Obama counting on black voter turnout

By Christina Bellantoni (Contact) | Tuesday, October 7, 2008

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ST. LOUIS | After an aggressive push to register black voters using text messaging, ads on hip-hop radio stations and Internet videos using popular stars and free concerts, the Obama team is turning to the next task: making sure that black voters show up on Election Day in bigger numbers than ever before.

The campaign is going to places of worship and beauty salons in the urban centers of swing states in an effort to convince black citizens that their votes can make a difference.

The Republicans "are counting on us not to show up," Jurnee Smollett told a predominantly young and black audience at the National Step Show championships in Philadelphia in September.

"They are scared in their boots. They know we single-handedly could put that man in office."

Related stories:

• GOP strategists: Attack Obama Hard

• McCain hits Obama's past before debate

• In debates, candidates differ little

• INTERACTIVE Electoral map

From Missouri to Florida, the campaign is reminding voters how close the 2004 election was.

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