2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Chris Dodd Announces Key Iowa Hires

CHRIS DODD ANNOUNCES KEY IOWA CAMPAIGN HIRES
Dodd announces Director, Press Secretary of Iowa campaign

DES MOINES - Chris Dodd for President announced today the hire of Des Moines native Marc Beltrame to head Dodd's Iowa campaign, and Taylor West as Iowa press secretary. Beltrame is a longtime senior staffer for central Iowa Congressman Leonard Boswell and a veteran Iowa political activist. West most recently worked as press secretary on newly elected Iowa Governor Chet Culver's campaign.

Senator Dodd praised the two for their records of service and expressed appreciation for their support. "Marc is a rising leader in the Iowa Democratic Party, and his addition to my campaign will be a huge boost. I'm honored that such a distinguished public servant has chosen to join my team. Taylor is a campaign veteran whose work electing Governor Culver makes her invaluable to my operation.

As I travel around the state speaking to Iowans about our ideas for changing this country, I'll be grateful to have Marc and Taylor by my side to offer counsel and guidance. "

Gordon Fischer, former Democratic Party Chair, said of Beltrame, "Marc Beltrame is as brilliant as the surface of the sun. His hire automatically makes Chris Dodd a major player in Iowa."

"Adding someone with Marc's talent and experience as director is a great first step to building a campaign in Iowa. It sends a strong signal that Senator Dodd intends to compete to win in Iowa," said Gary Dickey, Jr., a former policy advisor and general counsel to Governor Tom Vilsack.

Said Beltrame, "Iowans are ready for a president with real experience and real ideas about how to get America back on track after enduring six years of the Bush-Cheney presidency. From authoring the Family Medical and Leave Act at home to solving foreign policy problems across the globe, Chris Dodd is the strongest leader in this race. I'm so honored to be part of his team."

Mitt Romney Announces Michigan Grassroots Steering Committee

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES MICHIGAN GRASSROOTS STEERING COMMITTEE

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that an overwhelming number of Republican grassroots leaders have agreed to join his team as a part of the Romney for President Michigan Grassroots Steering Committee.  Included on the State Grassroots Steering Committee are 44 Current and Former County GOP Chairs, 41 Current and Former GOP State Committee Members, and 7 Current and Former GOP Congressional District Chairs

"This is an outstanding group of Republican grassroots leaders who are now serving on my Michigan leadership team," said Governor Romney.  "This team represents a mix of seasoned campaign veterans and newly elected leaders from every corner of the state.  They are ready to carry our message of change in Washington to the voters and organize a strong, efficient effort for turning out support on Election Day."

The Michigan Grassroots Steering Committee will be led by Governor Romney's Michigan Grassroots Chairman Gerry Mason.

"This is a campaign people in Michigan are energized to work for," said Gerry Hildenbrand, 6th Congressional District GOP Chairman.  "I have met Governor Romney and believe he is the right conservative leader for America.  I am enthusiastically supporting him."

Steve French To Join Supporters Of McCain

STEVE FRENCH TO JOIN SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN
French To Serve As Southeastern Legislative Co-Chair 

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign today announced that Alabama state Senator Steve French has joined the Arizona Senator’s team and will serve as Southeastern Legislative Co-Chair.

State Senator French served as Alabama campaign manager for the Bush/Quayle '92 campaign.  Senator French also served as the organizational chairman for Bush-Cheney ’00 and 6th Congressional District chairman for Bush-Cheney ’04.

“In my opinion, John McCain’s beliefs, principles, and political philosophy are closely aligned with the conservative Alabama values that we hold,” said Senator French.  “Because of his common sense conservative approach to the issues facing our nation, I am convinced that Senator McCain will make a strong showing in the southeastern United States, a region vitally important to the Republican Party.”

“We are honored to have Senator French join our team and we look forward to utilizing his impressive experience in Republican Party politics,” said Senator John McCain.  “He will be instrumental in helping spread our conservative message throughout the southeast.”

New Jersey Leaders Join Supporters Of McCain

NEW JERSEY LEADERS JOIN SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced that influential New Jersey Republicans Ed McGlynn, Mike Torpey, and Matt Eventoff will support the Arizona Senator as he seeks the presidency.

“Senator John McCain has my full support because this is an important election and we cannot afford anything less than someone who knows what it takes to keep our economy growing and country safe,” said McGlynn.

Mike Torpey was President George W. Bush’s campaign director in New Jersey in 2004.

“I am honored to support Senator John McCain because he is a determined leader who has helped improve the lives and safety of all Americans,” said Torpey.  “I look forward to helping Senator McCain share his vision with citizens across the Garden State.”

"Senator McCain has a long history of principled leadership, and has dedicated his career to protecting and serving this country with honesty and integrity,” said Eventoff.  “It’s an honor to support a great man like Senator John McCain.”

Senator John McCain stated that he was pleased to have the support of these New Jersey leaders.  “These individuals will help expand our grassroots support in New Jersey,” said Senator John McCain.  “I am proud to be joined by leaders who believe America can and must do better.”

Brownback Finishes Top 3 in CPAC Straw Poll

Brownback Finishes Top 3 in CPAC Straw Poll
Brownback clear choice among “traditional values” Republicans

ALEXANDRIA, VA- U.S. Senator Sam Brownback placed 3rd tonight in the CPAC presidential straw poll, a key test of strength in the 2008 presidential race.

Among “traditional values” Republicans, Brownback was the overwhelming favorite, with 29% of the vote.

Brownback was pleased with the results of the straw poll. "As we continue to build momentum toward victory, I am encouraged by the outcome of tonight's poll," Brownback said. "I would like to thank everyone who came from across America to Washington, D.C. to demonstrate their support.”

The CPAC straw poll was held over two days in Washington, D.C. at the Omni Shoreham Hotel.

Brownback continued, "I will continue to lead on conservative values to renew our culture and rebuild our families. We must rebuild families, protect marriage, cut taxes, enact a flat tax, secure our borders and win the fight against militant Islamist extremists."

Brownback also finished 4th in the Spartanburg County, South Carolina straw poll yesterday.

Excerpts From Mitt Romney's Remarks At CPAC

EXCERPTS FROM GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY'S REMARKS AT CPAC

Washington, D.C. – Today, Governor Mitt Romney will make remarks at the 34th Annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).  Below are key excerpts of Governor Romney's remarks as prepared for delivery.

Governor Romney On The State Of Conservatism:

"Conservatism is alive and well. And it is needed more than ever. America faces a new generation of challenges, critical challenges. Today is similar in many respects to what we faced as a nation 30 years ago, looking at the menacing face of communism.

"In fact, 30 years ago, in this very conference, one man stood up and told America what was needed. It was conservatism, a new coalition of conservatives that would lead to a brighter future for the nation. Ronald Reagan said this: 'What I envision is not simply a melding together of the two branches of American conservatism into a temporary uneasy alliance, but the creation of a new, lasting majority.' And here is where he said that this conservative alliance would lead: 'I have seen the conservative future, and it works.'"

"It is the conservative coalition represented here that can build a brighter future for America: economic conservatives, social conservatives, and national security conservatives."

Governor Romney Calls For Repeal Of McCain-Feingold:

"To me, a fundamental principle of democracy is at stake. It is the people who are sovereign in America, not a few folks in black robes. Judges add things that aren't in the Constitution, and they take away things that are in the Constitution. In that regard, they let the campaign finance lobby take away First Amendment rights. If I'm President, I will fight to repeal McCain-Feingold."

Governor Romney On The Need To Restrain Spending:

"As you know, I'm proud to be the first Presidential candidate to sign Grover Norquist's tax pledge. But I have another pledge I am making to you today. If I am elected President, I will cap non-defense discretionary spending at inflation minus 1 percent. That alone will save $300 billion over 10 years. If Congress sends me a budget that exceeds the cap, I will veto that budget. I don't care if it's a Republican or Democrat Congress, I will veto that budget.

"And I know how to veto. I like vetoes. I vetoed hundreds of spending appropriations as Governor. And, by the way, if Congress doesn't want to do the cutting itself, then give me the same line item veto I had as governor.

"And one more thing, I will personally lead a top to bottom review of government programs, agencies, procurement and spending. It's time to cut out the mountains of waste and inefficiency and duplication in the federal government. I've done that in business, I've done that in the Olympics, and I've done that in Massachusetts. And boy, I can't wait to get my hands on Washington."

Governor Romney Calling Upon The Strength Of The American People:

"If we are to keep America strong, we must turn to the source of America's strength. Liberals think that government is the source of our greatness. They're wrong. The American people are the source of our strength: hard working, educated, skilled, family-oriented, willing to sacrifice for their family and their country, God-fearing, freedom-loving American people. They always have been the source of our strength and they always will be."

"Thirty years ago, in challenging times, a great coalition was forged in these halls. Today, we face a new generation of challenges.

"If we in this room lock our arms together, we can forge the political will to rebuild our military might. If we in this room will simply march forward we can propel America's growth and prosperity to lead to the world. If we in this room lift up our eyes, we will lift the spirit of the nation.

"Now is the time, this is the place, for us to stand together, to lead a great coalition of strength, for our families, for our future, for America. May God bless this great land."

Patrick Oxford Named Chairman of the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Exploratory Committee

Patrick Oxford Named Chairman of the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Exploratory Committee

New York City –The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Exploratory Committee today announced that Patrick Oxford will serve as Chairman of the Committee.   As Chairman, Mr. Oxford will oversee the activities of the Committee.  He has been active in public policy matters on the state and national level for many years and serves as an advisor to several federal and state office holders.

“I am honored to serve as Chairman of Rudy’s Exploratory Committee,” Mr. Oxford said   “Rudy is a proven leader with a record of results.  As Mayor, he cut taxes, fought crime and corruption, controlled spending and made New York City livable again.  And when our country needed it most, Rudy Giuliani showed the leadership necessary to restore a sense of security to the people of New York and all Americans.”   

“Pat Oxford is my good friend and a man of great integrity.  I am pleased that he has agreed to serve as Chairman of my Presidential Exploratory Committee,” said Mayor Giuliani.  “I trust Pat and have the highest regard for his ability.”

NY GOP Leaders Bill Powers & Guy Molinari Endorse Giuliani

NY GOP Leaders Bill Powers & Guy Molinari Endorse Giuliani
Republican Leaders Unite to Chair Giuliani’s New York Efforts

New York City –The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Exploratory Committee today announced former New York State Republican Party Chairman Bill Powers and former Congressman Guy Molinari will chair Mayor Giuliani’s New York statewide efforts.  Powers and Molinari are established Republican Party leaders who have both worked on behalf of previous presidential candidates in New York.

“During my time as State Party Chairman I saw the incredible progress Rudy Giuliani made turning conservative principles into real results.  He’s a problem solver who made New York City livable again – a place where families can feel safe and secure, entrepreneurs can invest in the future, and small businesses can grow,” former New York State Republican Chairman Bill Powers said.

Former Congressman Guy Molinari added, “What our country needs now more than ever is a proven leader who has a track record of getting results.  I’ve had the opportunity to work with Mayor Giuliani and have seen up close his ability to tackle a difficult challenge and come up with a solution that works.  When Rudy Giuliani took office, more than one out of every seven New Yorkers was on welfare.  Under his leadership, the City cut welfare rolls by more than 640,000.  I’m confident that after seeing what Rudy Giuliani has been able to achieve for New York, he’s the right man for the job.”

Mayor Rudy Giuliani thanked Powers and Molinari for their support. “It’s an honor to have the support of two New York Republican leaders that I have had the pleasure of working with over the years.  Bill and Guy are not only trusted advisors, but good friends and I am fortunate to have them as part of the team.”

Mr. Molinari was the New York State Chairman of President Bush’s successful 1988 Presidential Campaign.

Giuliani Announces Theodore Olson As Chair Of Justice Advisory Committee

Mayor Giuliani Announces Theodore Olson as Chair of Justice Advisory Committee

New York City –The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Exploratory Committee today announced that former Solicitor General Theodore Olson will chair the Mayor’s Justice Advisory Committee.   

In supporting the Mayor’s candidacy, Olson said Giuliani has the strength and conviction to lead the country.  “I’ve known Rudy Giuliani for over 25 years and I trust his principles and his judgment. Since our days working together in the Reagan Administration, I’ve been able to see firsthand Rudy’s strength of character and demonstrated leadership.  I am confident Mayor Giuliani is the proven leader our Party and our country need to move forward.”

“Ted Olson is a renowned Constitutional expert, one of the very best lawyers in the United States and I am honored to have his support," Mayor Giuliani said.  "Judith and I are even more honored by his friendship."

Slade Gorton Supports McCain

FORMER WASHINGTON SENATOR SLADE GORTON SUPPORTS MCCAIN

Gorton Will Serve As Honorary Chairman of McCain's Evergreen State Effort 

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that former U.S. Senator Slade Gorton will be the honorary chairman for Washington State as Senator McCain seeks the presidency.

As honorary chairman, Senator Gorton will provide leadership to Senator McCain's exploratory committee in the state.

Gorton spoke of Senator McCain's ability to approach difficult issues. "John McCain understands that in order for our country to regroup and flourish, we need to come together and rise to challenges," said Gorton. "Whether it's strengthening our economy, trimming down government waste or making America safe again, John McCain has the leadership style our country needs."

Senator John McCain praised Gorton's public service and expressed gratitude for his support.  "Slade Gorton is a principled leader that has been committed to common sense conservative policy," said Senator McCain. "Having Slade join my effort means a lot to me personally and serves as a significant addition to our team."