Obama announced earlier today the death of his grandmother, Madelyn Payne Dunham, age 86, after a long battle with cancer. Obama and his sister Maya Soetoro-Ng announced in a statement that "She was the cornerstone of our family, and a woman of extraordinary accomplishment, strength, and humility. She was the person who encouraged and allowed us to take chances," they said. "She was proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and left this world with the knowledge that her impact on all of us was meaningful and enduring. Our debt to her is beyond measure. "
Obama learned of more sad news on Sunday as well. Terence Tolbert, 44, and Obama's Nevada campaign director passed away of a heart attack late Sunday night. Obama stated he was "shocked and saddened" to learn of Tolbert's death. The Las Vegas Sun quotes Obama saying, "Terence was a strong force in this campaign, with a positive outlook that brought people together. He was much loved by his team, who often repeated his motto of 'leave no stone unturned.' His enthusiasm, talent, and warm heart will truly be missed. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Obama-Biden family are with his wife and loved ones."
Two deaths in one weekend is a lot for Obama to handle, especially one day before the election. However, Obama still seems focused and visited Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia today.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Record Number of Voters Expected
So far 600,000 voters in Nevada have cast their vote which represents 56% of all registered voters. The recent visits of McCain, Palin, and Obama have spurred an even greater surge in voter turnout.
Secretary of State Ross Miller says he expects 90%, or 1.1 million active voters to turn out for this election. While this might be an overstatement, record numbers are surely expected. In 2004, 821,866 voters cast a ballot in Nevada.
The majority of active voters live in Washoe County and account for 87% of the total number of registered voters. In Washoe 45% of the ballots have been Democrats and 38% have been Republican.
Obviously Nevada is following the national trend in turning out a record number of voters for this crucial election. Interestingly, however, will be the impact of newly registered voters in this state and the overwhelming majority of registered Democrats.
Secretary of State Ross Miller says he expects 90%, or 1.1 million active voters to turn out for this election. While this might be an overstatement, record numbers are surely expected. In 2004, 821,866 voters cast a ballot in Nevada.
The majority of active voters live in Washoe County and account for 87% of the total number of registered voters. In Washoe 45% of the ballots have been Democrats and 38% have been Republican.
Obviously Nevada is following the national trend in turning out a record number of voters for this crucial election. Interestingly, however, will be the impact of newly registered voters in this state and the overwhelming majority of registered Democrats.
1 Day To Go!
With only one day left to go, it still looks like Obama will take Nevada's 5 electoral votes with ease. There are several indicators for this prediction.
Looking at the polls, Obama has been leading for almost two months now. The most recent poll, the Mason-Dixon poll from October 28/29 shows Obama with 47% and McCain with 43%.
Secondly, Obama is outspending McCain on advertisements. CNN reports Obama as spending $8,457,067 to date compared to McCain's $5,343,068. As a battleground state, the number of ads is crucial, especially with the number of newly registered voters.
The number of newly registered voters strongly favors the Democrats. For counties like Clark and Washoe, this is the first time Democrats have outnumbered Republicans in registered voters. In Clark County 388,000 people have already cast their vote. Of these early votes 51% have come from Democrats and 32% have come from Republicans. Of all Democrats registered in Clark County, 51% have voted. Of all the registered Republicans 48% have voted.
Election Day is very important for both candidates and Independent voters will have a large impact in the results of this state. However, I still think it is safe to call Nevada for Obama.
Looking at the polls, Obama has been leading for almost two months now. The most recent poll, the Mason-Dixon poll from October 28/29 shows Obama with 47% and McCain with 43%.
Secondly, Obama is outspending McCain on advertisements. CNN reports Obama as spending $8,457,067 to date compared to McCain's $5,343,068. As a battleground state, the number of ads is crucial, especially with the number of newly registered voters.
The number of newly registered voters strongly favors the Democrats. For counties like Clark and Washoe, this is the first time Democrats have outnumbered Republicans in registered voters. In Clark County 388,000 people have already cast their vote. Of these early votes 51% have come from Democrats and 32% have come from Republicans. Of all Democrats registered in Clark County, 51% have voted. Of all the registered Republicans 48% have voted.
Election Day is very important for both candidates and Independent voters will have a large impact in the results of this state. However, I still think it is safe to call Nevada for Obama.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
The Blue State
With only three days to go until the election, Nevada no longer seems to be a battleground state. Both pollster.com and politico.com have changed the state from a battleground to an Obama state.
The most recent CNN/Time poll shows Obama with a 7 point lead, 52% to McCain’s 45%. Likewise, the most recent Research 2000 poll reports a 5 point lead for Obama, 50% to 45%.
In addition, Obama seems to be putting more effort into the campaign than McCain is. Today Obama stopped in Henderson at Coronado High School to get people excited about his policies and about voting. The Las Vegas Sun reports Obama saying, “Don’t believe for a second this election is over. Don’t think for a minute that power concedes. We have to work like our future depends on it in these last few days, because it does.”
Both Michelle Obama and McCain have planned visits for Monday. Michelle Obama will speak at the College of Southern Nevada and McCain plans to speak in Las Vegas.
The most recent CNN/Time poll shows Obama with a 7 point lead, 52% to McCain’s 45%. Likewise, the most recent Research 2000 poll reports a 5 point lead for Obama, 50% to 45%.
In addition, Obama seems to be putting more effort into the campaign than McCain is. Today Obama stopped in Henderson at Coronado High School to get people excited about his policies and about voting. The Las Vegas Sun reports Obama saying, “Don’t believe for a second this election is over. Don’t think for a minute that power concedes. We have to work like our future depends on it in these last few days, because it does.”
Both Michelle Obama and McCain have planned visits for Monday. Michelle Obama will speak at the College of Southern Nevada and McCain plans to speak in Las Vegas.
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