Grassroots for Obama: Huge Turnout in Connecticut

September 7, 2008

Yesterday, a crowd of nearly 2,500 people joined together in Hampden, Connecticut to begin organizing for change. Though much of the media attention has been focused on two dozen or so battleground states, volunteers in Connecticut showed their energy and enthusiasm, as well as their determination to make an impact on the outcome in November.

In addition to speeches from Senator Chris Dodd and other state Democratic officials, the rally saw almost 800 new volunteers sign up to help with voter registration, phonebanking, and canvassing, including trips to Pennsylvania and New Hampshire as part of the Drive for Change campaign.

The event’s success also gained some attention from the local newspaper. The New Haven Registar reported today:

“It was a great turnout,” said Hamden’s Democratic Town Committee Chairman Joseph McDonagh, who added that the crowd packed the auditorium and overflowed into the cafeteria and outside.

…Nancy DiNardo, chairwoman of the state Democratic Party, emceed the event. After a warm welcome and standing ovation from the crowd, DeLauro reiterated emphasis on Democratic platform themes: ending the war in Iraq, making the country energy independent, improving the economy and creating universal health care.

“When we elect Barack Obama, we will have the opportunity to put the middle-class first,” she said. Blumenthal echoed the economy theme in his speech and called out Republicans on their new message of change. He said: “There was a lot of talk about change at the Republican convention, but there wasn’t a lot of talk about the middle class. What we have seen over the last eight years is a contempt for the middle class.”

…Mike Patrikios of Milford said Republicans have let the country down. “I think this country is in very bad shape,” he said, “and we need change. Obama has the charisma and leadership to bring about that change.”

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