Historic Dates

President Barack Obama will begin his campaign (officially) today which just happens to be Karl Marx's birthday.

Presidents seeking re-election take both "official trips" and "political trips," the first financed by taxpayers and the second by campaign contributors. While Republicans have accused Obama of playing politics at some official events, today there will be no doubt.

The Obama Campaign is billing the "Ready To Go Rally" at the Ohio State University in Columbus as "the first campaign rally" for the president. Obama, who will be accompanied by first lady Michelle Obama, is scheduled to speak around 1:25 p.m.

The president's second campaign rally takes place later today at Virginia Community University in Richmond.

It is interesting that the beginning of Obama’s re-election campaign is on the birth date of 

Karl Marx.

Who is or was Karl Marx?

Karl Marx was born May 5, 1818 in Trier, Germany. In 1848 he published (with Friedrich Engels) The Communist Manifesto, the most celebrated pamphlet in the history of the socialist movement. He also was the author of the movement's most important book, Das Kapital. These writings and others by Marx and Engels form the basis of the body of thought and belief known as Marxism.

Some say there is a close resemblance. Since this is still a free country, each individual still has the freedom to think as they choose. 

Santorum Bows Out Of Race

Rick Santorum bowed to the inevitable on Tuesday and ended his bid for the White House, virtually assuring that Mitt Romney will be the Republican candidate in November.

The decision to "suspend" his campaign came after a weekend in which the former Pennsylvania senator had taken time off from the campaign trail to celebrate Easter and the 21st birthday of his eldest daughter, Elizabeth.

But another Santorum girl, his youngest, Bella, who suffers from a rare, life-threatening genetic condition, was again taken ill while he was with his family. It was the second time this year that the 3-year-old had been hospitalized.

Santorum began his announcement, at what had been planned as a campaign speech in Gettysburg, Pa., by saying, "First and foremost, I want to thank everybody for the outpouring of prayers."

He called this past weekend, in which his daughter, Bella, was hospitalized  "a passion play."  Bella has now returned home, Santorum said. "She is a fighter and is doing exceptionally well and is back with us."

However, Santorum said, his daughter's recent illness "did cause us to pause and to think."

"We made a decision at our kitchen table to get into this race, against all odds, and we made a decision at our kitchen table this past weekend to suspend this campaign," Santorum told his supporters in Gettysburg.

He said his campaign "painted a hopeful positive vision for this country, how we can get this country turned around ... We tried to address the hopes and fears of Americans, especially the hopes and dreams" of Americans.

He repeatedly thanked his supporters. "I want to thank God and thank all of you across this country for giving us a voice, a voice for the voiceless."

Santorum had earlier called Romney to concede, Yahoo News reported.

Romney immediately released a statement:

“Sen. Santorum is an able and worthy competitor, and I congratulate him on the campaign he ran. He has proven himself to be an important voice in our party and in the nation. We both recognize that what is most important is putting the failures of the last three years behind us and setting America back on the path to prosperity.”

Santorum was a surprise as the last man standing in the bid to prevent Romney gaining the nomination. He had seen the campaigns of Rick Perry, Michele Bachmann and Herman Cain all fold after they had challenged the former Massachusetts governor in the polls.

With just former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Texas Rep. Ron Paul,  ­ who are both polling at 10 percent or less ­ left in the race, Romney now appears to have a clear run. He has already snapped up more than half the delegates needed to ensure his nomination at the Republican National Convention in Tampa in August.

“Rick has waged a remarkable campaign. His success is a testament to his tenacity and the power of conservative principles," Gingrich said in a statement. “I am committed to staying in this race all the way to Tampa so that the conservative movement has a real choice.

"I humbly ask Sen. Santorum’s supporters to visit Newt.org to review my conservative record and join us as we bring these values to Tampa. We know well that only a conservative can protect life, defend the Constitution, restore jobs and growth and return to a balanced budget."

Santorum's third rival, Ron Paul, also issued a statement on the former senator's decision: “Congratulations to Sen. Santorum on running such a spirited campaign. Dr. Paul is now the last – and real – conservative alternative to Mitt Romney. We plan to continue running hard, secure delegates, and press the fight for limited, constitutional government in Tampa.”

Santorum argued throughout that he was the only person with the conservative credentials to be able to go after President Barack Obama in the election.

He was particularly critical of Romney for signing a health care bill in Massachusetts which the administration says the president's Affordable Care Act was based on.

But as Romney streaked ahead in the polls, Santorum has found himself under increased pressure to pull out of the race, especially as his lead in his home state has been eroded by Romney and the prospect of being embarrassed by a defeat in Pennsylvania could have made his mind up for him.

Read more on Newsmax.com: Santorum Concedes, Suspends Campaign for White House
Important: Do You Support Pres. Obama's Re-Election? Vote Here Now!

Santorum's Prediction

According to reports found on the internet, Rick Santorum believes he would get the GOP presidential nomination if the race lasts until the GOP nominating convention.

It is Santorum’s contention that if the race is undecided by the GOP Party’s August convention in Tampa, the GOP will not nominate a moderate former Massachusetts governor who has decisively outspent his opponents but has been unable to knock them out of the race.

Supposedly, the primary contests are moving to states in which Romney will be less successful in wining delegates. At least that apparently is what Santorum is hoping.

One Last Opportunity To Register For March 20 Voting

For voters who may not have registered to vote in the Tuesday, March 20 Election –

State law allows a “Grace Period” for this registration, but Tuesday, March 13 is the last date to take advantage of this.

Those who are not registered to vote may register in-person during the normal office hours at the County Clerk’s office, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock, Room 107.

However, people who register to vote during this time must vote in the County Clerk’s Office at the time they register. Also, they will not be eligible to vote on March 20.

To be eligible to vote, a person must be a US citizen, 18 years old by Election Day, and a resident of the precinct for at least 30 days prior to Election Day. 

Two forms of ID are necessary both with their name and one with their current address.