Here in rural North Carolina we are thrilled that the Obama campaign has sent paid staffers to help organize. In 2004, we didn't get any attention out here in the sticks of a state that was going to vote for Bush. We love that Obama is running a 50 state strategy and has committed to helping Democrats up and down the ticket get elected.
In a small county of about 15,000, we had 50 people turnout to the first volunteer meeting. This is a great start. We have a small problem though. At first, the Obama staffers said that they were here to help us and knew that locals knew what worked best in their communities. Since then, they have told us that if we are campaigning for Obama that we are prohibited from speaking about any of the other candidates on the Democratic ticket. From our local commissioners to our US Senate candidate. None!
I am wondering if others have had this same situation arise in their area. Since it seems so counter to how Obama is running the 50 state strategy. We have lots of great, active volunteers in our local party who are dying to work hard for Obama but they are very upset about this. I, personally, feel that getting Obama elected is the highest priority this election but when I do go out canvassing or making calls I want to promote the other Democrats that I support. Please let me know how the Obama campaign and the local parties are interacting in your area.