2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Dr. Drew Ivers Named The Iowa Campaign Chairman For Ron Paul 2008

Purple Heart Recipient, Christian Organizer, Veteran Republican Activist Joins Ron Paul 2008

DES MOINES, IOWA – Drew Ivers, PhD (Iowa State), has been named the Iowa Campaign Chairman for Ron Paul 2008.  Dr. Ivers brings a wealth of conservative political and leadership experience to the Paul campaign.

Dr. Ivers is a genetics scholar trained in the Iowa educational system and a Purple Heart honoree for his service in Vietnam.  He has been an Iowa Republican party activist for 30 years and is a four-time Republican National Convention delegate. Dr. Ivers is also a two-time Republican State Central Committee member and served on many Iowa campaigns including those of Roger Jepsen, Terry Branstad, Chuck Grassley, and Ronald Reagan. He served as Iowa State Campaign Chairman for Pat Buchanan in 1996 and 2000 and Pat Robertson in 1988 which also led to the creation of the initial Christian Coalition of Iowa (now known as the Iowa Christian Alliance).

"Drew Ivers' success as Iowa Chairman in three widely-watched Presidential campaigns makes him the perfect choice to help communicate to Iowans that Dr. Paul is staunchly pro-life, pro-taxpayer and a champion of liberty and the Constitution," said national campaign manager Lew Moore. 

"The other Republican candidates are good men," said Dr. Ivers, "but when it comes to a record of fidelity to the Constitutional principles of "Limited Government", they are still all students compared to Ron Paul. And with 65-70 percent of Americans polled now opposing the War in Iraq, if the Republicans nominate a pro-war Republican they may just as well hand the White House over to Hillary Clinton."

"I relish the thought of a series of national debates between Mrs. Clinton and Dr. Paul and will be pouring my energy into helping Iowa Republicans see the power of his nomination," continued Ivers.

Dr. Ivers joins Paul Dorr, Iowa Field Director, of Ocheyedan and a host of passionate volunteers in Ron Paul's campaign.

Governor Bill Richardson Proposes New Plan For Senior Citizens' Health Care

Governor Bill Richardson Proposes New Plan for Senior Citizens' Health Care
Richardson emphasizes house calls, streamlined care, enhanced quality, and voluntary participation

DAVENPORT, IA-- At the Divided We Fail Presidential Candidate Forum tonight in Davenport, Iowa, New Mexico Governor and Democratic Presidential candidate Bill Richardson announced an innovative approach to health care policy that specifically addresses the priorities of senior citizens.

"Senior citizens want to be able to live out their lives in dignity and in their own homes," Governor Richardson said. "They want to make key health care decisions in conjunction with their doctor, not a third party. We are talking about our mothers and our fathers, the people that won World War II, dug the country out of the Great Depression, and sacrificed in countless ways to provide us with a better future. What they desire is not asking too much."

The Richardson-endorsed "Independence at Home" plan emphasizes streamlined, in-home, and coordinated health care. This program, based on the "House Calls" model run successfully for years by physicians at the American Academy of Home Care Physicians, would come under Medicare with considerable savings. It is entirely voluntary but highly popular with patients and physicians and likely to be rapidly adopted.

"My plan would replace the 13 different physicians that a large fraction of seniors have running their health care with one health care team," Governor Richardson said. "It provides care at home, with house calls aided by modern technology, so quality of care is maintained. It would save about $13 to 16 billion annually by reducing emergency room visits and hospital admissions, and through incentives to improve quality and save money."

The current health care delivery system is based on a 1960s model that does not provide incentives for integrated care or care in lower cost settings. [Guterman tesimony (May 9, 2007).] Sixty-six (66%) percent of Medicare’s costs are associated with spending on beneficiaries with 5 or more chronic conditions.[Testimony of Gerald F. Anderson, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Health Policy, and Management, before the Senate Special Committee on Aging (May 9, 2007).] These beneficiaries see an average of 13 different physicians and fill an average of 50 different prescriptions a year. [Anderson testimony (May 9, 2007).]

"I applaud Governor Richardson’s insight for endorsing a real change in healthcare for older Americans that will make a difference in their lives," said Alan P. Abrams, MD, MPH, Program Director of the Geriatric Fellowship at Harvard Medical School. "Governor Richardson's support for the Independence at Home program is a major leap forward to achieve the highest quality of life for chronically ill Americans in their homes, with dignity, and without any restrictions on access to the highest quality healthcare."

Governor Richardson made clear that he has the experience to change the health care system for senior citizens. "I’ve done this in another context in New Mexico, and we now rank third in the nation in the percentage of healthcare dollars applied to care in the community, versus care in institutions," Governor Richardson said.

"With Independence at Home, access to health care is easy, because the doctor comes to the patient. The plan of care is developed together with the patient. That’s what we can do. That’s what seniors want. As President, that’s what I pledge to deliver."

To further strengthen preventive health care for seniors, Richardson also pledged to improve coverage of preventive services for more than one million seniors who currently receive care at community health centers. The Medicare program currently does not reimburse adequately for lifesaving preventive services, including mammograms, colorectal and prostate cancer screenings, offered by these centers.[National Association for Community Health Centers: Medicare Access to Community Health Centers (MATCH) Act.]

"Investing in prevention pays off-- it saves dollars and more importantly it saves lives," said Richardson. "It is wrong to allow people to become critically ill when simple preventive care could have made a difference."

Biden Reaffirms Commitment To Seniors

BIDEN REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO SENIORS
Pledges To Enhance Retirement Security

Davenport, IA (September 20, 2007) – Tonight at the AARP candidate forum in Davenport, Sen. Joe Biden pledged to keep our nation's promise to seniors and reaffirmed his commitment to the economic security of hard-working Americans and their families. 

"From protecting pensions to strengthening social security and providing affordable health care, we must keep our promises to America's seniors," said Sen. Biden.  "Americans who work hard all their lives should not live with the fear that their retirements are in jeopardy or that their economic security hangs in the balance.  We owe it to our parents and grandparents, as well as ourselves and our children, to make sure that Americans can retire with dignity."

Earlier this week, Sen. Biden unveiled his retirement security plan. Sen. Biden proposed to crack down on executives who get bonuses while companies walk away from employee pensions, require employers that don't provide retirement plans to allow employees to make direct deductions into Individual Retirement Accounts and make it easier to take retirement plans with you by automatically rolling over 401 (k) plans.  To begin the process of saving earlier in one's life, as President, Sen. Biden would invest $500 in a Kid's Account for every American child born after December 31, 2008.  He also reaffirmed his commitment to protect Social Security, not privatize it. Sen. Biden is also in favor of fixing the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Medicare Part D) by letting the federal government negotiate cheaper drug prices and closing the so-called donut hole – the gap in benefits that occurs once you've hit $2,250 in coverage.

Dodd Unveils Comprehensive Seniors Policy

DODD UNVEILS COMPREHENSIVE SENIORS POLICY
In Advance of AARP Forum, Presidential Candidate Proposes Plan for Secure, Dignified Retirement for All

WASHINGTON - Presidential candidate Chris Dodd, a longtime advocate for seniors, today unveiled his plan for a secure, dignified retirement for all Americans.  Citing the failures of the Bush Administration to deal with the declining quality of care for retirees, Dodd highlighted his commitment to America's seniors in advance of his participation in the AARP Presidential Forum in Davenport, IA.

"Security in retirement is one of our most fundamental values as Americans," said Dodd.  "After a lifetime of hard work and paying taxes, seniors deserve the dignity of a secure retirement - reliable health care, affordable housing and prescription drugs, secure pensions, and a strong Social Security and Medicare system.  With proven leadership that ensures a promise made is a promise kept, every senior can look forward to their golden years with optimism."

Dodd's plan would ensure that Social Security is strong for generations to come by getting our fiscal house in order, not privatizing the system, and strengthening federal oversight of pension programs.  Dodd's plan would also provide every American with access to a universal 401K plan modeled on the Federal government's Thrift Savings Plan to give them additional financial security in retirement.  Employees will have the option to contribute through automatic payroll deduction and a mechanism will be in place for employers to contribute to workers' accounts.

Dodd's plan for Secure, Dignified Retirement for All would:

Provide a secure pension to every American worker through a Universal 401K account
Ensure seniors' financial security by protecting them from scams and financial fraud
Commit $1 billion in his first term to expand the supply of affordable senior housing
Provide affordable, quality health care to every American and drive down the cost of prescription drugs
Provide added resources for affordable home and community based care
Strengthen and secure Social Security and Medicare for generations to come

Dodd plans to participate in the AARP/Iowa Public Television forum in Davenport, Iowa at 7:00 p.m. CDT this evening.

Edwards Unveils Declaration Of Independence For Older Americans

EDWARDS UNVEILS DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE FOR OLDER AMERICANS
Will help seniors get the health care and financial protection they need along with the independence they desire

Des Moines, Iowa – Senator John Edwards today unveiled a new agenda for older Americans based on the values of security, dignity and choice. Edwards’ Declaration of Independence for Older Americans will help older Americans get the health care they need and the financial protection they deserve while allowing them to live as independently as they desire. Today, Edwards will also participate in the AARP/Iowa Public Television Democratic Presidential Forum on health care and financial security at the Adler Theater in Davenport.

“It’s time for a new kind of declaration of independence – a commitment to helping older Americans live independently, with the freedom to exercise choice over their health care, financial security and lifestyle,” said Edwards. “It’s not enough to congratulate ourselves on living longer, if we are not living stronger.”

“Americans are living longer than ever before - but our social policies haven’t changed to reflect this shift,” Edwards continued. “Our housing policies too often force seniors to choose between isolation or institutionalization and our health care system is set up to treat the worst problems instead of promoting health and quality of life. We must fix the broken system in Washington that has not done more to address these issues.”

To meet the economic and lifestyle changes of the 21st century, Edwards has proposed the following agenda for older Americans:

Protect financial independence: Edwards will fight to keep the promise of social security, protect pensions and help families save, protect seniors from predatory lending practices, and preserve seniors’ freedom to work.

Promote health security: Through health care reforms, Edwards will protect the future of Medicare and make prescription drugs more affordable. Edwards will also revolutionize chronic care through proactive disease management and will strengthen geriatric health care by rewarding good primary care, encouraging experienced geriatric doctors to train the next generation of primary care doctors and training nurses to identify simple conditions that could cause downward health spirals.

Support living with dignity: Edwards will offer choices in long-term care to older Americans by reforming Medicare and Medicaid to let people elect home-based care in their communities. Edwards will also improve nursing homes and crack down on elder abuse, while at the same time promoting livable communities and accessible transportation to support independent living for older Americans.

Edwards has signed onto the AARP pledge promising to work with elected officials of both parties to develop and implement policies that provide all Americans with access to quality affordable health care and lifetime financial security.

Obama Unveils New TV Ad Touting Obama’s Universal Health Care Plan

Obama to Host ‘Senior Town Hall’ in Ames on Friday Afternoon
Unveils New TV Ad Touting Obama’s Universal Health Care Plan

DES MOINES – The presidential campaign of Senator Barack Obama today announced he will host a “Senior Town Hall Meeting” – bringing together senior citizens and high schools seniors -- in Ames tomorrow.  At the meeting, Obama will answer questions and participate in a conversation about his vision for uniting Americans, young and old, behind the effort to change Washington.

“Americans of all ages, from high school seniors to senior citizens, are tired of being divided by Washington politicians looking to score political points,” Obama said.  “We’re building a grassroots movement of generations of Americans who are ready to challenge the divisive, special interest-driven system in Washington and unite the country around our shared values.”   

Obama’s campaign will also begin airing a new 30-second television ad in Iowa on Friday in which Obama highlights his commitment to changing the system in Washington and reforming our nation’s health care system.  The ad, titled “Mother”, opens with Obama talking directly to the camera about how his mother was burdened by a failing health care system as she battled cancer during the last few months of her life.  To view the ad: click here.

“For twenty years Washington’s talked about health care reform and reformed nothing,” Obama says in the ad.  “I’ve got a plan to cut costs and cover everyone.  But unless we stop the bickering and the lobbyists, we’ll be in the same place 20 years from now.”

On Friday, the Quad City Times will publish an op-ed from Senator Obama in which he writes about his commitment to strengthening Social Security and firmly opposing any effort to privatize Social Security.

Sen. Klobuchar Pushes Solution To End the "Primary Arms Race"

Sen. Klobuchar Pushes Solution to End the 'Primary Arms Race'
Testimony before Senate Rules Committee seeks to end primary "front-loading" and institute a fair and inclusive process

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) testified before the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration stressing the need to  reform the currently chaotic Presidential primary election process.  Klobuchar highlighted legislation she introduced in late July with Lamar Alexander (R-TN), and Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) as a sensible step towards fixing a primary process that many have referred to as “a big mess.”

“Primaries were not intended to be an arms race,” said Klobuchar, the lead sponsor of the bill.  “We seek to give order to this chaotic, messy, and unrepresentative process.  This schedule gives power and influence back to the voters in every state.”

Concerns about the election schedule have gained national attention in recent months as states have "leap-frogged" each other in a race to the front of the calendar.  In 2008, at least 25 states will hold their primaries on or before February 5th.

Klobuchar’s legislation, The Presidential Primary and Caucus Reform Act, would provide structure to the primary election and caucuses by establishing a rotating schedule of regional Presidential primaries and caucuses.  The reformed system would de-compress the schedule, allowing candidates to focus their time and efforts and giving voters in all states the opportunity to have a powerful voice in the selection of party nominees.

The bill would create a region-by-region primary system where, on a rotating basis, states in the West, Midwest, South, and East take turns hosting the first batch of primaries and caucuses.  Beginning in 2012, primaries and caucuses would start on the first Tuesday in March, continuing on the first Tuesday in April, May, and June until each region has chosen candidates for the party conventions.  The next presidential election year, a different region would have a chance to go first—rotating through all the regions every 16 years.  Iowa and New Hampshire would remain as the historical first caucus and primary in the nation.

“The current schedule undermines the spirit of the primary process,” remarked Klobuchar. “It risks turning our primaries and caucuses into a tarmac campaign, with candidates forced to partake in a blitzkrieg campaign strategy across the entire country.  It is time to deescalate the primary arms race and restore the spirit of the primary process that allows for meaningful discussion with voters across the country.”

Thompson Campaign Expands Florida Organization

Thompson Campaign Expands Florida Organization
Experienced Campaign Staff To Build Upon Two Successful Campaign Swings Through Sunshine State

McLean, VA - The Thompson campaign announced today the addition of several experienced political veterans who will help lead Thompson's Florida operation.  Under the direction of Andy Palmer, former Executive Dir ector of the Republican Party of Florida, now serving as lead Florida consultant and advisor to the campaign, and Todd Thomson, Executive Director of the Florida campaign, will be Brandi Brown, Political Director; Katie Gordon and Jenny Robertson, who will be organizing Florida communications and political efforts; and Tim Buckley, Carlos Curbelo, Danny Lopez, Roy Schultheis and Jonathan Menendez, who will be serving as local staff deployed throughout the state.  Additionally, Senator Thompson's national campaign's political and communications departments are led by two veterans of Florida politics, Randy Enwright and Todd Harris.      

Jenny Robertson, who recently relocated to Florida from Columbus, Ohio, will assist Brandi Brown with field operations and volunteer organization.  She worked as a legislative aide for a member of the Ohio Senate and also as a governmental consultant for a state trade association and later for a non-profit organization.

The Fred Thompson campaign also has the following staff focused on specific regions:

In addition to the Florida-based staff, Jeff Sadosky, former Republican Party of Florida Communications Director who is serving as Spokesman for Senator Thompson's national campaign, will be responsible for the campaign's communications efforts in the state.

"Andy, Todd, Jeff and Brandi bring tremendous political and grassroots experience to Fred Thompson's campaign in Florida," said Thompson's National Political Director Randy Enwright.  "Their knowledge of the political landscape and the issues specific to this great state are second to none, and we're very excited to have them on board.  The support staff and resources that we now have around the state will allow us to reach primary voters and educate the people of Florida about Fred Thompson's consistently conservative record and plans for our nation's future."

Thatcher Advisors Join Team Rudy

Thatcher Advisors Join Team Rudy
Conquest, Gardiner Join Other Distinguished Foreign Policy Experts As Campaign Advisors

New York City – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee announced today that former advisors to former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher Robert Conquest and Dr. Nile Gardiner are supporting Mayor Giuliani for President. Conquest will serve as a member of the Senior Foreign Policy Advisory Board and Gardiner, the Director of the Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom at the Heritage Foundation, will serve as a member of the European Advisory Board. They join the campaign’s foreign policy team as the Mayor meets with former Prime Minister Thatcher, as well as former Prime Minister Tony Blair and current Prime Minister Gordon Brown, in London, England, where he will deliver the inaugural Margaret Thatcher Atlantic Bridge lecture.

“I support Mr. Giuliani because I see his approach to our international challenges as serious, careful and responsible,” said Conquest.

“Mayor Giuliani is a proven leader with a clear vision for keeping America safe and offers the kind of strong leadership that the United States needs to win the Terrorists’ War on Us,” said Gardiner. “In my time working with former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, I observed how her strong principles governed her decision making. Rudy Giuliani is a leader in her mold.”

The other new addition to the Mayor’s foreign policy team is National Review Senior Editor David Pryce-Jones, who joins as a Senior Foreign Policy Advisor. 

“Mayor Giuliani is someone who sets an example of leadership which I find impressive. He clearly understands the dangers we are facing today,” said Pryce-Jones.

Mayor Giuliani’s foreign policy team advises the Mayor on a foreign policy vision that advances the United States as a world leader: expanding America’s involvement in the global economy, strengthening our reputation around the world, and keeping our country on offense in the Terrorists’ War on Us.

Obama Campaign Announces New TV Advertisement "Believe"

Obama Campaign Announces State Leadership Committee and New TV Advertisement In Advance of Statewide Canvass

DES MOINES – The Obama for America Campaign today announced a 164-member State Leadership Committee (SLC) to lead grassroots organizing efforts for Barack Obama’s Iowa campaign.  The SLC will immediately begin reaching out to local communities by helping to organize the Obama Campaign’s statewide canvass this Saturday, September 22nd.

“Barack Obama is the best candidate to strengthen our communities and bring our country together,” said Iowa’s first female Supreme Court justice, Linda Neuman.  “I trust his leadership and judgment which guided him to stand up against the war in Iraq when others in Washington wouldn’t.  As president, Barack Obama will use that same leadership and judgment to tackle the tough issues we face like bringing our troops home and providing affordable, high-quality health care for all Americans.”

Statewide Leadership Committee members from across Iowa will advise the campaign and organize in their local communities. The SLC is comprised of community leaders across the state committed to spreading Barack Obama’s message of unity and hope for our country.   

“As a community organizer, I understand the importance of local leaders and everyday people coming together to spark the change we so desperately need,” Senator Obama said.  “That’s why I’m so proud to have the support of these Iowans who have agreed to join me as we work to challenge the status quo in Washington, D.C. and transform our country.”

To supplement Barack Obama’s strong grassroots operation, the campaign also announced the airing of a new television ad titled Believe that details Senator Obama’s experience taking on lobbyists and bringing Democrats and Republicans together to solve the tough problems our country faces.

New Barack Obama Iowa TV Ad "Believe" Script

Every time I speak about my hope for America, the cynics in Washington roll their eyes.

You see, they don't believe we can actually change politics and bring an end to decades of division and deadlock. They don't believe we can limit the power of lobbyists who block our progress, or that we can trust the American people with the truth.

And that’s why we face the same problems and hear the same promises every four years.

My experience tells me something very different.

In twenty years of public service, I've brought Democrats and Republicans together to solve problems that touch the lives of everyday people.

I've taken on the drug and insurance companies and won. I defied the politics of the moment, and opposed the war in Iraq before it began.

This is Barack Obama. I approve this message to ask you to believe -- not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington. I'm asking you to believe in yours.