Barack Obama prays during a service at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. The Illiniois senator has won support from dozens of New Hampshire movers and shakers. (AP Photo)

Barack Obama (D) Senator, Illinois Born: 08/04/1961 Birthplace: Honolulu, HI Home: Chicago, IL Religion: United Church of Christ >> Website >> Forum >> Related Stories Coming Events

MANCHESTER — More than 60 grass-roots activists from around the state announced this week that they've joined Democratic Illinois Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign, which he is calling a "movement for change." Thirteen of those activists are from the Seacoast.

They are as follows: Dennis Abbott, Newmarket — state representative; Burt Cohen, Portsmouth — University of New Hampshire professor and activist; Eileen Flockhart, Exeter — state representative; Francine Hall, Exeter — activist and professor emeritus at UNH business school; Frank Heffron, Exeter — activist; John Henson, Exeter — state representative; Walter Hoerman, Rochester — town chairman and former mayor; Sarah Hutz, Dover — state representative; Patty McKenzie, Hampton — activist; Karen Prior, Exeter — activist; Bob Prior, Exeter — activist; Ned Raynolds, Portsmouth — city councilor; and Mike Schwartz, Rye — town chairman.

Henson said he finalized his decision to support Barack after seeing him speak at a house party in Exeter.

"I came away absolutely convinced that he can bring about the change we need," Henson said. "He has the vision, he has the judgment, and he has the guts to take on the status quo."