Rep. Paul Davis, D-Lawrence, gives a pep talk to volunteers before they head out to knock on doors in support of Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., Saturday at the campaign's Lawrence headquarters in the Hillcrest Shopping Center, 925 Iowa.

Enthusiastic volunteers for presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., spread out Saturday across Lawrence to plead their case to voters.

About 20 volunteers, including several Kansas University students, braved the freezing temperatures to walk door-to-door, handing out literature to convince Lawrencians to support Obama during the Feb. 5 Democratic caucus. It was part of a statewide canvass, with volunteers trying to boost support in towns and cities including Wichita and Hays.

State Rep. Paul Davis, D-Lawrence, joined the volunteers in spreading Obama’s message of “unity, optimism and hope.”

Davis said he is weary of partisan politics in Washington and believes that Obama is the candidate who can unite the country.

“I’m really tired of hearing about the politics of fear,” Davis said. “It’s been peddled by conservatives for a few election cycles now. I think people are getting tired of it. Scaring people has really not led to the government addressing the problem. They’re ready for something new and different.”

Obama’s supporters gathered at campaign headquarters, 925 Iowa, where there are signs declaring “Let’s change the world” and “The fierce urgency of now.” They fanned out in pairs with the goal of engaging 50 households each by either leaving informational pamphlets or telling residents about Obama’s candidacy.

While Obama’s campaign has been bolstered by the support of young voters and ardent Democrats, organizers say it sought to engage Independents and Republicans who might decide to switch their political affiliation for the Democratic caucus.

Lawrence resident Earl Jameson accepted a pamphlet from Davis and supporter Daniela Kelley. Though he called himself a conservative, he said he appreciated what Obama’s campaign sought to accomplish.

“Maybe more candidates should do something like that,” he said.

Obama’s supporters later gathered at Abe & Jake’s Landing, 8 E. Sixth St., Saturday afternoon to watch the returns from the Nevada Democratic caucus. Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., split the winnings there: She captured the popular vote, but Obama edged her out for national convention delegates at stake, taking 13 to her 12.