2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Thompson Reports $12.7 Million In First FEC Filing

Thompson Reports $12.7 Million in First FEC Filing
More than 80,000 Donors Demonstrate Campaign's Strong Grassroots Appeal

McLean, VA - The Thompson for President campaign will show total donations of more than $12.7 million in its first report to be filed this month with the Federal Election Commission.  Sen. Thompson has received donations from more than 80,000 supporters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and has $7 million cash on hand. 

"The financial support Sen. Thompson has received from more than 80,000 donors demonstrates his huge grassroots appeal for Republicans who've been waiting for an authentic conservative to enter the race for president," said campaign manager Bill Lacy. "We feel great about future fundraising, knowing there's a big well of support to go back to, since people who've given once are likely to give again."

The average dollar donation to the campaign is $176, with 22,000 donors contributing online and 200,000 Friends of Fred signing up online to support the campaign. 

The total raised for the third quarter filing (July 1st - September 30th) is $9.3 million.  Since Sen. Thompson officially declared his candidacy on September 5th, the campaign has raised an average of $200,000 per day.

"Some of the other campaigns have spent tens of millions of dollars so far, only to lose support among voters; yet, Fred is running strong in most of the early primary states without having spent a dime on advertising," noted Lacy.   "We are on plan and will have the funding we need to get Fred's message to voters."

The filing covers all donations received to date by the campaign, from June 4th through September 30th. 

John McCain 2008 Announces Third Quarter Fundraising Numbers

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 ANNOUNCES THIRD QUARTER FUNDRAISING NUMBERS

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced third quarter fundraising numbers:
The McCain campaign is expected to report $6 million in contributions for the third quarter.  The campaign will report approximately $3.6 million in cash on-hand.

Campaign Manager Rick Davis said, "We are thrilled that with so many Americans supporting John McCain, we're now on sound financial footing and running a robust campaign gaining clear momentum in the early states.  Heading into the fall, we have the resources to communicate that John McCain is the only candidate with the experience, character and judgment to lead as commander in chief from day one."

Giuliani Campaign Outraises Republican Candidates In Third Quarter

Giuliani Campaign Outraises Republican Candidates in Third Quarter
Reports Over $11 Million Raised, Over $16 Million Total Cash on Hand

New York City – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee announced today that for the second quarter in a row the campaign leads the Republican field in dollars raised.  The campaign showed another strong quarter, totaling over $11 million raised and over $16 million total cash on hand.  The campaign reported raising over $10.5 million in primary dollars this quarter.

This quarter’s numbers also reflect the donations from supporters from over 1000 grassroots house parties that took place across the country in September.  Contributions have been received from all fifty states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia.

“In a continued sign of growing support, our campaign has led the Republican field for the second quarter in a row in the fundraising race. We’re receiving real support from across the country because voters know Rudy Giuliani is the only candidate who has proven leadership, executive experience and can beat the Democrats in November,” said Giuliani Campaign Manager Michael DuHaime.

Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan Endorses Chris Dodd

OHIO CONGRESSMAN TIM RYAN ENDORSES CHRIS DODD FOR PRESIDENT

WASHINGTON - Citing Dodd's longstanding commitment to America's middle class, leadership on ending the war in Iraq, and ability to deliver results, today Congressman Tim Ryan (D-OH) endorsed Chris Dodd for President. Ryan, who was first elected in 2002, is a rising star in Congress who was selected by Speaker Pelosi in 2006 to join the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, and serves on the Appropriations Committee.

"Chris Dodd has the clarity, conviction and record of action that I believe makes him the best choice to be the next President of the United States," said Congressman Ryan. "His record in the Senate proves that when he sits in the White House, he will end the War in Iraq and the investments he makes in America will make our nation stronger and make Americans more competitive in the global economy."

"I am pleased and honored to have Congressman Ryan's support," said Dodd. "Tim's commitment to America's middle class and the people of Ohio is exemplary, and his energy and drive that have made him rise to prominence in such a short amount of time will be an incredible asset to my campaign. I am also deeply honored by this endorsement because Tim and I share a conclusion that the War in Iraq has made us less secure and a determination to do what needs to be done to change course.

"Ohio is a state crucial to a Democratic victory in 2008, and I'm honored that one of its Congressmen has decided to endorse my candidacy."

Joe Biden Unveils Education Plan In Iowa

BIDEN UNVEILS EDUCATION PLAN
Keeps Promise To The Nation's Children To Strengthen Public Education

Des Moines, IA (October 4, 2007): Today at East High School in Des Moines, IA, Sen. Joe Biden proposed a plan to give every child in America access to 16 years of public education by providing two years of preschool to every child and at least two years of higher education.

"My mother has an expression:  ‘Children tend to become that which you expect of them.’  I want a country where we expect much from America's children," said Sen. Biden. "Every child must graduate from high school. Every qualified student should get a minimum of an associate’s degree."   

Sen. Biden pledged to expand early childhood development programs, including doubling the number of students in Head Start programs and quadrupling the number in Early Head Start and provide grants to states to expand high quality preschool programs.

Sen. Biden would make sure that, at a minimum, all students can afford at least two years of college by providing a $3,000 College ACCESS refund —equivalent to a $12,000 deduction—that would fully cover the average cost of tuition and fees at a two-year college and cover more than half the cost of tuition and fees at a public four-year college. The ACCESS program also provides low-income students with up to $9,300 of tuition assistance a year through the expansion of Pell Grants to $6,300.

"Today just two-thirds of students entering high school graduate and about two-thirds of those go on to college," said Sen. Biden.  "We are losing too many children in this country, wasting too much talent, leaving so much potential untapped.  We know what we need to do:  First, stop focusing just on test scores. Second, start education earlier.  Third, pay educators more.  Fourth, reduce class size.  Fifth, make higher education affordable."

Sen. Biden also announced initiatives to reduce class size and improve teacher pay. Joe Biden would hire 100,000 new teachers to reduce the average class size to 18 students, particularly in the early grades, by providing $2 billion a year in grants to states and districts to help them hire more teachers and provide incentives to attract new teachers.

Romney For President Totals Over $18 Million In Total Receipts For The Third Quarter

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT TOTALS OVER $18 MILLION IN TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE THIRD QUARTER
$62 Million In Total Receipts For The Year

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President announced it is expected to report over $18 million in total receipts for the Third Quarter, ending September 30, 2007.  The Campaign again opted to raise no general election funds and is expected to report $10 million in primary contributions.  The total receipts include Governor Romney's loan of $8.5 million.

For the first nine months of this year, Romney for President has total receipts of $62 million.  Governor Romney's message of conservative change and returning to conservative principles in Washington is resonating with people from across the country as his support continues to build.

In the Third Quarter, Romney for President focused on growing its base of grassroots supporters and contributors.  For the year, Romney for President will report more than 100,000 contributors to Governor Romney's effort.  In the Third Quarter, Governor Romney focused on meeting voters across the country in political forums.  He won the Iowa Republican Straw Poll and held 66 out of his 90 "Ask Mitt Anythings" town hall forums in the Third Quarter.

"Our campaign made considerable progress this quarter expanding Governor Romney's support across the country.  From the grassroots victory in Ames to the campaign's first Ask Mitt Anything in California, Governor Romney has built a nationwide network of volunteers and supporters that are energizing our efforts as we work towards the first votes being cast in January," said Romney for President national spokesman Kevin Madden.

FAST FACTS About Romney For President's Over $18 Million Third Quarter Total:

• Amount Expected To Report In Primary Contributions In The Third Quarter:  $10 Million
• In The Third Quarter, Governor Romney Loaned $8.5 Million To Romney For President.
• Total Amount Raised In Primary Contributions For The Year: Approximately $45 Million
• Total Amount Of Revenue For The Year: $62 Million
• Cash On Hand: $9 Million
• Total Number Of Donors So Far This Year:  More Than 100,000 (23,000 New Donors In The Third Quarter)
• Contributions Received From All 50 States And Washington, D.C.
• NO General Election Money Collected (General Funds Cannot Be Spent During The Primary Election

Hillary Clinton Launches New Ad In Iowa, New Hampshire Vowing To Fight For Universal Coverage

In Wake Of Bush Veto Of Children’s Health Care Bill, Clinton Launches New Ad In Iowa, New Hampshire Vowing To Fight For Universal Coverage
New Poll: Dems Trust Hillary On Health Care

The Clinton Campaign today launched a new television ad in Iowa and New Hampshire, a day after President Bush vetoed bipartisan legislation that would have expanded health care benefits to nearly 4 million additional children across the country. The ad details Hillary’s health care record and demonstrates that she has the strength and experience to deliver quality, affordable health care for every American.

The new 30-second spot, entitled “Stand By Us,” describes Hillary’s efforts to pass universal health care in the 1990s and her perseverance in championing the Children’s Health Insurance Program that now covers more than 6 million kids a year. It also talks about her successful efforts to secure health benefits for 9/11 first responders and our National Guard and Reserve.

A Washington Post/ABC News poll released yesterday shows that 66 percent of Democrats trust Hillary the most on health care policy, far outpacing her rivals for the nomination.

Hillary’s American Health Choices plan unveiled last month would improve quality and lower costs while preserving consumer choices. For those who like their health insurance, they could keep it. For the 47 million uninsured and those who don’t like their health care coverage, they could choose from a range of private plans or a public plan modeled on Medicare. To read more about Hillary’s health care plan, visit www.hillaryclinton.com/healthcare .

Following is the script for the ad:

“Stand By Us”

TV :30

Announcer: Hillary stood up for universal health care when almost no one else would, and kept standing until six million kids had coverage.

She stood by Ground Zero workers who sacrificed their health after so many sacrificed their lives, and kept standing until this administration took action.

She stood by our National Guard and Reserve and kept standing until they received health care they deserved.

So now that almost every candidate is standing up for health care for all, which one do you think will never back down?

Hillary Clinton:  “I’m Hillary Clinton and I approved this message.”

Mike Huckabee Gains National Traction In New Washington Post/ABC News Poll

Mike Huckabee Gains National Traction in New Washington Post/ABC News Poll
Says Campaign Will Continue to 'Exceed Expectations' With Limited Resources

Little Rock, AR – Former AR Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee took eight percent, his best showing to date, in a new national poll of Republican and Republican-leaning voters conducted Sept. 27-30, 2007 by The Washington Post and ABC News, it was announced today. 

The new poll indicates that "the Republican side remains unsettled" with about three months left "before voters in Iowa cast the first votes in the 2008 nomination fight," according to The Washington Post in a news article today.  The Huckabee campaign believes the new poll indicates "continued upward momentum" for the former Arkansas governor.  "This poll has us just where we want to be," said Huckabee, "on an upward trajectory." 

Huckabee said his strong, come-from-behind, second place showing in the August 11th Iowa Straw Poll proved that his campaign can continue to "exceed expectations" with limited resources, as it heads into the fourth quarter.   

"We aren't going to report what the so-called 'first-tier' candidates have raised," said Huckabee.  "But then again, we don't need to raise as much funds because we are frugal.  Our goal is to stay competitive-and we will be." 

The campaign's "victory" in Ames, combined with recent national endorsements – including his ranking as the No. 1 "Values Voter" pick – and a series of powerful debate performances, dozens of national media interviews, and high-profile speaking engagements, show that he is a contender, said Huckabee. 

"Our victory in Ames proves a message that reflects our Party's core values is still the predominant factor in getting elected – even over money, although we'd certainly like to have more," said Huckabee.  Huckabee is now ahead of Sen. McCain in Iowa and nearly tied with former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, according to a Sept. 29 Newsweek poll. 

Since August, the campaign has seen an increase in Web-site hits, online donations, and volunteer support (including more than 250 "bloggers"), and scores of major fundraising opportunities. "The campaign has been flooded with generous offers of support since Ames, including nearly 10,000 new donors," said Campaign Manager Chip Saltsman. 

Saltsman confirmed that the campaign will report just over $1 million raised to the Federal Election Commission on October 15.  "While we'd like to show more dollars in the bank, we've been careful with our resources – and we'll have what we need to stay in the game," he said. 

"The third quarter is typically considered to be the 'dry season,' but we're pleased to show a successful, steady increase in terms of fund-raising that will sustain us," said Saltsman. 

Saltsman noted that the campaign's 24-hour "Vertical Day" – which took place on Sept. 24th and 25th – generated the highest number of Web-site hits to date, and that online donations have been substantial.  "While unfortunately some of those donations won't be reported until the fourth quarter, we're laying a great foundation," he said. 

Huckabee concurred: "We've built this campaign in about 9 months from the ground up. I am pleased with our efforts to date, and I'm deeply appreciative of the hard work and support we've received from people all across the United States who've joined my team.  I look forward to continuing to move forward – in the right direction – in the days and months ahead.

Richardson for President Boosts Iowa Campaign Infrastructure

Iowa Campaign Infrastructure Richardson for President Boosts Iowa Campaign Infrastructure
Adds seasoned campaign veterans, expands field operations and adds organizers

SANTA FE, NM-- The Richardson for President campaign today announced it has added seasoned campaign veterans to the senior staff of its Iowa operation, opened a number of new field offices across the state, and hired additional field organizers. Veteran Iowa campaign operatives all, Jim Farrell, David Rogers, T.K. Anderson, and Shari Fitzgerald bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Iowa campaign.

"The Richardson for President campaign in Iowa is growing stronger from top to bottom," new Deputy State Director Jim Farrell said. "If Americans want to end the war in Iraq, we must get all of the troops out of Iraq - in months, not in years. Bill Richardson is the only candidate who will do it."

Jim Farrell, Deputy State Director, served as Bill Bradley's Iowa communications director in 2000. He previously was the late U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone's (D-MN) communications director, worked on the Clinton '92 and '96 campaigns, and served in the press office of former VA Secretary Jesse Brown. He most recently was the executive director of the Montana Democratic Party during the successful campaign of U.S. Senator Jon Tester.

David Rogers, Political Director, is a native Iowan. He left his position as the Field Director for Iowans for Sensible Priorities to join Richardson for President. In 2004, Rogers served as Iowa State Director for Dennis Kucinich's Presidential campaign and later served as Kucinich's National Advance Director. He recently ran two Congressional campaigns in Western Iowa.

Shari Fitzgerald, Caucus Director, is a seasoned Iowa political operative who has been involved in every caucus since 1972. She was part of Dick Gephardt's 2004 and 1988 Presidential Iowa campaigns, Bill Bradley's 2000 Presidential campaign, President Carter's 1976 and 1980 campaigns, and has served on the State Central Committee of the Iowa Democratic Party.

T.K. Anderson, Deputy Political Director for Eastern Iowa, has served as President of the Davenport, Iowa NAACP for two terms and previously as its Political Action Chair. Anderson served two terms on the Davenport Civil Rights Commission, has been a candidate for the Scott County Board of Supervisors, and has worked with the Harkin, Vilsack and Culver campaigns. He is a Vietnam Veteran and an experienced community and grassroots organizer.

Lauren Rose, Iowa Communications Director, most recently worked for a
nationally-respected Democratic direct mail firm. In 2004, she worked in the South Carolina press operation of General Wes Clark's Presidential campaign, as well as on numerous campaigns in Texas.

Valerie Herold, Scheduling/Advance Director, served on the Virginia Coordinated Campaign in 2006 during Senator Jim Webb's successful campaign and Kerry-Edwards 2004 in Florida, was a Field Director for Clinton-Gore 1996 in Florida, and worked for Treasury Secretaries Rubin and Summers.

Richardson for President's new hires join State Director Robert Becker, who was Bill Bradley's Polk County Field Director in 2000, Brad Frevert, and Phoebe Silag. Frevert, the Iowa Field Director, is a native Iowan and a veteran of the Harkin and Vilsack Campaigns in 2002 and Kerry-Edwards 2004 in Iowa, and was previously the Iowa Democratic Party's Field Director. Silag, Deputy Iowa Communications Director, a native Iowan and graduate of the University of Iowa College of Law, is a veteran of the Culver-Judge 2006 campaign and ACT in Iowa 2004.

The Richardson for President campaign is putting more boots on the ground across Iowa at 15 field offices in the state: Des Moines, Ames, Marshalltown, Davenport, Burlington, Ottumwa, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Dubuque, Waterloo, Mason City, Fort Dodge, Council Bluffs, Sioux City, and Storm Lake.

The Richardson campaign currently has more than 70 organizers in the field in Iowa.

Governor Bill Richardson’s Momentum Continues To Build Across The United States

Governor Bill Richardson’s Momentum Continues to Build Across the United States
Richardson endorsed by key political, community, union, and tribal leaders from around the country

SANTA FE, NM-- The Richardson for President campaign today announced endorsements from a number of high-profile political, community, union, and tribal leaders from around the United States.

"I am proud to have the endorsements of these influential leaders," Democratic Presidential candidate Richardson said. "These are people from all walks of life living across the United States, and I am excited that they have united behind my campaign. Together, we are going to win the White House and end the war in Iraq."

Today's endorsers hail from thirteen states, representing every region of the United States. They include state senators, assemblymen, and representatives, tribal chairs, union presidents, and other influential community leaders.

New Mexico Governor Richardson, backed by a solid third quarter fundraising total, is the only Democratic candidate to have shown a steady increase in support in recent months. In polling in the early states of Iowa and New Hampshire, Richardson consistently has registered double-digit support. A new Strategic Vision poll in Iowa puts Governor Richardson at thirteen percent, within striking distance of the leading candidates with over three months remaining before the votes are cast.

"Governor Bill Richardson has been a strong voice for change in this Presidential campaign, and he has a long record of experience to back it up," California State Senator Alex Padilla said. "It is an honor to join his campaign. When he becomes President, I am confident that Bill Richardson will get all of our troops out of Iraq and extend access to quality, affordable health care to every American."

Below is a list of Minnesota leaders who today endorsed Democratic Presidential candidate Bill Richardson.

MINNESOTA
Irene Auginaush, White Earth Tribal Councilwoman
Kevin Leecy, Bois Forte Tribal Chairman