Americans Away From Home

Obama's campaign is starting a 50-state voter registration program May 10th.

In a conference call with reporters, N. Carolina Congressman G.K. Butterfield discussed voter registration and the N. Carolina primary.  "Both President Clinton and Senator Clinton are in N. Carolina, campaigning very aggressively.  President Clinton visited seven towns in two days.  They've spent millions of dollars on television.  Given how far behind they are in the delegate count, they cannot afford to lose N. Carolina."

"Even a narrow loss would be devastating to the Clinton campaign. It would eliminate her electability argument," Butterfield said.  "It is a Must-Win, and so they're giving it all they have, and they're entitled to do that.

"Voter registration is the key factor that is going to make a difference.  We have one-stop voting in N. Carolina. Last week, the Obama campaign held more than 100 one-stop voter canvasses to educate. There will be more."

Butterfield, on the way to dedicate the Obama office in his home town, Wilson, described new technology being used by the Obama campaign. "Voters can call 888-NC-EARLY, then enter their zip code. They'll get a text message to their phone with the one-stop location.

"I remember in the 60's when there was a literacy test and obstacles to voting. I am an African-American member of Congress; I remember so well when groups were excluded from the process. Now all Carolinians have a chance to participate; voter registration is very simple now.

The Obama voter registration effort is being done jointly with the DNC. "The DNC has initiated those conversations with the Clinton campaign as well," said Obama's Deputy Campaign Manager, Steve Hildebrand.

Carole