Wisconsin is an absolutely must-win state for Sen. Obama. This situation presents us who call the Badger State home with an excellent opportunity to personally bring an end to the Bush-McCain policies that have failed this country for so long, and bring about a new day in this country. This sort of transformation cannot take place unless we actively contribute to the Obama campaign in whatever way we possibly can. Winning Wisconsin is not a sure bet this year, regardless of our nominee’s widespread appeal here. Legions of volunteers can ensure victory here, however. 

The Obama campaign welcomes volunteers who can spend time in neighborhoods throughout the state canvassing registered voters and persuading (reachable) McCain supporters/undecideds to consider Sen. Obama. Anyone who has a few disposable hours or even an entire a day or two would be received with open arms. No political or campaign experience is required. We would especially like middle-aged to older folks to join the campaign, since older voters tend to be the most lukewarm towards Sen. Obama’s candidacy. I hope that Hillary supporters eager to put a Democrat in the White House will be willing to come on board to bring those Wisconsin Democrats still straying from Sen. Obama into our camp.

Registering new voters is also still a major focus of the campaign. Hundreds of thousands of African-Americans and young people remain excluded from the political process because they have not filed the necessary paperwork required for voting. We can simultaneously help people develop a new appreciation and understanding of politics, as well as bring more votes to our side, by reaching out and registering these folks. 

If you do not want to physically campaign or cannot because of time constraints, you can help the campaign by phonebanking from home. This can be achieved by visiting the Obama website, clicking on the “Action” tab, then “Phonebanking.” If thousands of Obama supporters across the country make a few phone calls within Wisconsin or out to other swing states—which they are doing as we speak—significant chunks of votes can be turned our way.

If none of these pursuits seem exciting, you can help the campaign by fundraising on the local level. Simply purchasing buttons or bumper-stickers from the Obama website “Store,” then reselling the items for a slightly higher price ($5-$10) in a nearby Obama-friendly neighborhood, and finally contributing the profit to the Obama campaign as a donation. Over the past few weeks, I have raised a few hundred dollars selling buttons and bumperstickers in my hometown of Eau Claire.  

You might feel that one or two volunteers cannot make a difference in swinging an entire state into the Democratic column, even one as perennially competitive as Wisconsin. You might believe that the campaign is already sufficiently staffed, and would not stand to gain from additional  assistance. Both arguments are completely false. Wisconsin was decided by less than a percentage point four years ago. Barack Obama faces significant challenges in many regions of our state, including several traditional Democratic strongholds. That’s why we must do what we can before Election Day.  It is our responsibility as informed progressive voters to keep Wisconsin blue, however we can. This time, we have a collective ability, and enough enthusiasm, to make an impact.