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Obama team on the ground in Nebraska

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By Don Walton

Tuesday, Jan 29, 2008 - 08:57:28 am CST

And so it begins.

A five-member campaign staff for Sen. Barack Obama is on the ground in Nebraska preparing for the state’s first Democratic presidential caucus on Feb. 9.

“We’re laying the groundwork to ensure that we’re competitive in post-Feb. 5 contests,” Obama campaign spokesman Ben LaBolt said Monday night in an e-mail confirming the Obama team has arrived.

Story Photo
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., addresses the crowd at a rally on the College of Charleston campus in Charleston, S.C., as former Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., listens Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008. Kerry endorsed Obama at the rally.(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

The thrust into Nebraska is evidence the Obama campaign is moving aggressively into states that follow the mega-Tuesday Democratic showdown in nearly two dozen states a week from today.

“You can’t build a caucus organization overnight,” LaBolt said.  “And we’re in the process of educating undecided Nebraskans and training our supporters on the caucus process.”

The staff is headed by Rory Steele, who spearheaded Obama’s western Iowa caucus campaign earlier this month.

Obama team members are located in both Lincoln and Omaha.

Sen. Ben Nelson endorsed Obama earlier this month, handing the Illinois senator the support of Nebraska’s highest-profile Democrat.

Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York is expected to contest Obama in Nebraska, but there has been no word yet of campaign staffing here.

Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards also remains in the Democratic race.

Obama campaign manager  David Plouffe said Monday it is unlikely the Democratic contest will be resolved on Feb. 5.

“Therefore, we are also organizing and planning for the rest of the February states,” Plouffe said in an e-mail assessment of the race.

“We have, or will have, staff in all nine of those states by mid-week.  We believe these states offer real opportunity for Senator Obama and believe if Feb. 5 is roughly a split verdict, we can win the majority of the states and delegates over those next two weeks.”

Democrats in Louisiana and Washington will make their decisions on the same day Nebraska Democrats caucus.

Among the larger states that follow in February are Maryland, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Nebraska Republicans will vote in a presidential primary election on May 13.

Reach Don Walton at 473-7248 or at dwalton@journalstar.com.


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ted wrote on January 29, 2008 9:10 am:
" Name one initiative that Obama has led in the Senate for midwestern agriculture or water issues. "

 Jim J wrote on January 29, 2008 9:12 am:
" Nebraska means NOTHING in a race like this "

 I'm blue in a red state wrote on January 29, 2008 9:39 am:
" Thanks for coming Obama team. Enjoy the weather. "

 Mary wrote on January 29, 2008 9:57 am:
" I think this stinks. I am a Democrat and no one asked me if I wanted to change to a caucus instead of voting in a primary. I would rather vote. "

 One Out In The Third wrote on January 29, 2008 10:06 am:
" The unanswered or unasked question is will any of the candidates actually step foot on Nebraska soil with the new and improved heightened and enlightened NDP caucus? I only hope the NEGOP doesn't decide to change to a "cacaus" format.
"

 alright wrote on January 29, 2008 10:28 am:
" Go Obama Go!! "

 Welome Obama Team wrote on January 29, 2008 11:37 am:
" Quit griping about everything! Whether you like Obama or not, you have to give the guy credit for running an organized campaign, a contest he wants to win to better our country. The last time I checked, Nebraska is part of this country. The fact that he and his team find Nebraska of interest is great. You complainers don't have to caucus if you don't want to, you don't have to vote for Obama, you don't have to go out if it's too cold for you, you don’t have to do anything except stop complaining. Be thankful that for once, an exciting national candidate is paying attention to this state. And, he couldn't do any worse as President than the current one. Geez! "

 Hey Ted wrote on January 29, 2008 11:43 am:
" In response to Ted: 2006: supported legislation that would have reduced GOP-backed cuts for the Department of Agriculture (cuts that would have effected water conservation issues). Co-sponsored the emergency Farm Relief Act. Co-sponsored legislation to combat meth in rural communities. He's done more than that, but this is all the research I'm willing to do for you today. Look it up. "

 Billary wrote on January 29, 2008 12:16 pm:
" We need to have Billary win this thing, and the nomination, because it will energize EVERY Republican to come out and vote against her, insuring a Republican President! "

 Shinbone wrote on January 29, 2008 12:27 pm:
" Is anyone else tired of the Obama hype? I watched every Democratic debate, and I still don't know where he stands on most of the major issues. And all of the candidates are technically a "change" from George W. Bush. Give me some substance, Barack, and maybe I'll take you seriously. "

 Shinbone wrote on January 29, 2008 12:31 pm:
" Also, I wish all states would hold their primaries on the same day. I think politics essentially have been reduced to a sound byte-driven horse race, with certain states given way too much say-so. I mean, c'mon, there's still nine months until the general election. "

 Go Obama wrote on January 29, 2008 12:39 pm:
" Finally, a candidate that Democrats, Independents and enlightened Republicans can get behind. I'm genuinely excited and ready to get to work. "

 shoopoo wrote on January 29, 2008 12:54 pm:
" I think I'll just wait and vote for the candidate who irritates me the least. Gosh I am sick of this race already. "

 arlo wrote on January 29, 2008 1:11 pm:
" Well, all I can say is that I remember how uninterested Bill was in Nebraska. If I recall correctly the only time he came here was in the last week or two of his presidency. If the Nebraska Democratic Party was smart they would throw their weight behind Obama since I'm sure other Nebraskans recall how Bill ignored us. "

 JR wrote on January 29, 2008 1:27 pm:
" And why would Bill come here? Yes, he was President, but when you consider the hatred spewed by certain Nebraskans, why would he? Yes, President Bush has come to Nebraska a few times ... let me see ... how many times to Lincoln??? How many to North Platte? Actually, besides Omaha, I do believe Mr Bush has only visited Omaha ... and only a very few times with rarely even an overnight stay, and usually for a Republican fund raiser. Personally, I don't care if the President ever visits Nebraska ... no matter who wins ... I figure they have much more important things to do than jet around the country. "

 Madison wrote on January 29, 2008 1:28 pm:
" I think it is great that Nebraska gets a say in deciding this race, at least on the democratic side. The fact that more than one person is still in the race has got me more interested in politics than I have been in YEARS. "

 Justin wrote on January 29, 2008 1:28 pm:
" I would much rather not have the Obama and Clinton campaigns anywhere near Nebraska, we have enough high winds here now! At least they'll mo more than 10 miles from the Omaha airport, I doubt we'll feel too much of that wind in western Nebraska. "

 Re: Shinbone wrote on January 29, 2008 2:08 pm:
" Then you need to pay more attention when watching the debates. Or you need to get online and read some of his policy papers - it's really not that hard to find out where he stands on the issues. "

 db wrote on January 29, 2008 2:45 pm:
" Did anyone else notice Sen. Nelson and Sen. Obama sitting by each other at the State of the Union address? "

 Pledge wrote on January 29, 2008 2:53 pm:
" I wouldn't vote someone in for president that couldn't even put his hand over his heart during the Pledge of Allegiance. "

 Nina wrote on January 29, 2008 3:37 pm:
" Sorry for the weather, Barack! He will at least get the idea that Nebraskans are hardy stock. Nebraska may be thought of as a red state, but anyone spending time here today who is not used to the cold will turn blue. I'm told we get a caucus and primary, too, Mary...hope that's right. I'd love to meet both him and Hillary - I've studied their stances, but intuition kicks in better in person. "

 Re: Pledge wrote on January 29, 2008 3:38 pm:
" Don't believe everything Rush tells you. Obama puts his hand over his heart for the pledge, but was taught by his grandfather not to do it for the national anthem. It was a tradition he got from his Grandfather in this country. And, if that's the only reason you wouldn't vote for someone, you'll get what you deserve.

Please, learn about things before you start spreading false rumors. He covers his heart for the pledge and is/has done more for this country than anyone on this comments section will ever do. "

 Joseph wrote on January 29, 2008 4:02 pm:
" Pledge... Then I suppose you would vote for a candidate that would lie the country into war that has killed and injured thousands of patriotic Americans and even more innocent Iraqis? Now that's Patriotic! "

 Okie wrote on January 29, 2008 5:41 pm:
" Glad to see the campaign is making some strides here in NE. They have already set up shop big time in OK. By the way, Obama has backed the Farm Bill because of the large number of farmers in Illinois. It's more than just Chicago. "

 Shelly wrote on January 29, 2008 6:16 pm:
" Voting is worthless in this state, who cares? "

 ted wrote on January 29, 2008 6:19 pm:
" please do America a favor and STAY HOME THIS TIME......DON"T VOTE ! We can't afford another one like the last two you voted for! It'll take thinking Patriots quite a few well thought out selections for Prez in a row to undo this ridiculous mess. I'm 50 and I've NEVER EVER seen anything like this before. "

 T wrote on January 29, 2008 6:52 pm:
" Boy, I sure hope you don't figure out how to vote. You can't even get your facts straight. Sounds like you've been reading too much internet "smash" on Obama. None of that article was true. Look up the facts. "

 to Ted wrote on January 29, 2008 6:55 pm:
" Just in case you forgot Obama's maternal home is Kansas.Way to go Obama-hope you win! "

 Kay wrote on January 29, 2008 6:59 pm:
" All I can say is does this country want 'change' or 'change with experience'? If you vote Obama, you will get change. If you vote Hillary, you will get change WITH experience. I go with the premise that yes change is wonderful but if you do not have the expertise to lead the change of our country, then you probably should not be a presidental candidate. "

 JT wrote on January 29, 2008 8:28 pm:
" If the campaigns have to come and explain how to support the candidates, maybe the caucus is not the way to go. "

 JH wrote on January 29, 2008 10:25 pm:
" Don't know why anyone would want Obama for president, not saying that Clinton is the answer (only if Bill could run again, I would vote for him in a heartbeat) but I dont think Obama is the answer at all!! Looks like I will have to vote Republican again in the general election... "

 Shinbone wrote on January 30, 2008 12:21 am:
" I'll admit I'm not a policy wonk, but I know what's important to me. And I find myself agreeing with Clinton's positions on the war in Iraq, health care and educational reform. I like Obama. I just don't think he's ready to lead this country. And I don't think the media is nearly as critical of him as they are of the Clintons. I've heard so much about how great he supposedly is that I can't help but be a little disappointed in him. After all, he's human. "

 Shinbone wrote on January 30, 2008 12:24 am:
" It's naive to think that one person can fix everything that's wrong with this country. But I think all of the Democratic nominees are an improvement over what we have now. "

 Mary Jo wrote on January 30, 2008 1:17 am:
" Fresh with a endorsement from Ted. Is that something to be proud of? Such a fine family. I do opine that the Kennedy women are saints to put up with the myriad exploits of that male ensemble. "

 WCG wrote on January 30, 2008 8:26 am:
" This is great news! I'm not crazy about a caucus, but it sure feels good to have a say in a presidential campaign for a change! And it feels even better to have a candidate like Barack Obama whom I can fully support. It is time for the country to move forward, not back. It is time we put extreme partisanship - not partisanship, just the extreme version - behind us. It is time we turned away from 'politics as usual.' Barack Obama is the only candidate who can restore hope to our country, who can revitalize the Democratic Party AND our nation, who can get us off our apathetic duffs. Look at the comments here. Isn't it obvious how much we need a candidate like this? The Clintons had their time. Sure, after 7 years of Bush, the 90's look like a Golden Age, but that's just remembering the good and forgetting the bad. And the Republicans are desperately hoping for a Hillary Clinton nomination, since they know that's the only thing guaranteed to energize their base. No, it's time for a real change - and not 'change' as a campaign slogan based on polling. Listen to Barack Obama's speeches, not just one-sentence media excerpts. Nebraska was one of the states that got us into this mess, voting for the worst president in U.S. history - TWICE! So let's do our part to get us out of it, by moving forward, not back. And if you're apathetic, if you're just bored with this stuff, I suggest you emigrate to a country where you don't have to worry about it, where your fearless leader will tell you everything you need to know. "

 yes wrote on January 30, 2008 9:56 am:
" Im for Obama. I think it's interesting how a lot of people can't wait to change presidents. I wonder how many of you regret voting in our current president "

 no more wrote on January 30, 2008 12:52 pm:
" Bring on an Independent candidate! Democrats and Republicans BOTH have done enough damage already. Enough is Enough!

Lets see a businessperson that knows how to actually run something.

Bloomberg, Trump.... "

 ta wrote on January 30, 2008 1:58 pm:
" the last good GOP prez was Ford. WOW what a bunch of loosers. "

 Vote Republican! wrote on January 30, 2008 2:13 pm:
" If the bulk of the people who post on JS forums pick our president, we're all hosed. "

 Here's wrote on January 30, 2008 3:09 pm:
" the thing about the candidates visiting nebraska. I don't think most of the citizens of the state think nebraska is part of the other 49 states. Everyday someone tells someone in the blogs that if you don't like nebraska then move. What happens if everyone does just that? The other day someone wrote that nebraska is not part of the u.s. Who wants to win an election and win just nebraska? "

 Eddie wrote on January 30, 2008 4:35 pm:
" So who is going to get the lunatic right wing more upset? Will it be "Billary" as the ditto heads all rant about? Or will it be Barack with his endorsement from a Kennedy? Just watch, whoever gets the Dem nomination, ole Rush/Hannity/O'Reily will start the anti-American, socialist, baby killing garbage they always do. It is no accident the Swift Boaters are Republicans. That is how they play the game. Lie, cheat, spend millions of dollars on campaigns of misinformation. "

 JT wrote on January 30, 2008 4:44 pm:
" Vote for McCain.....he will get this country back on track. Obama is not the answer ! "

 One Out In The Third wrote on January 30, 2008 5:29 pm:
" I am in favor of change...because the tax and spenders within the DC Beltway take most of mine each April 15th. One person...the President...cannot effect the change necessary to put America back on track. There needs to be a major purge in the House and Senate,,,the cradle of earmarks and tax and spend. "

 shoopoo wrote on January 30, 2008 6:41 pm:
" Ronald Reagan was the last great gop prez. Anyone who won't admit that is just lying to themselves. Too bad we can't even remember the last great dem prez. I don't even listen to o'reilly, hannity, or rush limbaugh. They will no more tell me who to vote for than any of you mealy mouth libs...... hillary go away. obama do what you can do, and you conservs, pick one, bring me an independent candidate. "

 if wrote on January 30, 2008 6:56 pm:
" if obama gets the nod i will for the first time in my life vote republican or just vote for local issues on the ballot "

 JJ wrote on February 5, 2008 11:16 am:
" We should form a Native American Obama Caucus here in Lincoln. I would do it, but I will be out of town for business. So, someone should organize! "

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