2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Republican Former Minnesota Gov. Arne Carlson Endorses Barack Obama For President

Republican Former Minnesota Gov. Arne Carlson Endorses Barack Obama for President
Respected two-term Republican governor cited Obama’s steady leadership in crisis and rejection of McCain’s shameful negative tactics

ST. PAUL – Republican former Minnesota Gov. Arne Carlson today endorsed Senator Barack Obama as the best candidate to be the next president of the United States. In a speech to more than 100 Minnesotans at the Minnesota State Capitol, Carlson cited the stark contrast between Senator Obama’s steady leadership through economic crisis and Senator McCain’s erratic, uncertain behavior and his low-road campaign.

Carlson, who supported John McCain during the Republican primary process, was joined at the event by U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar who was campaigning across Minnesota for Obama’s Campaign for Change on Thursday.

Carlson served as Minnesota governor from 1991-1999 and served three terms as state auditor from 1979-1991. He lives with his wife in Plymouth, MN.

“Barack Obama is the only candidate who can bring this country together to get the economy working again for middle-class families,” Carlson said. “I was hoping for a real discussion between serious candidates about how to fix this economic crisis. It had been my hope that Senator McCain would have seen the series of challenges we face as an opportunity to lead the Republican Party with fresh ideas. But, he hasn’t done that. 

“Instead of offering a national vision for our nation, Senator McCain has resorted to smear tactics in an effort to scare voters and stir up the right-wing base. Senator Obama has been a remarkably disciplined and focused leader who will become a truly great president. There is no doubt that Senator Barack Obama is the right choice for president in these challenging times.”

U.S. Election Will Cost $5.3 Billion, Most Expensive In History

U.S. Election Will Cost $5.3 Billion, Center for Responsive Politics Predicts
2008 contests for White House and Congress add up to the most expensive
U.S. election in history

WASHINGTON -- The 2008 election for president and Congress is not only one of the most closely watched U.S. elections in years; it's also the most expensive in history. The nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics estimates that more than $5.3 billion will go toward financing the federal contests upcoming on Nov. 4.

The presidential race alone will cost nearly $2.4 billion, the Center predicts. Already the candidates alone have raised more than $1.5 billion since the election cycle's start in January 2007. This is the first time that candidates for the White House have raised and spent more than $1 billion, and this year's total is on track to nearly double candidate fundraising in 2004 and triple 2000.

Weeks before Election Day, the 2008 cycle has already surpassed $4.5 billion, $300 million more than the $4.2 billion that had been raised by the conclusion of the 2004 cycle. The overall estimated cost of the 2008 election would represent a 27 percent increase over the 2004 cycle. Looking at each party's growth, however, Democrats will have collected 52 percent more money for their congressional and presidential efforts by the end of this election cycle, compared to four years ago. Republican fundraising growth, however, has been a meager 2 percent since '04.

"This election will blow through historic records on a number of counts," said Sheila Krumholz, executive director of the Center for Responsive Politics. "We've marveled for years at the cost of elections, especially during presidential cycles, but this one is the first to cross the $5 billion mark. At the same time, it's encouraging to see more Americans than ever participating and offsetting the traditional dominance of special interests and wealthy donors who might be expecting payback. The only payback the small donor is expecting is a victory on Election Day. And that's healthier for our democracy."

The Center, which operates the award-winning website OpenSecrets.org and has been tracking the money financing federal elections since the 1980s, based its prediction of the 2008 election's overall cost on fundraising reported to the Federal Election Commission as of Oct. 21 by all candidates for federal office, political party committees and federally focused 527 committees. This conservative estimate also includes independent expenditures on advertising and get-out-the-vote efforts by outside political action committees to support and oppose candidates, and it includes public funding for presidential candidates and estimated fundraising by the host committees of the major parties' summer nominating conventions.

Full-Size Truck Owners Favor McCain, While Wagon Owners Look To Obama

Presidential Candidate Preference Related to Car-Owner Brands, Segments, According to kbb.com Market Research
Full-Size Truck Owners Favor McCain, While Wagon Owners Look to Obama

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com Marketing Research, the car brand and segment owned by voters is related to their preference in presidential candidates. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) rates high among domestic and luxury owners. Among the domestic brands, owners of GMC (61 percent), Chevrolet (60 percent), Buick and Dodge (each at 58 percent), as well as Ford (57 percent) vehicles are the highest in favor of McCain. In the luxury vehicle segment, McCain leads among Lexus, BMW, and Lincoln owners at 52 percent each.

Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) leads McCain among owners of import vehicles with the highest ratings for MINI (70 percent), Subaru (61 percent), and Saab (59 percent). Fifty percent of Honda owners plan on voting for Obama, ten points higher than McCain.

In addition, vehicle segments have a direct correlation to car-owners' preferred presidential candidates. McCain receives the highest support from full-size truck (66 percent), full-size SUV (61 percent) and luxury SUV (61 percent) owners. Obama leads McCain among luxury station wagon (59 percent), station wagon and sport wagon (55 percent), hatchback (52 percent) and luxury crossover vehicle (52 percent) owners. Among owners of hybrid vehicles, Obama leads with 48 percent of the preferences, nine points more than McCain.

The connection between car ownership and Presidential candidates can also be seen in both the Democratic and Republican campaigns. Republican rallies often promote the idea of "drill, baby, drill," which may link gas-guzzling truck and SUV owners to McCain. On the other hand, Obama has stressed the importance of putting more money toward wind, solar, and other alternative forms of energy, which may relate to his popularity among hybrid owners.

"McCain's appeal among owners of domestics and large trucks/SUVs is right in line with where we see a majority of those vehicles selling - in the traditionally Republican 'red' states," said Rick Wainschel, senior vice president of marketing and analytics for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. "With import and hybrid owners typically favoring Obama, this also aligns with strong sales of these types of vehicles in predominately Democratic 'blue' states."

Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research also conducted this survey for the 2000 and 2004 Presidential elections, and accurately predicted the results. Eight years ago, the survey predicted George W. Bush would take the lead over Al Gore. In 2004, the results revealed President Bush would win over Senator John Kerry.

"Car ownership says a lot about a person, and can even be an indicator who they are likely to vote for," added Wainschel. "If consumers are concerned about the environment, they may choose a more eco-friendly vehicle, like a hybrid, and vote for the candidate with a favorable stance on energy. Consumers' values impact their purchasing decisions and reflect their preferences in political leaders."

The latest study from Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research was conducted September 19 through October 8, 2008, on Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com among 11,142 vehicle owners planning to vote in the upcoming 2008 United States Presidential election.

John McCain And Sarah Palin Returning To Iowa This Weekend For 3 Road To Victory Rallies

John McCain And Sarah Palin Returning To Iowa This Weekend For 3 Road To Victory Rallies

DES MOINES, IA -- The McCain-Palin presidential campaign announced today that Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin will return to Iowa this weekend for three "Road to Victory" rallies. They will discuss their plans to strengthen the economy, protect America's workers and entrepreneurs, and keep our nation secure by putting country first. Tickets are already being distributed for the Governor Palin rallies and ticket distribution for Senator McCain's rally will begin today at 3 p.m. CDT.

"The race for the White House in Iowa continues to heat up as internal polling tightens. We've seen both campaigns open more offices, bring in more staff, continue their advertising and plan visits to the state," said campaign manager Rick Davis. "Senator McCain and Governor Palin are within striking distance in Iowa. Given our historically strong 'Get Out the Vote' program and how our message of conservative values is resonating better with Iowans -- while we're still the underdog -- we feel very good about our investment in the Hawkeye State."

On Saturday, October 25th, Governor Palin will hold a rally in Sioux City at 10:00 a.m. CDT, and a rally in Des Moines at 1:30 p.m. CDT.

On Sunday, October 26th, Senator McCain and Cindy McCain will hold a Road to Victory rally in Cedar Falls at the University of Northern Iowa.

"Senator McCain and Governor Palin are excited to be traveling back to Iowa this weekend so that Iowans can hear straight talk, straight from them, about how they will work across the aisle, strengthen our economy, keep taxes low and lead in Washington," said Wendy Riemann, Iowa McCain Spokeswoman.

Tickets are required for each rally and are free. A list of ticket distribution centers for each rally is listed below, along with the office hours for each distribution site.

Saturday, October 25, 2008
SIOUX CITY, IOWA
WHO: Governor Sarah Palin
WHAT: Road to Victory Rally
WHEN: Saturday, October 25, 2008
Doors open at 9:00 a.m CDT
Program starts at 10 a.m. CDT
WHERE: Sioux City West High School Gym
2001 Casselman St
Sioux City, IA

TICKET DISTRIBUTION SITES FOR SIOUX CITY ROAD TO VICTORY RALLY WITH GOVERNOR SARAH PALIN

Woodbury Victory Office
4281 Sergeant Rd.
Sioux City, IA 51106
9:00 a.m. CDT -- 9:00 p.m. CDT

Sioux County Victory Office
419 1st Ave NE
Sioux Center, IA 51250
9:00 a.m. CDT -- 9:00 p.m. CDT

Pottawattamie County Victory Office
1851 Madison Ave, Suite 716
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
9:00 a.m. CDT -- 9:00 p.m. CDT

DES MOINES, IOWA
WHO: Governor Sarah Palin
WHAT: Road to Victory Rally
WHEN: Saturday, October 25, 2008
Doors open at 12:30 p.m. CDT
Program starts at 1:30 p.m. CDT
WHERE: Hy-Vee Hall
730 Third Street
Des Moines, IA

TICKET DISTRIBUTION SITES FOR DES MOINES ROAD TO VICTORY RALLY WITH GOVERNOR SARAH PALIN

McCain Regional Headquarters/Iowa Victory Headquarters
2775 86th Street
Urbandale, IA 50322
9:00 a.m. CDT -- 9:00 p.m. CDT

Republican Party of Iowa
621 East 9th Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
9:00 a.m. CDT -- 9:00 p.m. CDT

Story County Victory Office
413 Northwestern Ave.
Ames, IA 50010
9:00 a.m. CDT -- 9:00 p.m. CDT

Marshall County Victory Office
32 West Main Street
Marshalltown, IA 50158
9:00 a.m. CDT -- 9:00 p.m. CDT

Jasper County Victory Office
107 First Avenue West
Newton, IA 50208
9:00 a.m. CDT -- 9:00 p.m. CDT

Warren County Victory Office
1214 North Jefferson Street
Indianola, IA 50125
9:00 a.m. CDT -- 9:00 p.m. CDT

CEDAR FALLS, IOWA
WHO: Senator John McCain
WHAT: Road to Victory Rally
WHEN: Sunday, October 26, 2008
Doors open at 11:00 a.m. CDT
Program starts at 12:00 p.m. CDT
WHERE: West Gym at the University of Northern Iowa
2501 Minnesota Street
Cedar Falls, IA

TICKET DISTRIBUTION SITES FOR CEDAR FALLS ROAD TO VICTORY RALLY WITH JOHN MCCAIN

Black Hawk Victory Office
2307 Falls Ave
Waterloo, IA 50701
9:00 a.m. -- 9:00 p.m.

Linn County Victory Office
2240 7th Ave, Suite 5
Marion, IA 52302
9:00 a.m. -- 9:00 p.m.

University of Northern Iowa
The Northern Iowan
L011 Maucker Union (Lower Level)
Cedar Falls, IA 50614
10:00 a.m. -- 4:00 p.m.

The Electoral College And The National Archives

The Electoral College and the National Archives

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For most Americans, Election Day marks the end of the presidential selection process. At the National Archives, it is only the beginning.

Most Americans know that the National Archives preserves historical documents such as the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. But a little known function of the National Archives is the administration of the Electoral College by the Office of the Federal Register.

After Election Day the staff at the Federal Register ensure the complicated and sometimes confusing steps in the electoral process are followed exactly. In the weeks prior to the election, they contact state officials who will be responsible for carrying out the provisions of the Constitution and United States Code governing the Electoral College. The main task of National Archives staff is to guide state officials in preparing Certificates of Ascertainment, that identify the electors, and the Certificates of Vote, that document how the electors voted.

The Electoral College consists of 538 Electors (one for each of 435 U.S. Representatives and 100 U.S. Senators, and three for the District of Columbia). Each state has the same number of electors as it does Members of Congress -- Representatives and Senators. In most states, each political party selects a slate of electors, and the slate pledged to the candidate who won the most popular votes is elected to the Electoral College. Immediately after Election Day, the Governors of each state and the Mayor of the District of Columbia must prepare Certificates of Ascertainment that identify their slate of electors. The states send these certificates by registered mail to the Archivist of the United States, who is required by law to administer the Electoral College.

As the Archivist and the Office of the Federal Register receive the Certificates of Ascertainment from each state, attorneys check them for facial legal sufficiency. When all certificates are received, the Federal Register makes copies available for public inspection and transmits certificates to each House of Congress.

On December 15, electors meet in each state to cast their votes for President and Vice President. The votes are documented on Certificates of Vote, and the execution of these certificates is witnessed by the Governor, who sends the certificates to the President of the Senate and the Archivist of the United States. As the Certificates of Vote are delivered to the National Archives, attorneys examine the certificates for legal sufficiency. They then make copies available to the public and secure the originals.

The next step at the National Archives is to ensure the Certificates of Vote have been delivered to Congress. The states are required to send certificates directly to the President of the Senate, where they are held under seal until January 6, 2009, when Congress opens and counts them in joint session. The Archivist is responsible for ensuring in advance that the certificates are properly executed and that all Electoral Votes are accounted for. If the President of the Senate has not received copies of the Certificates of Vote sent by the states, the Archivist provides sealed copies.

After the Certificates of Vote are opened and tabulated in a Joint Session of Congress, they are placed in the permanent custody of the National Archives. The National Archives preserves Electoral College documents dating from 1789.

For more information, visit the Electoral College Home Page maintained by the Office of the Federal Register.

McCain-Palin 2008 Launches New Television Ad: "Sweat Equity"

MCCAIN-PALIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD: "SWEAT EQUITY"

ARLINGTON, VA -- Today, McCain-Palin 2008 released its latest television ad, entitled "Sweat Equity." The ad highlights small business owners from across the country sharing in the same concerns that Joe the Plumber expressed last week that they cannot afford Barack Obama's tax increases seeking to redistribute the wealth by punishing small businesses for expanding and creating jobs. The ad will be televised in key states.

Script For "Sweat Equity" (TV :30)

BARACK OBAMA: I think when you spread the wealth around it's good for everybody.

WOMAN: I'm Joe the plumber.

WOMAN: I'm Joe the plumber.

WOMAN: I'm Joe the plumber.

ANNCR: Spread the wealth?

MAN: I'm supposed to work harder...

MAN: Just to pay more taxes.

MAN: Obama wants my sweat to pay for his trillion dollars in new spending?

WOMAN: I'm Joe the plumber.

ANNCR: Barack Obama. Higher Taxes. More Spending. Not Ready.

JOHN MCCAIN: I'm John McCain and I approve this message.

Sarah Palin Road to Victory Rallies In Iowa This Saturday In Sioux City And Des Moines

Sarah Palin Road to Victory Rallies In Iowa This Saturday In Sioux City And Des Moines

Governor Palin will discuss John McCain's plans to strengthen the economy, protect America's workers and entrepreneurs and keep our nation secure by putting country first.

“The race for the White House in Iowa continues to heat up as internal polling tightens.  We’ve seen both campaigns open more offices, bring in more staff, continue their advertising and plan visits to the state,” said campaign manager Rick Davis.  “Senator McCain and Governor Palin are within striking distance in Iowa.  Given our historically strong Get Out the Vote program and how our message of conservative values is resonating better with Iowans -- while we’re still the underdog -- we feel very good about our investment in the Hawkeye State.”

Saturday morning, Governor Palin will be holding a rally in Sioux City. 

Saturday afternoon, Governor Palin will be holding a rally in Des Moines.

An additional rally for Sunday featuring Senator McCain is expected to be announced Wednesday. 

“Governor Palin is excited to be traveling back to Iowa this weekend so that Iowans can hear straight talk, straight from her, about how she and Senator McCain will work across the aisle, strengthen our economy, keep taxes low and lead in Washington.”  
-- Wendy Riemann, Iowa McCain Spokeswoman     

The Palin Sioux City Rally on Saturday, October 25th will take place at:
Sioux City West High School Gym
2001 Casselman St
Sioux City, IA

Doors open at 9 a.m.
Program starts at 10 a.m.

The Palin Des Moines Rally on Saturday, October 25th will take place at:

Hy-Vee Hall
730 Third Street
Des Moines, IA

Doors open at 12:30 p.m.
Program starts at 1:30 p.m.

Tickets are required for each rally and are free.  A list of ticket distribution centers for each rally is listed below, along with the office hours for each distribution site. 

Ticket Distribution Sites for Sioux City Road to Victory Rally on Saturday, October 25th with Governor Palin

Woodbury Victory Office
4281 Sergeant Rd.
Sioux City, IA  51106
9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Sioux County Victory Office
419 1st Ave NE
Sioux Center, IA  51250
9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Pottawattamie County Victory Office
1851 Madison Ave, Suite 716
Council Bluffs, IA  51503
9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Ticket Distribution Sites for Des Moines Road to Victory Rally on Saturday, Oct. 25th with Governor Palin

McCain Regional Headquarters/Iowa Victory Headquarters
2775 86th Street
Urbandale, IA  50322
9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Republican Party of Iowa
621 East 9th Street
Des Moines, IA  50309
9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Story County Victory Office
413 Northwestern Ave.
Ames, IA  50010
9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Marshall County Victory Office
32 West Main Street
Marshalltown, IA  50158
9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Jasper County Victory Office
107 First Avenue West
Newton, IA  50208
9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Warren County Victory Office
1214 North Jefferson Street
Indianola, IA  50125
9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Rudy Giuliani To Join Norm Coleman For Rally In Bloomington

AMERICA’S MAYOR RUDY GIULIANI TO JOIN MINNESOTA’S MAYOR IN WASHINGTON FOR RALLY IN BLOOMINGTON

Senator Norm Coleman, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and other Minnesota Mayors will hold a rally for Minnesota’s Mayor in Washington, Norm Coleman. The rally is part of Norm’s Hope Express Tour and is free and open to the public.

The rally will take place at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, October 23 at the Hotel Sofitel in Bloomington.

Statement From Robert Gibbs On Barack Obama And Thursday And Friday Events

STATEMENT FROM ROBERT GIBBS ON BARACK OBAMA

"Senator Obama's grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, has always been one of the most important people in his life. Along with his mother and his grandfather, she raised him in Hawaii from the time he was born until the moment he left for college. As he said at the Democratic Convention, she poured everything she had into him.

“Recently, his Grandmother has become ill, and in the last few weeks, her health has deteriorated to the point where her situation is very serious. It is for that reason that Senator Obama has decided to change his schedule on Thursday and Friday so that he can see her and spend some time with her.  He will be returning to the campaign trail on Saturday."

(Canceled) Senator Barack Obama To Visit Iowa Thursday, October 23, 2008

(Canceled) Senator Barack Obama To Visit Iowa Thursday, October 23, 2008

Des Moines, Iowa – Today, the Obama campaign announced that Senator Barack Obama will visit Iowa on Thursday, October 23rd, 2008.  Senator Obama will hold an event in the Des Moines area on Thursday afternoon. Further details will be released as available.

"Iowa is clearly a special place to Senator Obama, and we are excited to welcome him back to the state," said Obama Iowa State Director Jackie Norris.  "Senator Obama has held more than 100 town halls across the state and has spoken directly to Iowans about the issues that are important to them.  He understands the challenges facing Iowa families and as President, he will work to put the American dream within reach of all Iowans.

"The journey to change Washington began in Iowa nearly two years ago and this November, Iowans will once again stand with Barack Obama to bring about the change America needs."