2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Ann Romney Iowa Reagan Day Dinner Photo

Romney For President Launches New Television Ad, "Business World"

Romney For President Launches New Television Ad, "Business World"

Boston, MA – Tomorrow, Romney for President will launch its newest television ad, "Business World." The ad highlights Governor Romney addressing his plans to curb wasteful government spending in Washington. With an exceptional record of turning around businesses, the 2002 Winter Olympics and the state of Massachusetts, Governor Romney has the experience necessary to turn around our nation's capital. Change in Washington begins when Republicans are fiscally responsible with taxpayer money.

The ad will begin airing as part of the campaign's rotation in South Carolina tomorrow.

Script For "Business World" (TV:30):

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY: "In business, you only spend what you have.

"In Washington, government always spends more. It shouldn't be that way.

"I'm Mitt Romney. I come from the business world – where turning around companies taught me how to manage budgets.

"That's what I did at the Olympics and as Governor.

"As President, I'll audit Washington – top to bottom – and cut spending.

"Because our next President has to be an agent of change.

"And as Republicans, change begins with us.

"I'm Mitt Romney and I approved this message."

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: About Governor Mitt Romney At The Orlando, FL GOP Debate - Vol. II

WHAT THEY'RE REALLY SAYING ABOUT GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY AT THE ORLANDO, FL GOP DEBATE – VOL. II

Washington Post's Chris Cillizza: "WINNERS: Mitt Romney: … as the debate wore on, Romney scored points with his passionate defense of his record as governor -- most notably on health care. Romney is most natural when speaking about his record of accomplishments; from Bain Capital to the Olympics to Massachusetts, he has put together an impressive resume of results. Romney spent much of the latter half of the debate reminding viewers of that." (Chris Cillizza, "McCain Shines At Latest GOP Debate," Washington Post's The Fix Blog, www.blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix, Posted 10/22/07)

Frank Luntz:  "Mitt Romney took a sledgehammer to Senator Clinton."  (Fox News' Post-Debate Coverage, 10/21/07)

Politico's Mike Allen:  "Money Moment" When Governor Romney Slams Clinton. "Politico's Jonathan Martin has another money moment: 'When Romney was asked if Clinton was "fit to be commander in chief," the audience preempted the candidate, bellowing a collective "no!" The former governor eventually agreed after spending some time hammering her for her lack of executive experience.'" (Mike Allen, "Cowboy Up!," The Politico, 10/22/07)

The Weekly Standard's Richelieu: "Romney much improved and on a far stronger Mr. Fixit message…" (Richelieu, " Clinton And The Florida Debate," The Weekly Standard, www.weeklystandard.com/weblogs/CampaignStandard/, Posted 10/22/07)

Human Events' Jennifer Rubin:  Governor Romney "made his pitch as a well rounded conservative with strong answers on marriage and the ill fated Clinton peace dividend. More importantly, he seemed eager to reintroduce himself as the successful businessman and rescuer of the Olympics, a resume he has to date not emphasized but which is unique and impressive."  (Jennifer Rubin, "Florida Debate Is Best So Far," Human Events, 10/22/07)

The New York Times' Michael Cooper and Marc Santora: "Mrs. Clinton was the focus of much of the debate, as she has been a focus of Republican talking points for weeks, as Republicans have used her to rally the party faithful. Mr. Romney may have been the toughest on her last night. 'I don't want her as commander in chief,' he said. 'She hasn't run a corner store. She hasn't run a state. She hasn't run a city. She has never run anything.'" (Michael Cooper and Marc Santora, "At Debate, G.O.P. Race Becomes More Personal," The New York Times, 10/22/07)

Palm Beach Post's George Bennett And Dara Kam:  Governor Romney "Blasted Clinton's Lack Of Executive Experience."  "Romney, touting his own experience as a businessman and head of the 2002 Winter Olympics as well as a governor, blasted Clinton's lack of executive experience.  'She hasn't run a corner store. She hasn't run a state. She hasn't run a city. She has never run anything. And the idea that she could learn to be president, you know, as an internship just doesn't make any sense,' Romney said."  (George Bennett And Dara Kam, "GOP Hopefuls Race To Right At Debate," Palm Beach Post, 10/22/07)

Captain's Quarters' Ed Morrissey: "Romney scored points for himself when he noted that Hillary has never run anything in her life, while he has run a state, a successful business, and an Olympics that had almost collapsed from the weight of its own corruption." (Ed Morrissey, "A Good Night For Republicans," Captain's Quarter's Blog, www.captainsquartersblog.com, Posted 10/22/07)

Human Events' Ross Kaminsky:  "The questioning turned to Fox News' most recent poll in which all of the candidates trail Hillary Clinton. Mitt Romney's answer, questioning Senator Clinton's (lack of) experience in the private sector, got one of his best audience responses."  (Ross Kaminsky, "Republican Debate Recap," Human Events, 10/22/07)

Time Magazine's Mark Halperin:  "[Romney] got to talk about his opposition to gay marriage, a subject on which he consistently shows passion."  (Mark Halperin, "The Republican Candidates," Time's "The Page" Blog, 10/22/07)

ABC News' David Chalian: "Romney gave a passionate and strong defense of his plan to require every Massachusetts resident to have health insurance." (David Chalian, et. al., "Heated Republican Debate Focuses On The Battle For The True Conservative," ABC News, http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/, Posted 10/22/07)

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: About Governor Mitt Romney At The Orlando, FL GOP Debate

WHAT THEY'RE REALLY SAYING ABOUT GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY AT THE ORLANDO, FL GOP DEBATE

National Review's Jim Geraghty: "One of [Romney's] strongest performances…" (Jim Geraghty, "Everybody Was Good," National Review's Campaign Spot, http://nationalreview.com, Posted 10/21/07)

National Review's Kathryn Jean Lopez: "Romney comes off as a real optimistic problem-solver – with some experience at it." (Kathryn Jean Lopez, "Democrats Also Love America," National Review's The Corner, http://corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 10/21/07)

Powerline Blog's Paul Mirengoff: “Romney was solid, as he generally is … Near the end of the debate, he finally launched into an attack on the Clinton administration's ‘vacation from history’ foreign policy (‘we got the dividend but not the peace’). Attacks like that are guaranteed winners in these kinds of debates, and Romney needs to make them at every opportunity.” (Paul Mirengoff, “A Sleeping Giant Wakes Up,” Powerline Blog,  http://www.powerlineblog.com/ , Accessed 10/21/07)

· Geraghty: "[Romney had] great jabs at Hillary, and seemed to feed off the crowd's energy." (Jim Geraghty, "Everybody Was Good," National Review's Campaign Spot, http://nationalreview.com, Posted 10/21/07)

· Geraghty: "Mitt leads the raucous crowd in rejecting Hillary as a potential commander-in-chief." (Jim Geraghty, "How Do I Give You The Highlights?" National Review's Campaign Spot, http://nationalreview.com, Posted 10/21/07)

NBC's Chuck Todd: Romney was "red hot."  (Chuck Todd, "Quick Post-Debate Thoughts," MSNBC's First Read, http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/, Posted 10/21/07)

The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder: "As the Republicans debated who is more conservative tonight, two voices stood out: Mitt Romney's and Rudy Giuliani's." (Marc Ambinder, "The Republican Debate: First Take," The Atlantic Blog, http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/, Posted 10/21/07)

The American Spectator's Jennifer Rubin: "On marriage Romney gives a strong statement in favor of amendment." (Jennifer Rubin, "Debate 2," The American Spectator Blog, www.spectator.org, Posted 10/21/07)

· Right Wing News' John Hawkins: "Mitt is right about gay marriage. Activist judges are deliberately distorting the law to implement gay marriage…" (John Hawkins, “Debate Liveblogging,” Right Wing News, www.rightwingnews.com, Posted 10/21/07)

· Geraghty: "[Romney] makes a strong case on [gay marriage], citing the Massachusetts and Iowa state constitutions." (Jim Geraghty, "After The Opening Brawl Among the Top Tier...," National Review's Campaign Spot, http://nationalreview.com, Posted 10/21/07)

The Atlantic's Marc Marinder: "[Romney's] best moment may have been when he said that an insurmountable problem like the health care crisis can, indeed, be solved. It wasn't just a candidate saying he was optimistic; he showed how optimism, will and plod can be potent problem-solving forces." (Marc Ambinder, "The Republican Debate: First Take," The Atlantic Blog, http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/, Posted 10/21/07)

· The American Spectator's John Tabin: "He had a target on his back during the health care section, and ably defended himself." (John Tabin, "Candidate Scorecard," AmSpec Blog, http://www.spectator.org/, Posted 10/21/07)

· Ambinder: "Say what you will about the guy: [Romney] expended political capital, he worked hard, and he did something meaningful to reform the health care system in his state. Very few candidates on either side can say that." (Marc Ambinder, "It Took Romney Long Enough..." The Atlantic Blog, http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/, Posted 10/21/07)

· Ambinder: "But it stands out as an prime example -- perhaps the ultimate example -- of conservative governance. Romney worked hard at health care in Massachusetts; he worked with Democrats; he worked with Republicans; he wound up with a novel program that, while not perfect and not transferable to other states, stands out as a real accomplishment. Romney calls himself an executive and a manager; with health care, he executed and managed in real time." (Marc Ambinder, "The Republican Debate: First Take," The Atlantic Blog, http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/, Posted 10/21/07)

A STATEMENT FROM IOWA CHAIRMAN DOUG GROSS

A STATEMENT FROM IOWA CHAIRMAN DOUG GROSS

"Governor Romney demonstrated his knowledge of the major issues affecting America today.  From the threat of radical Islam, to the crippling effect of high taxes on our economy or why strong families are the deciding factor in the stability of our future, he gives Americans the answers we need.  His performance on stage tonight rose above the rest, and will leave little doubt with voters that he is the Republican prepared to unite our party, and best equipped to lead this country."

Romney For President Communications Director Matt Rhoades Statement On The Seventh Republican Presidential Debate

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY LAYS OUT AN OPTIMISTIC VISION FOR THE NATION

Orlando, FL – Tonight, Romney for President Communications Director Matt Rhoades released the following statement on the seventh Republican presidential debate:

"Tonight, Governor Romney outlined the positive vision to lead our country forward and strengthen the house that Ronald Reagan built.  Through lower taxes, more affordable health care, an expanded military and stronger families, Governor Romney will build a stronger America.  At tonight's debate, Governor Romney demonstrated that he is the one candidate who can represent the three pillars of the Reagan coalition – a strong military, a strong economy and strong families."

Dr. John Willke, A Founder Of The Pro-Life Movement Nationally & Internationally, Endorses Mitt Romney

DR. JOHN WILLKE, A FOUNDER OF THE PRO-LIFE MOVEMENT NATIONALLY & INTERNATIONALLY, ENDORSES GOV. ROMNEY

Boston, MA – Today, Dr. John Willke, a founder of the Pro-Life Movement, endorsed Governor Mitt Romney and his campaign for our nation's highest office.  Dr. Willke is a leading voice within the pro-life community and will be an important surrogate for Governor Romney's pro-life and pro-family agenda. 

"Unlike other candidates who only speak to the importance of confronting the major social issues of the day, Governor Romney has a record of action in defending life.  Every decision he made as Governor was on the side of life.  I know he will be the strong pro-life President we need in the White House," said Dr. Willke.  "Governor Romney is the only candidate who can lead our pro-life and pro-family conservative movement to victory in 2008."

Welcoming Dr. Willke's announcement, Governor Romney said, "I am proud to have the support of a man who has meant so much to the pro-life movement in our country.  He knows how important it is to have someone in Washington who will actively promote pro-life policies.  Policies that include more than appointing judges who will follow the law but also opposing taxpayer funded abortion and partial birth abortion.  I look forward to working with Dr. Willke and welcome him to Romney for President." 

Romney For President Launches First Web Ad, "Our Home"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES FIRST WEB AD, "OUR HOME"

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President launched its first web ad, "Our Home."  The ad features Ann Romney talking about raising five sons and her devotion to her family.  Governor Romney believes that the most important work being done in America today is the work going on within the four walls of the American home.  As President, Governor Romney will act to strengthen the American family and clean up the culture that surrounds our children. 

The ad will be featured on AnnTV on the AnnRomney.com web site.  "Our Home" will also begin airing as part of the campaign's rotation in Iowa on Friday.  Script and viewing link are below. 

"Our Home" will also be used as an innovative advertisement on user-generated online video sites.  By partnering with the Boston-based company ScanScout, "Our Home" will be overlaid on relevant videos targeted through real-time content scanning.  Romney for President is the first presidential campaign to use this new form of video advertising.

Script For "Our Home" (TV:30):

ANN ROMNEY:  "We have five boys – five boys and ten grandkids.  Big family.

"Mitt says his greatest success is being able to say 'I have been a good father, and a good husband.'

"Sometimes I'd be home with those five boys, and it was rough. 

"He'd call home and remind me that what I was doing was much more important than what he was doing.

"Mitt says there's no work more important than what goes on within the four walls of the American home. And that's the way it was in our home.

"I'm Ann Romney."

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY: "I'm Mitt Romney and I approved this message."

Mitt Romney Announces Romney For President Ohio State Director

GOVERNOR ROMNEY ANNOUNCES ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT OHIO STATE DIRECTOR

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that David Gallagher will serve as State Director of the Ohio Romney for President team.  Gallagher brings nearly a decade of political experience and will be critical in growing Governor Romney's already strong grassroots organization in Ohio.

"I look forward to working with David as I campaign in Ohio and talk about my vision to build a stronger America," said Governor Romney.  "We need to bring change to Washington and I will continue to talk to voters in Ohio and across the nation about my plans to keep our nation strong for future generations."

"Governor Romney is a proven leader and has the experience needed to bring conservative change to Washington," said Gallagher.  "He will fight for lower taxes, to control government spending, to strengthen our military, and to build stronger American families.  Governor Romney is a candidate Ohio voters can be proud to support."

David Gallagher joins previously announced Romney for President Ohio supporters State Senator Kevin Coughlin and State Representative Shannon Jones.

U.S. Congressman Connie Mack Endorses Mitt Romney

U.S. CONGRESSMAN CONNIE MACK ENDORSES GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that U.S. Congressman Connie Mack (R-FL) has endorsed his candidacy for President of the United States.  Congressman Mack will serve as a Chair of Governor Romney's Florida Statewide Steering Committee and as a campaign surrogate to help communicate Governor Romney's message of conservative change in Washington.

"Congressman Mack has been a champion of conservative leadership in Florida and in the United States Congress.  I am proud to have his support and counsel," said Governor Romney. "We agree that we have lost our way in Washington and that it is time for us to return to the core Republican principles of fiscal discipline, lower taxes, a strong military and less government.  I look forward to working with Congressman Mack to take our message of strong new leadership to Floridians across the state during the coming months."

"Governor Romney is a proven problem solver with an unparalleled record of success in both the public and private sectors," said Congressman Mack. "Governor Romney is a mainstream conservative leader who will be a champion of hope and opportunity for every American, a catalyst for conservative change in Washington, and a staunch defender of our freedom, security and prosperity.  I'm pleased to offer Governor Romney my endorsement and look forward to working hard to help elect him the next President of the United States."

Congressman Mack joins former Lieutenant Governor Toni Jennings, former Speakers of the House Allan Bense and John Thrasher, Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson, former Chairman of the Florida Republican Party Al Cardenas and U.S. Congressman Tom Feeney (R-FL) as a leader of Governor Romney's Florida Steering Committee.  Additional Co-Chairs include St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker, State Representatives Anitere Flores and Trey Traviesa, former Representatives Dennis Baxley and Dudley Goodlette, David Griffin, former Florida Secretary of State Glenda Hood and former Senator and Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida Van Poole.  U.S. Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL) also serves as a member of Governor Romney's Congressional Whip Team.