Survey USA: Texas - Obama within 5 points...and rising?

I really didn't imagine it to be this close...and with still some time left until March 4,...advantage Obama.

Depending on Hispanic Turnout, Clinton is Either Slightly Ahead, or Not so Slightly Ahead, in Texas Democratic Primary: In a Democratic Primary in Texas today, 02/18/08, 15 days to the vote, Hillary Clinton leads Barack Obama 50% to 45%, according to a SurveyUSA poll conducted exclusively for KTRK-TV Houston, KTVT-TV Dallas, and KRLD-AM radio Dallas. BUT: there is "give" in these numbers that must be mentioned in the same breath. Among Hispanic voters, Clinton leads 2:1. SurveyUSA estimates that Hispanics make-up 32% of Democratic primary voters in a Primary today. If Hispanics vote in larger numbers, Clinton's lead is larger than the 5 points shown here. If Hispanics vote in smaller numbers, Obama runs stronger than these numbers show. Among white voters, Clinton leads by 12. Among black voters, Obama leads by 57. Race Gap is 69 points. Among males, Obama leads by 20. Among females, Clinton leads by 27. Gender Gap is 47 points. Among registered Democrats, Clinton up 14. Among Independents, Obama up 28. Among voters under age 50, Obama by 6. Among Voters 50+, Clinton by 17. Age Gap is 23 points. Clinton ahead in South Texas and West Texas. Obama and Clinton within the margin of sampling error in North Texas, East Texas, and Central Texas.

Expect more cheap shots from camp Billary.

Texas - Delegate Rich State

is now up for grabs...my oh my.

Mexican American Democrats endorse Barack Obama and Rick Noriega

"Yesterday, the Mexican American Democrats endorsed Senator Barack Obama in his campaign for president, citing his longstanding relationship with Hispanic community and commitment to improving the lives of Hispanic men, women and children in Texas and across America.

The Mexican American Democrats believe that Senator Obama’s experience bringing Americans of all ages, religions, races and ethnicities together make him the best candidate to make progress on the issues that matter to Hispanics in Texas and across America. Obama’s leadership in the U.S. Senate on comprehensive immigration reform and his specific plans to strengthen our schools, bring about universal healthcare, and provide tax relief for working families show us that he is truly committed to improving the lives of Hispanics and all Americans.
*******************
"At the Presidential level, the Mexican American Democrats hereby announce their overwhelming support for Senator Barack Obama. Senator Obama stated “My commitment to a humane and sensible immigration system is unparalleled…we want to bring the undocumented out of hiding and put them on a path of earned citizenship.” This position and his commitment to issues that matter to the Hispanic community won Senator Obama the endorsement of the Mexican American Democrats in Texas."

The Texas Senate race endorsement was won by Rick Noriega, as his experience and qualifications overwhelmingly overshadowed those of his opponents. “When we think about electing a Senator who will make decisions about the war in Iraq, we want someone who knows what it is to serve in the military,” said Steve Salazar, Chairman of the Mexican American Democrats." Sam Graham-Felsen

Todays Presidential polls

Race Poll Results Spread

General Election:
McCain vs. Clinton Rasmussen (Mon) McCain 49, Clinton 42, Und 9 McCain +7

General Election:
McCain vs. Obama Rasmussen (Mon) McCain 43, Obama 46, Und 11 Obama +3

Republican Presidential Nomination Rasmussen Tracking
McCain 52, Huckabee 27, Paul 8 McCain +25

Democratic Presidential Nomination Rasmussen Tracking
Obama 47, Clinton 43 Obama +4

Clinton: Texas we have a problem

From Huffington Post this morning:

Texas System Worries Clinton Camp (2/18): "Supporters of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton are worried that convoluted delegate rules in Texas could water down the impact of strong support for her among Hispanic voters there, creating a new obstacle for her in the must-win presidential primary contest," the Washington Post reports.

Several top Clinton strategists and fundraisers became alarmed after learning of the state's unusual provisions during a closed-door strategy meeting this month, according to one person who attended.

What Clinton aides discovered is that in certain targeted districts, such as Democratic state Sen. Juan Hinojosa's heavily Hispanic Senate district in the Rio Grande Valley, Clinton could win an overwhelming majority of votes but gain only a small edge in delegates. At the same time, a win in the more urban districts in Dallas and Houston -- where Sen. Barack Obama expects to receive significant support -- could yield three or four times as many delegates.

"What it means is, she could win the popular vote and still lose the race for delegates," Hinojosa said yesterday. "This system does not necessarily represent the opinions of the population, and that is a serious problem."

The disparity in delegate distribution is just one of the unusual aspects of Texas's complex system for apportioning delegates. The scheme has been in use for two decades but is coming under increased scrutiny because the March 4 presidential contest is the first in years that gives the state a potentially decisive voice in choosing the party's nominee.

As ABC's Jake Tapper notes, Texas bloggers are mocking the Clinton campaign for only just realizing these rules, which have been in place for some time. Here's TX blogger Publius:

Good lord, let's see if I have this right. The Clinton campaign decides to cede every post-Super Tuesday state to Obama under the theory that Texas and Ohio will be strong firewalls. After - after - implementing this Rudy-esque strategy, they 'discovered' that the archaic Texas rules will almost certainly result in a split delegate count (at best).

While they were busy 'discovering' the rules, however, the Obama campaign had people on the ground in Texas explaining the system, organizing precincts, and making Powerpoints. I know because I went to one of these meetings a week ago. I should have invited Mark Penn I suppose. (ed. Maybe foresight is an obsolete macrotrend.)

Volunteer, organize for Obama in Fort Bend Texas

As I'm now a Precinct Captain for the Obama Campaign, I'll post some of the organization meetings for Fort Bend County.

Tuesday, Feb. 19 6pm - Caucus Informational Session
Wednesday, Feb 20 6pm Precinct Captain Training
Thursday, Feb 21 6pm Mock Caucus,Caucus Informational Session
Wednesday, Feb 22 10am Precinct Captain Training
Thursday, Feb 21 7pm Informational Session

Or just stop by anytime at our local Obama field office:

13100 Southwest Freeway
Sugar Land, TX 77478
281-313-5349
Hours: Mon-Sun 9am-9pm

Great crowds at the meetings, awesome mix of people...young, old and of every race. A true representation of Fort Bend. And WOW the energy! Fun times ahead.

Signs on the way!!!

Campaign Website traffic - Where are you going?

Fort Bend - Obama Precinct Captain Training (Meeting)

Please join Obama for America staff and local supporters for official precinct captain trainings.

JOIN US and learn how you'll build a network of support for Barack Obama in your local community.

Bring your energy and enthusiasm this Saturday as we mobilize Texas for Obama.

NOTE: We also will have training sessions on Sunday, February 17 at 7 PM and Wednesday, February 20 at 6 PM.


Event Name: Fort Bend - Precinct Captain Training
Time: Sunday, February 17 at 3:00 PM - 2 hours
Host: Camilla Kao
Location:
Fort Bend Field Office (Sugar Land, TX )
13100 Southwest Fwy
Room E
Sugar Land, TX 77478
View Map:

* Google Maps

Directions:Located in the former Mazda building, the field office resides on the southbound feeder of US-59. Driving southbound on US-59, exit at Corporate Dr/Stafford/Sugar Land/US-90-ALT. Driving northbound on US-59, exit at Kirkwood and turn around beneath the freeway. After driving past Corporate Drive, turn right at the sign of "Test Masters."

Barack Obama in Houston Tuesday

***THIS IS YOUR E-TICKET TO THE RALLY IN HOUSTON. PLEASE PRINT AND
BRING WITH YOU. SPACE IS AVAILABLE ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.***

Thanks so much for signing up to join Barack Obama in Houston on
Tuesday, February 19th.

Here are the details:

'Stand for Change' Rally with Barack Obama

Toyota Center
1510 Polk Street
Houston, TX

Doors Open: 6:00 p.m.

For security reasons, do not bring bags. No signs or banners
permitted.

http://tx.barackobama.com

fred villarreal

sugar land, TX 77478
texastruthserum@yahoo.com

Can't wait to see you there!

Obama for America

Update: Ooops. You can RSVP here.

Houston Chronicle endorses Obama

Yipee!

"For Obama"

The presidency of the United States is a powerful bully pulpit. The occupant of the White House must not only issue orders, but also inspire and advocate for all Americans.

Of the two finalists for the Democratic presidential nomination, the Chronicle believes Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois is best-qualified by life experience, skill and temperament to be the standard bearer for his party. In a conference call, Obama told the Chronicle editorial board that "more than any other candidate, I can bridge some of the partisan as well as racial and religious divides that have developed in this country that prevent us from getting things done."

Those who have viewed the numerous campaign debates know there's not much to separate Obama from his opponent, Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York. Either could ably represent the Democratic Party. Both candidates favor ending the war in Iraq by withdrawing combat troops and initiating regional negotiations to stabilize the country. Both would press for dramatic strides toward providing all Americans with health insurance.

Both support a cap and trade system to begin reducing America's carbon emissions that contribute to global warming. Each promises to initiate multibillion-dollar efforts to promote conversion of the economy to clean energy technologies. They favor securing our borders, initiating comprehensive immigration reform and creating a path to earned legal status for those already here who are working and contributing to their communities.

However, there is a decisive difference. Obama vows to reach out to independents and Republicans with a message of inclusion and cooperation. He offers a historic opportunity to elevate national political dialogue to a higher ground. Those who insist on vitriol and obstructionism would be marginalized.

On several issues vital to Houstonians, Obama's positions need elaboration. He recognizes the need to maintain U.S. pre-eminence in space but said he wanted to study the costs and benefits of human space exploration — an exercise that should convince him of the space program's long history of indispensable contributions.

Obama said he did not expect the leaders of the energy sector to vote for him. He needs to realize that the energy sector must be a large part of a cooperative effort to develop alternative fuels and avoid an energy crunch.

The 46-year-old Obama has expanded his base of support, winning new legions of supporters. The more people see and hear him, the more they like him. As the Hawaiian-born son of a Muslim Kenyan father and an Anglo Midwesterner, the devoutly Christian Obama transcends race and religion. His life has been one of involvement with disadvantaged Chicago residents, excellence at Harvard Law School and eight years as an Illinois state senator. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2004, only the third African-American to serve there since Reconstruction.

Obama is both the epitome of the American Dream and well-positioned to reach out to an international community alienated by recent U.S. go-it-alone policies.

The passion and excitement that Obama has brought to the race can only stimulate more citizens to participate in the electoral process. The Chronicle urges Texas Democrats to cast what could be decisive ballots for his presidential nomination.