2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Barbara Hagan To Chair Ron Paul's New Hampshire Pro-Life Coalition

Barbara Hagan to Chair Ron Paul's New Hampshire Pro-Life Coalition
Top right-to-life advocate will head up statewide efforts

ARLINGTON, VA – Long time right-to-life activist and former two-term New Hampshire state representative Barbara J. Hagan has endorsed Ron Paul for president of the United States. Mrs. Hagan will head up the Paul campaign's outreach to the New Hampshire pro-life community.

"The Ron Paul campaign is honored to have Barbara Hagan's support" said campaign chairman Kent Snyder. "Barbara is one of the most respected activists in New Hampshire and a giant in the pro-life community.  There is no one better to lead our outreach to the right-to-life voters of the Granite State."

Mrs. Hagan says pro-lifers from all political persuasions can and should support Congressman Ron Paul for president because of his impeccable voting record, understanding of our constitutional republic and the inalienable right to life for all.

Romney For President Names Jim Kurtenbach As North Central Iowa Chair

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT NAMES JIM KURTENBACH AS NORTH CENTRAL IOWA CHAIR

Boston, MA – Romney for President today announced that former State Representative Jim Kurtenbach will chair the campaign in North Central Iowa.

"Jim is a leading voice for fiscal conservatism, and he will help share with voters my vision of a more efficient and effective government," said Governor Mitt Romney.  "I look forward to working with Jim in North Central Iowa, where he will be a leader in my campaign's grassroots efforts."

With today's announcement, Kurtenbach said, "Governor Romney has the passion and experience to lead our country forward.  He has a proven record of outstanding leadership in the private, public and volunteer sectors.  I want to see Mitt Romney put his experience and qualifications to work for us in Washington."

Richardson Airs "Job Interview" TV Ads

Richardson Airs "Job Interview" TV Ads
Unique Ad Series Makes Light of Conventional Wisdom About Governor's Candidacy

SANTA FE, NM - Today, Governor Bill Richardson's Presidential campaign released the first two in a series of "Job Interview" TV ads that make light of the political establishment's view of the Governor's campaign for President.

"We wanted to do something original in a Presidential campaign - and that was to use humor to communicate Governor Richardson's vast record of achievement in public service, foreign affairs and as Governor of New Mexico," said campaign manager Dave Contarino.

The ads, which begin airing tomorrow in Iowa, feature the Governor in a generic job interview setting with a skeptical interviewer who remains unconvinced of the Governor's readiness to be President. "By highlighting Governor Richardson's sense of humor about his status in the race," said Contarino, "we're also giving voters a window into the Governor's personality and his willingness to poke a little fun at himself and the process of running for President."

The first commercial, entitled "Job Interview," summarizes Governor Richardson's long record in public office - from his 14 years in Congress to his service as U.N. Ambassador and Secretary of Energy to the many foreign dictators he's successfully negotiated with over the years. The second commercial, "Tell Me," continues the series by touching 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.

"Governor Richardson is truly unique in this race, both in terms of his extensive record of accomplishment and his personality. He's not a typical candidate for President and these are not typical ads," said Contarino. "One of the secrets of Governor Richardson's success at governing, negotiation, and foreign affairs is his ability to connect with people. His years of diplomatic experience have taught Governor Richardson that sometimes the best way to reach out is to put others at ease with humor and self-deprecation. These are serious times, but sometimes those are the most important times to be able to prompt a smile and start anew."

The commercials will begin running Thursday, May 10th on broadcast affiliates and cable systems in Iowa, and were produced by Steve Murphy and Mark Putnam of Murphy Putnam Media in Alexandria, Virginia.

“JOB INTERVIEW” RICHARDSON FOR PRESIDENT COMMERICAL TEXT

Mmmm hmmm. Hmmmm …
Ok, 14 years in Congress.
U.N. Ambassador.
Secretary of Energy.
Governor of New Mexico.
Negotiated with dictators in Iraq, North Korea, Cuba, Zaire, Nigeria, Yugoslavia, Kenya … got a ceasefire in Darfur …
nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize four times …
So … What makes you think you can be president?
“I’m Bill Richardson and I approved this message.”

“TELL ME” RICHARDSON FOR PRESIDENT COMMERCIAL TEXT

Interviewer: Tell me what you did as Governor of New Mexico.
Governor: Well, I used tax cuts to help create …
Job Interviewer: Over 80,000 jobs … yeah, saw that.
Governor: A lot of those jobs …
Job Interviewer: Are in high tech, helps the middle class.
Governor: Up to sixth in the nation for job growth …
Job Interviewer: Balanced five budgets,
Governor: New Mexico was 46th in teacher pay. Now we’re 29th.
Interviewer: But for what we’re looking for … you might be a little over-qualified.
“I’m Bill Richardson and I approved this message.”

Kerry Latest To Praise Dodd Energy Plan

KERRY LATEST TO PRAISE DODD ENERGY PLAN
Senator Dodd's Bold Leadership on Energy Continues to Gain Support

WASHINGTON – Today, Former Democratic Presidential Nominee and Senator John Kerry became the latest to laud Presidential Candidate Chris Dodd's comprehensive energy policy.  Kerry joins former Presidential Candidates Bill Bradley and Al Gore, as well as the League of Conservation Voters and Roger Ballentine, the Chairman of the Clinton White House Climate Change Task Force in applauding the plan.

"For too long, the debate over global climate change has reflected politics at its worst -- ducking the difficult choices, substituting words for deeds, and postponing the reckoning until the day after tomorrow," said Kerry.  "The issue has never been met with the urgency to match one of the most pressing issues of our time, and I'm glad to see Senator Dodd is speaking out to change that."

"Chris has proposed a serious policy to address a serious problem. The Democratic presidential nominating process and all Americans are better off because of Chris' leadership and his passionate commitment to ensuring a cleaner, healthier, and more secure energy future for our country."

Yesterday, Bill Bradley expressed praise for the plan, claiming that "Chris Dodd gets it."

"The only meaningful approaches to ending global warming include measures that would make it uneconomical to release greenhouse gases into the environment.  These measures may be politically risky, but they are necessary," said Bradley.

"Chris Dodd gets it, and his energy plan reflects the fact that we need honest and bold action if we are going to be serious about ending global warming.  His plan to raise fuel efficiency standards to 50 mpg would mean that we would no longer have to rely on OPEC to meet our energy needs, and as a result bolster American security."

In addition to raising fuel efficiency standards, Senator Dodd's Energy plan will reduce 80 percent of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and make the Production Tax Credit permanent for clean and renewable sources of energy.  Dodd's plan is the first among the Presidential candidates' to advocate a Corporate Carbon Tax, which will generate an estimated $50 billion annually and fund fast tracked research, development, and deployment of renewable technologies and expedite the process for bringing energy efficient technologies to market.

Giuliani Presidential Committee Names Bob Holste As National Coalitions Director

Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee Names Bob Holste as National Coalitions Director

New York City - The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee announced today that Bob Holste will serve as National Coalitions Director for Mayor Giuliani’s Presidential campaign.   Mr. Holste will oversee coalition development across the country and build organizations in each state.

“We are excited to have Bob Holste join Team Rudy and direct our national coalition efforts,” said National Political Director Mark Campbell.  “Bob has over 20 years of campaign and outreach experience and he is a valued addition to our team.”

Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley Endorses Clinton

Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley Endorses Clinton
O’Malley Will Serve as Chair of Maryland Campaign

The Clinton Campaign today announced the endorsement of Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley and named him Chair of Hillary’s Maryland campaign.

“At a critical time in our history, Hillary Clinton is the kind of experienced leader this country needs,” O’Malley said. “No one is better equipped to repair America’s alliances abroad and address the urgent needs of our communities at home.”

Long recognized as a rising star, O’Malley has been named “The Best Young Mayor in the Country” by Esquire Magazine and one of America’s “Top 5 Big City Mayors” by Time Magazine. In 2005, Business Week listed O’Malley as one of “Five Fresh Faces” to lead the Democratic Party.

“Martin is a terrific leader whose innovative initiatives have been emulated around the country,” Clinton said. “I’m honored that he will lead our efforts in Maryland.”

Team Rudy Announces Campaign Executive Directors In Iowa And New Hampshire

Team Rudy Announces Campaign Executive Directors in Iowa and New Hampshire

New York City –The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee announced today Joe Jarabek will be the campaign’s Executive Director for Iowa and Jennifer Hallowell will serve as Executive Director for New Hampshire.  Jarabek and Hallowell will oversee all aspects of the Giuliani campaign in those respective states, from building solid grassroots organizations to promoting Mayor Giuliani’s message of leadership throughout the state. 

“Mayor Giuliani’s vision for America is resonating with voters and generating a great deal of positive support in Iowa and New Hampshire,” said Giuliani’s campaign manager Michael DuHaime. “We are lucky to have Joe Jarabek and Jennifer Hallowell. They will take our momentum and build strong organizations in these key early voting states.”

Romney For President Launches New Television Ad, "Now Is The Time"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD, "NOW IS THE TIME"

Boston, MA – Romney for President today launched its newest television ad, "Now Is The Time."  The ad highlights Governor Romney's support for strengthening our armed forces to meet a new generation of global challenges.  Governor Romney has proposed expanding our armed forces by 100,000 soldiers and committing at least four percent of the gross domestic product to military spending. 

The ad will begin airing today in Iowa, New Hampshire and on national cable networks.  Scripts and viewing links are below.

Script For "Now Is The Time" (TV:30):

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "This isn't the time for us to shrink from conservative principles. 

"It's a time for us to stand in strength.

"America must remain the world's military superpower.

"If we lock our arms together, we can forge the political will to rebuild our military might.

"Now is the time for us to lead a great coalition of strength.

"For our families, for our future, for America.

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

To view "Now Is The Time", please see:  http://mitt-tv.mittromney.com/?showid=51917

Bill Bradley Endorses Dodd Plan For Energy

BILL BRADLEY ENDORSES DODD PLAN FOR ENERGY
"Chris Dodd gets it," says former Senator and White House contender

WASHINGTON – Former New Jersey Senator Bill Bradley today became the latest to endorse Senator Chris Dodd's comprehensive plan to begin to turn back the clock on global climate change and end American reliance on Middle East oil. 

"The only meaningful approaches to ending global warming include measures that would make it uneconomical to release greenhouse gases into the environment.  These measures may be politically risky, but they are necessary," said Bradley.

"Chris Dodd gets it, and his energy plan reflects the fact that we need honest and bold action if we are going to be serious about ending global warming.  His plan to raise fuel efficiency standards to 50 mpg would mean that we would no longer have to rely on OPEC to meet our energy needs, and as a result bolster American security."

In addition to raising fuel efficiency standards, Senator Dodd's Energy plan will reduce 80 percent of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and make the Production Tax Credit permanent for clean and renewable sources of energy.  Dodd's plan is the first among the Presidential candidates' to advocate a Corporate Carbon Tax, which will generate an estimated $50 billion annually and fund fast tracked research, development, and deployment of renewable technologies and expedite the process for bringing energy efficient technologies to market.

Senator Dodd's plan has been praised by Al Gore, the League of Conservation Voters and Roger Ballentine, the Chairman of the Clinton White House Climate Change Task Force.

Bob, Loretta Parker To Serve As Story County Co-Chairs For Mike Huckabee

BOB, LORETTA PARKER TO SERVE AS STORY COUNTY CO-CHAIRS FOR HUCKABEE PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN

WEST DES MOINES – Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee announced today that Bob and Loretta Parker of Story City will serve as Story County co-chairs for his presidential exploratory committee.       

“Bob and Loretta Parker embody what’s best about Iowa and America: a devotion to family, community, God and country that have made America the greatest nation on the planet,” Huckabee said.  “The lives they’ve led have made a real difference for so many people.  The fact that they’ve chosen to join our campaign says we’re on the right track with our commitment to elevate the public policy dialogue and provide real solutions for Main Street America.”

Huckabee launched his exploratory presidential campaign on Jan. 30 and is expected to make an official announcement in the coming weeks.

“Mike Huckabee has proven that he has the qualities of leadership, conviction, conscience and energy that will make him a winning candidate and an effective president of our country,” the Parkers said. “We agree with Governor Huckabee that our country will sustain its greatness when we each and individually, regardless of our economic, religious or personal history, ‘cease to be consumed only with our own prosperity, security, and needs’ and focus on the greater good.  His optimistic, clear vision of the future of America can captivate and motivate our people.”