Massive final-day registration in PA

Posted: Monday, March 31, 2008 1:29 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: States, 2008, Primaries

From NBC/NJ's Matthew E. Berger
PHILADELPHIA -- While a final number may not be available for a few weeks, the Pennsylvania Department of State has released an update on the number of people registered to vote in the April 22 Democratic primary here. And it shows a massive registration effort on the final day of eligibility.

The state now has 4,119,213 registered Democrats. Since March 24, the last day of eligibility for the primary election, the state has received 33,281 new Democratic registrations and 45,977 party changes to the Democratic Party. The secretary of state’s office is still accepting new registrations and party switches that were postmarked by the deadline.

State officials said the activity on the final day was intense, and these new numbers likely include large swaths of registrations that were collected by both the Obama and Clinton campaigns and submitted just before the deadline.

Since the first of the year, the state has received 101,499 new Democratic applications and 132,688 switches to the Democratic Party.

By contrast, the Republican Party in Pennsylvania now stands at 3,197,586 people. Only 32,191 citizens have joined the Republican roles and 13,937 have switched to the GOP since January 1.

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Comments

So what do you do when you have a massive get out the vote success? Apparently you go bowling.

Take a look at these pictures of Nixon and Obama bowling. Is Nixon cheating at bowling? You be the judge.

http://laststopmidwest.blogspot.com/2008/03/bowling-republicans-vs-democrats.html

James, Wichita, KS (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 1:36 PM)

Huge turnout favors Obama. Consider that the major population centers quickly increase the voter registration numbers. He won Texas, he is going to win Pennsylvania. Just wait.

Flow, Ashville, North Carolina (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 1:39 PM)

"Only 32,191 citizens have joined the Republican roles and 13,937 have switched to the GOP since January 1."

That's because the Republican's represent the 1950's! Watch when they show McCain. He's surrounded by white-haired retirement old people.....just like his party! He couldn't "excite" a town meeting, let alone a nation!

Diane from Illinois (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 1:39 PM)

Then according to MSNBZZZZZSZZZZZZZZZZ Obamma should be winning PA but alas the peoiple havent fallen for him.What can MSNBZZZZZ do to help, well write it off like it wont matter he loses in double digits to a women who for all intent is out of the race,strong canidate to take on a war hero who has devoted his entire life to public service.

kenn (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 1:41 PM)

The old white man were the ones winning world war two and fighting in korea and vietnam."No place is untennable if brave men will make it so."Lets see who said that ohhhhh yeaaaaaa JOHN F KENNEDY your favorite president demorats serve your country not be served.

kenn (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 1:43 PM)

WOW.....Bye-Bye GOPukes

Greg R., Spokane, WA (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 1:44 PM)

How many of these are Limbaughcrats??

Jane, NC (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 1:46 PM)

An effort to be opitimistic about the future of America by propelling a change candidate to victory, or a a wave of votes to rescue a desperately housewife?

Jerry S. Oakland, CA (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 1:46 PM)

any idea how many of these are Limbaugh republicans? they'll vote for clinton in an effort to make her the nominee. why? because she will LOSE in the general and secure another 4 years of mcSame

don't do it (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 1:49 PM)

Do people who register to vote democratic, show driver licenses or something to prove they live in Pennslyvania?

jp,michigan (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 1:50 PM)

Be wary my fellow Obama supporters. Remember that Sen. Clinton still has the muscle and machinery behind her in this state. Her 20 point leads will be trimmed down but don't let Wolfson and Co. try to spin this into another false "Comeback Kid" moment. The bigger story here is the General Election peril here for the GOP and also downticket races. An Obama victory in PA would be sweet but Clinton's money woes and credibility gap will end her campaign sooner than most expect. She won't make it to the convention.

C.K. Steele Fort Lauderdale, FL (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 1:53 PM)

The republicans do seem to be more the party of old people and the status quo...the younger ones all want to kill muslims but don't serve, just like their fathers during vietnam...

Rick, NC (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 1:53 PM)

And for those Obamabots calling for Hillary to drop out, this shows its good for the party that she stays in and keeps a competitive race that sparks renewed interest in the Democratic party. But for this protracted fight, you would not see record numbers of voters switching to the Dem party like this, in PA and other states.

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 1:53 PM)

"He's surrounded by white-haired retirement old people.....just like his party! He couldn't "excite" a town meeting, let alone a nation!"
-- Diane from Illinois

The funny this is, she'd probably get offended and pitch a fit someone said Hillary shouldn't be President because she's a woman, or Obama shouldn't be President because he's black, but she can make age jokes all day long. Where is America's 1950s double standard? In the hands of hypocrites like you, Diane.

Tim, Mobile (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 1:54 PM)

ed rendell's probably ordering as many diebold voting machines as he can get his greasy hands on. remember "it's not who votes, but who counts the vote" - joe stalin

ron grossman, chicago, il (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 1:56 PM)

4 million democrats... and 3 million Republicans

Hillary sure is going to have a hard time acting like Obama might lose Pennsylvania in the General Election with numbers like those...

Ron, TX (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 1:57 PM)

Pennsylvanians are obviously excited by the dem candidates and should be when the alternative is John "Bomb Iran" McCain. Penn voters might convince Mrs. Clinton to hang it up, too. Vote Obama Pennsylvania.

okla navy vet (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 1:59 PM)

Obama would bowl better if he'd follow through.

Russell in Columbus (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 2:01 PM)

Americans have been begged, by those more conscientious among us, to get out, and vote, for many a decade. The masses have been called to show their appreciation for Democracy, and vote, lest they should lose it, for as long as I can remember. However a lethargic electorate proved next to impossible to motivate.

This is a sign of things to come. The glass ceiling has been shattered, regardless to the outcome of this race.

It is a glorius time in which we live.

Pulling for Obama '08

donna , pgh., pa. (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 2:03 PM)

Obama is getting the people excited, its great to see.
I am going to donate 37 to Obama to match his bowling score!

Gal, Ohio (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 2:05 PM)

Isn't this all about the - who was it Limbaugh - thing? Getting the Republicans to register Democrat so that Hill would have a better chance of being the nominee. Why aren't the news programs picking up on this? That's where I originally heard it. Now they're making it sound like the guys are going to remain Democrats. There's something fishy in PA!

jeaniebeanie, saint inigoes, md (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 2:06 PM)

I really cannot see what some of you people in our United States of America see in Obama he is a fake and a liar and most of all forget the speak on race he is the one who is extremely prejudice and shows it....so come on Pennsylvania be just like Ohio and send this guy jerk... packing

john Doe (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 2:11 PM)

Hi Diane,
You took the words out of my mouth. Americans are going to experience shock and awe when they get an actual gander at McCain debating Obama. He's a brave man and all of that, but his and his cronies day has come and gone. When it comes to life...you have to keep going forward. Going back is not an option.
Obama supporter

Bonnie (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 2:12 PM)

How many of these switchover to dems are repubs voting for HRC just like in Ohio?

NO MORE BUSH (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 2:13 PM)

Oh Media, Will You Never Stop Spinning? (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 2:26 PM)

As a proud citizen of Pennsyltucky, I am excited about the influx of democratic voters. Never could understand why a state which has so many of us of limited means could vote so republican. Oh wait, that's right, so the flag wouldn't be burned, and gays wouldn't get married.

Pete Caloger Bushkill, PA 18324 (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 2:27 PM)

Tim from Mobile: Nope...wouldn't pitch a fit about Hillary or Barack and I can make old jokes because I am! I just don't support the Republicans OR Hillary! You can be old and still be for change.....that's what a democracy is! I didn't make it up...check out the Repbulican Party....It's FULL of OLD people!

Diane from Illinois (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 2:31 PM)

John Doe, please, just one example of How Obama is prejudiced, please just one. This guilt by association business has gone too far. If we concede that Obama is a racist and an America-hater because of Rev. Wright, must we concede that George Bush and his father are terrorists because of their association with the Bin Laden family?

Pete Caloger Bushkill, PA 18324 (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 2:36 PM)

HILLARY CLINTON WILL WIN BIG IN PENNSYLVANIA THEREBY SHUTTING THE MOUTHS OF THOSE CALLING FOR HER TO QUIT! OBAMA IS A PAWN. HE WOULD BE A DISASTER AS PRESIDENT. HE HAS NO EXPERIENCE. HE CAN'T EVEN HANDLE HIS SENATE DUTIES. GOOD BYE OBAMA. VOTE HILLARY CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT!

MARYLOU, LAKE HAVASU, AZ. (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 2:37 PM)

Stop your crying obamma kiddies you are going to get your wish .Now fix my FD up WORLD ohh i know I have to wait it wont happen overnight it wont happen in a year and now I hear obamma say its not going to happen in this election cycle SAME OLE SAME OLE its one thing to accept it another to argue its not true ACCEPT the FACT OBAMMA IS THE SAME AS EVERYBODY.

kenn (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 2:41 PM)

If Hillary would like to weaken the Democratic ticket by staying in the contest with the sole purpose of leveraging herself into the VP slot... well that's her right. You go girl ;)

PulSamsara (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 2:42 PM)

46,000 "party-switchers" = GOP monkeying with the primary results to keep the Clinton campaign alive as long as possible

Makes me absolutely sick . . . this is so WRONG!!!

disgusted with the whole process (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 2:44 PM)

How great is the uniter when he can take a sure win and turn it into a dogfight.OBAMMA unite us the clintonistas the same MACAINS the republican party the one of "IDEAS for the last fifteen years" I think I quoted Obamma correctly you can correct me if Im wrong,Hilliary is a liar and Bill is JOE MACARTHY UNITE all of us around the people who smack talk you the most thats how human nature is isnt it?

kenn (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 2:49 PM)

Clinton, or Obama it will not matter. The divide in the party is too deeply rooted in bull to give either candidate a chance to win. Divide and conquer. Seems the republicans have figured it out. I say vote for the best candidate no matter what party, sex, or race they are or are a part of. To much has been blurred by the party vote.

tired of political games (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 2:50 PM)

why should bill and hill get out? obama showed them how to raise cash,they already knew how to not pay anybody and guess what, the millions are comming in and people are saying "please pay your tab" (not gona happen). they ain't gettin out till the last buck comes in. daaah, "we the stupid"

john doe, seattle wash. (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 2:51 PM)

Yes, PLEASE MSNBC (Chuck Todd?), comment on how the Republican to Democratic switch works in PA. Should there be a concern that many of these are just temporary crossovers, and that the Republicans will switch back to their Republican status after the primaries are over??

Thanks for any thoughts on this.

Shannon S, Clinton, WA (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 2:53 PM)

Oh, wow, more people join the dominant party in a blue state near election time. Surprise!

For a lot of voters who would be eager to register republican, it doesn't matter anymore: McCain is the nominee no matter what. So what motivation is there to get out there? Duh!

Guess what, party affiliation has nothing to do with who you vote for in the general, and a lot of democrats are going to vote for McCain once we find out who the dem nominee is.

This FirstRead post is nothing but propoganda. It's completely transparent and it's sad some of these responders are touting it as some triumph or jumping off point *cough* Diane *cough*. Let's see some last minute red state numbers ... back when there was MORE THAN ONE republican candidate.

Oh Media, Will You Never Stop Spinning? (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 2:26 PM)
*****************************************************

Yeah... if you did ANY kind of research about us Pennsylvanians, you would know that we are NOT a 'blue' state. We are purple, at best. Pennsylvania represents a strange dichotomy for presidential politics in that we can go either way.

In fact, I can see an argument for John McCain WINNING Pa in November (I don't think he will, but I can see the logic behind said argument).

Oh, and blaming the media is SOOO yesterday.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

the Pajama Pundit (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 3:29 PM)

I dont know about john doe but I can tell you I am not a typical white woman or white folk or my name isnt pooky or ray ray.This man is so racist it isnt funny.His wife is and pastor too. Who is this new one h egoes to bible study on weds with?Pastor Meeks?White mayors are only slave owners??Hello Racist!!

Joe-pa (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 3:32 PM)

Charity begin at home, .. we are seeing a good example of decit in what hillary 's campaign is going through in not paying those who has commited their time in promoting their campaign. This is her tactis. is her life stlye. she should try to take away pride and make peace so that demo will fight a good fight of fate

prinscalia (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 3:34 PM)

I think Obama has more experience than Hillary, he has been in the senate 11 years to her 8. All her so called experience is lies. Remember the Bosnia lies? She stood their and made up a complete story, all lies. At least Obama didn't say those words ,Dr. Wright did, but Hillary lied to the Americans and embarrassed the Military, and you want her to be president. Oh, well, birds of a feather....

branqua (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 3:36 PM)

Has it occurred to anyone that these "switchers" are potentilly Republicans who want to throw the race to Hillary because they know (think) the Repubs can actually beat Hillary in the general election?

Look at the results from states where people get to switch parties--wasn't Hillary the winner?

Sonny Bryce (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 3:36 PM)

"46,000 "party-switchers" = GOP monkeying with the primary results to keep the Clinton campaign alive as long as possible

Makes me absolutely sick . . . this is so WRONG!!! "

Disgusted, perhaps, you forgot that early on in the race people were voting FOR Obama to keep her out. Were you bitching about it then? I CERTAINLY hope, though, that the DNC determines that for the future it will be a closed, Democratic party primary. No Indpendents and No Repubs crossing over to mess with it. You are right on one thing; it is sickening that people are playing games with the most important decision we need to make.

Nobama (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 3:41 PM)

wait a minute, i thought obama lost texas and ohio by huge margins? what happened there? wow! i'm surprised, the clinton surrogates don't have anything to say about it. are they now, one by one, conceding it's time to jump ship and get on board the obama express? if that's the case, welcome. it's time to unify the party and work with obama to institute change in DC and work to re-establish our position in the world and revive our economy and the general welfare of each and every american.

truth be told (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 3:42 PM)

I haven't yet seen any numbers on the media that show there is about 2to1 more registerd dems then repos.
There is on way that the repos could even come close to winning election. So dems be very careful that McCain and the repos dont pull another ripoff like Bush and his bunch of thives did.

pete maher Dayton NV. (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 3:45 PM)

The Hill-raisers are really CRAZED. She will lose so relax. She may win Pa but NC is in the bag and Indiana is getting there.
Oregon is Obamas as well as SD and Montana and Maybe PR.

Get a life Hill-raisers. She has run the most horrible campaign in history.
She cant pay her bills, she lies every chance she gets, she still has not revealed her taxes etc..
Is this what you want????

Nj (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 3:49 PM)

Follow the money....Clinton's is gone, Obama's still setting records.

Dream on you GOP-U's that think this is Limbaugh-esk. Just thank "the architect", he screwed you

Greg R., Spokane, WA (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 3:53 PM)

Obama--Excellent rhetorical, and communication skills. Great Communicator.

Hillary--Childish rhetorical (raises her voice when she does not get her own way) skills.

Obama--Excellent business/campaign manager: is able to speak in the language of economics. Raised and managed the most impressive campaign in the history of American politics.

Hillary--Very poor business / campaign skills: she cannot even pay her campaign bills. She had to borrow money from herself. Companies want their money up front.

Obama--grass roots organizer on the side of the working person. (Spent half his career working for his community, and did more in the senate in one year than most senators due in a full term.)

Hillary--corporate lawyer took more money from special interest than anyone--ever.

Obama--leads by example, loyalty, trust and inspiration.

Hillary--leads by threats, negativity, and exaggeration to the point of absurdity (comments on pledged delegates switching sides, and the Bosnia Lies)

Our country deserves better than Hillary: Our country deserves Obama.

Don't be foolish (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 4:00 PM)

Who cares if Hillary wins Penn. It's her last state where she can win--what 60% of the vote and delegates (and that is incredibly optimistic),

--if she wins at all.

The fact is: she will not catch Obama; not in the pop. vote, not in delagates, that is if there is no "fraud"-- superdelagates.

Even with that--Obama will win--do the math and cry Hillary supporters.

She's desparate, she is running out of money, and common sense.

I'm sure, she is going to cry very soon--again.

Obama is the next president.

Don't Cry--Again (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 4:15 PM)

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