2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

I Believe Fred Thompson Should Run For President.

I believe Fred Thompson should run for President.

I've not talked with Fred personally about a potential run, so I am basing my thoughts simply on knowing him well, having worked with him in policy and politics everyday for 8 years, and knowing the people across America want a genuine leader who represents them.

Fred understands real people and they understand him. He understands the legislative process and has a strong bipartisan appeal, though he is a real conservative.

He has the experience of government service with a real appreciation for all three branches of government. He is a commonsense leader.

Bill Frist, M.D.

Bobby Schindler Endorses Brownback For President

Bobby Schindler Endorses Brownback for President
Terri Schiavo's brother thanks Brownback for his efforts to protect all human life

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – U.S. Senator Sam Brownback received an endorsement today from Bobby Schindler, the brother of the late Terri Schiavo. Schiavo died nearly two years ago from starvation and dehydration after a court mandated the removal of her feeding tube, sparking a nationwide bipartisan effort to save her life.

“My family will never forget Sam Brownback’s valiant efforts to save my sister’s life,” said Schindler. “Sam Brownback is the pro-life conservative we can trust to stand for all life, regardless of political calculations.”

Brownback commented, "Terri's plight highlighted the core question about the protection of human life: does the dignity with which we treat individuals depend on their physical or mental status as human beings? If a person's dignity depends only on his or her physical status, then life and death decisions about the most vulnerable among us become relative matters to be determined by doctors, judges, lawyers, and legislatures. Once we go down the path of valuing some lives more than others, of saying that people with disabilities don't have the same dignity and right to life as others, there are very few means not justified by the sinister end of a disability-free society. The way a society treats individuals with disabilities is a measure of the greatness of that society."

Phil Gramm Joins Team McCain

Former Texas Senator Joins Team McCain
Gramm To Serve As General Co-Chair 

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that former U.S. Senator Phil Gramm will support the Arizona Senator's presidential candidacy and serve as a general co-chair of the campaign.  Gramm joins former Rep. Tom Loeffler as a general co-chairman. 

As general co-chair, Gramm will advise and assist on all aspects of the campaign including policy, fundraising, campaign management and strategy. 

Phil Gramm served the state of Texas in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives for over 20 years.  Elected to his first term to the House of Representatives in 1978 as a Democrat, Gramm resigned to run for the seat as a Republican and became the first Republican elected in his district since its creation.  In 1984, Gramm was elected to the Senate. 

Gramm spoke to the importance of Senator McCain's steadfast leadership.  "Our country is at an important crossroads and John McCain is the leader we need now.  His life experience and proven record make him the one candidate that we can count on to face up to the tough issues that have been swept under the rug for too long," said Gramm.  "He will veto wasteful spending bills, make the tax cuts permanent, and do what needs to be done to keep our economy strong.  John McCain is also uniquely qualified to lead America in the war on terrorism." 

Senator John McCain praised Gramm's remarkable record as a public servant and expressed appreciation for his support.  "Phil is a principled conservative committed to real reform in government," said Senator McCain.  "His active participation in my campaign makes a strong statement about our intention to reduce spending and make the tax cuts permanent." 

John Peschong Joins Team McCain

JOHN PESCHONG JOINS TEAM MCCAIN

Top California Strategist Will Serve As Senior Advisor

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign today announced that John Peschong will join the Arizona Senator’s team and serve as a senior advisor in California. 

“Senator McCain’s message of conservative reform and unparalleled record of public service are sure to resonate with California voters,” said Peschong.  “I am honored to be a part of Senator McCain’s team and look forward to working on his behalf in the months ahead.”

Senator John McCain expressed his appreciation for Peschong’s support and counsel.  “John brings to our campaign tremendous experience and intimate knowledge of California's political terrain,” said Senator McCain.  “He is an important addition to our team and I look forward to his advice.”

Ron Paul Is A Candidate For President

Ron Paul is a Candidate for President

Press Release from Ron Paul 2008

Washington, March 12 -- Congressman Ron Paul (R-Texas) announced and discussed his candidacy for the Republican nomination for president of the United States this morning on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal program. Afterwards, paperwork was filed with the Federal Election Commission.

“The American people now have a real conservative in the race for president they can support,” stated Kent Snyder, chairman of the Ron Paul 2008 committee. He added, “Congressman Paul has a long and consistent record of a true conservative; a record we are eager to put against any candidate for the Republican nomination.”

Senator Hagel's Remarks Today in Omaha

Statement by U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel on His Political Future
March 12, 2007 

America stands at an historic crossroads in its history. It is against this backdrop that I find myself at my own crossroads on my political future. Burdened by two wars, faced with dangerous new threats and global uncertainty, beset by serious long-term domestic problems and divided by raw political partisanship—America now reaches for a national consensus of purpose. America’s response to the challenges and opportunities that confront us today will define our future. Finding solutions to these challenges and capitalizing on these opportunities will not wait until the next election. 

I have worked hard over the last ten years on foreign policy and national security issues, climate change and energy, education, entitlement reform, especially Social Security reform, health care, veterans benefits, GSE reform, and immigration reform. This year will be an important year for these critical issues– and I intend to offer new initiatives on each of them. I want to give these and other subjects my full attention over the next few months. I believe it is in the interests of my Nebraska constituents and this country that I continue to work full time on these challenges. 

America is facing its most divisive and difficult issue since Vietnam—the war in Iraq, an issue that I have been deeply involved in. I want to keep my focus on helping find a responsible way out of this tragedy, and not divert my energy, efforts and judgment with competing political considerations. 

I am here today to announce that my family and I will make a decision on my political future later this year. 

In making this announcement, I believe there will still be political options open to me at a later date. But that will depend on the people of Nebraska and this country. I cannot control that and I do not worry about it. I will continue to participate in events across this country, raising money for my Political Action Committee to assist Republican candidates, and raising funds for a Senate re-election campaign. 

In conclusion, I would first like to commend my colleagues who are currently seeking their Party’s presidential nomination. I admire each of them for their willingness to put themselves on the line and pursue their strong beliefs and ideals. 

I believe the political currents in America are more unpredictable today than at any time in modern history. We are experiencing a political re-orientation, a redefining and moving toward a new political center of gravity. This movement is bigger than both parties. The need to solve problems and meet challenges is overtaking the ideological debates of the last three decades—as it should. America is demanding honest, competent and accountable governance.
A global political readjustment is also in play today...and will respond to America’s leadership. What is at stake for the future of America is larger than just American politics. Politics is simply the mechanism democracies use to affect responsible change. The world is not static, it is dynamic. 

At the beginning of my remarks I said that America is reaching for a national consensus of purpose. We will find it because Americans expect it and will demand it. I do not believe America’s greatness is lost to the 20th Century. There are chapters of America’s greatness yet to be written. I intend to continue being part of America’s story.

Jim Martin Joins Supporters Of McCain

Jim Martin Joins Supporters Of Senator McCain
Former North Carolina Governor To Serve On Tar Heel Steering Committee

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that former North Carolina Governor Jim Martin supports the Arizona Senator's presidential candidacy. In addition, Martin will serve as a state steering committee member for Senator McCain's presidential campaign in North Carolina.

Martin spoke to the importance of Senator McCain's unyielding leadership and conservative values. "Senator McCain has the consistent common sense conservative record that resonates with North Carolinians," said Martin. "He is a leader who will fight to reduce government spending, nominate strict constructionist judges, and most importantly, protect our homeland by winning the War on Terror."

Senator John McCain expressed appreciation for the former governor's support and leadership in North Carolina. "Jim has an impressive public service record and has served the people of North Carolina well," said Senator McCain. "I am grateful to have Jim's support and look forward to working with him."

David Vitter Announces Support for Rudy Giuliani

Senator David Vitter Announces Support for Rudy Giuliani

Vitter to Serve as Southern Regional Chair, Lead Efforts in US Senate 

New York City – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Exploratory Committee today announced that Senator David Vitter will serve as the Southern Regional Chair.  Senator Vitter will help lead the campaign’s efforts to build support in the south and in the United States Senate.   

In announcing his endorsement, Senator David Vitter touted Giuliani’s leadership and reputation as a proven problem-solver.  “Rudy Giuliani has the strong, unwavering leadership and sound judgment we need in this time of war and terrorist threat. His performance under the extreme pressure of September 11^th proves he is the determined leader our country needs to face today’s challenges head-on.”

“I believe the Republican Party needs to always be the party of free market economics and reform.  Rudy implemented those principles as Mayor of New York by cutting taxes 23 times, making government more efficient and moving welfare recipients into jobs.  It’s exactly the kind of conservative reform the federal government needs,” Vitter concluded.   

“David Vitter is a good man – a conservative reformer in the Senate who has fought for free market economic policy, ethics reform and much more,” Mayor Giuliani said.  “I am honored to have David join our team and lead our campaign efforts in the South and in the United States Senate,” said Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

Jim Gilmore Opens National Campaign Office In Springfield Virginia

THE GILMORE CAMPAIGN SIGNS TOP GOP CONSULTANTS AND OPENS A NATIONAL CAMPAIGN OFFICE IN SPRINGFIELD

SPRINGFIELD, VA – The Gilmore for President Exploratory Committee today announced that it has opened a campaign office in Springfield, Va. and begun hiring top level staff to assist former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore’s effort to secure the Republican nomination for President of the United States.

The campaign said it had hired three top veteran GOP consultants, Kieran Mahoney, Boyd Marcus and Christian Josi, and experienced deputy campaign manager, Tom Bunnell. The campaign has leased the entire 12^th floor of the Springfield Tower office building and has launched an aggressive mail, media and fundraising effort.

Mitt Romney Announces Nevada Finance Committee

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES NEVADA FINANCE STEERING COMMITTEE

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced the Romney for President Nevada Finance Steering Committee led by Former Governor Kenny Guinn and Former Congresswoman Barbara Vucanovich.  Together, the Finance Steering Committee will help Governor Romney raise the resources needed to campaign in Nevada and across the nation.

"I am honored to have the support of some the most influential and talented leaders in Nevada," said Governor Romney.  "These outstanding men and women share my vision to bring real change to Washington and to address a new generation of challenges facing our nation.  I know this team will help make sure every person in Nevada knows my vision for a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future for our country."

Governor Romney has made several trips to Nevada meeting with top business and political leaders.