By BRAD CAIN - Associated Press:
Backers of Democratic U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, who’s mulling a presidential bid, have launched a campaign aimed at persuading Oregonians to go online to register their support for him at an Internet “Draft Obama” site.
Jason Owens, a Portland political activist and spokesman for the effort, said the goal is to get thousands of Oregonians to join people in other states who are urging the Illinois senator to run.
“Oregonians are moved and encouraged by Barack Obama’s message of hope and refreshing candor,” Owens said Monday.
Though still in his first term in the Senate, Obama is a rising Democratic Party star who has gotten a lot of national attention for his commanding speaking style and compelling personal story.
Portland pollster Tim Hibbitts said there’s a lot of buzz around Obama, but it’s far too early to predict how he might fare among Oregon Democrats if he is a presidential contender in 2008.
