March 20, 2008
Posted: March 20th, 2008 03:20 PM ET

(CNN) - With just days until the voter registration deadline arrives in Pennsylvania, voters are frantically registering and changing their party affiliations in order to vote in the state’s closed Democratic primary.

Pennsylvania, with 158 “pledged” delegates at stake, offers the largest bounty remaining to both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. It is expected to play a large role in deciding the Democratic party’s presidential nominee.

Barack Obama’s campaign has made voter registration their top priority in Pennsylvania for the past several weeks, sending teams of volunteers from across the country to register new Democrats in the commonwealth in advance of the March 24 deadline. “We need your help registering voters this weekend!” read a message on Barack Obama’s Web site, urging volunteers to spend the weekend convincing unregistered voters, Republicans and Independents to become newly-minted Democrats.

Between February 11 and March 17, Philadelphia County saw a 1.7 percent increase in Democratic Party registrations while all other parties – including the Republican Party – saw a 1.3 percent decrease in party registrations, according to Robert Lee, Voter Registration Administrator for Philadelphia County.

Since 2004, Democratic registration has increased by roughly 5 percent in the county - while Republican registration has decreased by more than 12 percent.

Patti Allen of the Montgomery County’s voter registration office described the situation in her county as “wild.” In the county, which includes many affluent suburbs of Philadelphia, 3,432 voters have changed their registration to the Democratic Party, since March 1, while just 149 voters have switched their affiliation to the Republican Party. The county has seen 1,243 new Democratic party registrations and 402 Republican party registrations since March 1. The county, despite it’s current wave of Democratic party registrations – more than 3-to-1 over Republican registrations – is still home to more Republicans than Democrats.

The Pennsylvania Department of State says that since January, more than 68,000 registered voters changed their party affiliation to either the Democratic or Republican party, and those who switched to the Democratic party out-number those who switched to the Republican party by a greater than 3-to-1 margin.

 –CNN's Jeff Simon

Filed under: Pennsylvania


cj   March 20th, 2008 8:46 pm ET

Republicans registering as democrats to vote for someone they THINK will lose against McCain...hmmm i guess it makes sense. It is totally ridiculous and not a reason to register to vote at all.

I think that the Obama camp definitely gets credit for making this campaign the most exciting one I have experienced in my twenty five years of voting. I love him and I am voting for him all the way.

It will be very difficult for me to vote for Hillary in November, if she wins the candidacy. I have always voted for the democratic party, but I can't see myself voting for 8 years of Hillary. I guess I will be right there with the Rush Limbaugh freaks voting for McCain in November.

Don't let us down Pennsylvania, I know that you are capable of surprising us all and voting for Obama in record #'s.

Peace

Susan, Seattle   March 20th, 2008 8:38 pm ET

Hope everyone realizes that the Peter Paul trial against the Clintons begins just a few short months before the general election? That means, if Hillary is the nominee, it will be Clintons on the stand, lying, media circus - same as when they were in office. Republicans won't even need 527s, all they'll need is for people to read the news on the latest trial and scandals. The Republicans will mop the floor with her in a landslide. She doesn't care about this country, or her political party, she cares about herself. She lied about NAFTA - she was 100% for it - white house papers prove it. She lied about her experience. Do we want this as a President again? NOT THIS TIME!

Obama has courage, strength, intelligence and integrity to lead this nation. He is not beholden to any lobbyists, and he will bring this country together.

La Petite Sorciere   March 20th, 2008 7:50 pm ET

Go Obama
no matter what the old lady says or does, the people wants you!!!

Obama 08

Marcus   March 20th, 2008 7:49 pm ET

Obama will be the next president of the USA. GO OBAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Neutral   March 20th, 2008 7:48 pm ET

Obama volunteers in PA are asking Republicans and independents to register as democrats before the deadline is over for registration.

Don't even blame Hillary Clinton. How many posters here supporting Obama are members of his church founded by Wright?

kelly WI   March 20th, 2008 7:47 pm ET

These states that have to choose and register for a party......do they have to change their registration again then for the general. ?
We have open elections here and can vote any way we want. Whenever. More fair. Maybe its just the independants that can vote either way any time? We don't have to vote for party. can vote for the person.

Joyce in Florida   March 20th, 2008 7:42 pm ET

When people for vote Hillary, she most likely will win by double digits. And it will be legit. The people know who is the stronger candidate and it is Hillary. I sincerely hope the super delegates look at what is happening now and they can change their minds. They don't necessarily have to go the way people voted in certain counties within their State.

I sincerely wish and hope that Hillary will win Pennsylvania by a considerable margin. She definitely is closing the gap. You go girl!! We are proud of you here in Florida.

GO HILLARY 08!!!!

deb in az   March 20th, 2008 7:40 pm ET

sen obama made a statement saying the you know the typical white person.......can someone define for me what the typical white person is? and if you can do that what is the typical black person?

Mike   March 20th, 2008 7:39 pm ET

Actually people, we Republicans want to run against Hillary because we don't want the nasty bigot on the other side to even get a whiff of the White House. And yes I heard the speech and no It did not make a difference. If you have not read "Dreams From my Father" I would suggest it, it's a real eye opener.

Ray OH   March 20th, 2008 7:39 pm ET

BJ in PA: I think you have it backwards: the GOP has set its sights on Barack Obama. They realize now that he is highly vulnerable to their smear machine and are ready to pounce on him with 527 ads and more. In light of recent events, they feel that they can paint him as lacking substance, unpatriotic, and racist and that it will stick. They now realize he's a much easier target to take down than Hillary. I believe that Republicans in PA are following talking points and directives from the GOP and will be voting for Obama. What a shame and what a sham this whole election is becoming!

Antoinette   March 20th, 2008 7:38 pm ET

The Obama campaign has been registering voters before each primary and caucus

The updates are always there on the website. This is nothing new at all.

Obama '08

Bess Cannon   March 20th, 2008 7:38 pm ET

What makes anyone think that our country is such a gluton for punishment that the Republicans will win in November? If he does, then don't whine and complain when things go further south than they are because you asked for it. If you haven't learned by now, you deserve worse! If you act like fools, expect to be treated like fools!!!

vicki   March 20th, 2008 7:36 pm ET

P.S. I am from PA and still plan to vote for Obama . No matter how hard the media tries to change our minds We heard rev Wright and believe Obama does not share his views.

Michael   March 20th, 2008 7:32 pm ET

Sen. Clinton will probably win PA. However, anything she gains will be negated by the results of the North Carolina primary. With the outcome that the MI and FL re-votes will not take place, I think we can all honestly agree that this race is over. It is time for us to rally around Obama, even if you support Hillary. I think everyone is too busy fighting each other instead of focusing on the fact that our country is doomed if we elect another president committed to an unjust and costly war.

vicki $$$$$$$$   March 20th, 2008 7:30 pm ET

This Primarary process should never have been allowed to drag out this long, with Hillary involved she is dragging the party into the mud. The media follows her hairbrained schemes and drags this out to the piont where the democrats will lose because of her. Before Texas and Ohio she started throwing the Kitchen sink at Obama. and the media folowed her and ran the Pictures insinuating that he is Muslim which he is not .so why run the pictures over and over and over every 15 minutes. he should charge the media with slander and he would have every right too then the Mccain Guy was run every 20 minutes Hillary could never have afforded to run all these ads so THE MEDIA DID IT FOR HER and these things were not even true. Do the Employees truly believe that Obama is racist. If it is not true STOP INSINUATING that it is true He does not agree With REV Wrights comments. By running these things over and over you are creating fear in people over things that are not true YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED of yourselves. So the media cannot say it is just the wright story BUT THEY THEMSELVES that SLANDERED OBAMAS reputation You guys need to take credit were credit is due.

I believe Obama would be the best President we have had in a long time. Hillary is a disgrace I want a president I can respect, This is not an honorable way for someone to become President.

LatinoNation   March 20th, 2008 7:25 pm ET

Why not wait till the election? why say anything on either side ? let it be and lets see what happens grow up!!

ME   March 20th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

WAH WAH WAH
everytime We learn something new about Obama, his supproters blame Hillary . Wait until we here more about him before fall he will loose because eveyone is sooo blind. I voted for him and now I feel cheated and many others feel the same way.

Annoyed   March 20th, 2008 7:23 pm ET

Obummer needs to go home and cry to his pastor. Hillary will win because she's done her homework, knows what this country needs and will achieve it. Obummer has yet to have an original plan or thought when it comes to the issues. How many times in every debate did he AGREE with everything Hillary says?? Now he gets caught in a lie.. I was at church, I wasn't at church, here now he claims to be so honest and righteous, get a grip. Wake up America and see this man for who he is.. another politician but even worse, one that wants to meet with terrorists, one that is standing by his pastor while the rest of the world distances themselves from him. Ridiculous. To compare Hillary standing by her faith and working things out with her husband to this awful Rev Wright is an heinous. Obummer, go home and leave the real work to the real workers. I'm tired of your speeches.. but your nose to the grindstone and get some real work done.

not enough hillary   March 20th, 2008 7:20 pm ET

pennsylvania will not be enough for hillary to win. i'm sorry people but it's true. i am yet to pick a side but i am leaning towards obama. hillary will probably do or say something crazy in the next couple weeks that will remind america of her february hysteria.
i'm telling you if she's our nominee- mccain will win

the end game   March 20th, 2008 7:20 pm ET

I like to see a 85% win for Clinton. After all Obama believe all black churches preach in the style of Trinity. I sure hope not.
Philadelphia know better and will move many African American voters to Clinton.
Clinton may see an up swing in African American voters, as they still love her too.
If not then, DNC will be the reason Republican return to the white house.

Frank Smith   March 20th, 2008 7:19 pm ET

Those who are "celebrating for Hillary" now may need to wait until the Republicans open the Clinton files; the Obama stuff will look small!

Laura Long   March 20th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

I think this is terrible – the Republicans switching just to vote for Hillary because she will be easier to beat. I wish Howard Dean would show some leadership and resolve this.

Frank Smith   March 20th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

"Right On" must be one of those uninformed Clinton "racists"; those who cannot even LISTEN and repeat correctly what they are being told. May the Good Lord help us all out of this mess. Racism, whether you like it or NOT is alive and well in America.

You kidding, is there anyone in this Universe, age 20 and older who is not aware of how the Clintons have given the U.S. several "black eyes" with scandals? ("thou shalt not commit ...). If so, count yourself a "racist!"

Bacusla   March 20th, 2008 7:13 pm ET

Again, YES WE CAN!

When all the bad blood flows through & Obama roundly beats the status-quo of the Clinton-ians to the ground, all of us would have come to learn not to be negative & counter-productive against our party's base. Obama continues to rise above the fray in character & carriage. When he was not a muslim – he was being made to answer for his pastor's bigotry – yet as seconds tick away & become Minutes, then hours & eventuallly days, weeks, months & the inaugural comes along – Barack is sworn-in & America's dignity is restored ...

Some people will realize that it is almost impossible to oppose CHANGE we can that has been tangibly fealt.

Think. Vote. Obama '08

SHERYLANNE   March 20th, 2008 7:11 pm ET

We're all waiting to stop out Obama as loud and as hard as we can!!

James   March 20th, 2008 7:09 pm ET

Trust me. Obama would win Pennsylvania. Voters are beginning to realize that Hillary is a lair.

Eith   March 20th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

I would think: with 100K Reps in Ohio, 119K Reps in TX and 38K Reps in Miss... voting for Hillary, she'd know what to do. Call it quits. How can a Democrat count on such a large, ill-conceived Republican votes to "win against a fellow Democrat" and hope to stand before a Republican nominee and say: I am here to defeat you.

What would McCain respond in such a moment? You are such a loser, you had willingly accepted Republcian votes to help you get here. The nations needs to realize what kind of a person you are. And that is why American needs to and will vote for me.

BatCat05   March 20th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

Sounds like the Rush Limbaugh Crew trying to put a RUSH on things in Pennsylvania. Changing party affiliation for now to help Hillary and later voting for McCain in November. UNBELIEVEABLE! What is politically hidden in the White House thats worthy of protection from Obama? Makes you wonder. Hillary wants it so badly its, worth throwing the kitchen sink for it .

Annamica, OH   March 20th, 2008 7:07 pm ET

Jermaine you're an idiot if you think she will win by less than 10%. Do you have your head in the clouds, has the light shifted and told you to vote for Obama? Or you've been drinking too much of that sketchy kool-aid?

Joan   March 20th, 2008 7:07 pm ET

Don,t you people in pa know anything about Hillary,you better read up

Darth Vadik, CA   March 20th, 2008 7:06 pm ET

This is great for Democrats but listen up...

...we cannot let McCain win this election, its nice to get excited like this about our primary candidates but after this, to use an overused slogan:

UNITED WE STAND, DEVIDED WE FALL (again)

can the country sustain another bruise from the likes of McCain?
Think about it.

sanford levine   March 20th, 2008 7:04 pm ET

Wolf blitzer should be replaced as anchor for cnn until he can manage to control the wild people that appear on his program. He has no backbone and allows the vile comments to keep being aired by Jack without any attempt to keep him him civil. Sanford LEVINE

Manuel TX   March 20th, 2008 7:03 pm ET

Here we go again.

Just as Republicans voted for Obama in earlier primaries...now they're going to vote for Hillary.

Talk about being played.

I think that they need to make a few changes to the primary processs: no caucuses, winner take all, and only democrats registered for 4 or more years should be allowed to participate. :)

Eith   March 20th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

Y are Hillary supporters just so very negative? Just negative. It appears, they are not intellectually reasoning either with themselves or with the rest of us in their commentaries but are just plain, grossly negative, disinviting our apetite for them and for Hillary.

Chris In California   March 20th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

The fate of our country is truly in the hands of the Pennsylvania and Indiana voters. I am hoping that all of those who are changing their party affiliation are doing so in order to vote for Hillary Clinton. The Republicans already have their candidate. I think that, given all we've learned about Barack Obama over these past few weeks should send us in droves to the polls to ensure that the only two possibilities for President to take office in 2009 are John McCain and Hillary Clinton.

Charles, PA   March 20th, 2008 7:00 pm ET

This is Clinton country here. We are too smart to vote for Obama after hearing about him listening to his preacher every sunday speak anti white rhetoric.

We can focus on racial issues all we want but not in the run for the presidency.

If people vote for them they will essentially be paying for 7 dollar a gallon gas 4 years from now because mark my words – Mc Cain will beat him.

I wont vote him now and I wont vote for him then. Hillary has this smart white MANs vote from PA!

Solidarity   March 20th, 2008 6:59 pm ET

Please...PLEASE Pennsylvania:
Show the world that you know good from evil!
Every AA, every Jew,every white man and white woman of concience, every Latino, every Irishman, every Pole, every Italian, every Catholic, every Muslim...EVERYBODY who understands and knows what has been done to Obama with this Rev. Wright crap...Find a friend explain to them what has happened and what it really means...walk in lockstep to the Primary and vote for Obama!
Show the Clintons that he who lives by the sword shall die by that same sword...racism cannot be hidden under the cloak of feminism!

La Raza   March 20th, 2008 6:56 pm ET

Hillary can have all of the remaining states and it still won't matter delegate-wise. Obama still comes out the winner.

Donna   March 20th, 2008 6:56 pm ET

To Stan
I think you meant clamoring and not clammering for HRC. It doesn't really matter though because Barack is going to rock the vote in PA. I think it's going to be a lot closer than you think.

Willy   March 20th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

Hillary Clinto will win PA. but McCain wins the White House.

grant   March 20th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

The penn primary will not be valid. Much of clinton's margin of victory will be from republicans trying to take out obama because they would rather run against clinton. it won't be legit. The super delegates need to realize this is going on right now in a big way.

Jermaine   March 20th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

It shows that Hillary will win the State by less than 10 points. It is a fact she will net no delegates over OBAMA

BJ in PA   March 20th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

Here in Northeast PA, there seems to be a number of Republicans taking a cue from Rush Limbaugh. They're actually changing their party affiliation to Democrat in order to vote for Hillary Clinton because they believe that she will be easier to beat. I never thought that it would actually happen, but it is.

Медведев   March 20th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

Now isn't this far more politically productive than whining and crying in Michigan and Florida about a re-vote, and blaming Obama for something he clearly had nothing to do with? Keep going Obama, you are gonna blindside Hillary in Pennsyvania!

Dave ND   March 20th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

I'd say that many Republican are registering as Democrats to meddle in this primary too. They can do so and still vote for who they please in November.

Clinton will win Pennsylvania big time, but not for the reason she thinks.

Al, Sacramento Ca   March 20th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

I guess there are some smart Republicans in the U.S. they live in PA. They just need to vote Dem. in Novemeber and they can have my full respect.

Ardnuas   March 20th, 2008 6:27 pm ET

This is GREAT for America!!!!!

Susan   March 20th, 2008 6:27 pm ET

Hillary could you tell the truth for one whole day? Your lies about your record have been fully revealed in your White House papers. You supported NAFTA, you did nothing to help the peace process in Northern Ireland and you bombed health care. Your experience claims don't amount to spit. Not only aren't you ready to answer the phone at 3 am..you couldn't find it and then would lie about where you put it.

DrFill   March 20th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

I'm goin' to Phila Saturday!

ROCK ON OBAMA!

YEAH BABY!

Pennsylvania for Obama   March 20th, 2008 6:22 pm ET

. . .That can only mean one thing. OBAMA IS ON THE PROWL.

YES WE CAN!!!!!

CHERYL   March 20th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

SENATOR CLINTON LEADS IN THE POLLS!!!!!!!!!

YAY!!!!!!

Black Republican in New York   March 20th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

If Hillary Clinton beats Barack Obama, it won't be because of Pennsylvania, but because of arm-twisting, kitchen sinks, and promises to return 'favors' if superdelegates shoo her in over Obama.

But this will also destroy the party and chase young people who are inspired by Obama's charm.

CHERYL   March 20th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

THEY ARE WAITING TO CAST THEIR BALLOTS FOR THE WINNER WHO IS TRUST WORTHY!

SENATOR CLINTON!!!!!!

OBAMAS LIES WILL NOT WORK HERE! OR ANY PLACE ELSE!!!!!!!

WE ARE WITH SENATOR CLINTON!!!!!!!!!!

Gail   March 20th, 2008 6:11 pm ET

Good, Obama can help them get registered, so they can vote for Hillary.

California Independent   March 20th, 2008 6:10 pm ET

Obama is not only using the internet and radio pieces, this time he's actually running a commercial! I'm sorry but it is funny. Nice primary strategy, but for the GE? Ha! Ha!

Madison , Mo   March 20th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

As Obama goes up as Hillary goes negative. She will come very soon with something else to try to destroy the party.She might be mad now because she did not get votes from Florida and Michigan.

James Mpofu   March 20th, 2008 5:58 pm ET

I think this surge is fuelled by the excitement surrounding the candidates. Hillary might win PA, but she needs to be wary of the effort from the Obama campaign in the last few weeks to register voters....this could cut into the Clinton lead quite significantly.

AnyoneButARepublican   March 20th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

Republicans should be banned from entering the Whitehouse for at least 20 years until the debt from the war in Iraq is payed back in full.

Praetorian, Fort Myers   March 20th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

I think it may be more likely that thousands of Democrats and Republicans–will be rushing to become independants.

I don't now if we need a third party–but it sure looks like the other two have really messed things up from where I stand–so it surely wouldn't hurt!!!

stan   March 20th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

I sure hope they've been listening to what's going on and are clammering to vote for Hillary!

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

twitter
@wolfblitzercnn: Trifecta -- NOT. My Redskins, Bills and Packers all lose this weekend. Very sad.
Updated: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:40:09 -0800
@HornickCNN: RT @andersoncooper: Interactive: The top 10 Health-Care-Reform Players http://bit.ly/6C3OlX
Updated: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:47:50 -0800
@HornickCNN: RT @cnn_oppmann: CNN.com: Mexico City approves same-sex marriage. http://bit.ly/5RyMnk #mexico
Updated: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:46:26 -0800
@HornickCNN: Rudy's reportedly not running for NY SEN or Gov ...
Updated: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:43:48 -0800
@wolfblitzercnn: Redskins-Giants always exciting. Both teams have a lot to prove. And Giants can still salvage playoffs. Skins just need a win.
Updated: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:19:36 -0800
Categories
Powered by WordPress.com VIP