AP - THE RACE: The presidential race for Democrats in Texas

CHICAGO, IL – Today, Senator Jay Rockefeller, the Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, endorsed Barack Obama for president, citing his judgment on the Iraq war and national security issues, and calling him the right candidate to lead our country during a time of instability at home and abroad.
 
Senator Rockefeller said, “Today, I’m proud to lend my support and strong endorsement to Barack Obama and his candidacy for President of the United States. Barack Obama is the most qualified person – Democrat or Republican – to lead our country in the face of enormous challenges – the very real threat of terrorism, economic uncertainty, and instability at home and abroad.
 
“As Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I am all too aware that the threats we face are unconventional.  They are sophisticated.  They are constantly changing and adapting.  And they are very serious. What matters most in the Oval Office is sound judgment and decisive action.  It’s about getting it right on crucial national security questions the first time – and every time. 
 
“The indisputable fact is Barack Obama was right about Iraq when many of us were wrong.  It was a tough call and the single greatest national security question, and mistake, of our time.  Today, we remain a country at war, and countless mistakes over the last six and a half years have made us less safe.  The stakes have never been higher, and that is why we must take a stand.
 
“I am not just supporting Barack Obama because of his strength on national security.  I am equally proud of his commitment to rebuild America – so that we’re a country of equality and prosperity – where no segment of society is left behind.  I know Barack Obama will fight and win the battle for health care, good paying jobs, and energy security.  
 
“Barack Obama is a uniquely gifted, brilliant and strategic thinker, who genuinely understands the hopes and desires of the American people.  There is nothing sheltered about his life; he’s always had to work hard, and he’s always fought to make his community and his country better.   
 
“A leader like Barack Obama just doesn’t come along very often, and as voters who care passionately about the future of our country, we cannot afford to squander this opportunity.”
 
Senator Obama said, “Senator Rockefeller’s leadership in the Senate has strengthened our national security and advanced economic opportunity, and I am honored to have his support. Nobody understands the unconventional threats of the 21st century better than Jay Rockefeller, and I look forward to partnering with him as President to strengthen our intelligence community and protect our homeland. Together, we will work to reclaim the American Dream for working families at home, and to restore our security and standing abroad.”

When you walk into the San Antonio Obama HQ at 309 E. 3rd Street -- just blocks from the Alamo-- one of the first friendly faces you are likely to see is one of our most committed local volunteers, Sloan.  A few weeks ago, he and a fellow volunteer, Gretchen, agreed that any time the office was open, one or both of them would be there.

Sloan’s persistent optimism and his inviting personality are great additions to this office, and he is always welcoming to new volunteers and undecided voters.  "I really believe in Barack’s message and the spirit of inclusion-- not simply trying to win, but trying to make the process better for everyone.  You can't just vanquish your enemies—in the future you are going to need to work with everyone to get things done.”

Volunteers like Sloan have taken leadership positions and are not only working for change—but inspiring and empowering other volunteers to do the same thing.

Sloan spent 26 years in the army (stationed in Texas for a large portion) and then retired here at the end of his service.  He is the kind of dedicated volunteer who starts the day by getting call sheets organized and handing out walk packets to the volunteers, but then after getting the volunteers out the door, grabs a carpet sweeper and says with a quiet grin, "This is how you clean up politics."

AP - Barack Obama's most prominent salesman, cheerleader and fundraiser in this upcoming presidential primary state is also one of Rhode Island's better-known sports figures — Brown University men's basketball coach Craig Robinson.

Obama for America became the first campaign to go up on the air with television ads in Mississippi today. You can watch the first ad, "Future," below:

We've also opened our first Mississippi headquarters at 733 North State Street in Jackson. Last night, over 325 people showed up for the first organizational meeting. Local TV news station WLBT produced a short piece on the headquarters opening.

 

The Mississippi primary is March 11th, less than two weeks away. If you live in Mississippi, now is a great time to sign up to get involved. You can visit MS.BarackObama.com for more news and info from Mississippi.

Barack Obama's most prominent salesman, cheerleader and fundraiser in this upcoming presidential primary state is also one of Rhode Island's better-known sports figures — Brown University men's basketball coach Craig Robinson.

Time.com - Viewpoint: McCain apologized for a supporter's use of "Hussein," and won applause. But Barack Obama has nothing to hide

AP - Republican John McCain said the desire by Democratic presidential rivals Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement would jeopardize crucial military support from Canada.

Bloomberg - Feb. 29 (Bloomberg) -- Hillary Clinton cemented years of goodwill with gays in 2000, when she walked in New York's Pride Parade.

AP - Barack Obama says his two daughters are fans of Hannah Montana and Beyonce, but think anything to do with Britney Spears and Paris Hilton is "yuck."