Obama Takes 1st Step in Presidential Bid

[jefferson_dem]

Obama Takes 1st Step in Presidential Bid

Jan 16 10:10 AM US/Eastern

By NEDRA PICKLER
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Democratic Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois said Tuesday he is taking the first step in a presidential bid, filing paperwork that will allow the newcomer who has rocketed to the top of national politics to raise money for a White House campaign.

Obama announced his intentions to file a presidential exploratory committee on his Web site, http://www.barackobama.com .

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070116/ap_on_el_pr/obama2008

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VIDEO STATEMENT - http://www.barackobama.com/video/

TRANSCRIPT - http://www.barackobama.com/video/from_barack_transcript/