2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Statement by Governor Thompson On Ames Straw Poll Participation

Statement by the Honorable Tommy Thompson:

From the beginning, a big part of our campaign plan has included the August Straw Poll held in Ames, Iowa. We felt that it would be an opportunity for our campaign to show the strength of our support as well as an opportunity to take our message to a national audience watching on television.

With the recent announcements by Senator McCain and Mayor Giuliani that they will not be participating in the straw poll, it’s clear that the competitive landscape has changed.

The straw poll is an expensive exercise even for campaigns with big war chests. Dollars spent on the straw poll are dollars that cannot be spent on direct voter contact. For a campaign to decide to participate in the straw poll means that there are other important campaign activities it cannot participate in.

Nevertheless, the Iowa Straw Poll has become a recent tradition in American campaign politics. During a month with very little hard news, it provides our nation a chance to listen to the major Republican presidential candidates discuss the issues important to the future of our country. The Ames Straw Poll is the best in American politics. More than 20,000 voters from across the state will descend on a town in the middle of Iowa to support their candidate and participate in the greatest electoral system the world has ever known. This is – in every way – a good thing for our country, for Iowa and our Party.

To skip the straw poll is to show fear...fear that a campaign's lack of support will finally be revealed and fear the entire country will see that the king has no clothes.

There's no doubt the stakes are high: eight years ago, four candidates dropped out as a result of the summer straw poll. And with all of the candidates investing heavily in Iowa, candidates who finish in the bottom half of the straw poll should withdraw from the race and support the rest of the field.

I believe the voters of Iowa and voters across the country deserve the chance to hear the uncensored comments of Republicans running for President. If Mayor Giuliani and Senator McCain choose not to take advantage of this opportunity, then I think it says more about their campaigns than it does the Iowa Straw Poll.

I will participate in the Iowa Straw Poll on August 11th. We will take our campaign of conservative solutions directly to the people of Iowa and the United States and let the votes fall where they may. Regardless of the outcome on August 11th, at least it will never be said that I was afraid to put my campaign's organization up against the rest. Lets start the race.

The Republican Party Of Iowa Straw Poll Ballot Announced

Iowa Straw Poll: The Starting Line-Up

The Republican Party of Iowa is looking forward to a strong and solid line-up at the Iowa Straw Poll.  This afternoon, both Mike Huckabee and Tommy Thompson announced they are currently planning on participating in the Iowa Straw Poll on Saturday, August 11, in Ames, Iowa.  With their announcement, the field of candidates participating in the event now includes Senator Sam Brownback, John Cox, former Governor Mike Huckabee, Congressman Duncan Hunter, Congressman Ron Paul, former Governor Mitt Romney, Congressman Tom Tancredo and former Governor Tommy Thompson.

Chuck Laudner, the Executive Director of the Republican Party of Iowa, feels confident the event will be a success.  "The commitments from these eight candidates assures Iowa will have an impact with it's first in the nation status.  They will have the opportunity to connect with thousands of prospective Iowa caucus-goers, as well as receive a great deal of national and local media attention.  When I look at this line-up, I am convinced they will build the largest gathering of Republicans ever."

Also attending this year's Iowa Straw Poll will be Wayne LaPierre, CEO and Executive Vice President of the National Rifle Association; former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich; and radio personality Neal Boortz who will be leading a rally for the FairTax Association.

Additionally, this past weekend, the State Central Committee of the Republican Party of Iowa decided that the following announced presidential candidates will appear on the Iowa Straw Poll ballot:

Sam Brownback
John Cox
Jim Gilmore
Rudy Giuliani
Mike Huckabee
Duncan Hunter
John McCain
Ron Paul
Mitt Romney
Tom Tancredo
Tommy Thompson

Tommy Thompson To Compete In Ames Straw Poll

In a conference call with reporters, Governor Tommy Thompson announced that he will compete in the Ames Straw Poll.

“I wanted everybody to know up front that I am very much involved in this campaign and from the beginning a big part of my campaign plan has always included the August Straw Poll which is held in Ames, Iowa.”

“The Ames Straw Poll is the best in American politics. There will be well over 25,000 voters from all over the state who will be descending upon a town in the middle of Iowa to support their candidate and be able to participate I believe in the greatest electoral system the world has ever known.”

“This is in every way a good thing for our country, for Iowa and certainly for our Republican Party.”

“I will definitely participate in the Iowa Straw Poll on August 11^th. I’m going to take my campaign of conservative solutions directly to the people of Iowa.”

FEC Introduces Online Map to Track Presidential Campaign Contributions

FEC Introduces Online Map to Track Presidential Campaign Contributions

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) now has a new, interactive map on its web site (http://www.fec.gov) that displays individual contributions to the 2008 Presidential candidates. With a simple click of the mouse, a user can highlight on the map the amount of money raised on a state-by-state basis.  Users also have the option of viewing contributions to specific candidates, all candidates or all candidates from a political party.  The map conveniently displays the total contributions to each candidate, along with their cash on hand and the distribution of their contributions by amount.

Users may select to view contributions in specific states.  The map lists contributors by name, city, amounts of donations and dates within the first three digits of their zip code. These lists can be sorted and downloaded to a spreadsheet format.

The map represents another step by the FEC to share campaign finance information with the public.  The FEC map will be updated within one day of the agency’s receipt of electronically-filed Presidential disclosure reports.  The next Presidential campaign finance reports must be filed by July 15.   Commenting on this new online search capability, FEC Chairman Robert Lenhard said: “This new online tool underscores our commitment to the public to disclose campaign finance information in a timely and easily understood manner.”

Mitt Romney Announces National Faith And Values Steering Committee

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES THE NATIONAL FAITH AND VALUES STEERING COMMITTEE

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced the members of the Romney for President National Faith and Values Steering Committee, a coalition of supporters who will advise Governor Romney on matters of faith and values.

"The men and women of our National Steering Committee represent decades spent defending faith, religious expression and traditional values.  I believe that our Party and our nation must stand for strong families, traditional marriage and the sanctity of human life.  I am proud to be joined by these leaders in our campaign to change Washington," said Governor Romney.

Serving as a Chair of the Steering Committee, noted Constitutional Attorney and Supreme Court Advocate Jay Sekulow said, "Governor Romney has a strong record of defending traditional values and supporting the faith community.  He is the one candidate who has spoken to the importance of promoting stronger families.  In Washington, he will stand alongside those defending our most important values." 

Iowa Committee Members

Tom Coates, Vice President, Truth About Gambling, Iowa
Joe Earle, Former Director Of Church and Community Development, Iowa Christian Alliance, Iowa
Keith Hunter, Board Member, Iowa Christian Alliance, Iowa
Sen. Dave Johnson, Conservative Activist, Iowa
Kathy Oltmans, Iowa

Florida Rep. Kendrick Meek Endorses Clinton

Florida Rep. Kendrick Meek Endorses Clinton
Meek Will Serve as Senior Advisor

The Clinton Campaign today announced the endorsement of Florida Congressman Kendrick Meek and named him a Senior Advisor to the Senator and her campaign.

“Senator Hillary Clinton is the Democratic candidate with the perfect blend of leadership, talent and intellect to lead our nation in a new direction.  It is my honor to endorse Senator Hillary Clinton to be our next president,” Meek said. “I am pleased to accept Senator Clinton’s offer to serve as her Senior Advisor, and will work to help her win this campaign.  Where Hillary Clinton needs me, I will go and deliver her message of hope and opportunity to all Americans.  Ending the war in Iraq, tackling the inequities in our health care system, breaking our dependency on foreign oil – that is Hillary Clinton’s agenda and I will work tirelessly to help her achieve these goals.”

“Kendrick is a rising star and the future of our party,” Clinton said.  “I’m honored to have his support, and fortunate to have him advising me on policy and campaign strategy.  I look forward to working together as we tackle the challenges facing America at home and abroad.”

Tommy Thompson Takes Iraq Plan Directly to Iowa Voters

Thompson Takes Iraq Plan Directly to Iowa Voters
New Media Campaign Launches Today in Iowa

Des Moines – Saying it was time to take his plan directly to voters, former Health and Human Services Secretary, Tommy Thompson, launched a radio ad today outlining his plan to win the peace in Iraq.

“The Iraq War is the single most important issue to Republicans and Americans on the whole. I'm the only candidate with a credible plan to win the peace and I want voters to hear it,” said Thompson. “I understand that some voters may disagree with parts of it, but most Iowans agree that we need a framework to solve the problem.”

The ad, which has Thompson speaking for 57 seconds of the 60 second ad, outlines his three part plan to bring an end to the Iraq War. The text of the ad is:

TGT: The Iraq War is the most important issue facing our country and our party. This is Tommy Thompson. My plan to win the peace in Iraq is straightforward. First, force a vote of the Al Maliki government as to whether they want our troops in the country. If they vote “yes” our stay is legitimate. If they vote “no”, then we begin redeploying our troops out of Iraq.

Second, they should establish 18 state governments where each major ethnic group can elect their own people. This would bring an end to much of the strife that currently divides Iraq. Finally, they must share their oil profits with every person in Iraq, just like the state of Alaska does with its oil revenues. This would spark an upsurge in their economy and give every man, woman and child a stake in the future of their oil industry and their country. I'm Tommy Thompson and my campaign for president is talking real solutions to real problems. Visit my Web site at Tommy2008.com to learn more.

The radio advertisement can be heard on the Thompson Web site at www.Tommy2008.com.

“Our plan is to start on radio and ramp up the media campaign as the summer continues. As we move into the fall, we will begin an all out push to take our message directly to voters,” said Brian Dumas, Thompson campaign manager. “The bottom line is Tommy Thompson is the single most qualified person running for President in either party. Voters need to hear him and we're confident that will lead to stronger support.”

Thompson is a former four term Governor of Wisconsin as well as former Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretary under President Bush. In his role as Secretary, Thompson directed the efforts to protect the United States from bioterrorism attacks.

Dodd Campaign Releases Two New Ads "Amazing Grace" And "Split"

DODD CAMPAIGN RELEASES TWO NEW ADS
Candidate's Proven Leadership, Bold Vision for the Future Take Center Stage

WASHINGTON - Today, the Dodd for President Campaign announced two new ads, which will begin running today in Iowa and New Hampshire. The ads highlight Senator Dodd's experience and his vision for America as President.
The first ad, "Amazing Grace", which is narrated by Senator Dodd, features Grace Dodd, his eldest daughter, and details why Dodd is running for President. The second ad, "Split", draws attention to Senator Dodd's long commitment to public service, beginning when he was 22 and joined the Peace Corps and extending throughout his career in Congress. Dodd served in the Dominican Republic while in the Peace Corps, where he became fluent in Spanish.
"Chris Dodd is the only candidate who has the proven ability and bold vision to right the wrongs of the past six years," said Dodd Campaign Manager Sheryl Cohen. "With these two new ads voters will begin to see that Chris Dodd has a lifetime of leadership and proven track record of getting things done that America needs in its next President."
In recent months, Dodd has taken the lead among Presidential candidates in urging Congress to use its constitutionally-mandated power of the purse to end the war in Iraq and in his Comprehensive Energy Plan, which has been praised by Al Gore, Bill Bradley, John Kerry and the League of Conservation Voters, among others.

Both ads can be viewed at www.chrisdodd.com. The scripts for "Amazing Grace" and "Split" are below.

"Amazing Grace"
"I was blessed to become a first time father at age fifty-seven. Our daughter Grace was born two days after 9/11 into a very changed world. I want my campaign to be about all of our children and the kind of world we give them. I intend to offer the boldest most creative approaches I can to make our country more secure, to stop global warming and to restore our moral leadership.
"I'm Chris Dodd, I'm running for President, and I approved this message because I know that America can lead the world again."

"Split"
"At 22 he joined the Peace Corps building schools and trust.
"His Family and Medical Leave Act has allowed fifty million Americans to take time off to care for a newborn or sick family member.
"He's worked with world leaders to build alliances and end conflicts.
"Now Chris Dodd is running for President, with the strongest plan to get us out of Iraq, and the boldest plan for energy independence.
"Have you asked what the others have done?"
"I'm Chris Dodd and I approved this message."

Edwards Iowa Campaign Announces 99 County Chairs

EDWARDS IOWA CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCES 99 COUNTY CHAIRS
Edwards Campaign First In Iowa to Announce Chairs in Every County in State

Waterloo, Iowa – As Elizabeth Edwards visited Iowa for the grand opening of the campaign’s Waterloo office, the John Edwards for President campaign today announced that it has signed up county chairs for all 99 Iowa counties.   

The Edwards campaign becomes the first campaign -- Democratic or Republican -- to announce county chairs for each of Iowa’s 99 counties.  These chairs - including elected officials, educators and influential business and community leaders – will work to organize their county for Senator Edwards and spread the word about his detailed and specific plans, from ending the war in Iraq to guaranteeing health care for every American.

In April, Edwards announced that the campaign had signed up a rural chairperson in all 99 counties to focus specifically on organizing the rural portions of every county.  The county chairs announced today will work with the rural county chairs and others throughout their county to mobilize support for Senator Edwards.

The announcement comes just days before Senator Edwards will visit Iowa to discuss his plans to end the war in Iraq, pass truly universal health care and revitalize the economy of small towns across America. Mrs. Edwards return to Iowa to accompany him for several stops during the three-day campaign swing.

“All of us – right here in Iowa and across the country – need to take action to start changing our country today,” Senator Edwards said.  “I appreciate the support of the many business, civic and community leaders who have agreed to lead our campaign effort in every Iowa county.  They will also advise me on the issues that matter to Iowans -- because I believe it’s time America had a president who put the concerns of everyday Americans first.”

“John and Elizabeth Edwards understand the challenges that regular Iowans face – from paying the health care bill to sending your kid to college,” said Joy Lowe, a county coordinator for Black Hawk County.  “But even more importantly, Senator Edwards is the candidate with the best and most specific ideas about how to help families in Iowa, as well as to end the war and improve our standing in the world.  I’m honored to be part of this campaign because I believe he’s not only our best candidate, but he’ll make a great president who can deliver for Iowa families.” 

Edwards’ 99 County Chairs are:

John Edwards for President
Iowa County Chairs and Co-Chairs

Linda Madison, Adair, Adair
Pat Kennedy, Corning, Adams
Toni Kolsrud, Waterville, Allamakee
Judith Engle, Waukon, Allamakee
Justine Heffron, Centerville, Appanoose
Debbie Kury, Centerville, Appanoose
Alan Smalley, Audubon, Audubon
Peggy Smalley, Audubon County Treasurer, Audubon, Audubon
Rosemary Schwartz, Former Benton County Democratic Party Central Committee Chair, Vinton, Benton
Joy Lowe, Former Black Hawk County Democratic Party Central Committee Vice Chair, Waterloo, Black Hawk
Russ Lowe, Waterloo, Black Hawk
Marilyn Jordan, Boone, Boone
Georgia Robertson, Boone County Democratic Party Central Committee Co-Chair, Boone, Boone
Peg Dunbar, Former Bremer County Democratic Party Central Committee Chair, Waverly, Bremer
Richard MacHacek, Iowa Democratic Party State Central Committee Member, Winthrop, Buchanan
Michelle Ficken, Independence, Buchanan
Eugene Ficken, Independence, Buchanan
Juanita Hamilton, Storm Lake, Buena Vista
Willis Hamilton, Storm Lake, Buena Vista
Rod Baker, Parkersburg, Butler
Susie Baker, Parkersburg, Butler
Colin McCullough, Rockwell City, Calhoun
Bill Clinton, Carroll, Carroll
William Kennedy, Anita, Cass
Mary Sesker, Tipton, Cedar
Patricia Furchtenicht, West Branch, Cedar
Pat Steinfort, Mason City, Cerro Gordo
Chris Petersen, Iowa Farmer's Union President, Clear Lake, Cerro Gordo
Janet Sundberg, Cherokee, Cherokee
Pat Wegman, Chickasaw County Attorney, New Hampton, Chickasaw
Stephen Waterman, Osceola, Clarke
Bill O'Hearn, Spencer, Clay
Brenda Gibbs, Garnavillo, Clayton
Highland Nichols, Clinton, Clinton
Les Lewis, Former Crawford County Democratic Party Central Committee Chair, Denison, Crawford
Kay Nelson, Dow City, Crawford
Daniel Spellman Sr, Perry, Dallas
Karen Miller, West Des Moines, Dallas
Kurt Swaim, State Representative, Bloomfield, Davis
Marie McBroom, Decatur, Decatur
Judy McMahon, Manchester, Delaware
Mike McMahon, Manchester, Delaware
Sandy Dockendorff, Danville, Des Moines
Jeannette Kline, President of Burlington Iowa State Education Association Chapter, Burlington, Des Moines
Greg Stevens, Former State Representative, Milford, Dickinson
Becky Sisco, Dubuque, Dubuque
Don Brown, Estherville, Emmet
Peggy Sherrets, Oelwein, Fayette
Loyd Johnson, Nashua, Floyd
Renee Bultman, Hampton, Franklin
Steve Mac Donald, Fremont County Sheriff, Farragut, Fremont
Alis Martin, Grand Junction, Greene
Peggy Husmann, Morrison, Grundy
Rose Edwards, Stuart, Guthrie
Janet Adams, Webster City City Councilwoman, Former State Representative, Former Webster County Democratic Party Central Committee Chair, Webster City, Hamilton
Jim Devine, Corwith, Hancock
Sue Seedorff-Keninger, Ackley, Hardin
Mike Vittitoe, Missouri Valley, Harrison
Mickey Dingman, New London, Henry
Jerry Dingman, Henry County Democratic Party Central Committee Vice Chair, New London, Henry
Cathy Helman, Salem, Henry
David Helman, Henry County Democratic Party Central Committee Chair, Salem, Henry
Matt Malek, Howard County Democratic Party Central Committee Co-Chair, Cresco, Howard
Barb Zabel, Humboldt, Humboldt
Mike Zabel, Humboldt, Humboldt
Phyllis Groth, Battle Creek, Ida
Jamie Whitmer, Holstein, Ida
Tammy Kesterson, Iowa Democratic Party State Central Committee Member, Marengo, Iowa
Jane Dubert, Maquoketa, Jackson
Daniel Kelley, Jasper County Democratic Party Central Committee Vice Chair, Newton, Jasper
Jo Ann Crouch, Fairfield, Jefferson
Terrence Neuzil, Johnson County Supervisor, Iowa City, Johnson
David Redlawsk, University of Iowa Professor, Iowa City, Johnson
Victoria Tapken, Anamosa, Jones
Ron George, Keokuk County Sheriff, Keswick, Keokuk
Dennis McGuire, Algona, Kossuth
Sandy Chapman, Former Lee County Democratic Party Central Committee Chair, Fort Madison, Lee
Bob Jury, Farmington, Lee
Ernie Schiller, Lee County Supervisor, Donnellson, Lee
Donald Zeller, Linn County Sheriff, Palo, Linn
Lauri Lumm-Usher, Marion, Linn
Joel Miller, Linn County Auditor, Robins, Linn
Trish Schaefer, Former Mayor, Morning Sun, Louisa
Franklin Best, Former Mayor, Columbus City, Louisa
Joan Amos, Chariton, Lucas
Ron  Scholten, Larchwood, Lyon
Joyce Kooker, Winterset, Madison
Cynthia Drost, Former Mahaska County Recorder, New Sharon, Mahaska
Pat Sodak, Oskaloosa, Mahaska
Maureen Nichols, Knoxville, Marion
Sara Hansen, Marshalltown, Marshall
Carol Crawford, Glenwood, Mills
Elaine Smolik, Osage, Mitchell
Bonnie Banks, Mapleton, Monona
Jody Ewing, Iowa Democratic Party State Central Committee Member, Onawa, Monona
Marjorie Demoss, Albia, Monroe
Leland Carmichael, Former Mayor, Former Montgomery County Supervisor, Villisca, Montgomery
Henry Marquard, Iowa Environmental Protection Commission President, Muscatine, Muscatine
Sharon Marquard, Muscatine, Muscatine
Kas Kelly, Muscatine County Supervisor, Muscatine, Muscatine
Marilyn Brubaker, Paullina, O'Brien
Phyllis Vanwyk, Sibley, Osceola
Roberta Farmer, Clarinda, Page
Peter Hart, Palo Alto County Attorney, Emmetsburg, Palo Alto
Ron Stopak, Le Mars, Plymouth
Calista Hammes, Pocahontas, Pocahontas
John Campbell, Union Activist, Steelworker, Des Moines, Polk
Thomas Fisher, Former State Representative, Des Moines, Polk
Barbara Miller, West Des Moines, Polk
Dennis Anderson, Polk County Sheriff, Des Moines, Polk
Dean Jennings, Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie
Pamela Wilson, Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie
Ellie Snook, Poweshiek County Supervisor, Montezuma, Poweshiek
Jim Uhlenkamp, Former Ringgold County Democratic Party Central Committee Chair, Mount Ayr, Ringgold
Russ Hass, Sac City, Sac
Ann Hutchinson, Former Mayor, Bettendorf, Scott
Beverly Strayhall, Davenport, Scott
Roger Butts, Reverend, Davenport, Scott
Mel Clothier, Harlan, Shelby
Michelle Vanwyk, Ireton, Sioux
Sande McNabb, Ames, Story
Lynne Baltzer, Ames, Story
Dori Rammelsberg-Dvorak, Iowa Democratic Party Secretary, Tama County Democratic Party Central Committee Chair, Clutier, Tama
Pam King, Bedford, Taylor
Jan Knock, Creston, Union
Lori Hays, Creston, Union
Todd Wolverton, Creston, Union
Vicki Shepard, Van Buren County Democratic Party Central Committee, Keosauqua, Van Buren
Dave McMillin, Ottumwa, Wapello
Sally Steffen, Former Wapello County Supervisor, Ottumwa, Wapello
Ray Walton, Indianola, Warren
Joshua Brown, Indianola, Warren
Jo-Ann Zager, Brighton, Washington
William Gode, Corydon, Wayne
Char Gustufson, Fort Dodge, Webster
Roger Olien, Scarville, Winnebago
Lyle Otte, Former Winneshiek County Democratic Party Central Committee Secretary, Decorah, Winneshiek
Georgie Klevar, Winneshiek County Democratic Party Central Committee Vice-Chair, Decorah, Winneshiek
Mac Smith, Sioux City, Woodbury
Connie Richardson Smith, Sioux City, Woodbury
Al Sturgeon, Former State Representative, Former Woodbury County Democratic Party Central Committee Chair, Sioux City, Woodbury
Wayne Estes, Northwood, Worth
Denise Hocraffer, Wright County Democratic Party Central Committee Chair, Clarion, Wright

Bill Richardson Names Ed Romero As National Finance Chair

Governor Bill Richardson Names Former US Ambassador Ed Romero as National Finance Chair

SANTA FE, NM -- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today announced that former US Ambassador to Spain and Andorra Edward L. Romero will serve as the National Finance Chairman for his Presidential campaign.

"Ambassador Romero is a true American success story- a successful businessman, dedicated public servant, Veteran, and a national leader on Hispanic issues and diversity," said Governor Richardson. "His extraordinary life is a tribute to his heritage and his personal character, and I am honored that he has agreed to serve in this critical position. In addition, his political networking and fundraising experience will be a major asset to my campaign."

The Richardson for President National Finance Team is led by Jennifer Yocham Poersch, Linnea Dyer and Colleen Turrentine and is based in Washington, DC.

Ambassador Romero served on the national finance committees for Presidents Carter and Clinton and Vice President Al Gore, and raised money for Presidential candidate John Kerry.