After a fierce fight of two years to change the course of history, U. S. Senator Barack Obama has been elected the first African American president of the United States.
His win culminates an American history that expands from Black slavery to Jim Crow to a modern day civil rights movement still marked by institutional racism.
"America is in the process and has taken the first step of turning from darkness unto light, turning from war unto peace, turning from exploitation of the poor by the powerful to equal opportunity and economic justice," said civil rights icon the Rev. Joseph Lowery in an interview. "It's a great moment for America."
"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, if you're still wondering if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, if you still question the power of our Democracy, tonight is your answer," Obama began his victory speech before a screaming Chicago crowd of more than 250,000...

On an election night that saw ebullient, multiracial crowds shooting off fireworks and dancing together in the streets, liberal voters swept an array of conservative ballot measures and local candidates.
Across the board, nearly every Democratic candidate won – with only two exceptions.
In the city of Portland, Amanda Fritz won a seat on the city commission. Judy Shiprack edged out Mike Delman for Multnomah County Commission, but candidates Diane McKeel and Carla Piluso were within .25 of a percentage point as The Skanner went to press.
For U.S. senate, the race was close between incumbent Gordon Smith, a Republican, who at presstime was inching past Democrat Jeff Merkley by less than one percent of the votes, even though Merkley posted a two-to-one win of voters in the Democratic Party stronghold of Multnomah County....

"The early morning rain does not appear to be keeping anyone away," said Sherrill Huff, King County elections director Tuesday. "The poll workers are upbeat and happy about the energy in their polling places."
Problems were reported from scattered polling places, but officials say everyone was been able to vote successfully and that improvements in the process at King County Elections "ensure votes will be counted accurately."
Four main complaints were reported.
 First, tabulation machines at election headquarters were down for two hours in the morning, workers say, because a piece of hardware that connects the ballot counting equipment to the central server was not working properly. The problem was isolated and the hub removed, according to the elections bureau....

What's happening for you in Portland this week? Read here a day-by-day diary of free community events to fill your spare time. For a full calendar please click on "Read the complete article" below….

What's happening for you in Seattle this week? Read here a day-by-day diary of free community events to fill your spare time. For a full calendar please click on "Read the complete article" below….

City of Portland Park Ranger Supervisor Approx. Mo. Sal: $3,610 - $5,562 FFD:  4:30 pm,…

All over America crowds gathered together anticipating the result and celebrated when it came in.

In Portland and Seattle jubilant supporters celebrated Barack Obama being elected President.

Auto Link Fraud Case.....        Lawn Sign Recycling....         Literacy Tutor Training....       Computer Lab at Reflections.....     Homebuyer Education.....     DJ O.G. One Honored.....

Nick Fish Portland City Commissioner; Mitch Lambley of Home Street; Annie Diffenauer of Rose COC; Fernando Velez of DCBS

This year about 250 people attended the African American Homeownership Fair. It was the lowest turnout we have seen in the 10 years of the fair's existence – including the first year when more than 400 showed up. The low turnout is a sad indication of these financially insecure times....