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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (July 25, 2012)
I iFije July 25. 2012 ^orttani» (Obstruer Page 7 Opinion articles do not necessarily represent the views o f the Portland Observer. We welcome reader essays, photos and story ideas. Submit to news@portlandobserver.com. New Prices Effective May 1,2010 Martin Cleaning Service CHPONÎC FOOT Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Residential & Commercial Services IN AIOUTH Minimum Service CHG $45.00 SYNWMC V oTe A small distance/travel charge may be applied CARPET CLEANING 2 Cleaning Areas or more $30.00 Each Area T Pre-Spray Traffic Areas (Includes: 1 sm all H allway) * 1 Cleaning Area (only) $40.00 Includes Pre-Spray Traffic Area (Hallway Extra) Stairs (12-16 stairs - With 5 Other Services): $25.00 o W y i opj a R € r- Area/Oriental Rugs: $25.00 Minimum Area/Oriental Rugs (Wool): Our Vote Could Again Tip the Scales Voter registration is critical by M arc H. M orial T he list o f 2012 swing states - states where neither presiden tial candidate currently has a clear majority - include Ohio, Wiscon sin, P e n n sy lv a n ia , Florida, Nevada, Iowa, Virginia, North Carolina and Colo rado. W hichever candidate carries these “battleground” states will likely win the election. That is why the two nominees are making a lot of campaign stops and targeting mil lions of advertising dollars in these states in order to bring undecided voters to their side. But according to a new report released this week by the National Urban League Policy Institute, we need to add another state to this list — the State of Black America. That’s right, just as in 2008, when African-American voters went to the polls in record numbers and were a deciding factor in the elec tion of Barack Obama, the black vote could again tip the scales ei ther way in 2012, depending on how many register and vote. Our report, “The Hidden Swing Voters: Impact of African Americans in 2012” reveals that due to a signifi cant increase in voting, black Americans tipped the 2008 presidential election out come in the swing states of North Carolina, Virginia, In diana and Florida. For example, the additional Afri can Americans who voted in North Carolina in 2008 compared to 2004 were nearly nine times the margin of victory in North Carolina - an addi tional 127,000 African Americans voted, and the margin of victory was 14,177. Conversely, our report shows that if African American voter turn out falls back to the 2004 rate of 60 percent as opposed to the record 2012 rate of 64.7 percent, then the President will have difficulty repeat ing his wins in the critical swing states of North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia. Voter registration is also a critical factor. African-American registra tion lagged turnout in 2008, but when registered, African Americans were the most likely to vote. Our report shows that if overall African-American registration rises to 78.3 percent (the 2008 African- American rate in Maryland), up from the 2008 rate of 69.7 percent, and turnout is as it was four years ago, an estimated additional 3 million African Americans will vote. That could have a huge impact on the outcome of the election. Our report confirms the potential voting power in black America. The 2008 election showed that, for the first time, blacks were at the table in the democratic process, with voting turnout nearly equal to and, in some instances, surpassing, whites. But once is not enough. This upcoming election presents an op portunity for blacks to secure their seat at the table. That is exactly the purpose of the National Urban League’s “Occupy the Vote” campaign. In addition to fighting back against those who would deny any citizen the right to vote, we are issuing a clarion call to reawaken the hidden swing voters in the state of black America. Marc H. Morial is president and chief executive officer o f the N a tional Urban League. 503-288-0033 O U U d L l i U t ? Fill Out & Send To: il,r |lortlanh (Ohserutr Attn: Subscriptions, PO Box 3137, Portland OR 97208 $45.00 for 3 months • $80.00 for 6 mo. • $ 125.00 for 1 year (please include check with this subscription form) N ame : _______________________________ T elephone : __________________________ A ddress : _____________________________ o r e m a il subscriptions@ portlandobserver.com $40.00Minimum Heavily Soiled Area: Additional $10.00 each area (Requiring Extensive Pre-Spraying) UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Sofa: $69.00 Loveseat: $49.00 Sectional: $ 109 - $ 139 Chair or Recliner $25 - $49 Throw Pillows (With Other Services): $5.00 ADDITIONAL SERVICES • Area & Oriental Rug Cleaning • Auto/Boat/RV Cleaning • Deodorizing & Pet Odor Treatment • Spot & Stain Removal Service • Scotchguard Protection • Minor Water Damage Services SEE CURRENT FLYER FOR ADDITIONAL PRICES & SERVICES Call for Appointment (503) 281-3949
