2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Richard Burr Joins Supporters Of McCain

RICHARD BURR JOINS SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN
North Carolina Senator Endorses Common Sense Conservatism

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that U.S. Senator Richard Burr will support the Arizona Senator as he seeks the presidency.

Burr was sworn in to serve as a North Carolina Senator in 2005. Prior to his service in the U.S. Senate, Burr served in the U.S. House of Representatives for over a decade. Senator Burr currently serves on the Senate Intelligence Committee; Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee; Energy and National Resources Committee; Veterans Affairs Committee; and serves with Senator John McCain on the Indian Affairs Committee.

"I am pleased to announce I am supporting John McCain in his bid for the White House," said Senator Burr. "I believe his record on fiscal discipline and his watchful eye on government spending will benefit the next generation by ensuring a robust national economy. He is my friend and I look forward to calling him 'Mr. President.'"

Senator John McCain spoke to having Burr's support. "Richard is a principled and steadfast public servant committed to helping our economy thrive and keeping Americans safe," said Senator McCain. "He has a notable record on important issues affecting our country and I appreciate his support."

Congressman Frank LoBiondo Announces Support For Giuliani

Congressman Frank LoBiondo Announces Support for Mayor Giuliani
Congressman and Former Governor Top List of More Than 150 Additional Endorsements by New Jersey Elected Officials

New York City - Mayor Rudy Giuliani is delighted to welcome Congressman Frank LoBiondo to his New Jersey Leadership Team. Congressman LoBiondo is a steadfast leader in strengthening our nation's security, serving on the House Armed Services Committee.

"As a lifelong South Jersey resident and a successful small businessman, Frank LoBiondo has deep, first-hand knowledge of the issues his constituents face.  I continue to be impressed by the conviction and passion Congressman LoBiondo shows in representing his District and I am honored to have his support," Mayor Giuliani said.

Congressman LoBiondo said, "As a strong believer in creating jobs through lower taxes, I saw what Rudy Giuliani accomplished in New York City. Coney Island was reinvigorated by the restoration of its beach and the growth of surrounding businesses. So too will South Jersey benefit from a President who shares my conviction that preserving the natural beauty of our shoreline and encouraging compatible businesses helps create jobs and safeguard the environment. I am proud to support Rudy for President."

LoBiondo's endorsement follows the January endorsements of nearly 300 New Jersey elected and party officials from every corner of the Garden State. Congressman LoBiondo leads a "second wave" that includes more than 150 additional New Jerseyans committed to supporting Mayor Giuliani. He is joined by Former Governor Donald T. DiFrancesco, State Senator Joseph Palaia, Assemblyman Steve Corodemus, Salem County Chairman Paul Reed, former Department of Energy Commissioner Len Coleman, Middletown Mayor Gerry Scharfenberger, former National Committeewoman Judy Stanley Coleman, former Mercer County Executive Bob Prunetti, former Mercer County Chairman Phil Angarone, and finance team members Stephen Distler and Dean Geibel.

Governor DiFrancesco said, "I support Rudy because of his leadership qualities, his proven record and an agenda that's right for America. In the days after September 11, 2001, while he was Mayor and I was Governor, we worked closely together and I saw first-hand what a true leader he is."

Assemblyman Steve Corodemus said, "I support Rudy Giuliani because this country needs a leader like Rudy to stand with the people as he did during September 11, 2001 - sharing our fears, concerns and hopes for a better tomorrow."

"I'm ecstatic that Congressman LoBiondo has joined Team Rudy," said George Gilmore, New Jersey Chairman of the Giuliani Exploratory Campaign. "He has an outstanding record in Congress and has been a force for the citizens of his district. He realizes that Rudy Giuliani is the right choice, not only for the state of New Jersey, but for the entire country."

South Carolina Firefighters Announce Support For Rudy Giuliani

South Carolina Firefighters Announce Support for Mayor Rudy Giuliani
Firefighters from Across the State Sign on Board Team Rudy

New York - The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Exploratory Committee today announced the support of nearly one hundred firefighters from across South Carolina.  South Carolina Firefighters for Rudy represents first responders from across the state who will help build the coalition and communicate Mayor Giuliani’s proven record and optimistic vision.  The coalition will be chaired by Lewis Hayes, Chief of the Croft Fire Department.

Chief Hayes said, “Rudy Giuliani is the decisive and experienced leader we need to achieve solutions to the challenges our country currently faces. It takes a determined leader to make the kind of transformation he achieved as Mayor of New York – and his record speaks for itself. This is the leadership that makes me proud to be part of the Mayor’s campaign.

“Mayor Giuliani’s unwavering support for New York’s firefighters, police officers and emergency workers demonstrated his deep respect for our efforts.  We’re proud to support Mayor Giuliani for President and look forward to helping his efforts in South Carolina,” Hayes concluded. 

Today’s announcement comes after a recent town hall meeting Giuliani hosted at the firehouse in North Spartanburg organized by the South Carolina State Firefighters Association and attended by nearly 300 first responders. 

“Every day men and women are working in difficult circumstances to keep us safe and I’m honored to have the support of this brave group from across South Carolina,” Giuliani said.

Mitt Romney Announces South Carolina Women's Leadership Team

GOVERNOR ROMNEY ANNOUNCES FIRST WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP TEAM IN SOUTH CAROLINA

Boston, MA - Governor Mitt Romney today announced the South Carolina Women's Leadership Team. This is the first Women's Leadership Team to be named in any state since Governor Romney announced his candidacy. The South Carolina Women's Leadership Team will be instrumental in organizing grassroots supporters, as well as communicating Governor Romney's positions and ideas on issues that are important to women across the country.

"I am honored to announce the South Carolina Women's Leadership Team," Governor Romney said. "Their leadership will help advance the already impressive organization we have built in South Carolina. Ann and I are privileged to have the support of these extraordinary leaders and excited to have them on our team."

Dodd Announces Presidential Campaign National Co-Chairs

DODD ANNOUNCES PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN NATIONAL CO-CHAIRS
Becerra, Cloud, DeLauro, Sasser to head diverse group backing Dodd 

WASHINGTON—Today, the Chris Dodd for President campaign announced a diverse group of backers to serve as National Co-Chairs of his campaign. Representatives Xavier Becerra (D-CA) and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), former National Conference for Community and Justice President and CEO Sanford Cloud, Jr., and former Tennessee Senator and Ambassador to China James Sasser will lead Dodd's campaign, providing counsel and guidance as he continues his quest for the presidency. 

"The people who lead my campaign are, in a way, a cross-section of America, representing backgrounds diverse in geography, race, and biography," said Dodd. "But they share one very important thing: a commitment to changing this country." 

"When people focus on experience, straight-out transparent honesty and integrity, they'll find that Senator Dodd is second to none. No one works harder to increase opportunities for working families than Chris Dodd," said Becerra. "Chris Dodd truly is the 'Children's Senator,' making children's issues a priority before it was fashionable, as they say. And being fluent in Spanish, Dodd also has a wonderful capacity to reach Hispanic communities." 

"Having worked for Chris Dodd before I worked with him, I know as well as anyone that he knows how to get things accomplished in Washington. He's made a career by rising above partisan gridlock and partnering with Republicans to pass important legislation such as the Family and Medical Leave and child care grants," said DeLauro. "We need a president with real experience who won't need on-the-job training." 

"In an increasingly volatile world, we need a president who has historical perspective and a sensitive appreciation of situations across the globe," said Sasser. "Chris Dodd doesn't just fill a seat on the Foreign Relations Committee; he's played a central role in nearly every foreign policy debate over the last quarter-century. From the crisis in the Middle East to Latin America, where his experience leads back to his Peace Corps days, Americans will have a president with unparalleled foreign policy knowledge in Dodd." 

"Chris Dodd has been my friend for as long as I can remember," said Sanford ("Sandy") Cloud, Jr. "and I know two things about him: He tells a great story and he knows how to win. Whether he's winning Homeland Security grants for firefighters or holding corporate leaders accountable for scandals like Enron, Chris Dodd never shies away from a fight, and he always wins for America." 

Governor Bill Richardson Names Roberta Lange As Nevada State Director

Governor Bill Richardson Names Local Political Veteran Roberta Lange as Nevada State Director

At the grand opening celebration of his Las Vegas campaign office, the first Presidential campaign office in the state, Governor Bill Richardson named Nevada political veteran Roberta Lange Nevada State Director of his campaign for President. 

"Nevada and the West are critically important to this Presidential election and to my campaign," said Governor Richardson.  "Candidates must recognize that Nevada's issues are unique and therefore they must have a staff that understands the West.  Roberta is a talented political professional and a strong leader with friendships and ties throughout the state.  I am proud to announce that she will lead my Nevada campaign."

"It is an honor to work for such an accomplished candidate," said Lange.  “As a seasoned diplomat and executive leader, only Governor Richardson has the actual experience to get us out of Iraq, make the economy work for the middle class and combat global warming. Moreover, Governor Richardson is one of us. As a Westerner, he faces the same issues Nevadans live with everyday. From growth and water issues, to renewable energy, protecting our land and Yucca Mountain, Governor Richardson has the hands-on knowledge and understanding Nevadans want in their next President.”

As State Director, Lange will join State Campaign Chairman Reynaldo Martinez, former Chief of Staff to Senator Reid, in shaping the Nevada Campaign.  From the new campaign office at 515 S. 7th St. in Las Vegas, Lange and Martinez will lead a team that includes field organizers Javier Trujillo, Theresa Navarro, and Michael Tassone and Communications Director Josh McNeil.

Alabama Leaders Join Growing McCain Team

ALABAMA LEADERS JOIN GROWING MCCAIN TEAM
Senator Byrne & Representative Ward Head Legislative Coalition

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Alabama state Senator Bradley Byrne and state Representative Cam Ward will serve as the campaign's legislative chairman and co-chairman in Alabama.

"I believe John McCain's straight talk and bedrock conservative principles are exactly what our nation needs," Byrne said.  "He is a proven and steadfast leader, and I am proud to add my name to his long list of supporters."

"In my opinion, John McCain is our party's best hope for securing conservative leadership in the White House," said Representative Ward.  "His pro-life, pro-gun record, and his history of championing conservative principles puts him squarely in the mainstream of Alabama voters."

Senator John McCain stated that he looked forward to working closely with both men as the Alabama presidential primary nears.  "I am proud to have the support of lawmakers like Senator Byrne and Representative Ward, both of whom have reputations for promoting conservative reform," said Senator McCain.

Leading Miami Officials Support Senator McCain

LEADING MIAMI OFFICIALS SUPPORT SENATOR MCCAIN
Miami Commissioners Align With Arizona Senator

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Miami-Dade County Commissioner Javier Souto and City of Miami Commissioner Joe Sanchez will support the Arizona Senator as he seeks the presidency.

Souto and Sanchez join a number of south Florida Republicans in announcing their support for Senator John McCain.  Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Congressmen Lincoln and Mario Diaz-Balart, and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez are also standing with Senator McCain.

"Senator McCain is a strong, principled leader whom I admire and respect," said Souto.  "Senator McCain is not afraid to stand up for what he believes and he is committed to preserving freedom around the world."

"I am proud to stand with a principled leader who has a strong record of common sense conservative values," said Sanchez.  "I look forward to communicating Senator McCain's conservative vision throughout south Florida."

Senator John McCain welcomed the support of these key Florida leaders. "Commissioners Souto and Sanchez appreciate the value of freedom and are exemplars of honest, hard-working leaders," said Senator McCain.  "I am proud to have their support and know they will stand with me in fighting for freedom around the globe."

Hotline's List Of Previous White House Contenders Switching To Senate Races

March 08, 2007
Overlooked: A New First?
From today's Hotline:

With the recent talk of various WH '08 contenders switching to SEN races, it's interesting to note that such a mid-cycle switch has never been attempted, at least in recent memory (not counting incumbent sens.) Of course, several failed WH candidates made it to the Senate in later, different cycles (e.g. Elizabeth Dole, Lamar Alexander, Terry Sanford).

Chris Bell Endorses John Edwards For President

CHRIS BELL ENDORSES JOHN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT

Chapel Hill, North Carolina - The John Edwards for President campaign announced today that former congressman and 2006 Texas gubernatorial candidate Chris Bell endorsed Senator John Edwards as the Democratic nominee for President.

"I am proud to have Chris Bell's support," said Edwards. "He is a charismatic leader and a powerful voice for Texas Democrats. I look forward to working with him, so we can move our country forward."

"I am pleased to announce my endorsement of John Edwards for President. Having traveled the state in my run for governor in 2006, I know what Texas Democrats are looking for in a candidate and a leader, and John Edwards is it. If we want to take back the White House, we need a candidate who can fight and win everywhere in the country, including here in Texas. I am convinced that nobody will work harder for the values that Texas Democrats believe in, especially by fighting every day for people who work for a living."