Bill Clinton's former campaign manager David Wilhelm endorsed Senator Barack Obama at an organizational campaign meeting last night at the Ohio University Inn.
Wilhelm, the youngest person to chair the Democratic National Committee, said Obama's plans for sustainable agriculture, alternative energy and rebuilding small-town infrastructure will be instrumental in areas like Athens.
I'm impressed by Barack Obama because of his rural development strategy
he said to the more than 150 people in attendance. He has presented a philosophy that fits Southeast Ohio.
In his first speech supporting Obama, Wilhelm said young people flock to Obama because he will put the middle class first and work towards the common good.
Volunteers must make an extra effort in the coming weeks, as this election will be especially close, said Wilhelm, who has been working on political campaigns since the age of 14.
I came up the hard way knocking on doors and making phone calls he said. That's what we need to do in the next few weeks.
Obama's campaign has staff in Steubenville, Chillicothe, Marietta, Portsmouth, New Philadelphia, Zanesville and on the OU campus. Members of the Obama campaign, most of whom arrived in Athens a week ago, officially opened a new office Sunday at 9 West Stimson ' the old New-to-You Shoppe building.
All of Obama's potential national convention delegates in the sixth Congressional District are from Athens, said Mike O'Brien, a leading Obama activist and moderateor of the Athens County Democrats for Ohio. Charlene Smith, William Smith, William Allen, Connie Harse and O'Brien were the potential delegates in attendance. Carolyn Allen was not present.
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Former Chairman of the Democratic National Party David Wilhelm endorses Senator Barack Obama last night at the Ohio University Inn. Wilhelm was president campaign manager in 1992. He is an Athens native.
Former Clinton campaign chairman delivers speech in support of Illinois senator
