FRIDAY (Oct. 17, 2008) -– House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn of South Carolina, the third-ranking Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives, will headline a “Rally for Hope” Sunday at the Barack Obama headquarters in Jackson.

Clyburn, who was first elected to the U.S. House in 1992, is expected to rally support for Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama. The event is set for 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. at 733 N. State St. in Jackson.

“We are a little more than two weeks away from making major changes in our national government and giving our nation a much-needed fresh start with strong new leadership,” said Jamie Franks, chairman of the Mississippi Democratic Party.

“Congressman Clyburn will clearly detail what’s at stake in the Nov. 4 election,” Franks said. “And he will specifically outline why Sen. Barack Obama offers the best hope and vision for the future of our nation and our state.”

After Democrats regained the majority in the U.S. House in 2006, Clyburn was unanimously elected by fellow Democrats as majority whip. In 1998, Clyburn was unanimously elected to serve as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, and in 2002, he became vice chair of the Democratic Caucus.

Clyburn also serves as leader of the House Democrats’ Faith Working Group.

Obama supporters are invited to attend the rally on Sunday. People planning to attend are asked to R.S.V.P. by calling the Obama campaign headquarters in Jackson at (601) 383-8885 or visiting ms.barackobama.com on the Web.

“The ‘Rally for Hope’ will once again highlight what we can do and how we can move our state and nation forward by working on constructive, common goals. Our country is starving for strong leadership, a sense of direction and a sense of purpose. Barack Obama will provide that,” said Aaron Harris, state director for the Obama for America campaign in Mississippi.

WHAT: Rally for Hope in support of Barack Obama
WHO: House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn of South Carolina will speak
WHEN: 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008
WHERE: Barack Obama campaign headquarters, 733 N. State St., Jackson

NOTE: R.S.V.P. by calling (601) 383-8885 or visiting ms.barackobama.com on the Web

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