2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Rudy Giuliani Campaign Announces Minnesota Leadership

Rudy Giuliani Campaign Announces Minnesota Leadership

The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced its Minnesota campaign leadership on the state and local levels. Leading the Minnesota team as State Chairman is U.S. Senator Norm Coleman.

“As a former mayor myself, I admire Mayor Giuliani’s achievements in reducing crime, cutting taxes and turning a deficit into a surplus in New York City,” said Senator Coleman. "Rudy is a true leader, and I am proud to have a strong team of supporters rallying behind him all across Minnesota.”

Rudy’s Minnesota State Leadership Team:

Rob Hewitt, Minnesota Grassroots Chair
Arlan Stangeland, Former U.S. Representative
Ian Alexander, Minnesota Surrogate Chair
Carol Liege, Minnesota Women for Rudy Co-Chair
Jean Simon, Minnesota Women for Rudy Co-Chair
Teresa Hewitt, Minnesota Catholics for Rudy Chair
Sheriff Rich Stanek, Minnesota Law Enforcement for Rudy Chair*

Minnesota State Fundraising Team:

Wheelock Whitney, Minnesota Finance Chair
Bonnie Spear McGrath, Fundraiser
Dennis E. Hecker, Fundraiser
George W. Pillsbury, Fundraiser
Sally W. Pillsbury, Fundraiser
Lesley Schlegel, Fundraiser
Stanley S. Hubbard, Fundraiser
Timothy P. Owens, Fundraiser

Minnesota County Leadership Team Members:

Christine Deuker, Anoka County Chair
Larry Howes, Cass County Chair
Scott Brooks, Hennepin County Chair
Michele Medina, Hennepin County Grassroots Chair
Robert Olson, Hennepin County Surrogates Chair
Christopher Senn, Hennepin County Volunteer Coordinator
Willis Krumholz, Martin County Chair
Nancy Bagne, Otter Tail County Co-Chair
John Waller III, Otter Tail County Co-Chair
Dan Igo, Ramsey County Voter Contact Chair
Thomas Reale, Stearns County Chair

Minnesota City & Town Leadership Team Members:

Debbie Diekmann, Arden Hills Co-Chair
Benjamin Deggendorf, Blaine Chair
Sarah Gale, Bloomington Co-Chair
Gene Story, Bloomington Co-Chair
Scott Nystrom, Coon Rapids Chair
Leroy Peterson, Eagan Chair
Armando Alonso, Eden Prairie Co-Chair
Mark Cohn, Eden Prairie Co-Chair
John Henry Swon IV, Edina Chair
Tom McElligott, Golden Valley Co-Chair
Susan McElligott, Golden Valley Voter Contact Chair
Joseph Schomacker, Luverne Chair
Lisa Chesley, Mankato Chair
David Guell, Maple Grove Chair
Jesse Stebbins, Minneapolis Chair
Charles Cudd, Minneapolis Surrogates Chair
Joel Johnson, Minneapolis Volunteer Coordinator
Kristine Donatelle, Minneapolis Voter Contact Chair
Eric Petersen, Minnetonka Co-Chair
Anthony Stanius, Minnetonka Co-Chair
Amy Barsness, Minnetonka Voter Contact Chair
Justin Zenanko, Minnetrista Chair
Katherine McVay, Mound Chair
Matthew Castillo, North Branch Chair
David Stein, Plymouth Co-Chair
Derek Brigham, Plymouth Co-Chair
Timothy Erlander, Richfield Chair
Jason Cole, Richfield Voter Contact Chair
James Rogers, Rochester Chair
Sharon Peterson, Rosemont Chair
Daniel Gardner, Shakopee Chair
Michael Held, St. Louis Park Chair
Jayne Jones, St. Paul Co-Chair
Alicia Long, St. Paul Co-Chair
John Nolde, Stillwater Co-Chair
Susan Barritt, Stillwater Co-Chair
Irene Hewitt, Wayzata Chair
Anthony Tedesco, Woodbury Chair

Minnesota House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher Endorses Clinton

Minnesota House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher Endorses Clinton

The Clinton Campaign today announced the endorsement of Minnesota House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher.

"Hillary Clinton has the strength and experience to deliver the change this country needs," Speaker Anderson Kelliher said. "She is uniquely qualified to lead this nation from her first day in the White House, and set about tackling the challenges we face at home and abroad."

In her first year as Speaker of the Minnesota House, Anderson Kelliher passed into law the nation’s leading renewable energy standard, requiring that 20% of the state’s energy consumption be renewable by 2020. Speaker Anderson Kelliher also emphasized the connection between higher education and job creation and provided the largest funding boost to Minnesota’s higher education system in years. In the aftermath of the tragic I35W bridge collapse, Anderson Kelliher has pressed for additional state and federal resources to rebuild and improve Minnesota’s transportation infrastructure.

After growing up on a farm in southern Minnesota, Anderson Kelliher now represents an urban neighborhood and brings a unique perspective to Minnesota politics.

"I’m honored to have Margaret’s support, and I’m delighted she’ll help bring our message of change across Minnesota," Clinton said.

Minnesota Assistant Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark Endorses Clinton

Minnesota Assistant Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark Endorses Clinton
The Clinton Campaign today announced the endorsement of Minnesota Senate Assistant Majority Leader Tarryl Clark.

“America needs change, and Hillary Clinton has the strength and experience to deliver it,” Clark said. “She is ready to begin tackling our challenges at home and abroad on her first day in the White House.”

Elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2005 and reelected in 2006, Clark quickly rose to the second-highest leadership position in the caucus. A bipartisan problem solver, Clark has worked across the aisle to pass legislation to help seniors stay in their homes, to help reintegrate our returning veterans, and to make sure our youngest children are ready for kindergarten.

Clark is a longtime community activist and former executive director of the Minnesota Community Action Partnership and former Associate Chair of the Democratic Farmer-Labor Party. She has also been active in the Children’s Defense Fund-MN and the Legal Services Advocacy Project. As a Commissioner of the St. Cloud Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Clark pushed to expand affordable housing and the creation of good paying jobs.

“I’m honored to have Tarryl’s support and delighted that she’ll help lead our efforts in Minnesota,” Clinton said.

Thompson Announces Minnesota Leadership Team

Thompson Announces Minnesota Leadership Team
Veteran Republican Leader to Chair Thompson Minnesota Organization

McLean, VA - Today the Fred Thompson campaign announced the members of his Minnesota Steering Committee.  Minnesota House Republican Leader Marty Seifert will serve as Honorary Chairman and lead the Thompson campaign operation in Minnesota.

House Republican Leader Marty Seifert has served in the Minnesota State Legislature for over a decade, representing the people of District 21A in southwestern Minnesota. During his tenure as a State Representative, Seifert has utilized his conservative philosophy and rural values to pass legislation that has an impact on the average working citizen in Minnesota. He's gained a reputation as a champion for tax relief and more efficient state government. Like Senator Thompson, Seifert believes in a strong economy led by free market solutions that do not pervade individual freedoms. As Caucus leader Marty has worked tirelessly to help recruit and elect Republican candidates at all level of government.  A former social studies teacher Seifert is currently an admissions counselor at his alma mater Southwest Minnesota State University

"I'm honored to be a part of the team that helps lead Fred Thompson to victory in Minnesota," said Republican Leader Seifert. "Thompson is the only true conservative in the race, and his message of smaller government, lower taxes will resonate with conservatives in our state."

"We are pleased to have Marty Seifert and these Republican leaders joining our Minnesota campaign organization," said Randy Enwright, National Political Director.  "This strong operation in this key February 5 state will be a great asset in helping spread Fred Thompson's consistent conservative message."

The Thompson Minnesota Steering Committee also includes:

Rep. Tom Hackbarth, Minnesota state legislator since 1994

Margaret Cavanaugh, Co-chair of the Third Congressional District Republicans and former Chair of the Third District Republican Coalition for Life

Rory Koch, Chair of the Fourth Congressional District Republicans, former Vice-Chair of the St. Paul Republican City Committee, and former three-term State Vice-Chair of the Minnesota Young Republicans.

Lori Windels, Vice-chair of the St. Paul Republican City Committee, First Vice Chair of the Fourth Congressional District, Secretary of the House District 65B Republicans and State Treasurer of the Minnesota Federation of Republican Women.

Daniel Riojas,  Political Director for Barb White for Congress Committee and former delegate to the State Convention

Mark Swanson, Chair of the Sixth Congressional District Republicans

Bridget Sutton, Veteran Republican activist and local School Board Member.

Mike Barrett - State Vice-Chair of the Republican Party of Minnesota Executive Committee

Lewie Reiman, Secretary of the First District Republicans

Kurt Daudt - Isanti County Commissioner and Eighth Congressional District Executive Committee Member for the Republican Party of Minnesota

George Cable - Representative for the Eighth Congressional District on the Republican Party State Executive Committee and former Deputy Chairman of the Minnesota Republican Party

Governor Bill Richardson’s Momentum Continues To Build Across The United States

Governor Bill Richardson’s Momentum Continues to Build Across the United States
Richardson endorsed by key political, community, union, and tribal leaders from around the country

SANTA FE, NM-- The Richardson for President campaign today announced endorsements from a number of high-profile political, community, union, and tribal leaders from around the United States.

"I am proud to have the endorsements of these influential leaders," Democratic Presidential candidate Richardson said. "These are people from all walks of life living across the United States, and I am excited that they have united behind my campaign. Together, we are going to win the White House and end the war in Iraq."

Today's endorsers hail from thirteen states, representing every region of the United States. They include state senators, assemblymen, and representatives, tribal chairs, union presidents, and other influential community leaders.

New Mexico Governor Richardson, backed by a solid third quarter fundraising total, is the only Democratic candidate to have shown a steady increase in support in recent months. In polling in the early states of Iowa and New Hampshire, Richardson consistently has registered double-digit support. A new Strategic Vision poll in Iowa puts Governor Richardson at thirteen percent, within striking distance of the leading candidates with over three months remaining before the votes are cast.

"Governor Bill Richardson has been a strong voice for change in this Presidential campaign, and he has a long record of experience to back it up," California State Senator Alex Padilla said. "It is an honor to join his campaign. When he becomes President, I am confident that Bill Richardson will get all of our troops out of Iraq and extend access to quality, affordable health care to every American."

Below is a list of Minnesota leaders who today endorsed Democratic Presidential candidate Bill Richardson.

MINNESOTA
Irene Auginaush, White Earth Tribal Councilwoman
Kevin Leecy, Bois Forte Tribal Chairman

John McCain Shows Strength In Star Tribune Minnesota Poll

Minnesota Poll: A strong showing for McCain
Minnesotans are backing the front-runners, but they still are warm to McCain's troubled candidacy.

By Bob Von Sternberg, Star Tribune

October 02, 2007

The Republican presidential race in Minnesota is more unsettled than it appears to be nationally, with Arizona Sen. John McCain showing surprising strength he no longer enjoys elsewhere, a new Star Tribune Minnesota Poll has found.

Rudy Giuliani 27%
John McCain 22%
Fred Thompson 16%

Sen. Klobuchar Pushes Solution To End the "Primary Arms Race"

Sen. Klobuchar Pushes Solution to End the 'Primary Arms Race'
Testimony before Senate Rules Committee seeks to end primary "front-loading" and institute a fair and inclusive process

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) testified before the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration stressing the need to  reform the currently chaotic Presidential primary election process.  Klobuchar highlighted legislation she introduced in late July with Lamar Alexander (R-TN), and Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) as a sensible step towards fixing a primary process that many have referred to as “a big mess.”

“Primaries were not intended to be an arms race,” said Klobuchar, the lead sponsor of the bill.  “We seek to give order to this chaotic, messy, and unrepresentative process.  This schedule gives power and influence back to the voters in every state.”

Concerns about the election schedule have gained national attention in recent months as states have "leap-frogged" each other in a race to the front of the calendar.  In 2008, at least 25 states will hold their primaries on or before February 5th.

Klobuchar’s legislation, The Presidential Primary and Caucus Reform Act, would provide structure to the primary election and caucuses by establishing a rotating schedule of regional Presidential primaries and caucuses.  The reformed system would de-compress the schedule, allowing candidates to focus their time and efforts and giving voters in all states the opportunity to have a powerful voice in the selection of party nominees.

The bill would create a region-by-region primary system where, on a rotating basis, states in the West, Midwest, South, and East take turns hosting the first batch of primaries and caucuses.  Beginning in 2012, primaries and caucuses would start on the first Tuesday in March, continuing on the first Tuesday in April, May, and June until each region has chosen candidates for the party conventions.  The next presidential election year, a different region would have a chance to go first—rotating through all the regions every 16 years.  Iowa and New Hampshire would remain as the historical first caucus and primary in the nation.

“The current schedule undermines the spirit of the primary process,” remarked Klobuchar. “It risks turning our primaries and caucuses into a tarmac campaign, with candidates forced to partake in a blitzkrieg campaign strategy across the entire country.  It is time to deescalate the primary arms race and restore the spirit of the primary process that allows for meaningful discussion with voters across the country.”

Fred Thompson Wins Republican Party Of Minnesota State Fair Straw Poll

Former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson Wins Republican Party Of Minnesota State Fair Straw Poll

Former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson won the Republican Party of Minnesota State Fair Straw Poll last evening with 1989 votes. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani placed second with 1272 votes. Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney finished third with 876 votes.

"The enthusiasm demonstrated by individuals participating in our State Fair Straw Poll is encouraging," commented Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Ron Carey. "National polls show Republicans on the rise. I am increasingly confident that Minnesota is ready to go 'Red' in 2008."

A full list of the votes is below:

Thompson 1989
Giuliani 1272
Romney 876
McCain 500
Paul 452
Huckabee 376
Gingrich 285
Hunter 137
Brownback 95
Tancredo 60
Cox 14

DFLers Move Caucuses to February 5, 2008

DFLers Move Caucuses to February 5
State Central Committee Votes Overwhelmingly to Move Precinct Caucuses

St. Paul, MN (August 28, 2007) The Minnesota DFL Party today announced that it will hold its precinct caucuses on February 5, 2008. The move is expected to greatly increase grassroots participation, and is also intended to welcome new participants into the political process.

The State DFL Central Committee voted on the proposed change by mail ballot. The final tally was 277.5 votes for the move, to 33.5 votes against — a majority of 89.2%.

The State DFL Executive Committee, a smaller body, had unanimously recommended the move at a meeting on June 9. State DFL Chair Brian Melendez and State GOP Chair Ron Carey met on June 22, and agreed to propose the move to their parties’ governing bodies. The State GOP Executive Committee, a 13-member body, approved the change in July.

Since 1991, the major political parties have held their precinct caucuses on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March, so the next caucuses would have been held on March 4, 2008. The Minnesota Statutes currently contemplate caucuses on that date. The parties are not bound by the statutory date, but may nevertheless ask the Legislature to amend the statute so that certain public buildings are available by law on caucus night.

“Earlier caucuses will give Minnesotans a greater say in who will be the next President of the United States, and will hopefully engage more Minnesotans in grassroots politics,” said Minnesota DFL Chair Brian Melendez. “We are pleased that the Republican Party has joined in this move, and we look forward to promoting the new dates. We also look forward to welcoming all Minnesotans who want to change our country’s direction to join long-time and first-time DFLers in attending our 2008 precinct caucuses.”

Historically, Minnesota has held caucuses in February before: from 1969 to 1983, and from 1987 to 1991, the statutory date set precinct caucuses on the fourth Tuesday in February. Before 1969, each party’s county executive committee could schedule caucuses on a date of its choosing.

Fred Thompson To Visit The Minnesota State Fair Monday

Minnesota House Republican Leader Marty Seifert will make the rounds with former Tennessee Senator, actor, and possible presidential candidate Fred Thompson at the Minnesota State Fair on Monday, August 27th. They will appear at 11:45 AM in the Republican Party of Minnesota booth.