Dear Friends:

We are all aware that we are witnessing the most important election of our lives. While we see massive numbers of new and newly energized voters participating in the process, we also worry about the possibility of backroom deals undermining democracy.

It is in that spirit that I have declared my candidacy for delegate to the 2008 Democratic National Convention. If elected I will be one of six delegates from the 5th Congressional District for Barack Obama. In addition to writing articles in support of his presidential campaign, I also went to South Carolina twice to canvass for him and in coming weeks I will do the same in Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

There is not much time (the caucus to determine the delegates from Georgia will be held on April 19, 2008) and if this campaign is to be successful I need your support.

You can help in two ways: if you are a voter in the 5th Congressional District, please come out to the caucus on April 19, 2008 at the Teamster's Hall (2540 Lakewood Drive, SW, Atlanta, GA 30315) at 9:30 a.m. If you are not sure what district you leave in check by clicking this link:

http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/polllocator/

 You can also help clicking on the icon at the bottom of this page and making a donation – there is no amount too small. We need funds for printing, copying, outreach and transportation for the voters. The cost of travel and lodging for convention itself is roughly $3,500 in addition to the campaign expenditures. Your donation will go toward electing a committed, confirmed and honest delegate who will respect the will of the people.

Two weeks ago Hillary Clinton pointed out that even “pledged” delegates are not required to vote in accord with their state population. This kind of backroom dealing would be disastrous to the party and the efforts to see Barack Obama elected in November. As a political historian I know and understand the convention process and as teacher, activist and community member I know what is at stake this year.

Finally, in the interest of good governance and transparency, I will post a full accounting of all the funds that have been raised on this website within one week of the election.


Thanks in advance and, to borrow a line from a good friend, “Victory Is Assured!”

Sincerely,

William Jelani Cobb