2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Romney For President Launches New Television Ad, "Change Begins With Us"

Romney For President Launches New Television Ad, "Change Begins With Us"

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President launched its newest television ad, "Change Begins With Us." The ad features Governor Romney talking directly about his belief that change in Washington begins with his fellow Republicans putting their house in order. The Republican Party needs to return to its core conservative principles on issues like fiscal responsibility, ending illegal immigration and upholding ethical standards. By returning to these principles and bringing conservative change to Washington, Republicans and Governor Romney can build a stronger America.

The ad will begin airing as part of the campaign's rotation today in New Hampshire and Iowa later in the week. Script and viewing link are below.

Script For "Change Begins With Us" (TV:30):

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY: "If we're going to change Washington, Republicans have to put our own house in order.

"We can't be like Democrats – a party of big spending.

"We can't pretend our borders are secure from illegal immigration.

"We can't have ethical standards that are a punch line for Jay Leno.

"When Republicans act like Democrats, America loses.

"It's time for Republicans to start acting like Republicans.

"It's time for a change and change begins with us.

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

Romney For President Launches New Radio Ad, "Traditional"

Romney For President Launches New Radio Ad, "Traditional"

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President launched its newest radio ad, "Traditional." The ad highlights Governor Romney's record of defending traditional marriage in Massachusetts and now, in Iowa. Governor Romney is the only major candidate who supports defending traditional marriage by passing the Federal Marriage Amendment.

The ad will begin airing as part of the campaign's rotation today in Iowa. Script and audio links are below.

Script For "Traditional" (Radio:60):

ANNOUNCER: "In 2004, a judge in Massachusetts tipped the balance – paving the way to same-sex marriage for the first time in history.

"But the Governor of Massachusetts stood up, defending conservative values in our most liberal state.

"Governor Mitt Romney – he stood up for traditional marriage and fought the activist ruling every step."

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY: "The courtroom should be a place where laws are interpreted, not made."

ANNOUNCER: "Now, Mitt Romney is standing up for traditional marriage in Iowa, opposing the Polk County decision to permit same-sex marriage."

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY: "The court ruling in Iowa is just another example of an activist judge trying to find things in the Constitution that aren't there. As Republicans, we must oppose discrimination and defend traditional marriage: one man, one woman."

ANNOUNCER: "That's why Mitt Romney is supporting a Federal Marriage Amendment to the Constitution."

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY: "Not all Republican candidates for president agree, but defending marriage is the right thing to do."

ANNOUNCER: "Mitt Romney."

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

ANNOUNCER: "Paid for by Romney For President. MittRomney.com."

Mitt Romney: A Strategy For A Stronger America

50 Ideas To Change Washington: A Strategy For A Stronger America

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney released his Strategy for a Stronger America, a compilation of his policy proposals to bring conservative change to Washington and meet the new generation of challenges confronting our nation.

Introducing the Strategy for a Stronger America, Governor Romney wrote: "Our future depends on our willingness to hold to the principles that have guided and built our nation. It depends on the character and sacrifices of the American people. And it depends on leadership to craft and implement a Strategy for a Stronger America."

The Strategy for a Stronger America describes the challenges our nation is facing and Governor Romney's specific policy proposals to meet those challenges. Since January 2007, Governor Romney has outlined more than 50 different policy proposals.

From defeating violent Jihadists to protecting traditional values, Governor Romney believes we can build a stronger America by taking Washington apart and putting it back together based on conservative principles that strengthen our national defense, our economy and our families.

The Strategy for a Stronger America document is a compilation of Governor Romney's policies and speeches that lay out the path forward if the United States is to maintain its leadership in the world. In the coming weeks and months, Governor Romney will continue discussing and outlining his policy agenda and initiatives to change Washington and build a stronger nation.

Romney For President Launches New Television Ad, "Energy", In Florida

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD, "ENERGY", IN FLORIDA

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President expanded its television advertising in Florida with its newest television ad, "Energy."  The ad highlights Governor Romney's leadership in turning around numerous companies, the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The ad will air in select markets throughout Florida.  Script and viewing links are below.

Script For "Energy" (TV:30):

ANN ROMNEY:  "Every place that Mitt has gone, he has solved problems that people said were nearly impossible."

ANNOUNCER:  "Mitt Romney, the innovator who created and revolutionized American businesses, turned around major companies.

"Took on the bankrupt Olympics and turned them around.

"The Republican Governor who stood up and cut spending instead of raising taxes.

"And turned around our most Democratic state.

"Leadership to turn around Washington."

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

Jacksonville Mayor Endorses Mitt Romney

JACKSONVILLE MAYOR JOHN PEYTON AND JACKSONVILLE LEADERS ENDORSE GOVERNOR ROMNEY

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton, former U.S. Ambassador John Rood and State Representative Don Davis have endorsed his candidacy for President of the United States.  Additionally, Governor Romney named several new Jacksonville community and business leaders to his Florida Statewide Finance Committee.  These individuals join a strong team that includes Romney for President National Finance Chairmen Mark Guzzetta and Ambassador Mel Sembler.

"I am pleased to have such tremendous support in Jacksonville, one of the fastest growing cities in Florida and a critical area for Republican candidates," said Governor Romney.  "I share the same conservative values as many Northeast Floridians, and Mayor Peyton and all of these leaders will provide important counsel as I continue to campaign vigorously in the Sunshine State."

Northeast Floridians leading Governor Romney's campaign in the state include Florida Steering Committee Chair John Thrasher, former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, and Steering Committee Co-Chair Jennifer Carroll, a state legislator representing parts of Duval and Clay Counties.  Additional area leadership includes State Representative Dick Kravitz, Jacksonville City Councilman Art Shad and former Jacksonville City Councilman Lake Ray.  Previously announced Northeast Florida members of the Florida Statewide Finance Committee include Ward Blakely, Gary Chartrand, Henry Dean, J. Thomas Dodson, Mori Hosseini, Mitchell R. Montgomery and Duane Ottenstroer.

"In Massachusetts, Governor Romney applied conservative principles and successful private sector practices to grow the economy and restrain state spending.  As President, Governor Romney will bring this same strong and innovative leadership to the White House as America faces new global and domestic challenges," said Mayor Peyton.  "I look forward to working with this impressive group of Jacksonville leaders to deliver victory for Governor Romney in Florida."

Governor Mitt Romney On The Sixth Anniversary Of September 11, 2001

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ON THE SIXTH ANNIVERSARY OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney issued the following statement on the sixth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001:

"On this day, radical Islamists brought terror to our shores.  It is hard for our minds to contemplate a human darkness so vile that it celebrates murder and the destruction of innocent lives.  But we can honor the bright memories of the fallen.  Each person, whether taken in unknowing sacrifice or resigned to death after heroic struggle, stands in our mind's eye in the brilliant light of faith and patriotism.  In the years since 9/11, the spreading evil of radical Jihad has been visited on other cities around the world. Yet, our resolve remains strong.  From soldiers guarding our liberty on foreign shores to those of us living under the umbrella of the protection they provide, we are united in remembering loved ones lost on that day and in our determination to protect our homeland from future attacks."

Romney For President Announces The Linn County Leadership Team

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES THE LINN COUNTY LEADERSHIP TEAM

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced his Linn County, Iowa Leadership Team. This team will be responsible for organizing Iowa's second-largest county in preparation for the upcoming caucuses.

"These individuals are actively sharing my message of a strong economy, strong military and strong families throughout Cedar Rapids and surrounding communities," said Governor Romney.  "I have enjoyed working with them throughout the summer, and look forward to their assistance as my campaign moves toward the caucuses."

Chairing the Romney for President Linn County Team is Joni Scotter, a long-time Linn County Republican activist.

"Governor Romney will bring the change we need in Washington," said Scotter.  "His experience in the public, private and volunteer sectors have equipped him for the challenges that lie ahead.  With his strong conservative vision, he can make this country a safer, more prosperous place."

What They're Saying: About Governor Mitt Romney At The Durham, NH GOP Debate

WHAT THEY'RE REALLY SAYING ABOUT GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY AT THE DURHAM, NH GOP DEBATE

Riehl World View’s Dan Riehl: “Based solely on my viewing the flow of the numbers from start to finish - on average, I honestly believe Romney resonated most strongly with the most people, conservative and moderate, in terms of the over all debate.” (Dan Riehl, Riehl World View, http://www.riehlworldview.com/carnivorous_conservative/2007/09/why-iraq-and-ro.html, 9/5/07)

Conservative Blogger’s William Smith: “Mitt gives a great answer with regard to the responsibility of city government and state government.” (William Smith, Conservative Blogger, http://www.conservativeblogger.com/archives/2007/09/debate_live_blog.php, 9/5/07)

The American Spectator’s Jennifer Rubin: Romney “[s]ays we have to have concern for the mother and change hearts and minds. Very nicely done.” (Jennifer Rubin, The American Spectator, AmSpec Blog, http://www.spectator.org/blogger.asp#7970, 9/5/07)

The Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza: "The focus on Romney and Giuliani reinforced the notion that the race right now is between those two men with former Sen. Fred Thompson who did not attend the debate as a potential wildcard." (Chris Cillizza, "GOP Debate Wrapup: Frontrunners Under Fire," The Washington Post's The Fix, http://blog.washingtonpost.com, Posted 9/5/07)

Heading Right’s Macranger: “Romney immediately scored with his point about de facto amnesty, and he talks about shutting down the ‘magnets’. Romney’s doing great so far…” (Macranger, Heading Right, Heading Right Blog, http://headingright.com/page/2/, 9/5/07)

The Washington Post's Eric Pianin: "Romney's response drew loud cheers; Giuliani's polite cheers. It speaks to the difficulty of any candidate who has something less than a black and white position when it comes to immigration." (Eric Pianin and Chris Cillizza, The Washington Post The Fix Blog, http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/, Posted 9/5/07)

Pianin: "Romney is working hard to make sure viewers know that he and Giuliani differ when it comes to immigration, seemingly slipping in the fact that New York was a 'sanctuary' city at every turn." (Eric Pianin and Chris Cillizza, The Washington Post The Fix Blog, http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/, Posted 9/5/07)

National Review Online’s Kathryn Jean Lopez: “That was a serious answer from Romney [regarding intelligence and the War on Terror]. It channelled [sic] his own decision to refuse protection for an Iranian tyrant —one of those who is against us —  while governor of Massachusetts. Going into mosques if they preach terror is a reasonable and necessary position. And one that someone who gets the stakes would espouse.” (Kathryn Jean Lopez, "Going Into Mosques," National Review's The Corner, http://corner.nationalreview.com, 9/5/07)

The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder: "Otherwise, Romney, being very familiar with New Hampshire's inner maw, had well-thought out answers for every other question, even as three of the first four turned, in some measure, on whether he flip-flopped." (Marc Ambinder, "And The Winners Are....," The Atlantic Blog, http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com, Posted 9/5/07)

National Review’s Kate O’Beirne: "Romney's '462 events' In Iowa and New Hampshire alone also effective." (Kate O’Beirne, "Ready For The Questions," National Review's The Corner, http://corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 9/5/07)

Townhall’s Mary Katherine Ham: “Mitt has a good line about his ‘right to be kept alive’ with respect to the government's response to terror.” (Mary Katherine Ham, Townhall, Townhall blog, http://www.townhall.com/blog/MaryKatharineHam, 9/5/07)

Heading Right’s JASmius: “So far, I think Romney gave the best answer [on immigration and sanctuary cities]." (JASmius, Heading Right, Heading Right Blog, http://headingright.com/page/2/, 9/5/07)

A Statement From Mitt Romney Iowa Chairman Doug Gross

A STATEMENT FROM IOWA CHAIRMAN DOUG GROSS

"Governor Romney again demonstrated why his experience and ability to lead make him the only presidential candidate who can bring conservative change to Washington.  His message of strength was the dominant issue on the stage tonight, and he showed Americans why he should be our next President.  Throughout the debate, he laid out substantive solutions to some of our country's most pressing challenges." 

Romney Communications Director Matt Rhoades Statement On The Fifth Republican Presidential Debate

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY OUTLINES THE VISION TO MOVE AMERICA FORWARD

Durham, NH – Tonight, Romney for President Communications Director Matt Rhoades released the following statement on the fifth Republican presidential debate:

"At tonight's Republican presidential debate, Governor Romney demonstrated the depth of experience, energy and vision needed to lead our country forward.  With a record of leadership from outside Washington, he is the only candidate who can bring conservative change to Washington and has a record of putting conservative principles to work.  With vision and substance, Governor Romney won the debate with a message of a strong economy, strong military and strong families."