Campaign Notebook: Obama gaining, ahead of MN appearance

With a rout in South Carolina and John Edwards’ withdrawal from the race stealing headlines from Hillary Clinton’s sort-of-a-win in Florida, Barack Obama has surged in the polls, both nationally and state by state. The latest polls in California indicate a statistical tie, and Massachusetts has tightened as well, with Obama endorsements from both senators, John Kerry and Ted Kennedy.

And what about Minnesota?

Edwards’ event Tuesday was held at the Carpenters’ Union Hall in St. Paul, with an estimated attendance of 1,200.  Obama’s event Saturday is being held at the Target Center — yes, the one where the Timberwolves play.  Attendance estimates?  Good luck.  Obama’s campaign has been pounding the pavement hard in Minnesota for several weeks, and it remains to be seen where Edwards’ strong support in the labor wing of the DFL goes next week on Super Tuesday.

CD3 Forum Tonight

DFL candidates Terri Bonoff, Jim Hovland and Ashwin Madia meet tonight for their final debate appearance before precinct caucuses in a forum sponsored by the Minneapolis Central Labor Union Council.  Although there’s plenty of game left to be played, the debate promises at least a few fireworks as the candidates seek to encourage wide support at caucuses. Caucuses lead to Senate district conventions, which lead to the CD3 DFL convention, which is the end of the road for two of these candidates.  Tonight’s forum should be focused on bread-and-butter economic issues, which should provide interesting dynamics among the former Republican-turned-progressive Democrat Hovland and Bonoff, with his business background, and Madia, who’s been a strong stump presence.

The form will be held at the Plymouth Creek Center, 14800 34th St., in Plymouth.  Doors will open at 6 p.m., and I’ll be there to cover the proceedings.