Jackson Free Press

Granted, no surprise here, but the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus just released a statement endorsing Barack Obama, and perhaps more important pledging a massive get-out-the-vote effort for November. Verbatim:

JACKSON, MS--As Mississippi takes its place front and center in American politics this week, the fifty-member Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus proudly announces its
unanimous support of Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States. The endorsement comes on the hills of a massive endeavor to urge each and every qualified Mississippian to register to vote.

"As gas prices reach an all time high while the economy reaches an all time low, as home foreclosures increase while good-paying jobs decrease, as the high school drop out rate multiplies while quality healthcare is diminished--we know that some challenging days lie ahead," says Rep. Billy Broomfield, President of the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus. "Creating solutions to some of the most difficult issues of our time is going to take progressive leadership, strength of character, and good judgment. Couple those attributes with intelligence, integrity and the ability to move a nation and you get Senator Barack Obama. Clearly, he is our choice."

"The time is now," echoes Rep. Willie Perkins, who led the call to speak publicly about concerted efforts to mobilize in support of Senator Obama. "We need every voice to stand up and be heard. We want to do all we can to deliver the vote in November."

Members of the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus plan to get more actively involved in voter registration, campaigns to get out the vote, and aims to assist with initiatives to protect the vote. This week, however, the focus is on fundraising. "As Mississippi prepares for the first presidential debate in Oxford, members of the Caucus are preparing to host debate parties in their districts," boasts Rep. Broomfield. "The proceeds will benefit the Obama campaign."

With only six weeks left until the election, it seems the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus is pulling out all the stops. Rep. Perkins explains, "Urging constituents to register to vote, helping folks to the polls, and being prepared for any issues that may come up on election day are all critical components of our planning." Rep Broomfield agrees, "The slogan, Yes We Can, is more than just words. It is a vision that the Caucus has put into action."