2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Barack Obama Cedar Falls Iowa Photos

Romney For President Launches New Iowa Television Ad, "Thanks Iowa"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW IOWA TELEVISION AD, "THANKS IOWA"

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President launched its newest television ad, "Thanks Iowa."  The ad features Governor Romney's call for change in Washington on Saturday at the Iowa Republican Straw Poll in Ames.  Governor Romney won the Straw Poll with 4,516 (31.5 percent) votes.  The first step toward bringing change to Washington began on Saturday in Iowa.

The ad will begin airing as part of the campaign's rotation today in Iowa.  Script and viewing link are below.

Script For "Thanks Iowa" (TV:30):

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "If there's ever been a time that we needed to see change in Washington, it's now.

"First of all, I want to strengthen our military and then strengthen our economy and strengthen our families.

"I will secure our border, and amnesty will not work.

"I want to strengthen marriage…

"Keep our taxes down, keep government small…

"And keep America always the hope of the Earth…

"Change begins in Iowa and change begins today.

"Thank you so very much!

"I'm Mitt Romney and I approved this message."

To view "Thanks Iowa," please see:  http://mitt-tv.mittromney.com/?showid=307227

John Edwards Iowa Bus Tour Clear Lake

 

Governor Bill Richardson Highlights Experience And Record Of Creating Jobs In Two New TV Ads

Governor Bill Richardson Highlights Experience and Record of Creating Jobs in Two New TV Ads

"Focused" ad details Richardson's economic successes in New Mexico, Fourth "Job Interview" continues to demonstrate that Richardson is the most experienced candidate to become President

DES MOINES, IA -- Governor Bill Richardson today launched two new television ads in Iowa. The first ad "Focused" showcases his record of achievement creating jobs and building economic momentum in his home state of New Mexico and explaining how he will do it nationally as President. The second ad is the fourth in the unique "Job Interview" commercial series. The new ads come two days before Governor Richardson will formally unveil his plan on jobs and the economy during a major speech in Cedar Rapids, IA.

"Bill Richardson's success in New Mexico is well documented. He has the experience creating new, high-wage jobs, expanding existing industries, supporting R&D and start-up businesses, and building a growing, vibrant economy," said Richardson campaign manager Dave Contarino. "The Governor also has a proven record of fiscal responsibility, balancing five budgets, while cutting taxes and investing in jobs, health care and education. Others talk about it, he's done it."

Governor Richardson's fourth "Job Interview" commercial emphasizes the message that he is the only Democratic Presidential candidate with executive experience and is most prepared on day one to start the necessary work to get our country back on track. The ad touches on a number of the Governor's achievements as Governor of New Mexico, including his record of helping create jobs, balancing budgets and investing in education.

In the last five years, Governor Richardson has created over 80,000 new jobs. New Mexico's unemployment is at its lowest in history. His vision, his ideas, and his leadership have been integral in each of these steps and have paved the way for what is being called the "New Mexico Comeback".

Governor Richardson passed a permanent rural jobs tax credit to spur employment and economic growth in rural New Mexico. And while making New Mexico the clean energy state, Governor Richardson focused on the development of renewable energy initiatives involving wind, solar and biomass to help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and help the fight against global climate change while simultaneously creating jobs.

"For several years now, the leadership of our country has lost its focus on what is important," Contarino said. "People have lost their jobs, either due to a floundering economy or the outsourcing of jobs. Governor Richardson has retained and created quality jobs in New Mexico, when he's President he will do the same for the country."

The commercials were produced by Steve Murphy and Mark Putnam of Murphy Putnam Media in Alexandria, Virginia. In recent months, Richardson's message has spread and support has grown among Iowans. According to an American Research Group poll conducted in late July, Governor Richardson is now in the double digits in Iowa and within two points of Barack Obama among likely caucus-goers.

Mitt Romney Iowa Straw Poll Video

Clinton Campaign To Begin Airing First Television Ad In Iowa

CLINTON CAMPAIGN TO BEGIN AIRING FIRST TELEVISION AD IN IOWA Former Governor Vilsack Unveils Ad to Begin Airing Tomorrow

DES MOINES, IA - Former Governor Tom Vilsack today released the first television advertisement for Senator Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign.  The ad, titled "Invisible," is scheduled to begin airing tomorrow in television markets across Iowa.

"Too many Americans - middle class families - families without health care and child care - returning veterans - have been invisible to this President and this government," Vilsack said as he unveiled the new Clinton ad at a news conference in Des Moines.

"That will change when Hillary Clinton becomes President," Vilsack continued.  "She has a lifelong record helping Americans who have been ignored, and she has the experience and the strength to bring the change we need in Iowa and all across the nation."

To view the ad, please visit www.hillaryhub.com.  Below is the text of the new Clinton television ad:

"Invisible"

HRC: As I travel around America, I hear from so many people who feel like they're just invisible to their government

VO: Hillary Clinton has spent her life standing up for people others don't see

HRC: You know, if you're a family that is struggling, and you don't have health care well you are invisible to this President

HRC: If you're a single mom trying to find affordable child care so you can go to work, well you're invisible too

HRC: And I never thought I would see that our soldiers who serve in Iraq and Afghanistan would be treated as though they were invisible as well

HRC: Americans from all walks of life across our country may be invisible to this President, but they're not invisible to me and they won't be invisible to the next President of the United States

HRC: I'm Hillary Clinton and I approve this message.

Ed Fallon Endorses John Edwards As The Strongest Candidate For President

ED FALLON ENDORSES JOHN EDWARDS AS THE STRONGEST CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT

Des Moines, Iowa – The John Edwards for President campaign today announced that former Iowa gubernatorial candidate and state representative Ed Fallon has endorsed Senator John Edwards in his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination.

"John Edwards is the only candidate who has offered progressive solutions on everything from universal health care to solving the global climate crisis," Fallon said. "He has been a strong and clear voice on ending the war in Iraq and bringing our troops home. He also has the backbone to stand up to the big corporations and the courage to tackle problems that other politicians simply ignore – like ending poverty in America. John Edwards can and will lead our party to victory in November 2008."

"I am honored to have Ed Fallon's support," Edwards said. "As a leading progressive voice in the Democratic Party, Ed understands the needs of Iowans, and I look forward to working with him in Iowa to build support for an agenda of bold change."

Thompson Thanks Supporters, Exits Presidential Race

Thompson Thanks Supporters, Exits Presidential Race

Madison – Saying he has 'no regrets', Governor Tommy Thompson thanked his supporters Saturday night and officially left the campaign trail.

"I want to thank the people of Iowa who were welcoming and supportive as well as my volunteers and contributors from around the country," said Thompson. "I have no regrets about running. I felt my record as Governor of Wisconsin and Secretary of Health and Human Services gave me the experience I needed to serve as President, but I respect the decision of the voters. I am leaving the campaign trail today, but I will not leave the challenges of improving health care and welfare in America."

Thompson, who was elected to serve four terms as Wisconsin Governor and four years as Secretary of Health and Human Services, began exploring a presidential bid last December. Weeks ago, he told supporters and the news media that if he did not do well in the Iowa Straw Poll, he would step aside and leave others to work for the Republican nomination.

"No candidate is more experienced than Governor Thompson and no candidate worked harder; but sometimes the dynamics just aren't there to bring about a victory," said Steve Grubbs, Senior Advisor to Thompson's campaign. "The Governor's staff was deeply committed to him and to his candidacy. If we could have willed a victory, we would have."

Thompson will return to the private sector as well as his non-profit work after a brief time off.

"I have very much enjoyed my years in public service and I am comforted by the fact that I think I made a difference for people during that time. I hope to continue working to serve others over the next few years," said Thompson.

Mitt Romney Wins Iowa Straw Poll

Mitt Romney Wins Iowa Straw Poll

With attendance of 33,000 and votes cast by more than 14,000, Republican party officials called the 2007 Iowa Straw Poll a resounding success. No one was more pleased than Governor Mitt Romney who received 4,516 votes to win the Straw Poll.

In second place Governor Mike Huckabee earned 2,587 votes and was followed by Senator Sam Brownback who received 2,192 ballots cast in his favor. In a close fourth, U.S. Representative Tom Tancredo received 1,961 votes. In fifth place was U.S. Representative Ron Paul with 1,305. Governor Tommy Thompson finished in sixth place with 1,029 votes and was followed by seventh place finisher, and undeclared candidate, Fred Thompson who had 203 votes cast for him. Mayor Rudy Giuliani received 183 votes for eighth place followed by U.S. Representative Duncan Hunter in ninth place with 174 votes. Senator John McCain, in 10th position, got 101 votes. And finishing last with 41 votes was John Cox.

"Reports of the demise of the Iowa Straw Poll were premature and proven false today," stated Ray Hoffmann, chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa. "Activists turned out in great numbers to support their candidates despite a heat index exceeding 100 degrees. The atmosphere here rivaled that of the State Fair."

New voting procedures were in place at the Iowa Straw Poll which required presentation and validation of a photo ID along with a ticket. "Iowans proudly stepped up to meet our voting requirements," Chuck Laudner, executive director of the Republican Party of Iowa, remarked. "To see more than 14,000 purple thumbs on this campus was thrilling."

With theses new voting procedures in place, party officials were confident all votes were cast by Iowans only. "Tickets were punched then scanned along with photo IDs," Laudner explained. "Our process guaranteed the one person, one vote ideal was upheld. We believe photo identification should be required before any vote is cast in Iowa elections and today we proved the process was not only possible, it was effective and efficient."

The Iowa Straw Poll continues a decades' long tradition of testing candidates' organizational strength, bringing likely caucus-goers together, and winnowing the field. In the 1999 caucus, 89,000 participated. Today's Straw Poll vote tally represents more than 15 percent of that total, the most representative sample of likely voters' opinions, Laudner concluded.

What They're Really Saying About Governor Mitt Romney Winning The Iowa Republican Straw Poll, Vol. 3: Headlines Across America

WHAT THEY'RE REALLY SAYING ABOUT GOVERNOR ROMNEY WINNING THE IOWA REPUBLICAN STRAW POLL, VOL. 3: HEADLINES ACROSS AMERICA

The Des Moines Register: Romney's Drive Pays Off
(Thomas Beaumont, "Romney's Drive Pays Off," The Des Moines Register, 8/12/07)

The Cedar Rapids Gazette: GOP Straw Poll Voters Pick Romney
(Rod Boshart and James Q. Lynch, "GOP Straw Poll Voters Pick Romney," The [Cedar Rapids] Gazette, 8/12/07)

The Associated Press: Mitt Romney Wins Iowa GOP Straw Poll
(Mike Glover, "Mitt Romney Wins Iowa GOP Straw Poll," The Associated Press, 8/12/07)

The Boston Globe: Romney Trounces GOP Field In Iowa Straw Poll
(Lisa Wangsness, "Romney Trounces GOP Field In Iowa Straw Poll," The Boston Globe, 8/12/07)

The New York Times: Romney Wins Iowa Straw Poll By A Sizable Margin
(Adam Nagourney and Jeff Zeleny, "Romney Wins Iowa Straw Poll By A Sizable Margin," The New York Times, 8/12/07)

The Washington Post: Romney Wins Iowa's GOP Poll
(Dan Balz and Michael D. Shear, " Romney Wins Iowa's GOP Poll," The Washington Post, 8/12/07)

Mason City Globe Gazette: Romney's The Big Ames Straw Poll Winner
(Todd Dorman, "Romney's The Big Ames Straw Poll Winner," Mason City[IA] Globe Gazette, 8/12/07)

ABC News: Romney Coasts To Iowa Straw Poll Win
(David Chalian, "Romney Coasts to Iowa Straw Poll Win," ABCNews.com, 8/11/07)

Quad-City Times: Romney Easily Wins Straw Poll
(Todd Dorman, "Romney Easily Wins Straw Poll," Quad-City Times, 8/12/07)

Los Angeles Times: Romney Wins Big In Iowa's GOP Straw Poll
(Michael Finnegan, "Romney Wins Big In Iowa's GOP Straw Poll," Los Angeles Times, 8/12/07)

The Politico: Romney Wins Big
(Jonathan Martin, "Romney Wins Big," The Politico, 8/12/07)

New York Daily News: Mitt Hits In Iowa Straw Poll
(Celeste Katz, "Mitt Hits In Iowa Straw Poll," [New York] Daily News, 8/12/07)

The Washington Times: Romney Wins GOP Straw Poll In Iowa
(Stephen Dinan, "Romney Wins GOP Straw Poll In Iowa," The Washington Times, 8/12/07)

CNN: Romney Wins Iowa Straw Poll
(Mark Preston, "Romney Wins Iowa Straw Poll," CNN.com, 8/12/07)

Reuters: Romney Wins Iowa Republican Straw Poll
(John Whitesides, "Romney Wins Iowa Republican Straw Poll," Reuters, 8/11/07)

Chicago Tribune: Romney Victorious In Straw Poll
(Rick Pearson And John McCormick, "Romney Victorious In Straw Poll," Chicago Tribune, 8/11/07)

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Romney Notches 1st Win In Iowa
(Katherine M. Skiba, "Romney Notches 1st Win In Iowa," Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, 8/12/07)

McClatchy: Romney Takes Top Spot In Straw Poll
(Steven Thomma, "Romney Takes Top Spot In Straw Poll," McClatchy Newspapers, 8/12/07)

CBS News: Romney Wins Iowa GOP Straw Poll
(Vaughn Ververs, " Romney Wins Iowa GOP Straw Poll," CBS News Online, 8/11/07)

New Hampshire Union Leader: Romney Wins Iowa Straw Poll
(Mark Hayward, "Romney Wins Iowa Straw Poll," New Hampshire Union Leader, 8/12/07)

Deseret Morning News: Mitt Wins With Ease In Iowa Straw Poll
(Lisa Riley Roche, "Mitt Wins With Ease In Iowa Straw Poll," Deseret Morning News,  8/12/07)