Jelani Cobb Declares His Candidacy for Delegate to the 2008 Democratic National Convention

Please see Jelani's open letter below and support this brother.

Go, Obama. Go!

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Dear Friends:

I recently 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.

Please click on this link http://jelanicobb.com/content/view/38/35/ then scroll to the bottom of the page and make a donation – there is no amount too small. As uncomfortable as I am with the fundraising by email, I am even more uncomfortable with the idea of the nomination being stolen through a backroom deal at the convention.

We need funds for printing, copying, outreach and, importantly, transportation for the voters on the day of the caucus. I am also covering the travel and lodging expenses associated with the convention, which are between $3,500 and $4,000 generally.

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.

Sincerely,

Jelani