A critical campaign outpost for Barack Obama’s Presidential campaign opened at 924 Selby Avenue in St. Paul last weekend, Sat., October 4. The location lends itself to several highly important voting groups from the University, Selby, Summit, Grand Ave., and Cathedral Hill neighborhoods, all of which compose the more properly known Rondo neighborhood. The intersection of Selby Ave. and Milton St. is a community business and social hub. The Rondo-Obama office space was donated by St. Paul Central Alumnus, and former New York Giants Superbowl Champion Stacy Robinson.
The St. Paul Obama Campaign office will be headed by Nick Al’Aziz Muhammad. Joining him Saturday morning for the office opening were St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, Ward 1 Councilmemeber Melvin Carter III, Ramsey County Commissioner Toni Carter and neighborhood residents. Also on hand were Twin Cities hip-hop pillars, and worldwide known rappers, Brother Ali, Muja Messiah, and St. Paul Slim.
“John McCain recently acknowledged that he can’t win if he doesn’t win Minnesota, Wisconsin, or North Dakota. That means that Minnesota has the clear power to determine if Barack Obama wins this election!” said Coleman.
Councilmember Carter added a very specific and heartfelt reference to the conversation by relating his experience as a student in Florida during the infamous 2000 Presidential election that was determined by less than 600 votes. Ramsey County Commissioner Carter reminded the crowd of the importance of voting for people like Al Franken so that Obama has the maximum necessary support from the elected officials that would serve his causes during his presidency.
The stories and reasons that came from the diverse group were both clear and passionate. One supporter said he was committed to volunteering on campaigns and to voting because he has a brother who is deployed in Iraq and wants to come home, as do the majority of the military troops he suggested. Another man said he was inspired by seeing the “greatest exercise in the power of the people of Minnesota since before the passing of Paul Wellstone.”
The Obama campaign has been widely successful through the application of several progressive, grassroots campaign techniques. Because of this “people first” approach through online correspondence and intimate canvassing, the Obama campaign has tapped into the full network of the nation.
For further voting information,contact the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State at 651-296-2803 or www.sos.state.mn.us; or TakeAction Minnesota at (651) 641-6199.
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