2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

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Former Congressman Henry Bonilla Endorses Governor Mitt Romney

FORMER CONGRESSMAN HENRY BONILLA ENDORSES GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT

Bonilla To Serve As Honorary Texas Finance Chairman

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that former Congressman Henry Bonilla (R-TX) has endorsed his campaign for President of the United States. Congressman Bonilla will help build and expand Governor Romney's grassroots infrastructure across Texas and will communicate Governor Romney's vision of conservative change in Washington. Bonilla will also serve as Governor Romney's Honorary Texas Finance Chairman, helping Governor Romney raise the resources needed to campaign in Texas and across the country.

Making today's announcement, Governor Romney said, "I am proud to welcome a man as distinguished as Congressman Bonilla to our strong and growing Texas organization. During his time in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Bonilla fought to keep our military strong, our taxes low, and our government small. He represented his Congressional District with principled leadership, and I am honored to have his counsel and endorsement."

Announcing his support, Congressman Bonilla said, "Governor Romney is a proven leader, and is the only candidate who can bring real change to Washington. He has a record of strong leadership and problem-solving. He fought for conservative social and economic principles in the bluest of blue states. I am proud to support Mitt Romney for President of the United States."  

Congressman Mike Conaway (R-TX) has also endorsed Governor Romney.

New Mitt Romney Website Launched

New Mitt Romney Website Launched

Congressmen Doyle, Ortiz, Green and Reyes Endorse Richardson For President

Congressmen Doyle, Ortiz, Green and Reyes Endorse Richardson For President

SANTA FE, NM - Today, Governor Bill Richardson announced the endorsements of Congressman Mike Doyle (Pennsylvania), Congressman Solomon Ortiz (Texas), Congressman Gene Green (Texas), and Congressman Silvestre Reyes (Texas).

"I am privileged to have the support of such honorable men," said Governor Bill Richardson. "These are outstanding Congressmen who have provided leadership in Congress, and dedicated their careers to serving their constituents and improving our country."

"Having known Governor Richardson for many years, I have always been impressed by his experience, ability, and sincere commitment to our country," stated Congressman Doyle. "Our next President has to be prepared to address difficult challenges here at home -- and re-establish our standing abroad. I'm confident that Bill Richardson is the best choice to lead us back in the right direction, and I am proud to endorse his candidacy."

"Bill Richardson is the best Presidential candidate to work across party lines to solve the very real problems facing our country," said Congressman Ortiz. "I am proud to be supporting a Westerner, who understands and has experience with the issues of energy, water, transportation and land. He can reach many segments of our nation; and he understands our relationship with the rest of the world, a very rare talent."

"Over the years I have had the opportunity to work with Governor Richardson and see first hand how his leadership has helped not only New Mexico, but our country," said Congressman Green. "Richardson has the proven executive experience and record to be President on day one."

"I have known Governor Richardson personally for 20 years and he is the most qualified candidate for the Presidency," said Congressman Reyes. "Thanks to the actions of the current Administration, our nation's next President will face many challenges. The American people need someone with Governor Richardson's qualifications, experience and talent to restore our position of strength and leadership in the world."

Biden Receives Unanimous Endorsement Of The Delaware State AFL-CIO

BIDEN RECEIVES UNANIMOUS ENDORSEMENT OF THE DELAWARE STATE AFL-CIO

Wilmington, DE (June 14, 2007) – Today, Sen. Joe Biden received the endorsement of the Delaware state AFL-CIO for the Democratic nomination for President.  Sen. Biden is the first Democratic candidate for President to receive an endorsement from a state chapter of the AFL-CIO. 

“Sen. Joe Biden is labor’s favorite son and he has been loyal to labor his entire career in the United States Senate,” said Sam Latham, the President of the Delaware state AFL-CIO.  “We proudly and unanimously support Senator Biden’s nomination for President and appreciate his commitment to America’s working women and men.”

Sen. Biden has worked tirelessly on the issues important to America’s working families -- especially in his home state of Delaware, where he has made protecting jobs and promoting the growth of the various manufacturing industries a priority. 

He has fought to make sure that workers are free to organize and has supported the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act.  Sen. Biden co-sponsored the original legislation to establish guidelines to protect the health and safety of American workers on the job.  He also supports the Healthy Families Act, which would require employers with 15 or more employees to provide seven paid sick days to care for their own and their families' medical needs, providing millions of Americans with the flexibility they need to both take care of their families and remain working.  Sen. Biden has consistently supported an increase in the minimum wage, the rights of workers to receive overtime and the protection of Davis-Bacon wages.  Sen. Biden is also in support of a fund to make sure that workers exposed to asbestos get the proper medical care they deserve. 

The Delaware state AFL-CIO is made up of local representatives from various unions including the Commercial Foodworkers, Transportation Workers, Pipefitters and Plumbers, Bricklayers, Steelworkers, Ironworkers and Musicians unions.

John Edwards Picks Up Support In Michigan

EDWARDS PICKS UP SUPPORT IN MICHIGAN
50 Democrats endorse Edwards for president 

Detroit, Michigan – As Senator John Edwards visits Detroit to discuss his plan to guarantee quality, affordable health care to every American, the John Edwards for President campaign announced that 50 Michigan Democratic leaders are endorsing Edwards for president.  Edwards’ campaign to transform America already has the support of two Michigan leaders: Congressman Bart Stupak, who endorsed Edwards in February and former Congressman David Bonior, who is leading Edwards’ campaign as the National Campaign Manager.  In April, Edwards delivered the keynote address at the Michigan Democratic Party’s Jefferson-Jackson Dinner.

“I can’t think of anything more important that I could be doing than working to elect John Edwards our next president,” said Bonior.  “He is a leader in the fight for social and economic justice in our country and I’m proud to be a part of his campaign to create a working society where every person who works hard has the chance to achieve the American Dream.”

"Through his leadership on poverty, the minimum wage and with the victims of Hurricane Katrina, John Edwards brings morality and voice to issues too often ignored,” said Rev. Michael C. Murphy.  “The prophet Amos said 'let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.'  Senator Edwards’ willingness to speak truth to power embodies this spirit."
Former State Senator and environmental leader Lana Pollack endorsed Edwards saying, “I’m thrilled that John Edwards is running for president because he is not afraid to speak the truth on even the toughest issues. He is the only one taking on the issue of poverty in a way that counts. He clearly has the strongest position on the biggest environmental challenge we face -- global warming.”

Sheriff Mark Hackel said, “John Edwards is committed to the working people of this country. He cares about our future, jobs, and health care. He’s the one person who can bring us all together.”

“These are tough times in Michigan with many complicated issues,” said State Representative Fred Miller.  “John Edwards is the kind of leader with real plans to address the problems we are facing in these tough economic times in Michigan. As the son of blue-collar workers, John understands the concerns of Michigan’s working families and knows that now is the time to stand up and fight for what is right. My colleagues and I are proud to endorse John Edwards for president and ask others to stand with us to create a better America.”

Romney Announces Co-Chairs Of The Advisory Committee On The Constitution And The Courts

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES CO-CHAIRS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE CONSTITUTION AND THE COURTS

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced the Co-Chairs of the Romney for President Advisory Committee on the Constitution and the Courts.  Together, Professor Mary Ann Glendon and Professor Douglas Kmiec will lead a group of noted legal scholars and professionals in advising Governor Romney on judicial matters, separation of powers and federalism issues.  Additional members of the Committee will be announced at a later date.

"Too often, too many of the most important issues of our day are decided by a select group of judges.  This makes it even more important that we select judges who will respect our Constitution and the rule of law.  Mary Ann Glendon and Douglas Kmiec are two of our country's leading conservative voices on judicial matters and I look forward to their counsel as we move forward in this campaign," said Governor Romney.

With today's announcement, Professor Mary Ann Glendon said, "In the aftermath of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's decision redefining marriage, I had the opportunity to work with Governor Romney and see him in action.  He knows the importance of defending principles of judicial restraint.  I was proud to work with him then and am proud to work with him now as he pursues our nation's highest office."

Joining Professor Glendon, Professor Douglas Kmiec said, "More than any other candidate, Governor Romney understands the importance of nominating 'honest constructionists' – that is, judges with a genuine appreciation for the text, structure, and history of the Constitution and the laws as enacted. There have been far too many examples of late where the public has been given reason to believe that those charged with dispassionately interpreting the law have relied on partisanship instead.  It is as wrong to politicize the Courts as it is for the Courts to play politics.  For this reason, Governor Romney strongly supported the nominations of Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito, and he will appoint federal judges and justices in the same mold. With Governor Romney as President, I am confident that we will have a judiciary that will respect our Constitution and not legislate from the bench."

Statement by Governor Thompson On Ames Straw Poll Participation

Statement by the Honorable Tommy Thompson:

From the beginning, a big part of our campaign plan has included the August Straw Poll held in Ames, Iowa. We felt that it would be an opportunity for our campaign to show the strength of our support as well as an opportunity to take our message to a national audience watching on television.

With the recent announcements by Senator McCain and Mayor Giuliani that they will not be participating in the straw poll, it’s clear that the competitive landscape has changed.

The straw poll is an expensive exercise even for campaigns with big war chests. Dollars spent on the straw poll are dollars that cannot be spent on direct voter contact. For a campaign to decide to participate in the straw poll means that there are other important campaign activities it cannot participate in.

Nevertheless, the Iowa Straw Poll has become a recent tradition in American campaign politics. During a month with very little hard news, it provides our nation a chance to listen to the major Republican presidential candidates discuss the issues important to the future of our country. The Ames Straw Poll is the best in American politics. More than 20,000 voters from across the state will descend on a town in the middle of Iowa to support their candidate and participate in the greatest electoral system the world has ever known. This is – in every way – a good thing for our country, for Iowa and our Party.

To skip the straw poll is to show fear...fear that a campaign's lack of support will finally be revealed and fear the entire country will see that the king has no clothes.

There's no doubt the stakes are high: eight years ago, four candidates dropped out as a result of the summer straw poll. And with all of the candidates investing heavily in Iowa, candidates who finish in the bottom half of the straw poll should withdraw from the race and support the rest of the field.

I believe the voters of Iowa and voters across the country deserve the chance to hear the uncensored comments of Republicans running for President. If Mayor Giuliani and Senator McCain choose not to take advantage of this opportunity, then I think it says more about their campaigns than it does the Iowa Straw Poll.

I will participate in the Iowa Straw Poll on August 11th. We will take our campaign of conservative solutions directly to the people of Iowa and the United States and let the votes fall where they may. Regardless of the outcome on August 11th, at least it will never be said that I was afraid to put my campaign's organization up against the rest. Lets start the race.

The Republican Party Of Iowa Straw Poll Ballot Announced

Iowa Straw Poll: The Starting Line-Up

The Republican Party of Iowa is looking forward to a strong and solid line-up at the Iowa Straw Poll.  This afternoon, both Mike Huckabee and Tommy Thompson announced they are currently planning on participating in the Iowa Straw Poll on Saturday, August 11, in Ames, Iowa.  With their announcement, the field of candidates participating in the event now includes Senator Sam Brownback, John Cox, former Governor Mike Huckabee, Congressman Duncan Hunter, Congressman Ron Paul, former Governor Mitt Romney, Congressman Tom Tancredo and former Governor Tommy Thompson.

Chuck Laudner, the Executive Director of the Republican Party of Iowa, feels confident the event will be a success.  "The commitments from these eight candidates assures Iowa will have an impact with it's first in the nation status.  They will have the opportunity to connect with thousands of prospective Iowa caucus-goers, as well as receive a great deal of national and local media attention.  When I look at this line-up, I am convinced they will build the largest gathering of Republicans ever."

Also attending this year's Iowa Straw Poll will be Wayne LaPierre, CEO and Executive Vice President of the National Rifle Association; former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich; and radio personality Neal Boortz who will be leading a rally for the FairTax Association.

Additionally, this past weekend, the State Central Committee of the Republican Party of Iowa decided that the following announced presidential candidates will appear on the Iowa Straw Poll ballot:

Sam Brownback
John Cox
Jim Gilmore
Rudy Giuliani
Mike Huckabee
Duncan Hunter
John McCain
Ron Paul
Mitt Romney
Tom Tancredo
Tommy Thompson

Tommy Thompson To Compete In Ames Straw Poll

In a conference call with reporters, Governor Tommy Thompson announced that he will compete in the Ames Straw Poll.

“I wanted everybody to know up front that I am very much involved in this campaign and from the beginning a big part of my campaign plan has always included the August Straw Poll which is held in Ames, Iowa.”

“The Ames Straw Poll is the best in American politics. There will be well over 25,000 voters from all over the state who will be descending upon a town in the middle of Iowa to support their candidate and be able to participate I believe in the greatest electoral system the world has ever known.”

“This is in every way a good thing for our country, for Iowa and certainly for our Republican Party.”

“I will definitely participate in the Iowa Straw Poll on August 11^th. I’m going to take my campaign of conservative solutions directly to the people of Iowa.”