2012 Presidential Campaign Blog

Governor Romney Comments On Senator Kennedy's Passing

Governor Romney Comments on Senator Kennedy's Passing

Former Governor Mitt Romney today issued the following statement on Senator Kennedy:

"The loss of Senator Ted Kennedy is a sad event for America, and especially for Massachusetts. The last son of Rose Fitzgerald and Joseph Kennedy was granted a much longer life than his brothers, and he filled those years with endeavor and achievement that would have made them proud.
 
In 1994, I joined the long list of those who ran against Ted and came up short. But he was the kind of man you could like even if he was your adversary. I came to admire Ted enormously for his charm and sense of humor – qualities all the more impressive in a man who had known so much loss and sorrow. I will always remember his great personal kindness, and the fighting spirit he brought to every cause he served and every challenge he faced.   I was proud to know Ted Kennedy as a friend, and today my family and I mourn the passing of this big-hearted, unforgettable man."

Statement from Democratic Party Chairman Tim Kaine on the Passing of Senator Kennedy

Statement from Democratic Party Chairman Tim Kaine on the Passing of Senator Kennedy

Washington – DNC Chairman Tim Kaine released the following statement on the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy.  The Democratic Party will pay tribute to Senator Kennedy at its fall meeting in Austin, Texas next month.

Today we mourn the loss of one the greatest and most consequential political figures in American history with the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy.

Senator Kennedy was adored by millions of Americans and was respected by colleagues on both sides of the aisle for his energy, his passion, his humor, his compassion, his friendship and above all his commitment to serve his country in pursuit of a more common good for every American.

It is not an exaggeration to say that Senator Kennedy devoted his entire adult life - in the great tradition of the Kennedy family - to public service.  And, in his forty-six years in the Senate, Senator Kennedy's primary focus - and the legacy he will be most remembered for - will be his work to improve the plight of ordinary Americans, to empower the powerless and to end the scourge of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability and economic background that was all too prevalent in an earlier time.

For his efforts to ensure civil and voting rights for minorities to equal rights for women, Senator Kennedy was a champion.  For providing health care to millions of our nation's children to fighting for the cause and rights of workers and organized labor, Senator Kennedy was a hero.  For working to improve education and educational opportunities for children and college students to fighting for the security and dignity of older Americans, Senator Kennedy was an icon.  And, for his career-long pursuit of quality, affordable health care for every American, a cause he was devoted to until the very end, Senator Kennedy was an inspiration to millions of Americans who are fighting today for that just cause.

In the Senate, he was called the Lion.  To the Democratic Party whose values and ideals were embodied in and shaped by this great man, he was a giant.  To the American people, he will be remembered as one of the greatest and most accomplished legislators in American history.  And to his family he will be remembered as a father, a husband, an uncle, a brother, a grandfather and a friend.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Kennedy family as we mourn the loss  and celebrate the extraordinary life of Senator Edward Moore Kennedy.

RNC Statement On The Passing Of Senator Ted Kennedy

RNC STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF SENATOR TED KENNEDY

WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today:

“I am saddened to hear of the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy.  My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Vicki and the entire Kennedy family.  For close to five decades, Senator Ted Kennedy followed in his family’s long tradition and served his country with great distinction.  His legacy should serve as an inspiration to anyone interested in public service.”

Remarks By President Barack Obama On The Passing Of Senator Edward M. Kennedy

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT ON THE PASSING OF SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY

Blue Heron Farm
Chilmark, Massachusetts

9:57 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  I wanted to say a few words this morning about the passing of an extraordinary leader, Senator Edward Kennedy.

Over the past several years, I've had the honor to call Teddy a colleague, a counselor, and a friend.  And even though we have known this day was coming for some time now, we awaited it with no small amount of dread.

Since Teddy's diagnosis last year, we've seen the courage with which he battled his illness.  And while these months have no doubt been difficult for him, they've also let him hear from people in every corner of our nation and from around the world just how much he meant to all of us.  His fight has given us the opportunity we were denied when his brothers John and Robert were taken from us:  the blessing of time to say thank you -- and goodbye.

The outpouring of love, gratitude, and fond memories to which we've all borne witness is a testament to the way this singular figure in American history touched so many lives.  His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives -- in seniors who know new dignity, in families that know new opportunity, in children who know education's promise, and in all who can pursue their dream in an America that is more equal and more just -- including myself.

The Kennedy name is synonymous with the Democratic Party.  And at times, Ted was the target of partisan campaign attacks.  But in the United States Senate, I can think of no one who engendered greater respect or affection from members of both sides of the aisle.  His seriousness of purpose was perpetually matched by humility, warmth, and good cheer.  He could passionately battle others and do so peerlessly on the Senate floor for the causes that he held dear, and yet still maintain warm friendships across party lines.

And that's one reason he became not only one of the greatest senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy.

His extraordinary life on this earth has come to an end.  And the extraordinary good that he did lives on.  For his family, he was a guardian.  For America, he was the defender of a dream.

I spoke earlier this morning to Senator Kennedy's beloved wife, Vicki, who was to the end such a wonderful source of encouragement and strength.  Our thoughts and prayers are with her, his children Kara, Edward, and Patrick; his stepchildren Curran and Caroline; the entire Kennedy family; decades' worth of his staff; the people of Massachusetts; and all Americans who, like us, loved Ted Kennedy.

END 10:00 A.M. EDT

Republican Party of Minnesota Announces Minneapolis Convention Center Will Host 2010 State Convention

Republican Party of Minnesota Announces Minneapolis Convention Center Will Host 2010 State Convention
 
St. Paul - Following a meeting of the Republican Party of Minnesota's State Executive Committee, Chairman Tony Sutton today announced that the Party's 2010 State Convention will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center from April 29 - May 1, 2010.

"I'm excited to announce that the Minneapolis Convention Center will host the 2010 Republican Party of Minnesota State Convention. With Republicans from around the state energized like never before, 2010 will be a great year. Next year's State Convention is just the beginning."

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty To Keynote Republican Party Of Florida Statesman's Dinner

Tim Pawlenty to Keynote Statesman's Dinner

The Republican Party of Florida is pleased to announce Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-Minnesota) as the keynote speaker for the RPOFs Statesmans Dinner, August 22, 2009, at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando, Florida.

I am honored to announce that Governor Pawlenty will join Florida Republicans for our Statesmans Dinner, said RPOF Chairman Jim Greer. Given the number of critical races facing our state in the 2010 election, and the significant issues facing Republican values on the national level, I cannot think of a Republican Statesmen more appropriate to join Florida Republicans for this exciting celebration of our great Party.

RNC Announces 2012 Site Selection Committee Members

RNC ANNOUNCES MEMBERSHIP OF RNC SITE SELECTION COMMITTEE

WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele today announced the elected membership of the RNC Site Selection Committee, in addition to his appointment of Holly Hughes, National Committeewoman from Michigan, to serve as the Chairman of the Committee and of Bruce Hough, National Committeeman from Utah, to serve as the Co-Chairman of the Committee .  The Site Selection Committee will evaluate potential cities to host the 2012 Republican National Convention.  After soliciting and reviewing bids from interested cities, the Site Selection Committee will forward its recommendation to the full RNC to vote on the official site of the 2012 Convention.  The Site Selection Committee is made up of two elected RNC members from each region, as well as one elected alternate per region.

RNC Site Selection Committee Members

Holly Hughes, Michigan National Committeewoman (Committee Chairman)

Midwestern Region:

Kevin DeWine, Ohio Republican Party Chairman
Mary Buestrin, Wisconsin National Committeewoman
Alternate: Helen Van Etten, Kansas National Committeewoman
 
Northeastern Region:

John Frey, Connecticut National Committeeman
Virginia “Ginny” Haines, New Jersey National Committeewoman
Alternate: Betsy Werronen, District of Columbia National Committeewoman

Southern Region:

Alec Poitevint, Georgia National Committeeman
Cindy Costa, South Carolina National Committeewoman
Alternate: Ruth Ulrich, Louisiana National Committeewoman

Western Region:

Bruce Hough, Utah National Committeeman (Committee Co-Chairman)  
Lilly Nuñez, Colorado National Committeewoman
Alternate: Randy Ruedrich, Alaska Republican Party Chairman

United States Mint Launches Third Lincoln Bicentennial One-Cent Coin at Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois

United States Mint Launches Third Lincoln Bicentennial One-Cent Coin at Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The United States Mint launched the third 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial One-Cent Coin today on the grounds of Springfield's historic Old State Capitol.  The new coin, placed into circulation today, bears a reverse (tails side) design that honors Abraham Lincoln's professional life in Illinois. 

"The professional life design-Lincoln speaking in front of the Old State Capitol-sums up his Illinois experience," said United States Mint Director Ed Moy.  "Illinois is where Lincoln evolved into a successful lawyer and politician.  His service in the state legislature and Congress, and his debates with Stephen Douglas, paved the way to his election as President."

United States Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), the Illinois Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission and Springfield Mayor Tim Davlin joined in the ceremonial launch of the Lincoln professional life one-cent coin.  To commemorate the event, children ages 18 and younger received a newly minted one-cent coin bearing the new design, while adults in the crowd exchanged their currency for a minimum of two rolls and up to six rolls of coins bearing the new design. 

The coins, packaged in two-roll sets, also became available at noon Eastern Time today on the United States Mint Web site, www.usmint.gov, and at the toll-free number 1-800 USA-MINT (872-6468).  The set contains one roll of 50 coins from the United States Mint at Philadelphia with no mint mark and one roll of 50 coins from the United States Mint at Denver bearing the "D" mint mark.  There is an order limit of five sets per household. 

The "professional life" design is the third of four new designs appearing on the reverse of the one-cent coin this year.  The coin's reverse-designed by United States Mint Artist Infusion Program Master Designer Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart-includes the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM and ONE CENT.  The coin's obverse will continue to feature sculptor Victor David Brenner's familiar likeness of President Lincoln, which debuted in 1909.  Inscriptions on the obverse are IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY and 2009.

The United States Mint also will issue numismatic versions of the four redesigned one-cent coins with the same metallic content as the 1909 coin (95 percent copper, five percent tin and zinc).  These coins will be minted in proof and uncirculated condition, and will be included in the United States Mint's annual sets and other product offerings.  The fourth coin in the series, to be released in November, will feature a design emblematic of Lincoln's presidency in Washington, D.C.

Created by Congress in 1792, the United States Mint is the Nation's sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage.  Its primary mission is to produce an adequate volume of circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce.  The United States Mint also produces proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and gold, silver and platinum bullion coins.

Free lesson plans about the 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial One-Cent Coin Program are available online at  http://www.usmint.gov/kids/teachers/lessonPlans/.