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Sarah Dallof reportingSupporters for Barack Obama are watching today's South Carolina primary closely. And with Utah's primary a little more than a week away--part of Super Tuesday--they're rallying behind him.
Obama's Utah supporters say they're drawn to his message of unity and honesty. They are sharing that message with as many people as they can in a canvass for change.
Eric Kiltz and Gail Turpin spent their Saturday walking from home to home in Sandy and knocking on doors with one purpose. "I want people to vote," Kiltz says.
Specifically, for their candidate, Senator Barack Obama. Kiltz and Turpin are volunteers for Obama's campaign here in Utah.
Turpin said, "It's just fun to have so much attention being paid to democrats in the state of Utah."
Volunteers gathered across the state to participate in a canvass for change. In Salt Lake, 35 volunteers hit homes throughout the valley in hopes of swaying undecided voters. Julie Stutznegger says she got involved after hearing what Obama had to say about foreign policy. She also likes his message of unity.
"I've never volunteered for a campaign before. I've never even voted in a presidential primary before, but Obama's message has really resonated with me," she said.
It did with Matthew Soule too, who was once a registered Republican. Obama renewed Soule's interest in politics. He said, "I've been waiting for someone to step up and lead, lead with character, lead with dignity. And Barack does that for me."
Back in Sandy, Kiltz and Turpin continued their efforts. One man said his vote was likely for Ron Paul. The man at another house said he supports John Edwards. Several others weren't home.
Turpin said, "I don't find it frustrating because he's so worth the effort."
And they hope it'll inspire others to get involved too. "My goal is to get people to vote and get people excited about the democratic process, and about the primary," Kiltz said.
Campaign efforts will go into full swing next week. They'll be busy making more phone calls and visiting homes. They will also have parties throughout the state on Super Tuesday.
