http://www.inthesetimes.com/archives/tags/california/ In These Times features award-winning investigative reporting about corporate malfeasance and government wrongdoing, insightful analysis of national and international affairs, and sharp cultural criticism about events and ideas that matter. en-us Expression Engine jessica@inthesetimes.com seamus@inthesetimes.com Tue, 11 Nov 2008 06:00:00 -0600 http://www.inthesetimes.com/article/4037/origins_of_the_obama_machine/ During the United Farm Workers' critical decade of growth, from 1966 to 1976, farmworker activists became experts in conducting voter registration among low-income and minority voters, and operating get out the vote (GOTV) drives to boost turnout in traditionally low-voting, working-class neighborhoods. The UFW responded to political attacks from growers by adopting innovative approaches for almost every type of electoral campaign. These strategies brought the union victories in statewide initiative contests, legislative fights and races for public office--and continue to set the course for today's progressive election campaigns. In 1966, the farmworkers movement had no more experience with politicians and elections than it had with boycotts. Cesar Chavez's previous job as an organizer for the Community Services Organization had included… farmworkers Obama campaign unions California Rachel Jefferson