2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Richardson Calls for "Clean Energy Nation" In New Television Ad

Richardson Calls for "Clean Energy Nation"
New Television Ad Touts New Mexico's Status as Leading State for Environmental Preservation

SANTA FE, NM - Governor Bill Richardson has begun airing a new television ad in Iowa focusing on his environmental record and highlights how New Mexico moved faster than any other state to promote renewable energy and fight global warming.

To view the ad, please go to http://action.richardsonforpresident.com/cleanenergy

"We've made New Mexico the clean energy state," says Richardson in the television commercial. "As president, I'll make us the clean energy nation."

"Governor Richardson has done more than any other candidate for president to pass wide-ranging comprehensive measures to protect the environment," said campaign manager Dave Contarino. "This ad shows the depth of his record and commitment to fighting global warming in a serious, substantive fashion."

Under Governor Bill Richardson, New Mexico has started requiring utility companies to produce energy from renewable sources. The state has invested directly in energy efficiency and is promoting renewable energy with tax credits for using wind, solar, and biofuels. Bill Richardson also led the effort to eliminate taxes on hybrid cars.

"Governor Richardson has the most aggressive environmental protection plan of anyone running for president," said Contarino. Within twelve years, Richardson's plan would reduce global warming pollution by 20 percent, lower demand for oil by fifty percent, and push fuel economy standards to 50 miles per gallon. By the year 2040, Bill Richardson's plan would require that 50 percent of the United States electricity be generated from renewable sources and would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent.

The League of Conservation Voters praised Governor Richardson's proposals as the most aggressive plan of any candidate for president, saying "Richardson sets the highest goals for reducing global warming pollution and increasing production from renewable energy sources." Sierra Club President Carl Pope said Governor Richardson's plan "raised the bar" in the fight against global warming, and is "much more aggressive than anything we've seen so far from the candidates. It is also significantly better elaborated...."

The campaign is introducing the new commercial in Iowa and New Hampshire while continuing to run the widely heralded "Job Interview" TV ads. The campaign's commercials were produced by Steve Murphy and Mark Putnam of Murphy Putnam Media in Alexandria, Virginia.

Rhode Island Rep. Jim Langevin Endorses Clinton

Rhode Island Rep. Jim Langevin Endorses Clinton
Langevin will serve as a Chair of Rhode Island Campaign

The Clinton Campaign today announced the endorsement of Rhode Island Congressman Jim Langevin and named him a Chair of Clinton's Rhode Island campaign. Langevin will serve as a special adviser to the campaign on stem cell research and policy and outreach to people with disabilities.

"I firmly believe that Senator Clinton has the experience, strength and vision to lead our country from her very first day as President," Langevin said. "I have long admired Senator Clinton, from her initial days as our First Lady working to solve our nation's health care crisis to her tenure in the Senate, where she continues to champion the needs of the less fortunate. Now more than ever we need a leader with Senator Clinton's experience both nationally and internationally.

"I deeply admire Jim's tireless efforts to support stem cell research and provide healthcare for all Americans," Clinton said. "I'm delighted that he will help lead our efforts in Rhode Island."

Mitt Romney Announces Florida County Chairs

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES FLORIDA COUNTY CHAIRS

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced the campaign's first group of Florida County Chairs. These 59 individuals will lead the campaign's efforts in nearly half of Florida's 67 counties. They will build and expand Governor Romney's grassroots infrastructure across the state, helping to share his vision for America's future with more Floridians.

"We have a strong and growing organization in the Sunshine State, and I am honored to have the support and commitment of these Floridians," said Governor Romney.  "This group of dedicated individuals will spearhead our local efforts to reach out to Florida voters as I continue to aggressively campaign in this important state."

These county leaders join a Florida organization that includes an accomplished Florida Steering Committee and a Florida Statewide Finance Team comprised of more than 80 business and community leaders from across the state.  The Florida Steering Committee is led by former Lieutenant Governor Toni Jennings and chaired by former Speaker of the House Allan Bense, Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson, former Chairman of the Florida Republican Party Al Cardenas, U.S. Congressman Tom Feeney and former Speaker of the House John Thrasher.

"As Governor Romney campaigns in Florida and across the nation, voters are learning why he is the best choice to lead our nation and the only candidate that can bring strong, new leadership to Washington," said former Lt. Governor Toni Jennings.  "With our primary now moved up to January, this impressive team of county leaders will recruit new supporters and volunteers to help secure victory for Governor Romney in Florida."

Governor Romney's Florida Steering Committee is also co-chaired by St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker, State Representative Jennifer Carroll, former State Representative Dudley Goodlette, David Griffin, State Representative Anitere Flores, former Secretary of State Glenda Hood and former Republican Party of Florida Chairman Van Poole. Additionally, Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite serves as a member of Governor Romney's Congressional Whip Team.

Hillary Clinton Travels To Minneapolis For A Discussion On Health Care

Senator Hillary Clinton will travel to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she will tour Abbot Northwestern Hospital and participate in a roundtable discussion on health care and labor management cooperation.

Mitt Romney Announces Additions To The California Leadership Team

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES ADDITIONS TO THE CALIFORNIA LEADERSHIP TEAM

Boston, MA – Governor Mitt Romney announced today that Coronado Communications, led by Duane Dichiara, will head the daily operations of the California Romney for President campaign.  Rob Stutzman and Mike Schroeder were named Senior Advisers for the California campaign.  They join previously announced State Chairs Tony Strickland and Senate Minority Leader Dick Ackerman. 

"California will play an important role in the upcoming primary elections, and this team will be critical in making sure every voter knows about my message of change in Washington," said Governor Romney.  "I look forward to working with them so we can bring conservative leadership back to our government."

With today's announcement, Duane Dichiara said, "Coronado Communications is committed to electing a leader who is not afraid to fight for conservative principles and demand change.  Governor Romney's proven leadership is needed today more than ever.  He has successfully turned around private businesses, the 2002 Winter Olympics, and state government, and he will do the same as President."

Senior Adviser Rob Stutzman said, "Governor Romney is a strong leader who doesn't just talk about change, he gets real results.  By using proven conservative principles, Governor Romney has shown he is the candidate who can establish benchmarks in Washington to streamline government and return fiscal responsibility to our nation's capital.  I'm convinced Governor Romney is the candidate for Republican voters in California."    

Senior Adviser Mike Schroeder added, "Governor Romney has a strong California team and we will work to make sure every voter in California knows Governor Romney is the leader our country needs.  His new and innovative ideas are what our country needs to remain strong."

Dodd Releases New TV Ad Highlighting Bold Global Warming Policy

DODD RELEASES NEW TV AD HIGHLIGHTING BOLD GLOBAL WARMING POLICY

Senator and Presidential candidate Chris Dodd's campaign today released a new television advertisement slated to run in Iowa and New Hampshire. The ad highlights Senator Dodd's understanding of the magnitude of what is at stake because of global warming and his bold energy plan to address the crisis.

"With global warming affecting the health of our planet as well as our national security, we can't afford half-measures," said Dodd Campaign Manager Sheryl Cohen. "Chris Dodd is the candidate that recognizes the urgency of the situation and is offering honest and bold solutions that turn our challenges into opportunities."

Dodd is the only candidate to call for a Corporate Carbon Tax, the proceeds from which -- estimated at approximately $50 billion annually -- would fund research into alternative energy sources in order to make America energy independent while taking the lead around the globe on solving the growing crisis of global climate change, all while creating new jobs for Americans.

Dodd's energy plan has won accolades from environmental leaders, including former Vice President Al Gore, who called the Dodd plan "very creative," and Senator John Kerry, who said it is "a serious policy to address a serious problem ... Americans are better off because of Chris' leadership." "Chris Dodd gets it," said former Senator Bill Bradley. Dodd's Corporate Carbon Tax, wrote the Los Angeles Times' Ron Brownstein, "sets Dodd apart from the field."

Read Chris Dodd's energy plan at http://www.ChrisDodd.com/energy_independence.

The full ad can be viewed at http://www.ChrisDodd.com.

Full script, "Global":

ANNOUNCER: All the Earth's creatures are threatened by global warming. One candidate for President is doing something to stop it: Chris Dodd. He's the only one with an energy plan that has a courageous Corporate Carbon Tax to transform American industry. It's the plan Al Gore and Bill Bradley call "creative," "honest and bold."

DODD: I'm Chris Dodd, and I approved this message, because stopping global warming is in our hands.

Louis Freeh Endorses Rudy Giuliani For President

Louis Freeh Endorses Rudy Giuliani for President
Freeh Praises Giuliani CompStat Program in Cleaning up New York City 

New York – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced that former Director of the FBI, Louis Freeh, has put his support behind Rudy Giuliani for President of the United States. Freeh will serve as Senior Homeland Security Advisor and Chair of the Mayor’s campaign in Delaware.   

“Rudy Giuliani’s optimistic leadership is responsible for making the city of New York what it is today –one of the safest large cities in the country and a place where the world feels safe to visit. Through Rudy’s use of innovative crime fighting programs like CompStat, he demonstrated that with determination and strength, solutions can be crafted to seemingly intractable problems,” Freeh said. “I have known and admired Rudy for his law enforcement leadership and innovation for over twenty-five years. His devotion to public safety and the rule of law, plus real life knowledge about crime reduction turned one of the country’s most dangerous cities into the model for law and order.” 

“No one knows better than Louie Freeh what it takes to fight crime. I admire Louis Freeh for his dedication to justice and public service and I’m honored to have him as an advisor to the campaign,” Mayor Giuliani said.

Michigan Attorneys Join Supporters Of McCain

MICHIGAN ATTORNEYS JOIN SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN
Top Attorneys From East And West Michigan Co-Chair McCain Coalition

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that John Smietanka and Richard Zuckerman will serve as state co-chairs of the Arizona Senator's coalition of attorneys in the state of Michigan. 

"Senator McCain's leadership in the United States Senate helped secure the nominations of Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Alito," said Smietanka. "We look forward to working hard in Michigan to make certain that Senator McCain repeats his victory in the Michigan Presidential Primary." 

"John McCain is a leader who stands up and does what he knows is right regardless of political consequence," said Zuckerman. "That is the type of leadership we need in Washington today." 

Senator John McCain expressed his gratitude for Smietanka's and Zuckerman's leadership in Michigan. "John and Richard are highly respected members of the legal community and important Republican leaders in a key state," said Senator McCain. "I'm honored to have their support and counsel as we build a strong team in Michigan."

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa Endorses Clinton For President

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa Endorses Clinton For President
Villaraigosa Will Serve as a Chair of National Campaign

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa endorsed Hillary Clinton today, and was named a Chair of Clinton’s national campaign. 

“As a Mayor and former Assembly Speaker, I know that experience counts,” Villaraigosa said. “Hillary Clinton is the only candidate with the ability to hit the ground running on her first day in the White House. Her depth and breadth of experience is unmatched, and I’m confident she will be the kind of partner our cities and towns need from the federal government.” 

“I admire Mayor Villaraigosa’s ability to craft bipartisan solutions and get results,” Clinton said. “I’m honored he will help lead our national campaign, reaching out to a broad range of voters across the country to join our effort to change America.” 

Villaraigosa and Clinton announced the endorsement after a tour of the preschool at UCLA’s Krieger Center, where Clinton discussed her plan to provide pre-K access to all American children, including the more than 90% of California 4-year-olds who are not enrolled in a state pre-K program. Both Mayor Villaraigosa and Senator Clinton believe that a quality education begins with access to preschool and ensuring that students are educated by highly-trained teachers. They share the belief that every four-year old – not just those whose parents can afford it – should have the same opportunity to fulfill their full potential.

USA Today Story On Fred Thompson's Plan To Run

Thompson wants to be 2008's outsider 
By Susan Page, USA TODAY

STAMFORD, Conn. — "Politician-turned-actor Fred Thompson has been coy with audiences as he flirts with a bid for the Republican presidential nomination.

In an interview with USA TODAY, however, the former Tennessee senator not only makes it clear that he plans to run, he describes how he aims to do it. He's planning an unconventional campaign using blogs, video posts and other Internet innovations to reach voters repelled by politics-as-usual in both parties..."