2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Mayor Adrian Fenty Endorses Barack Obama

Mayor Adrian Fenty Endorses Barack Obama

WASHINGTON, DC .—Mayor Adrian Fenty announced today his endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for President. Fenty praised Obama’s effort to change our politics, declaring that Obama is the only candidate who can bring Americans together and heal the country.  Fenty, in addition to publicly endorsing Obama, will serve as the Chairman of his Washington, D. C. campaign. 

"I believe a new era of hope is upon us—in both the District of Columbia and the entire nation," said Mayor Fenty. "Barack Obama is the candidate that can reach across party lines and inspire pride in our government again."

"We are the only capital of a democracy in the world without a vote in the national legislature,” Fenty added. “Senator Obama has committed to empower those who have been locked out of our political process for far too long, and his commitment to helping Washington obtain full representation in Congress is particularly important to our residents.”

Adrian Fenty, the current mayor of the District of Columbia, is the youngest mayor in the city’s history. 

“ Washington is fortunate that it gets to count on Adrian Fenty.  Today, I’m proud to declare that I can count on Adrian as well,” Senator Obama said.  “Last fall, Mayor Fenty brought a new generation of leadership to Washington by knocking on every door and practicing the kind of grassroots, bottom-up politics that can bring about real change.  That’s what we’re trying to do in this campaign, and I’m honored that he’s joining us in that effort.”

Mayor Fenty’s endorsement comes as Senator Obama prepares to lay out his urban poverty agenda tomorrow at THEAR C in Ward 8 of Washington, D. C.  Obama will address ways to transform our politics so that we can change the odds for urban America, a commitment he shares with Mayor Fenty and a cause that first led him into public service as a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago almost twenty-five years ago.  

Governor Bill Richardson Moves Past Edwards In New Hampshire

Governor Bill Richardson Moves Past Edwards into Top Tier in New Hampshire
Latest CNN/WMUR/UNH poll shows Richardson campaign continues to gain momentum

MANCHESTER, NH -- Governor Bill Richardson has moved past John Edwards into the top tier of Democratic Presidential primary candidates in New Hampshire according to the latest CNN/WMUR-TV poll released today.

"Voters are learning who Bill Richardson is and are hearing his message and we're very pleased with the position of the campaign," said Dave Contarino, Governor Richardson's campaign manager. "In February 2007, at the beginning of this campaign, Bill Richardson was tied for 6th place at 1% in this poll. To be in double digits in 3rd Place at this point demonstrates genuine momentum."

The latest poll results:  July 2007 June 2007
Hillary Clinton 36% 39%
Barack Obama 27% 24%
Bill Richardson 11% 11%
John Edwards 9% 14%
Joe Biden 4% 5%
Dennis Kucinich 3% 2%
Chris Dodd * *
Gravel * *
Someone else 0% 3%
No opinion 9% 2%

The poll was conducted July 9-17 by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center and has a margin of error of +5.5%.

"The polls reflect what we have believed all along- voters are taking their time getting to know the candidates and where they stand on the important issues," added Contarino. "We're confident that as people hear about the Governor's plan to get the US out of Iraq with no residual troops, his innovative and detailed plan to provide universal health care to all Americans without raising taxes, and his bold initiative to fight global warming and make the US energy independent he will continue to move up."

Brownback Announces South Carolina Campaign Committee

Brownback Announces South Carolina Campaign Committee
Seasoned team brings strong experience and local ties

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Brownback for President campaign today announced its South Carolina Campaign Committee.

"I am thrilled that such a talented group of grassroots organizers and campaign veterans has joined my South Carolina team," said Brownback. "I look forward to working with my South Carolina Campaign Committee as we gain momentum across the country and in key primary states like South Carolina."

David Barron, Chairman
Jim Corbett, Campaign Director
Kevin Bryant of Anderson
Ben Carnes of Greenville
Steve Gajdosik of Charleston
John Hutcheson of Spartanburg
Doug Jolley of Columbia
Lou Neiger of Newberry
Richard Peterson of Lexington
Clint Rogers of York
Hal Stevenson of Columbia
Gary Towery of Spartanburg
Jim Ulmer of Orangeburg

Giuliani Announces California Leadership Team

Giuliani Announces California Leadership Team
Announces Opening of State Campaign Headquarters in Glendale

New York City –The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee announced today Rudy’s California Leadership Team. The team will be chaired by Bill Simon, co-chairman of William E. Simon and Sons, LLC, and former California Republican gubernatorial nominee. In addition to Simon, the team brings together political and business leaders throughout California, including six current members of Congress.

“Voters throughout California are hearing Mayor Giuliani’s message of strong leadership and his record of results,” said Simon.  “Rudy is the Republican presidential candidate that can win the California primary and defeat the Democratic candidate in the general election statewide.” 

Mayor Giuliani’s campaign also announced it will open a state campaign headquarters in Glendale, California.

About the California Leadership Team:

California State Chair
Bill Simon, Former California Republican Gubernatorial Nominee

California State Co-Chairs
Mary Bono, United States Congresswoman
David Dreier, United States Congressman
Jerry Lewis, United States Congressman
Devin Nunes, United States Congressman
George Radanovich, United States Congressman
Ed Royce, United States Congressman
Curt Pringle, Mayor of Anaheim
Greg Aghazarian, State Assemblyman
Ted Gaines, State Assemblyman
Sharon Runner, State Assemblywoman
Cameron Smyth, State Assemblyman
Chuck Poochigian, Former State Senator
Mike Antonovich, Los Angeles County Supervisor
Don Knabe, Los Angeles County Supervisor
John Herrington, Former State GOP Chair
Robert Naylor, Former State GOP Chair
Frank Visco, Former State GOP Chair
Michelle Steel, Board of Equalization Member
Dr. Joel Strom, Los Angeles Businessman

Edwards Campaign Expands Staff

EDWARDS CAMPAIGN EXPANDS STAFF
Democratic advisors Paul Blank and Chris Kofinis join the team

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – As Senator John Edwards’ campaign continues to expand and gain support across the country, the campaign today announced two new additions to the team.  Paul Blank has joined the campaign as Deputy Campaign Manager and Chris Kofinis has joined as Communications Director. Edwards’ campaign to build One America continues to grow, opening new offices and hiring more staff. 

“We are thrilled that Paul and Chris are joining our team,” said Campaign Manager David Bonior. “Our campaign continues to grow and gain strength as more and more Americans respond to Senator Edwards’ vision of One America, where every person has the chance to work hard and get ahead.  Paul and Chris’ talent and experience make them valuable additions to our team.”

Blank  previously worked as Director of Trippi & Associates and as the National Political Director for Governor Howard Dean’s presidential campaign.

Kofinis’ political career involves a number of grassroots and political campaigns, including the draftwesleyclark.com campaign, the first successful draft campaign of a presidential candidate in American history, a Senior Advisor to presidential candidate Wesley Clark,

Fmr. Ambassador Joseph Wilson Endorses Clinton

Fmr. Ambassador Joseph Wilson Endorses Clinton

The Clinton Campaign today announced the endorsement of leading Iraq war critic and former Ambassador Joseph Wilson.

“I have known Hillary Clinton for a decade. She is the one candidate who, in my judgment, understands the need to get Americans out of harm’s way and to move this to a political process,” Wilson said. “She knows what to do. She has the leadership. On day one, she will be able to reach out to the international community, and I am delighted to fight the fight with her.”

“Joe Wilson has stood up to this administration and held it accountable for the misinformation that led us into the Iraq war,” Clinton said. “I’m so pleased that we share the goal of ending this war so that we can begin bringing our troops home safely.”

A career diplomat in the US Foreign Service, Wilson spent more than 20 years in postings across Africa and the Middle East. He served as Deputy Chief of Mission in Baghdad, Iraq, from 1988-1991 on the eve of the Gulf War, and defied Saddam Hussein by giving shelter to hundreds of Americans and other foreigners. From 1992 to 1995 Wilson was Ambassador to Gabon and São Tomé and Príncipe, and later served as a special assistant to President Clinton and Director for African Affairs at the National Security Council.

Wilson is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Politics of Truth: Inside the Lies that Led to War and Betrayed My Wife's CIA Identity: A Diplomat's Memoir.

Biden Announces More NH Campaign Hires

BIDEN ANNOUNCES MORE NH CAMPAIGN HIRES 

CONCORD, NH (July 16, 2007) - The Biden for President Campaign today announced four new staff members to serve as Regional Field Directors for Senator Biden’s New Hampshire campaign. Julia Barnes of Nashua will serve Hillsborough County, Kristin Stewart of Concord will serve Merrimack County and the Lakes region, Nick Collins of Dover will serve Rockingham and Strafford Counties and John Hayden of Manchester will serve the North Country. 

“We are thrilled to have these talented individuals come on-board,” said Biden State Chair Jim Ryan. “Their experience and enthusiasm will make an immediate impact on our campaign as we criss-cross the state in support of Joe Biden.”

Giuliani Campaign Unveils Northwest Iowa Endorsements

Giuliani Campaign Unveils Northwest Iowa Endorsements

New York City – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today continued to build on its growing Iowa team announcing endorsements in Northwest Iowa.  Fort Dodge Mayor Terry Lutz, former State Senator Jim Kersten, local business owner Charese Yanney, the campaign’s Northwest Regional Chair Theresa Hammond and several county chairs and county co-chairs throughout the region are actively working to help grow Rudy Giuliani’s grassroots organization. 

“Rudy is not only the fiscal conservative candidate, he is a proven leader with the executive experience this country needs,” said Mayor Terry Lutz. “He understands lowering taxes, controlling wasteful Washington spending and keeping Americans safe at home are important issues for Iowans.”

“Rudy’s organization continues to grow in Iowa and our momentum builds as we approach the Iowa Caucuses,” said Giuliani’s National Political Director Mark Campbell. “We are honored to have Mayor Lutz and a strong support system across Northwest Iowa helping to communicate Mayor Giuliani’s positive message and strong leadership to voters in the region.”

This announcement of support comes on the heels of Giuliani announcing his Southwest Iowa leadership team.    

Northwest Iowa Endorsements:

Terry Lutz, Mayor of Fort Dodge
Former State Senator Jim Kersten, State Co-Chair
Former Sloan Mayor Tom Ullrich, Woodbury County Co-Chair
Theresa Hammond, Northwest Regional Chair and Woodbury County Chair
Charese Yanney, Woodbury County Small Business Owner
Dennis Hill, Woodbury County Co-Chair
Shirley Grant, Calhoun County Chair
Keeley Sinnard, Carroll County Chair
Brian Jannssen, Cherokee County Co-Chair
John Adams, Dickinson County Chair
Karen Butler, Emmet County Chair
Joan Luchtel, Sac County Chair
Jay Dorschner, Sioux County Chair

Southwest Iowa Endorsements:

Edward Martin, Former Mayor of Decatur City
Pottawattamie County Chair Loren Knauss, Southwest Iowa Regional Chair
Dennis Bloom, Montgomery County Co-Chair

Bill Richardson Announces Women For Richardson

Governor Bill Richardson Announces Women for Richardson, Releases Platform on Women's Issues

CONCORD, NH -- Governor Bill Richardson today announced the formation of Women for Richardson, a group of accomplished American women who will advise him on women's issues and outreach. The group will be co-chaired by New Mexico Lt. Governor Diane Denish and Dr. Martha Burk, immediate past Chair of the National Council of Women's Organizations and Senior Adviser to the Governor.

"I have long been dedicated to the issues important to women in this country -- educating our children, expanding access to healthcare, creating quality jobs, protecting our environment, and defending a woman's right to choose," said Governor Richardson "I am honored to have the support of these outstanding American citizens."

Governor Richardson also released his ambitious agenda on women's issues, detailing how the Richardson Administration will tackle the most critical concerns facing American women today and demonstrating that he is the candidate most committed to improving the lives of women.

Governor Richardson is the only candidate that has explicitly committed to protecting Roe v. Wade in Supreme Court nominations.
He is the only Presidential candidate who calls for a Social Security caregiver credit.
He is the only candidate to call for disclosure of pay statistics by gender, race, and job category, so that women can see if they are being treated fairly in the workplace.
And he is the only candidate to directly address the number one concern of women in the last election, ending the war, by calling for the withdrawal of all our troops from Iraq by the end of this calendar year.
"I am proud to stand with Governor Richardson, just as he has stood up for women throughout his long career in public service," said Burk. "There will be no stronger proponent of women and our issues in the White House than Governor Bill Richardson. He is by far the most progressive candidate when it comes to the issues women care about."

In New Mexico, Governor Richardson has strengthened families by creating over 90,000 high-quality jobs, raising the state minimum wage, and supporting state labor unions. He has made fighting domestic violence and crimes against women a priority. He created pre-kindergarten for four-year olds, guaranteed access to healthcare for every child under five, and created a women's health task force. In addition, Governor Richardson was honored by NARAL New Mexico as a "Champion of Choice" for his lifetime commitment to defending a woman's right to choose. As President, he will continue to fight fiercely for women and their families.

In addition to his work on the issues, Governor Richardson has appointed women to top positions wherever he has served. Two-thirds of his appointees as Secretary of Energy were women, and twelve members of his Cabinet in New Mexico are women. He plans to continue appointing highly-qualified women to top jobs in the White House.

"As an American and a woman, I am thrilled at the prospect of having someone of such high character and sound judgment in the White House," said Denish, New Mexico's first female Lieutenant Governor. "It has been a privilege to serve with Governor Richardson."

In addition to Dr. Burk, Governor Richardson was joined at the announcement by other members of the Women for Richardson Steering Committee, including New Mexico Secretary of Education Veronica Garcia and Giovanna Rossi, Director of the New Mexico Governor's Women's Health Advisory Council. Also in attendance were New Hampshire Women for Richardson co-Chairs State Representative Tara Reardon and Amanda Grady, Policy Director for the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.

Together with Women for Richardson, Governor Richardson will continue to reach out to women across the country to join his campaign for a stronger America.

Thompson Hits Airwaves With Immigration Plan

Thompson Hits Airwaves with Immigration Plan

Des Moines, IA – Today, Tommy Thompson’s Presidential campaign began airing a new sixty second radio ad focused on Governor Thompson’s plan for real immigration reform. 

In the advertisement, Governor Thompson outlines his common sense plan to address immigration.    First, Governor Thompson opposes any legislation that creates amnesty for illegal aliens. 

“We must support the rule of law in our country.  People who are found to be in the country illegally should be returned to their home countries and should have to wait at the end of the line, behind people who are seeking to enter the country or become citizens legally,” said Thompson.   

Second, Governor Thompson would complete the border security wall that Congress authorized last year within the first 150 days of his presidency.

Third, Thompson would pardon the border patrol agents who are being imprisoned for doing nothing more than their jobs.

And last, Thompson would require non-citizens who want to work in the United States to use a tamper proof ID card and penalize employers who do not verify with it.

Thompson added, “Every immigrant who wants to be a citizen of the United States must learn our American language – English.  It’s the language of opportunity and success in the U.S.”

The radio advertisement is airing statewide in Iowa.