2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Dodd Campaign Announces Senior Leadership Additions, Field Team Expansion, New Offices In Iowa

DODD CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCES SENIOR LEADERSHIP ADDITIONS, FIELD TEAM EXPANSION, NEW OFFICES IN IOWA
New Offices Located in Burlington, Coralville, and Mason City

DES MOINES – Presidential candidate Chris Dodd’s Iowa campaign today announced it has expanded its senior leadership team, increased the size of its field team, and is opening three new field offices in Iowa.

“The Dodd campaign continues to build the kind of strong, experienced operation that it takes to win the Iowa Caucuses,” said Dodd’s Iowa spokeswoman Taylor West.  “We are excited to keep growing and talking to Iowans about Chris Dodd’s proven record of fighting for Democratic principles and delivering results.”

Joe Zepecki has joined the Iowa campaign as Deputy Caucus Director.  Zepecki has been a part of several Democratic victories in Iowa, having served as a consultant to the Iowa House Caucus in 2004 and 2006, when Democrats regained control of the chamber.  Zepecki first joined the Dodd campaign in Nevada.  In 2004, Zepecki worked for Gen. Wesley Clark's Campaign for President in Wisconsin.

Nikki Budzinski will serve as the Iowa campaign’s Political Director.  Budzinski comes to the Dodd campaign from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), where she has been a Political Representative responsible for outreach and coordination with state associations.  Prior to her work at the IAFF, Budzinski served on John Kerry’s presidential campaign in both Missouri and Ohio.  Last month, the IAFF endorsed Chris Dodd for President.

In recent weeks, the Dodd campaign has also added new staff and field organizers throughout the state, bringing the Iowa staff total to fifty-nine.  The campaign will also open three new field offices in Iowa City/Coralville, Mason City, and Burlington.

Dodd Unveils Comprehensive Seniors Policy

DODD UNVEILS COMPREHENSIVE SENIORS POLICY
In Advance of AARP Forum, Presidential Candidate Proposes Plan for Secure, Dignified Retirement for All

WASHINGTON - Presidential candidate Chris Dodd, a longtime advocate for seniors, today unveiled his plan for a secure, dignified retirement for all Americans.  Citing the failures of the Bush Administration to deal with the declining quality of care for retirees, Dodd highlighted his commitment to America's seniors in advance of his participation in the AARP Presidential Forum in Davenport, IA.

"Security in retirement is one of our most fundamental values as Americans," said Dodd.  "After a lifetime of hard work and paying taxes, seniors deserve the dignity of a secure retirement - reliable health care, affordable housing and prescription drugs, secure pensions, and a strong Social Security and Medicare system.  With proven leadership that ensures a promise made is a promise kept, every senior can look forward to their golden years with optimism."

Dodd's plan would ensure that Social Security is strong for generations to come by getting our fiscal house in order, not privatizing the system, and strengthening federal oversight of pension programs.  Dodd's plan would also provide every American with access to a universal 401K plan modeled on the Federal government's Thrift Savings Plan to give them additional financial security in retirement.  Employees will have the option to contribute through automatic payroll deduction and a mechanism will be in place for employers to contribute to workers' accounts.

Dodd's plan for Secure, Dignified Retirement for All would:

Provide a secure pension to every American worker through a Universal 401K account
Ensure seniors' financial security by protecting them from scams and financial fraud
Commit $1 billion in his first term to expand the supply of affordable senior housing
Provide affordable, quality health care to every American and drive down the cost of prescription drugs
Provide added resources for affordable home and community based care
Strengthen and secure Social Security and Medicare for generations to come

Dodd plans to participate in the AARP/Iowa Public Television forum in Davenport, Iowa at 7:00 p.m. CDT this evening.

Dodd Campaign Announces Chairs For Top 20 Iowa Caucus Counties

DODD CAMPAIGN GROWS STRONG, EXPERIENCED IOWA OPERATION STATEWIDE
Announces Chairs for Top 20 Iowa Caucus Counties

DES MOINES – Following the International Association of Fire Fighters endorsement and the announcement of state Senate President Pro-Tem Jeff Danielson as Iowa Steering Committee Co-Chair, Chris Dodd’s campaign continued to roll out its Iowa leadership team today with the announcement of County Chairs for the state’s top twenty Democratic caucus counties.

“This group of talented and dedicated people are one more piece of the strong, tested organization the Dodd campaign is building on the ground in Iowa,” said Dodd’s Iowa spokeswoman Taylor West.  “Caucus support isn’t bought with money and celebrity – it’s earned by committed leaders spreading Senator Dodd’s message of proven leadership from neighbor to neighbor.  The campaign is honored to have the support of this well-respected group, and we look forward to working with them across the state.”

County Chairs announced by the Dodd campaign today include:

Polk County Co-Chairs
Dick Murphy of Des Moines – Polk County School Board and Returned Peace Corps Volunteer
Rose Mary Pratt of Des Moines – Democratic Activist and Former Staff Member, Office of Governor Tom Vilsack
John Tekippe of Waukee – President, IAFF Local 4

Linn County Co-Chairs
Rick Scofield of Marion – President, IAFF Local 11
Jerry Vuichard of Cedar Rapids – Business Manager, IBEW Local 1362

Scott County Chair
Jose Bucksbaum of Davenport – Affirmative Action Chair, Scott County Democrats Central Committee

Johnson County Co-Chairs
Pat Harney of Iowa City – Johnson County Supervisor
Eric Nurnberg of Iowa City – President, IAFF Local 610

Black Hawk County Co-Chairs
Tom Powers of Waterloo – President, IAFF Local 66
Dr. A. Frank Thompson of Cedar Falls – Treasurer and Former President of the United Faculty, University of Northern Iowa

Dubuque County Chair
Helene Magee of Dubuque – County Publicity Co-Chair, Dubuque County Democrats Central Committee

Story County Chair
Mike Bryant of Ames – President, IAFF Local 625

Woodbury County Chair
Rob Marqusee of Sioux City – Woodbury County Director of Rural Economic Development

Pottawattamie County Chair
Justin James of Council Bluffs – President, IAFF Local 15

Clinton County Chair
Joel Atkinson of Clinton – Vice President, IAFF Local 609

Cerro Gordo County Chair
Jerry Taylor of Mason City – Activist and Member, Cerro Gordo County Democrats Central Committee

Des Moines County Co-Chairs
Diane Ehret of Burlington – Teacher and Democratic Activist
Al Pealer of Burlington – Veteran and Former VFW Post Commander

Dallas County Chair
Bob Skow of West Des Moines – CEO, Independent Insurance Agents of Iowa and Former State Representative

Warren County Co-Chairs
Kevin Middleswart of Indianola – Warren County Supervisor
Scott Voogd of Indianola – Teacher and Democratic Activist

Lee County Chair
Bill Olmsted of Keokuk – Keokuk City Councilman

Muscatine County Chair
Mark Butterworth of Muscatine – Small Business Owner and Retired Teacher

Marshall County Chair
Wayne Sawtelle of Marshalltown – Vice Chair, Marshall County Democrats Central Committee and Former Political Director, Iowa Professional Fire Fighters

Webster County Co-Chairs
Ernest Kersten of Fort Dodge – Webster County School Board and Democratic Activist
Mary B. Wilson of Fort Dodge – Retired Teacher and Former Member, Webster County School Board

Wapello County Chair
Marlin Hesse of Ottumwa – Democratic Activist

Marion County Chair
David Isgrig of Pleasantville – Superintendent, Pleasantville Schools

Jeff Danielson Endorses Chris Dodd For President

IOWA SENATE PRESIDENT PRO-TEM JEFF DANIELSON ENDORSES CHRIS DODD FOR PRESIDENT
First Member of Senate Democratic Leadership to Endorse, Will Co-Chair Dodd Iowa Steering Committee

CEDAR FALLS – State Senator and Senate President Pro-Tempore Jeff Danielson announced today that he is endorsing Chris Dodd for President. Danielson is the first member of Iowa’s Senate Democratic leadership to endorse a presidential candidate. In addition to the endorsement, he will serve as a Co-Chair of Dodd’s Iowa Steering Committee, and a member of Dodd’s National Steering Committee.

Danielson, a professional Fire Fighter in Cedar Falls and a veteran of six years in the U.S. Navy, cited Dodd’s proven record of leadership and experience in keeping America strong, as well as his record of bringing people together to get things done.

“When it comes to protecting this country and strengthening our communities, proven leadership and experience matter,” said Danielson.  “I am supporting Chris Dodd, because he is the candidate I trust to keep America safe and keep our middle class families strong. Time and time again, Chris Dodd has shown not only that he has thoughtful, bold ideas, but that he has the ability to pull people together to get them done.

“With the stakes so high for our country in this election, Chris Dodd is the proven leader we need in the White House and the proven winner we need as our Democratic nominee. I am proud to be endorsing Chris Dodd, and I’m ready to go to work across this state on behalf of his campaign.”

Danielson, 37, has represented Iowa Senate District 10 since 2004. His election to the Senate leadership by his peers last year made him the youngest President Pro-Tem in Iowa history.

“Jeff Danielson is one of the most respected leaders in the Iowa Senate, and I could not be prouder to have his support,” said Senator Dodd. “As a Fire Fighter, a Senator, and a veteran, Jeff knows on a very personal level about the responsibility we have to protect our communities and to strengthen our families. He will be a tremendous asset to our campaign as a leader, a representative, and an advisor.”

Dodd Statement On Sixth Anniversary Of 9/11

DODD STATEMENT ON SIXTH ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11

WASHINGTON - Today, Presidential Candidate Chris Dodd released the following statement on the sixth anniversary of 9/11:

"We take a moment today to remember the thousands of innocent people who lost their lives and the brave first responders who risked their lives to save others. Today, America reaffirms her commitment to ensure the cold, calculated and murderous attacks perpetrated against our country never happen again.

"This begins with quickly and safely ending the war in Iraq and using the resources we had been expending there to reinforce our efforts to secure Afghanistan and hunt down the real terrorists responsible for the 9/11 attacks. It will also require restoring our standing in the world by restoring our Constitution, saying "no" to torture and shutting down Guantanamo. And we must invest in our first responders who keep our country and our communities at the ready.

"The victims of 9/11 are in all of our prayers and our hearts go out to all their families on this day of remembrance."

Chris Dodd Signs Pledge To Early Caucus And Primary States

CHRIS DODD SIGNS PLEDGE TO EARLY CAUCUS AND PRIMARY STATES
Calls Commitment to Retail Politics More Important This Year

WASHINGTON, DC – Presidential Candidate Chris Dodd today signed a pledge from the Democratic Parties of Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina to honor their status as the early primary and caucus states as established by the Democratic National Committee’s 2008 nominating calendar.  Dodd reaffirmed his belief in the power of retail politics and the serious thought and weight that citizens of these states put into their consideration of the candidates.

“I believe that Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada offer a cross-section of America and allow for voters to probe the experience and vision of candidates in a meaningful way,” said Dodd.  “In this year, where the national media focus seems to be on celebrity and bank accounts, the role of these states is more important than ever.  I am committed to the DNC nominating calendar and preserving the first-in-the-nation status of Iowa and New Hampshire.”

Drew Theodore And 11 Others Join South Carolina Campaign Committee For Chris Dodd

Drew Theodore and 11 others join South Carolina Campaign Committee for Chris Dodd
Former Comptroller General candidate to be one of Dodd's SC Campaign
Co-Chairs

Columbia, SC - Chris Dodd for President today announced the endorsement of Drew Theodore and the addition of 11 local leaders in the political, business and education communities to its South Carolina Campaign Committee. Chris Dodd's team in South Carolina reflects Sen. Dodd's unique ability to attract party loyalist and newcomers to the process, as well as business leaders and working families.

"We are extremely excited about these additions to Chris Dodd's team here in South Carolina," said State Senator Phil Leventis and former State Representative Joe Brown, co-chairs of Chris Dodd's South Carolina Campaign. "As his message of bold leadership takes hold, Senator Dodd is building more and more support which translates into a strong organization across the country. We look forward to working with Drew and the other leaders to bring Dodd's message to even more people in the Palmetto State."

With Senator Dodd, you get both leadership and proven experience on the tough issues of Iraq, economic stability, quality education, sustainable energy and affordable health care," stated Theodore. "Chris Dodd understands the problems facing working families and he knows how to get things done. Chris Dodd is the Democrats' best chance to beat any one of the candidates that the Republicans run against us."

Theodore will join State Senator Phil Leventis of Sumter and former State Representative Joe Brown of Columbia as co-chairs of Chris Dodd's South Carolina Campaign.

Fire Fighters Endorse Dodd

FIRE FIGHTERS ENDORSE DODD
IAFF PRESIDENT SAYS DODD OFFERS PROVEN LEADERSHIP THEY TRUST TO KEEP AMERICA SAFE AND MIDDLE CLASS FAMILIES SECURE
Schaitberger Named National Co-Chair of Dodd Campaign

WASHINGTON, DC - Saying that he was the candidate that offered the proven leadership they trust to keep America safe and middle class families secure, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) General President Harold Schaitberger today announced the IAFF's endorsement of Chris Dodd for President. The endorsement, which was made at a meeting of the IAFF leadership earlier in the morning, marks the first major union endorsement of the 2008 Presidential campaign.

"There are many capable candidates this year, some of whom may have more celebrity, but for fire fighters it came down to the more substantive question of who we trust to keep America safe when the unexpected occurs and who we trust to fight for our families," said Schaitberger. "Chris Dodd offers proven leadership in protecting our homeland and in fighting for issues that matter to America's working families.

The IAFF is credited by many with helping John Kerry win the 2004 Iowa caucuses, and eventually the Democratic nomination. As author Philip Dine notes in his forthcoming book, State of Unions, former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack said the IAFF played a key role in Kerry's victory:

"Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack, who remained judiciously neutral during this state's caucus season even though his wife endorsed Kerry, attributed the senator's success in the first instance to the personal attributes and unanticipated level of organization of the firefighters. They 'willed it,' he says - which is a sentiment shared by key operatives for the 2004 campaigns of Dean and Gephardt, including union officials who backed the two candidates." [Dine, Philip M., State of the Unions; How Labor Can Strengthen the Middle Class, Improve Our Economy, and Regain Political Influence, McGraw-Hill, Expected Release October 2007, p.14]

Securing the endorsement of the IAFF, which represents more than 281,000 fire fighters and first responders in every state across the country, also brings critical manpower and "boots on the ground" to a campaign. After the Iowa caucuses the St. Louis Post-Dispatch wrote: "A nearly secret weapon Kerry had in Iowa was the organizing work of the 263,000-member firefighters union, which is about 2,400 strong in Iowa?Because they work 24-hour shifts, two-thirds of the union members are off work at any given time, meaning that 1,600 could go to caucuses Monday, and each was asked to bring five people in a 'carload for Kerry.'" [St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 1/23/04]

"Today's endorsement isn't just a recognition that the nation's fire fighters think Chris Dodd is the most qualified candidate to protect our communities and our families, but also a great, tangible addition to our grass roots campaign," said Dodd Communications Director Hari Sevugan. "Fire fighters have proven that they know how to win in the early states, and are set to go to work to help Chris Dodd."

The Dodd campaign also announced this morning that Harold Schaitberger will become a National Co-Chair of Dodd's campaign. He joins fellow Co-Chairs Former Senator and Ambassador Jim Sasser, Former Connecticut State Senator Sanford Cloud, Jr., Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro and Congressman Xavier Becerra.

Dodd and Schaitberger will depart this evening for a three day tour through Iowa City, IA, Des Moines, IA, Council Bluffs, IA,  Manchester, NH, Reno, NV, and Las Vegas, NV.

IAFF To Endorse Chris Dodd For President

IAFF TO ENDORSE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE CHRIS DODD

WASHINGTON, DC - Democratic Presidential Candidate Chris Dodd will receive the endorsement of the International Association of Fire Fighters at an event with IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC tomorrow at 11 am. Saying that Dodd is the candidate that offers the proven leadership they trust to keep America safe and keep middle class families secure, the IAFF is set to formally endorse Dodd at a meeting of its Executive Board earlier in the morning. After the announcement, Dodd and Schaitberger will begin a three day tour through Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada.

The IAFF is credited by many with helping John Kerry win the 2004 Democratic nomination, including former Clinton Advisor Paul Begala who said, "Kerry wouldn't be the presumptive nominee without the firefighters? [Their involvement in his campaign] has been absolutely central." [U.S. News & World Report, 3/22/04].

Dodd Takes Issue With Those Who Downplay Importance Of Iowa “First In The Nation” Caucuses

DODD TAKES ISSUE WITH THOSE WHO DOWNPLAY IMPORTANCE OF IOWA “FIRST IN THE NATION” CAUCUSES

Presidential candidate Chris Dodd issued the following statement today, reaffirming his commitment to the importance of Iowa’s “First in the Nation” Caucuses:

“I disagree with those candidates who would say that they are ‘running a national campaign’ and accept the political maneuvering to preempt Iowa’s time-tested and important role in the process of choosing which candidate would make the strongest nominee and strongest President.   

“Such a strategy only reinforces the role of big money and big rally sound bites and strikes another blow at the very heart of what makes the Iowa Caucuses so important -- this year more than ever.  The next President is going to inherit the most complicated set of circumstances in a generation and must not only be ready to lead from day one but also have demonstrated a proven ability to bring people together and get things done.  Making that important decision about who is best qualified to do that must be done in small settings where voters get the chance to ask the important and direct questions of each of us.   That is what happens in the living rooms, schools, and farms of Iowa, and it should remain that way.

“In this year where the media focus seems to be on celebrity and sound bites, it is more important that ever that Iowa remains the first in the nation caucuses.”