Rep. Donnelly announces support for Obama Save Email Print
Posted: 7:52 AM May 13, 2008
 Last Updated: 7:54 AM May 13, 2008
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Today, Indiana 2nd District Congressman Joe Donnelly announced his support for Illinois Senator Barack Obama in the 2008 Presidential race.

Representative Donnelly says in a release that Senator Hillary Clinton was a “tenacious fighter for the American people” but he believes Senator Obama is right man for the job at this time.

The superdelegate released this statement to the media this morning:

“Today, I am pleased to announce my support for Barack Obama. At a time when too many Americans have lost faith in their government, Senator Obama can move us beyond the politics of stalemate and gridlock that has kept us from meeting the monumental challenges of our time: our dependence on foreign oil, a health care gap that leaves tens of millions uninsured, the steady deterioration of our manufacturing base, and an economy that is not working for working people.

I am looking for a president who can bring this nation together, build bipartisan majorities in Congress, and energize the American people to tackle the tough issues. Senator Clinton is a tenacious fighter for the American people, and particularly for working families, but I believe Barack Obama is the president that we need at this moment in history. He has helped engage over 3 million new voters, tapped into the American people’s powerful desire for change, and pointed the way toward a more hopeful future for our country.

We don't agree on 100 percent of the issues, just as I'm sure that my constituents don't agree with me on 100 percent of the issues. But we share a commitment to working people—to trade that is fair, job growth at home, and health care that is affordable. And we share a determination to keep our military the strongest in the world, while also giving our veterans the care, support, and respect they have earned.

The Democratic Party's strength comes from its core commitment to the American Dream and from a coalition that is ideologically, economically, geographically, and ethnically diverse. Barack Obama will stand with working families while building that coalition so that we can change this country, and that's why he's the best choice for America.”
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Posted by: william Location: la porte on Jun 3, 2008 at 09:50 PM
Joe - Joe - it is time for you to go! Blue dog - you - no way! Liberal in wolf's clothing - thats our Joe! Joe - Joe it is time for you to go! Hillary won fair and square - now - you decide that you know best and not the majority of voters in the district that you represent! Joe - Joe it is time for you to go! Maybe Jimmy Arnold should take your place - he has honor and he has grace! Retire now Joe and save for yourself a little face - Joe Joe please go back to printing and the law! We need a real representative to take your place.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 21, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Here's one for you to explain, Chaz... http://www.topix.com/forum/source/chicago-tribune/TBE6J15R3LFV3KRI1
Posted by: m4 on May 20, 2008 at 05:24 PM
i should have read that before i entered it. its supposed to say -you know how some of the guys will pull the pin halfway out and bend it over because they think it makes it easier and faster to deploy******
Posted by: Islander Location: South Bend on May 20, 2008 at 04:06 PM
Who is this m4 guy? Does that mean medic 4? Just when I think I know someone.....
Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on May 20, 2008 at 08:13 AM
Feel free to share some of your links Carolyn. Sounds like you have some great info. I'm sure it's all lies and exaggerations but I'd love to read it. Since the weekly world news stopped publishing stories about bat boy, I have so little fun stuff to read.
Posted by: m4 on May 20, 2008 at 05:02 AM
hey ben. you know how some of the guys will pull the pin halfway out of the grenades easier and faster to pull out aand bend it over because they think it makes it nd deploy when things get nasty? its actually a very stupid and dangerous thing to do. that pin could get snagged on lots of things and get pulled out or bumped into and it will fall out. well, im that grenade with the pin pulled halfway out and the smallest of things could make it fall out and then BOOM. who knows what it would take to make that pin come all of the way out? at this point i bet it wouldnt take much. watch what you say because when that pin finally does fall out im sure you will be called up to deal with me(us).
Posted by: Anon on May 19, 2008 at 09:38 PM
m4 get some help already you are a nut case.
Posted by: Sharon on May 19, 2008 at 09:36 PM
Pilsner I just cant vote for Obama because I do not feel he is experienced enough. And the more and more I listen to him he is hanging himself with stupid comments. I am a very strong Democrat and I stand behind Hillary till the end but I am just not sure Obama is the right person to be President of this country. I do not think McCain is either but the experience is there. I guess I will just have to wait until November to see what I will do if it is not Hillary in there. I just don't like a lot of Obama's thinking it just is not right to me.
Posted by: Pilsner Location: hefwe on May 19, 2008 at 08:20 PM
Obama will win. Hillary is just filling up time and space. Sad, but true.
Posted by: Mitch Location: Mishawaka on May 19, 2008 at 05:04 PM
Well M4..that is because you speak out of the wrong end your body. Clinton is not a communist and Obama is not radical black anything. Your paranoia really effects your intelligence, sir.
Posted by: m4 on May 19, 2008 at 04:27 PM
where are my comments? if these people can talk about electing a communist woman or a radical black theologist as president then i should be able to discuss our right to have another revolutionary war.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 19, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Pilsner, if Obama's going to win anyway, why are you begging Sharon to vote for him?
Posted by: Carolyn Location: Niles, Michigan on May 19, 2008 at 11:04 AM
To who ever wrote "sniper fire" like I said I have done my research after research on this man and he is the liar and Racist pig who deals with Muslims. He mentors with a man who hates America he gives his money to a church he claims he has nothing to do with. He will do worst for this country then President Bush did and I surely did not vote for him. But hell will freeze over before Obama will get my vote. You just have to know where to find your research. I have found mine. I am proud to say I stand behind Hillary and if there is any way she could pull it off she has my vote if not John McCain will but never in million years will Obama see it. My husband is a union worker and I am a very strong Democrat but I will not ever give this man my vote. If he takes office a 911 will happen again because of is friendship with them and there backing and they are in his back pocket. I will be the one who will the one who will be saying "I told you so".....
Posted by: Mitch Location: Mishawaka on May 18, 2008 at 08:08 PM
Nice M1...Hogans Heros had better message encoding then that.
Posted by: Pilsner Location: Here on May 18, 2008 at 05:25 PM
Sharon, please vote for Obama. He will take the country in newer directions and win the general election.
Posted by: to Carolyn from Niles on May 18, 2008 at 12:32 PM
...sniper fire...
Posted by: m1 Location: onaneed to knowbasis on May 18, 2008 at 09:52 AM
m4...the pigs are in the parlor. repeat the pigs are in the parlor. And the parrot squaks at dawn... This message will self destruct in 30 seconds.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 17, 2008 at 10:45 PM
I see Larry is another Elite individual, that thinks if you don't agree with the Elite Obama, you're a "prejudiced, uneducated, and ignorant voter". Who wants to be like Larry?
Posted by: Voter on May 17, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Out votes don't matter anyways so why vote? We the People do not pick a Predident the delegates and Super Delegates do. We are just allowed to vote so we feel like we had something to do with this fair system of ours. It is a big joke. So vote for whoever you want but you do not have the say so in the end. And Larry I am not prejudice I just do not feel Obama is experienced enought to run this country he proved that the other day with his comeback on what Bush said. Sorry but I did not hear his name mentioned in that speech. Getting a little defensive I see. He is not ready to run this country.
Posted by: Larry Location: South Bend on May 17, 2008 at 08:17 AM
Welcome to Indiana, the land of the prejudiced, uneducated, and ignorant voter. Sure vote for McCain, if you don't think Bush hurt this nation enough already.
Posted by: Sharon Location: South Bend on May 16, 2008 at 10:04 PM
Carolyn from Niles I am with you 100%. I would not vote for this man for a million dollars and I am a strong Democrat. He will make this country so much worse in the 4 years he will be in office.
Posted by: Connie Location: Warsaw on May 16, 2008 at 09:23 PM
Ben, Thank you for your service and your commitment to this country.
Posted by: Mitch Location: Mishawaka on May 16, 2008 at 09:02 PM
M4..our Military has far more tools then you do. The new unmanned droans in themselves could wipe a majority of you guys out and you wouldn't even see it coming. You guys are like the old British army, you all stick in packs and are easy to find. Don't think for a second that the government isn't tracking you.
Posted by: Ben Location: Elkhart on May 16, 2008 at 04:14 PM
M4, you are a mental case just waiting to be commited. I am in the National Guard. BTW did u realize that quit a few of us in the Guard came from active duty. I would say my time in Iraq and other deployments have proven my state of rediness. My contract commits me to fight against any enemy foreign or domestic. Believe me, if you are in the crosshairs, you lose!
Posted by: Carolyn Location: Niles, Michigan on May 16, 2008 at 02:28 PM
Dear Anon Hillary is honest she has not lied to the country and said she is mentoring with a racist pig who hates America and given money to a church he says he no longer belongs too! She kept her family together when she spoke of family values and if that is not speaking of the truth what is. Take your blinders off all of you. This man is liar and a Racist Pig and I am a die hard Democrat and I will not vote for him even if it killed me. John McCain will do much better for this country then this liar and if you were smart you would Donnelly out of office for back such a liar. But if this gives you a laugh go ahead and vote for him and in a years time when this country is taken over by Muslims like the ones from 911 I will be the one who said I told you so...SO LAUGH AWAY!!!!Oh and by the way I have done my research on this man you just have to know where to look and if I were all of you I would start looking....
Posted by: Anon Location: Here on May 16, 2008 at 12:11 PM
m4, step away from whatever video game you are playing and join us in reality. You crazies spout off all this nonsense. Meanwhile, your ISP address is being traced and the government is now watching you. And Carolyn- "at least she (Hillary) is honest...". Thanks for the laugh! That made my day!
Posted by: Carolyn Location: Niles, Michigan on May 16, 2008 at 09:58 AM
Rep Donnelly I use to have respect for you and your values until you announced that you support this man. He will ruin this country. I am a Democrat and I cannot and will not stand behind someone who has lied to this country. I have done my research on him over and over again and even tho no one cares to tell the real truth about him I will be voting to put another Republican in office over him. To this day this man gives money to the church he claims he has distanced himself from and he still mentors with Rev Wright no matter what he says. Wake up America you may not apprecicate Bill/Hillary but at least she is honest and has family values and kept her family together when she could have thrown Bill to the curb. Obama will never get my vote even tho my husband is a union worker. McCain is now who I will be voting for. Mr Donnelly you do not deserve to be in office any longer. You are blind to his lies as well as Senator Edwards....
Posted by: Anonymous on May 16, 2008 at 08:10 AM
m4, SEEK HELP!!! SOON!!!
Posted by: m4 on May 15, 2008 at 11:00 PM
our military forces havent even defeated the inusrgency in iraq. and you think the national guard on its own could take down the entire unorganized american militia? deer rifles and hunting shotguns? you obviously have no idea how well armed, equipped and trained some of us are. typical that cowards like you would try to hide behind the military and police. they will have a choice to make. they can either be with us or against us. and they sure as hell dont want to be against us. the militia/survivalist movement is nationwide and is made up of people from all walks of life. we have plenty of special warfare operators too. dont think we will just sit by and watch our government be overthrown without a fight. national guard isnt an elite fighting force. we view them as nothing more than mobile resupply. dont worry, soon enough you will see what we are capable of. and good job forcing us into this position. when the shooting starts, remeber that its your fault. you people make me sick.
Posted by: Anon on May 15, 2008 at 08:13 PM
Yvette I am proud of you.The sterotype does not change because you work.... Just look around and see.
Posted by: Tom Location: Leesburg on May 15, 2008 at 05:49 PM
M4, Mitch is right. I've seen several of you brainiacs on different threads calling for some kind of revolution. Get real, first of all even though it is far from perfect, the system works. So learn to work within it. Secondly do you have any idea the technology and training that our military has? Your red neck militia with their shotguns and deer rifles wouldn't last long enough against them for the event to even be called a battle. Get over yourselves. Your George Washington complex is clouding your judgement.
Posted by: Mitch Location: Mishawaka on May 15, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Being here for the weekend and being here to work in his office are two totally different things. I worked on Chris's visit as an outside vendor, and we were all told that we had to charge full price and could not donate anything. We were all paid and did not have to ask. Luke Puckett will care far more about Veteran's rights as he is actually one. He has a good moral background (Joe voted not to ban human cloning in his record), and Luke is a successful business man. Joe barely had enough money to buy a new suit when he ran for office. Nice attempt for someone I will admit is a pleasant man, but it's time for change again.
Posted by: Yvette Location: South Bend on May 15, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Anon: For your information I have been working for one of the largest fiance companies in the USA for 7years. Oh and I am black!!! Sorry to disappoint your stereotype!!!
Posted by: Mitch Location: Mishawaka on May 15, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Oh please M4. The local national guard unit has been able to take out any militia unit ever formed in the US.
Posted by: Erin Location: South Bend on May 15, 2008 at 08:06 AM
Todd, Joe lives in our district. Did Chris Chocola? By nature of just coming to his home, Joe has already spent more time in the district than Chocola. Also, Joe might have touted veteran projects, but I do not believe you will find even a Republican who would say he taunted them. Keep in mind the nature of House bills; it is not as if a veteran bill will go up for a vote every day. In fact, your argument is misleading. If you review Donnelly’s full record he is present for most votes that cover many issues. In fact, he has missed just 6 of 1490 votes where Chris Chocola missed 22 of 2433, a higher percentage. As for “wasting dollars” to come visit his district, at least Donnelly attempts to keep up with us. I guess I should support the idea that it was a better use of our public money when Chocola forced spending to support myriad vice presidential visits made to help him get reelected. (How did that work by the way?) I know, I know, Chris paid the cities back…after public outcry.
Posted by: Willie Location: Niles on May 15, 2008 at 06:51 AM
Vote democrat solely because you're a democrat, or republican because you're a republican? How about thinking for yourselves? Surely this is not the democratic party of JFK, nor the republican party of Reagan. It would be nice to have a viable third party in this country, or even better, a solid independent candidate.
Posted by: mike Location: knox on May 15, 2008 at 06:38 AM
i use to like donnelly but he went aginst the people he reps.they voted for hill.
Posted by: m4 Location: a soon to be free fire zone on May 15, 2008 at 01:00 AM
join or form a militia unit. prepare to resist. this election is a setup.
Posted by: i on May 14, 2008 at 11:06 PM
What I can't believe is how few people have the gonads to admit that Obama is ANTI AMERICAN. NOBODY attends a church for two decades if they disagree with the doctrine (racist and anti American in this case) unless they believe themselves to be wrong for disagreeing. Nobody could make the snarky remark his wife did unless she had spent plenty of time hating America. And Obama himself insulted ALL OF US midwesterners with the snide comment that we are all so bitter-(which is marxist/socialist for stupid and ineffectual, and in dire need of someone to take all our decisions away from us.) These things may seem small to some people, but "birds of a feather..." and I'M smart enough to not want that kind of a cuckoo-vulture in charge!
Posted by: crazy Location: indiana on May 14, 2008 at 07:22 PM
I cant belive anyone would want barack obama to be pres. People wake up, look at his middle name, then look at the middle names of people in iraq
Posted by: Todd Location: Mishawaka on May 14, 2008 at 07:13 PM
Erin, your facts are not correct. Joe has not spent more time in the area then Chris did. Joe was around very little the first year of his term..he was overseas and traveling. We have only seen him in the past three months on a regular basis...election time. He waste our money by flying home every weekend from DC and returns on Monday..not usually staying around here during the work week except for photo ops. He taunted veteran projects, but none of them have came to completion in regards to the VA. He in fact only voted on 4 veteran bills during his term and missed several. Look that up in his voting record if you would. Thanks.
Posted by: Anon on May 14, 2008 at 06:19 PM
Yvette look up the word racists sounds like you are one too than. Maybe I am racists because I am sick of watching blacks have kids they can't afford and then get all kinds of government help because they are too lazy to get off their butts and get a job. And believe me there are a lot of whites who do the same thing. And then we the working people have to take care of them. Get a clue I have been watching this all my life and it makes me sick. Get a JOB and work for a living like most of us do. What are you one of these people that does not work? Moe than likely just let us keep taking care of your sorry butt.
Posted by: Obama buying votes Location: south bend on May 14, 2008 at 02:41 PM
Why would Joe Donnelly support Obama and not Clinton?! Obama in my mind should not even be running! He is the worst! Go here and listen to this; http://youtube.com/watch?v=JsXVUlMqQs4&feature=related
Posted by: American on May 14, 2008 at 01:03 PM
Well Joe...I voted for you before, but never again. Have you read Obama's book? His favorite classes in college were "Marxism" and "Anti-American Literature." Thanks Joe for supporting a man who embraces Socialism. You are a real American Joe. We see now that votes count, but constituents be damned.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 14, 2008 at 11:56 AM
I hope Obama is Prez. precisely because it is what people like Cornell West and Rev. Wright do not want.
Posted by: Caressa Location: South Bend on May 14, 2008 at 11:46 AM
WHAT AN OBAMANATION!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Robert Location: Mishawaka on May 14, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Good-Bye Joe. Better luck next time!
Posted by: yvette Location: South Bend on May 14, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Anon: You state that Obama is racist! Did you read your statement before you sent it? It states that the blacks and the uneducated will have it all! (Racist) Look in the mirror Anon! It is funny how racist people can have the nerve to call someone else a racist. You call yourself educated? READ A BOOK!!!!
Posted by: PJ Location: SOUTH BEND on May 14, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Hey Erin,Genius that you are, NOT! How dare you insult other people for their opinions! We know who you voted for, duh! Good luck in 4 years, when nothing has changed, but raised taxes! CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE, GULLIBLE, NAIVE, GULLIBLE!
Posted by: Erin Location: South Bend on May 14, 2008 at 09:47 AM
PJ, Deb and other geniuses, he did vote with his district. Try a second grade social science class and you will learn that unlike a senator, a congressman does not represent the entire state. It is not our district’s fault the backward-thinking, southern parts of our state helped give Clinton a NARROW victory. Joe has already shown himself to be a man of integrity who cares about his constituents. He has spent far more time in the district than Chocola did during his tenure and understands what a common citizen is experiencing because he talks with them. Chocola hated having to associate with anyone who made less than $200,000 a year. I will vote for Joe until I am in the grave and Chicago style, I may figure out a way to vote after that! Gary B, I would prefer Donnelly's guidance to yours every time. Please learn to proofread and to use capitalization of titles in an appropriate manner. Then, you can share your stunning profundity.
Posted by: Karen Location: South Bend on May 14, 2008 at 07:18 AM
Joe lost my vote also. The people voted for Hillary and he votes for the loser. Probably wont matter anyway - read the left behind series and see how everything is fitting together, not just Obama as Antichrist but weather disasters/earthquakee.
Posted by: Dave Location: Elkhart on May 14, 2008 at 07:02 AM
This is by far the funniest thing I have seen in a long, long time. All you crybabies voted for him and supported him. But now he didn't do what you wanted and you guys are ready to hang him by a yard arm. If we don't support Billary we wear a white hood, etc...LOL! Democrats...the new comedians. You guys look like fools in here currently and it just cracks me up! Bravo!!!
Posted by: Anon Location: Here on May 14, 2008 at 06:54 AM
Bill, all you do is regurgitate one comment in every post using only Obama's middle and last name. You make Osceola look racist yourself with that comment. Have you nothing else to do with your time?
Posted by: Elizabeth Location: South Bend on May 14, 2008 at 12:36 AM
Dustin: You are right, Mr. Donnelly is entitled to make his choice for his super delegate vote. You are also right that the people of the second district spoke with their votes last Tuesday. What Mr. Donnelly needs to remember is that he is not running unopposed in November and that the people of the second district will again get a chance to make a choice.
Posted by: Nancy Location: Mishawaka on May 14, 2008 at 12:36 AM
Todd-- oh, I'm certainly not expecting him to change his mind but some may not know it's an option for the super delegates. He waited until the primary was over and then put his support to Obama. That's fine. Later we'll find out if it was a wise choice for him politically or not. I agree with Dustin, it's the super delegates who have to look at who will be better at raising $$$ for the Dem. Party as well as having a chance in the fall against their opponent. So far, Obama seems to have more momentum in that area. I do wonder tho about the VAST amount of money he has even tho campaign stated they are getting a lot of $5,10 & 20 donations. Looking back, Hillary probably should've taken Obama seriously very early on when the caucuses were taking place; it put her behind and playing catch-up. As far as Donnelly, he's going to do what he wishes but I think if people are upset to contact him about it.
Posted by: AGAJ Location: mishawaka on May 13, 2008 at 10:45 PM
You don't want this war anymore? Well smart one, most people don't want to goto war but for you NON-MILITARY people, FREEDOM ISN'T FREE! And don't say "we" don't want this war anymore, 95% of the people who want to end the war base their opinion and view on BIAS AND FALSE REPORTING! The dems say the war is going bad, yet the troops are re-enlisting at a record number. Hmmm, who actually knows more about whats really going on in Iraq, the troops that are there, or the media who hates out President? I have 13 friends family members in Iraq and Afgan and everyone of them believe we belong there! One of my cousins actually secures and protects a group of fields where little girls have a soccer league. Our troops protect these little girls so they can participate in these type things that they never could before. Why don't we so those stories on the news!
Posted by: Sharon Location: North Liberty on May 13, 2008 at 09:58 PM
Todd I would just like to know where Obama is getting all his monry? I can just imagine with the kind of people he is known to associate with. Mark my words if he wins the Democratic ticket in the primary a lot will come out about him. I just can't wait to see all the skeletons that come out. This will be very interesting and he may not have a pray in hell to win the General Election. Then we are stuck with another 4 years of the Bush Administration. Oh well guess that is the American way.
Posted by: Dustin Location: Mishawaka on May 13, 2008 at 08:55 PM
Donnelly represents the 2nd district in Congress, but his superdelegate vote goes to who he believes would be the best nominee for the Democratic Party. That is, in his opinion, Barack Obama. Re-read his statement. The voters of the 2nd district, and Indiana, made their choice; Donnelly has made his. That is all there is to it.
Posted by: Sharon Location: Osceola on May 13, 2008 at 08:04 PM
WHAT GOES WITH DONNELLY? If he represents Indiana voters then he should support the person who won the votes in Indiana. I am disappointed in hi