2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Prominent New Hampshire Leaders Endorse John Edwards

PROMINENT NEW HAMPSHIRE LEADERS ENDORSE JOHN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT
NEW HAMPSHIRE LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE FORMED TO LEAD GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGN ACROSS NEW HAMPSHIRE

Manchester, New Hampshire - Building on its momentum in the state, the John Edwards for President Campaign announced today that prominent leaders from across New Hampshire have endorsed Senator John Edwards for President.  These endorsers will join Edwards' New Hampshire Leadership Committee and help build a grassroots campaign across New Hampshire.

"I am honored to have the support of so many great New Hampshire leaders," said Edwards.  "I plan to continue to campaign hard in New Hampshire and look forward to working with these leaders to strengthen our grassroots campaign here in New Hampshire, so every voter knows my plans for big, bold change for America."

Laurie McCray, a veteran activist from the Seacoast region endorsed Edwards saying, "We have proven over the last two years that building grassroots, 'outside-in' movements is the recipe for creating change in New Hampshire. I believe that the Edwards campaign is the next great example of this, and I am thrilled to be a part of the movement."

"My commitment to Senator Edwards is as strong today as ever," said former State Senator and Edwards 2004 State Director Caroline McCarley. "John Edwards has spoken with distinct clarity about the great moral issues of our time and his plans to address them, and I am honored to stand with him once more."

Edwards continues to gain strength in New Hampshire and is also the only Democratic candidate to receive endorsements from members of the New Hampshire State Senate.

Senator John McCain’s 2008 Presidential Announcement Tour Iowa, Nevada, & Arizona

Senator McCain’s Presidential Announcement Tour

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s campaign today announced that the Arizona Senator will declare his candidacy for President of the United States on April 25th in New Hampshire.  Senator McCain will then travel to South Carolina on April 26th, Iowa on April 27th, and conclude in Nevada and Arizona on April 28th.

Friday, April 27, 2007

Senator John McCain
Campaign Rally
Friday, April 27, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. CDT

Principal Financial Group, Corporate One Building
First Floor, The Square
711 High Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50392

Senator John McCain
Campaign Rally
Friday, April 27, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. CDT

Sioux City Convention Center
Second Floor Meeting Rooms
801 4th Street
Sioux City, Iowa 51101

Saturday, April 28, 2007

Senator John McCain
Campaign Rally
Saturday, April 28, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. PDT

Elko County Courthouse
Front Steps
571 Idaho Street
Elko, Nevada 89801

Senator John McCain

Campaign Rally
Saturday, April 28, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. MST

Tempe City Hall
Front Steps
31 East Fifth Street
Tempe, Arizona 85281

McCain Announces National Security, Energy Advisors

MCCAIN ANNOUNCES NATIONAL SECURITY, ENERGY ADVISORS
Schlesinger, McFarlane and Woolsey Join Prestigious National Security Team

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign today announced that former Secretary of Defense James Schlesinger, the Honorable Robert ‘Bud’ McFarlane, and former CIA Director R. Jim Woolsey* have endorsed John McCain for President and will advise his campaign on energy and national security issues.

The trio of former top-level security officials pledged their support to Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign and will continue to play a key role in the campaign’s focus on the intersection of energy and national security issues.

“America’s dependence on foreign oil is a critical issue of national security,” said Schlesinger.  “John McCain is a leader with the character and credibility to ensure that our nation’s safety and prosperity does not rest in the hands of hostile regimes.

“It makes no sense for America to be funding both sides in the struggle against radical Islam or to remain vulnerable to the whims of unstable foreign sources of oil," said McFarlane.  "John McCain understands this and that the means for relieving these anomalies are within our reach.”

“John McCain has the resolve to push for advanced technologies that will lead to greater energy independence for America,” said Woolsey.  “As president, he will foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the diversification of our energy supply.”

Senator John McCain stated that he was proud of the support and counsel he has received from these globally recognized leaders in America’s energy and defense sectors.  “These individuals are recognized and respected for their seriousness and leadership on the important security issues confronting our nation,” said Senator McCain.  “I am honored to have their support, and I look forward to working with them to develop innovative policies that move America forward.”

Nashua Leaders Join Team McCain

NASHUA LEADERS JOIN TEAM MCCAIN

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign today announced that Alderman Dave MacLaughlin and former State Representative Paul LaFlamme will join Mayor Bernie Streeter as co-chairs of the Nashua leadership team.

Republican leaders joining the team include Aldermen-at-Large David Deane and Brian McCarthy, Alderman Robert Dion, Alderman Mark Cookson, Nashua Treasurer Dave Fredette, former state Representative Nelson Allen, former state Representative William Mosher, and grassroots activist Dot Nice.

Additionally, former Alderman Scott Cote and Nashua Commuter Rail Advisory Committee Chair Wayne Gagne, both registered Independents, will join Senator McCain’s Nashua leadership team.

“As a registered Independent, I look for someone who is consistent on the issues and willing to tell it like it is,” said former Alderman Cote.  “Senator McCain is that candidate.”

Alderman Dave MacLaughlin said, “I am honored to help build Senator McCain’s team in Nashua.  The campaign is on the ground early and we are building the strongest organization this city has ever seen.”

The leadership team will use their experience to provide counsel and direction to the campaign in New Hampshire.

Senator John McCain expressed his appreciation for their support.  “These individuals are influential leaders who have earned the respect of their community,” said Senator McCain.  “They will be invaluable advocates as we continue to grow our campaign in New Hampshire.”

"Life's Work" Bill Richardson 2008 TV Ad

"Life's Work" :60 Bill Richardson 2008 TV Ad Transcript

"He’s been nominated four times for the Nobel Peace Prize … freeing American hostages held by some of the world’s worst dictators. One of America’s “Best Governors” … He has “more international experience than just about anyone else in the 2008 field.”

But what would Bill Richardson do differently to heal America and our restore our place in the world? His life’s work has been bringing people together … through patient, determined diplomacy … and governing with humor and high expectations.

In New Mexico, he’s used tax cuts to reward companies that put people to work. Helping create over 80,000 new jobs. Up to sixth in the nation for job growth. And no other state has done as much to promote renewable energy and fight global warming.

He has an optimism shaped by the American West that our leaders can meet in good faith and achieve great things ... Because he’s done it so many times before.

I'm Bill Richardson and I approve this message."

"The Wall" Bill Richardson 2008 TV Ad

"The Wall" :30 Bill Richardson 2008 TV Ad Transcript

"I’m Bill Richardson … and I learned a long time ago that the first step in any negotiation is to reach across the wall.

We need to start at home. As president, I'll work with both parties to finally start healing this country.

And we can help heal Iraq by bringing all of our troops home within a year. Our presence there isn’t helping. Only then can the hard diplomatic work really begin.

I approved this message because being stubborn isn’t a foreign policy. "

Governor Bill Richardson Is First Democratic Presidential Candidate On The Air In Iowa And New Hampshire

Governor Bill Richardson is First Democratic Presidential Candidate on the Air in Iowa and New Hampshire
Ads showcase Richardson's unparalleled experience and strong position on getting all US troops out of Iraq within a year

SANTA FE, NM- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson announced today that, starting next Monday, he will be the first Democratic candidate for president to begin running television advertising in the crucial states of Iowa and New Hampshire.

"We wanted to begin talking with as many voters as possible about why I'm running," Richardson said. The ads also present his position as the only Democratic candidate calling for a complete troop withdrawal from Iraq within a year's time, because "being stubborn isn't a foreign policy."

"This election is really unlike any other in our country's history," Richardson went on to say. "We have to repair the damage done here at home and to our reputation abroad. The first step in that process is acquainting voters with what I've done in my life and how I've approached the job of governing a state and negotiating with foreign leaders. But in the end, this election will not be about me. It will be about the people of this country and who they trust to begin the healing process we so dearly need."

Governor Richardson's record of success is unique in the Democratic field and the television ads capture the breadth and significance of his work. The sixty second introductory commercial "Life's Work" highlights his four Nobel Peace Prize nominations for freeing hostages held by some of the world's worst dictators, his status as one of America's "best Governors," and answers the question "What would Bill Richardson do differently to heal America and restore our place in the world?"

"Life's Work" details his record of success at helping create over 80,000 jobs in New Mexico through targeted tax cuts that reward job creation, vaulting the state up to sixth in the nation for job growth. The commercial also focuses on New Mexico's unique status as the state that's done more to promote renewable energy and fight global warming than any other state.

The second commercial, a thirty second spot entitled "The Wall," presents Governor Richardson's philosophy of governing and diplomatic relations using the metaphor of an ancient stone wall in a farm field. In his words, "I learned a long time ago that the first step in any negotiation is to reach across the wall."

The commercial highlights Governor Richardson's belief that the healing process must begin with a president willing to work with both parties, and goes on to say that "We can help heal Iraq by pulling all of our troops out within a year. Our presence there isn't helping."

The commercials will begin running Monday, April 23rd on broadcast affiliates and cable systems reaching voters in Iowa and New Hampshire, and were produced by Steve Murphy and Mark Putnam of Murphy Putnam Media in Alexandria, Virginia.

Mike Huckabee Announces Key Endorsements In New Hampshire

Mike Huckabee Announces Key Endorsements in New Hampshire

Manchester, NH – Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee said Thursday that he gained the endorsement of New Hampshire Republican leader, state Senator Bob Clegg during his recent visit to the Granite State.

“Sen. Clegg is not only a very influential senator, he’s a well-respected Republican leader in New Hampshire,” Huckabee said.  “We feel this is a huge score for us and one of the major New Hampshire announcements in terms of the political community.”

“I am proudly supporting Mike Huckabee for President because of his honesty, his integrity and his unwavering foundation of beliefs that don't change with the political winds, but instead represent the man he is,” Clegg said.  “I believe that we need a leader who has a positive vision for America, who will use that vision to craft policies that will inspire us to move beyond the past – allowing us to restore greatness to our country.”

Huckabee and his team, spearheaded by Debra Vanderbeek, have been traveling the Granite state in recent weeks to meet with the people of this key presidential primary state.  Clegg says he appreciates the fact that Huckabee has taken the time to connect with “every day people.”

“I want a candidate who is committed to working for each and every vote, meeting face to face with every person who has a question, because that is what sets our first-in-the-nation primary state apart from the rest of the country,” Clegg said.  “For these reasons, Mike Huckabee is the man, the leader, and the candidate that I am supporting for President.”

Debi Durham Supports Romney For President

FORMER IOWA LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR NOMINEE DEBI DURHAM SUPPORTS ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT

Boston, MA – Governor Mitt Romney today announced that former Lieutenant Governor candidate Debi Durham has endorsed his campaign for President of the United States.

Durham, who currently heads the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce in Sioux City, was on the Republican gubernatorial ticket in 2002.  She will chair the Romney for President campaign in Woodbury County.

"Debi Durham is a committed community leader and I am proud to announce her support," said Governor Romney.  "She understands the new generation of challenges this nation faces, and each day she works to ensure that Siouxland is competitive in the marketplace.  I look forward to working with her as I share my vision for a smaller, more limited government in Washington." 

With today's announcement, Debi Durham said, "Within the field of candidates seeking our nation's highest office, only Governor Romney has the executive experience needed to bring real change to Washington.  Our President must be a decisive leader experienced in leading institutions forward.  Governor Romney has that experience and I am proud to endorse his candidacy."

McCain Announces New Jersey Veterans Chair

MCCAIN ANNOUNCES NEW JERSEY VETERANS CHAIR
Air Force Captain Don Marshall Jr. To Lead State Veterans Coalition

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign today announced that Captain Don Marshall Jr., U.S. Air Force (Ret.) will chair the Arizona Senator’s veterans coalition in New Jersey.

Marshall, of Ocean County, will use his years of experience in the state’s veterans’ community to provide leadership and support to Senator McCain’s outreach effort.

“John McCain is a fellow veteran with a record of fighting for our most important causes,” said Marshall.  “Many people know about Senator McCain’s experience in combat, but it has been his consistent work on the issues of concurrent receipt and veterans’ health care that has solidified his support in our community.”

Senator John McCain stated that he was proud of the support he has received from Captain Marshall.  “A successful effort requires strong leadership and Don provides just that,” said Senator McCain.  “I value his support and look forward to working with fellow veterans to improve healthcare, protect benefits, and promote our time-honored traditions.”