2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

State Representative Rich Crandall Endorses Mitt Romney

STATE REPRESENTATIVE RICH CRANDALL ENDORSES GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT

Boston, MA – Governor Mitt Romney today announced that Arizona State Representative Rich Crandall has endorsed his campaign for President of the United States. Representative Crandall will help Governor Romney in his campaign for our nation's highest office.

"Every week we are gaining more support in Arizona, and I am very proud to welcome Representative Crandall to our team," Governor Romney said. "He will play a critical role in our grassroots effort and will help communicate the need for real, conservative change in Washington.

Representative Crandall said, "Governor Romney succeeded in the private sector.  He succeeded in turning around the 2002 Winter Olympics and he succeeded fighting for conservative principles in the bluest of states. His leadership is exactly what we need to change Washington." 

Last week, approximately 500 Arizona voters signed up to support Governor Romney's campaign.  The new supporters were recruited by Governor Romney's Arizona campaign team as part of the national "Sign Up America!" program which resulted in 30,000 new supporters nationwide in 24 hours.

Governor Romney has announced Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio as his Honorary Arizona Chairman earlier this year. Arizona State Senator Chuck Gray and Arizona State Representative Mark Anderson are serving as Governor Romney's Arizona Co-Chairmen.

Romney For President Launches New Television Ad, "Secure Borders"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD, "SECURE BORDERS"

Boston, MA – Romney for President today launched its newest television ad, "Secure Borders."  The ad highlights Governor Romney's support for reforming our immigration system by strengthening our borders and implementing an employment verification system.  The remarks were made at an "Ask Mitt Anything" forum on April 3 in Derry, New Hampshire.

The ad will be a part of the campaign's spot rotation starting this weekend in markets in Iowa and New Hampshire.  Scripts and viewing links are below.

Script For "Secure Borders" (TV:60):

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "Yes Sir?"

QUESTIONER:  "How would you deal with the border issue?"

GOVERNOR ROMNEY:  "Number one, we should secure our border.

"And number two, we should put in place an employment verification system.

"And by that, I mean that everybody who is not a United States citizen, with a valid Social Security number, would be expected to get a card, with their name and their number and some biometric information.  And would indicate their work status, whether they have a visa that allows them to work here or not.

"And then when an employer is thinking of hiring someone, if they don't have a valid Social Security number, he asks for the card, or she asks for the card.  They input the number into the computer.  The federal database immediately tells them whether they're available to be working or not.

"If they're not, you can't hire them.  And if you do, you get the same penalties and fines as if you're not paying your taxes.

"Legal immigration is great.  But illegal immigration, that we've got to end.  Thank you.  And amnesty is not the way to do it.  Thanks so much, thank you.

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

"Sign Up America!" Enlists Over 24,000 New Supporters In 24 Hours

"SIGN UP AMERICA!" ENLISTS OVER 24,000 NEW SUPPORTERS IN 24 HOURS

Boston, MA – After nearly 1,000 Debate Watch House Parties and a highly successful national call day during "Sign Up America!", Governor Mitt Romney has signed up over 24,000 new supporters from across the country in just 24 hours.  The success of this event is an indication of Governor Romney's broad-based grassroots and finance support and will help him spread his vision for conservative change in Washington.

Addressing today's success, Governor Romney said, "Over the past 24 hours, hundreds have gathered at house parties and manned phone banks across the country in our successful effort to sign up 24,000 new supporters.  We have surpassed our goal and will continue building momentum in our effort to sign up thousands of new supporters for our message of conservative change in Washington.  'Sign Up America!' demonstrates what can happen when you apply innovation and reach out to new voters."

"Sign Up America!" Fast Facts:

• Total Number Of New Romney Supporters Signed Up:  Over 30,000
• Percent Of New Supporters Who Signed Up On The Web Site:  60%
• Number Of Call Day Events:  90 Call Day Events In 22 States
• MittRomney.com received more traffic on May 16 than ever before, as measured by daily unique visitors and by page views
• Total Number Of Debate Watch House Parties:  953
• Number Of States With Debate Watch House Parties: 48 states and the District of Columbia
• Number Of Parties In Arizona:  44
• Number Of Parties In California:  99
• Number Of Parties In Florida:  77
  • More Than 100 People Attended A Single Orlando House Party
• Number Of Parties In Georgia:  23
• Number Of Parties In Iowa:  55
• Number Of Parties In Michigan:  42
• Number Of Parties In New Hampshire:  41
  • House Parties Were Held In Every New Hampshire County
• Number Of Parties In Oregon:  22
• Number Of Parties In South Carolina:  16
  • More Than 200 People Attended A Single Columbia House Party
• Number Of Parties In Texas:  48

Bob Letourneau Joins Romney For President In New Hampshire

Bob Letourneau Joins Romney For President In New Hampshire

Boston, MA - Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced the endorsement of New Hampshire State Senator Bob Letourneau (R-Derry). Senator Letourneau will play an integral role on the Romney campaign, helping to reach out to voters and to spread Governor Romney's message of bringing conservative change to Washington.

"Senator Letourneau is an important figure in the Derry area and throughout all of New Hampshire. He is a leader in the New Hampshire Legislature and understands the importance of making government work again," said Governor Romney. "I look forward to working closely with him to bring conservative principles back to government and to end the status quo in Washington."

In joining Romney for President, Senator Letourneau said, "After joining Governor Romney at campaign stops in New Hampshire, and hearing from him in the Republican debates, I've decided he is the candidate best able to lead our nation forward and address the new generation of challenges facing our nation. His optimistic vision and fundamental belief in the American people will lead to a stronger America. I am proud to join Governor Romney's campaign here in the Granite State."

What They're Saying: About Governor Mitt Romney At The South Carolina GOP Debate -Vol. 2

WHAT THEY'RE REALLY SAYING ABOUT GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY AT THE SOUTH CAROLINA GOP DEBATE – VOL. 2

South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford: "I think that Romney looked very presidential." (Fox News' "Fox & Friends," 5/16/07)

Club For Growth President Pat Toomey: Romney was "reasonable, articulate, and conservative." ("The Second Date: An NRO Symposium," National Review Online, http://article.nationalreview.com, Posted 5/16/07)

National Review's T. J. Walker: "Mitt Romney is too slick. Of course by 'too slick' what I really mean is that I can't think of a single way to fault Romney's style, intelligence, grammar, emotion, or ability to connect with an audience. ('Too slick' is the last refuge of a scoundrel political/media critic who can't think of any other way to attack someone who has communication gifts beyond mere mortals)" ("The Second Date: An NRO Symposium," National Review Online, http://article.nationalreview.com, Posted 5/16/07)

New York Daily News' Michael Goodwin: "Romney had another solid performance, and it's easy to see him gaining modest traction with each appearance." (Michael Goodwin, "Rudy Scores With Assist From Debate Rival," [New York] Daily News, 5/16/07)

Goodwin: "[Romney's] quick and smart and has made a good impression in both debates." (Michael Goodwin, "Rudy Scores With Assist From Debate Rival," [New York] Daily News, 5/16/07)

Sen. George Voinovich (R-OH): "…Mitt really understands the management side of the federal government and one of the things I think that is really strong in his favor is that he has had management experience." (WMJI-Cleveland Radio's "Lanigan & Malone," 5/16/07)

Voinovich: "The man that is going to be President of the United States, it is the biggest business in this country.  …  And one thing this man understands is management." (WMJI-Cleveland Radio's "Lanigan & Malone," 5/16/07)

The Politico's Mike Allen: "Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney continued to look smooth and leaderly." (Mike Allen, " Politico Playbook: Fight Night," The Politico, 5/16/07)

National Review Washington Editor Kate O'Beirne: "As a talented overachiever, Romney's fate is to be judged on a tough curve." ("The Second Date: An NRO Symposium," National Review Online, http://article.nationalreview.com, Posted 5/16/07)

O'Beirne: "[Romney] can be expected to be thoroughly prepared and he's a natural salesman. So again he was confident and sure-footed." ("The Second Date: An NRO Symposium," National Review Online, http://article.nationalreview.com, Posted 5/16/07)

CBN's David Brody: "Romney was once again smooth. He was able to … make positive points on his business leadership skills. A high marks performance." (David Brody, "South Carolina Debate: The Brody File Reaction," The Brody File, www.cbn.com/CBNnews/158584.aspx, posted 5/16/07)

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins: "I think Governor Romney comes across well as understanding the issues." (CNN's "American Morning," 5/16/07)

Sound Politics' Eric Earling: "Mitt Romney - a very solid performance…" (Eric Earling, "Another Debate Round-Up," Sound Politics Blog, http://soundpolitics.com/archives/008623.html, Posted 5/15/07)

Syndicated Columnist Mona Charen: "Romney was smart and smooth as usual…" ("The Second Date: An NRO Symposium," National Review Online, http://article.nationalreview.com, Posted 5/16/07)

Dean Barnett: "I have a feeling that Mitt Romney will emerge from every one of these shindigs as the most articulate, well informed and appealing candidate. In terms of debating skills, it's a man amongst boys out there." (Dean Barnett, "Quickie Debate Recap," TownHall, www.townhall.com, Posted 5/15/07)

"Sister Toldjah" Blog: "Who do I think won? … I have to give the edge to Romney. He came off as the most prepared, and sounded very presidential and looked it, too." ("GOP Presidential Candidates: The 2nd Debate," Sister Toldjah Blog, http://sistertoldjah.com, Posted 5/15/07)

"Sister Toldjah": "I have to say as someone who has struggled wondering who to support, Romney is starting to sound very good to me." ("GOP Presidential Candidates: The 2nd Debate," Sister Toldjah Blog, http://sistertoldjah.com, Posted 5/15/07)

The Politico's Roger Simon: "Romney once again gave a smooth, controlled performance…" (Roger Simon, "Gloves Come Off At Second GOP Debate," The Politico, 5/16/07)

What They're Saying: About Governor Mitt Romney At The South Carolina GOP Debate

WHAT THEY'RE REALLY SAYING ABOUT GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY AT THE SOUTH CAROLINA GOP DEBATE

Des Moines Register's David Yepsen: "Best Overall Debate Performance: Romney."  (David Yepsen, "Best Overall Debate Performance: Romney," Des Moines Register Blog, http://blogs.dmregister.com, 5/15/07)

Yepsen: "Mitt Romney had the best overall performance. He was cool, concise, and showed an executive persona throughout the session."  (David Yepsen, "Best Overall Debate Performance: Romney," Des Moines Register Blog, http://blogs.dmregister.com, 5/15/07)

National Review Online's Mark Levin: "For what it's worth, Romney looks stronger and stronger to me. He's in his zone, he's nailed down his positions, he's confident and articulate, and he has charisma." (Mark Levin, "The Debate," Mark Levin Blog, http://levin.nationalreview.com, 5/15/07)

The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza: "Romney backed 'enhanced terrorism techniques' but drew the line at torture. He drew applause with his call to double the size of Guantanamo Bay, rather than close it." (Chris Cillizza, "On The Use Of Torture," The Fix Blog, http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/, 5/15/07)

Dean Barnett: "Mitt gains from every one of these formats. The more the country gets to see him, the better it is for him… Anyway, about Iraq, his answer was so much more scholarly than the others. It's almost like he's a doctorate holder who actually knows the facts, while the other guys are platitude spewing high school students. His command of the facts and authoritative delivery have to be the envy of the field." (Dean Barnett, "Quickie Debate Recap," Townhall, http://www.townhall.com, 5/15/07)

Townhall's Hugh Hewitt: "Mayor Giuliani and Governor Romney are light years ahead in electability and seriousness than the other eight.  Each are superbly prepared and competent to talk at length and persuasively about the key issues ahead and not the old feuds and failed policies of the past." (Hugh Hewitt, "A Rudy-Romney Race," Townhall, http://www.townhall.com, 5/15/07)

Hewitt: "They are the class of the field, far beyond the rest in terms of presence and appeal… Mayor Giuliani and Governor Romney are light years ahead in electability and seriousness than the other eight.  Each are superbly prepared and competent to talk at length and persuasively about the key issues ahead and not the old feuds and failed policies of the past." (Hugh Hewitt, "A Rudy-Romney Race," Townhall, http://hughhewitt.townhall.com, 5/15/07)

Paul Mirengoff: "Romney put in another assured performance." (Paul Mirengoff, "About Tonight's Republican Debate," Power Line, http://powerlineblog.com, 5/15/07)

Ed Morrissey: "Mitt Romney continued to show that he has mastered the format." (Ed Morrissey, "Giuliani Wins, But Paul Threw The Game," Captain's Quarters, http://www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/archives/009983.php, 5/15/07)

Jim Geraghty: "Last debate we were introduced to a very sharp, smooth candidate who knows how to make his case in a challengingly limited amount of time. Tonight, we saw last time's good performance wasn't just luck." (Jim Geraghty, "Republican Debate Number Two Wrapup," The Hillary Spot On National Review Online, http://hillaryspot.nationalreview.com, 5/15/07)

Macranger: "Romney is masterful. Handled Wallace's questions about gun control, abortion with ease." (Macranger, "Read My lips," Heading Right, http://headingright.com,  5/15/07)

Chin: "Both Romney and Hunter sound strong on Iraq.  Cogent, informed and passionate.  The others seems to be dancing." (Chin, "Iraq," Heading Right, http://headingright.com, 5/15/07)

Matt Lewis: "Once again, Romney looks (and sounds) sharp." (Matt Lewis, "Game On!," Townhall, http://www.townhall.com, 5/15/07)

The Influence Peddler: "Romney says we cannot fail. He paints a picture of what happens in Iraq if we leave prematurely. Sounds good." (The Editor, "Live Blogging the GOP Debate," The Influence Peddler, http://influencepeddler.blogspot.com, 5/15/07)

Romney For President Statement On The Second Debate

Governor Mitt Romney Wins Second Debate Advocating A Stronger America

Columbia, SC - Tonight, Romney for President Communications Director Matt Rhoades released the following statement on the second Republican presidential debate:

"Tonight in South Carolina, Governor Romney once again demonstrated why he is the best candidate to lead our nation forward and to meet the challenges ahead of us. Throughout this campaign, he has advocated for the policies that will lead to a stronger America – a stronger military, stronger economy and stronger families. By speaking to the need for conservative change in Washington and directly to the issues affecting Americans, Governor Romney won tonight's debate.

"With his optimistic vision and fundamental belief in the power of the American people, Governor Romney has shown voters why he is the best leader to meet a new generation of challenges."

Governor Mitt Romney On The Passing Of The Reverend Jerry Falwell

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ON THE PASSING OF THE REVEREND JERRY FALWELL

Boston, MA - Today, Governor Mitt Romney issued the following statement on the passing of the Reverend Jerry Falwell:

"An American who built and led a movement based on strong principles and strong faith has left us. He will be greatly missed, but the legacy of his important work will continue through his many ministries where he put his faith into action. "Ann and I have had the honor to talk and meet with Reverend Falwell and get to know him as a man of deep personal faith and commitment to helping those around him.  He will be forever remembered."

Governor Mitt Romney Names Mid-Michigan Leadership Team

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY NAMES MID-MICHIGAN LEADERSHIP TEAM

Boston, MA – Governor Mitt Romney today announced the Romney for President Mid-Michigan Leadership Team.  These men and women will help Governor Romney build on his already strong base of support in the Mid-Michigan area. 

"I look forward to campaigning with these Michigan leaders as I talk to voters about bringing real conservative change to Washington," said Governor Romney.  "With their help, we will ensure that America is prepared to meet a new generation of challenges, and that we continue to strengthen our nation's economy, military, and families."

With today's announcement, U.S. Representative and Romney for President Michigan Co-Chair Dave Camp said, "Governor Romney has a record of proven leadership and a lifetime of real world experience outside of Washington.  I am looking forward to helping him win in Michigan on his way to winning the Republican nomination."

Romney For President Names Jim Kurtenbach As North Central Iowa Chair

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT NAMES JIM KURTENBACH AS NORTH CENTRAL IOWA CHAIR

Boston, MA – Romney for President today announced that former State Representative Jim Kurtenbach will chair the campaign in North Central Iowa.

"Jim is a leading voice for fiscal conservatism, and he will help share with voters my vision of a more efficient and effective government," said Governor Mitt Romney.  "I look forward to working with Jim in North Central Iowa, where he will be a leader in my campaign's grassroots efforts."

With today's announcement, Kurtenbach said, "Governor Romney has the passion and experience to lead our country forward.  He has a proven record of outstanding leadership in the private, public and volunteer sectors.  I want to see Mitt Romney put his experience and qualifications to work for us in Washington."