2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Fred Thompson Announces National Campaign Leadership Team

Fred Thompson Announces National Campaign Leadership Team

McLean, VA - Sen. Fred Thompson announced today the members of his National Campaign Leadership Team: Sen. Howard H. Baker will serve as honorary chairman of his presidential campaign and Sen. Spencer Abraham, Sen. George Allen, and Elizabeth Cheney will serve as campaign co-chairs. 

"Howard Baker is my longtime mentor, advisor, and close friend, and I am very grateful that he will serve as honorary chairman of my campaign," said Sen. Fred Thompson. "I am also very pleased to announce that former Senators Abraham and Allen, as well as Liz Cheney, will serve as co-chairs of my national leadership team."  Sen. Fred Thompson added: "These distinguished individuals bring wise counsel and invaluable experience to my campaign leadership team, and they will play a critical role in helping spread my consistent conservative message across America."

Sen. Howard H. Baker, a longtime political mentor of Sen. Thompson, brings a lifetime of distinguished public service as the campaign's honorary chairman.   His long career as a public servant began in 1966, when Baker became the first Republican popularly elected to the U.S. Senate from Tennessee.  In addition to gaining national recognition as vice-chairman of the Senate Watergate Committee in 1973, Baker served two terms as Senate Minority Leader and concluded his Senate career in 1985 after two terms as Majority Leader.  He served as President Reagan's Chief of Staff from February 1987 to July 1988.  In 1984, Baker was honored with the President ial Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award.  President George W. Bush appointed Senator Baker to serve as the 26th U.S. Ambassador to Japan in 2001.  Baker currently serves as senior counsel to the law firm of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz.

Sen. Spencer Abraham will serve as a co-chair of the Thompson campaign.  Abraham most recently served the nation as Secretary of Energy during President George W. Bush's first term in office.  Prior to that, Sen. Abraham served as an effective and highly productive U.S. Senator from Michigan from 1995 to 2001.  Before his election to the U.S. Senate, Abraham served as co-chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) from 1991 to 1993 and he served as chairman of the Michigan Republican Party from 1983 to 1990.  A native of East Lansing, Michigan, Abraham holds a law degree from Harvard University, where he co-founded the Federalist S ociety. 

Sen. George Allen, who will also serve as a co-chair of the Thompson campaign, brings a long career of public service, serving as the Governor of Virginia, in both houses of the United States Congress and as a Delegate holding Thomas Jefferson's seat in the Virginia General Assembly.  Sworn in as Governor in 1994 George Allen brought sweeping reform that made Virginia a national model in economic development, public safety, education accountability, and creative government.   Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2000, Allen continued advocating policies to make America and Virginia a leader in innovation and technology and in 2001 he was appointed chairman of the Senate High Tech Task Force.  In 200 2, Allen was unanimously elected a member of the Senate Republican Leadership as chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.  Under his leadership, Republicans gained four seats in the Senate and expanded the Republican majority.

Liz Cheney will bring valuable political and foreign policy experience as a co-chair of the Thompson campaign.  As an attorney and specialist in the area of U.S. Middle East policy, Ms. Cheney most recently served as the second-ranking State Department official responsible for American policy in the Middle East as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs.  Prior to that, she served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs.  In addition to practicing law at White & Case LLP in the area of international project finance where she served on assignment with the International Finance Corporation, Ms. Cheney also worked for the Department of St ate and at the Agency for International Development from 1989 to 1993.  During the 2000 and 2004 presidential campaigns, Ms. Cheney managed vice presidential debate preparation and served as a valuable surrogate for the Bush-Cheney campaign. 

Former New Hampshire Republican Chair Endorses Giuliani

Former New Hampshire Republican Chair Endorses Giuliani
Rhona Charbonneau Joins Growing New Hampshire Team

Manchester, NH – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced that Rhona Charbonneau, former Chair of the New Hampshire Republican State Committee, has endorsed Mayor Rudy Giuliani for President. Charbonneau also represented Hudson and surrounding communities as a member of the New Hampshire Senate and House of Representatives.

“Rudy will be a great leader for our country and the Republican Party,” said Charbonneau. “He is the only candidate in the race who is in a position to change the electoral map next year – and help our Party retain control of the White House. Rudy knows that our real opponents in this race are the Democrats – not fellow Republicans.”

Wayne Semprini, Giuliani’s New Hampshire Chairman, added, “Rhona understands New Hampshire politics as well as anyone. Her endorsement of Mayor Giuliani reflects deep and growing support that Rudy has here in the Granite State.” Like Charbonneau, Semprini also is a former state GOP Chair.

New Poll Shows Mike Huckabee Gains Momentum in Iowa

New Poll Shows Mike Huckabee Gains Momentum in Iowa
Former AR Governor Places First Among "Committed" Voters; Third Place Overall

Little Rock, AR – Former AR Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee today "welcomed news" that a new Des Moines Register poll ranks him No. 1 among registered Republican voters in Iowa who have "made up their mind" in the 2008 presidential election  – and No. 3 among GOP candidates overall.

"This victory is really good news," said Huckabee about the October 7 poll of likely caucus participants. "This poll confirms that the field is wide open – and that my campaign continues to surge among likely voters."

Huckabee scored first among the voters (about one-fourth of those polled) who have made up their mind, with 19 percent, and third place among all potential Republican voters, with 12 percent.  The former Arkansas governor also scored very well among religious conservatives, coming in third with 18 percent.

Huckabee has surged since his strong showing in the Aug. 11 Iowa Republican Party Straw Poll.  Support for the other GOP presidential contenders who were included in a Des Moines Register poll taken last May has essentially flat-lined or eroded.

"Voters in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina – and all across America – are looking for a strong conservative leader with a consistent message, results-driven record and positive vision for America 's future," said Huckabee.  "This new poll reflects what we're feeling on the ground: that my campaign is on an upward trajectory in Iowa and other key battleground states." 

Nathan Reichert Endorses John Edwards

STATE REPRESENTATIVE NATHAN REICHERT ENDORSES EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT

Des Moines, Iowa – Today, the John Edwards for President campaign announced that State Representative Nathan Reichert is endorsing Senator John Edwards for president. Reichert joins a growing list of Iowans, from educators to union members to rural community leaders, who are supporting Edwards as the best candidate to change America. Edwards is in Iowa today as part of a four-day campaign trip across the state to share his big ideas for change with caucus goers.

“I am honored to have Nathan’s support,” said Edwards. “He has been a leader in the fight to make sure every Iowan gets a great education, has quality health care, can work at a good paying job and has the opportunity to succeed. I look forward to working with Nathan in the coming months as we continue to reach out to caucus goers and work to build One America.”

“I am proud to endorse Senator Edwards and stand with him in his campaign to transform our country,” said Reichert. “John Edwards has a vision to change America – and specific plans to make that happen. On every issue – from Iraq to health care to education – John Edwards has come out with a detailed plan to help regular, hard-working Iowans achieve the American Dream. I admire his commitment to ensuring fairness for regular people and can’t wait to help him win the Iowa caucuses.”

Reichert has represented Iowa’s 80th district in the Iowa General Assembly since 2005. He is a member of the Agriculture, Appropriations, Commerce and Natural Resources Committees.

Barack Obama Mason City Iowa Video

Barack Obama Mason City Iowa Photos

Barack Obama Mason City Iowa Photos

Obama Campaign Unveils New Ad Featuring Former Air Force Chief of Staff

Obama Discusses Plan to Improve Veterans Care and Help Get Homeless Veterans Off the Streets
Campaign Also Unveils New Ad Featuring Former Air Force Chief of Staff

MASON CITY – During a town hall meeting in Mason City, U.S. Senator Barack Obama today outlined his plan to ensure that the United States keeps its sacred trust with our nation’s veterans when they return home from war. Obama’s comments came in the wake of reports the Veterans Administration (VA) has been lagging in making needed improvements it promised after deplorable conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center became public.

“It’s not enough to lay a wreath on Memorial Day, or to make a speech on Veteran’s Day,” Obama said. “When a veteran is denied health care, we are all dishonored. When 400,000 veterans are stuck on a waiting list for claims, we need a new sense of urgency in this country. And when we’ve got young veterans of a misguided war in Iraq sleeping on the streets of our cities and towns, we need a change in Washington.”

Obama said that he will improve medical care for veterans and help eliminate bureaucratic backlogs that delay disability claims by making sure that every service-member has individual electronic medical and service records that immediately transfer to the (VA) system. Obama also said he will hire additional VA claims raters and set up programs to get homeless veterans off the streets.

Obama said that he will improve medical care for veterans and help eliminate bureaucratic backlogs that delay disability claims by making sure that every service-member has individual electronic medical and service records that immediately work with the (VA) system. Obama also said he will hire additional VA claims raters and convert all veterans’ benefits paperwork into electronic records to speed up applications.  Finally, Obama said he will establish a zero tolerance policy for vets falling into homelessness.

“As President, I won’t stand for hundreds of thousands of veterans waiting for benefits. We’ll hire additional claims workers,” Obama said. “We’ll bring together veterans groups and the VA to work out a claims process that is fair and fast. And instead of shutting veterans out, we’ll make sure that our disabled vets receive the benefits they deserve, and we’ll allow all veterans back into the VA health care system. And we’ll have a simple policy when it comes to homeless veterans: zero tolerance. We’ll expand housing vouchers. We’ll set up a new supportive services program to prevent at-risk veterans and their families from sliding into homelessness. We’ll stand with veterans in their hour of need, just as they have stood up for us.”

Senator Obama is a member of the U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

Obama also announced Friday that he will begin airing a new television ad in Iowa featuring Former Air Force Chief of Staff General Merrill A. (Tony) McPeak.

Governor Romney Announces His Fiscal Discipline Policy Advisory Group

GOVERNOR ROMNEY ANNOUNCES HIS FISCAL DISCIPLINE POLICY ADVISORY GROUP

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced the Romney for President Fiscal Discipline Policy Advisory Group.  This group of men and women will be tasked with advising Governor Romney on strategies to cut government spending and reform government programs.

The Fiscal Discipline Policy Advisory Group will be chaired by Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC), a Senior Adviser to Governor Romney and a leading fiscal conservative in the United States Senate.

"Changing Washington begins with Republicans advocating fiscal discipline and smaller government.  We need to take Washington apart and put it back together based on sound conservative, fiscally responsible principles," said Governor Romney.  "The men and women of this group bring years of oversight and management experience that will help us find ways to cut the size of government and make it more efficient."   

Governor Romney has outlined several initiatives to bring fiscal discipline back to Washington.  In March 2007, Governor Romney proposed a strong agenda to restrain government spending.  As President, he has pledged to veto non-defense discretionary appropriations bills that grow spending at a rate greater than inflation minus one percent (CPI-1%).  This will save $300 billion over 10 years.  Governor Romney will also review and reevaluate all federal spending programs to eliminate wasteful spending.  He also supports giving the President the same line-item vetoing authority he used so many times as Governor of Massachusetts.

As Chair of the Fiscal Discipline Policy Advisory Group, Senator DeMint said, "Governor Romney has spoken forcefully for the need for change in Washington.  That change begins with Republicans returning to the fundamental conservative principles of fiscal responsibility.  Government should be smaller and the American people should be taxed less.  Governor Romney is the right candidate to cut spending because he's already done it."

The Romney For President Fiscal Discipline Policy Advisory Group:

Senator Jim DeMint (Chair):

Governor Donald L. Carcieri:

Congressman Dave Camp:

Congressman John Campbell:

Roger B. Porter:

Former Congressman Vin Weber:  Currently a Director of Citizens Against Government Waste, 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.  He 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.  Mr. Weber currently serves as the chief policy adviser to Governor Romney.

Barbara Anderson: 

Donna Arduin:

Dr. Ed Harper: 

Chris Jenny:

Brian Reardon:

David B. Struhs:

Romney For President Launches New Radio Ad, "Tax Pledge"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW RADIO AD, "TAX PLEDGE"

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President launched its newest radio ad, "Tax Pledge."  The ad highlights Governor Romney's pledge to oppose any attempt to raise taxes on the American people.  Governor Romney is the only major candidate for President to have signed the "Taxpayer Protection Pledge."  He has also proposed a bold agenda to decrease taxes on the American people.  He will permanently eliminate the death tax, roll back tax rates across the board and make savings tax free for middle class Americans.  For lower taxes and smaller government, change begins with Republicans.

The ad will begin airing as part of the campaign's rotation today New Hampshire.  Script and viewing links are below.

Script For "Tax Pledge" (Radio:60):

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "It started in New Hampshire. It's the Tax Pledge.

"For years, conservative candidates for President signed their name on the dotted line pledging to oppose tax increases.

"I'm Mitt Romney. I'm proud to be the only major candidate for President to sign the Tax Pledge. The others have not.

"I signed the Tax Pledge because I want everyone to know where I stand. We've got to get taxes down and grow our economy.

"I believe it's not fair that you have to pay taxes when you earn your money, when you save your money, and when you die.

"That's why I'll kill the death tax once and for all and roll back tax rates across the board.

"And savings?  When I'm President, for every middle class American, the new tax rate on your interest, dividends, and capital gains will be absolutely zero.

"I stood firm to roll back taxes as Governor. I'll roll back taxes as President.

"I'm Mitt Romney and I approved this message because on taxes – Change Begins With Us."

ANNOUNCER:  "Paid for by Romney for President – MittRomney.com."