2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Mike Rounds To Serve As Gubernatorial Leader Of Huckabee For President

SOUTH DAKOTA GOVERNOR MIKE ROUNDS TO SERVE AS GUBERNATORIAL LEADER OF HUCKABEE FOR PRESIDENT EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE

SIOUX CITY, IA –  Campaigning in Iowa today, Mike Huckabee announced that Governor Mike Rounds (R-SD) will serve as Chairman of the National Steering Committee of his presidential exploratory campaign.

“I’m truly proud to have the strong support and backing of Mike Rounds – a distinguished governor and true leader – who also shares my governing philosophy and political ideas,” said Huckabee, who served as Arkansas governor from 1996-2007, during a media availability in Sioux City .

Huckabee said Rounds, whose state shares a border with Iowa , will work with 2006 lieutenant governor nominee Bob Vander Plaats of Sioux City and former Iowa House Speaker Pro Tem Danny Carroll of Grinnell to help deliver Iowa and the early primary states.

Huckabee previously named Vander Plaats and Carroll to serve as the Iowa chairman and co-chairman, respectively, of his presidential exploratory committee.

“I believe we need a strong leader to move America forward – a leader with a proven record of achievement and a clear and optimistic vision for our future. That leader is Mike Huckabee,” wrote Rounds in a letter being sent to the nation’s Republican Governors.

Lauding the strength of Huckabee’s message and plan to restore America ’s greatness,”  Rounds cited Huckabee’s ability to get things done during his tenure as chairman of the 50-state National Governors’ Association as one reason why the GOP Governors should back the former Arkansas governor. 

“Many of us deeply respect Mike’s work as NGA Chairman.  We saw him put partisan politics aside to work closely with our fellow Governors, Members of Congress, and the Bush Administration to get results on a variety of issues, including Medicaid and welfare reform, transportation and education,” wrote Rounds.

Rounds also addressed Huckabee’s leadership on issues of importance to governors, including the need to reform health care, energy policy and to bring innovative to education to help America ’s youth compete in the 21st century economy.

“Mike believes that the health care system in this country must be fixed. His yearlong initiative ‘Healthy America’ focused on the urgent need for U.S. policymakers to solve our national health care crisis.  On this issue, Mike has truly led by example.  I agree with his firm conviction that solving America ’s health care crisis is crucial to America ’s ability to compete on the world stage,” he wrote.

Rounds also cited Huckabee’s credentials as past chairman of the Education Commission of the States, a highly respected education policy organization, and a former chairman of the 37-state Interstate Oil & Gas Compact Commission.  “As ECS Chairman, he championed a movement to encourage the stability of art and music programs in public schools to foster creativity in our youth,” he wrote. 

“Mike also believes, as I do, that America must develop a comprehensive energy policy that ends America ’s dependence on foreign oil,” he wrote.

Rounds will work with Huckabee’s Congressional Chairman, U. S. Representative Don Young (R-AK) and Co-Chairman, U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) to fundraise and build political support for his candidacy, said Huckabee.

“Mike and I worked closely together during my tenure as Chairman and Vice Chair of the National Governors’ Association.  He’s a talented governor and individual – and I look forward to working with him again as we address America ’s most pressing challenges,” said Huckabee.

Rounds concluded: “Mike Huckabee is truly a ‘leader among leaders’ and a man of character who brings people together to get things done.  I’m proud to stand behind him as he seeks higher office -- and I hope you will too.”

Lincoln Dinner Draws Presidential Candidates

Lincoln Dinner Draws Presidential Candidates
Giuliani among hopefuls attending kick-off to caucus season.

Des Moines, Iowa – Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Ray Hoffmann says the organization’s Abraham Lincoln Unity Dinner will serve as the kick-off event of Iowa’s first in the national caucuses. The dinner will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2007, at the Polk County Convention Complex in Des Moines and eight Republican presidential candidates have committed to attend at this point.

Guests will have the opportunity to hear from Senator Sam Brownback, John Cox, Governor Jim Gilmore, Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Representative Duncan Hunter, Governor Mike Huckabee, Representative Tom Tancredo, and Governor Tommy Thompson.

“We Iowans enjoy a unique and prestigious responsibility due to our first-in-the-nation caucuses,” Hoffman remarked. “Republicans in Iowa are fortunate to be able to meet and challenge our candidates in-person as they campaign here. At the Lincoln Dinner we provide a forum for these hopefuls to interact with some of Iowa’s key activists and organizers. The process of evaluation and winnowing the field is now underway.”

“Republicans in Iowa are energized,” Hoffmann observed. “Our grassroots activists have recognized and accepted the challenge presented in the 2006 elections. Our vision is clear, our attitude optimistic and our resolve firm. Republicans will do the hard work necessary to reclaim majorities in our statehouse and maintain the White House.”

The Republican Party of Iowa also hosts the Republican Straw Poll set for Saturday, August 11, 2007, at Iowa State University in Ames.

John Edwards Announces Iowa Communications Director

JOHN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES IOWA COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Iowa Team Continues To Grow With The Addition of Dan Leistikow

Des Moines, Iowa – John Edwards for President announced today that Dan Leistikow will serve as Iowa Communications Director, adding another staffer to its strong Iowa campaign team.
Leistikow joins Team Iowa after serving in Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle’s administration. He joined Governor Doyle’s staff in 2003 as Press Secretary, and has been the Governor’s Communications Director since 2004. Leistikow also worked on Governor Doyle’s successful reelection effort – one of the most competitive gubernatorial contests in the nation.

“Dan understands the issues important to voters in Midwestern states like Iowa after working with them every day for years," said Edwards. "I am excited to have him join my campaign.”

Statement By Mike Huckabee On Edwards Announcement

STATEMENT BY FORMER GOV. MIKE HUCKABEE ON EDWARDS’ ANNOUNCEMENT

ORLANDO, FL – Former Governor Mike Huckabee (AR) issued the following statement in response to a news conference held today by former Sen. John Edwards (NC) and his wife, Elizabeth:

“Janet and I are saddened to hear the news of Elizabeth Edwards’ reoccurrence of cancer.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the Edwards family.   I’m confident she and John will get through this difficult time with the same strength and courage as they have in the past and we pray for a speedy recovery.  Thirty-two years ago, Janet and I went through a similar valley when Janet was diagnosed with cancer of the spine. Like John and Elizabeth, we found strength through prayer and the support of our family and friends. ”

Tancredo Breaks Million Dollar Fundraising Goal

Tancredo Breaks Million Dollar Fundraising Goal

(Washington, D.C.) - Presidential Candidate Tom Tancredo’s (R-CO) exploratory committee announced today that it has broken its million dollar fundraising goal. In the two months since he formed an exploratory campaign there has been an outpouring of support that has far exceeded expectations. 

“I am humbled to have over 40,000 Americans tell me to run for President and over half of them have backed this up with their hard earned money,” the Congressman said.” I now know that with a grass roots campaign we will have the funds necessary to go the distance.”

With this milestone behind him Congressman Tancredo will make his final decision within the next two weeks.

Biden Issues Statement On Elizabeth Edwards

BIDEN ISSUES STATEMENT ON ELIZABETH EDWARDS

Wilmington, DE - U.S. Senator Joe Biden issued the following statement today:

“I am truly sorry to learn that Elizabeth Edwards has had a recurrence of her cancer. However, I am pleased to hear that Elizabeth and John are optimistic and moving forward. Elizabeth, John and their children are in our thoughts and prayers.”

Elizabeth Kucinich Statement To The News Of Elizabeth Edwards' Recurring Cancer

Elizabeth Kucinich statement to the news of Elizabeth Edwards' recurring cancer

Dennis and I wish Elizabeth and John Edwards and their family the very best as Mrs. Edwards continues her courageous battle with cancer.

She has shown true strength and dignity in addressing this disease. We admire her courage and her spirit.

We are confident that Mrs. Edwards will continue to play a vigorous role in this campaign.

I look forward to seeing her on the campaign trail as she and I and our husbands all work towards our visions for building a better America.

Statement By Senator Hillary Clinton

Statement By Senator Hillary Clinton

"Elizabeth is a wonderful, strong individual and my thoughts and prayers are with her, John, and their children during this difficult time.  I admire her optimism and strength in the face of adversity, and I look forward to seeing them both on the campaign trail."

Statement By Senator John McCain

STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN 

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign today released the following statement: 

“I spoke with Elizabeth Edwards today and shared my heartfelt belief that she serves as an inspiration to the entire nation. Both Cindy and I wish John and Elizabeth the very best, and our thoughts and prayers are with them.”

Statement from Barack Obama on Elizabeth and John Edwards

Chicago, IL-Today, Barack Obama made the following statement on Elizabeth and John Edwards.

"Today, Michelle and I join every American in sending our thoughts and prayers to Elizabeth and John and the entire Edwards family. We all admire Elizabeth’s strength and determination and the deep love they so obviously share."