2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Statement from Todd Harris: Thompson Shows Courage To Address the Nation's Real Problems

Thompson: The Courage to Address the Nation's Real Problems,and the Leadership to Solve Them
Statement from Thompson Communications Director Todd Harris:

"Tonight, Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani continued their partisan bickering, this time over things like the constitutionality of the line item veto.  While they played politics, Fred Thompson rose above it and took his conservative, small government, tax cutting message straight to the American people. 

"He talked directly to the American people about keeping more of what they earn.  He talked truth about entitlements.  He talked about keeping America safe.  He made it known that when it comes to our national security, it won't be his attorneys that Fred Thompson will first sit down with, it will be his generals. 

"Overall, he showed the courage and honesty to address the nation's real problems, and the leadership to solve them.  Fred Thompson may have been standing between Romney and Rudy, but he stood far above both of them."

Chris Cillizza: Thompson the Tone Setter

Chris Cillizza: Thompson the Tone Setter

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2007/10/thompson_the_tone_setter.html

 

Say this for Fred Thompson's strategy of not appearing in debates up until today: It's allowing him to get the first response in on many of the most important questions of the debate.

Since most viewers are interested in hearing from Thompson, he is getting lots and lots of questions and often setting the tone for the responses that follow.

Take Social Security's long-term solvency, an issue on which moderator Maria Bartiromo said Thompson was one of the few candidates offering specific solutions.

Thompson used the question to return to his larger theme for the debate -- things are OK now but we are walking a dangerous line for our future. "We are eating our seed corn, we are spending their money," Thompson said. "We're better than that."

Media: "Thompson Is Passing His First Big Test"

Media: "Thompson Is Passing His First Big Test"

"Thompson's Prep Work is paying off. He clearly prepared for the debate and has enough facts and statistics to back up his answers."

The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder

http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2007/10/thompsons_prep_work.php

"Sounds like Fred Thompson was ready to go today. He looks and sounds solid -- and dare I say, confident."

ABC News Political Radar Live Debate Blog

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/10/live-blogging-d.html

"Fred Thompson is passing his first big test of his late-starting presidential bid -- his first campaign debate -- at least so far."

Boston Globe Political Intelligence

http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2007/10/spotlight_on_th.html

"...Fred's been solid...and he's been snappy in his responses."

ABC News Political Radar Live Debate Blog

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/10/live-blogging-d.html

"...He is looking prepared."

ABC News Political Radar Live Debate Blog

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/10/live-blogging-d.html

"Thompson tells us about the intricacies of the War Powers Act. Who's lazy now, gang?"

ABC News Political Radar Live Debate Blog

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/10/live-blogging-d.html

Fred Thompson Announces National Campaign Leadership Team

Fred Thompson Announces National Campaign Leadership Team

McLean, VA - Sen. Fred Thompson announced today the members of his National Campaign Leadership Team: Sen. Howard H. Baker will serve as honorary chairman of his presidential campaign and Sen. Spencer Abraham, Sen. George Allen, and Elizabeth Cheney will serve as campaign co-chairs. 

"Howard Baker is my longtime mentor, advisor, and close friend, and I am very grateful that he will serve as honorary chairman of my campaign," said Sen. Fred Thompson. "I am also very pleased to announce that former Senators Abraham and Allen, as well as Liz Cheney, will serve as co-chairs of my national leadership team."  Sen. Fred Thompson added: "These distinguished individuals bring wise counsel and invaluable experience to my campaign leadership team, and they will play a critical role in helping spread my consistent conservative message across America."

Sen. Howard H. Baker, a longtime political mentor of Sen. Thompson, brings a lifetime of distinguished public service as the campaign's honorary chairman.   His long career as a public servant began in 1966, when Baker became the first Republican popularly elected to the U.S. Senate from Tennessee.  In addition to gaining national recognition as vice-chairman of the Senate Watergate Committee in 1973, Baker served two terms as Senate Minority Leader and concluded his Senate career in 1985 after two terms as Majority Leader.  He served as President Reagan's Chief of Staff from February 1987 to July 1988.  In 1984, Baker was honored with the President ial Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award.  President George W. Bush appointed Senator Baker to serve as the 26th U.S. Ambassador to Japan in 2001.  Baker currently serves as senior counsel to the law firm of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz.

Sen. Spencer Abraham will serve as a co-chair of the Thompson campaign.  Abraham most recently served the nation as Secretary of Energy during President George W. Bush's first term in office.  Prior to that, Sen. Abraham served as an effective and highly productive U.S. Senator from Michigan from 1995 to 2001.  Before his election to the U.S. Senate, Abraham served as co-chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) from 1991 to 1993 and he served as chairman of the Michigan Republican Party from 1983 to 1990.  A native of East Lansing, Michigan, Abraham holds a law degree from Harvard University, where he co-founded the Federalist S ociety. 

Sen. George Allen, who will also serve as a co-chair of the Thompson campaign, brings a long career of public service, serving as the Governor of Virginia, in both houses of the United States Congress and as a Delegate holding Thomas Jefferson's seat in the Virginia General Assembly.  Sworn in as Governor in 1994 George Allen brought sweeping reform that made Virginia a national model in economic development, public safety, education accountability, and creative government.   Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2000, Allen continued advocating policies to make America and Virginia a leader in innovation and technology and in 2001 he was appointed chairman of the Senate High Tech Task Force.  In 200 2, Allen was unanimously elected a member of the Senate Republican Leadership as chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.  Under his leadership, Republicans gained four seats in the Senate and expanded the Republican majority.

Liz Cheney will bring valuable political and foreign policy experience as a co-chair of the Thompson campaign.  As an attorney and specialist in the area of U.S. Middle East policy, Ms. Cheney most recently served as the second-ranking State Department official responsible for American policy in the Middle East as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs.  Prior to that, she served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs.  In addition to practicing law at White & Case LLP in the area of international project finance where she served on assignment with the International Finance Corporation, Ms. Cheney also worked for the Department of St ate and at the Agency for International Development from 1989 to 1993.  During the 2000 and 2004 presidential campaigns, Ms. Cheney managed vice presidential debate preparation and served as a valuable surrogate for the Bush-Cheney campaign. 

Thompson Reports $12.7 Million In First FEC Filing

Thompson Reports $12.7 Million in First FEC Filing
More than 80,000 Donors Demonstrate Campaign's Strong Grassroots Appeal

McLean, VA - The Thompson for President campaign will show total donations of more than $12.7 million in its first report to be filed this month with the Federal Election Commission.  Sen. Thompson has received donations from more than 80,000 supporters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and has $7 million cash on hand. 

"The financial support Sen. Thompson has received from more than 80,000 donors demonstrates his huge grassroots appeal for Republicans who've been waiting for an authentic conservative to enter the race for president," said campaign manager Bill Lacy. "We feel great about future fundraising, knowing there's a big well of support to go back to, since people who've given once are likely to give again."

The average dollar donation to the campaign is $176, with 22,000 donors contributing online and 200,000 Friends of Fred signing up online to support the campaign. 

The total raised for the third quarter filing (July 1st - September 30th) is $9.3 million.  Since Sen. Thompson officially declared his candidacy on September 5th, the campaign has raised an average of $200,000 per day.

"Some of the other campaigns have spent tens of millions of dollars so far, only to lose support among voters; yet, Fred is running strong in most of the early primary states without having spent a dime on advertising," noted Lacy.   "We are on plan and will have the funding we need to get Fred's message to voters."

The filing covers all donations received to date by the campaign, from June 4th through September 30th. 

Statement By Communications Director Todd Harris

Statement by Communications Director Todd Harris

McLean, VA - Thompson Communications Director Todd Harris released the following statement after tonight's Democrat debate in New Hampshire:

"I hope every American tuned in tonight to watch the Democrats debate how much to raise taxes, how much to grow government, and which route to surrender they would choose in the war against terror. The contrast between Fred Thompson and every liberal throwback on that stage could not be more clear, and watching them tonight makes me feel downright bullish about winning next November."

Thompson Builds On Momentum In South Carolina

Thompson Builds on Momentum in South Carolina
Picks up Endorsements from Republican State Leaders

McLean, VA - Former Senator Fred Thompson's presidential campaign in South Carolina continued to show signs of growing momentum today as he received the official endorsements of Congressman Gresham Barrett (R-SC) and 12 state legislators from across the state.

Congressman Barrett has been an outspoken supporter of Thompson since last spring but is now joining the ranks of federal officials around the country who are officially endorsing Thompson's bid.

"Senator Thompson brings the vision, values and clarity voters are hungry for, and I look forward to doing everything I can to help introduce him to the people of South Carolina," Barrett said.

Joining Barrett in endorsing Thompson are state Republican legislators:

State Senator George E. "Chip" Campsen, III, Dist. 43 - Charleston and Berkeley Cos.
State Senator Raymond Cleary, III, Dist. 34 - Horry, Georgetown and Charleston Cos.
State Senator Lawrence K. "Larry" Grooms, Dist. 37 - Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton and Dorchester Cos.
State Senator John Hawkins, Dist. 12 - Spartanburg Co.
State Senator James H. "Jim" Ritchie, Jr., Dist. 13 - Spartanburg, Greenville and Union Cos.
State Representative Eric M. Bedingfield, Dist. 28 - Greenville Co.
State Representative Harry F. Cato , Dist. 17, Greenville Co.
State Representative Jeffrey D. "Jeff" Duncan, Dist. 15 - Laurens and Newberry Cos.
State Representative David R. Hiott, Dist. 4 - Pickens Co.
State Representative Dwight A. Loftis, Dist. 19 - Greenville Co.
State Representative Michael D. Thompson, Dist. 9, Anderson C o.
State Representative W. Brian White, Dist. 6, Anderson Co.

"I am very proud to have these legislators joining our quickly growing grassroots driven team in South Carolina, and I look forward to working with them over the coming months as we take our conservative message to voters across the state," said Senator Fred Thompson.

Thompson Campaign Expands Florida Organization

Thompson Campaign Expands Florida Organization
Experienced Campaign Staff To Build Upon Two Successful Campaign Swings Through Sunshine State

McLean, VA - The Thompson campaign announced today the addition of several experienced political veterans who will help lead Thompson's Florida operation.  Under the direction of Andy Palmer, former Executive Dir ector of the Republican Party of Florida, now serving as lead Florida consultant and advisor to the campaign, and Todd Thomson, Executive Director of the Florida campaign, will be Brandi Brown, Political Director; Katie Gordon and Jenny Robertson, who will be organizing Florida communications and political efforts; and Tim Buckley, Carlos Curbelo, Danny Lopez, Roy Schultheis and Jonathan Menendez, who will be serving as local staff deployed throughout the state.  Additionally, Senator Thompson's national campaign's political and communications departments are led by two veterans of Florida politics, Randy Enwright and Todd Harris.      

Jenny Robertson, who recently relocated to Florida from Columbus, Ohio, will assist Brandi Brown with field operations and volunteer organization.  She worked as a legislative aide for a member of the Ohio Senate and also as a governmental consultant for a state trade association and later for a non-profit organization.

The Fred Thompson campaign also has the following staff focused on specific regions:

In addition to the Florida-based staff, Jeff Sadosky, former Republican Party of Florida Communications Director who is serving as Spokesman for Senator Thompson's national campaign, will be responsible for the campaign's communications efforts in the state.

"Andy, Todd, Jeff and Brandi bring tremendous political and grassroots experience to Fred Thompson's campaign in Florida," said Thompson's National Political Director Randy Enwright.  "Their knowledge of the political landscape and the issues specific to this great state are second to none, and we're very excited to have them on board.  The support staff and resources that we now have around the state will allow us to reach primary voters and educate the people of Florida about Fred Thompson's consistently conservative record and plans for our nation's future."

Fred Thompson Campaign Expands Press Operation

Fred Thompson Campaign Expands Press Operation

McLean, VA - The Thompson campaign announced today the hiring of former Schwarzenegger spokesman Darrel Ng, who will serve as the main point of contact for the media on all travel logistics and scheduling.

"Darrel is a talented and experienced communications professional, and he will be an enormous asset to our team," said Todd Harris, Communications Director for Friends of Fred Thompson.

Prior to joining the Thompson campaign, Ng was the appointed Deputy Secretary for Public Communications for California's Business, Transportation and Housing Agency.  From 2003 until 2007, Ng served as Chief Deputy Press Secretary for the Office of Governor Schwarzenegger.  While in the Office of the Governor, Ng was a spokesperson on a multitude of issues, including the environment, transportation, business, water resources, and workers compensation, among many others.  In addition, Ng also has significant campaign press experience.  He served as a Deputy Press Secretary for Californians for Schwarzenegger 2005, and held the same position for the Californians for Schwarzenegger 2003 Recall Campaign.  Ng also served as Deputy Press Secretary for Bill Simon's gubernatorial campaign.

Ng earned his B.A. in political science from the University of California, Berkeley.

Fred Thompson Campaign Appoints New Hampshire Political Director

Fred Thompson Campaign Appoints New Hampshire Political Director

McLean, VA - The Friends of Fred Thompson announced today that Christopher Wood has been appointed as Political Director for the New Hampshire Presidential Primary campaign.

Wood has more than 20 years of experience in Republican campaigns and with the New Hampshire Republican Party.  During the 1992 Presidential cycle, he served as statewide volunteer coordinator for the successful Buchanan for President New Hampshire primary campaign.  In 2000, he served as Deputy Campaign Manager for Forbes for President in New Hampshire.  Most recently, Wood managed the field operation and the Get Out The Vote (GOTV) effort for Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta's stunning upset of a three-term Democratic incumbent.  He has also played leadership roles in a number of Congressional, Gubernatorial and State Senate campaigns.

Wood has worked with several grassroots and issue advocacy organizations in New Hampshire, including Granite State Taxpayers, Citizens for a Sound Economy, Victory New Hampshire and Gun Owners of New Hampshire.

Mr. Wood holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Indiana Wesleyan University