2012 Presidential Campaign Blog

RNC Chairman Reince Priebus and Co-Chairman Sharon Day Message Commemorating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

RNC Chairman Reince Priebus and Co-Chairman Sharon Day Message Commemorating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
      
WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus and Co-Chairman Sharon Day released the following message commemorating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day:
 
“As we commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. today, we reflect on his monumental impact on America,” said RNC  Chairman Reince Priebus. “We celebrate his life, spirit and enduring legacy of a more just society where opportunity is equally afforded to all.”
 
“Dr. King’s vision transformed a nation and his work healed the wounds of the sinister injustices of racism and segregation. In 2012, when we look back to 1963, the year Dr. King delivered his famous speech from the Lincoln Memorial, we realize how far we’ve come. But we also recognize there is more work to be done.
 
“America is indeed a better place thanks to Dr. King, but the work of forming a ‘more perfect union’ is never finished. As Americans, we must continually fight against the prejudice, hate and injustice that is still present in our society.”
 
“As Republicans, we strongly believe that America must be a nation where, in the words of the Pledge of Allegiance, there truly is ‘liberty and justice for all,’” said RNC Co-Chairman Sharon Day. “On this day when we honor the memory of a great civil rights leader, let us recommit ourselves to the cause of freedom and the dream of a nation with true equality of opportunity.”

RNC Chairman Priebus Statement on New Hampshire

RNC Chairman Priebus Statement on New Hampshire

WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus released the following statement regarding tonight’s New Hampshire primary election:
 
“Tonight New Hampshire voters went to the polls to cast a ballot against four more years of Barack Obama. The energy and excitement for taking our country in a new direction is proof yet again that the electoral momentum is firmly on the Republican side for 2012.
 
“I want to congratulate Mitt Romney on his win tonight as well as all of our candidates for their efforts in New Hampshire and for their work to make Barack Obama a one-term president.
 
“New Hampshire is a true swing state, critical to Barack Obama’s path to 270 electoral votes. Current polling suggests, however, that the Granite State could likely be as a granite roadblock on Obama’s road to re-election. His approval rating is below 40 percent and even lower, at 35 percent, with youth voters and independents—two keys segments of Obama’s coalition. It’s no surprise, considering 47 percent of New Hampshire residents say their household is in worse financial shape than just a year ago.
 
“In yet another sign of Republican momentum, the GOP has completely eliminated what was a Democrat registration gap in New Hampshire. Today, Republicans are ahead by 8,500 registrations, giving us a critical advantage as we work to ensure this swing state goes red on Election Day.”

RNC Chairman Announces Appointment of Robert M. “Mike” Duncan as Chairman of Committee

RNC Chairman Announces Appointment of Robert M. “Mike” Duncan as Chairman of Committee
 
WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus announced the appointment of Robert M. “Mike” Duncan, former RNC Chairman and National Committeeman for Kentucky, as the Chairman of the Committee on Contests.  
 
“I want to recognize Chairman Mike Duncan as the new Chairman of the Committee on Contests,” said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus. “I also want to congratulate the rest of the Committee on Contests who were elected at our summer meeting this past August. I know Mike Duncan is the right man to lead this important committee as we seat our delegates to the 2012 Republican National Convention. He is a dedicated servant to our Party and his leadership on the important Committee on Contests is vital as we work to make Barack Obama a one term president.”
 
“I’m honored to chair the Committee on Contests,” said Mike Duncan, “because of the crucial role it plays ensuring the integrity of the delegate selection process.”
 
The Committee on Contests consists of eight members of the RNC, who were elected by the RNC members of their respective regions at the 2011 Summer Meeting in Tampa, FL, as well as a Committee Chairman appointed by the RNC Chairman. The role of the Committee on Contests is to adjudicate challenges to the seating of delegates at the Republican National Convention.
 
RNC Committee on Contests
 
Chairman of the Committee on Contests:

Mike Duncan, former RNC Chairman and National Committeeman for Kentucky
 
Midwest Regional Members:
 
David Cole, State Chairman for Missouri
Mark Fahleson, State Chairman for Nebraska
 
Northeast Regional Members:
 
Rob Gleason, State Chairman for Pennsylvania
Betsy Werronen, National Committeewoman for District of Columbia
 
Western Regional Members:
 
Linda Ackerman, National Committeewoman for California
Fredi Simpson, National Committeewoman for Washington
 
Southern Regional Members:
 
Jeanne Luckey, National Committeewoman for Mississippi
Doyle Webb, State Chairman for Arkansas

RNC Chairman Priebus Taps Rep. Paul Ryan As Presidential Trust Chairman

RNC Chairman Priebus Taps Rep. Paul Ryan As Presidential Trust Chairman

WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus today named U.S. Congressman and House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (WI-1) as Chairman of the RNC Presidential Trust: “I am delighted to announce the appointment of my good friend Paul Ryan to chair the RNC Presidential Trust,” said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus. “Paul is a visionary leader for our Party and it is fitting that he play a crucial role in the upcoming election where our nation’s future hangs in the balance. The Presidential Trust will be tasked with raising the resources needed to directly finance an aggressive ground game and act as partner to our nominee in 2012. Having Congressman Ryan on board to lead this effort is a big win for our Party and I look forward to working with him to make Barack Obama a one-term president.”

Congressman Ryan said he was honored to serve as an advocate for the RNC Presidential Trust as we work to elect a Republican to the White House in 2012. “Americans struggling under the Obama administration's failed economic policies cannot afford another four years of high unemployment, unchecked government spending and record deficits and debt,” said U.S. Congressman Paul Ryan. “Raising the resources necessary to get out the vote in 2012 will be the difference maker in determining what kind of future we will have – an expanding grade-to-grave social welfare state and the resulting loss of our liberties or a renewed prosperity and pro-growth leadership that will only come if we send a Republican to the White House.”

The RNC is the only party organization with the unique ability under federal law to make coordinated expenditures, working directly with and on behalf of our presidential nominee. In addition to coordinating with the nominee, only the RNC, in concert with state parties, can provide the man power to establish our nationwide Victory 2012 program that is essential to winning the battleground states for the presidential contest and to assisting all Republican candidates up and down the ticket.

RNC Chairman Reince Priebus Minnesota GOP Press Conference Photos @ReincePriebus #MWLC

RNC Announces Additional Communications Staff For The 2012 Election Cycle

RNC Announces Additional Communications Staff

WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee (RNC) today announced additional communications staff for the 2012 election cycle. Ryan Tronovitch will serve as Regional Press Secretary for the Western U.S., Ryan Mahoney will serve as Regional Press Secretary for the Eastern U.S., and Victoria Martinez will serve as Specialty Media Press Secretary.

They will join Tyler Brown who has assumed the role of Deputy Communications Director and Kirsten Kukowski who has formally assumed the role of Press Secretary. “We are fully prepared to reach out to the American people and new voters from all backgrounds to make our economic case against Barack Obama. With a communications team that possesses a wealth of experience, our message of more jobs and less debt will resonate with Americans of all stripes who are suffering in the Obama Economy.” – RNC Communications Director Sean Spicer.

Ryan Tronovitch, Regional Press Secretary Ryan Tronovitch joins the RNC from the office of Senator Rob Portman where he served as Deputy Communications Director. Previously, Tronovitch was the Midwest Regional Press Secretary for the RNC during the 2010 cycle. In 2008, Tronovitch served as North Carolina Communications Director for McCain/Palin. Tronovitch has also served in a variety of communications roles for Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX), Fmr. Rep. David Davis (R-TN), and Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN).

Ryan Mahoney, Regional Press Secretary Ryan Mahoney joins the RNC from the Maryland Republican Party (MDGOP), where he served in a dual role as Communications Director and Political Director.  In Maryland, Ryan helped rebuild the State Party, overseeing a comprehensive plan that resulted in a net gain of forty Republican seats across the state.  Before joining MDGOP, Ryan served as Field Director for the Republican Party of Wisconsin in 2009 and as Deputy Communications Director in 2008.

Victoria Martinez, Specialty Media Press Secretary Prior to joining the RNC, Victoria Martinez served as District Director for Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL) from 2008-2010 where she was responsible for all aspects of district operations and day-to-day management of District office staff. Martinez also served as Press Secretary for Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart from 2006-2008. Martinez has also worked for the U.S. Department of Defense and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

RNC Names Chris Carr, Jessica Ennis, John Gibson, & Mark Jefferson Regional Political Directors For 2012 Cycle

RNC Announces Regional Political Directors For 2012 Cycle
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WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee (RNC) today announced the Regional Political Directors for the 2012 cycle working under the leadership of RNC Political Director Rick Wiley.  Chris Carr will serve as the RPD for the Western region, Jessica Ennis remains the RPD for the Southeastern region, John Gibson will serve as the RPD for the Northeastern region and Mark Jefferson will serve as the RPD for the Midwestern region.

“This team of RPDs has decades of experience running state parties, managing statewide campaigns and overseeing successful turnout operations across the country,” said RNC Political Director Rick Wiley.

“The goal we have laid out is clear, make Barack Obama a one-term president.  We are building the most effective and efficient voter turnout program the RNC has ever put in the field and Chris, John, Mark and Jessica are seasoned political professionals ready to lead our efforts in the states.”

Chris Carr, Western Region Chris Carr served as the Western Regional Political Director for the National Republican Congressional Committee in 2010.  In 2008, Carr served as the National Field Director for the National Republican Senatorial Committee. He also worked as Executive Director of the Nevada Victory Campaign and the Nevada State Republican Party during the 2002 and 2004 elections.  Prior to working for the Nevada Republican Party, Carr managed state and local races in Louisiana and Nevada.

Jessica Ennis, Southeastern Region Jessica Ennis served as the Southeast Regional Political Director in 2010. Ennis also served as Deputy Political Director during the 2007-2008 cycle and Southern Regional Finance Director from 2005-2006. Prior to joining the RNC, Ennis directed the Bush-Cheney Victory 2004 operation in North Carolina.  From 2003-2004, she was the Campaign Manager for former Congressman Bill Cobey’s gubernatorial bid. Prior to that, Ennis spent four and a half years as the Finance Director and Victory 2002 Executive Director at the North Carolina Republican Party.

John Gibson, Northeastern Region John Gibson most recently worked for the digital media firm Targeted Victory. In 2008, he was the Mid-Atlantic Regional Political Director for the RNC where he was responsible for the RNC’s 2008 turnout program in Virginia and Pennsylvania. Before his time at the RNC, Gibson was Executive Director of the Maryland Republican Party. John also served as Campaign Manager for Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA), Campaign Manager for David Albo for Delegate and Legislative Assistant for Rep. Bob Franks (NJ-7).

Mark Jefferson, Midwestern Region Mark Jefferson worked for over four years as Executive Director of the Republican Party of Wisconsin, working for then Wisconsin Chairman Reince Priebus. A native of central Wisconsin, Mark has run several house races and was the statewide director for the state Republican Assembly Campaign Committee.  He has also served as a legislative aide in the Wisconsin State Capitol for more than a decade.

RNC Chairman Priebus Statement On The Minnesota State Leadership Elections

RNC Chairman Priebus Statement on the Minnesota State Leadership Elections
 
WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus released the following statement today regarding the state party leadership elections in Minnesota:
 
“I would like to congratulate Tony Sutton on his re-election as Chairman of the Minnesota Republican Party. Mr. Sutton is a skilled leader who was instrumental in the Republican victories in Minnesota last fall. Under his guidance and hard work, Republicans were able to gain control of the Minnesota House and Senate and retire 36-year incumbent Jim Oberstar. Chairman Sutton knows there is more work to be done fighting for Minnesota jobs, fiscal responsibility, and making Barack Obama a one-term president.”
 
“I would also like to congratulate Minnesota’s new RNC Committeeman Jeff Johnson and Committeewoman Pat Anderson. Jeff has a breadth of experience working at the grassroots level in the Minnesota House and as a Hennepin County Commissioner. Pat also has a wealth of knowledge from her service as State Auditor and Mayor of Eagan. Jeff and Pat are strong and effective conservative voices for Minnesota Republicans, and I look forward to working closely with them to defeat Barack Obama and elect more Republicans from the Gopher State.”

RNC Announces 2012 Presidential Nominating Schedule Committee

RNC Announces 2012 Presidential Nominating Schedule Committee

WASHINGTON –The Republican National Committee (RNC) Executive Committee authorized the formation of the 2012 Presidential Nominating Schedule Committee. The goal of the 2012 Presidential Nominating Schedule Committee is to educate RNC Members, state parties and elected Republican officials on Rule 15(b) of the Rules of the Republican National Committee which sets a new timeline and procedures for the Republican presidential nominating process, including: The four carve-out states of Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Carolina may begin their processes any time on or after February 1, 2012.

The remainder of the states may begin no earlier than the first Tuesday of March 2012.  Any state (other than the four carve-out states) that conducts its process prior to April 1, 2012, must allocate its delegates on a proportional basis. Any state that violates this Rule will lose 50% of its delegates, alternate-delegates and potentially face many other penalties. “If we are going to be successful challenging Barack Obama in 2012, it is critical that all RNC members, state parties, and Republican elected officials are educated as to the nominating process,” said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus.

“This group of dedicated Republican leaders will ensure that a smooth nominating process can take place so we can be in the strongest possible position to defeat Barack Obama.” Members who have been appointed to this committee are all former members of the RNC Temporary Delegate Selection Committee and have worked with on this rule leading up to its adoption.

National Committeeman John Ryder, will be the Chairman of the 2012 Presidential Nominating Schedule Committee. Below is a complete list of RNC members that have been appointed by Chairman Priebus to serve on the committee: Ex-Officio Members of the 2012 Presidential Nominating Schedule Committee Reince Priebus – Chairman, RNC - Chairman Bill Crocker – National Committeeman, TX – General Counsel Members of the 2012 Presidential Nominating Schedule Committee John Ryder – National Committeeman, TN - Chairman Saul Anuzis – National Committeeman, MI Bob Bennett – National Committeeman, OH Steve King – National Committeeman, WI Pete Ricketts – National Committeeman, NE Paul Senft – National Committeeman, FL Fredi Simpson – National Committeewoman, WA

RNC Announces Committee On Presidential Debates

RNC Announces Committee on Presidential Debates
 
WASHINGTON –The Republican National Committee (RNC) Executive Committee authorized the formation of a Committee on Presidential Debates. The committee will explore whether the RNC should sanction a series of pre-nomination candidate debates to provide Republican presidential candidates another forum to educate and inform voters about their candidacy.
 
“With the 2012 election season approaching quickly, it is important for the RNC to help voters get to know the candidates for the Republican nomination for President of the United States,” said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus. “The Committee on Presidential Debates will help ensure that we have a strong nominating process and put us in an even better position to make Barack Obama a one-term president.”
 
National Committeeman Jim Bopp will serve as Chair of the RNC Committee on Presidential Debates. Below is a complete list of individuals that have been appointed by Chairman Priebus to serve on the committee which consists of six RNC members and five non-RNC members:
 
Members of the Committee on Presidential Debates
 
Linda Ackerman (National Committeewoman, California)
Congressman Dick Armey (Texas)
Jim Bopp (National Committeeman, Indiana)
Al Cardenas (Florida)
Maria Cino (Virginia)
Jo Ann Davidson (National Committeewoman, Ohio)
Mike Duncan (National Committeeman, Kentucky)
Mike Grebe (Wisconsin)
Debbie Joslin (National Committeewoman, Alaska)
Tom Minnery (Colorado)
Solomon Yue (National Committeeman, Oregon)