2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Romney for President Names Iowa County Chairs

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT NAMES IOWA COUNTY CHAIRS

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President announced Chairs in Sioux County and Cerro Gordo County. Orange City Councilman Mick Snieder will serve as Sioux County Chair. Mason City's Deb Hunt and Bart and Jody Pals were named Cerro Gordo County Co-Chairs.

"We are focused on building a strong campaign organization at the grassroots level, and these men and women are a tremendous addition to the Romney for President team," said Gentry Collins, Romney for President Iowa Campaign Manager. "They will make sure every voter knows Governor Romney is the only candidate who will bring real change to Washington. He is the only candidate ready to meet the new generation of challenges facing our nation."

John Edwards Announces Senior Iowa Staff

JOHN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES SENIOR IOWA STAFF
Iowa Team Features Experienced Caucus and Campaign Staff

Des Moines, Iowa – Building on the momentum from Senator John Edwards' series of community meetings on health care with Iowa caucus goers last week, the campaign announced today the addition of key staff members in Iowa.  The staff includes veterans of numerous campaigns, who have years of experience working in the caucuses.

“I am proud to have such a strong staff in Iowa to share my vision for America with caucus goers,” said Edwards.  “I plan to campaign hard in Iowa and look forward to talking with Iowans about the big challenges facing our nation and how we can meet them together.”

The Iowa staff is led by State Director Jennifer O’Malley, who was Edwards’ Iowa Field Director during the 2004 caucuses.  She most recently worked as campaign manager for Congressman Jim Davis' gubernatorial campaign in Florida.  She has worked on numerous campaigns, including as Deputy Campaign Manager for Senator Tom Daschle's re-election campaign and Field Director for South Dakota Senator Tim Johnson's winning re-election campaign.

The Iowa staff includes: 

Jackie Lee — Iowa Field Director
Pat Maloney — Iowa Political Director
Matt McGrath — Iowa Trip Director
Mark McCullough – Iowa Deputy Press Secretary
Zach Wineburg – Iowa Deputy Field Director
Chris Fields — Surrogate Trip Director for Iowa
Melanie Muenzer — Iowa Operations Director
Andy Zabel — Iowa Regional Field Director
Andy Zabel, a native of Humboldt, Iowa, graduated from the University of Iowa. Zabel’s campaign experience includes 
Chad Horrell — Iowa Regional Field Director
Elizabeth Lucas — Iowa Regional Field Director                                                            
Pam Danielson — Iowa Regional Field Director                                                               
Jessica Jones — Iowa Regional Field Director 

Brownback Hires New Iowa Field Representative

Brownback Hires New Iowa Field Representative

Former Iowa State Rep. candidate to organize support for Brownback in Southeast Iowa

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA- U.S. Senator Sam Brownback announced a new addition to his Iowa campaign today. Emma Nemecek has been hired to serve as Southeast Iowa Field Representative.

Nemecek will work with the Iowans for Brownback Political Director and statewide Field Director to build grassroots support for Brownback in the 15 counties of the Iowa Second Congressional District

Brownback Names William Shipman As Special Advisor

Brownback Names William Shipman as Special Advisor on Social Security Reform
Co-chairman of the Cato Institute Project on Social Security Choice joins Brownback for President

ALEXANDRIA, VA-U.S. Senator Sam Brownback named William Shipman, co-chairman of the Cato Institute Project on Social Security Choice and co-author of Promises to Keep: Saving Social Security's Dream, as the Brownback for President special advisor on Social Security reform today.

"William Shipman is a leading expert on the challenges facing the Social Security program and has offered bold initiatives to fix it," Brownback said. "I am committed to fighting for comprehensive Social Security reform with large personal investment accounts and I am honored to earn William Shipman's support."

"I accepted Senator Brownback's offer to help because both of us believe all Americans should have a choice in how they provide for their retirement and the freedom to make that choice," Shipman said.

He added: "The challenges we face from our existing Social Security system will not be overcome by wishing them away or pretending they do not exist. Likewise, the unprecedented opportunities that are achievable from thoughtful and fundamental reform will never be fulfilled unless we choose to get involved."

William Shipman lives in Massachusetts and is chairman of CarriageOaks Partners, a Massachusetts-based retirement finance consulting firm. Shipman has testified before Congress on Social Security and has advised the governments of the Russian Federation, and The Peoples Republic of China, as well as the European Commission. Shipman's research has been published by the Heritage Foundation, Cato Institute, National Center for Policy Analysis and Journal for Investing. The Washington Times published an op-ed written by Shipman today.

Mitt Romney Names Oregon Statewide Finance Committee

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY NAMES OREGON STATEWIDE FINANCE COMMITTEE

Boston, MA – Governor Mitt Romney today announced the 16 members of the Romney for President Oregon Statewide Finance Committee. The Committee will help Governor Romney raise the resources needed to campaign in Oregon and across the nation.

"I am proud to have the support of so many prominent Oregonians who have graciously offered to lend their talents and experience to my campaign," said Romney. "These leaders recognize that our nation faces a new generation of challenges that will require resolve and a rededication to the conservative principles that have made us strong."

Governor Romney campaigned in Oregon in 2006 while serving as Chairman of the Republican Governors Association.

Todd Rokita Endorses Governor Mitt Romney

INDIANA SECRETARY OF STATE TODD ROKITA ENDORSES GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY

Boston, MA – Today, Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita endorsed Governor Mitt Romney. Secretary Rokita has been a driving force behind pro-growth economic policies in Indiana and is a national leader on election reform.

"I am gratified to have Secretary Rokita's endorsement. Within a short amount of time in office, he has accomplished much for the people of Indiana. From working to create a business-friendly environment to improving the integrity of our electoral process, Secretary Rokita is using every opportunity to help the people of his state," said Governor Romney. "I look forward to Secretary Rokita's support as we lay out our agenda to change Washington and meet a new generation of challenges."

Announcing his endorsement, Secretary Rokita said, "Our country needs strong, innovative leaders in Washington, and that is why Governor Romney has my support. He is a proven leader in business and government who rises to the occasion with the kind of smart, dynamic approach that is right for our country. I look forward to being one of the many elected leaders around the nation supporting Governor Romney's optimistic message of a strong America."

John McCain Announces Additions To Florida Team

SENATOR MCCAIN ANNOUNCES ADDITIONS TO FLORIDA TEAM
Former GOP Chair Joins Key Central Florida Leaders Endorsing Arizona Senator

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that former Republican Party of Florida Chair Tom Slade and key central Florida Republican leaders have joined the Arizona Senator's team and will support his candidacy for president.

The team will help rally support and provide leadership to Senator John McCain's presidential campaign in Florida.

“Senator McCain's common sense conservative principles will carry him to victory in Florida and around the nation,” said Slade.  “John McCain is a proven leader who understands the challenges we face and is uniquely qualified to lead this country.”

“Senator John McCain is a courageous leader Floridians admire and respect,” said Commissioner Fernandez.  “I am honored to join his team and will take his message directly to the people.”

“Senator John McCain is a conservative leader who fully understands the importance of making government smaller,” said Representative Simmons. “Senator McCain's commitment to a reform agenda is unparalleled.”

“Senator John McCain has my full support because this is an important election and we cannot afford anything less than a strong leader committed to keeping our economy growing and country safe,” said Representative Allen.

Senator John McCain stated that he welcomed the support of so many central Florida Republican leaders.  “I am proud to have such a vast network of supporters in Florida,” said Senator McCain.  “These leaders have a deep understanding of state politics and grassroots organizing that will make a real difference.  I look forward to working with them to communicate my message of reform to Florida voters.”

Rudy Giuliani Announces California Team Endorsements

Mayor Rudy Giuliani Announces Growing California Team Endorsements Follow Successful California Swing

New York City –The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Exploratory Committee today announced the latest members of a growing California team supporting Rudy Giuliani for President.  The endorsements follow a successful swing through the state and an overwhelming response by Californians to Mayor Giuliani’s optimistic vision for the future and proven leadership. 

In addition to Rep. David Dreier, Rep. Mary Bono and Rep. Devin Nunes, who have already been working to elect Rudy Giuliani President, the Mayor gained the support of Rep. Jerry Lewis, Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle, Former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan, Board of Equalization Member Michelle Steel, Assemblyman Ted Gaines, former California Republican Party Chairmen Robert Naylor and Frank Visco and actor and political commentator Dennis Miller. 

“The Mayor is honored to have the support of so many prominent and respected Californians,” said Giuliani Exploratory Committee Executive Director Mike DuHaime. “Rudy’s optimistic vision for the future and proven leadership are clearly resonating with the people of California.” 

Barb Vander Veen Joins Supporters Of McCain

BARB VANDER VEEN JOINS SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN
Former Legislator To Serve As Co-Chair Of The Americans Of Faith Coalition In The Great Lakes State

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign today announced that former state Representative Barb Vander Veen will support the Arizona Senator’s presidential candidacy.  In addition, Vander Veen will serve as co-chair of the Americans of Faith coalition for Senator McCain in Michigan.

“Senator McCain shares my commitment to conservative principles and traditional values,” said Vander Veen.  “He has a long and unwavering record of supporting our principles and I am proud to help him spread his conservative message throughout the state of Michigan.”

Attorney General Mike Cox continued, “We welcome Barb Vander Veen’s support and are excited about the team in Michigan.  Her support – and that of Alan Cropsey – is a true testament to the common sense conservative leadership that Senator McCain has demonstrated over a lifetime serving the public.”

Senator John McCain expressed gratitude for Barb Vander Veen’s leadership in Michigan.  “Barb is a remarkable woman who is a deeply dedicated public servant,” said Senator McCain.  “I am grateful she will assist in communicating our shared conservative values.”

Mitt Romney Announces Support Of Don Carcieri

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES SUPPORT OF GOVERNOR DON CARCIERI

Boston, MA - Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that Governor Don Carcieri (R-RI) will be joining the Romney for President campaign. 

"It is an honor to have the support of Governor Carcieri.  As Governor of a neighboring state, I saw first hand his strong leadership and dedication to the people of Rhode Island.  He has an impressive record of accomplishment," said Governor Romney.  "I am humbled to have him supporting me now."

With today's announcement, Governor Carcieri said, "Governor Romney has a strong record of results for the people of Massachusetts.  In his four years as chief executive, he erased a deficit and provided health care without raising taxes.  Our country faces a new generation of challenges that requires a leader ready to call upon the strength of the American people. With the leadership experience he brings from the private and public sectors, Governor Romney is just that leader."