Ex-Congressman to speak for Obama

If you haven’t decided who to vote for in the upcoming presidential election, Lee Hamilton hopes to help you make a decision today.

Former U.S. Congressman and vice-chair of the 9/11 Commission Hamilton will speak today about why he thinks Hoosiers should vote for Obama.

Hamilton’s lecture “Why Senator Obama is My choice to lead America: What’s at Stake for Main Street in the Next Election?” will be at 4:30 p.m. at Bell Trace on East 10th Street.

He will outline why he thinks Obama is the better choice for president.
The group Engaging Voters is hosting the former congressman’s speech, member Anne McLaughlin said. Although the group has only been around for about two months, its goal is to encourage people who live in Bloomington and surrounding counties to get out and vote.

“He is someone that all Hoosiers seem to respect,” McLaughlin said.
The group said it wanted Hamilton to speak because he is someone to whom the average Hoosier could connect. Hamilton will also talk about how Obama will engage with foreign countries.

Hamilton was a U.S. Representative for Indiana’s 9th District – Bloomington’s district – from 1965 to 1999. He was also the chairman and member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

McLaughlin said Hamilton endorsed Obama during the primary Democratic election.
After the lecture, people can apply for an absentee ballot if they have not done so, McLaughlin said. There will also be a sign-up volunteer sheet for anyone who wants to work for the Obama campaign.

The lecture will last about an hour and is free and open to the public.