kennel, ext. Just contact me, and I'll be happy to send it our way courtesy of the WI democrats!
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Coast:
I put up my vote for EITHER side. If Obama wins I will increase it 10 fold by shorting and playing put options on the many businesses that will go bankrupt under Obama. If McCain wins I will increase it 10 fold by betting sports; as that only seems poetic since McCain is HARD LINE ANTI gambling!
Oct 21, 2008 at 2:25 p.m.
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kiowamohican only tells you half the story. On a differnt blog he wrote a big thread how the Obama supporters can buy his vote, and that whatever they buy it for he will increase by 10 fold in 4 years by shorting the businesses that will be killed by the Obama plans. He says he'll give all proceeds to charity then.
Oct 21, 2008 at 12:04 p.m.
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Why are people being so hard on Whatdidyousay? When you buy from a privately owned business, your money is directly supporting that owner who can spend your money however they wish. Therefore if you know or strongly suspect an owner is making monetary contributions to a candidate you are opposed to, then it would make sense to not give them your money because you are indirectly supporting that candidate. The business owner would have been wise to not put up any signs, because then it's doubful that anybody would ask and then Whatdidyousay would continue supporting him being none-the-wiser. Most people (myself included) are lazy enough to not bother seeking that kind of information out, but if you put signs up and draw attention to the fact, then be prepared to deal with the consequences. I don't see how this is any different than people boycotting Citgo because of supporting Chavez, or boycotting certain coffees because they support violence or slave laborors, or boycotting Planned Parenthood because they fund abortions, etc.
Oct 21, 2008 at 6:42 a.m.
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A tax cut (welfare check) for the lower 40% of Americans that do not pay Income taxes is a check that will go straight to China through low end products, and foreign cars. It is know that you give people that are unwilling to lift themselves up on their own a little extra cash they just spend it. If you do not believe me check the research on who is bouncing off the ceiling of their credit card.
Oct 21, 2008 at 12:40 a.m.
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Hey, America has the best politicians money can buy.
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We need look no further than the Wisconsin Supreme Court for proof of that.
Oct 21, 2008 at 12:33 a.m.
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Obama has this state won, yet they are spending $$ like it is water. Since he broke his pledge, and declined public financing of his campaign, he is able to out spend McCain by a 4/1 margin.
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I'll have to do my study again like I did some years ago, in home much $$ is being spent on every undecided voter. It came out to about $187 back then (8 year sago), today it's easily over $200 per undecided voter. In a different blog I have stated that the Obama camp can send me a check for $300, and they can buy my vote. They are spending that anyway with all the mailings, phone calls, tv ads, ext. Just send me a check. I all ready know they are going to win here anyway.
Oct 21, 2008 at 12:24 a.m.
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Buy American?...Well, not if you're for Obama.
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I'll take my 5000.00 and buy made in China before I'll let an Obama supporter make any money off of me...even if he does re-invest a good share of his profits in the local economy and charities.
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Hail to the red, white, and blue...well wait a minute...just hail to the red and white.
Oct 21, 2008 at 12:12 a.m.
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I wonder how many of these same people who are on their soapbox about not doing business with Obama supporters have no qualms about doing business with "foreign" companies?
Oct 20, 2008 at 10:26 p.m.
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RUSerious: In my view that business owner was stupid. It's widely known that you never talk politics or religion in business. The business owner shouldn't have Obama or McCain signs in front of his business. Personally anyone who votes based on a sign is a total idiot anyway, so I'm not sure why people put them out. Like I really care who my neighbor supports. If you can't research and figure out who to vote for on your own then stay the heck home.
Oct 20, 2008 at 10:19 p.m.
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footvillegirl18: I'll tell you what's wrong with re-distribution of wealth. Stupid people don't know how to handle money!! If you took Bill Gates money and divided it up evenly so each person would get a million dollars, in less than five years there would still be rich people and poor people. Haven't you read stories about people who win the lottery and end up broke? How about those four people from Extreme Home Makeover who are filing bankruptcy because they re-mortgaged their 500,000 dollar homes so they could have the cash? As a result, why should rich people give their money up? On the other hand, if we're going to take the money from the rich and use it to educate the poor then I'm not apposed. However, to simply "tax the rich," and give it to the poor in some type of robin hood like fashion would do nothing more than further perpetuate laziness and stupidity. This is coming from a guy who is out of work and flat a$$ broke. Not everyone who's rich is like Paris Hilton. Some of these people were door floor poor at one time and worked their way into wealth. Don't get me wrong, not everyone who is in unfortunate circumstances is stupid, but certainly there is enough people out there that don't know how to handle money. Educate people and they'll make their own money. It's the old teach someone to fish story.
Oct 20, 2008 at 10:14 p.m.
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Whatdidyousay: You asked "Suppose I had a business and informed the patrons that all profits from todays sales will be donated to the republican party nominee?", well, for one thing, they would not be doing business FOR your benefit, but I bet those folks who valued YOU as a friend and business associate would continue to do business with YOU no matter what your political persuasion. I NEVER ask my friends and business associates who they are voting for before I continue dealing with them in any capacity. That, I have to say, is more honorable.
Don't like the word "blackmail"? Call it what you want-it is still an undeniably sad way to do business and retain relationships that should be valued on their own merit. Or don't you have any business relationships WORTH valuing on their own merits?
And, did you see me wonder what would happen if it was a spouse/child/parent...or true friend?
Oct 20, 2008 at 9:25 p.m.
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gina51, thank you. I found a link that gives early registration/voting times.
http://rocknetroots.blogspot.com/2008/10...
Janesville residents can register to vote or vote early through absentee ballot at the Clerk-Treasurer’s Office in the Municipal Building during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 7:30AM-4:30PM).
The City of Janesville will also hold special voter registration and absentee balloting opportunities at night and on the weekend during the month of October. Janesville residents interested in registering to vote or voting early through absentee ballot are encouraged to visit the Clerk-Treasurer’s Office in the Municipal Building (4th floor, Room 416, 18 N. Jackson Street) during the following special times:
* Tuesday, October 14, 4:30-8PM;
* Saturday, October 25, 8AM-noon; and
* Monday, October 27, 4:30-6:30PM.
Oct 20, 2008 at 9:09 p.m.
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Why is it people assume redistrabution of wealth = communism? About 1% of the world's pop. controls nearly 80% of the money, how is that fair? I'm hoping for a bit more redistrabution.
also, socialist practices do not equal communism either. Anyone who has studied Karl Marx will tell you that what happened with Stalin in Russia is not true to the communist manufesto. Insted it is the world working towards a utopian society, and what is wrong with love and peace? Republicans can't exploit it like that can war to fatten their bank accounts?
Oct 20, 2008 at 9:06 p.m.
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You can vote early in Janesville at the Municipal Building at 18N.Jackson St. Take the elevator to the 4th floor and the people there will explain the procedure. You can also register there.
Oct 20, 2008 at 8:41 p.m.
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hannah, anyone in Wisconsin can vote by absentee ballot. Both parties actually encourage it. Especially this year, it would avoid long lines on November 4th.
Oct 20, 2008 at 6:16 p.m.
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Yike-some of you go off the deep end. I was not "speaking" from a partisan point of view. And I certainly never personally called "whatdidyousay" a racist (huh? Where did that even come from?!) or a bigot for cutting off an (apparently) long standing business relationship because of who the other guy intended to vote for. I would say the same no matter who was the Democrat and who the Republican...I DO think it's a rotten way to treat an long-standing relationship of any (non-political) kind, and DOES smell of blackmail.
I sure hate to think of what would have happened had it been his/her spouse/parent/child.
No one sees the sadness of such an act? Your relationship was not worth more than that? If not-than you are BOTH better off.
Oct 20, 2008 at 6:12 p.m.
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redder - now why and insult the good people who make spam, that is a good ol' american product that has fed many people for years!
Oct 20, 2008 at 6:09 p.m.
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whatdidyousay, That is every Americans right to vote with their dollars. But I didn't see where you were so proud to promote what business you have so that others could decide to, or not to, support your opinion. And by the way, I support American's, whether they be republican's or democrat's, as much as possible, locally as possible, as that is the American thing to do. What you did is just childish in my opinion.
Oct 20, 2008 at 6:03 p.m.
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Oh and dont worry about that biggot thing, we all get paid by the great OBAMINATOR. Where is Arnold when you need him, we are all equal right so there is no biggots anymore, and sugar plum faries come at night and give you money, then at easter we get eggs full of money, and Christmas(if there will be one anymore) because that is religion, cant have that, we will all hide in caves and hand out presents that we made out of the useless crap we got from the goverment. We can have spam, wait in line for bread,and milk it will be such a social bonding
Oct 20, 2008 at 5:59 p.m.
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Hey say
You are under the democratic illusion of right to choose and freedom, Obama wants to take all that away and let the goverment tell you what to say, where to shop, and how much you will have to shop with. You don't get to do that anymore, this will be easier. I myself am looking forward to not having to work 80 hours a week anymore. I want some of that redistribute the wealth stuff. Sign me up, I am tired anyway, just sent me the checks
Oct 20, 2008 at 5:55 p.m.
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You know what, for all of you that attack whatdidyousay for his/her choice of doing business. This is not a race game, is that all you have left. As an American you have a choice, to do business with whomever you want. Why are you attacking him or her. It makes absolutely zero sence. Calling a person a bigott or a racist is a very strong term that I take offense to. I personally think, that if they want to pull business from some idiot that wants to back a democrat, then let them fail, other dems will support you right. The party will bail you out right. What about all those programs and stuff and extra tax for you prople out of business, the dems will save you right? Call on your party and then call Obamas wife she likes to play the race card, call Michelle and see if she will save you. King Obama will come and wave his magic hand and the stars will align, and the sea will part and he will save you from the mean old republicans. Just be ready for mo choice about it.
Oct 20, 2008 at 5:55 p.m.
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Those democrats keep calling me day and night. Why the rush? The media says this is going to be a landslide. Save the money.
Oct 20, 2008 at 5:47 p.m.
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whatdidyousay
Good for you, I have done the same, I support whom I believe in and spread our business to those whom also fight the good fight. Great job!!!
Oct 20, 2008 at 5:46 p.m.
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The other half of Gina's story was coverage of the local republican office. It sounded quiet as a morgue. Poste mortem pretty well sums up McCain's overall support in Wisconsin.
Oct 20, 2008 at 5:32 p.m.
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RUSerious, I still don't understand why someone making a decision about where to spend their money is closed-minded, a bigot or a black mailer.
I don't see anywhere where Whatdidyousay says -hey ABC company had this sign outside his shop, don't go there. He merely stated that if a business is going to take a stance on something, they should understand that some people will choose not to do business with them.
No different than stores that refuse to use the word Christmas in their advertising, but rake in tons of profits because of their "Holiday Sales". As a Christian I have the right to make a decision not to shop there. This doesn't make me a bigot, it merely means I believe strongly enough in something to make a decision based on my beliefs.
Oct 20, 2008 at 5:14 p.m.
Oct 20, 2008 at 5:11 p.m.
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If the Democratic campaign office is being rented from a Republican, then that is not hilarious, but a sad reminder of a political era mainly gone by.
Oct 20, 2008 at 5:10 p.m.
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overthehill is a biggot for namecalling someone that has a different viewpoint as them. Typical brainwashed union supporting democrat.
Oct 20, 2008 at 5:03 p.m.
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I would have to agree with a business putting out ANY political sign that is not a good business decision. You figure half of your customers don't support your political views or beliefs and will make people doing business somewhere else.
Oct 20, 2008 at 5:03 p.m.
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Berg v. Obama continues to be ignored in the "media"
Sunday, 19 October 2008 14:15 administrator There continues to be little coverage of Berg v. Obama in the media. (For the purpose of this article, we define "media" as those venues available to the general public other than those exclusively available on the Internet.) Oops! This article has been up less than one hour, and we are getting overwhelmed with helpful folks sending us links. So, here's a course correction: Please leave a comment on this article with a brief summary of any news items you think important. Provde a link if possible. Note that links which express neutral, positive, or negative opinions are welcome - but, please don't post links to items which are loaded down with toxic comments.
Here's an illustrative sampling of coverage - some of which is media coverage as defined above. These items and any opinions or facts exprssed in them are not endorsed by this website.
Unconvinced Obama's a citizen ... that both candidates meet the 'test' despite the pending lawsuit in U.S. District Court of Pennsylvania against Barack Obama, the Democratic National Committee and the Federal Election... News-Star, Tue, 14 Oct 2008 07:00:00 GMT • Found on Topix News
PRODUCE OBAMA EMBOSSED BIRTH CERTIFICATE - The Petition Site We signed the "PRODUCE OBAMA EMBOSSED BIRTH CERTIFICATE" petition! ... I would also like to know if Obama has dual citizenship (Kenyan) and if his father .www.thepetitionsite.com/1/produce-obama-embossed-b... • Found on Windows Live
Add Comment (73) Hits: 500Last Updated ( Monday, 20 October 2008 00:45 ) Read more...
New video posted at You Tube details the issues in Berg v. Obama
Saturday, 11 October 2008 15:59 administrator
Oct 20, 2008 at 4:50 p.m.
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fuss: the union or any other entity that strongly suggest that you vote for one party or the other is not going to penalize you if you don't do it-they won't even know. "what-did-you say" certainly has the right to spend his money where ever he wishes-but to brag that he stopped doing business with someone NOT because they sold a shoddy product or service, but because it was someone who didn't share his political views, is absolutely childish to say they very least. (I'd love to know how the business related to a presidential election.) Was he trying to buy a vote for McCain for $3-$5000? Sounds distinctly like blackmail to me.
Oct 20, 2008 at 4:38 p.m.
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whatdidyousay...is a perfect example of one of the things wrong with society today...narrowmindedness to the extreme
Oct 20, 2008 at 4:33 p.m.
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Calling whatdidyousay a bigot because of his choice to take his business elsewhere is a hoot. How is what you just did any different?
Apparently your opinion is valid only if you are not a republican/conservative.
What about the unions that tell people to vote for Democrats regardless of how qualified they are. Show me the last time a union endorsed a Republican. I am guessing it is very few and far between.
The point is, it isn't just Republicans that make choices solely on their party choice. I read plenty of them on these blogs.
Oct 20, 2008 at 4:19 p.m.
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Powell is only looking for a job, and is a rino (republican in name only). I would put little faith in him since he gave a UN speech to enter the Iraq war to only resign when his plan did not work which he advised GWB to do.
I AM A Democrat voting for my first Republican. Mccain's tax cuts will not come to me directly but in the big picture Mccain Tax cuts help me in retaining employment, and future employment.
Oct 20, 2008 at 4:07 p.m.
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Mr. WHATDIDYOUSAY.....if you can't even do business with someone who has a differing view than you, you sure are a bigot. This country is founded on the right of every person to have their views.........and we should be able to say what we feel without retrobution. To pull your substantial business from someone who has done a good job for you because you are voting for someone else (who could potentially be the worse one) just doesn't seem like the American thing to do. I don't even think John McCain would want you to do that. How will you be sure that the next person you go to isn't a Republican, do you ask every person you do business with what party they belong to? Very narrow.
Oct 20, 2008 at 4:05 p.m.
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whatdidyousay-was your action indicative of a typical Republican action(retaliation...bribe...whatever)? And you're proud of that? If so, I am sure you have made over 50% of the soon to be voting public happier yet with their choice of candidate.
Oct 20, 2008 at 4 p.m.
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OBAMA all the way....if the hockey mom would be prez, what a disaster this country would be in. It just tells everyone what bad judgement McSame has when he plucked that shrew out of Alaska thinking he had a Hillary on his hands. Colin Powell is one of the most respected Generals this country has seen and a Republican at that......a calm, thoughtful man. He speaks volumns of truth re: McSame and Obama. Hope lots of people were listening, especially those that are still to decide. For me, I am early voting, so I don't even have to stand in line.
Oct 20, 2008 at 2:59 p.m.
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Well I think that when a Republican General backs up a democrat candidate, that says a lot for the last 8 years of the Bushwacking we have had. I believe it can not get any worse than we have had by voting for Obama. And his ticker can probubly take the stress much better than McCain. Lord only knows what we will have to deal with if the good ole' Hockey Mom is president!!
Oct 20, 2008 at 2:07 p.m.
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Obama raised $150 million in September in this terrible economic time. Do you think that the money he has left over that he will distribute it among the people that are beneath him? He wants us to do that with our money.
Oct 20, 2008 at 2:06 p.m.
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I wonder if he is campaigning in those extra states yet, bet he is winning in them too.
Oct 20, 2008 at 1:58 p.m.
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I think the Obama commercials cramming the TV 24/7 are enough. The democrats don't need anymore press coverage. Isn't Obama already up like 12 points in WI?
Oct 20, 2008 at 1:42 p.m.
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I had to tell them I was voting for Obama just to get them off the phone.
Oct 20, 2008 at 1:39 p.m.
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Or maybe he figured that Obama would probably take Rock County anyways and figured that would make some money out of it.
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http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2004//pages/...
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2004 - Rock County - Kerry 54-45%
Oct 20, 2008 at 12:01 p.m.
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My only comment about the local office is that it is being rented from a republican. Personally, I find that hilarious.
Oct 20, 2008 at 11:58 a.m.
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KUDOs to those who get out and actively participate in the political process in no matter which political party! Just voting on election day is not enough. Democracy thrives when people are involved on their own behalf and it is diminished when citizens let others "do the work" for them. Thank you to ALL the volunteers of all the campaigns in 2008 for showing us all what democracy really means. To those on the "sidelines": make inquiries, get informed, and get involved!
Oct 20, 2008 at 11:44 a.m.
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Even if Obama can only provide hope but falls through on actual change that is above and beyond what McSame/Palin have to offer.
Oct 20, 2008 at 11:36 a.m.
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At Least we have people's names, and faces to remember to put with locally when Obama drives America into the ground. I will be looking these people up when Obama never follows through on his campaign pledges. It is a clear fact he will not.
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