Democrats hope ground offensive can seal Arizona

[unfrigginreal]

By Andrew Gumbel in Flagstaff, Arizona
14 October 2004

In Arizona, the presidential election has already begun. In fact, thanks to early voting facilities and postal absentee balloting, it has been under way for more than two weeks. And that could have profound significance for John Kerry, in a state which had been all but ceded to George Bush before the debates but whose 10 electoral votes now appear to be very much back in play.

As the two candidates crossed swords in their third and final debate at the University of Arizona last night, party activists were focused on the tactics both sides believe could sew up the state even before election day: bombarding likely supporters with phone calls urging them to vote now rather than later; handing out early voting application forms; and impressing on everyone that every last vote counts.

"October is voting month," says a sign on the door of the Kerry campaign's headquarters in Flagstaff, in the northern part of the state, a slogan everyone is taking to heart. Based on returns so far - roughly the same as the total votes recorded in Arizona's state primary election in September - the registrar of elections for Flagstaff and the vast surrounding county is expecting a staggering 80-85 per cent turn-out.

"Call up everyone in your family - Latinos have large families," one Flagstaff activist, Liz Archuleta, told a group of Hispanic community leaders. "Go out and tell your tios and tias and primos, everybody."

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/story.jsp?story=571906

[NMDemDist2]

1. i'm working my butt off calling for the next two weeks

gonna canvass all weekend

i am so ready for this election to be over, i'm worn out

[unfrigginreal]

3. Good Luck AZ!

It looks like your hard work is already paying off. Polls a few weeks ago had Bush leading your state by double digits. Great Job! :toast: :yourock:

[Grillydad]

6. Go Az

Give 'em hell. Just think of the smirk of pain when you see those electoral votes elect President Kerry. We're working our behinds off in Ohio... remember the stakes are too high.:yourock:

[NMDemDist2]

7. welcome to DU Grillydad

and anyone who wants to help

http://calls.johnkerry.com

use those long distance cell minutes and GOTV

[GRLMGC]

2. I know some volunteers from Cali

are going to AZ to lend a hand.

[NMDemDist2]

9. and we love it

thank you California activists

[Cha]

4. It's so funny how some of the best articles

are in the IndependentUK or the Guardian!

This sounds really heartwarming..and I thank ALL those activists in Arizona! Be so cool if mccain's state went to Kerry!

[Erratic]

5. Argh. Not "University of Arizona" /nitpick

Damn Brits, get it right! Arizona State University. The debates are at Arizona State University. Don't taint our good name by applying it to the Scumdevils.

[NMDemDist2]

10. LOL so right you are! n/t

[necso]

8. I love a good ground offensive.

Give 'em Hell.