Sen. Barack Obama is the most inspiring public leader in America. He has a bold vision to help the middle class and restore America's prestige in the world. Join this grassroots effort to support Sen. Obama's historic and uplifting campaign for president. Keep hope alive! Obama '08!
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President Obama has encouraged us to get involved on the local level and make a difference in our communities. On that note, early voting begins this week in the Austin City Council races. The deadline to vote early is Tuesday, May 5.
Texans for Obama does not make endorsements in local races, but we're happy to share relevant information from other local organizations. Please do your homework and make your voice heard!
(Attention campaigns: If there are any needed additions or edits to this list, please contact us at texansforobama@gmail.com.)
* Austin Board of Realtors
* Building Owners & Managers Association
* ChangeAustin.org
* Hilltop Views, St. Edwards University Student Paper
* NOKOA The Observer
* Small Business Group
* Villager Newspaper
* Austin Chronicle
* Austin Firefighters Association
* Austin Lesbian / Gay Political Caucus
* Austin Neighborhoods Council
* Austin Police Association
* Austin Progressive Coalition
* Austin Sierra Club
* Austin Tejano Democrats
* Austin Women's Political Caucus
* Austin / Travis County EMS Employees Association
* Better Austin Today PAC
* Black Austin Democrats
* Burnt Orange Report
* Capital Area Asian American Democrats
* Capital Area Progressive Democrats
* Capital City Young Democrats
* Central Austin Democrats
* Central Labor Council
* Circle C Area Democrats
* Clean Water Action / Texas Vote Environment
* College Democrats of St. Edward's University
* Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas
* Daily Texan
* League of Bicycle Voters
* Mexican American Democrats
* Northeast Travis County Democrats
* South Austin Democrats
* Southwest Austin Democrats
* Stonewall Democrats
* Texas Environmental Democrats
* Travis County Sheriff's Law Enforcement Association
* Travis County Sheriff's Officers Association
* University Democrats
* West Austin Democrats
* Austin American-Statesman
* Austin Apartment Association
* Austin Board of Realtors
* Austin Chronicle
* Austin Lesbian/Gay Political Caucus
* Austin Police Association
* Austin Progressive Coalition
* Austin/Travis Co. EMS Employee Association
* Burnt Orange Report
* Capital Area Asian American Democrats
* Capital City Young Democrats
* Central Austin Democrats
* Circle C Area Democrats
* Daily Texan
* Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association
* League of Bicycling Voters
* NOKOA The Observer
* North by Northwest Democrats
* Northeast Travis County Democrats
* Sierra Club
* Small Business Group of Central Texas
* St. Edward's Democrats
* Stonewall Democrats
* Texas Environmental Democrats
* University Democrats
* Villager Newspaper
* West Austin Democrats
* Austin Firefighters Association
* Austin Neighborhoods Council
* Austin Women's Political Caucus
* Better Austin Today
* Black Austin Democrats
* Capital Area Progressive Democrats
* Central Labor Council
* Mexican American Democrats
* North by Northwest Democrats
* PODER Pac
* South Austin Democrats
* South West Austin Democrats
* Stonewall Democrats
* Tejano Democrats
* Texas Environmental Democrats
* Texas Hispanic Police Officer's Association
Mike Martinez:
* Austin Board of Realtors
* Building Owners & Managers Association
* Austin Chronicle
* Austin Firefighters Association
* Austin Lesbian / Gay Political Caucus
* Austin Neighborhoods Council
* Austin Police Association
* Austin Progressive Coalition
* Austin Sierra Club
* Austin Tejano Democrats
* Austin Women's Political Caucus
* Austin / Travis County EMS Employees Association
* Better Austin Today PAC
* Black Austin Democrats
* Burnt Orange Report
* Capital Area Asian American Democrats
* Capital Area Progressive Democrats
* Capital City Young Democrats
* Central Austin Democrats
* Central Labor Council
* ChangeAustin.org
* Circle C Area Democrats
* Clean Water Action / Texas Vote Environment
* College Democrats of St. Edward's University
* Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas
* Daily Texan
* League of Bicycle Voters
* Northeast Travis County Democrats
* Small Business Group
* South Austin Democrats
* Southwest Austin Democrats
* Stonewall Democrats
* Texas Environmental Democrats
* Travis County Sheriff's Law Enforcement Association
* Travis County Sheriff's Officers Association
* University Democrats
* West Austin Democrats
* Austin American Statesman
* Austin Apartment Association
* Austin Board of Realtors
* Austin Chronicle
* Austin Firefighters Association
* Austin Lesbian/Gay Political Caucus
* Austin Neighborhoods Council
* Austin Police Association
* Austin Progressive Coalition
* Austin Tejano Democrats
* Austin/Travis Co. EMS Employees Association
* Austin Women's Political Caucus
* Better Austin Today PAC
* Black Austin Democrats
* Building Owners and Managers Association
* Burnt Orange Report
* Capital City Young Democrats
* Capital Area Progressive Democrats
* Central Austin Democrats
* Central Labor Council of Austin
* ChangeAustin.org
* Circle C Area Democrats
* Daily Texan
* League of Bicycling Voters
* Mexican American Democrats of Austin
* North by Northwest Democrats
* Sierra Club
* South Austin Democrats
* Southwest Austin Democrats
* Stonewall Democrats
* Texas Environmental Democrats
* University Democrats
* West Austin Democrats
* Mexican American Democrats
* Southwest Austin Democrats
* Small Business Group
* ChangeAustin.Org
* Travis County Republican Liberty Caucus
* Texans For Accountable Government
* Austin Board of Realtors
* Building Owners & Managers Association
* Austin Chronicle
* Austin Firefighters Association
* Austin Lesbian / Gay Political Caucus
* Austin Police Association
* Austin Progressive Coalition
* Austin Sierra Club
* Austin Women's Political Caucus
* Austin / Travis County EMS Employees Association
* Black Austin Democrats
* Burnt Orange Report
* Capital Area Asian American Democrats
* Capital Area Progressive Democrats
* Capital City Young Democrats
* Central Austin Democrats
* Central Labor Council
* Circle C Area Democrats
* Clean Water Action / Texas Vote Environment
* College Democrats of St. Edward's University
* Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas
* Daily Texan
* League of Bicycle Voters
* Mexican American Democrats
* NOKOA The Observer
* Northeast Travis County Democrats
* South Austin Democrats
* Stonewall Democrats
* Texas Environmental Democrats
* Travis County Sheriff's Law Enforcement Association
* Travis County Sheriff's Officers Association
* Villager Newspaper
* West Austin Democrats
Editor & Publisher reports that Obama nearly swept the weekend's big endorsement announcements 16-2,"including six in swing states Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina and Missouri. John McCain, as far as we know, gained just two."
There were some choice words, including "the St. Louis Post-Dispatch called Obama's opponent, John McCain, 'the incredible shrinking man' who had made a horrific [emphasis added] pick for his running mate."
SACRAMENTO BEE
For voters pondering the presidential election, there is one key question: Is John McCain or Barack Obama better suited to lead this country in a time of great uncertainty?
The terms of the question help reveal the answer. In this election, Americans are picking a future, not a past. That makes Barack Obama the better choice for president of the United States.
By electing Obama, voters will make a clear break from the policies of the past eight years.
DAYTON DAILY NEWS
Sen. McCain's campaign has been as disappointing as his move toward party orthodoxy. More than his opponent, he has run a relentless stream of commercials that have been discredited by nonpartisan fact-checkers. (Last week, all his ads were negative.)
He has articulated no vision for the country other than to suggest that it should believe in him as an individual, as a war hero of independent judgment.
His selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate was stunning. She is shockingly lacking in presidential qualifications. Some of Sen. McCain's most enthusiastic supporters have been forced to admit this. Her defenders say her resume compares well with Sen. Obama's, but it does not.
Well, it is finally here. Al Gore will tonight in Detroit endorse Barack Obama, and pledge to "do whatever I can to make sure he is elected President of the United States."
Over the next four years, we are going to face many difficult challenges -- including bringing our troops home from Iraq, fixing our economy, and solving the climate crisis. Barack Obama is clearly the candidate best able to solve these problems and bring change to America.
This moment and this election are too important to let pass without taking action.
That's why I am asking you to join me in showing your support by making a contribution to this campaign today:
This is good news. Gore is a highly respected, hard-working Democrat who actually has gone beyond pure partisanship in his attempts to combat climate change and make the planet a better place.
Mike Allen passes on word that later this morning Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Governor Anibal Acevedo-Vila will announce his endorsement of Obama.
There are 63 delegates are at stake in the state, which is the last to vote on June 7.
Along with playing a role in Puerto Rico -- if we ever get there -- the planned endorsement is a boost for Obama with Latino voters, where his campaign thinks endorsements can really matter.
Now, I am not sure Obama really has a problem with the Hispanic bloc -- me and my 75 year old hispanic mom are voting Obama -- especially when the stark choice becomes Obama or 100-years of War McCain.
This is big news. The local AFSCME union in Oregon decided to break ranks with their national leaders and endorse Obama. In a landslide vote, Obama won 59 out of 64 votes from the Oregen AFSCME excuective board.
The Oregon primary is May 20, and this major union endorsement will provide momentum and also help Obama grow his already strong grassroots operation.
Oregon AFSCME has endorsed Barack Obama for President of the United States. The union's executive board made the endorsement today (March 15) in Portland.
"The union took action prior to the upcoming Oregon primary because Obama has a history of standing up and fighting for working people," said Oregon AFSCME Executive Director Ken Allen. "In Illinois, Sen. Obama fought alongside AFSCME to keep vital public services open, including mental hospitals and prisons. He also worked to help organize thousands of workers at Resurrection Hospital, and supported card check recognition for other workers seeking to unionize in their workplace.
"He is a candidate organized labor can proudly stand behind and support."
Oregon AFSCME defies Int'l, backs Obama The Oregonian
Oregon AFSCME has rebelled from its international union and decided to endorse Illinois Sen. Barack Obama in the Democratic presidential primary race.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees has been an important backer of New York Sen. Hillary Clinton. The union has poured more than $2.3 million into advertising boosting Clinton and attacking Obama. Gerald McEntee, AFSCME international president, is close to the Clintons and gave Bill Clinton a critical early endorsement in his 1992 presidential campaign.
But AFSCME's top-down decision to endorse Hillary Clinton last fall is beginning to meet some grassroots resistance. Ken Allen, president of Oregon AFSCME, said his executive board voted overwhelmingly Saturday to endorse Obama, with only four or five no votes out of the approximately 64 people in the room.
Mississippians go to the polls March 11 to give preferences for the Democratic and Republican nominations for president. In the tight Democratic primary, Mississippi voters will have an important role this election.
With U.S. Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama so close in the delegate hunt, Mississippi's 40 Democratic delegates are highly coveted.
Both top contenders offer sharp differences from the GOP and nuanced differences from each other in promoting health care for average Americans, withdrawing troops from the Iraq war and encouraging U.S. jobs.
Sen. Obama is the best choice. He provides a broad vision that motivates not only minorities, but old and new Democrats of all stripes. He also is popular with independents and young, unaffiliated voters - giving Democrats their best shot for the White House.
Clinton is highly qualified and has a solid record. But America needs a president who can motivate and inspire a nation which now is divided and demoralized by a sagging economy and foundering foreign policy.
After decades of fighting for equality in the face of discrimination, the LGBT community recognizes, perhaps more profoundly than anyone, the "fierce urgency of now." We long for transformational change. We deeply desire a united country, where we can share openly and honestly with our neighbors. That is why the Houston GLBT Political Caucus is proud to join the unprecedented, diverse, hope driven coalition that is emerging across this nation to elect Senator Barack Obama President of the United States.
Despite overwhelming schedules, both Senator Clinton and Senator Obama had the humility to answer all of our tough questions, fulfilling the same process that every candidate, from precinct chair to U.S. Senator, had to complete in order to secure our endorsement. After engaging in these historic conversations, the Houston GLBT Political Caucus board has voted to endorse Barack Obama:
• Focused on Victory: Through our presidential screening process, Barack Obama and his campaign demonstrated that he's a strong campaigner with a compelling message and superior organization. As with every primary election, the Houston GLBT Political Caucus is intensely focused on victory. Our goal is to enact specific policies that include employment non-discrimination, judicial fairness for LGBT families, and marriage equality. We stand with Barack Obama because we feel he is best positioned to enable us to achieve these goals. We are confident in his ability to win the general election. The Caucus has endorsed over 40 progressive candidates in Harris County, and we believe that Barack Obama's nomination will help us win these crucial local races.
• Joining a Historic Coalition: The LGBT craves unity with our neighbors. Barack Obama has inspired young people all over this country, and we want to stand with next generation. Barack Obama has reached out to rural voters better than any progressive candidate in recent memory, and we are deeply gratified to finally join hands with our heart-land neighbors. Barack Obama has become the voice for immigrants, people of all races, workers, farmers, and the creative-class. From H.I.V. /AIDs to worker's rights, the LGBT community shares the needs and issues of minorities, people from every corner of this nation, and we trust Obama will deliver the change we all need.
• A President for Every American Family: The Caucus Screening committee had a very substantive conversation with Barack Obama. In his answers, Obama proved that he has a keen insight into LGBT issues, constitutional law, and civil rights. We know he is listening to us, and we trust that a President Obama will be a leader for all of America's families, including LGBT families.
When it rains, it pours. First John Lewis, now Senfronia Thompson.
Rep. Thompson is one of the most influential women in Texas politics, and we're glad to have her support. Houston is the big prize on March 4, and Rep. Thompson's support will help push Obama over the top.
Houston superdelegate switches support to Obama Associated Press
Democratic superdelegate and state Rep. Senfronia Thompson, of Houston, defected from Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's presidential campaign Wednesday and joined a growing list of superdelegates to endorse Sen. Barack Obama for president, according to his campaign.
"I'm honored to have earned the support of Representative Thompson and am pleased that she'll play an important role in advancing our grassroots movement for change in Houston and across Texas," Obama said in a statement. "Throughout her three decades in the Legislature, she's been a tireless advocate for working families and when I'm president we'll work together to put the American dream within reach of every child in Texas and across our country."
Thompson, one of the longest serving Democrats in the state House, is one of the party insiders who, as a superdelegate, help choose the Democratic nominee at the national convention this summer in Denver.
Her defection was the second loss of the day for Clinton: Civil rights leader and Atlanta congressman John Lewis, a Democratic congressman from Atlanta, is the most prominent black leader to defect from Clinton's campaign in the face of recent near-unanimous black support for Obama.
Civil rights leader John Lewis dropped his support for Hillary Rodham Clinton's presidential bid Wednesday in favor of Barack Obama. Lewis, a Democratic congressman from Atlanta, is the most prominent black leader to defect from Clinton's campaign in the face of near-unanimous black support for Obama in recent voting. He also is a superdelegate who gets a vote at this summer's national convention in Denver.
In a written statement, Lewis said Obama's campaign "represents the beginning of a new movement in American political history" and that he wants "to be on the side of the people."
"After taking some time for serious reflection on this issue, I have decided that when I cast my vote as a superdelegate at the Democratic convention, it is my duty ... to express the will of the people," the statement said.
Lewis' endorsement had been a coveted prize among the Democratic candidates thanks to his standing as one of the most prominent civil rights leaders of the 1960s.
"John Lewis is an American hero and a giant of the civil rights movement, and I am deeply honored to have his support," Obama said in a statement.
From BurntOrangeReport, via the Statesman, comes word "one of the two surviving Democratic governors of Texas," has endorsed Obama.
"You see people from all walks of life, rich and poor, every color reflected, every ethnicity. There's enthusiasm, hope. He will not only be nominated, he will be elected president. He will be America's president."
Teamsters Endorse Obama, Offering a Blue-Collar Lift New York Times
In a surprising boost for Senator Barack Obama, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters endorsed him on Wednesday, giving him new momentum among a group where he is eager to shore up support: blue-collar men.
James P. Hoffa, the president of the Teamsters, which represents more than 1.2 million truck drivers, warehouse employees and other workers, announced the endorsement after meeting with Mr. Obama in Austin, Tex.
"Senator Obama understands the challenges working people face every day," Mr. Hoffa said. "He is the candidate in the best position to lead our movement to restore the American dream for working people in this country."
A spokesman said Mr. Hoffa would campaign with Mr. Obama on Friday in Ohio, where the Teamsters have considerable strength.
Teamster officials said the union's board had voted to endorse Mr. Obama, who is seeking the Democratic presidential nomination, after a weeklong scientific survey of the union's rank and file found strong support for him.
With the Teamsters' move, labor leaders said, Change to Win, a five-million-member coalition of unions that broke away from the A.F.L.-C.I.O., is expected to vote Thursday to endorse Mr. Obama.
The seven unions in that coalition - the service employees, the food and commercial workers, the Teamsters, the carpenters, the laborers, the United Farm Workers and Unite Here (which represents hotel, restaurant and apparel workers) - are scheduled to hold a conference call on Thursday morning to discuss an endorsement.
With the service employees, the food and commercial workers and Unite Here having already endorsed Mr. Obama, the Teamsters endorsement essentially gives him the two-thirds backing needed to clinch Change to Win's endorsement.
Corpus' leading paper has some great words (because they do matter) on why they chose Obama for their presidential endorsement:
Obama, the choice of the Editorial Board, brings something to American politics that has been missing for a long time: the ability to inspire. The campaign of the 46-year-old Illinois senator has demonstrated his ability to bring new voters to the polls in every primary held so far. This is evidence of Obama's ability to reawaken faith in representative democracy among Americans sick of leadership that depends on division and demonizing of opponents.
The nation's politics have been mired for too long in a game of one-upmanship and retribution. Americans are looking for leadership, but their politicians have been hungering for payback. Each election brings another bloody nose to be remembered, another wound to be nursed until the next go-round. Enough. The problems of the American people are too crucial to waste more time in bitter partisanship. The nation is stuck in a war that has already cost the lives of nearly 4,000 Americans. The image of the United States has been shamefully stained by betrayal of its democratic principles by the current administration. A recession looms and Americans are worried about their jobs, their homes, their pensions and their children's education. These are difficult issues to grapple with and they demand a broad and inclusive effort from the entire American political spectrum to arrive at solutions. This is the appeal of Obama. His candidacy is rooted in the notion that politics can be about solutions, not divisions, that elected leaders are elected to lead, not to drive wedges between groups of Americans. This is a chance to break from the past.
"As someone who has spent most of my adult life fighting for veterans and for military troops and their families, I am convinced that Sen. Obama will be a champion for better health care, housing and quality of life for those who have sacrificed so much for the American family," Edwards said. "He knows that standing up for our troops, our veterans and their families is the right thing to do - for them and for our nation's security."
Chet Edwards is one of the most popular Democrats in Texas. He was the only Democrat to survive Tom Delay's dirty redistricting scheme, and depsite living in some of the reddest parts of Texas, Edwards conintues to get re-elected.
Obama has won the support of numerous Democrats from red states, and we're thrilled to have earned the support of Congressman Edwards as well.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram has endorsed Barack Obama, making as near a clean sweep of Texas major papers.
just a few quick quotes:
Right now, America needs transformation.
Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., is bringing more Americans into the electoral process, and that means a stronger America.
The expectation and pressure on him to deliver change on a worldwide scale will be tremendous. If he continues to deliver the kind of turnout at the polls that he has shown so far, he would move onto that stage with a commanding mandate from the American people.
Yes, we know, hope is not a strategy. But it can get people working together to find one.
I suggest reading the whole article, it does a nice job on the important differences between two good candidates,, but how, in the end, Obama is the stronger choice for Texas.
The presidency of the United States is a powerful bully pulpit. The occupant of the White House must not only issue orders, but also inspire and advocate for all Americans.
Of the two finalists for the Democratic presidential nomination, the Chronicle believes Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois is best-qualified by life experience, skill and temperament to be the standard bearer for his party. In a conference call, Obama told the Chronicle editorial board that "more than any other candidate, I can bridge some of the partisan as well as racial and religious divides that have developed in this country that prevent us from getting things done."
No question, Central Texas is Obama Country. We've now won the endorsements of Mayor Wynn, Senator Watson, Rep. Strama, Councilwoman Cole, Councilman Martinez, Jim Hightower, the Austin Chronicle, the Austin American Statesman and the Burnt Orange Report.
Austin Mayor Will Wynn announced his endorsement of presidential hopeful Barack Obama Friday.
He said Obama's stance on energy independence matches many of the mayor's goals for Austin. He also said Obama can inspire the country better than Hillary Clinton.
"Barack Obama, in my opinion, really has this once-in-a-generation chance to inspire Americans like we haven't been inspired in a long time," Wynn said.
Obama said he is honored to have Wynn's support.
The endorsement comes ahead of next week's debate between Obama and Clinton on the University of Texas campus.
The pundits have tried to attack Obama as not being able to reach out to blue-collar workers, but the Service Employees International Union has 1.9 million members. It fights on behalf of working families, and this endorsement will provide a huge boost of momentum for Obama.
Democracy for Texas represents the outgrowth of the Howard Dean campaign in 2004, and it's the biggest grassroots organization in Texas. We look forward to working with our DFT friends to deliver Texas for Barack.
Obama - 73%
Clinton - 27%
DFT Supporters Endorse Obama
We asked, you answered. Loud and clear. The winner of our presidential poll is Senator Barack Obama, with 73.2% of the 2,760 votes cast.
As much as the margin of victory, we were impressed by the passion of Obama voters and their excitement about the future. In a world where cynicism about politics has become the norm, it is refreshing to see optimism, hope, and the belief that each of us can make a difference. Or, to paraphrase Senator Obama's comments last week: "We are the ones we've been waiting for."
It's a particular joy to watch the young people who are engaged in this campaign, many of whom cut their political teeth in Howard Dean's campaign. They're not just talking, they're assuming a leadership role. We couldn't be prouder.
But it's not just young people. One slightly older Obama supporter told us:
"I'm a 73-year-old Yellow Dog Democrat and this is the first time I have been truly excited with a candidate for president since 1960."
Wow. When it rains it pours. Another former Clinton supporter endorses Obama.
BREAKING: Former (President) Clinton Campaign Manager to Endorse Obama DailyKos
The man who served as national manager of former President Clinton's 1992 campaign plans to endorse Sen. Barack Obama, an aide to Obama said Wednesday.
Wilhelm planned to tell reporters that Obama can build a coalition of Democrats, independents and Republicans needed to win the general election.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.5 License. Some Rights Reserved. TexansForObama.com 2007 Paid for by TexansForObama & not Authorized by any Candidate or Candidate's Committee. [ADDRESS] Austin, Texas 78768. blog@texansforobama.com
