Kentucky Voting 101
by Saul Shemesh
5/19/2008
http://blog.hillaryclinton.com/blog/main/2008/05/19/213301

Here is all the information you need to vote for Hillary on May 20...

Election Day polling times: 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Deadline to return an absentee ballot: 6 p.m. on May 20, 2008 (Election Day)

Voting requirements: In order to vote you will need to bring with you a driver’s license, a Social Security card, a credit card, or another form of ID containing both picture and signature.

Find your polling location: please click here.
https://cdcbp.ky.gov/VICWeb/index.jsp

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Paid for by Hillary Clinton for President

For those wanting some real news from Kentucky, where the "Unbridled Spirit" lives, I can report "Great News" for the Honorable Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and her relentless supporters.

All is well period. Maybe I should repeat that again.

ALL IS VERY WELL PERIOD

You can call us Hillbillies, Rednecks, Country Bumpkins,
or what every else you think might put us down.

In the great Commonwealth of Kentucky, We are proud of our past and current heritages.

We are just as sophisticated, educated, uneducated, intellectual, etc as the rest of the United States.

Yes, we are the same as you.

Do not discount the will of the peoples' vote of KY as it will narrow the gap in the total popular vote.

We were working the phone banks so hard that it overloaded.
Does this mean Kentuckians support Hillary? You bet.

We know a horse race when we see one and ours is coming down the back stretch.

For all Democrats, please note:

The Bluegrass State will return Blue with Hillary in the General Election.

All the posturing to deflect this fact and to minimize a Hillary Victory in Kentucky is just another shrewd campaign tactic to disrupt momentum in the gains of the popular vote by Hillary. It is all about the timing.

The nominee has not been selected. The race for the popular vote has not ended. All the votes are yet to be
counted and placed. After KY and OR, we have Montana, South Dakota, and Puerto Rico (with over its one million voters).

With the trend pointing to a large win in Puerto Rico, do not be surprised to see the popular vote change to Hillary�s side if Floridian�s votes are counted May 31st. (this will not even included Michigan�s vote)

What has everyone been saying over the past months that the super delegates must side with the popular vote?

Okay, and then let them get ready to pony up. Make true on your words. We are coming around the final turn and heading into the backstretch. The race is not over and do not let anyone tell you it is over. You will know when this photo finish is developed.

Back to the campaigning for me now and see the results May 20th.

From a Proud Country Bumpkin, Redneck, Kentucky Hillbilly





Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton for President 2008

Four Democratic governors endorse Hillary Clinton in presidential race.

Past Kentucky governors are endorsing Hillary Rodham Clinton in the Democratic presidential primary.

The Clinton campaign announced the endorsements from John Y. Brown, Julian Carroll, Wendell Ford and Paul Patton on Tuesday.

Hillary Clinton says she is honored to have their support leading up to Tuesday's primary election in Kentucky.

Here is todays new Superdelegate News again Obama gets more Supers everyday moving on his side to become our next nominee and Democrat to run against McCain.

Will start with the first one in order to the last of the four today
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Rep. Tom Allen (D-ME) Endorses Obama; Delegate Countdown - 153 To Go that was earlier today below
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Breaking from the Portland Press Herald...

Democratic Rep. Tom Allen announced this morning that he is supporting Barack Obama for president.

"I have been friends for a very long time with former President Clinton and Sen. Clinton. I respect their service to our nation," Allen said in a written statement. He added that "most of the primary voters across the nation have now spoken. It is time to bring a graceful end to the primary campaign. We now need to unify the Democratic party and focus on electing Sen. Obama and a working majority in the United States Senate."
More on Rep. Allen's endorsement...

PORTLAND ��" Congressman and U.S. Senate candidate Tom Allen today pledged his support to Senator Barack Obama. Allen made his announcement during a 10:30 a.m. press conference at his campaign headquarters here.

Allen said he believes that both Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton are “supremely qualified to be president.”

“I have been friends for a very long time with former President Clinton and Senator Clinton. I respect their service to our nation. Hillary Clinton has run a vigorous campaign and has attracted a passionate following in Maine and around the country. She loves this country and is a true leader. For her service, I am grateful,” he said.

“Most of the primary voters across the nation have now spoken. It is time to bring a graceful end to the primary campaign. We now need to unify the Democratic Party and focus on electing Senator Obama and a working majority in the United States Senate. That is how we can change the direction of the country.

“I am running for the U.S. Senate because I believe Maine should lead the change this country needs. I share important priorities with Barack Obama: universal health care, reining in gas and food prices, greater independence from foreign oil, bringing our troops safely home from Iraq, creating jobs and strengthening the middle class.”

Allen said Obama is the embodiment of change for Maine and America.

“In February I watched a new generation of Mainers become involved in our nominating process because they were energized and hopeful about the future. I watched Independents and Democrats ��" and even a lot of Republicans -- in Maine enthusiastically support Barack Obama because they believe he can and will put America back on track,” he said.

Obama won Maine’s Democratic caucuses in February. His candidacy helped drive record turnout of some 45,000 participants.

Senator Obama said Maine needs Tom Allen in the U.S. Senate for the change we need. Obama’s full statement:

“Tom Allen understands the challenges this country is facing, and no one has worked harder to solve them. He knows that if we’re going to bring about the change this country needs, we’re going to have to change the way Washington works. That’s why he’s never been afraid to stand up to the special interests and demand accountability from our leaders.

“Like me, Tom opposed the war in Iraq from the start, and he’s been a tireless advocate for ending the war and reshaping our foreign policy to truly make this country safer and more respected. He’s fought for tax cuts for the middle class, health care for all, and a return to fiscal responsibility -- something this President and his allies in the Senate seem to have forgotten about completely.

“I’ve had the opportunity to meet voters from every corner of Maine, and they have spoken with one voice about the need for real change. There’s no question that Tom’s record of service, his tenacity, and his judgment will make him an excellent Senator. I’m thrilled to be working alongside him in this critical election, and I look forward to working with him as President.”
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Then here is the next one that happened later after that endorsement.
Hawaii Superdelegate Dolly Strazar Endorses Barack Obama; Delegate Countdown - 152 To Go
Monday, May 12, 2008 at 12:13 PM
CHICAGO, IL ��" Today, Hawaii Superdelegate Dolly Strazar endorsed Barack Obama for President. Strazar is the 279th superdelegate to endorse Obama. Obama is 152 delegates away from securing the Democratic nomination.

Strazar's statement...

As a Democratic National Committeewoman, I have felt it my duty to let this unique presidential campaign process play out, one that has reached across the country and engaged millions of Americans in expressing their preference for a Democratic nominee before expressing my preference as a superdelegate. I am now convinced that it is time to pull together behind a single candidate who has the backing of a growing number of Americans. I therefore announce my wholehearted endorsement of Senator Barack Obama.

I have had and still do have the utmost respect for Senator Hillary Clinton and the positive and uplifting force that both of the Clintons have been in Hawaii. It excites me, however, to enter active campaigning for a son of Hawaii who learned the lessons of "getting along" that so dominate the values of the people of the fiftieth state. I am convinced that these values of inclusiveness and respect for differences that we take for granted in Hawaii are part of what has made our America a nation based on freedom, equality, justice and the pursuit of happiness. I further believe that these values will serve to unify our country and lead us to victory in November.

The will of Democrats in Hawaii was expressed loudly and clearly in February and I am proud to see that that same vision has been reflected throughout the country in Democratic support for Senator Obama.

Dr. Marie Dolly Strazar is a member of the Hawaii Democratic Party.
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Senator Daniel Akaka Endorses Barack Obama; Delegate Countdown - 151 To Go
Monday, May 12, 2008 at 01:56 PM
CHICAGO, IL ��" Today, U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka from Hawaii endorsed Barack Obama for President. Akaka is the 280th superdelegate to endorse Obama, who is now 151 delegates away from securing the Democratic nomination.

Senator Akaka’s Statement is below:

For more than a year, people have asked me who I plan to endorse for President of the United States. I’ve waited this long for several reasons. The Democratic campaign began with more than ten declared candidates. As a veteran of more than 30 years on Capitol Hill, I knew each and everyone of them and had worked closely with all. I had no doubt that each of them had the knowledge and ability to lead our country out of the financial and diplomatic chaos that we’ve experienced for the past eight years.

Having waged a number of campaigns myself, I can tell you they are not easy. Campaigns are tests, and there’s no tougher one than running for President. Like many Americans, I’ve followed the campaign for President closely and with growing interest, eager to see which candidate would articulate a vision for our country, encourage hope and renew faith in our government, and stand to the rigors of a nationwide contest.

After giving it a lot of thought, I’ve decided that for me, that candidate is Barack Obama.

Rather than echo his supporters or review his platform on health care, the environment, or the war in Iraq, I want to add a different voice to those who believe Senator Obama would make a fine President. He is the antidote we need to cure Washington of the uninspired, partisan politics that has plagued our country far too long.

What makes him uniquely qualified? A March 2008 feature in Vanity Fair magazine offers a clue: “He was born and came of age in Hawaii, the 50th state and in many ways among the freest��'thinking, where mixed��'race ancestry is …a given... If Obama comes across as a bit of a softy��"if you don’t see the toughness or the ambition at first��"it may be in part because he spent his formative years in a place where ‘Live Aloha’ had not yet become a slogan aimed at recapturing a more gracious time, but was simply a way of life.”

I have great hope, that in his own way, Barack Obama will achieve what I have been working to accomplish my entire Congressional career, more tolerance and understanding, an appreciation for common goals and interests, rather than an emphasis on our differences.

While I am pledging my support to Senator Obama, I want to make it very clear that I hold both Senator Hillary Clinton and President Bill Clinton in the highest regard as colleagues and friends. Senator Clinton has campaigned hard and well and I wish her all the best as we move forward. In an example of her leadership and commitment, Senator Clinton has promised that come November, the Democratic Party will be united behind our presidential nominee and I send her my fondest aloha for her courage and selflessness.
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Last but not least the last one for today Idaho Superdelegate Keith Roark Endorses Barack Obama; Delegate Countdown - 150 To Go
May 12, 2008 at 02:18 PM
CHICAGO, IL ��" Today, Idaho Superdelegate Keith Roark endorsed Barack Obama for President. Roark is the 281st superdelegate to endorse Obama, who is 150 delegates away from securing the Democratic nomination.

Roark's statement:

After several months of careful consideration, I am announcing today that I will cast my vote this August at the Democratic National Convention for the next President of the United States, Senator Barrack Obama. I have not come quickly or easily to this decision. Democrats are blessed to have two outstanding candidates vying for our party’s nomination at this defining moment in American history.

I have no doubt that Senator Obama will run the stronger race. The unprecedented enthusiasm Senator Obama has generated here in Idaho is unlike anything I have seen in the past 31 years of active political participation in this State. He has captured the imagination and mint fresh optimism of young voters from Couer d’Alene to Caldwell, from Murphy to Montpelier. I firmly believe that the critical process of rebuilding the Idaho Democratic Party will receive a once in a lifetime boost from Senator Obama’s candidacy.

Keith Roark is Chairman of the Idaho Democratic Party.

Please make some calls today to help build Obama's delegate lead and grow the movement.

So today 4 new SuperDelegates endorsed Obama who is now the persumptive nominee of the Democratic Party who will face McCain in the General.

Thnak you to all the Superdelegates today that have realize Senator Barack Obama is the Progressive Change America needs now.

Saturday 5/9/08 SuperDelegate News-
United States Congressman Harry Mitchell (D-AZ) endorsed Barack Obama for president today, citing Obama's work in the Senate to improve treatment of veterans and his ability to unite the country:

I’m proud to support Barack Obama for President. Senator Obama and I worked together last year to improve care for our soldiers and veterans in the wake of the scandal at Walter Reed, and I know that, as President, he will work hard for our men and women in uniform. Like the primary voters of my congressional district, which Senator Obama carried, I am inspired by Barack’s vision for America, his ability to unify our country and bring much-needed to change to Washington.In response to Congressman Mitchell's endorsement, Senator Obama said:

I am proud to have Congressman Mitchell’s support. He has continued to build on his lifelong service to Arizona’s families by fighting for more benefits for our veterans and military families and working for expanded educational opportunities for all of Arizona’s children. As a former teacher, he knows that each of our students deserves a world-class education, and when I am president we will make this a reality. I thank Congressman Mitchell for his support and will work with him in the months ahead to bring about real change for families in Arizona and across the country.Congressman Mitchell is the 275th superdelegate to endorse Obama. Obama is 156 delegates away from securing the Democratic nomination.   Read More »

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro 3;15 PM Today May 9th,2008
The Obama campaign announced two more superdelegate endorsements -- Laurie Weahkee, a New Mexico add-on, and Rep. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii. This is Obama's fifth pick up today. (The campaign also announced CA DNC Member Vernon Watkins, but we did not add him into our count, because he was already on our list.)

So far today, it's a net of Obama 7-0.

OBAMA (7): Weahkee, Hirono, Wilmer Lee Jeffcoat, Edward Espinoza, NC DNC Member John Gage, Reps. Donald Payne of NJ and Peter DeFazio of Oregon (+7).
Clinton (0): Rep. Chris Carney of PA (+1), but she lost lost Payne (-1).

The NBC delegate counts:
PLEDGED: Obama 1,590, Clinton 1,426
SUPERS: Clinton 273.5, Obama 269
TOTAL: Obama 1,859, Clinton 1,699.5.

* There are 252.5 undeclared superdelegates (about 50 of which are not named yet).

* Since the Indiana and North Carolina primaries on Tuesday, it's a net of Obama 13-1 in superdelegates.

* Obama has picked up 99 since Super Tuesday to Clinton's 13.5.

* Obama is 166 away from the magic number of 2,025.

Short of cash, Clinton is forced to cut spendingNo-frills events eyed ahead of next primaries as campaign debts growVideo   Fri., May. 9, 2008

The once-formidable fund-raising machine of Bill and Hillary Rodham Clinton has begun to sputter at the worst possible moment for Mrs. Clinton’s presidential campaign, Clinton advisers and donors said Thursday, with spending curtailed on political events and advertising as Mrs. Clinton seeks to compete in the last six nominating contests.

Mrs. Clinton’s diminished political momentum, following Tuesday’s loss in the North Carolina primary and her narrow victory in Indiana, appears to have had a dampening effect on her fund-raising, aides said, increasing the likelihood that Mrs. Clinton will lend her campaign more of her own money beyond the $11 million she has already provided.

Clinton advisers said Mrs. Clinton was committed to spending more of her own cash on the campaign if necessary, although they spoke optimistically about a rise in fund-raising if she prevails in Tuesday’s primary in West Virginia.

The campaign is clearly running low on cash, although advisers would not say how much money — or how little — Mrs. Clinton currently has. The campaign had started April with over $10 million in unpaid debts, and Mrs. Clinton was vastly outspent by Senator Barack Obama in North Carolina and Indiana.

Kennedy says no to joint ticketPosted: 12:20 PM ET Ted Kennedy endorsed Barack Obama last January.

(CNN) – Add Obama supporter Sen. Ted Kennedy to the list of joint-ticket naysayers.

In an interview airing this weekend, the Massachusetts senator told Bloomberg’s Al Hunt that despite widespread talk of a ticket featuring both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, "I don't think it's possible."

He added that “…I would hope that he would also give consideration to somebody that has — is in tune with his appeal for the nobler aspirations of the American people. And I think if we had real leadership — as we do with Barack Obama — in the number-two spot as well, it'd be enormously helpful.”

Kennedy also said that he had not spoken with former President Bill Clinton since endorsing Barack Obama.

From: CNN Associate Political Editor Rebecca

   Read More »

Another superdelegate for Obama
Posted: 12:19 PM ET
(CNN) �" Barack Obama picked up another superdelegate Friday, narrowing Hillary Clinton's advantage to three.

Democratic National Committee Member Ed Espinoza formally endorsed Obama, saying he has "the character to lead our great nation."

“I am endorsing Barack Obama today because throughout this process I have seen him show a judgment and character that we need in our next president," he said in a statement released by the campaign. "From day one he opposed the Iraq war and has a plan to end the war in a responsible way and bring our sons and daughters home."

Espinoza is a former supporter of New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson's presidential bid.   Read More »

Who should Senator Barack Obama pick for Vice President?
I have a few favorites on my Vice Presidential list for Senator Obama .
1.)Senator John Edwards he is honest brings new ideas to the table and is a Progressive Democrat was against building new Nuclear Power Plants and just would make a great team if selected .
2.)Senator Barbara Boxer of california who had voted against the War resolution back on Oct 10th,2002 when Clinton voted for it .
She is also a good Senator and Progressive .
3.)Bill Richardson who had the courage to be independent when deciding who he would support for President over a longtime friendship with the Clintons.
He has alot of good ideas that he presented as a Presidential candidate and would make a good Vice Presidential choice as well.
I am sure my list will grow between now and our Democratic Convention in Denver.
So feel free to share your ideas for V.P for the second position on the Obama ticket .

Edwards: Tough for Clinton to 'make the math work'Posted: 12:35 PM ET John Edwards said the math isn't working in Clinton's favor.

(CNN) – John Edwards still isn’t backing a candidate in this year’s Democratic primary race – but it looks like he might be ready to pick a winner.

The former presidential candidate told interviewers on NBC and MSNBC that Barack Obama will probably top the Democratic ticket this fall.

Hillary Clinton has said that she can still win the nomination – but "it's very difficult to make the math work," said Edwards.

Which one of the remaining contenders is best-equipped to beat presumptive Republican nominee John McCain? Edwards tried to avoid picking between the two – then chose Obama, because he said the Illinois senator was the probable Democratic nominee.

He added that he worried the continuing campaign could take a toll on the party’s presidential chances. “I think it’s fine for Hillary to keep making the case for her,” said the former North Carolina senator. “But when that shifts to everything that is wrong with him, then we’re doing damage instead of being helpful.”

Edwards has been heavily wooed by both the Clinton and Obama campaigns since he ended his presidential run in January, but has not publicly endorsed either candidate.

From: CNN Associate Political Editor Rebecca Sinderbrand

   Read More »

Reps. Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and Donald Payne (D-NJ) Back Obama; Delegate Countdown - 165 To Go

The AP reports that two more superdelegates are throwing their support behind Senator Obama, bringing the total number of delegates Obama needs for the nomination down to 165...

WASHINGTON (AP) - The movement of Democratic superdelegates to presidential hopeful Barack Obama gained steam Friday, with endorsements expected from two more congressmen.

Obama spokesman Dan Pfeiffer said the Illinois senator plans to receive the endorsement of Rep. Peter DeFazio of Oregon an event Friday in his homestate. Oregon holds it's primary on May 20.

While polling in the Oregon has been sparse, Obama is believed to hold a significant advantage over New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. With DeFazio, he will have the endorsement of three of the state's four Democratic House members. Reps. Earl Blumenauer and David Wu earlier endorsed Obama, while Gov. Ted Kulongoski and Rep. Darlene Hooley have endorsed Clinton.

In New Jersey, Donald Payne�"a black congressman who had been backing Clinton for the nomination�"is switching his support to Obama, Pfeiffer confirmed.

Clinton won the New Jersey primary on Feb. 5.

"After careful consideration, I have reached the conclusion that Barack Obama can best bring about the change that our country so desperately wants and needs," Payne told The Star-Ledger in Newark, N.J. It was "one of the most difficult decisions I have made," Payne said. "I've really been mulling it over for quite a while."

Obama's endorsements from superdelegates has picked sharply since Tuesday, when he soundly defeated Clinton in North Carolina's primary and held her to a narrow victory in Indiana
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AFGE President and Superdelegate John Gage Endorses Obama; Delegate Countdown - 164 To Go

The AP reports that the American Federation of Government Employees and its President, John Gage, have endorsed Barack Obama. With Gage's superdelegate support, Obama now needs only 164 delegates to secure the nomination...



WASHINGTON (AP) �" The American Federation of Government Employees endorsed Barack Obama Friday, giving the Illinois senator fresh momentum toward capturing the Democratic nomination for president.

"Our people, I think, recognize the enthusiasm and vitality behind Senator Obama's campaign," AFGE President John Gage said.

Gage, a previously uncommitted superdelegate to the Democratic National Convention, said he is also personally endorsing Obama...

While calling Clinton a friend and saying she has worked hard for federal employees, Gage said some members of AFGE's board also think having Obama as the Democratic nominee would help the Democratic slate as a whole. Obama will do better in "bringing along some of the downticket races," Gage said.

AFGE is the largest federal employee union, representing 600,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia.

Gage also said it's time for Democrats to move beyond the primary and start concentrating on the November contest against certain Republican presidential nominee John McCain. "I think it's time we start really focusing in on McCain, who just has a terrible record when it comes to federal employees," Gage said.   Read More »