2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Governor Mitt Romney On Victory In Michigan

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ON VICTORY IN MICHIGAN

Southfield, MI – Tonight, Governor Mitt Romney earned an impressive victory in Michigan as tens of thousands of voters cast their ballot for conservative change in Washington.  Elections are about the future and Governor Romney has the experience, vision and values to build a stronger America.  Tonight's victory is a victory for optimism over Washington-style pessimism.  With the announcement of today's results, Governor Romney made the following remarks to supporters, volunteers and the American people:

Governor Mitt Romney:  "Well, tonight, tonight marks the beginning of a comeback, a comeback for America.  Only a week ago, a win looked like it was impossible, but then you got out and told America what they needed to hear.  You said we would fight for every job.  You said that we would fight to get health care for all Americans.  You said we'd fight to secure our border.  You said you'd fight for us to be able to get lower taxes for middle-income Americans, and Michigan heard, and Michigan voted tonight. Congratulations! 

"Tonight proves that you can't tell an American that there's something that they just can't do because Americans can do whatever they set their hearts on.  Tonight is a victory of optimism over Washington-style pessimism.  Tonight, we are celebrating here in Michigan, I've got to tell you that.  Guess what they're doing in Washington?  They're worrying, because they realize, the lobbyists and the politicians realize, that America now understands that Washington is broken, and we're going to do something about it.

"America understands that Washington has promised that they'd secure our borders, but they haven't. Washington told us that they would live by high ethical standards, but they haven't.  Washington told us that they'd fix Social Security, but they haven't.  Washington told us they'd get us better health care and better education, but they haven't.  Washington told us they'd get us a tax break for middle income Americans, but they haven't.  Washington told us that they'd cut back on the earmarks and the pork-barrel spending, but they haven't.  And Washington told us they'd reduce our dependence on foreign oil, but they haven't.  And who's going to get the job done?  We are!

"Guys, it was not very far from right here that Ann and I and our family behind us began our campaign at the Henry Ford Museum of Innovation.  Wow that's powerful, I'll tell you.  At the Museum of Innovation, we said that we're going to take innovation and change to Washington, recognizing that there's no way that an insider in Washington is going to turn Washington inside out.  But we're going to do that. American voters said that knowing how America works is more important than knowing how Washington works.

"And what we're going to see in the next few days is Democrats saying that they're the party of change. You're going to hear Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama and John Edwards saying that they're the party of change.  And I think they would bring change to America, just not the kind we want.  I think they take their inspiration from the Europe of old: big government, big brother, big taxes.  They fundamentally in their hearts believe that America is great because we have a great government, and we do have a great government, but that's not what makes us the best nation, the strongest nation, the greatest nation on Earth.  What makes us such a great nation is the American people.  I take my inspiration from Ronald Reagan and George Herbert Walker Bush, who took their inspiration from the American people – hard-working American people, people who believed in opportunity, who loved education, God-fearing people, people who also love their families, people deeply patriotic.  It is that characteristic of the American people that makes us the most powerful nation on Earth.  Ronald Reagan, George Herbert Walker Bush said we are a great and good people, it's exactly what we are.  It's why we will always be the most powerful nation on Earth.

"Now, you heard right here in Michigan, our campaign, we said we were going to strengthen our military with additional troops and better equipment and better care for our veterans when they come home.  We also said that we're going to strengthen our families.  We said we're going to strengthen the economy.  I will never accept defeat for any industry here in America, we'll fight for every job. 

"I have a couple of questions for you.  Is Washington, D.C., broken?"

Crowd:  "Yes!"

Governor Romney:  "Can it be fixed?"

Crowd:  "Yes!"

Governor Romney:  "Are we the team that's going to get the job done?"

Crowd:  "Yes!"

Governor Romney:  "Alright, let's take this campaign to South Carolina and Nevada and Florida and all over the country, and let's take it all the way to the White House!  Thank you so much!"

Romney For President Launches New Television Ad, "Pride Of America"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD, "PRIDE OF AMERICA"

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President launched its newest television ad, "Pride of America."  The ad features Governor Romney discussing the need to change Washington and invest in unleashing the power of Michigan.  Governor Romney grew up in Michigan and knows Michigan's potential.  For him, Michigan is personal, and he will work to end the state's one-state recession.  Governor Romney is asking the people of Michigan to vote for building a better future for their state and our nation.

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

Script For "Pride Of America" (TV:30):

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "I grew up in Michigan when Michigan was the pride of America.

"It breaks my heart to see us in a one-state recession.

"We can change that.

"We need new leaders with the experience and energy to turn us around.

"Let's invest in the future with new technology and innovation and unleash the power of Michigan.

"I'll work everyday to change Washington and bring us back, because Michigan is personal to me.

"I'm Mitt Romney and I approve this message and ask for your vote."

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: About Mitt Romney At The Myrtle Beach, SC GOP Debate

WHAT THEY'RE REALLY SAYING ABOUT GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY AT THE MYRTLE BEACH, SC GOP DEBATE

NBC's Chuck Todd: "Mitt Romney's last answer about what he's been hearing on the campaign trail was one of his best messages I've heard yet." (Chuck Todd, "Romney's Best Debate Answer In Months," MSNBC's First Read, https://firstread.msnbc.msn.com, Posted 1/10/08)

National Review's Kathryn Jean Lopez: "Taking Washington apart. This is a strong outsider argument — that rings true. Romney would do it because he has." (Kathryn Jean Lopez, "Taking Washington Apart," National Review's The Corner, https://corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/10/08)

ABC's Rick Klein: "Ahh, the R-word. 'Could we be headed for a recession? Absolutely. Do we have to be headed for a recession? Absolutely not.' Good answer by Mitt Romney." (Rick Klein, "Live Blogging During GOP Debate By Rick Klein," ABC's Political Radar, https://blogs.abcnews.com/, Posted 1/10/08)

National Review's Rich Lowry: "Mitt's change answer. Good. The best part of his stump speech." (Rich Lowry, "Mitt's Change Answer," National Review's The Corner, https://corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/10/08)

Townhall's Hugh Hewitt: "Romney had less screen time tonight, but each time he answered he was poised and eloquent."   (Hugh Hewitt, "Tonight's Debate," Townhall Blog, https://hughhewitt.townhall.com, Posted 1/10/08)

· Hewitt: "The opening response on the economy, aimed specifically at Michigan voters was very strong, and his 'Nope' answer to Wallace's question about whether the voters in New Hampshire might be saying that they do not want change in D.C. was perfect pitch…" (Hugh Hewitt, "Tonight's Debate," Townhall Blog, https://hughhewitt.townhall.com, Posted 1/10/08)

· Hewitt: "[Romney's] grasp of the foreign affairs questions impressive." (Hugh Hewitt, "Tonight's Debate," Townhall Blog, https://hughhewitt.townhall.com, Posted 1/10/08)

National Review's Kate O'Beirne: "It wasn't a friendly question, but Chris Wallace did Romney a favor. Solid answer on reforming Washington by a guy with a track record." (Kate O'Beirne, "Again The Outsider," National Review's The Corner, https://corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/10/08)

· O'Beirne: "Mitt Romney's optimism recalls Reagan." (Kate O'Beirne, "Nice Outsider Appeal," National Review's The Corner Blog, https://corner.nationalreview.com/, Posted 1/10/08)

The American Spectator's Quin Hillyer: "Now Romney gets a tough question on abortion. He starts out with a really really strong answer. Now he segues back to Reagan. He ably defends 'the principles that Ronald Reagan espoused.' Good answer." (Quin Hillyer, "Reagan Coalition Gone?" The American Spectator Blog, www.spectator.org, Posted 1/10/08)

· Hillyer: "Romney says people do NOT want "Washington experience" more than change. Gives a good litany of complaints against Washington. Also gives the best, most concise and effective summary of his own experience that I have heard yet from him in this campaign. Good answer." (Quin Hillyer, "Change Or Experience?" American Spectator's AmSpec Blog, https://www.spectator.org, Posted 1/10/08)

Townhall's Mary Katharine Ham: "Mitt had a good line about Paul reading Ahmadinejad press releases." (Mary Katharine Ham, "Another Debate?" Townhall Blog, https://www.townhall.com/blog/, Posted 1/10/08)

National Review's The Corner: "Talking about broken Washington is much more convincing from an outsider who has turned things around before. Romney was a contrast with McCain, I thought." ("Re: Outsider Appeal," National Review's The Corner, https://corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/10/08)

National Review's Jim Geraghty: "Paul's argument that the threat from Iran is overstated was a high, hanging curve, and it was a solid hit from Romney." (Jim Geraghty, "The Debate Shifts To Iranian Speedboats," National Review's The Campaign Spot Blog, https://campaignspot.nationalreview.com/, Posted 1/10/08)

Heading Right's Rickm: "Mitt's best moment so far tonight. 'Change' sells." (Rickm, "By Far," Heading Right Blog, https://headingright.com/, Posted 1/10/08)

Governor Romney Calls For Change In Washington

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:  GOVERNOR ROMNEY CALLS FOR CHANGE IN WASHINGTON

Governor Mitt Romney
South Carolina Republican Presidential Debate
Myrtle Beach, SC
January 10, 2008

Governor Mitt Romney:  "I've had the chance to do almost 200 town meetings across the country.  I've listened to people, well, in a restaurant here called Lizard's Thicket, to places all over the country.  And I keep hearing the same thing, which is that Washington is broken.  That Washington has made promises to America it has not kept, and it seems incapable of dealing with the challenges that we face globally and here at home.

"I hear that 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 on the burden on the middle class, and that hasn't been done.  They say we ought to solve the immigration problem in this country, protecting legal immigration, but ending illegal immigration, it hasn't been done.  They say there's too much pork-barrel spending and earmarking in Washington, that hasn't stopped.  And so the same people, year after year, make these promises and then go to Washington and nothing happens.

"And so I'm convinced that you're going to see the people say, across this country, that if you send the same people back to Washington just to sit in different chairs, nothing will happen.  My whole life has been about bringing change to things I've touched, to the business world for 25 years and tried to bring change, sometimes I did positively, not always, but I learned from that experience.  I went to the Olympics and turned those games around with the help of a terrific team of people.  I went to the state of Massachusetts when revenues were falling, when jobs were falling, I helped turn that around.  I know how to bring change, and I will change Washington.  I will take it apart and put it back together simpler, smaller, smarter.  But I will bring change, and I will honor the promises that the American people have heard from me and from others who care about Republican principles."

Statement From Senator Jim DeMint

STATEMENT FROM SENATOR JIM DEMINT

"As someone on the front lines for conservative change, I am convinced voters are fed up with government as usual.  They want to see dramatic change and they want to elect someone who can get tangible results.  For that reason, Mitt Romney was the clear winner tonight.

"Mitt highlighted his leadership experiences transforming corporations, the Olympics and state government.  He knows how to turn things around and tonight he proved once again just why conservatives all over the country should rally around his campaign to fix all that is broken in Washington."

- Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) January 10, 2008

Romney for President Communications Director Matt Rhoades Statement On The South Carolina Republican Presidential Debate

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY CALLS FOR CHANGE

Myrtle Beach, SC – Tonight, Romney for President Communications Director Matt Rhoades released the following statement on the South Carolina Republican presidential debate:

"Tonight, Governor Romney won the debate by discussing the issues that are important to the American people.  He was the only candidate to lay out the vision necessary for changing Washington and strengthening America.  Our nation cannot afford to continue electing the same Washington insiders.  Governor Romney also rejects the pessimism that would give up on lost jobs, abandon weakened industries and disregard states that are hurting.  Governor Romney will take the action necessary to build a better future for all Americans."

Romney For President Launches New Radio Ad, "Michigan Values"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW RADIO AD, "MICHIGAN VALUES"

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President launched its newest radio ad, "Michigan Values."  The ad features Congressman Pete Hoekstra (R-MI) and his wife, Diane Hoekstra, discussing why their family is proud to support Governor Romney.  Having grown up in Michigan, Governor Romney's values are Michigan's values.  As President, Governor Romney will work with Michigan leaders like Congressman Hoekstra to protect our traditional family values, strengthen our economy and change Washington.  Michigan is personal for Governor Romney, and as President, he will work to ensure that Michigan and all of America is strong.

The ad will begin airing as part of the campaign's rotation today in Michigan.

Script For "Michigan Values" (RADIO:60):

CONGRESSMAN PETE HOEKSTRA:  "Hi, this is Congressman Pete Hoekstra."

DIANE HOEKSTRA: "And this is Diane Hoekstra."

CONGRESSMAN PETE HOEKSTRA: "These are serious times for America."

DIANE HOEKSTRA: "And for the American family."

PETE HOEKSTRA: "And that's why our family took a hard look at all the candidates for President."

DIANE HOEKSTRA: And if you care about the family, one candidate stands out.

CONGRESSMAN PETE HOEKSTRA: "Yup, Mitt Romney."

DIANE HOEKSTRA: "Governor Mitt Romney represents the values that are important to us.  He will fight for the unborn and traditional marriage."

CONGRESSMAN PETE HOEKSTRA: "Mitt Romney's values are Michigan values."

DIANE HOEKSTRA: "They ought to be, he grew up right here, in Michigan."

CONGRESSMAN PETE HOEKSTRA: "Mitt Romney will also fight to change Washington.  He'll lower middle class taxes, reducing federal spending, and if Congress gets out of line…"

DIANE HOEKSTRA: "You guys?"

CONGRESSMAN PETE HOEKSTRA:  "Yeah, Mitt Romney, he'll use that veto pen."

DIANE HOEKSTRA: "And Mitt Romney will look out for Michigan.  Creating jobs and protecting our lakes.  For Mitt Romney, Michigan is personal."

CONGRESSMAN PETE HOEKSTRA:  "You know, I respect all the candidates, but when it comes to leading America into the future, Mitt Romney, he has the energy and vision to make a real difference." 

DIANE HOEKSTRA: "Please join us…"

CONGRESSMAN PETE HOEKSTRA:  "…the Hoekstra family"

DIANE HOEKSTRA:  "In supporting Mitt Romney.  He will make a great President."

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

Romney For President National Call Day 2008 Raises An Estimated $5 Million

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT NATIONAL CALL DAY 2008 RAISES AN ESTIMATED $5 MILLION

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that National Call Day 2008 has raised an estimated $5 million. About 500 Romney volunteer fundraisers from across the country joined Governor Romney in Boston today to call donors nationwide to raise both primary and general election dollars. Today marks the first Romney for President finance event in which general election dollars were raised. The success of today's event will help Governor Romney continue to compete nationwide and help communicate his message of bringing conservative change in Washington.

Governor Mitt Romney said, "National Call Day 2008 has been an extraordinary success. I am grateful to all of the fundraisers and donors who have helped us raise the resources we need to continue to be competitive in all 50 states. Washington is broken, and we all know that it will take someone from outside of Washington to bring conservative change to our nation's capital. Today's success shows the continued belief that I have the vision, values and experience to bring that change. 

"This is going to be a long race, but we have some great momentum, and will carry that momentum into Michigan. The success of today's events shows a continued belief that I am the only Republican candidate who can match up against the Democrats in the fall. My campaign is about the future of our country, and I will be ready to go toe-to-toe with the Democrats in the general election."

"National Call Day 2008" Fast Facts:

• Estimated Total Amount: $5 Million
• Estimated Primary Election Funds: $1.5 Million
• Estimated General Elections Funds: $3.5 Million
• Estimated Total Donations: 10,000
• Volunteer Fundraisers Participating: 500
• Volunteer fundraisers hailed from more than 39 states
• Telephones: 500
• Laptop Computers: More than 100
• Call Center Area: 37,800 square feet

Tom Monaghan Joins Romney For President

TOM MONAGHAN JOINS ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT

Boston, MA – Today, Tom Monaghan announced that he is endorsing Governor Mitt Romney and his campaign for President of the United States.  Monaghan is a noted business man and philanthropist.

"It is an honor for me to endorse Governor Mitt Romney for President.  He is a proven leader and has demonstrated his effectiveness in multiple arenas - in his successful business ventures, the running of the Olympics and in politics.  I had first hand experience of Mitt's effectiveness and expertise during the sale of Domino's Pizza to Bain Capital," said Tom Monaghan.  "Most importantly, Governor Romney is a man of principle.  As someone who values the importance of faith in one's life, I recognize in Mitt his deep religious convictions which will serve him well in facing the critical moral issues facing our society.  I believe he will stand firm on the pro-life issues and for the traditional family values that our country was founded on and which are so critical to the future of our nation."

With today's announcement, Governor Romney said, "Having known Tom since 1998, I am proud to have his support in this critical election.  As a successful business man, he has also been a strong supporter of conservative causes across the country.  His philanthropic work has touched the lives of millions."

Governor Mitt Romney On The New Hampshire Primary

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ON THE NEW HAMPSHIRE PRIMARY

Bedford, NH – Tonight, Governor Mitt Romney made a strong showing in the New Hampshire Primary.  While the ballots are still being counted, tens of thousands of New Hampshire voters have cast their vote for Governor Romney's message of conservative change in Washington.  Elections are about the future and Governor Romney will continue to fight for building a better tomorrow.  With the announcement of today's results, Governor Romney made the following remarks to supporters and volunteers:

"Well, another silver.  I'd rather have a gold, but I got another silver.  There've been three races so far.  I've gotten two silvers and one gold – thank you, Wyoming.  But tonight, congratulations go to Senator John McCain for running a first-class race.  Congratulations on the gold, Senator, great job..."

"This has been quite an experience for us, I'll tell you.  We thought we knew New Hampshire, but now we really know New Hampshire with almost 250 events that we've done across this state.  We have learned why it is that New Hampshire is the first primary in the nation.  There's a reason for it.  The people of this great state really get to know the candidates, ask them questions, learn about their heart and character.  People of New Hampshire opened their hearts and their homes to us and for that we will always be grateful.  Thank you so much, New Hampshire.

"You know, in all those events, as we've listened to so many people from across the state, we hear time and time again, a similar message and that is that people are frustrated.  They're concerned about the future of our country, particularly our leadership in Washington.  They feel that Washington is broken, and they've heard time and again promises that haven't been fulfilled by Washington. 

"They've heard Washington say that they're going to stop illegal immigration, but they haven't.

"They've heard Washington say that they're going to get us off our dependence on foreign oil, but they haven't.

"They've heard Washington say they're going to get people insured that don't have health insurance, but they haven't.

"They've heard Washington say they're going to improve our schools and make them the best in the world, but they haven't.

"They've heard Washington say that they're going to protect our jobs and make sure that the jobs that we have are the best in the world, but they haven't done that.

"They've heard Washington say that they're going to balance the budget, but they haven't done that.

"They have heard Washington say that they're going to make life easier on the middle class and reduce the burdens on the middle class, but they haven't.  You finally got it, didn't you?

"And I believe that it's time to send somebody to Washington who will actually get the job done.  Thanks, you guys.  I don't think it's going to get done by Washington insiders that sending insiders back to Washington, just to change different chairs.  That's not going to get the job done.  I think you have to have somebody from outside Washington who has proven that he can get the job done in one setting after another.

"And as you know, I had the privilege of working in the private sector for 25 years and helped, with a number of other people, to make businesses stronger.  Not every time successful.  I learned from the successes and the failures.  And then went off to the Olympics and again, with a great team of people, helped make that successful.  And then, in the position of Governor of Massachusetts, got the chance to make that state more successful.  We did something no one thought would be possible, we did get health care on track for all of our citizens in our state, balanced the budget all four years, rebuilt our rainy day fund. 

"I've been able to get the job done.  And I don't care who gets the credit, Republican or Democrat.  I got no scores to settle.  I don't worry about who's going to be the hero and who's not going to be.  I want to make sure that the America that this family inherits and your family inherits is an America that remains strong and the hope of the Earth. 

"This is the greatest nation on Earth.  This is the greatest nation on Earth, not just because of our beautiful landscape, but because of the American people and the heart and character of the American people and the things they believe.  The fact that Americans believe in hard work.  The fact that Americans love opportunity, and they love it above dependence on government.  The fact that Americans are willing to make take risks for the future and sacrifice for their families.  That we are a family oriented people.  The fact that by and large Americans believe in God, and even those who don't believe in God, believe in something bigger than themselves.  The fact that Americans are patriotic.  I will strengthen America, as your President, when I come back here next November. 

"I will fight across this nation, on to Michigan and South Carolina and Florida and Nevada and states after that.  I'll fight to be back here in November in those states and in others.  But I'll also fight to make sure that we strengthen this great country by strengthening our families and our homes where our kids learn those American values by strengthening our economy.  Look, if people wonder what direction America's going to head if they choose a Democratic leader like Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton, all they have to do is look at a state like Michigan, which has had Democratic leadership, where taxes have been going up and jobs have been going out, and where the industries are struggling.  We want to make sure that we strengthen our economy, and finally where we strengthen our military to make sure we're safe here and abroad.  I will strengthen America.  I will stand up for the values we believe in.  I'll make sure that America is, as it has always been, the hope of the Earth.  Thank you so much.  Thank you."