2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Hunter Wins Texas GOP Straw Poll

Hunter aces two major Texas Straw polls…receives a huge “kick” for his campaign

Fort Worth, Texas.  September 2, 2007…Texas residents gave Duncan Hunter his second Texas victory with huge margin in the statewide GOP straw poll Saturday (Sept. 1).  The California Congressman more than doubled his vote over the next nearest contender.  Only GOP party activists who had been a delegate or alternate to a recent GOP state or national convention were qualified to vote.

Hunter, ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, serving his 14th term in Congress, said his message of strong national security seemed to resonate with the Texas delegates.  “I think we go on to great things, and we're going to carry this message for a strong America,'' added Hunter, who also won the Coryell County, Texas Presidential straw poll last month, with a whopping 35% of the vote.

“We are elated with the confidence the Texan voters gave us Saturday in their straw poll.  We simply presented our vision for solutions to current problems, and the residents listened. We are gratified with this vote, “said Hunter. 

Hunter received 41.1% of the vote total from the delegates casting their ballots, beating Fred Thompson, more than two to one.  Texas candidate Ron Paul, finishing with only 16.17% of the votes had expected a stronger finish in his home state but was defeated by Hunter almost three to one. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee finished fourth with 6.4% followed by former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani who received 6% of the votes.  Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney finished in sixth place with 4.7%.

Sharing the remaining 61 votes (4.74%) was counter-terrorism candidates Ray McKinney, snaring 28 votes, topping Senator John McCain, Senator Sam Brownback, Congressman Tom Tancredo, Chicago businessman John Cox and Hugh Cort

Hunter’s Texas victory adds to the long list of straw polls that he has won in Southern and Western States.  His message of strong border security, fair trade policies with China, and returning high paying jobs back to Americans has resonated with the residents of the state.  “We know when we have the opportunity to present our vision of protecting America, the voters get the message.  We are taking this vision for a greater future to every state in the union,” said Hunter.

John Kerry 2004 Announcement Speech Anniversary

John Kerry Presidential Announcement Tour, September 2, 2003

"This is no ordinary campaign because this is no ordinary time. We have lived through the most deadly attack on our people in American history, the greatest job loss since the Great Depression, and the greatest loss of wealth and savings ever recorded.  But every time our country has faced great challenges, we have come through --  and come out stronger --  because courageous Americans have done what's right for America.

This is a time for the same kind of courage.

I learned something about service from two people I wish could be here today.  My father, who as a member of the Greatest Generation, enlisted in the Army Air Corps even before Pearl Harbor, and served in the State Department at the height of the Cold War.  And my mother, 50 years a Girl Scout leader, a community activist with a passion for the environment who took me into the woods as a young boy and simply said "listen."

As I look around at my crewmates and the veterans here today, I am reminded that the best lessons I learned about being an American came in a place far away from America -- on a gunboat in the Mekong Delta with a small crew of volunteers.  Some of us had been to college; others were just out of high school.  But we grew up together on that tiny boat.  It was our sanctuary -- and a place for bridging distances between California and South Carolina, Iowa and Massachusetts.  We were no longer the kid from Arkansas or the kid from Illinois.  We were Americans -- together -- under the same flag -- giving ourselves to something bigger than each of us as individuals.

We arrived as strangers; we left as brothers. We didnt think we were special.  We just tried to do what was right.

And when we came home, we had a simple saying: Every day is extra.  I used my extra days to join other veterans to end a war I believed was wrong.  I saw courage both in the Vietnam War and in the struggle to stop it.  I learned that patriotism includes protest, not just military service. But you don�t have to go half way around the world or march on Washington to learn about bravery or love of country. Again and again, in the causes that define our nation, we have seen the uncommon courage that is common to the American people.

Today, with confidence in the courage of our people to change what is wrong and do what is right, I come here to say why I am a candidate for President of the United States.

Your courage can make sure we do what's right for our country.

Your courage can give America back its future, its strength and its soul.

I am honored to join you in this endeavor as a candidate for President of the United States.

Thank you and God bless you all."

Full Speech Text

Clinton Campaign Signs Pledge To Keep Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada And South Carolina First

Clinton Campaign Statement
The following is a statement by Clinton Campaign Manager Patti Solis Doyle.

"We believe Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina play a unique and special role in the nominating process.

And we believe the DNC’s rules and its calendar provide the necessary structure to respect and honor that role.

Thus, we will be signing the pledge to adhere to the DNC approved nominating calendar."

Obama Pledges To Honor Role Of Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire And South Carolina In Choosing Democratic Nominee For President

Obama Pledges to Honor Role of Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina in Choosing Democratic Nominee for President 

CHICAGO, IL - US Senator Barack Obama today announced his commitment to follow the presidential nomination process sanctioned by the Democratic National Committee.

Obama signed a pledge written by the Democratic Party Chairs in Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, and South Carolina saying the process ensured that candidates would be tested by the rigors of a retail political campaign while appropriately incorporating the regional and ethnic diversity of the Democratic Party.

“As I have campaigned across America over the last six months, it’s become clear that Governor Dean and the Democratic National Committee have put together a presidential nomination process that’s in the best interests of our party and our nation,” said Senator Obama.  “I look forward to continuing the dialogue with voters and building the kind of grassroots movement in Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina and the rest of the country that will send a clear signal to Washington that the American people are ready for change.”

Obama campaign officials also urged states in danger of violating DNC rules to adjust their plans to comply with the DNC’s calendar, so that every state contributes delegates to the nominating process.

“To become the Democratic nominee for president, a candidate must secure a majority of delegates to the national convention,” said Obama campaign manager David Plouffe.  “Because states that violate DNC rules will not be allowed to contribute to the delegate tally, we urge all states to ensure their compliance with DNC rules so they can participate in our Democratic nominating process. Our campaign will work within the rules established by the DNC to earn the support of Democrats across America and run a grassroots campaign to unite Americans around Senator Obama’s commitment to challenging the conventional thinking in Washington.”

Next week, Senator Obama will celebrate Labor Day in New Hampshire before kicking off a two-day swing through western Iowa.  Obama is scheduled to campaign in Nevada on Thursday.

Edwards Signs Four State Pledge

EDWARDS SIGNS FOUR STATE PLEDGE

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Senator John Edwards today signed the “Four State Pledge” to show his support of Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina.  By signing the pledge, Edwards has agreed not to campaign in any state, other than the 4 designated early states, that schedules a presidential primary or caucus before February 5, 2008.  The pledge is written and sponsored by the State Democratic Parties in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina.

“This election, more than any other, is about real change and choosing the candidate who is going to fight for that change,” said Edwards.  “Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina need to be first because in these states ideas count, not just money. These are places where voters get to look the candidate in the eye and measure their policies, ideas, and integrity.  That’s why I am signing this pledge.  This tried-and-true nominating system is the only way for voters to judge the field based on the quality of the candidate, not the depth of their war chest.

“I strongly encourage my fellow candidates to support this four state pledge.  The Democratic Party is the party of ideas, not money; Main Street, not Wall Street; and real people, not Washington insiders, and signing this pledge reaffirms that.”

Betty Ford Dedicates Gerald R. Ford Stamp

Betty Ford Dedicates Gerald R. Ford Stamp
Dedication Ceremonies in Palm Desert, CA, and Grand Rapids, MI

WASHINGTON, DC — Former First Lady Betty Ford joined Postmaster General John E. Potter today to dedicate the Gerald R. Ford commemorative stamp in Palm Desert, CA, at the McCallum Theater. A similar dedication ceremony took place in Grand Rapids, MI, at the President Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. The stamp honoring the Nation's 38th President is available nationwide today, August 31, 2007.

“President Ford would be so grateful for the magnificent honor that the Postal Service has created in tribute to his decades of service to the American people,” said Mrs. Betty Ford. “The stamp wonderfully portrays his strength, warmth, and compassion. My family and I are filled with pride and gratitude for this remarkable tribute to our beloved husband, father, and grandfather.”

Mrs. Ford was joined at the McCallum Theatre ceremony by her children Jack Ford and Susan Ford Bales and by several of her grandchildren.

President and Mrs. Ford's son Michael Ford dedicated the stamp in Grand Rapids with U.S. Postal Service Executive Director Rosa Fulton. President Ford's brother, Richard A. Ford, was present at the Grand Rapids dedication.

“We owe President Ford an immense debt of gratitude,” said Postmaster General Potter, “as a man who put his nation first; as a man who was guided by what he read in his heart, and as a man who succeeded in his goal to make this great government work for the good of all Americans.”

The Postal Service produced 80 million 41-cent stamps in sheets of 20. Award winning stamp artist Michael J. Deas of Brooklyn Heights, NY, created the stamp under the direction of stamp designer Ethel Kessler of Bethesda, MD.

Fred Thompson Iowa Announcement Tour Schedule

Thursday, September 6

Des Moines, IA
Polk County Convention Complex
501 Grand Avenue
1:20pm Doors Open, 2:00 pm start

Council Bluffs, IA
Bayliss Park
6:20pm doors open, 7:00 pm start

Friday, September 7

Sioux City, IA
Sioux City Convention Center
801 Fourth Street
9:20am doors open, 10:00am Start

Mason City, IA
Music Man Square
308 South Pennsylvania Avenue
5:20pm doors open, 6:00pm start

Saturday, September 8

Cedar Rapids, IA
Cedar Rapids Marriott
1200 Collins Rd NE
9:20am Doors open, 10:00am start

Davenport, IA
Centennial Park
12:20pm doors open, 1:00pm start

Biden Campaign Issues Statement On Early States Democratic Parties Pledge

BIDEN CAMPAIGN ISSUES STATEMENT ON EARLY STATES DEMOCRATIC PARTIES PLEDGE

Wilmington, DE (August 31, 2007) – The Biden for President Campaign issued the following statement from campaign manager, Luis Navarro, in response to the pledge released by the Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina Democratic Parties.

"It is time to end all the maneuvering around the dates of the early primaries and caucuses. We intend not only to sign the pledge, but to honor our pledge to Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina to respect their primacy to the process,” said Biden for President Campaign Manager Luis Navarro.  “They played by the rules of the DNC. We respect those rules.  The public despises this kind of maneuvering for political advantage. If the Republicans want to play this way, let them. But we will not be a party to it."

Chris Dodd Signs Pledge To Early Caucus And Primary States

CHRIS DODD SIGNS PLEDGE TO EARLY CAUCUS AND PRIMARY STATES
Calls Commitment to Retail Politics More Important This Year

WASHINGTON, DC – Presidential Candidate Chris Dodd today signed a pledge from the Democratic Parties of Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina to honor their status as the early primary and caucus states as established by the Democratic National Committee’s 2008 nominating calendar.  Dodd reaffirmed his belief in the power of retail politics and the serious thought and weight that citizens of these states put into their consideration of the candidates.

“I believe that Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada offer a cross-section of America and allow for voters to probe the experience and vision of candidates in a meaningful way,” said Dodd.  “In this year, where the national media focus seems to be on celebrity and bank accounts, the role of these states is more important than ever.  I am committed to the DNC nominating calendar and preserving the first-in-the-nation status of Iowa and New Hampshire.”

Bill Richardson Signs Four State Pledge Letter And Reaffirms Support For DNC Primary Process

Governor Bill Richardson Signs Four State Pledge Letter and Reaffirms Support for DNC Primary Process Richardson committed to right and tradition of Iowa and New Hampshire as first in the country caucuses and primary

SANTA FE, NM -- Governor Bill Richardson today became the first Democratic Presidential candidate to officially sign the Four State Pledge Letter that promises he will not campaign in any state which schedules a Presidential election primary or caucus before February 5, 2008. The pledge was authored by Democratic officials in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina and is designed to support the Democratic National Committee's sanctioned primary and caucus schedule, thereby avoiding chaos in the nominating process.

"This process is completely out of control and only an agreement by the candidates can restore sanity," Governor Richardson said. "I hope no candidate tries to manipulate this situation for his or her own purposes. The DNC rules were established for a purpose -- to allow retail campaigning in a few early states and choose those states based on geographic and demographic diversity. Each candidate for President should do whatever possible to preserve the established rules. Anarchy in the nominating process does nothing to further the cause of changing America."