2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Mitt Romney Announces House Congressional Liaisons

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES HOUSE CONGRESSIONAL LIAISONS

Boston, MA - Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that U.S. Representative Jim McCrery (R-LA) will serve as the House Congressional Liaison for the Romney for President Exploratory Committee. As Liaison, Representative McCrery will lead Governor Romney's outreach efforts in the U.S. House.

"I am proud to have the support and service of Jim McCrery on my Exploratory Committee. Congressman McCrery will be a strong voice in the U.S. Capitol for our vision to move America forward. Today's announcement is just another sign of our growing support," said Governor Romney.

Governor Romney also named Representatives Dave Camp (R-MI) and Howard "Buck" McKeon (R-CA) as Co-House Congressional Liaisons. Congressman Camp will also serve as Michigan Co-Chair of the Romney for President Exploratory Committee.

"Congressmen Camp and McKeon have demonstrated a strong commitment to doing what's right for their constituents and the American people," said Governor Romney. "With their help, we will find new solutions for the new generation of challenges confronting our nation."

Vin Weber Named Policy Chairman For Romney 2008 Committee

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES VIN WEBER AS POLICY CHAIRMAN

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that former United States Representative Vin Weber (R-MN) will serve as Policy Chairman on the Romney for President Exploratory Committee. As Policy Chairman, Mr. Weber will oversee all policy development for Governor Romney.

"I am honored that Vin Weber will serve on my Exploratory Committee. Throughout his many years of public service, he has embodied the bold thinking necessary to find innovative solutions to the challenges confronting the American people," said Governor Romney. "As I continue building a national organization, he will be an important voice in advancing my agenda to move the country forward." 

Vin Weber Biography:
Vin Weber served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1981 to 1993, representing Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District. He currently serves as Chairman of the National Endowment for Democracy and as chief executive officer of Clark & Weinstock. Mr. Weber sits on the Board of the Council on Foreign Relations, the U.S. Secretary of State's Advisory Committee on Democracy Promotion, and co-chaired a major independent task force on U.S. Policy Toward Reform in the Arab World. Mr. Weber has counseled numerous Presidential campaigns, and in 2004, was the Bush-Cheney '04 Plains States Regional Chairman. Prior to opening Clark & Weinstock's Washington office in 1994, Mr. Weber was president of Empower America.

Senator Jim DeMint To Serve As Senior Advisor To Romney 2008 Committee

SENATOR JIM DEMINT TO SERVE AS SENIOR ADVISER

Boston, MA – Governor Mitt Romney announced today that Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) will serve as a senior adviser to the Romney for President Exploratory Committee.

"Senator DeMint believes, as I do, that we must find new solutions to help ensure the American Dream for every citizen. That is why I am so honored that he will serve as a senior adviser to my Exploratory Committee," said Governor Romney. "As we move forward, Senator DeMint will be a powerful spokesman for our vision for the future not only in South Carolina but nationally."

In a letter released today to fellow Republicans in South Carolina, Senator DeMint wrote, "We must elect a President in 2008 who is up to the task, and I need you to encourage Mitt to run. … As a leader who has spent most of his life in the private sector, Governor Romney will call on America's strength and character to solve problems and secure our future." 

Mitt Romney Raises Over $6.5 Million On "National Call Day"

"NATIONAL CALL DAY" RAISES OVER $6.5 MILLION

Boston, MA – After reaching out across the country on "National Call Day," Governor Mitt Romney and his supporters raised over $6.5 million. The success of today's event will help Governor Romney continue to share his message and vision for the future with the American people.

“This is a message,” said Governor Romney, “that what we stand for and what we are going to fight for has been heard, and gives us motivation to go forward with our message.”

“I am overwhelmed by this support, heartened by the friendship, and hopeful for the future. I can only say thank you,” said Governor Romney.

Approximately 15,000 outbound calls were made by about 400 volunteer fundraisers from over 40 states.

Romney Committee Announces Two New Senior Advisors

Governor Mitt Romney Announces Two New Senior Advisors

Boston, MA – Governor Mitt Romney today announced that Colorado Governor Bill Owens (R-CO) and U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) will serve as senior advisers to the Romney for President Exploratory Committee, Inc.

Sworn-in as Governor of Colorado in 1999, Governor Owens has demonstrated effective executive leadership. In 2002, the people of his state re-elected Governor Owens with the greatest majority in Colorado history. "I am honored to welcome Governor Owens as a senior adviser to my exploratory committee. In his eight years as Governor of Colorado, he has shown a commitment to finding the kinds of new and innovative solutions that America needs if we are to meet a new generation of challenges," said Governor Romney.

Elected in 2002, Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn has quickly earned a reputation as a problem solver in our nation's capital. Cited as a "rising star" in Congress, she has been a forceful advocate for conservative principles. "With extensive experience in the public and private sectors, Congresswoman Blackburn will provide valuable insight as I move forward," said Governor Romney. "As a rising star among conservative leaders, I am proud that she has joined my exploratory committee as a senior adviser." 

Mitt Romney Announces First Group Of National Finance Co-Chairs

Governor Mitt Romney Announces First Group Of National Finance Co-Chairs

Boston, MA – Governor Mitt Romney today announced the first group of Romney for President Exploratory Committee National Finance Co-Chairs. These men and women from across the country will help support Governor Romney as he builds the organization necessary to campaign for our nation's highest office.

"I am proud to have the support of these outstanding leaders. Together, they represent some of the best of America's entrepreneurial innovation and civic engagement. Their work will help provide the resources needed to continue our discussion with the American people about the solutions to a new generation of challenges," said Governor Romney.   

Additional groups of National Finance Co-Chairs will be announced at a later date, as will a national finance committee, which will include state finance chairs and other significant organizational supporters.

The Romney For President Exploratory Committee National Finance Co-Chairs includes Meg Whitman, President and CEO of eBay, California.

Mitt Romney First To Sign "Taxpayer Protection Pledge"

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY SIGNS "TAXPAYER PROTECTION PLEDGE"

Boston, MA – Demonstrating his commitment to oppose any effort to increase taxes on the American people, Governor Romney has signed Americans For Tax Reform's "Taxpayer Protection Pledge." As part of his pledge, Governor Romney will "oppose any and all efforts to increase the marginal income tax rates" and "oppose any net reduction or elimination of deductions and credits."

Governor Romney believes that by keeping taxes low and simplifying the tax code, we can grow the economy and enhance American competitiveness. These fundamental economic beliefs and principles led Governor Romney to become the first potential 2008 presidential candidate to sign Americans For Tax Reform's "Taxpayer Protection Pledge."

Mitt Romney Statement Of Candidacy

Governor Mitt Romney Forms Presidential Exploratory Committee And Launches New Website

Mitt Romney's campaign issued this press release to answer questions about the forming of his presidential exploratory committee.

Governor Mitt Romney Forms Presidential Exploratory Committee
Wednesday, Jan 03, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, D.C. - Today at 4 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, National Counsel Ben Ginsberg filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) announcing the formation of Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney's presidential campaign exploratory committee.

"After talking to my family, I have decided to take this initial step of forming an exploratory committee in order to raise the resources and build the campaign organization required to pursue the highest office in our country," Governor Romney said. "I look forward to continuing to talk with the American people to determine how best we can meet a new generation of challenges."

Immediately after the filing, the Romney for President Exploratory Committee launched its official website: www.MittRomney.com.

Questions And Answers About Governor Romney's Presidential Campaign Exploratory Process

Q:  What is the name of the exploratory committee?

A:  Romney for President Exploratory Committee, Inc.

Q:  When will Governor Romney formally declare his candidacy?

A:  Governor Romney has not made a decision on when he will officially and formally declare his candidacy.

Q:  What is the difference between this exploratory committee and formally announcing Governor Romney's candidacy?

A:  This committee has been registered with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) allowing it to begin soliciting resources and organizing a federal campaign committee structure in anticipation of a formal announcement in the near future.  Once an announcement is made, the word "exploratory" will be removed from the name. The committee formed today will use the money raised before and after a formal announcement.

Q:  Can money raised by the exploratory committee be used by an eventual Romney for President Campaign Committee?

A:  Yes. In fact, it's the same account.

Mitt Romney To File 2008 Exploratory Committee Paperwork Wednesday

Romney to file paperwork for 2008 bid
By GLEN JOHNSON, AP Political Writer

BOSTON - Gov. Mitt Romney will file paperwork forming a presidential exploratory committee on Wednesday, a delay of 24 hours out of respect for the funeral services scheduled Tuesday for former President Gerald R. Ford.

Yahoo News AP Story