I live in Utah, a state where a large majority of the voters automatically vote Republican. So entrenched is the Republican Party that they have a virtual gridlock on all the elections, local, state, and national.

However, after McCain secured his bid for the nomination, there was a widespread rumor voters were thinking about going for Obama. Unfortunatly, there is a strong anti-Hillary sentiment here that would make a democratic win nigh impossible. Forunately McCain is mistrusted here. And the LDS Church came out with the message that party affiliation is not connected to religion.

Groups like Mormons for Obama are trying to create inroads to the predonminate faith here. Democrats who, in the past, figured they might as well not bother to vote because it wouldn't count anyway (I am one of them) have changed their minds and intend to vote - many for the first time.

My belief in the Obama campaign is so overwhelming that I am volunteering and plan to do everything possible to facilitate his victory here. I live in Salt Lake City, one of the democratic islands in a red sea.

The new attitudes here can be fanned and encouraged with the commitment of grassroots work here - the same grassroot support that has raised so much money for Obama and energized people across the board. Democrats will galvanize behind Obama and influence the Republicans to do the same.

I urge super delegates to come out for Obama and get the campaign behind the clear winner for the nomination. We have indulged Clinton long enough. Please press her to withdraw with grace.

Our job in Utah would be much easier if the message from the party was unified. This is the first time in living memory a democrat had a chance in a presidential campaign.

A new group, Avenues Volunteers for Obama, has been created. The avenues is home to many progressives and liberals who would like to secure Obama's nomination and victory in November. I invite everyone who is working for Obama in this area to join. It's not trite to say we really can make a difference.