2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

McCain And Obama Tied In New StarTribune Minnesota Poll

Minnesota Poll: Obama, McCain are dead even in state
By BOB VON STERNBERG, Star Tribune

September 14, 2008

Minnesota has become a battleground in a presidential campaign that has dramatically tightened nationwide.

A new Star Tribune Minnesota Poll shows that the race is now a dead heat between Barack Obama and John McCain, each supported by 45 percent of likely voters in the state.

(Canceled) Sarah Palin To Appear At A McCain-Palin Victory 2008 Fundraiser In Minneapolis September 22nd

Governor Sarah Palin is scheduled to appear at a McCain-Palin Victory 2008 Fundraiser in Minneapolis, Minnesota on September 22, 2008.

This event no longer appears on the schedule and appears to have been canceled.

Three Minnesotans Added To McCain-Palin 2008 Truth Squad To Counter Attacks On Governor Sarah Palin

MCCAIN-PALIN 2008 LAUNCHES TRUTH SQUAD TO COUNTER ATTACKS ON GOVERNOR SARAH PALIN

ARLINGTON, VA -- With today's Wall Street Journal report that pro-Obama Democrats have "airdropped a mini-army of 30 lawyers, investigators and opposition researchers into Anchorage" to dig for dirt on our vice presidential nominee, the McCain-Palin campaign today launched the Palin Truth Squad to counter recent attacks on Governor Sarah Palin, her family, her friends and her record of accomplishment. The Palin Truth Squad will set the record straight against Internet and liberal smears of Governor Palin.

"We're proud of Governor Palin's leadership in Alaska and record of taking on entrenched special interests and the good old boys network," said former Governor Jane Swift. "Governor Palin's commitment to reform is well-known but there are those who would seek to distort that record with vile rumors and smears against her, her husband, her children and her friends. We will not allow those on the left and in the media to smear a woman who has always served her constituents with honor. We know the truth and are committed to ensuring it as well."

In the event of false attacks, rumors and smears against Governor Palin, the Palin Truth Squad will issue alerts and statements to voters and the media to set the record straight. Additionally, the Truth Squad will be available to respond to inquiries from the media.

National Members Of The Palin Truth Squad:

· Former Governor Jane Swift (R-MA)
· Governor Linda Lingle (R-HI)
· Lt. Governor Sean Parnell, (R-AK)
· Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (R-MN)
· Congressman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
· Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)
· Congresswoman Thelma Drake (R-VA)
· Congresswoman Mary Fallin (R-OK)
· Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC)
· Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-TX)
· Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)
· Congresswoman Candice Miller (R-MI)
· Congresswoman Sue Myrick (R-FL)
· Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL)
· Congresswoman Heather Wilson (R-NM)
· Jo Ann Davidson, RNC Co-Chair
· Rosario Marin, Former U.S. Treasurer
· Meg Stapleton, Former Aide To Governor Palin
· Kristan Cole, Lifelong Friend Of Governor Palin

State Members Of The Palin Truth Squad:

· State Representative Laura Brod (MN)
· Former GOP State Party Chairwoman And Former State Rep. Barb Sykora (MN)

Senator Coleman On Senator John McCain’s Selection Of Governor Sarah Palin

A STATEMENT FROM SENATOR COLEMAN
Statement On Senator McCain’s Selection Of Governor Palin As His Running Mate

ST. PAUL – The following is a statement from Senator Coleman regarding Senator John McCain’s selection of Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate.

“John McCain has made a bold and historic choice in selecting Governor Sarah Palin to join him on the Republican ticket as his Vice President.  As a wife, mother, former Mayor and as Alaska’s first female Governor, Sarah Palin brings a wholly American experience to the table in this campaign.  She’s been a strong, independent leader on fiscal responsibility, the environment and energy.  And, as a former Mayor myself, I am thrilled with the idea that she will bring that ‘getting things done’ point of view with her to Washington, D.C.  With this ticket, the message to America is very, very clear.  We must remain rooted to our principles of a strong, prosperous and peaceful nation, and continue to focus on revitalizing our nation economically and defending our national security interests.”

Republican Party of Minnesota Statement On Gov. Sarah Palin

Gov. Sarah Palin 
Agent Of Change With Proven Results

St. Paul – Republican Party of Minnesota Chair Ron Carey released the following statement regarding Sen. John McCain’s selection of Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate.

“Gov. Sarah Palin is a bold and energetic choice for Sen. John McCain's running mate.  In her time as Alaska's Governor, she has been a solid conservative, true reformer, and a powerful voice for families.  She will be a dynamic addition to the ticket and will speak to Minnesota's hockey moms, outdoor sports enthusiasts, and independents.”

Erik Eskola Interviews Tim Pawlenty On WCCO Radio

Erik Eskola Interviews Tim Pawlenty On WCCO Radio

Erik Eskola just interviewed Tim Pawlenty moments ago on WCCO radio. During the interview, Governor Pawlenty indicated that he would do his radio show from the Minnesota State Fair and would not be in Dayton, OH today.

When asked if that meant he was not John McCain's choice for Vice President, the Governor said, "I'm going to be at the State Fair, I'm not going to be in Dayton, I think you can draw your own conclusions."

Republican Party of Minnesota Chair Statement After Sen. Barack Obama’s Speech At Invesco Field

Obamapalooza Over: Obama Still Not Ready To Lead

St. Paul - Republican Party of Minnesota Chair Ron Carey today released the following statement after Sen. Barack Obama’s speech at Invesco Field.

“Now that Obamapalooza is over and the opulent set is being taken down, it is time to move on to the real business.  No matter how eloquent his speech, his thin record, his opposition to a real energy solution, and his support of tax increases on those making as little as $42,000 per year will not resonate with Minnesotans who are looking for a leader with the experience and judgment to lead our nation.”

Welcome Rally For John McCain To Be Held In Minneapolis On September 3rd

A rally welcoming John McCain to the 2008 Republican National Convention will be held on the Nicollet Mall in Downtown Minneapolis. It will take place close to the noon hour on Wednesday, September 3rd.

More details to follow.

Republican Party of Minnesota Statement In Advance Of Democrat National Convention

Republican Party of Minnesota Statement In Advance Of Democrat National Convention

St. Paul – Republican Party of Minnesota Chair Ron Carey released the following statement in advance of the Democrat National Convention.

“This week, the Democrats in Denver will try to sell a ticket that even its own second in command believes is not ready to lead.  Whether it is Obama’s thin resume, his lack of experience on serious issues or the ticket’s far-left record, Barack Obama and Joe Biden have little to offer.  America deserves a seasoned, proven leader from the mainstream of America.  All the noise coming out of Denver only amplifies that the choice for America is clear; John McCain is the leader ready to take America forward to its finest days.”

Statement from U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar on Sen. Biden as Vice Presidential nominee

STATEMENT FROM U.S. SEN. AMY KLOBUCHAR ON SEN. BIDEN AS VICE PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE

(ST. PAUL) – Early this morning, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama named U.S. Sen. Joe Biden as his running mate.

Minnesota U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar released the following statement:

“Minnesotans will love Joe Biden.  He’s a regular guy from a working middle-class family who has never owned a home in Washington. In fact, he takes the train home to his wife and family in Delaware every night. He’s both down to earth and incredibly well-respected around the world.

“I was particularly proud to work with Joe when he led the fight to fund 100,000 new police officers on the streets across the country, which for Minnesota has made a big difference in lowering the crime rate.  Barack Obama said he wasn’t looking for a yes man, and by picking Joe Biden he adds to the ticket someone who has independent judgment and will truly help him bring change to this country.”