Laura J. Mansfield is a junior at the University of Washington, where she majors in journalism. She is a frequent blogger for the University’s website, seattlepoliticore.org.

Laura’s additional studies have included photography at the Art Institute of Seattle, and more recently, screenwriting at UCLA. Upon graduation, she will pursue a career in journalism.

Blog Entries by Laura J. Mansfield

Huckabee: Not Seeking VP Spot, May Yet Be Tapped

Posted May 24, 2008 | 04:25 PM (EST)


Mike Huckabee, in Seattle and wearing cowboy boots with his suit, was quick to set the record straight. He is not seeking out the vice presidency from presumptive Republican nominee John McCain, contrary to recent media reports.

I never said I was seeking the vice presidency, he told...

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Stevie Wonder Fires Up Obama Rally

Posted May 6, 2008 | 03:59 AM (EST)


INDIANAPOLIS-- This one was a rock concert. Literally. The legendary musician Stevie Wonder took the stage prior to Barack Obama addressing a crowd of roughly 20,000 at the American Legion Mall in downtown Indianapolis.

The rock and roll hall of fame musician got the crowd fired up for Obama....

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Indiana Lunch Break In the City Of Steel

Posted May 5, 2008 | 05:40 PM (EST)


As I arrived in Gary Indiana today, I passed through several residential neighborhoods and noticed many Obama signs. And many more Obama signs. Actually, the most I have seen in the state so far.

It's a beautiful sunny day today, people are out tending their lawns, and people are...

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Grant County Switchbacks: A Picnic, A Starbucks And An Update

Posted May 5, 2008 | 05:24 AM (EST)


GAS CITY-- Feeling weary driving the highway en route to Indianapolis from Fort Wayne, I saw a sign that made me feel at home. Starbucks. What's a weary Seattlelite to do?

Pull over, of course.

I grabbed a coffee at the Gas City Starbucks located in Grant...

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President Clinton Touts Gas Tax Holiday

Posted May 3, 2008 | 07:55 PM (EST)


There has been a lot of media coverage recently about the "holiday gas tax," proposed in alternate versions by Senators Clinton and McCain. Senator Obama is against the plan. You can read about the coverage of the holiday gas tax [here, here, and here. The three candidates...

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Indiana Town Halls, Bill Clinton-Style

Posted May 3, 2008 | 04:34 AM (EST)


INDIANAPOLIS -- Bill Clinton has been all over Indiana on a campaign-stump speech marathon. He has been holding town hall-style rallies all over the "cross roads of America." But don't expect a truly democratic exchange of questions and answers in the sit-down settings.

President Clinton has a town hall...

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Philly: Ugly Clinton Victory Rally

Posted April 24, 2008 | 08:29 AM (EST)


PHILADELPHIA-- "This is a Hillary victory party, not an Obama loser party," shouted Mali Kigasari, a Clinton supporter from California. Hillary Clinton's victory rally at the Park Hyatt hotel in Philadelphia Tuesday night came after a long fought battle.

While she delivered an impassioned speech inside, hundreds of people gathered...

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Translation Poses Voting Challenges In Chinatown, Philadelphia PA

Posted April 22, 2008 | 06:41 PM (EST)


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3258/2434427299_7fb0f00450.jpg

PHILADELPHIA-- Centre City Chinatown is an Asian neighborhood located in Philadelphia. The local residents showing up to vote is increasing as the afternoon comes to a close.

The weather is sunny and warm, which is great for voting, considering the line of voters trails out the the doors...

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Clinton's Philadelphia Primary-Eve Rally

Posted April 22, 2008 | 05:00 PM (EST)


PHILADELPHIA-- Hillary Clinton spoke at the University of Pennsylvania, Polestra campus on the eve of the primary and she had a good turnout.

Both candidates have been campaigning extensively in the state for the last seven weeks. Near the vicinity of the event, Barack Obama supporters passed out campaign...

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Pennsylvanians Revel In The "Bitter" Truth

Posted April 20, 2008 | 03:43 AM (EST)


HARRISBURG-- Senator Barack Obama spoke to a crowd outside the majestic State Capital Saturday, and when he specifically addressed the people of Harrisburg about change that is not happening in Washington regarding healthcare, a voice from the crowd...

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On the Road: Pittsburgh Steelworkers On Strike

Posted April 19, 2008 | 12:53 PM (EST)


View flickrs from the Local 5032's picket line here.

Along the Ohio river and near one of Pittsburgh's many bridges is a heavily industrialized island, home to the Calgon Carbon Company and United Steelworkers Union Local 5032.

You will also find the issues at the center of...

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Obama's PA Strategy: The Rendell Way

Posted April 11, 2008 | 11:17 PM (EST)


The Pennsylvania primary is less than two weeks away, eleven days to be exact. Clinton still leads Obama in the polls. But, he has tightened the gap. If he wins Pennsylvania, thats it. Game, I mean, race over.

I'm not the only one who thinks so. Two weeks ago...

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The Impact Of Obama's Speech: A Pennsylvania Political Expert Weighs In

Posted March 19, 2008 | 03:33 AM (EST)


Barack Obama delivered a speech yesterday that is a rarity in the world of politics. Some called it historic. His speech addressed the controversy regarding the comments of his former pastor Jeremiah Wright, and race relations in America.

What kind of impact, if any, will his speech have on...

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Austin Hillary Rally Draws The Converted And The Agnostic

Posted March 4, 2008 | 12:28 PM (EST)


Click here to see photos from the rally.

By: Laura J. Mansfield

AUSTIN-It's decision time for Texas, Texans get to do the "Two Step Primacus." Some have chosen to vote early, and have been confident with thier candidate preference all along. However, there are many others...

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Obama in San Antonio TX: "Si Se Puede"

Posted March 1, 2008 | 09:10 AM (EST)



By: Laura J. Mansfield, Kate Miller

Hope.

It is the message of the Obama campaign, and one that continues to reach millions of Americans across the country. Obama delivered a consistent...

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A Texas 'Primacus' Primer

Posted February 29, 2008 | 07:45 PM (EST)


Next up in the presidential primary parade are Rhode Island, Vermont, and the two states that have everyone talking, Ohio and Texas.

While nobody could have guessed how the primary contests would shake out, it seems fitting that the Lone Star State is now gearing up for one of the...

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