Congressman Earl Blumenauer endorses Obama

[ProSense]

Earl Blumenauer endorses Barack Obama for President

guest column

By Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-Portland). Congressman Blumenauer is the highest-ranking official in Oregon to endorse Senator Obama for President, and is the state's first super-delegate for Obama.

I've been involved with every presidential election since younger days as a college student, and never before have I sensed greater excitement, greater energy, and greater promise of a transformational moment than I do right now. With the clock ticking on some of the most dire challenges and exciting opportunities our nation has ever seen, it’s never been so important to elect a president who will bring about real change.

Barack Obama is the candidate to provide the bold transformational leadership we need.

He doesn’t just unite core Democratic voters. Young voters, independents, and even some Republicans are drawn to Obama in a way that makes him a uniquely transcendent candidate able to unify our country and lead us in a new direction – a stark contrast against the stale status quo embodied by Senator John McCain, the likely Republican nominee.

Obama represents a change in course for Iraq , while McCain voted for the war and is committed to staying the course on a failed policy whether it's a decade or a century.

Obama understands the need to act quickly to stop climate change and lay the groundwork for a new economy powered by values of sustainability and livability. His contagious and persistent optimism is an undeniable asset in the shadow of this ultimate challenge.

In an outstanding Democratic field this year, Barack Obama is our greatest hope to unite and invigorate not just the Democratic Party, but the American people. In the wake of the most recent primary contests, and at the eve of Super Tuesday, we cannot stand idly by as history unfolds. Our voice matters, Oregon matters, and Barack Obama matters.

Come Election Day, the votes of Oregonians will count as much as those cast in Iowa and New Hampshire. I truly believe he will be the best candidate to electrify Oregon voters and meet the obstacles we face.

[ellisonz]

1. Earl is really awesome.

[ellisonz]

5. About Earl

The Willamette Week has summarized Blumenauer's fit with the congressional district he represents:

“Ideologically and temperamentally, Blumenauer is an almost perfect reflection of his Portland seat, as safe a Democratic stronghold as any in the nation. He's championed light rail and the streetcar. He's the biggest bike advocate on Capitol Hill. He voted against the USA PATRIOT Act and the Iraq resolution. A super-sharp super-wonk, he's diligently seeking to export Portland's livability doctrine to Third World nations. ”
The Wall Street Journal also noted Blumenauer's enthusiasm for bicycling:

“His congressional office is one of the few -- if not the only one -- that didn't even apply for a parking permit. On occasion, Mr. Blumenauer has cycled to the White House. On Mr. Blumenauer's first visit, the Secret Service, more accustomed to limousines, was flummoxed at the sight of his bike. ”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earl_Blumenauer

[ingac70]

2. Wow. Obama is racking up the super-delegates! n/t.

[featherman]

3. Earl's a good guy and a good progressive

This endorsement helps Obama in metro Portland

[sandnsea]

4. Yeah!! Now we need DeFazio

:woohoo: