2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Obama Campaign Announces Launch Of Women For Obama

Obama Campaign Announces Launch of Women for Obama
Barack and Michelle Obama Roll Out Women for Obama Today

Chicago, IL- Barack and Michelle Obama  today launched “Women for Obama”  in their hometown of Chicago.    Following an event at the Chicago Hilton, Barack Obama hosted a conference call with women across the country to officially launch the group.

“My husband is a man who understands the struggles of women and families.  While he has seen and heard about these struggles from me, he was also raised in a household of strong women who struggled and sacrificed to help him achieve his dreams,” said Michelle Obama.  “This campaign believes in the women of this country and envisions a government that doesn’t just encourage women to dream big, but to know that they have the support and the resources to pursue those dreams.  I want that for my daughters.  I want that for your daughters.  And I want that for this country.”

“This group of women is what this campaign is about—transforming this nation and giving our daughters and our sons a world that’s a little more hopeful and a little less mean than the one we have today,” said Barack Obama.  “Whether you’re a mother or a father or an aunt or an uncle, we all believe that our daughters have the same chance as our sons and that they should be respected the same and have the same chances to be whatever they want to be.”

Women for Obama is a nationwide grassroots organization that will work from the bottom up to engage women in Barack Obama’s campaign to change this country.

John Edwards Announces Chris Chafe As Senior Advisor

JOHN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCES CHRIS CHAFE AS SENIOR ADVISOR

Chapel Hill, North Carolina - The John Edwards for President campaign announced today that Chris Chafe, the Chief of Staff at UNITE HERE, will be joining the campaign in late May as a senior advisor, and will focus on outreach to the labor community, labor policy and overall strategy.

"We are excited to have Chris join the team," said Campaign Manager David Bonior.  "His years of experience working to strengthen labor in our country and fighting to improve the lives of working Americans will be an invaluable asset to our campaign."

Stephanie Herseth Sandlin Endorses John Edwards

CONGRESSWOMAN STEPHANIE HERSETH SANDLIN ENDORSES JOHN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT

Chapel Hill, North Carolina - The John Edwards for President campaign announced today that South Dakota Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin endorsed Senator John Edwards for President, citing in part his commitment to addressing the challenges facing rural communities.  Today, Edwards released the details of his Rural Recovery Act, which would restore economic fairness and create new jobs and businesses in rural America, help struggling counties and towns and protect rural people and their way of life.

"Stephanie is a true leader, who understands the concerns of rural Americans and works every day to lift up rural communities," said Edwards.  "I am honored to have her support and look forward to working together to revitalize our rural communities."

Herseth Sandlin endorsed Edwards saying, "Senator Edwards has offered a detailed plan that reflects his understanding of and commitment to Rural America.  His recognition of the challenges we face, such as rural health care, and the opportunities we provide, like renewable energy, have earned him my strong and enthusiastic support.  I am proud to support Senator John Edwards and to work with him to restore hope for Rural America."

Giuliani Campaign Announces Growing Finance Team

Giuliani Campaign Announces Growing Finance Team

New York – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee announced a growing finance team of Executive Committee members, State Finance Chairs and Co-Chairs, and industry leaders who will help lead Mayor Giuliani’s fundraising and grassroots efforts. 

“Our team is proud to welcome these respected leaders in the Republican Party, business community, and financial industry, to help lead our fundraising efforts,” said Roy Bailey, National Finance Chairman.  “They will help continue to build support and ensure our campaign has the necessary resources to communicate Mayor Giuliani's positive message and results-driven record around the country."

Wheelock Whitney, Minnesota State Finance Chair

Previous Vice President, Chairman of the Board and CEO of J. M. Dain & Company, Wheelock Whitney was President of the Investment Bankers Association of America, the largest trade association in the securities industry.  Whitney was the Republican nominee for U.S. Senator in 1964, was the Independent-Republican nominee for Governor of Minnesota in 1982, State Chairman of Governor Arne Carlson’s campaign from 1990 to 1999, and in 2006 served as Finance Chairman for Governor Pawlenty’s success re-election campaign. 

Iowa GOP Lincoln Day Dinner Video

Mitt Romney Announces Support Of Wayne Allard

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES SUPPORT OF SENATOR WAYNE ALLARD

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that U.S. Senator Wayne Allard (R-CO) has endorsed his campaign for President of the United States.

"Senator Allard's record of leadership and commitment to change make him a valuable addition to my campaign team.  In Congress, he has fought to restrain spending while working to ensure that Americans are safe at home and abroad.  Senator Allard understands, as I do, that we must bring innovation and transformation to Washington if we are to meet the new generation of challenges facing our country today," said Governor Romney.

Senator Allard joins Senators Bob Bennett (R-UT), Larry Craig (R-ID), Jim DeMint (R-SC) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) among Governor Romney's supporters in the U.S. Senate. 

"After reviewing Governor Romney's impressive resume and having the opportunity to visit one-on-one with him about his vision of innovation and change for America, I am proud to announce my endorsement of him," said Senator Allard.  "Governor Romney will bring a much needed breath of fresh air to Washington, something the country really desires."

Obama FEC Filing With Summary

Final tally of Obama grassroots support is in: 104,000 donors, $24.8 million primary raised, $18.2 million in primary dollars in bank

Chicago, IL- The Obama for America campaign today reported to the Federal Election Commission that in the first quarter it raised a total of $25.8 million from 104,000 individuals.  Of that money, $24.8 million is for use in the primary, and $18.2 million remains in the bank.  The campaign had $6.6 million in expenses and has $190,000 in debt. 

“The final tally of support from the American people is true testament to the desire for a different kind of politics in this country and a belief at the grassroots level that Barack Obama can bring out the best in America to solve our problems,” said Obama for America Finance Chair Penny Pritzker.

The Obama campaign raised $6.9 million over the Internet from over 50,000 donors, and another $3.4 through mail and phone grassroots efforts.

Hillary Clinton Reports $31 Million In Cash-On-Hand

HILLARY CLINTON REPORTS $31 MILLION IN CASH-ON-HAND
Over 60,000 donors in all – 48,000 gave $100 or les

Hillary Clinton’s FEC report today reveals that the campaign has raised the highest amount of money in its first quarter of any presidential candidate ever – and has by far the most cash-on-hand to spend in the both the primary and general elections of any in the ’08 field.

“These numbers indicate the tremendous support for Senator Clinton from every walk of life and every part of America, and assure that we will have the resources needed to compete and win,” Clinton campaign manager Patti Solis Doyle said today.

Following are key details of the FEC report being filed today:

Total receipts in the first quarter: $36 million

$26 million was raised in the ten weeks between the campaign’s launch in late January and March 31.

An additional $10 million was transferred from the senator’s successful reelection campaign of 2006.

Cash on hand: $31 million

$24 million for the primary

$6.9 million for the general

Expenditures: $5 million

Additional details:

70,300 donations and 60,000 contributors

$19.1 million raised for the primary, $6.9 million raised for the general

Contributions raised from all 50 states, plus Washington, DC

$6 million in grass roots contributions (internet plus direct mail and telemarketing receipts)

Contributions of $100 or less: 80% (or over 48,000 people)

$1.58 million in debts and obligations

Dodd 4th Overall In Primary Money And Cash-On-Hand

WITH STRONG FINANCIAL QUARTER, DODD CONTINUES ON PATH TO NOMINATION
Dodd 4th overall in primary money and cash-on-hand

WASHINGTON -- Filing its FEC report for the first quarter, Chris Dodd's presidential campaign today celebrated its continued financial and organizational success. Dodd reported nearly $7.5 million cash on hand, with over $6.4 million cash available for the Democratic primary to date. Those numbers are expected to put Dodd in 4th place among the Democratic contenders.

"We're gratified by the tremendous show of support this campaign has received from supporters across the country looking for proven leadership that can get things done," said Dodd campaign manager Sheryl Cohen. "As we continue to build strong operations nationally and in key primary states, we know we'll have the financial support we need to win the Democratic primary and eventually the general election."

When the campaign files with the FEC tonight, it will report:

Total Receipts: $8,795,706

Cash on hand: $7,482,467

Primary money available: $6,432,050

Dodd's campaign has a greater cash-on-hand total than did any contender at this point in the 2004 presidential campaign besides Sen. John Kerry. At the end of the first quarter, Sen. John Edwards reported having $5.7 million cash on hand; Rep. Richard Gephardt reported $4.9 million; former Vermont Governor Howard Dean, $2 million. Only Kerry, with just over $8 million, had more cash available.

Additionally, Dodd's campaign continues to grow. Last week, Dodd traveled to Iowa, where he unveiled his comprehensive foreign policy plan, and Nevada, where he continued his successful "Kitchen Table" campaign, meeting with groups of firefighters and Hispanic leaders to address their concerns on important issues.

"I couldn't be more pleased with the present state of this campaign," continued Cohen. "Our impressive level of grassroots support shows that people are responding to Chris Dodd's record of proven leadership and experience."

Bill Richardson’s Campaign Shows Strong Grassroots And Internet Support

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson’s Campaign Files Impressive First Quarter Report Showing Strong Grassroots and Internet Support

SANTA FE, NM- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson has a successful first quarter, proving the strength, efficiency, and healthy grassroots and Internet support for his Presidential candidacy. The campaign today filed its first quarter financial report with the Federal Election Commission (FEC), showing Governor Richardson raised more than $6.2 million, with more than $5 million cash on hand as of March 31, a retention rate of over 80%.

The FEC reports shows Governor Richardson received significant grassroots support- nearly 14,000 individuals contributed to the Governor’s campaign, with almost 9,000 of those making a contribution of $100 or less. Nearly 18% of the contributions to the campaign came from the Internet, a total of approximately $1.1 million.

“The report clearly shows Governor Bill Richardson is a strong, viable candidate with broad and growing support,” said Amanda Cooper, Deputy Campaign Manager for the Richardson campaign. “It’s important to note that the Governor didn’t begin raising money until late January, and took in a significant amount of funds despite devoting much of his time to the successful 60-day New Mexico legislative session. The campaign is on goal, on budget, and building momentum.  Bill Richardson is a tireless campaigner and a proven, battle-tested fundraiser, and we feel very good about where we are.”

Ms. Cooper noted that of the nearly 15,000 total contributions to the campaign, just over 1,500 were maximum individual contributions (the $2,300 federal limit).  “That means the majority of our supporters- well over 80% - can give more as the campaign moves forward,” added Cooper.

The Richardson campaign reported debt of less than $20,000 and received $6,400 in general election contributions.

In addition to more than 30% of the contributions coming from grassroots sources, Governor Richardson also received support from a number of prominent individuals from the business, government, and entertainment communities: Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, US Representative Tom Udall, US Senator Jeff Bingaman, former Clinton White House official Mickey Ibarra, motion picture producer Jerry Weintraub, actor Michael Douglas, singer/songwriter Randy Travis, attorney Norm Brownstein, developer Al Ratner, former Texas Governor Mark White, actor/director Rob Reiner, author Judy Blume, software developer and gay rights activist Tim Gill, labor attorney Ken Jarin, management and technology consultant Gila Bronner, government affairs consultant Darius Anderson, actor Val Kilmer, New Mexico Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish, former college and NFL coach Barry Switzer, and racing legend Al Unser.