Please bear with me as this is my first attempt at this. I felt compelled to share the news of my 'little town", Fayetteville, NC.
My family moved here from Waukegan, Illinois on January 2, 1974, and since that time, my county has voted for the "other side" in all Presidential elections. The good news...As of August 31, 2008, the Obama campaign has registered over 100,000 new voters in my area! This is a 9.7% increase - higher than the state's increase in new registered voters (7.3%) Hallelujah! Follow me please:
This portends well for our candidate. The Republicans have new voter registrations of 51,000 and Independents 45,000! The Democratic Party has registered more than the Independent and Republican parties combined this cycle!
We have taken steps to get those voters to the polls. The Fayetteville Ministerial Council is organizing "pews to polls" caravans on October 19 when Sunday afternoon voting will be held. Churches will be loading up their vans and buses and leave church every Sunday to go and vote! Ahhh you say, what about the Fundamentalists..You need not worry. In our area there are more Protestants than Fundamentalists. Also, in this area, more African Americans attend church on Sunday than any other race.
Many seniors for Obama are volunteering to work the polls on November 4 and during the early voting periods. African American Radio Jocks all over the state and nation are forming caravans to take individuals to vote who lack transportation. This is a huge effort by National Radio Celebs such as Michael Basden, Steve Harvey, and Tom Joyner. Transportation is being offered for November 4 as well as early voting periods.
We are also prepared for the Republicans to try to nullify greater Democratic participation by challenging new registrations. They will not be successful as we have several organizations (consisting of local attorneys who have volunteered if necessary)to protect our rights.
Please note that in NC the polls aren't fully reflecting Democratic leaning constituencies such as AAs and students who may use only mobile phones. We think the McCain campaign is in for a truly HUGE surprise come November 4....And if they have an October surprise awaiting us, they'd better come out with it now, as we intend to PUSH early voting - come November 4, surprises will have little to no affect on the bottom line.
I am sooo very proud of my little town, we are finally "coming of age".