2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Mitt Romney Announces Minnesota Statewide Steering Committee Co-Chairs

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES MINNESOTA STATEWIDE STEERING COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced 45 members of his Minnesota Statewide Steering Committee, led by previously announced State Co-Chairs Jack Meeks, Brian Sullivan, Evie Axdahl and Tony Sutton.

The Minnesota Statewide Steering Committee will play an instrumental role in building upon Governor Romney's grassroots campaign leading up to the February 5 caucuses.

"These Republican leaders from across Minnesota agree we need real conservative change in Washington," said Governor Romney.  "Together, we will work to ensure our economy is strong and jobs are available for hard working families in Minnesota and across the country.  I look forward to fighting in Washington to keep taxes low, cut wasteful government spending and keeping our nation a leader in the world."

Minnesota Romney for President Co-Chair Brian Sullivan said, "Governor Romney is the candidate with the experience and background to bring real change to Washington.  Minnesota voters are looking for a candidate with the determination and the optimistic vision to grow job opportunities, keep us safe from terrorism and strengthen families here and across the nation.  Governor Romney has accomplished this in the private sector, at the Winter Olympics and as a governor – now we need to send him to Washington."

Romney For President Minnesota Statewide Steering Committee:

Evie Axdahl – Co-Chair, Maplewood, Minnesota Republican National Committeewoman
Jack Meeks – Co-Chair, Minneapolis, Former Minnesota Republican National Committeeman
Brian Sullivan – Co-Chair, Maple Grove, Minnesota Republican National Committeeman
Tony Sutton – Co-Chair, Inver Grove Heights, Secretary/Treasurer Republican Party of Minnesota
Jim Anderson – Shoreview, Former Republican Party State Central Committee Member
Amy Anderson – Waconia, Carver County Republican Party Chair
Warren Anderson – Saint Paul, Minnesota Republican Party State Central Committee Member
Tara Anderson – Eden Prairie, Former Executive Director, Minnesota College Republicans
Bev Aplikowski – Arden Hills, Former Mayor, Arden Hills
Dirk Bak – Minnetonka, Republican Activist
Chris Barden – Edina, Republican Activist
Kristin Beach – St. Paul, Republican Activist
George Benda – Alpha, Minnesota Republican Party 1st Congressional District Officer
Brad Biers – Blaine, Minnesota Republican Party State Executive Committee Member
Neil Breitbarth - Fairmont - State Central Committee
Matt Dean – Delwood, Minnesota State Legislator
Georgia Dietz – St. Paul, Minnesota Republican Party BPOU Chair
Peggy Fairbourne – Plymouth, Republican Activist
John Frydenlund – Floodwood, Republican Activist
Joey Gerdin – St. Paul, Minnesota House Republican Staff
Jake Grassel – Eden Prairie, Former Chairman, Minnesota College Republicans 
David Haan – Eden Prairie, Minnesota State Senator
David Hallman – Moorhead, Clay County Republican Party Chair
Nevin Doran Hunter – Mankato, Republican Activist
Pat Igo – St. Paul, Former Minnesota Republican Party 4th Congressional District Chair
Mary Igo – St. Paul, Minnesota Republican Party 4th Congressional District Officer
Chris Jacobson – Maplewood, Minnesota Republican Party State Executive Committee
Pat Kaluza – Lakeville, Minnesota Republican Party BPOU Chair
Paul Kohls – Victoria, Minnesota State Legislator
John Kysylyczyn – Roseville, Former Mayor, Roseville
Ted Lovdahl – Effie, Minnesota Republican Party 8th Congressional District Chair
Annette Meeks – Minneapolis, Minnesota Republican Party Former 5th Congressional District Chair
Corey Miltmore – Eden Prairie, Minnesota Republican Party Former Executive Director
Jessica Mollman – Minneapolis, Republican Activist
Ray Morris – Aitkin, Minnesota Republican Party State Central Committee Member
Dan Nygaard – Big Lake, Minnesota Republican Party Former 6th Congressional District Chair
Kristin Ostrander – Greenwood, Republican Activist
Bill Poulos – St. Paul, Minnesota Republican Party State Central Committee Member
Linda Runbeck - Circle Pines - Former State Senator
Duane Qaum – Byron, Minnesota Republican Party 1st Congressional District Chair
Chris Tiedeman – Eagan, Former Treasurer, College Republican National Committee and 7th Congressional District Vice-Chair
Tony Trimble – Walker, Former Minnesota Republican Party State Party Chairman
Andy Tulenchik – White Bear, Minnesota Republican Party State Central Committee Member
Brent VanTassel – St. Paul, Minnesota Republican Party BPOU Chair
Bill Walsh – White Bear Lake, Former Executive Director, Minnesota Republican Party
Joe Weber – Eagan, Republican Activist
Jeff Williams – Maplewood, Minnesota Republican Party BPOU Chair
Leslie Wilcox – St. Paul, Minnesota Republican Party BPOU Chair
Jon Wood – Shoreview, Former National Republican Committee Advisor
Wells Wright – Minneapolis, Republican Activist
Luke Yurczyk – Sartell, Minnesota Republican Party BPOU Chair

Senator Thad Cochran Endorses Governor Mitt Romney

SENATOR THAD COCHRAN ENDORSES GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY

Boston, MA – Today, Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) announced that he was endorsing Governor Mitt Romney and his candidacy for President of the United States.  Senator Cochran joins a Romney for President team that includes Senators Robert Bennett (R-UT), Wayne Allard (R-CO), Jim DeMint (R-SC), Judd Gregg (R-NH) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT).   

"It is an honor to join Governor Romney and his campaign for our nation's highest office.  At this moment our nation faces unprecedented challenges, and Governor Romney has the experience, vision and values needed to strengthen our country for future generations," said Senator Cochran.  "Governor Romney is a man of outstanding judgment and strong character.  I look forward to working with him and helping to implement his conservative vision when he is elected our next President." 

Welcoming Senator Cochran's support, Governor Romney said, "Senator Cochran has been a strong voice for the State of Mississippi and our conservative values in the United States Senate.  He has been dedicated to improving the quality of life of all Americans while defending this great country from foreign threats.  I am proud that he has joined our campaign to strengthen our military, our economy and our families." 

Governor Mitt Romney On Fred Thompson Withdrawing His Candidacy

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ON FRED THOMPSON WITHDRAWING HIS CANDIDACY

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney issued the following statement on former Senator Fred Thompson withdrawing his candidacy for President of the United States:

"Throughout this campaign, Fred Thompson brought a laudable focus to the challenges confronting our country and the solutions necessary to meet them.  He stood for strong conservative ideas and believed strongly in the need to keep our conservative coalition together.  Ann and I would like to extend our best wishes to Fred, Jeri and their family and congratulate them on their efforts during this campaign."

Romney For President Launches New Television Ad, "Conservative Change"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD, "CONSERVATIVE CHANGE"

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President launched its newest television ad, "Conservative Change."  The ad features Governor Romney addressing the need for conservative change in Washington, especially when our economy is slowing.  With the experience of having worked in business and the vision for strengthening our economy, Governor Romney is ready to take action today.  He has proposed a conservative strategy to cut individual taxes, reduce the tax burden on businesses, make America more globally competitive and help guide homeowners through this housing crisis.  With our economy facing challenge, we need a leader with Governor Romney's experience and plan to strengthen America.

The ad will begin airing today in Florida. 

Script For "Conservative Change" (TV :30):

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "Today our economy is slowing.  Many feel anxious about the future.

"I know how America works because I've spent my life in the real economy.

"I ran a business, turned around the Olympics, and I led a state.

"My plan will make our economy strong.

"We need to invest in people and businesses with tax cuts that will get us moving again.

"Washington is broken, but we can fix it with real conservative change.

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

Romney For President Launches Spanish-Language Television Ad In Florida

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES SPANISH-LANGUAGE TELEVISION AD IN FLORIDA

Boston, MA – Romney for President this week launched its new Spanish-language television ad.  The ad features Craig Romney introducing his father to voters and discussing Governor Mitt Romney's exceptional record of success in the public and private sectors. 

The ad is titled "Mi Padre" ("My Father") and will air in South Florida.  The English and Spanish transcripts are below:

English Script For "Mi Padre" (TV:30):

CRAIG ROMNEY: "Mitt Romney's record speaks for itself: successful as a businessman, saved the Olympics, and as Governor of Massachusetts, lowered taxes and stimulated the economy.

"But above all, Mitt Romney is a family man, a great father, husband and grandfather.

"I know because Mitt Romney is my Dad.

"I'm Craig Romney and I invite you to get to know my father, Mitt Romney, a leader who loves our nation, recognizes our challenges and has solutions to confront them."

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

Spanish Script For "Mi Padre" (TV:30):

CRAIG ROMNEY: "El record de Mitt Romney habla por si solo.  Exitoso como empresario, salvó las Olimpiadas, y como gobernador de Massachusetts bajó los impuestos y estimuló la economía.

"Pero sobre todo, Mitt Romney es un hombre de familia, un gran padre, esposo y abuelo.

"Yo lo se porque Mitt Romney es mi papá.

"Soy Craig Romney y les invito a conocer mejor a mi padre, Mitt Romney, un líder que ama a nuestra nación, reconoce nuestros retos y tiene soluciones para enfrentarlos".

GOBERNADOR MITT ROMNEY: "Soy Mitt Romney y apruebo este mensaje".

Governor Romney Addresses His Victory In Nevada And His Strategy To Strengthen The Economy

GOVERNOR ROMNEY ADDRESSES HIS VICTORY IN NEVADA AND HIS STRATEGY TO STRENGTHEN THE ECONOMY

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney held a media availability in Jacksonville, Florida, on his victory in Nevada and his economic stimulus plan to strengthen our economy.

Governor Romney On His Victory In Nevada:

Governor Romney:  "Ann and I are delighted to be in Jacksonville, but we are delighted to receive the news that we have received overwhelming support from the people in Nevada.  Frankly, the figures seem almost unbelievable with 40 percent of the precincts in.  And so I’m not going to comment on the numbers themselves, but we’re very, very heartened and we understand that people from across the state came together to support us.  It means obviously a great deal to us.  We love Nevada, what a great state, and they have just made a wonderful day for us.

"In the last week, that means that two of the battleground states have come out strongly for our campaign.  They’ve heard our message of change.  They’ve heard our message that Washington is broken, that we need to have the kind of change that will solve America’s problems.  We won the primary together in Michigan, and we won this caucus process in Nevada.  And if we were lucky enough to win Michigan and Nevada, that would be a pretty clear indication, in November of '08 that is, that would be a pretty clear indication we were going on to win the White House.  We only have one other state that would be key – that's the state we happen to be in right now, which is Florida.  If you can win those two states – Michigan and Nevada – it'd  mean you've put together quite a coalition and have been able to make the kind of inroads you have to make to take the White House. It's huge for us and we're very, very pleased.

"I'd also note that this is a campaign that does intend to participate across the country.  And we're not concentrating just on one region or a few states.  We've made an effort to get to all of the early states, and we're going to make our best effort to get to the other key states in the days that follow…"

Governor Romney On His Economic Stimulus Plan And Change In Washington:

Governor Romney:  "I do believe that our message is also the message that will connect with the voters here in Florida.  What you see in Nevada and Michigan, Iowa, New Hampshire, Wyoming, the first five states that we've really concentrated on so far, is that people are very concerned about what's happening globally, but they're also concerned about what's happening here at home.  And they want to know how our economy is going to be strengthened, both short-term and long-term.

"Today, I announced a plan which I'd like to see enacted within the next 30 days to provide a stimulus to our economy on a short-term basis as well as ignite long-term growth for the American economy.  It calls for three major features.  One is helping the housing market by loosening and relaxing some of the requirements of the FHA program so that more loans can be guaranteed and more people can stay in their homes without having them foreclosed.

"Number two, a very substantial investment to allow businesses to invest in capital expenditures and to expense those capital expenditures 100 percent for the next two years, which is a very substantial boost to purchasers of equipment and other goods for these companies, and that will stimulate the growth of companies that supply equipment to them.

"And number three, is help for individual consumers and specifically, lowering the tax rate, the marginal tax rate, at the entry level of our tax rate from 10 percent to 7.5 percent.  And we'll do that not only for the '08 year, but also put a refund in place for the '07 year so that people will get a check in '07, excuse me, for '07 in April of '08, which would average approximately $400.

"I'm delighted that we have the opportunity to talk about this at a time which is timely.  Our economy was strong last quarter.  The growth was strong, but indications are that the economy is slowing down, and that action, if taken now, could well avert a potential recession.  As we come here to Florida, we're going to be talking about our short-term plan to stimulate our economy, our long-term plan to keep America strong, and to make sure that our economy continues to lead the world, that we have great jobs for our kids. 

"And of course, you're going to hear me say time and time again that Washington is broken, that it can't get the job done.  It has not gotten the job done in the past.  Now is the time, with regards to this economy heading for a potential economic downturn that it has to move aggressively and quickly.  But there are many other issues that also have to be solved, and that includes everything from getting health care for our citizens that's affordable and portable, to improving our schools, to solving the problem of runaway spending in Washington, to finding ourselves finally on a track to becoming energy independent, and to abiding by high ethical standards in Washington.

"So there's a lot of work to be done, and our campaign is focused on bringing change to Washington, and one of those changes we'd like to see immediately is a 30-day turnaround on an economic stimulus plan."

Governor Mitt Romney On Victory In Nevada

Governor Mitt Romney On Victory In Nevada

Boston, MA – Throughout the state of Nevada this morning, people gathered at their local caucus site and cast their vote for change in Washington. With this important victory in the heart of the West, Governor Romney will continue traveling across the country calling for change in a Washington that is fundamentally broken. Governor Romney issued the following statement concerning his victory in Nevada:

"Today, the people of Nevada voted for change in Washington. For far too long, our leaders have promised to take the action necessary to build a stronger America, and still the people of Nevada and all across this country are waiting. Whether it is reforming health care, making America energy independent or securing the border, the American people have been promised much and are now ready for change.

"The need for change is even more apparent today as our economy faces challenges both here at home and abroad. For decades, we have talked about the long-term economic challenges confronting our country but still the tax burden is too high, business is stifled by regulations and more money goes to defending against junk lawsuits than promoting research and innovation. Now, Washington must act and take the steps necessary to strengthen our economy. With a career spent turning around businesses, creating jobs and imposing fiscal discipline, I am ready to get my hands on Washington and turn it inside out."

Reno Gazette-Journal Endorses Governor Mitt Romney

RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL ENDORSES GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY

"Romney Is GOP's Best Candidate"
Reno Gazette-Journal
Editorial
January 18, 200

"The best candidate – and the one who would give the party its strongest chance in the fall – is former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

"Romney is a successful businessman who showed his ability to get voters to cross party lines when he won the governor's office in Massachusetts, home of the Kennedys, Michael Dukakis and John Kerry. He left that office with his reputation and his relationships intact.

"Romney's most remarkable feat, however, was his stewardship of the Salt Lake City Olympics. He showed that he could bring disparate groups together, clean up a mess left by his predecessor, and to put on possibly the most successful games ever.

"Romney's No. 1 opponent since the New Hampshire primary is Arizona U.S. Sen. John McCain. McCain is a genuine war hero. But he's also a government insider who has outlived scandal."

"Republicans need a candidate who represents conservative values, builds bipartisan support and signals change for a restless electorate.

"Romney is that candidate."

To read the full endorsement, please see:  https://news.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080117/NEWS18/80117043/1232/NEWS19

Romney For President Launches New Television Ad, "Chairs"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD, "CHAIRS"

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President launched its newest television ad, "Chairs."  The ad features Governor Romney addressing the need for change in a Washington that is fundamentally broken.  For decades, Washington has promised action on issues like health care reform, reducing the middle class burden and securing our borders.  Yet, the American people are still waiting for action.  As President, Governor Romney will take Washington apart and put it back together.  At this critical time in our nation's history, we cannot afford to send the same people back to Washington just to sit in different chairs.

The ad will begin airing today in Florida. 

Script For "Chairs" (TV :30):

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "I keep hearing the same thing, that Washington is broken.

"I hear the people say they think we deserve health care for all our citizens, but not government health care and that hasn't been done.

"They say we ought to be able to get a reduction in the burden on the middle class, and that hasn't been done.

"They say we ought to solve the immigration problem in this country.  It hasn't been done. 

"If you send the same people back to Washington just to sit in different chairs, nothing will happen. 

"I will change Washington.  I will take it apart and put it back together.  I know how to bring change.

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

Las Vegas Review-Journal Endorses Governor Mitt Romney

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL ENDORSES GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY

"Romney Best Pick For State Republicans"
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Editorial
January 17, 2008

"Republicans haven't had much national electoral success of late, and for that they have only themselves to blame. In the 14 years since the Gingrich revolution, too many Republicans have embraced the beltway culture and abandoned the very principles upon which their success with voters depended – smaller government, low taxes, free markets and personal liberty.

"Nevada Republicans on Saturday should examine their choices through precisely such a filter. Each GOP candidate can make – and has made – a reasonable case that he's best suited to ensure the party again embraces the ideas and concepts that made this nation a beacon of freedom and economic opportunity. But in our opinion, the viable candidate most likely to lead Republicans in such a direction is Mitt Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts..."