2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Gov. Tom and Christie Vilsack Throw Support Behind Clinton

Gov. Tom and Christie Vilsack Throw Support Behind Clinton
Highlight the Senator’s Experience, Strength, and Leadership

Des Moines, IA – At the Greenwood Elementary School in Des Moines, former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack and First Lady Christie Vilsack threw their support behind Senator Hillary Clinton today.

“At this critical time, Hillary Clinton has the experience, strength and vision our country needs to get us back on track and moving in the right direction,” said Governor Vilsack.  “There is no candidate who will create a stronger and better America than Hillary Clinton.” 

“Hillary shares our commitment to health care, education and ending the war in Iraq,” added Christie Vilsack.  “She has a sensible and realistic plan of action for America and the know-how to get things done in Washington.”

Governor Vilsack has been named a co-chair of Hillary’s national campaign and Christie Vilsack has been named a co-chair of her Iowa campaign. The Vilsacks will join Hillary as she reaches out to rural Iowans during a tour of the four corners of the Hawkeye state next week.

“I am so deeply honored to have earned the support of one of America’s finest Governors and First Ladies,” said Senator Clinton.  “The Vilsack administration truly lifted Iowa – improving the quality of education in the state, expanding health care to thousands of children and becoming a national leader in the push for energy independence.”

Vilsack served two terms as Iowa governor and was first elected in 1998.  He honored a self-imposed term-limit pledge and did not seek reelection in 2006.  His leadership led to the creation of 30,000 new jobs, expansion of insurance coverage to more than 90,000 Iowa children and made Iowa a leader in renewable energy.
Highlight the Senator’s Experience, Strength, and Leadership

Des Moines, IA – At the Greenwood Elementary School in Des Moines, former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack and First Lady Christie Vilsack threw their support behind Senator Hillary Clinton today.

“At this critical time, Hillary Clinton has the experience, strength and vision our country needs to get us back on track and moving in the right direction,” said Governor Vilsack.  “There is no candidate who will create a stronger and better America than Hillary Clinton.” 

“Hillary shares our commitment to health care, education and ending the war in Iraq,” added Christie Vilsack.  “She has a sensible and realistic plan of action for America and the know-how to get things done in Washington.”

Governor Vilsack has been named a co-chair of Hillary’s national campaign and Christie Vilsack has been named a co-chair of her Iowa campaign. The Vilsacks will join Hillary as she reaches out to rural Iowans during a tour of the four corners of the Hawkeye state next week.

“I am so deeply honored to have earned the support of one of America’s finest Governors and First Ladies,” said Senator Clinton.  “The Vilsack administration truly lifted Iowa – improving the quality of education in the state, expanding health care to thousands of children and becoming a national leader in the push for energy independence.”

Vilsack served two terms as Iowa governor and was first elected in 1998.  He honored a self-imposed term-limit pledge and did not seek reelection in 2006.  His leadership led to the creation of 30,000 new jobs, expansion of insurance coverage to more than 90,000 Iowa children and made Iowa a leader in renewable energy.

"Why Hillary Is My Choice" Tom Vilsack e-Mail

I'm not someone to play coy about my intentions. When I make a decision, I go all in and follow through. Hillary Clinton has the same determination, and it is something I have always admired.

When I first ran for governor of Iowa in 1998, many people didn't give me much of a chance. But not Hillary. She told me she'd do everything she could do to help, and she followed through. She stood by my side, and Iowa is better for it. She helped ignite the spark that changed Iowa from a red state to a blue state.

By standing with Hillary now we'll help show that we are strong enough to win back the White House -- and America will be stronger and better for it...

Christie and I plan on spending the next 10 months helping Hillary win the Iowa caucuses and the other states necessary to win the Democratic nomination -- and after that, the White House in 2008.

I am proud to do it because of all the candidates running, she has the best ideas, the most energy, and the values and vision to lead our country in the right direction after eight long years of George W. Bush.

She's going to put an end to the war in Iraq. She's going to make sure every American has access to affordable health care. She's going to make us energy secure. And I know she'll put children and families first -- she has fought for them for decades...

I just returned from my first real vacation in nine years, and I am ready to get back to work -- because we don't have time to wait.

This country wants real change.

That's why I announced I'm endorsing Hillary today, and that's why Christie and I are going to travel around our state and the country, introducing Hillary to our friends and talking to everyone we meet about why Hillary is the right choice for Iowa and America.

We're going to give this campaign everything we've got...

I'm excited about joining this campaign. Thanks for your support.

Sincerely,
Tom Vilsack

Iowa Democratic Party Statements On Tom Vilsack's Withdrawal

Statement from IDP Chair Scott Brennan on the Announcement on Former Governor Vilsack Dropping Out of Presidential Race

DES MOINES – Iowa Democratic Party Chair Scott Brennan issued the following statement in response to former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack dropping out of the presidential race:

“I want to commend former Governor Vilsack for entering the presidential race. He showed to the country what this state has known all along that he is a great leader and a role model for all Americans. He demonstrated on the national stage the values that all Iowans are proud of. We thank him for his service to our state as State Senator and Governor, and we will continue to seek his counsel as an Iowa and national leader.”

Statement of Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) On Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack

“Today, I learned with great disappointment that my friend Tom Vilsack has decided to end his candidacy for President of the United States.  There’s no question in my mind that Tom is a great leader, something he’s proven as Iowa’s two-term governor and as a successful state legislator and mayor.

“The highest accolade I can give, though, is simply that Tom is a good and decent person.  He is a model husband and father, and a loyal friend.  And he has a genuine passion for fairness and social justice.  It’s a message I’ve heard again and again from voters across the country.

“With Tom’s strength and character, he would have made an exceptional President. That’s why when I spoke with him today, I urged him to continue his leadership for Iowa and the nation.  This is certainly not the last we’ve seen of Tom Vilsack.”

GOVERNOR CULVER ON GOVERNOR TOM VILSACK WITHDRAWING FROM PRESIDENTIAL RACE

WASHINGTON D.C. — “I consider Governor Tom Vilsack a good friend and a great public servant. It’s a loss for Iowa and the country that he is no longer in the race for president. However, I am certain he will continue to provide a strong voice for issues like energy security and offer bold ideas on how to bring an end to the war in Iraq. Tom provided outstanding leadership in this state as Governor and offered a clear vision for the direction of our country as a presidential candidate.  He ran a positive, issues-based campaign, and he should be commended for his efforts.  Mari and I wish Tom and Christie all the best in their future endeavors.”

Tom Vilsack Withdraws As Presidential Candidate

VILSACK WITHDRAWS AS PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
Will Continue Fight to Defund Iraq War, Achieve Energy Security

Organization & Message Trumped by Money

DES MOINES, IA -- Former DGA Chair and Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack today announced that he is ending his presidential campaign, citing money -- the so-called "invisible primary" -- as the only reason for getting out of the race.

According to Vilsack:

"I am a very luck guy, blessed in love, family, friends, job, and by this campaign.

"I have the boldest plan to get us out of Iraq and a long-term policy for energy security to keep us out of future oil wars. Our campaign has built the strongest organization here in Iowa, with almost 3,000 supporters among Democratic caucus goers. We are organizationally positioned to win the caucuses in January 2008. We have everything to win the nomination and general election.

"Everything except money."

Media-expensive states that have moved, or are considering moving their primaries or caucuses to early February 2008 include: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, New Mexico, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Utah.

Vilsack, a native of Pittsburgh and successful two-term governor of Iowa, vowed to continue fighting for bold changes in America's international and domestic policies:

"I am leaving one campaign, but I am not saying goodbye. I will continue to fight for the outsiders and underdogs who are the backbone of the Democratic Party and our country. And I will continue to fight to end the war, achieve energy security and get our country back on track. So stay tuned. The best is yet to come."

Vilsack, who said that he will not be endorsing any presidential candidate at this time, urged his fellow Democrats to keep the presidential campaign positive and to spend time campaigning in small communities and living rooms across America.

"Retail political events in coffee shops, living rooms and small towns are sometimes dismissed by insiders as relics of the past, but they are wrong. It's critically important to our party and our country that our candidates spend the time and energy visiting the small towns and communities that make America great. And let us focus on the dreams that unite us rather than be distracted by the differences of opinion that sometimes separate us."

As a presidential candidate, Vilsack was the first to announce his candidacy, the first to oppose the Bush-McCain Doctrine of escalating the war in Iraq and the first to demand that Congress use its spending power under the Constitution to bring U.S. fighting to an end in Iraq.

Today, Chris Cillizza of The Washington Post wrote:

"As for the ideas primary, Vilsack continues to issue the most detailed policy proposals of anyone in the Democratic field; the latest example was a comprehensive energy plan. ... [W]e're intrigued by the kind of campaign he is running."

Last week, the San Francisco Chronicle called Vilsack's energy-security plan "the most wide-ranging and detailed energy policy of any of almost two dozen 2008 presidential hopefuls, Democratic or Republican."

Also last week, the Washington Post reported that Tom "has the most gripping personal story -- he was orphaned and grew up in an abusive family -- of any Democratic candidate."

Tom Vilsack was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1950. He never knew his birth parents. Shortly after his birth, he was handed over to nuns in a Catholic orphanage in Pittsburgh, where he stayed until he was adopted. Vilsack was raised in a loving but troubled home. His parents, who successfully triumphed over their problems, have served as a lifelong inspiration.

Vilsack married his college sweetheart, the former Christie Bell, and moved to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa - Christie's hometown -- in the 1975. In the past 19 years, Vilsack served successfully as mayor, state senator and governor.

Tom Vilsack Unveils New Interactive Website

Vilsack Unveils New Interactive Website

Will Encourage Online Dialogue on Iraq War, Energy Security & Other Issues

DES MOINES, IA -- Today, at 4:00PM CST, the Tom Vilsack for President Campaign unveiled a re-designed website at www.TomVilsack08.com. The new interactive website features tools allowing Vilsack supporters and other members of the online community to participate in two-way conversations with Vilsack and the campaign regarding his plans to defund the war in Iraq, end America's dependence on foreign oil and create change in America.

"Our campaign is committed to engaging voters across America show share our vision for ending our dependence on foreign oil and getting our troops out of harm's way in Iraq immediately," said Vilsack. "We'll use our website and cutting edge technology to minimize the barriers of time and space to give our supporters unprecedented access to our campaign."

The website will empower the millions of Americans opposed to the Iraq war by providing a platform of tools to make their voices heard. The first dialogue on the website will encourage Americans to join a discussion of the bold energy-security goals Vilsack articulated in a major policy address yesterday to the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco, California. Vilsack said: "We aren't just looking for support. We're looking for active participation. Our website is now equipped with the technology to give Americans the opportunity to share their ideas about how we achieve the ambitious energy security goals I've laid out."

The new website, www.TomVilsack08.com, includes improved vehicles for interacting with the campaign and other supporters:

A campaign blog with postings from Tom and Christie Vilsack, campaign staff and other supporters.
Tools to allow supporters to build the Vilsack campaign in their local communities by hosting 'Main Street Meetings.'

State-specific hubs, acting as virtual field offices, for online organizing in the early primary states.
The new-look for www.TomVilsack08.com continues the Vilsack campaign's record of innovating on the Internet. Vilsack was the first presidential candidate to engage supporters through social networking, the first to feature a campaign video blog and the first presidential candidate ever to announce on the Internet, a tactic that has been followed by many other Democratic candidates for President.

Tom Vilsack was the first Democratic candidate for President to announce his candidacy, the first to repudiate the Bush-McCain Doctrine of increasing troop levels in Iraq, and the first to demand that Congress stop funding the war in Iraq. Tom Vilsack is a Washington outsider with a proven track record of expanding access to healthcare and early education, as well as making Iowa a national leader in renewable fuel production.

Tom Vilsack Unveils List of More than 1,100 Iowa Caucusgoers

Vilsack Unveils List of more than 1,100 Committed Iowa Caucusgoers
Strong Early Support Reflects Superior Ground Organization

DES MOINES, IA -- Today, Democratic candidate for President Tom Vilsack hosted a conference call with reporters to highlight the unprecedented early strength of his field operation in Iowa. To demonstrate that early strength, Vilsack released a list of 1,159 Iowans who have publicly agreed to caucus for Vilsack. In addition, Vilsack told reporters today that his campaign has already opened seven offices across Iowa to recruit volunteers and build on his strong organization.

"Our campaign is making the kind of early investment of time and resources to secure more early support than any presidential candidate in either party," said Vilsack. "We'll use this organization to talk to Iowa voters about our plan to bring change to America, make us independent of Mideast oil and get our troops out of harm's way in Iraq."

Earlier this week, the Vilsack campaign announced that National Field Director Travis Brock has re-located to New Hampshire to build a similarly strong ground operation in the first-in-the-nation primary state. Last week, Vilsack was the first Presidential candidate to call on Congress to act on their constitutional and moral responsibility to get our troops out of harm's way in Iraq.

Jerry Crawford, former chair of the Polk County Democrats and Iowa State Chair of the John Kerry Campaign in 2004, said the Vilsack campaign was building the kind of grassroots support that's critical to winning the Iowa caucuses: "Tom's organizational advantage in Iowa will enable him to win the Iowa caucuses over rock star candidates with more money to spend," said Crawford. "The Vilsack campaign's early strength is evidence that Iowa Democrats are beginning to view Tom as the strongest general election candidate in the Democratic field."

Gordon Fischer, former Chairman of the Iowa Democratic Party, said Vilsack's courage to create change in America and commitment to getting American troops out of harm's way in Iraq is resonating with Iowa voters. "Iowans recognize that as an outsider, Tom is the Presidential candidate best prepared to move our country forward," said Fischer. "His strong call for an immediate end to the war in Iraq is winning him the support of voters all across Iowa."

Vilsack was the first Democratic candidate for President to announce his candidacy, the first to question the McCain Doctrine, and the first to urge Congress to stop funding the war in Iraq. Vilsack is a Washington outsider with a proven track record of expanding access to healthcare and early education, as well as making Iowa a national leader in renewable fuel production.

Listed below are the locations of Vilsack campaign offices across Iowa:

Des Moines/Polk County, Ames/Story County, Cedar Rapids/Linn County, Davenport/Scott County, Waterloo/Black Hawk County, Sioux City/Woodbury County, and Council Bluffs/Pottawattamie County.

Tom Vilsack's Speech to the DNC Winter Meeting

Excerpts of Tom Vilsack's Speech to the DNC Winter Meeting, As Prepared for Delivery, February 3, 2007

WASHINGTON, DC -- In his speech to the Democratic National Committee Winter Meeting, Democratic candidate for President Tom Vilsack (D-IA) called on the United States Congress to fulfill their constitutional responsibility to stop funding Bush's failed policy in Iraq and get American troops out of harm's way.

Vilsack also distinguished himself from the rest of the Democratic field of presidential contenders by highlighting his successful leadership on priorities where Washington has failed and his success in transforming his home state of Iowa from a red state to a blue state with a Democratic governor and a Democratic majority in both legislatures.

Vilsack's strong record of effective leadership and political success make him the strong general election candidate in the Democratic field.

Also, during their winter meeting today, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) passed a resolution that calls for quick de-escalation of the war in Iraq. The DNC adopted the language of Democratic candidate for President Tom Vilsack's resolution on the issue.

Vilsack's personal background and outsider status:

"Vilsack is the name of my adoptive parents. I've never known the name of my birth mother or father. I was born in Pittsburgh, but I don't really know much more than that. You see, a few moments after I was born, my birth mother handed me over to nuns in an orphanage. Other people might talk about 'No Child Left Behind,' but I was that child left behind."

Vilsack's successful record on priorities where Washington, DC has failed:

"Disclosing earmarks and passing toothless budget resolutions isn't real change; it's staying the course. Taking the tough steps needed to actually balance the budget is real change. That's what Bill Clinton did. And that's what we did in Iowa - for eight years in a row, including during the Bush recession. And I'm the only candidate who can say that."

"Paying lip service to the need for renewable fuels isn't real change. unless you're a lifelong apologist for the oil industry. Providing the incentives, leadership, and backbone to actually build production plants when most people say it can't be done. that's real change. But that's what we did in Iowa, and as a result, not only are we're number one in ethanol production, which may not seem like a surprise, but we're also number one in biodiesel production and number three in wind energy. And I'm the only candidate who has done that."

"Giving people tax deductions to purchase health insurance isn't real change; it's the status quo. Guaranteeing every American access to quality, affordable health care. and creating a system whose primary goal is the prevention of illness and disease. is real change. That's what we did in Iowa when we were one of only two states to reduce the number of uninsured. And that's what we'll do in America."

Vilsack's Call for Congress to End Funding for Bush Failure in Iraq:

"And let's be honest, capping the number of American troops in Iraq is not real change; it's staying the course. Removing them from harm's way, and insisting that Iraqis take responsibility for their own future, that's real change. And that's what I will do as President."

"But we don't have time to wait. And there is no excuse for political calculation by this President - or by this Congress. American troops are dying at the rate of 1,000 a year."

"The military leadership, the Iraq Study Group, the American people: all of them have said the status quo is wrong. This President refuses to listen. So the question is: what will Congress do?"

"Congress has the constitutional responsibility and a moral duty to cut off funding for the status quo. Not a cap -- an end. Not eventually -- immediately."

"And when this Administration falsely claims - and we know they will - that cutting funding will hurt the troops, our answer is simple: President Bush, you will bear sole responsibility. Congress, hearing the will of the American people, is telling you to change course in Iraq and bring the troops home. Mr. President, our troops will only be in danger if you refuse to act."

Record of changing Iowa from "red to blue":

"You know, people talk a lot about red states and blue states. But what really matters is how we change red states to blue states. When I was elected in 1998, I became the first Democratic Governor of Iowa in 30 years. In 2002, I became the first Democratic Governor to be reelected in 38 years, and in 2006, we won the Iowa House, Senate, and Governorship for the first time in 42 years."

"I know how to change red to blue. I've done it, and I'm the only candidate who can say that. It all comes back to the courage to create change.. We turned Iowa from red to blue because we had courage -- the courage to create change.

Vilsack Statement on Senator Kerry's Decision Not To Seek Democratic Nomination

Vilsack Statement on Senator Kerry's Decision Not To Seek Democratic Nomination

DES MOINES - Democratic candidate for president Tom Vilsack today, on the news that Senator John Kerry had decided not to seek his party's presidential nomination, praised the Massachusetts senator's service to the Democratic Party and the United States:

"Christie and I send our warmest regards to John and Teresa," said Vilsack. "Senator Kerry has served our nation as a decorated war hero, a distinguished leader in the US Senate and the Democratic nominee for President in 2004. I am grateful for Senator Kerry's leadership and service both to our party and our nation. I look forward to continuing to work with Senator Kerry to change our nation's course in Iraq and fight for the priorities of working Americans."

Then-Iowa Governor Vilsack was on the short list of final prospects that Kerry considered to be his running mate in 2004.

Vilsack Campaign Welcomes Barack Obama Into The Race

STATEMENT ON OBAMA ANNOUNCEMENT

DES MOINES, IA -- Below is a statement by Vilsack for President campaign manager Craig Varoga regarding Senator Barack Obama’s candidacy for President:

“We welcome Barack Obama and all the other candidates into the race. Voters across our country are going to hear a real debate about how to put the Bush years behind us and get America moving in the right direction. We’re glad that other candidates are joining the race. We look forward to a real debate about the issues as the other candidates begin to speak out

Tom Vilsack Steps Down From The DLC To Run For President

Vilsack Stepping Down from DLC to Run for President
Democratic Presidential Candidate Follows Path of Former DLC Chair Bill Clinton

DES MOINES, IA – Democratic presidential candidate Tom Vilsack, following the precedent established by former DLC Chair Bill Clinton, announced today he is resigning his post at the Democratic Leadership Council to focus on his campaign for President. Published reports this morning indicate that former Tennessee Congressman Harold Ford, Jr. is preparing to succeed Vilsack at the DLC.

According to outgoing DLC Chair Vilsack:

“I’m resigning from the DLC because I am running for President. As a candidate for President, I am responsible for articulating my views about the future of our country and the importance of having the courage to create change in America.

For the last 18 months, I have genuinely enjoyed traveling across America as the DLC chair, and talking about our party’s commitment to fighting for freedom and liberty for every American family. The DLC has played and will continue to play an important role in ensuring our party remains open to the perspective of every American who shares our values.

Harold Ford has earned his reputation as a persuasive advocate for the Democratic Party and will do a great job as Chairman of the DLC.”