2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Tommy Thompson On The First GOP Debate

GOP DEBATE: GOVERNOR THOMPSON WINS THE IRAQ DEBATE

SIMI VALLEY, California – Governor Tommy G. Thompson showed Thursday night in the first Republican presidential debate that he is the only candidate in the field who has a clear and practical plan for building a politically and economically stable Iraq.

“As Americans, we have a duty to support our troops for as long as they are in the field of battle,” Governor Thompson said. “At the same time, we must help build a strong political and economic infrastructure so the Iraqi government and people can succeed on their own.”

Specifically, as the only candidate who is offering a comprehensive plan for long-term success, Governor Thompson believes the United States must take the following steps:

First, the Iraqi government should vote on whether they want
United States in their country. If they do, we have greater world standing to be there and it further legitimizes our efforts domestically.
If not, the United States should leave. Iraq has a duly elected government and we should listen to its wishes.

Second, the United States should work with Iraqi leaders to form
democratically elected governments in the nation’s 18 self-governing provinces that would operate under a national government. This will give Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds their own pieces of Iraq – their own land and their own say in how it is run.

Third, the United States should encourage the Iraqi government to
give every Iraqi a stake in the nation’s rich oil reserves. Oil revenues should be divided in thirds among the national government, the provincial governments and individual Iraq citizens. This will create great incentive for all Iraqis to protect their oil reserves, while helping ensure that their federal and provincial governments govern fairly. And it will create wealth among all levels of society, inspiring entrepreneurship and economic growth – two major keys to bringing peace to Iraq.

Taken together, these three steps will give Iraqis – both the government and its citizens – an ownership stake in their newly free nation. With this ownership will come newfound hope and opportunity in a nation too long ruled and terrorized by dictators.

Romney For President Statement On The First Republican Presidential Debate

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY WINS FIRST DEBATE WITH MESSAGE OF CONSERVATIVE CHANGE IN WASHINGTON

Simi Valley, CA – Tonight, Romney for President Communications Director Matt Rhoades released the following statement on the first Republican presidential debate:

"Tonight at the Reagan Library, Governor Romney stood out as the best candidate as a result of his outlining a vision for the policies needed to bring conservative change to Washington.  On every question posed and on every issue debated, Governor Romney clearly demonstrated he has both the proven record and the leadership capabilities required to win the Republican Party's nomination and lead America toward a brighter future.

"Voters learned tonight that with Governor Romney's strong leadership, there is no problem America cannot solve." 

RNC Chairman Robert M. "Mike" Duncan on 2008 Republican Presidential Debate In California

Republican National Committee Chairman Robert M. “Mike” Duncan released the following statement in response to the 2008 Republican Presidential Debate at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California:

“Maybe there really are two Americas: one of promise and opportunity that Republicans talked about tonight, and one of retreat and disappointment that the Democrats talked about last week.”

“A week ago, America saw eight Democrats rush to the left. They argued to see who would be the first to leave Iraq to the terrorists, and who was most enthusiastic about raising our taxes.

“Tonight, in contrast, the Republican candidates laid out their positive visions for America.  They talked about strategies to win the War on Terror, and how to keep our taxes low so our economy will continue to grow and create jobs.  The contrast with last week could not have been more stark.”

Edwards Calls For News Networks To Make Debate Footage Available

EDWARDS CALLS FOR NEWS NETWORKS TO MAKE DEBATE FOOTAGE AVAILABLE

Chapel Hill, North Carolina -- Senator John Edwards sent the following letter to news networks, asking them to make video footage from the presidential debates that they broadcast available to the public.

Dear Messrs Walton, Moonves and Zucker, Mses. Sweeney and Kerger, and Dr. Dean:

Selecting a president is the most important responsibility Americans have.  In an age of 30-second ads, 7-second sound bites and media consolidation, making an informed decision is harder than ever.

That is why I am asking each news network to make video footage from the presidential debates that they broadcast available on the internet for the public to view and use responsibly.  I am also asking Chairman Dean, who is playing a valuable role in organizing many of the Democratic primary debates, to use his influence with the networks to make the debates more broadly available.

The Creative Commons license terms offer an easy way to ensure that the networks' rights are protected.  Much of the content on my own campaign web site is available under just such a license.

Commercial constraints are severe enough in their effect in diluting the substance of our campaigns.  Limiting access to long-form televised debates makes matters worse.

Sincerely,

John Edwards

Obama Statement On "National Day Of Prayer"

Obama Statement On "National Day Of Prayer"

Chicago, IL- Senator Obama today released the following statement on "National Day of Prayer."

"President Lincoln once remarked, 'I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go.'  On this National Day of Prayer, I join millions of Americans in thanking God for listening in times of both challenge and triumph, and for lifting up our fellow citizens, our nation, and our world."

Raul M. Grijalva and Arizona Leaders Endorse Edwards

Congressman Raul M. Grijalva and Arizona Leaders Endorse Edwards for President

Tucson, Arizona - As Senator John Edwards visits Tucson today for a community meeting, several Arizona Democratic leaders are endorsing Edwards for president, including Congressman Raul M. Grijalva.

"I am honored to have Raul's support and the support of all these great Arizona leaders," said Edwards. "Working together we can restore America's place of moral leadership in the world and lift up all Americans."

"I strongly believe that John Edwards is the right man for the Democrats to nominate for the White House in 2008," said Grijalva. "He has shown principled leadership on the way in Iraq and on economic opportunity in America."

Obama Urges Dean To Make Video Of Democratic Debates Available To The Public

Obama Urges Dean To Make Video Of Democratic Debates Available To The Public

Says Allowing Bloggers and others to Post Video of Debates  will
Encourage Participation

Chicago, IL – Senator Barack Obama today sent a letter to Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Howard Dean urging the DNC to make the video from any Democratic Presidential debate publicly available after the debate for free and without restriction.

The text of Obama’s letter is below:

Dear Chairman Dean:

I am writing in strong support of a letter from a bipartisan coalition of academics, bloggers and Internet activists recently addressed to you and the Democratic National Committee.  The letter asks that the video from any Democratic Presidential debate be available freely after the debate, by either placing the video in the public domain, or licensing it under a Creative Commons (Attribution) license.

As you know, the Internet has enabled an extraordinary range of citizens to participate in the political dialogue around this election. Much of that participation will take the form of citizen generated content. We, as a Party, should do everything that we can to encourage this participation. Not only will it keep us focused on the issues that matter most to America, it will also encourage participation by a wide range of our youth who have traditionally simply tuned out from politics.

The letter does not propose some radical change in copyright law, or an unjustified expansion in "fair use." Instead,  it simply asks that any purported copyright owner of video from the debates waive that copyright.

I am a strong believer in the importance of copyright, especially in a digital age. But there is no reason that this particular class of content needs the protection. We have incentive enough to debate. The networks have incentive enough to broadcast those debates. Rather than restricting the product of those debates, we should instead make sure that our democracy and citizens have the chance to benefit from them in all the ways that technology makes possible.

Your presidential campaign used the Internet to break new ground in citizen political participation. I would urge you to take the lead again by continuing to support this important medium of political speech. And I offer whatever help I can to secure the support of others as well.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama

McCain's Team In New Jersey Continues To Grow

MCCAIN'S TEAM IN NEW JERSEY CONTINUES TO GROW
Local Leaders Prefer Arizona Senator's Common Sense Record

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Keith Davis of Atlantic County, Rick DeMichele of Camden County, and Rita Shade of Salem County will help lead the Arizona Senator's campaign in the state of New Jersey.

The members will leverage their combined years of experience and understanding of New Jersey's grassroots political landscape to provide strategic guidance and leadership to Senator McCain's campaign.

"Senator McCain's experience, service, and commitment to the American way of life make him the right leader for our time," said Davis. "He's the type of conservative that will grow business, reinforce Republican values, and adapt our government to the challenges that lie ahead."

"Conservatives in New Jersey appreciate a leader that is willing to beat-back government regulation and protect traditional values," said DeMichele. "John McCain's record of fiscal restraint and government reform make him the essential choice for our state."

"Whether you're concerned about the changes facing the global community or local economy, John McCain has proven he is willing to enact reforms to make us stronger," said Shade. "His record of fighting to cut waste in budgets and increase government accountability really means something in New Jersey."

Senator John McCain spoke to how pleased he was to be gather additional support in New Jersey. "I am proud that these respected community leaders are joining me in fighting for an improved, more effective America," said Senator McCain. "I appreciate their support and look forward to working with them."

Scott Beason Joins Supporters Of McCain

SCOTT BEASON JOINS SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN
State Senator To Head Social Conservatives For McCain In Alabama

ARLINGTON, VA. - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Alabama state Senator Scott Beason will chair the Social Conservatives for McCain coalition in Alabama.

"John McCain has a consistent, conservative record on life, guns, and other issues that are vitally important to social conservatives across Alabama," said Senator Beason. "I am proud to join his long list of supporters and look forward to sharing Senator McCain's common sense conservative message with my fellow Alabama Republicans."

Senator John McCain said he welcomed Beason's advice and counsel, and praised his conservative credentials. "Scott Beason and I share a pride in serving and leading as conservatives," said Senator McCain. "I am happy to welcome a fellow Ronald Reagan Republican to our team, and I look forward to working with him in the weeks and months ahead."

Iowa Leaders Join Team McCain

IOWA LEADERS JOIN TEAM MCCAIN
Campaign Unveils Mississippi Valley Leadership Team

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced the Mississippi Valley Leadership Team in advance of the Arizona Senator's return to eastern Iowa next week.

This leadership team constitutes the campaign's county chairs from Dubuque County south along the Mississippi River to the Missouri border. Included in the group are elected officials, longtime Republican Party activists, and other Iowa volunteers who are energized by Senator McCain's common sense conservative message.

"Senator McCain is dedicated to fighting terrorism and has been a determined advocate for a strong foreign policy that will allow us to maintain the freedom we enjoy as Americans," said Dubuque County Chair Sandy Moses. "I look forward to working with my fellow Mississippi Valley leaders to spread Senator McCain's positive vision throughout the Hawkeye State."

Scott County Chair Jim Goff cited Senator McCain's experience in supporting his candidacy. "Senator McCain has the experience to tackle the big problems that face our country both abroad and here at home," said Goff. "His consistent, conservative track record makes him the clear choice for Iowans."

This influential leadership team will continue to build on Senator McCain's volunteer grassroots organization in the state.

Senator John McCain expressed his gratitude for the group's strong support. "I am extremely grateful to have this gifted group of Iowans volunteering their time and energy on my behalf," said Senator McCain. "With their help we will continue to grow our strong organization of committed grassroots supporters."

MISSISSIPPI VALLEY LEADERSHIP TEAM

Clinton County
Maurice Griggs - Clinton County Chair & Former Clinton County GOP Central Committee Member

Des Moines County
Joy Menne - Des Moines County Chair

Dubuque County
Sandy Moses - Dubuque County Chair & Dubuque County GOP Treasurer
Barbara Smeltzer - Dubuque County Co-Chair & Former Dubuque County GOP Secretary
Steve Bateman - Dubuque County Co-Chair & Former Dubuque County GOP Chairman
Asbury Mayor Rick Anderson - Dubuque County Mayor for McCain
Dyersville Mayor Jim Heavens - Dubuque County Mayor for McCain
Representative Steve Lukan - Dubuque County Legislator for McCain

Jackson County
Marion "Junior" Miller - Jackson County Chair & Jackson County Chair for 2006 State Senate Candidate
Bellevue Mayor Virgil Murray - Jackson County Mayor for McCain

Lee County
Robert Abel - Lee County Chair & Lee County GOP Central Committee Finance Director

Louisa County
Lee Eutsler - Louisa County Chair

Muscatine County
Dewayne Hopkins - Muscatine County Co-Chair
Jim Ludman - Muscatine County Co-Chair
Don Mead - Muscatine County Co-Chair
Maurene Failor - Muscatine County GOP Activist

Scott County
Sheriff Dennis Conrad - Scott County Honorary Chair
Jim Goff - Scott County Chair
John Bishop - Scott County Co-Chair
James Donnelly - Davenport Precinct Chair
Lauralie Salter - Bettendorf Precinct Chair
Bruce and Susan Boyler - Bettendorf Precinct Co-Chair
Carolyn Peterman - Bettendorf Precinct Co-Chair
Michael Salter - Bettendorf Precinct Co-Chair
Elizabeth McDermott - LeClaire Precinct Co-Chair
Michael Froeschle - LeClaire Precinct Co-Chair