2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Governor Tom Ridge To Support John McCain

GOVERNOR TOM RIDGE TO SUPPORT JOHN MCCAIN
First Secretary Of Homeland Security To Serve As National Co-Chair

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that former Secretary of Homeland Security and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge will support the Arizona Senator should he decide to seek the presidency.  In addition, Ridge will serve as a national co-chair to Senator McCain's presidential exploratory committee.

In October 2001, Thomas J. Ridge was appointed Assistant to the President for Homeland Security.  On January 24, 2003, he was sworn in as the nation's first Secretary of the newly-created Department of Homeland Security, where he served until 2005.

Before the events of September 11th, Ridge was twice elected Governor of Pennsylvania, serving from 1995 to 2001.  He was the first enlisted Vietnam combat veteran elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and was overwhelmingly re-elected five times.  While a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army, Ridge earned the Bronze Star for Valor, the Combat Infantry Badge, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

Governor Ridge spoke to the importance of Senator McCain's leadership. "What sets John apart is his ability to form coalitions around a common, principled cause," said Ridge.  "Our country is at a crossroads and John McCain is the leader who fundamentally knows what it takes to move us forward and keep us safe."

Senator John McCain emphasized the significance of having Governor Ridge advising his campaign.  "The key to America's future is maintaining the peace and prosperity we enjoy in our communities," said Senator McCain. "Having Tom Ridge, and his expertise as an innovative governor and national leader, join our push toward a brighter future for our country is invaluable, and I'm grateful for his support."

Governor Mitt Romney Announces Latin American Policy Advisory Group

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES LATIN AMERICAN POLICY ADVISORY GROUP

Boston, MA - Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced the members of his Latin American Policy Advisory Group.  Governor Romney will meet with them today to discuss issues vital to America's relations with Latin America.

"As we begin to craft an agenda for America's relations with our neighbors in the Western Hemisphere, I am gratified to have the counsel and guidance of this group.  Each member has decades of experience working in Latin America, the Foreign Service and business.  Together, they have been involved at every step of the policy-making process - from oversight in Washington to representing their country in foreign capitals," said Governor Romney.

Ahead of today's meeting, Al Cardenas said, "Governor Romney rightly believes that the best ally of peace in the world is a strong America.  He sees the new generation of challenges confronting our nation from abroad, and he is ready to lead our country.  I am proud to be among this distinguished group working with Governor Romney."

New Presidential Timeline Web Site Highlights Pivotal Events In 20th Century American Presidencies

New Presidential Timeline Web Site Highlights Pivotal Events in 20th Century American Presidencies

AUSTIN, Texas - A Web-based Presidential Timeline (www.presidentialtimeline.org) filled with digitized artifacts and historical archives from all of the U.S. presidential libraries has been created through the efforts of the 12 presidential libraries of the National Archives and Records Administration, the Learning Technology Center of The University of Texas at Austin's College of Education and the UT Library system.

The interactive Web-based Timeline is based on the administrations of 20th century American presidents and is unique in giving educators, archivists and the public one spot where the 12 presidential libraries' impressive array of digitized assets can be accessed.

"We realized early on that this Timeline would be of interest to a very broad user base, says Dr. Betty Sue Flowers, director of the LBJ Library and Museum, "from K-12 educators in the U.S. to an international audience that can use the Web to learn about U.S. history in an engaging, entertaining way.

"We drew upon the expertise of individuals at each of the presidential libraries, K-12 teachers, university faculty, archivists, education specialists and top technology professionals nationwide to accomplish two very important goals - we wanted to exhibit the digitized assets in an educational, compelling way as well as develop educational activities that actually use the Timeline and enhance teachers' various curricula.

The presidential libraries contributed primary and secondary source materials, many of which previously were available only to serious scholars. Contributions include audio and video clips, photos and documents, such as diaries, that offer a rare and fascinating glimpse into the daily life of an American president.

"One of the most interesting features of the Timeline is that it is built around key events in each presidency, says Dr. Paul Resta, director of the College of Education's Learning Technology Center. "These are major historical decision points at which a particular president faced a crisis or other momentous event. We have designed the Timeline so that users can essentially assume the role of president for a moment and figuratively step behind the desk in the Oval Office, accessing audio files of President (Lyndon B.) Johnson's phone conversations regarding the Gulf of Tonkin incident, for example. This is an exceptionally effective tool for encouraging students to analyze what they're learning in history classes and is a great way of using technology to make history leap to life.

The Presidential Timeline Project was made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, as well as funding from the Lyndon Baines Johnson Foundation and UTOPIA, a digital gateway to The University of Texas at Austin's educational resources. The College of Education's Learning Technology Center and Terra Incognita Productions designed the Timeline to be fluid and dynamic, with additional resources and curriculum material to be added along with the assets of new presidential libraries.
To view the Presidential Timeline, please visit www.presidentialtimeline.org. For a list of links to all 12 presidential libraries, visit www.archives.gov/presidential-libraries/contact/libraries.html.

John McCain 2008 Launches New Online Efforts

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE EFFORTS

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today launched five new online projects to give Americans a new way to interact with the campaign and additional opportunities to learn about and engage John McCain. 

John McCain 2008 announced the creation of two official video sharing channels at YouTube, www.youtube.com/johnmccaindotcom and Veoh, www.veoh.com/channels/johnmccain. These channels will host all the same videos available at JohnMcCain.com.

“Video is an integral part of our website at JohnMcCain.com, and we are happy that YouTube and Veoh are giving us additional opportunities for people to watch John McCain speaking directly to the American people,” said Christian Ferry, National eCampaign Director. “They also allow people to share and embed these videos throughout their online communities.”

In addition, the committee today launched official social networking profiles on Facebook, www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=724875122, and MySpace, www.myspace.com/johnmccain.

“People are fed up with politics as usual and Facebook and MySpace are giving them the opportunity to organize and influence the process in ways that could not have been imagined during John McCain’s last campaign for President,” said Christian Ferry.  “Working in concert with JohnMcCain.com, these networks will only increase the opportunity for people to join Senator McCain’s effort to bring responsibility to government; we look forward to working with them.”

In addition to new social networking and video sharing outlets, John McCain 2008 has also initiated a discussion with Americans about wasteful spending via Yahoo! Answers, http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070225170327AAErCsL. 

“John McCain has long fought for fiscal responsibility and respect for taxpayers in Washington, even if that fight has often been a lonely battle,” said Ferry. “While Congress continues to treat hard earned taxpayer money as a kitty for personal projects and special interest giveaways, Americans realize there are simple solutions to stop this abuse; we are glad to see thousands of Americans responding with their ideas.”

RNC Members Endorse Mitt Romney

RNC MEMBERS ENDORSE GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY

Boston, MA - Today, eight members of the Republican National Committee (RNC) and three former RNC members endorsed Governor Mitt Romney and his candidacy for President of the United States.

"It is an honor to have the support of these men and women. As leading members of the Republican Party, they have worked tirelessly to advance our common ideas and principles," said Governor Romney. "Together, they will be strong surrogates for our message of meeting a new generation of challenges with innovation and transformation."

Karl "Butch" Bowers Joins Team McCain

KARL “BUTCH” BOWERS JOINS TEAM MCCAIN
Former South Carolina Election Commission Chairman To Serve As Chief Counsel

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced that Karl “Butch” Bowers, Jr. will join the Arizona Senator’s team as chief counsel to the exploratory committee in South Carolina.

“John McCain has demonstrated time and again the kind of conservative leadership our country needs,” said Bowers.  “I am proud to represent his campaign and look forward to a strong and victorious result in South Carolina.”

Senator John McCain spoke of the key role Bowers will play in his exploratory committee’s operation in South Carolina.  “Butch has proven to be a thorough and deliberate leader in the South Carolina legal community,” said Senator McCain.  “With his experience and expertise in campaign finance and election law, he will be an important asset to our effort.”

McKernan Joins Supporters Of McCain

MCKERNAN JOINS SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN
Former Governor Endorses McCain-Style Consensus Building

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced that former Maine Governor John R. McKernan Jr. will support the Arizona Senator should he decide to seek the presidency.

McKernan spoke of his affinity for John McCain’s record of effectiveness on important issues.  “John McCain has a special and invaluable ability to rally popular support around the principled position,” said McKernan.  “As a Republican, I appreciate that trait, but as an American concerned about the future generations of this country, I believe we need it.”

Senator John McCain said that Governor McKernan’s support was important.  “Having Jock’s support going forward will prove to be a great asset,” said Senator McCain.  “He has made public service a central part of his life and knows that great challenges require collaboration and optimism.  My hope is to take that attitude to the American voter.”

Duncan Hunter Names Official South Carolina Co-Chairs

OFFICIAL SOUTH CAROLINA CO-CHAIRS

(Spartanburg, SC) Duncan Hunter, (R-CA), released an updated list of well-known leaders from South Carolina who have joined the veteran Congressman’s campaign.  Serving as co-chairs of his campaign are Tom Marchant, former assistant republican leader of the South Carolina House of Representatives; Mike Dixon, former 4th Congressional District GOP Chair and current member of the South Carolina Ports Authority; Mike Griffin, conservative activist, and president of Griffin Electric; and Carole Wells, former State Representative and South Carolina State Labor Commissioner.

The initial meeting of co-chairs will take place in the upcoming weeks. Lois Eargle and Dr. Henry Jordan listed in the original press release will not be coming on board as co-chairs.

The South Carolina co-chairs join Honorary National Chairman Chuck Yeager, retired general, USAF, who calls Hunter the right man for the right job at the right time. Dan McKinnon of San Diego chairs the national Hunter for President Committee.  “Like Chuck Yeager they have the right stuff for a successful National Campaign,” said Hunter.

Michael Boskin Joins The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Exploratory Committee

Renowned Economic Advisor Michael Boskin Joins the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Exploratory Committee

New York City –The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Exploratory Committee today announced that former chairman of the President's Council of Economic Advisers, Dr. Michael J. Boskin, will join the Committee as a Senior Policy Advisor.  Currently a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, Boskin will serve as Mayor Giuliani’s lead advisor on all economic matters. 

Dr. Michael J. Boskin said, “I am volunteering to join Rudy’s team because, in a talented field of qualified candidates, Rudy Giuliani stands out for his rare blend of intelligence, highly successful experience, leadership and vision.  His eight years as Mayor of New York have rightly been judged “the most successful episode of conservative governance in this country in the last fifty years”.  He trimmed bureaucracy, controlled spending, repeatedly cut taxes, and radically reduced crime and welfare rolls.  Not surprisingly, New York, which had been in a downward spiral of rampant crime and fiscal chaos, experienced a renaissance.

“The entire country witnessed what a wonderful job of crisis management Rudy did on and after the terrorist attacks on 9/11.  We cannot know now exactly what crises the next President and the nation will confront in 2009 and beyond, but unfortunately it is likely there will be some.

“I look forward to working with his team to bring Rudy the best possible economic information, analysis, ideas and policy options,” concluded Boskin.

“Throughout his academic and policy-making career, Dr. Boskin has emphasized the importance of stable low inflation and fiscal discipline,” said Mayor Giuliani. “I am honored to have his expertise on my team.” 

Brownback Adds To Iowa Campaign

U.S. Senator Brownback Announces New Additions to Iowa Campaign
Brownback “inspired by the broad base of support in the Hawkeye State”

U.S. Senator Sam Brownback, Republican candidate for President, announced new additions to his Iowa campaign today. The new members will serve in various leadership positions on the statewide Iowans for Brownback campaign committee.

Randy Crawford of Johnson County—Republican activist
Tim Frank of Clay County—Campaign Manager for Bill Northey, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture
Chris Hagenow of Polk County—Republican activist
Michelle Howe of Linn County—Pro-life activist
Jon Jacobsen of Pottawattamie County—TS Bank, Republican official
Rev. Dr. James Lamb of Story County—Pastor
Dan Logan of Scott County—Logan Photography, Republican official
Mary Ann Logan of Scott County—Pro-life activist
Larry Morris of Dallas County—Financial Architects
Ellen Markham of Dubuque county—Pro-life activist
Matt Rassmussen of Linn County—Attorney and Republican activist
Dr. Troy Scheuerman of Van Buren County—Chiropractor
Denise Shannon of Jasper County—Businesswoman and Republican activist
Luana Stoltenberg of Scott County—Pro-life activist
Nick Wagner of Linn County—Republican official
Phil Wieseler of Woodbury County—Computer Tech. and Republican activist
Dr. Jerry Yancy of Des Moines County—Physician

“I am grateful to have earned the support of each of these Iowans,” Brownback said. “As we continue to build the campaign organization, I am inspired by the broad base of support I am receiving in the Hawkeye state.”

Brownback continued: “Our message of victory in the war on terror, less government, more freedom, support for the flat tax, respect for all human life, and defense of marriage is resonating throughout the state and these leaders will be essential in helping me spread this positive agenda throughout all ninety-nine counties.”