2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Taxpayers President Joins Supporters Of McCain

TAXPAYERS PRESIDENT JOINS SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN
President Of The South Carolina Association Of Taxpayers Endorses Arizona Senator

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that the president of the South Carolina Association of Taxpayers, Don Weaver, has endorsed the Arizona Senator for President of the United States.

Don Weaver will serve as a national advisor to the campaign on fiscal issues and as chairman of Palmetto Taxpayers for McCain, a group that will work closely with the campaign to help spread Senator McCain's fiscally conservative message throughout the state. Weaver will also serve on Senator McCain's state finance committee.

Weaver spoke to Senator John McCain's record of fiscal conservatism. "Senator McCain has been a consistent and strong advocate for lower taxes for well over twenty years," said Weaver. "And when it comes to standing up against special-interest, pork-barrel spending in Congress, John McCain has no peer. He doesn't just talk the talk when it comes to protecting the American taxpayer - he walks the walk."

Senator John McCain expressed his appreciation for Weaver's strong support. "For nearly ten years, Don Weaver has led the effort to keep taxes low in the Palmetto State," said Senator McCain. "His organization of grassroots supporters has been instrumental in raising critical issues and bringing about fundamental change. I am honored to have his support."

Ten Candidates To Participate In Historic First-in-the-South Presidential Candidates Debate

Ten candidates to participate in historic First-in-the-South Presidential Candidates Debate

Excitement surrounding presidential politics in South Carolina continues to grow as South Carolina Republican Party Chairman Katon Dawson today announced that invitations will be extended to ten Republican presidential candidates to participate in the 2007 First-In-The-South Republican Party Presidential Candidates Debate.

Dawson said, “We would like to extend a warm South Carolina welcome to ten White House hopefuls who are seeking the Republican nomination to be the next President of the United States.”

“The participants in our debate ensure South Carolina voters and Republicans visiting Columbia from across the country get a chance to hear candidates for President candidly discuss important issues facing our future. We are extremely proud to host the first truly national presidential candidates debate,” Dawson added.

The following candidates will be receiving formal invitations from the South Carolina Republican Party to the 2007 First-In-The-South Republican Party Presidential Candidates Debate (in alphabetical order):

U.S. Senator Sam Brownback – Kansas
Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani – New York City
Former Governor Jim Gilmore – Virginia
Former Governor Mike Huckabee – Arkansas
U.S. Congressman Duncan Hunter – California
U.S. Senator John McCain – Arizona
U.S. Congressman Ron Paul – Texas
Former Governor Mitt Romney – Massachusetts
U.S. Congressman Tom Tancredo – Colorado
Former Governor Tommy Thompson – Wisconsin

The 2007 First-In-The-South Republican Party Presidential Candidates Debate will be televised live by FOX News Channel at 9:00 PM from the University of South Carolina’s Koger Center for the Arts on Tuesday, May 15, 2007. FOX News Channel Washington Managing Editor Brit Hume will moderate the debate and FOX News Sunday Anchor Chris Wallace and White House Correspondent Wendell Goler will ask questions of the candidates.

Bill Richardson To Announce Arizona Steering Committee

RICHARDSON FOR PRESIDENT CAMPAIGN TO ANNOUNCE ARIZONA STEERING COMMITTEE
Richardson to appoint Congressman Ed Pastor as Arizona Honorary State Chairman

SANTA FE, NM-Tomorrow, the Richardson for President Arizona Steering Committee will announce the members of the committee at a press conference at 9:30am on the grounds of the Arizona State Capitol, on the House Lawn.

"I am honored to have such tremendous support from prominent, respected, and qualified Democrats from across the state of Arizona," said Governor Richardson. "Our momentum is accelerating every day, and with the support of individuals like Congressman Pastor we are proving that the political strength of our campaign is a force to be reckoned with."

"As Honorary State Chairman, I am very proud that Bill has attracted leadership from throughout Arizona," said Congressman Ed Pastor. "As the governor of a Southwestern state, Richardson shares the values of the people of Arizona, and understands the importance of issues critical to the growth and prosperity of the West - allocation of water, border security, immigration, development of natural resources, and protection of our beautiful Western lands. Governor Richardson's candidacy presents a rare opportunity to ensure that someone who truly understands the West is leading the nation. Richardson's experience and personality will attract voters from Arizona and across America in his quest to take back the White House."

"I am supporting Governor Richardson because he will help to restore and strengthen our relationships internationally," said former State Senator Sandra Kennedy. "Governor Richardson is the most qualified to restore our standing in the world and I am proud to serve as his one of his Co-Chairs."

"The Governor is the most qualified candidate in the 2008 field," said Minority Whip Steve Gallardo. "Richardson will make America energy independent, improve access to healthcare, and unite us as a country. I am honored and proud to serve on his Arizona leadership team."

"I am supporting Bill Richardson because of his commitment to human and civil rights," said State Representative Kyrsten Sinema. "He does not only speak of them, but has acted to expand them throughout his career. As Co-Chair, I look forward to taking this message to all Arizonans."

John Edwards Launches Groundbreaking, Multimedia Ad

EDWARDS USES FIRST MEDIA BUY TO URGE CONGRESS TO STAND FIRM AGAINST PRESIDENT BUSH ON IRAQ LAUNCHES GROUNDBREAKING, MULTIMEDIA AD
By Using YouTube Technology, Americans from Across The Country Will Be Able To Participate in New, Innovative Ad Airing on TV and Web

Chapel Hill, North Carolina - Following President Bush's veto of the Iraq funding bill, Senator John Edwards and people across the country are joining together to urge Congress to stand firm against the President in a new, groundbreaking ad.  The ad, which will run in the Washington, D.C. media market and on the John Edwards website and YouTube, features regular Americans calling on Congress to stand up to President Bush and send him the same Iraq funding bill again and again until he signs it and brings the war to an end. 

"President Bush vetoed a bill that supports our troops and ends the war in Iraq that he declared won four years ago," said Edwards.  "Congress needs to stand firm and strong. Congress should answer the president's veto by sending him another bill with a timetable for withdrawal. And if he vetoes that one, Congress should send him another and another until we end this war and bring our troops home."

Edwards launched his campaign for the presidency by asking Americans to take action today to change our country. He is continuing this call by asking Americans to record their own personal messages urging Congress to stand up to President Bush.  After the first cut of the ad airs, the John Edwards for President campaign will then incorporate these messages into future versions of the ad, which will be posted on the John Edwards website and YouTube.  Edwards' new, innovative ad does more than spread Edwards' message and keep pressure on Congress, it allows the American people to directly share their messages with Congress in an unprecedented way, and shows Congress that this message is not just from him, but from the American people.

The campaign will also ask Americans to speak out against the war by donating money to air the ad. Last week, Edwards launched an emergency online petition to Congress by sending a national email and putting up blog ads.  The petition urges Congress to not back down against President Bush, and has already gathered over 87,000 signatures.  The campaign continues to use the latest technology to get more Americans involved in the campaign, because Edwards believes that in order to change our country, we all need to stand up and take action today. 

The script of the ad is below:

Person 1: President Bush isn't listening to us.
Person 2: It's time to end the war.

Person 3: Congress passed a plan to end it.
Person 4: And bring our troops home.

Person 5: But the President vetoed it.

Person 6: We want Congress to know
Person 7: We are with you.
Person 8: Don't back down to President Bush.
Person 1: Send him the same bill again and again.

Person 9: We the people
Person 9: Will stand with you.
Person 2: Because stopping a President who believes he can do no wrong Person 1: -- takes people with courage to do what's right.

John Edwards: I'm John Edwards and I approve this message.

To view the ad, please go to: http://www.johnedwards.com/wethepeople

Mike Huckabees Prepares For First Debate

MIKE HUCKABEE PREPS FOR FIRST DEBATE, CONFIRMS MAY 15 SC DEBATE

LITTLE ROCK, AR – On Thursday, May 3, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee will join his peers in the first Republican Presidential Candidates Debate for 2008 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, CA.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is hosting the debate in conjunction with MSNBC and Politico.com.  The debate will air exclusively on cable’s MSNBC, with full coverage on MSNBC.com.  It will air at 8pm ET / 7 pm CT/ 5pm PT.

Earlier this week, Huckabee’s campaign officially registered to get on the 2008 South Carolina Republican Presidential Primary ballot with the hand-delivery of a check by political veteran Mike Campbell for $25,000 to Katon Dawson, Chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party.

Completing the registration process with the South Carolina GOP confirms Governor Huckabee’s participation in the second Republican Presidential Debate, scheduled for May 15, 2007.

The South Carolina Debate will be hosted by the South Carolina Republican Party and broadcast commercial-free, starting at 9 PM ET / 8 pm CT live nationally on Fox News. The debate will take place at the Koger Center on the campus of the University of South Carolina and will be moderated by Brit Hume.

“I’m looking forward to discussing the issues with my fellow Republican candidates.  I’m confident my authentic conservative message will resonate with voters throughout South Carolina – and across America,” said Huckabee.

“I’m certain once America has the opportunity to hear Governor Huckabee’s message of hope and opportunity, they will join our family in recognizing that he is the true conservative in the race for President,” said former South Carolina First Lady Iris Campbell, whose family has played an integral role in the election of every Republican Presidential nominee since Ronald Reagan

Earlier this year, Mrs. Campbell agreed to serve as Honorary Chair of Huckabee’s presidential exploratory committee in South Carolina. 

Mike Campbell, who serves as a National Senior Advisor to the campaign in South Carolina, said, “I’m excited for the upcoming debates so that American people can see the authenticity of Governor Huckabee’s conservatism, his optimism and plan for America’s future.”

Texas State Senators Announce Support For McCain

TEXAS STATE SENATORS ANNOUNCE SUPPORT FOR MCCAIN
Lone Star State Republicans Back McCain's Conservative Record

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that six Republican state senators in Texas will support the Arizona Senator's candidacy for president.

Senators Kip Averitt of Waco, John Carona of Dallas, Robert Duncan of Lubbock, Kevin Eltife of Tyler, Troy Fraser of Horseshoe Bay, and Steve Ogden of Bryan have all pledged their support to Senator John McCain.

Senator Steve Ogden stated his support for John McCain's long-standing position on government spending. "John McCain has a long and proven record of fighting government waste and pork barrel spending," said Ogden. "Senator McCain's commitment to take on spending and make sense of our government's budget will make him a very popular candidate in Texas."

Senator John Carona spoke to John McCain's record of service. "John McCain has exemplified collaborative leadership throughout his time in the U.S. Senate," said Carona. "As our country struggles to address the new challenges of our time, we need John McCain's common sense conservative approach to solving problems."

Senator John McCain welcomed the support of these Texas leaders. "These state senators are incredibly influential in their communities and I'm honored to have their support," said Senator McCain. "I look forward to campaigning on the bedrock conservative principles that have made this country so great for so long."

John Edwards Gains Support Across Wisconsin

EDWARDS GAINS SUPPORT ACROSS WISCONSIN

Chapel Hill, North Carolina -- As Senator John Edwards' campaign continues to gain support from Democratic leaders in every part of the country, today the campaign announced the support of prominent leaders in Wisconsin, including State Treasurer Dawn Marie Sass, Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz and former Governor Tony Earl.  In March, Congressman David Obey, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, endorsed Edwards for President.

State Treasurer Dawn Marie Sass said, "As the new State Treasurer of Wisconsin, I am supporting John Edwards for President.  John Edwards understands that all Americans must take responsibility for changing our country, and he exhibits the leadership and the plan to help save our middle class, develop better health care for all citizens, and improve our standing in the world.  As a lifelong union member dedicated to public service, I know that John Edwards has spent much of his career as a champion for workers' rights and fighting the scourge of poverty among our working class citizens."

"I am glad to have the chance to support John Edwards for president again, as I did in 2004," said Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz. "The issues he raised in his campaign four years ago, especially the issue of poverty, are even more pressing today. John Edwards will restore our moral leadership in the world and lead a grassroots movement to lead our nation forward at this critical time in our history."

Former Governor Tony Earl endorsed Edwards saying, "John Edwards understands the concerns of ordinary people and is best prepared to address them.  In addition he is our most electable candidate."

The Wisconsin Democratic leaders endorsing Edwards for President are:

• Congressman David Obey, Chairman of the House Appropriation Committee
• State Treasurer Dawn Marie Sass
• Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz
• Former Governor Tony Earl
• Public Service Commissioner Mark Meyer
• State Senator Russ Decker, CoChair of the Committee on Joint Finance
• State Senator Jon Erpenbach
• State Senator Bob Jauch
• State Senator John Lehman
• State Senator Bob Wirch
• State Representative Jennifer Shillin
• State Representative David Travis, Former Majority Leader
• State Representative Amy Sue Vruwink
• State Representative Sondy PopeRoberts
• State Representative Donna Seidel
• State Representative Mike Sheridan, UAW Local 95 President* (for identification purposes only)
• Dottie LeClair, 2nd Vice Chair of State Democratic Party of Wisconsin

Vermont Legislators Announce Support For McCain

VERMONT LEGISLATORS ANNOUNCE SUPPORT FOR MCCAIN
Arizona Senator's Strong Leadership Attracts Elected Vermonters

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that twenty-seven elected legislators in Vermont will support the Arizona Senator's presidential bid.

Senate Assistant Minority Leader Kevin Mullin spoke to McCain's unique qualifications and appeal to Vermont voters. "John McCain's approach brings people together and will make him the candidate for Vermont," said Mullin. "Today's world demands Senator McCain's proven leadership and ability to build consensus and collaboration."

House Minority Leader Steve Adams commented on Senator McCain's strong record. "I'm proud to support John McCain's straight-forward brand of leadership," said Adams. "The challenges at home and abroad are too serious to be left to political posturing and empty rhetoric."

"For the citizens of Vermont, straight talk is not a luxury, it is a requirement," said state Representative and former House Assistant Majority Leader Rick Hube. "Senator McCain's reform experience and leadership credentials will allow him to direct this nation from day one."

Senator John McCain welcomed the support from these Vermont leaders. "I'm very proud to have this kind of support from elected officials in Vermont," said Senator McCain. "These are dedicated public servants who bring valuable counsel and energy to my campaign in the state."

Nevada's Hispanics In Politics Organization Endorses Bill Richardson

Nevada's Hispanics In Politics Organization Endorses New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson for President

LAS VEGAS, NV- Today, Nevada's oldest Hispanic political organization, Hispanics In Politics (HIP), endorsed the Presidential candidacy of New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson at its monthly breakfast meeting.

"While we are honored to support a strong Hispanic Presidential candidate, our endorsement of Governor Richardson is not about race," said HIP Chairman Fernando Romero. "We looked hard at every candidate, and endorsed the Governor because he has the experience to restore our country to greatness. A hard look at his record shows Governor Richardson's proven ability to improve the lives of working Americans of every race."

"I am honored by HIP's endorsement and grateful for their support," said Governor Richardson. "I am proud of my Hispanic heritage and proud to earn the support of such a powerful and respected organization. HIP and the Hispanic community are a key part of the platform on which my campaign will grow. Together, we can win in Nevada and across the country."

The endorsement came on Governor Richardson's third day campaigning in Nevada. With stops in Carson City and Las Vegas, Governor Richardson has met with the Carson City Democrats, the students of Carson High School, Nevada State Legislators, labor leaders, community activists, and the grassroots community organization, Mi Familia Con Bill Richardson. His successful trip to Nevada ends today after a meeting with the negotiating committee of the Las Vegas Culinary Union.

Obama To Participate In June 3rd New Hampshire Debate

OBAMA TO PARTICIPATE IN JUNE 3RD NEW HAMPSHIRE DEBATE

Manchester, NH – Senator Barack Obama today agreed to participate in the New Hampshire debate sponsored by the Union Leader, WMUR, and the CNN. The debate is scheduled for June 3 in Manchester, New Hampshire.

"We had hoped that the DNC and the debate’s sponsors would agree to make this debate one of the DNC’s six sanctioned debates,” said Obama New Hampshire Director Matt Rodriguez. “However, Senator Obama believes talking about how we can change our politics with the other candidates in the home of the nation’s first primary is an opportunity too important to miss.”