2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

2008 Republican National Convention Media Walk-Through Photos

2008 Republican National Convention Xcel Energy Center Photos

2008 Republican National Convention Hosts Media Walk-Through At Xcel Energy Center

2008 Republican National Convention Hosts Media Walk-Through at Xcel Energy Center
Media Coverage Will Present the Convention, Minneapolis-Saint Paul to the World

St. Paul, MN. The 2008 Republican National Convention today welcomed hundreds of news media representatives to the Xcel Energy Center for an informational briefing and tour of the convention complex. The Committee on Arrangements, the MSP 2008 Host Committee, and other local officials are rapidly preparing to accommodate the 15,000 members of the media expected in Minneapolis-Saint Paul for the nominating convention.

"We appreciate the critical role the news media will play in bringing the 2008 Republican National Convention - a showcase for our party's strong principles and hopeful message - into the homes of millions around the world," said convention President and CEO Maria Cino. "We are working hard to anticipate and attend to the media's needs."

The walk-through addressed a wide range of topics, including the media credentialing process, administrative and logistics needs, work space requests, and housing requirements. Media representatives were also given the opportunity to tour the full convention complex, including the Xcel Energy Center and media workspace that will be developed in the neighboring Saint Paul RiverCentre convention center and Roy Wilkins Auditorium. In the coming months, convention staff will work closely with members of the media to prepare each organization's credentials, on-site workspace, and other operational needs.

"Ten months from now, Republicans will be gathering here in Minneapolis-Saint Paul to nominate the next President and Vice President of the United States," RNC Chairman Robert M. "Mike" Duncan said. "And when we do, we will be taking advantage of new technologies and new methods of communicating and interacting, so that reporters from around the country, in both new and traditional media, will have every opportunity to bring this convention to the country and the world in ways we've never seen before. This will be an exciting convention, and an exciting time for our Party and our nation."

"The media walk-through is another example of the profound economic impact the convention will have on the host cities," said RNC Co-Chairman and Committee on Arrangements Chairman Jo Ann Davidson. "Preparations are underway long before the gavel drops and local communities are already beginning to benefit from the convention being here."

The anticipated 45,000 convention participants, of which the media is expected to number 15,000, will dine, shop, and overnight throughout the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area next September. The host cities are projected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the convention.

Many visitors are already traveling to the host cities in advance of next year's event. These pre-convention guests, including attendees of the fall media walk-through, have logged about 1,000 nights in area hotels. Pre-convention visits, which also mean increased business for local restaurants, shops, and area attractions, will continue through next fall.

"We are thrilled to welcome members of the media this week - and it is an honor to introduce them to the people and places of Minneapolis-Saint Paul," said Host Committee Chairman Douglas Leatherdale. "The Xcel Energy Center is a world-class venue and the entire metropolitan area is full of exciting possibilities."

Walk-through attendees also got an up-close look at one of Saint Paul's other fine venues, as the Host Committee hosted an evening reception at the Science Museum of Minnesota for the media representatives.

There are currently more than 20 convention staffers in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area who are living, dining and shopping locally, and that number will eventually grow to nearly 150. The Committee on Arrangements and Host Committee continue to work closely with Governor Pawlenty, Senators Coleman and Klobuchar, Mayors Rybak (Minneapolis), Coleman (Saint Paul), and Winstead (Bloomington), and many others at the Convention and Visitors' Bureaus to plan every aspect of the convention.

The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center from September 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to participate in the convention.

John Edwards For President Unveils New Television Ad, "Together"

JOHN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT UNVEILS NEW TELEVISION AD IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
"Together" ad features Edwards talking about his plans to guarantee truly universal health care to every man, woman, and child in America

Manchester, New Hampshire– On the first day of “Building a Better America Week,” the John Edwards for President campaign unveiled its latest New Hampshire television ad entitled “Together.”  The ad features John Edwards speaking directly to New Hampshire voters about the critical importance of guaranteeing truly universal health care to every man, woman, and child in America.

“John Edwards has been standing up to the insurance companies, drug companies, and HMOs on behalf of everyday, working people his entire life,” said New Hampshire state director Beth Leonard.  “When he is president, he will continue to fight them head on.  John Edwards believes that we can achieve universal health care because there is nothing we cannot do if we do it together.”

Edwards was the first candidate to introduce a truly universal health care plan in February of this year.  He has also been the most candid about how his universal mandate will be enforced.

"Together" is the fourth ad to air in New Hampshire since the summer.

Full transcript:

“TOGETHER” TRANSCRIPT

We don’t have universal health care because of drug companies, insurance companies and their lobbyists in Washington, DC. 

And anybody who argues that every American’s not entitled to health care, I want them to explain to you what child in this country is not worthy of health care?

You’re going to sit at a table with drug companies and oil companies, and they’re going to give away their power? Right. You have to take their power away from them.

There is nothing we can’t do if we do it together. 

I’m John Edwards, and I approved this message.

Congressman Bruce Braley Endorses John Edwards For President

CONGRESSMAN BRUCE BRALEY ENDORSES JOHN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT
Endorses Edwards As The Best Democrat To Win The White House And Lead Our Country

Waterloo, Iowa – Today, at a community meeting in Waterloo, Congressman Bruce Braley is endorsing Senator John Edwards for president.  Braley is the most senior Iowa Democrat to endorse a candidate during this campaign, and is supporting Edwards because he believes Edwards is the best candidate to take on the special interests, take back the White House and bring real change to our country.  Braley’s endorsement comes as Edwards continues to gain support throughout the state.  Last week, more than 50 county elected officials announced their support for Edwards at a meeting of the Iowa State Association of Counties.

"Today, I'm proud to endorse John Edwards for president," said Braley. "Throughout this campaign, on issue after issue, John has proposed bold ideas to end the power of special interests in Washington and restore our government to the American people.  John is the only Democratic candidate who grew up in rural America, and he has most specific, most progressive and most far-reaching ideas.  I truly believe he is the best Democratic candidate to lead us to victory in 2008. With his leadership, I believe we can make his vision of One America a reality." <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--> <!--[endif]-->

“I am honored to receive Bruce’s support,” said Edwards.  “He is a true leader and a strong voice on behalf of Iowa’s families.  Bruce is committed to ending the power of special interests and making sure all hard-working Iowans have the opportunity to work hard, get ahead, and leave their children a better future.  I look forward to joining with Bruce to change our country.”

Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie Backs Obama

Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie Backs Obama

DES MOINES – At a press conference at the State Historical Society, Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie appeared with Senator Barack Obama and endorsed his campaign for president.  Mayor Cownie cited Senator Obama’s work to increase our investments in renewable fuels and praised Obama for his commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 and make America 50% more energy efficient by 2030.

“The real promise of Senator Obama’s presidency isn’t just the plans he’ll bring with him into the White House, it’s the visionary leadership he’ll demonstrate once he gets there,” Mayor Cownie said.  “Barack Obama will put an end to the bitter partisanship that’s stopped us from making progress on the urgent challenge of global warming. He’ll tell the American people what they need to hear, not just what they want to hear.  As President, he’ll restore America’s standing in the world and lead a global effort to meet this challenge once and for all.”

Before elected mayor, Crownie served on the Des Moines City Council where he led the Gray’s Lake Study and Planning Committee and Des Moines’ long-term economic growth strategy, the “2020 Plan.” 

"Mayor Cownie has shown real leadership on environmental issues, and all Americans - not just the people of Des Moines - have benefited from it." Obama said. " I commend him for what he's doing and I look forward to working side-by-side with Mayor Cownie in the months and years to come."

Mike Huckabee Surges In The Polls

Huckabee Surges In The Polls
Former Arkansas Governor Ups Lead in Iowa to 5, Takes Second Place Nationally

LITTLE ROCK, AR –  New poll numbers released by the Des Moines Register show former Arkansas Governor and Republican Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee leading in Iowa by 5 points, while yet another national poll by Rasmussen shows Huckabee in possession of second place.

Poll numbers this week released throughout last week show Huckabee leading in Iowa, double digits and climbing in both New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Florida, and in second place nationally.

“The numbers show we are climbing in the early states as well as nationally. My conservative message of faith, family, and freedom is resonating with the American people. They know it’s authentic. Ironically, the more we get attacked, the more our numbers soar,” said Huckabee.

“There's no substitute for message -- and the voters know it.  That is why we’ll be out front in the only polls that really matter – those on the respective primary and caucus days," he said.

Key findings of the Des Moines Register poll show Huckabee wins the support of 29 percent of Iowans who say they definitely or probably will attend the Republican Party's caucuses on Jan. 3 – up 17 percentage points from an earlier poll taken in October.  Huckabee leads Governor Romney, his nearest rival, among men, 28 percent to 20 percent, and he has more support among caucus-goers between the ages of 35 and 54 and is preferred 2:1 by those who wish their presidential candidate to be a social conservative.

Huckabee also outscores the entire Republican field as the candidate who is the “most socially conservative, the most civil in tone and the most principled.”

DesMoines Register Iowa Caucus Poll: December 1, 2007
Huckabee    29%
Romney          24%
Giuliani    13%
Thompson         9%
McCain         9%

Rasmussen Iowa Poll: November 28, 2007
Huckabee      28%
Romney         25%
Giuliani         12%
Thompson     11%
McCain          4%

vantage/Maj. Opinion

Rasmussen National Tracking Poll: December 1, 2007
Giuliani    24%
Huckabee          15%
Thompson        14%
McCain          13%
Romney          10%

American Research Group South Carolina Poll: November 30, 2007
Giuliani        23%
Romney          21%
Huckabee       18%
Thompson        13%
McCain          10%

Rasmussen New Hampshire Poll: November 30, 2007
Romney:      34%
Giuliani     15%
McCain       15%
Huckabee    14%
Thompson       3%

Insider Advantage Florida Poll: November 28, 2007
Giuliani      26%
Huckabee    17%
McCain        13%
Romney        12%
Thompson        9%

“This recent flurry of polls showing upward momentum is great news, but what matters is performance. I’m going to continue to campaign hard to win the hearts and minds of the voters who I believe will be receptive to my positive message of change for America’s future,” said Huckabee.

NEW HAMPSHIRE UNION LEADER ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

NEW HAMPSHIRE UNION LEADER ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain today issued the following statement on the announcement of the New Hampshire Union Leader's endorsement:

"I am honored to receive the endorsement of the New Hampshire Union Leader, the only statewide newspaper in the Granite State. It is yet another indication that I have the momentum to win the first-in-the-nation primary. New Hampshire voters deserve straight talk, and it is a privilege to answer their questions in living rooms and town hall meetings across the state.

"I alone have the experience, knowledge and judgment to lead as commander in chief from day one, and my candidacy will rally the Reagan coalition to win a great victory next November."