Many observers agree that the 2008 presidential election has already become one of the most exciting campaigns in history.
That excitement has come to Indianapolis and local residents have a once in a lifetime chance to be a part of it.
With Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama locked in a tight race for the Democratic presidential nomination, citizens who will vote in Indiana’s May 6 primary could become a deciding factor in determining which candidate wins.
“We’re experiencing a very exciting time in politics,” said Indianapolis City-County Councilman Jose Evans, who has endorsed Obama.
The candidates themselves have recognized Indiana’s political significance this year and are meeting voters throughout the state. Clinton made her most recent Indiana appearance at Ben Davis High School last Saturday, and Obama is scheduled to speak in Muncie this Saturday.
Their supporters have also mobilized armies of volunteers. This week the Clinton campaign opened offices across the state, including a new headquarters in Indianapolis.
“We’re seeing a lot of enthusiasm locally and across the state from supporters and people who have gone online and signed up to join us,” said Jonathan Swain, spokesman for Hoosiers for Hillary.
“We also have a number of grassroots efforts such as organization meetings and folks in Indianapolis who are making calls and getting the word out,” Swain added. “We’re seeing a lot of enthusiastic Hoosiers who are dedicated to keeping this campaign up and running.”
The situation has also been exciting for Obama’s Indiana supporters, who had a large crowd of voters appear for the grand opening of his Indianapolis headquarters last Saturday.
“We had thousands of Hoosiers hitting the streets, knocking on doors and registering their friends and neighbors to vote,” said Gannett Tseggai, spokeswoman for Obama’s Indiana office. “That was just one weekend, so we’ve been very successful. We’re very excited about the grassroots support that we’ve seen across the state and we’re looking forward to building on that in the coming weeks.”
Only a few state primaries are left in the Democratic race before the nominee is chosen by delegates to the party’s national convention in August. Indiana and its 85 convention delegates have taken on greater importance as a state where both candidates have a good chance of winning. Supporters on both sides are trying to convince local residents that their candidate is best to meet the needs of Indiana.
Terry McAuliffe, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee and co-chairman of Clinton’s campaign, said the New York senator is not only proposing solutions, but also has a proven record of being able “to deliver” solutions.
“Indiana has lost many manufacturing jobs, and I think Hillary will be the best about creating jobs, getting us fair trade deals and getting rid of these gigantic tax cuts for oil gas companies,” McAuliffe said while he was opening Clinton’s Indianapolis office this week. “The middle class is getting ripped off and Hillary will be the best to get this economy going again.”
Evans, who is director of Obama’s campaign efforts in Pike Township believes the Illinois senator offers the best chance to unite the country across political, racial and cultural differences.
“He has the best interest of the nation as a whole at heart, and he is the most invested in our children and the future,” said Evans. “In Pike Township alone I have witnessed Democrats, Republicans, Greens and independents getting out for Obama. His campaign is evolving into a movement for change and progress.”
Evans said this Saturday nearly 200 volunteers are expected to gather from 10:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. to register voters in the parking lot of a Marsh supermarket at 5830 W. 86th St.
Tseggai noted that local voters can look forward to several unique opportunities to participate in the Obama campaign, including a 3-on-3 basketball tournament for students.
High school students who register 20 people to vote and college students who register 30 people to vote will be eligible to participate in a basketball game with Obama, who played the sport in high school.
One team will be made up of the high school student and two friends, while the other team will include Obama, a campaign staff member and the college student.
“Young people are playing a historic role in this campaign, and this challenge is a way to mobilize even more young people and get people registered to vote,” said Tseggai.
