2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Bill Richardson Hires South Carolina Political Veterans

NEW MEXICO GOVERNOR BILL RICHARDSON HIRES SOUTH CAROLINA POLITICAL VETERANS
Trav Robertson, James Dukes, and Jeanie Brown-Burrows join the Richardson for President Campaign

CHARLESTON, SC -Today, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson announced the addition of several South Carolina political veterans to his Presidential campaign.  Trav Robertson, James Dukes, and Jeanie Brown-Burrows join Lachlan McIntosh and Crawford Cook on Richardson's South Carolina team.

"I believe that South Carolina is crucial to winning the Democratic nomination," stated Governor Richardson. "Hiring Trav, James and Jeanie shows that my campaign values the experience of people who have worked hard to get Democrats elected in South Carolina, and I believe it will help build a solid foundation for my campaign."

"Governor Richardson is the most qualified candidate on both sides of the aisle and I am honored that he has given me the chance to help him become the next President of the United States," Robertson said. "His experience and vision make him the only choice for president – and we need his abilities now more than ever before."

"Bill Richardson has the proven executive experience to get our country back on track and repair the damage of the past 6 years," stated Dukes "And I am looking forward to helping spread his message of moving our country forward to the voters of South Carolina."

"As an organizer I understand the importance of grassroots campaigning and I am proud to be working for Governor Richardson," stated Brown-Burrows.   "No other Presidential candidate understands the importance of reaching out one voter at a time like Governor Richardson. He cares about the issues that matter most to the people of this country and has a true vision for a better America."

Tommy Thompson 2008 Announcement Video

Mitt Romney Names Indiana Finance Committee

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY NAMES INDIANA STATEWIDE FINANCE COMMITTEE

Boston, MA – Governor Mitt Romney today announced the members of his Indiana Statewide Finance Committee.  These Co-Chairs will help Governor Romney expand his base of support in Indiana and raise the resources necessary to campaign across the nation. 

Serving as Co-Chairs will be former Congressman Chris Chocola, Secretary of State Todd Rokita, former State Representative Dan Dumezich, David Dorff and Bob Grand.

"I am grateful to have the support of these prominent Indiana citizens, leaders who will help me share my optimistic vision for the future with every part of the Hoosier State," said Governor Romney.  "These individuals understand, as I do, that our nation faces a new generation of challenges that will only be met through strong and principled leadership."

New Hampshire Sportsmen Join Supporters Of McCain

NEW HAMPSHIRE SPORTSMEN JOIN SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign today announced that former Sheriff Steve Hodges, former Sheriff Walter Morse, former state Representative Allen MacNeil, and small business owner Luc Cote have joined the Arizona Senator’s team and will serve as chairmen of the sportsmen coalition in New Hampshire.

“John McCain has consistently worked to secure the rights of gun owners and strengthen law enforcement,” said Hodges.  “I am honored to help build his effort in New Hampshire.”

“As an avid hunter and former sheriff, I look for the candidate that understands the idea that with great freedoms come great responsibilities, which is why I am supporting Senator John McCain,” said Morse.

“I know John McCain to be a strong defender of the Second Amendment, which is why I have decided to work on his behalf,” said MacNeil. 

“This country needs a leader committed to protecting the rights of sportsmen and John McCain is just that man,” said Cote.

Senator John McCain expressed his appreciation of their support.  “I stand with New Hampshire sportsmen in placing a high value on natural resource stewardship and our constitutional right to bear arms,” said Senator McCain.  “I look forward to counsel from these individuals as we move forward in New Hampshire.”

Arthur Ravenel Named South Carolina Regional Chairman

Former Congressman and State Senator Arthur Ravenel Named South Carolina Regional Chairman

CHALRESTON, SC – Campaigning in Charleston this afternoon, Mayor Rudy Giuliani announced that former U.S. Representative and former State Senator Arthur Ravenel will serve as the campaign’s Lowcountry Regional Chairman. Mayor Giuliani and Ravenel met with supporters and spoke to the press at Magnolia’s restaurant.

“After representing South Carolinians at the federal, state, and local level, I understand what the voters of the state are looking for in a leader and I know Rudy Giuliani represents exactly those qualities,” Ravenel said. 

Mayor Giuliani spoke to Ravenel’s years of civic service in the state.  “Arthur has a long history in South Carolina and is a respected leader. I’m honored to have him lead our efforts in the Lowcountry.”

Earlier today, Ravenel’s son, State Treasurer Thomas Ravenel, was named the Giuliani Campaign’s South Carolina Chairman. 

NH House Support Grows For Senator Clinton

NINE MORE NH STATE REPRESENTATIVES ENDORSE SENATOR CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT
NH House Support Continues to Grow; Now Totals Nearly 30

CONCORD, NH – On the heels of Senator Hillary Clinton’s fourth visit to New Hampshire since February, nine more New Hampshire State Representatives announced today they have decided to endorse Senator Clinton for President. This brings the total number of State Representatives in New Hampshire supporting Senator Clinton to 29.

“Each time I travel to New Hampshire I am humbled to meet more and more people who are supporting my campaign,” said Senator Clinton. “It is an honor to know my ideas, experience and vision to make real change happen in this country are being embraced by people across the Granite State.”

The following nine state representatives have decided to support Senator Clinton:  Delmar Burridge (Keene), Jane Clemons (Nashua), David Cote (Nashua), Carol Friedrich (Wentworth), Jill Shaffer Hammond (Peterborough), Angeline Kopka (Nashua), Gus Lerandeau, (Keene), Anthony Matarazzo (Nashua), and Trinka Russell (Stratham).

“People throughout New Hampshire are putting their trust in the candidate best equipped to handle the challenges our country is facing today, and that candidate is Hillary Clinton,” said New Hampshire Campaign Co-chair Bill Shaheen.

Thomas Ravenel To Chair South Carolina Campaign

State Treasurer Thomas Ravenel to Chair South Carolina Campaign

COLUMBIA, SC – At a press conference at the South Carolina State House in Columbia this morning, Rudy Giuliani announced that State Treasurer Thomas Ravenel will serve as South Carolina Chairman. Former state South Carolina Republican Party Chairman Barry Wynn and business leader Gayle Averyt will serve as South Carolina Co-Finance Chairmen.

“I’m proud to lead Mayor Giuliani’s campaign in South Carolina,” Thomas Ravenel said.  "Mayor Giuliani has an impressive record of leadership on a variety of issues, but it is his fiscal conservative philosophy of government that we most share.  "As Mayor of New York, Rudy Giuliani was a trailblazer for cutting taxes, reducing wasteful spending and making government more effective and efficient."

“I know South Carolinians expect the government to do more with their money and make it easier for their families to succeed. I’m looking forward to working with Thomas to continue sharing my vision across the state. And with the addition of Barry and Gayle, we know our already tremendous fundraising pace will continue,” Mayor Giuliani said.

GOP Lincoln Dinner Bringing National Spotlight to Iowa

GOP Lincoln Dinner Bringing National Spotlight to Iowa
Full field of candidates will attend including Giuliani, McCain, and Romney

Des Moines, Iowa –Arizona Senator John McCain, Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, and New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, leading contenders for the Republican presidential nomination according to several national and Iowa polls, will attend the Republican Party of Iowa Abraham Lincoln Unity Dinner on Saturday, April 14, 2007, in Des Moines. They will be joined by seven other major GOP contenders for the nomination.

“Iowa’s first in the nation caucus status once again brings the national spotlight to our state,” remarked Ray Hoffmann, chair of the Republican Party of Iowa. “Our Lincoln Dinner will be a remarkable event featuring 10 GOP candidates for the presidency all in the same location, sharing the same stage.” The Republican Party of Iowa anticipates a capacity crowd with journalists from across the state, nation, and world covering the event.

“The campaign for the presidency is a personal one for Iowans. We expect to see, meet, and talk with candidates one-on-one as they detail their qualifications and platform,” Hoffmann stated. “At the Lincoln Dinner, the candidates will make their case in presentations to Iowa’s leading Republican activists with ample opportunity for personal interaction at the conclusion of the event. It is then Iowans will ask the tough questions and hold candidates accountable for answers.”

With all major Republican presidential candidates confirming their attendance, the event will feature comments from: Senator Sam Brownback, John Cox, Governor Jim Gilmore, Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Representative Duncan Hunter, Governor Mike Huckabee, Senator John McCain, Governor Mitt Romney, Representative Tom Tancredo, and Governor Tommy Thompson.

Rudy Giuliani West Des Moines Iowa Video

Joe Biden Announces Endorsements in Iowa

Joe Biden Announces Endorsements in Iowa
Names New Support Following Three-Day Trip to the State

Des Moines, IA – On the heels of a three-day campaign trip to Iowa, the Biden for President Campaign announced today the endorsements of several prominent Democratic Party leaders, activists and other community leaders from throughout the state.

“I am honored to have the support of individuals like these who also believe that this race is about restoring America’s place in the world and rebuilding our middle class,” said Biden. “Together, we will continue to take this message into the living rooms of voters here in Iowa and across the country.”

Former State Representative Rick Dickinson and his wife Rae Ann of Dubuque said this of their decision to endorse Biden, “We support Senator Biden because we trust him with our children’s future. In a field of strong candidates, he stands out because he doesn’t pander by telling us what we want to hear. Rather, he tells us what we must know. The truth.”

“The key issue in the 2008 Presidential Election is restoring America’s integrity throughout the world,” said Sioux City public defender Michael O’Brien. “Senator Biden is the most qualified candidate, from either party, to accomplish that goal.”

Last week, Biden named seasoned political operative, Bill Romjue, as his Iowa State Director and released the names of initial state steering committee members.