The Obama-Biden presidential campaign is setting up an "unprecedented" new "voter protection" program -- a standard feature of Democratic campaigns, but given the general enthusiasm for Barack Obama, and the specific enthusiasm among legal types, probably on a very large scale (http://www.barackoblogger.com/2008/08/lawyers-needed-for-obama-voter.htm...).

American voters may remember in 2004, those with legal expertise were critical to the voter protection effort. Lawyers and legal professionals made sure that registered voters made it on the rolls and were able to vote. They made sure that ballots were available and polls stayed open. And they helped reassure voters that they would not be intimidated.

Despite Democratic campaigns stepped-up efforts, problems persisted -- including deceptive flyers, unnecessary lines, inadequate ballot supplies, and problems with voting machines. In a year that will likely see unprecedented turnout, we can't afford to let our guard down. The stakes could not be higher. This historic presidential election has to be different.

That's why the Obama Voter Protection Program has already launched, earlier than ever before, and will be the most comprehensive voter protection program in our nation's history, with counsel in 50 states and a vote protection team on the ground now. Americans, voting is a fundamental right. Be live...Be there