Clinton and Obama volunteers working for local votes

by Nora Gathings (hsgathings@wsbt.com)

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Democratic presidential hopefuls Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill. and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y.

Democratic presidential hopefuls Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill. and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y. (AP Photos)

By Jim Pinkerton

SOUTH BEND — Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama aren't just relying on visits to get Hoosier votes. Both campaigns have stepped up efforts to talk to as many voters as they can before the May 6 primary.

Tuesday night, Obama volunteers pounded the pavement, knocking on doors.

"You get a lot of 'nos.' There are people who aren't going to be there. There are going to be angry people," said Henry Vasquez, an Obama volunteer.

Clinton volunteers manned the phones, each making around 100 calls.

"It is very rewarding when you find someone who shares your views and likes to talk about it," said Pat O'Hayre, a Clinton volunteer.

Political experts say every 38 calls results in one vote. It only takes 14 door-to-door stops to get that same vote.

"The more personalized the approach, the more likely people will go to the polls on Election Day and vote for your candidate," said Elizabeth Bennion, an IU South Bend political science professor.

That's why both campaigns will be hitting the streets hard over the next few weeks.

"It is easier for people not to answer the phone, especially when they're home on a Saturday. They're aren't expecting you. And they think, 'I have to answer the door,'" explained Sandy Hartsell, a Clinton volunteer.

"I think people have a lot of bad experience with phone calls," said Vasquez. "But you think of door-to-door stuff and think of Girl Scouts and the cookie thing."

Political experts say Hillary's win in Pennsylvania is not going to slow down the campaign. They say she needs delegates and a strong showing to get more Superdelegate votes.

Experts also say with this race coming down to the last delegate, Obama won't slow down either.

Sunday, Apr 27 at 5:33 PM leonard wrote ...

hello, i,m all for a good president,but i know from experience,how a race war sounds is it all bout, her so call experience,you do the math,

Wednesday, Apr 23 at 4:03 PM I've switched to Hillary wrote ...

Hey Suckers!Barack wants you to vote early because there's a better chance you're on his side now than you will be for the election. I've been an Obama supporter since day one but I want the best person we can get(not a lot to choose from)and lately I see what Obama does,he reacts a lot to Hillary, he spends a lot of other peoples money, and instead of getting stronger through living the experience every time I see him now he's weaker than the time before. I like the guy but not for president.

Wednesday, Apr 23 at 1:12 PM Obama Volunteer wrote ...

Obama is who someone you, & I and the whole world needs. He is honest, he is real, and has our interests at hand. Please stop believing that "experience" or race or what church your president attends is who you should vote for. We've been behind the 8 ball for 8 long years and now is our chance to get out of this mess we've had to live in. LETS GO INDIANA. GET YOUR VOTE IN EARLY FOR OBAMA. We NEED OBAMA!!!

Wednesday, Apr 23 at 8:36 AM walkerton wrote ...

I think both Clinton and Obama should be back in Washington working on the financial problems we are facing, instead of talking about what they will do. They both have the power now as senators to introduce something to help NOW. I am tired of hearing all the talk about what will happen and all the negative barbs. DO something NOW. You were elected to be in Washington, not out on the road. Are they still collecting their senate pay checks even if they are not there?

Wednesday, Apr 23 at 8:19 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Just wait till someone knocks on my door asking me to vote for Clinton. I'll be more than happy to sic my dog on them.

Wednesday, Apr 23 at 8:00 AM JIMBO wrote ...

OH GREAT, AS IF THE JEHOVAS INTERRUPTING MY HONEY-DO LIST ON SATURDAY WASN'T BAD ENOUGH! THE NERVE THESE PEOPLE HAVE!

Wednesday, Apr 23 at 4:29 AM It's the truth! You going to print it? wrote ...

She could win by 90 points and it won't mean a thing until she turns black! Everyone says this is not about race and then EVERY news source breaks down how the voting went based on RACE & age. The comment has been made so many times that if the Demos give Clinton the nomination, which she desreves, they will lose the black vote in November. Well guess what! The demos can take away her nomination but come fall they won't have what the majority of voters are going to want. End of story!

Tuesday, Apr 22 at 11:21 PM Reality Check wrote ...

Congratulations to Hillary for her win in Pennsylvania...but it was not enough. She had to win by 20 points to really hurt Obama. She needs to win Indiana by 20 points, too. Do the math: http://tinyurl.com/38xmzk

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