Many progressives have turned out in numbers to volunteer for the Obama campaign. Today, a voter registration drive was held at the Underground Cafe on West Main Street in Rochester. And while new and experienced supporters have joined to help the Obama campaign, it’s interesting to watch how the phenomena of this campaign is changing, and helping, Rochester.

As volunteers from the city and its surrounding towns set up for the event today in an area of downtown Rochester near FIGHT Square, Nick Tahou’s, and other Rochester landmarks rarely seen by many of our suburban citizens, there was a spirit of excitement and joy in the air. As one young African American woman noted, “This is what Barack is all about - white, black, young and old all working together.”

And as many first time voters registered to vote, signed up to volunteer, and listened to speakers, politicians who might never have made it to the Underground Cafe spoke to a group of voters who have probably never attended a political event before. David Gantt, Adam McFadden, and Darryl Porter were joined by Rick Dollinger (and his staffers) and Joanne Winslow, candidate for Supreme Court. Each spoke about their support of Obama, and the need for us all to support our community.

So as many in this town are joining to help the national campaign, our efforts in working together are already bringing home the kind of change we believe Obama can bring to our country.

Related posts:

1. Reports From Local Activist on Obama Campaign
2. Rochester for Obama goes to Erie PA
3. A message from the Obama campaign
4. Obama event at Salena’s
5. Governor Paterson’s visit to Rochester