2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Rudy Giuliani Announces Bill Simon As Director Of Policy

Rudy Giuliani Presidential Exploratory Committee Announces Bill Simon To Join Team As Director of Policy

New York City -The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Exploratory Committee announced today that Bill Simon, co-chairman of William E. Simon & Sons, LLC and former California Republican gubernatorial nominee, has joined the team as Director of Policy.

"I am pleased my good friend Bill Simon has joined our campaign team," Mayor Rudy Giuliani said. "Bill and I have long shared a vision for the future."

California Legislators Pledge Support To McCain

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATORS PLEDGE SUPPORT TO MCCAIN
Exploratory Committee Adds Influential Republicans 

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced that Republican California legislators state Senator Jeff Denham, Assemblyman George Plescia, Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia, Assemblyman Van Tran, and former state Senator Jim Nielsen will support the Arizona Senator should he decide to seek the presidency.

“Senator McCain is a rare candidate in the sense that he’s a popular figure with voters of various political persuasions,” said Denham.  “I believe his record of service and focus on holding government accountable has bolstered his appeal to people that want more from today’s elected officials.”

“John McCain’s common sense conservative principles have anchored his decision-making process throughout his public service career,” said Plescia.  “California voters understand that in government common sense should prevail and I’m pleased to lend my support.” 

“Senator McCain’s message of personal achievement and prosperity finds a home with California's working families,” said Garcia.  “Californians will benefit from his experience and leadership on issues that matter to us – education, a healthy environment, and quality jobs.”

“I have made fiscal responsibility one of my top priorities in Sacramento and there is no better example of legislative leadership on that issue than Senator McCain,” Tran said.  “I look forward to helping John McCain build a strong and successful organization in California.”   

“John McCain’s natural disposition as a conservative westerner makes him our best chance of returning to traditional principles represented by former President Ronald Reagan,” Nielsen said.  “California, like Arizona, is a place where Republicans prefer less government, fewer taxes, and policies that help nurture America’s entrepreneurial spirit.”   

Senator John McCain said that he was pleased with the addition of these respected Republicans to his California organization.  “I’m proud to have the support of Californians who have earned the respect of their communities,” said Senator McCain.  “These Republican leaders will join me in restoring optimism to the American perspective.”

Senator McCain Announces Minnesota Leadership Team

SENATOR MCCAIN ANNOUNCES MINNESOTA LEADERSHIP TEAM
Arizona Senator’s Common Sense Conservative Values Attract Local Leaders

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced that conservative and grassroots leaders will join with current and former Republican legislators to make up the Arizona Senator’s leadership team in Minnesota. 

The team will help rally support and provide leadership to Senator McCain’s exploratory committee in the state.

Mayor Dave Kleis of St. Cloud spoke to McCain’s unique qualifications and appeal to Minnesota voters.  “John McCain has an amazing story of service to our country,” said Kleis.  “Senator McCain is a straight talker on the issues and that makes recruiting Minnesota supporters for his effort that much easier.”

Jane Stewart, a Washington County Republican activist and secretary of the Sixth Congressional District Republicans, commented on Senator McCain’s conservative record.  “I’m proud to be on the McCain team,” said Stewart.  “Senator McCain’s common sense conservative principles will prove to be popular with Republican voters in our state.”

Senator McCain welcomed the support of his Minnesota Leadership Team.  “Having this kind of support in the various communities of Minnesota means a great deal,” said Senator McCain.  “These are dedicated Americans and I look forward to joining them in working toward a more dependable federal government based on the conservative principles we share.”

Current Members Of Senator McCain's Minnesota Leadership Team

Jim Abeler
State Rep., Anoka

Bill Belanger
Fmr. State Senator, Bloomington

Tony Bennett
County Commissioner, Ramsey County

Charlie Berg
Fmr. State Senator, Chokio

John Berns
State Rep., Wayzata

DeEtta Bilek
Chair, Wadena County Republicans

Dave Bishop
Fmr. State Rep., Rochester

Joel Carlson
Fmr. State Rep., Moorhead

Tony Cornish
State Rep., Good Thunder

Ray Cox
Fmr. State Rep., Northfield

Carleton Crawford
Chair, Congressional District 5 Republicans

Steve Dille
State Senator, Dassel

Chuck Dimler
Fmr. State Rep., Chanhassen

Ron Eibensteiner
Fmr. Republican State Party Chairman

Dennis Frederickson
State Senator, New Ulm

Pat Garofalo
State Rep., Farmington

Steve Gottwalt
State Rep., St. Cloud

Larry Grewach
Chair, House District 64A Republicans

John Gronewald
Southwest Minnesota State University College Republicans

Jim Gustafson
Fmr. State Senator, Duluth

Rod Hamilton
State Rep., Mountain Lake

John Himle
Fmr. State Rep., Bloomington

Tad Jude
Fmr. State Senator and Rep., Maple Grove

Dave Kleis
Mayor and Fmr. State Senator, St. Cloud

Roger Knauss
Chair, Senate District 15 Republicans

Cal Larson
Fmr. State Senator and Rep., Fergus Falls

Ted Lovdahl
Chair, Congressional District 8 Republicans

Cal Ludeman
Fmr. State Rep., Tracy

Teresa Lynch
Fmr. State Rep., Andover

Mike McGinn
Fmr. State Senator, Eagan

Bert McKasy
Fmr. State Rep., Mendota Heights

Brendon McKeon
Chair, Carlton County Republicans

Lyle Mehrkens
Fmr. State Senator and Rep., Red Wing

Geoff Michel
State Senator, Edina

Connie Morrison
Fmr. State Rep., Burnsville

Scott Newman
Fmr. State Rep., Hutchinson

Ed Oliver
Fmr. State Senator, Deephaven

Bernie Omann
Fmr. State Rep., St. Joseph

Tony Onnen
Fmr. State Rep., Cokato

Dennis Ozment
State Rep., Rosemont

Jerry Paar
Co-Chair, Senate District 41 Republicans

Sydney Pauly
Fmr. State Rep., Eden Prairie

Neil Peterson
State Rep., Bloomington

Linda Presthus
Co-Chair, Senate District 41 Republicans

Art Seaberg
Fmr. State Rep., Eagan

Denny Schulstad
Fmr. City Councilor, Minneapolis

Craig Shaver
Fmr. State Rep., Wayzata

Ron Sieloff
Fmr. State Senator and Rep., St. Paul

Dean Simpson
State Rep., Perham

Jane Stewart
Secretary, Congressional District 6 and Senate District 56 Republicans

Steve Sviggum
State Rep., Kenyon

Jan Sweeney
Deputy Chair, Congressional District 4 Republicans

Barb Sykora
Fmr. State Rep., Excelsior

Andy Van Dam
Vice-Chair, Congressional District 7 Republicans

Senator Warner Joins Supporters Of McCain

SENATOR WARNER JOINS SUPPORTERS OF JOHN MCCAIN

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced that Virginia’s senior senator, John Warner, will support the Arizona Senator should he decide to seek the presidency.

Senator Warner, now serving in his 5th term in the U.S. Senate, has spent the greater portion of his career working with our military, beginning at age 17 enlisting in the U.S. Navy during the last year of World War II, later as a U.S. Marine officer during the Korean War, and then during the Vietnam War serving as Under Secretary and Secretary of the Navy.

During his service as Secretary of Navy, Secretary Warner learned about McCain’s distinguished career, and upon his return from Vietnam, the two met and established their long friendship and professional association. 

“America’s next President will be challenged by a range of diplomatic and security issues of unprecedented complexity largely due to growing, worldwide, terrorist threats.  Senator McCain’s long experience with, and understanding of, our military coupled with his proven, unquestioned courage and leadership, provide him with the essential qualifications for our next President,” said Senator Warner.  “America’s prosperity and personal freedoms at home must be protected from threats beyond our shores.  Security will be the primary issue in the forthcoming Presidential campaign.  I consider it a privilege to join the McCain team.”

Senator John McCain said that he was honored to have the support of such a distinguished public servant.  “Senator Warner has served his country with honor, courage, and commitment,” said Senator McCain.  “His support means a great deal to me as a person, fellow Senator, and veteran.  I look forward to his advice and counsel.”

San Diego Mayor Joins Supporters Of McCain

SAN DIEGO MAYOR JOINS SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced that San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders will support the Arizona Senator should he decide to seek the presidency.

Since 2005, Jerry Sanders has served as Mayor of San Diego.  Previously, Sanders served as chief of police in San Diego, as well as CEO of the United Way of San Diego County.

“I am honored to support Senator John McCain.  His commitment to national security is critical in today’s world,” said Mayor Sanders.  “John McCain is the kind of leader our state and nation need.”

Senator John McCain stated that he was proud to have the support of Mayor Sanders.  “Mayor Sanders is a highly regarded leader in California and has an extensive knowledge of grassroots politics in the state,” said Senator McCain. “It is my honor to call him a friend and supporter.”

Bill Richardson Announces South Carolina Statewide Director

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson Announces South Carolina Statewide Director and Senior Advisor
Long time South Carolina political operatives pledge support for Richardson for President

CHARLESTON, SC -Today, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson named Lachlan McIntosh, a seasoned political campaign operative, South Carolina Statewide Director and Crawford Cook, an over 40 year veteran of South Carolina politics, Senior Advisor for the Richardson for President team.

"I am thrilled to have Lachlan and Crawford joining my team," said Governor Richardson.  "Crawford Cook is one of my oldest friends and my closest political advisors.  I am honored and proud to have two of the most reputable names in South Carolina politics on board, building support throughout South Carolina for my campaign."

Heading Richardson's statewide efforts is Summerville native Lachlan McIntosh. Previously, McIntosh was the Lowcountry Director for the Edwards for President Campaign.

"I believe that Governor Richardson is the right man for the job," said Lachlan McIntosh "He has the proven experience and record to solve the problems we are facing in America today and I am excited to be joining the team."

Joining McIntosh in building support and creating a strong campaign for Richardson in the state will be Crawford Cook.  Cook has served as a Senior Advisor to Governor Richardson for over 15 years.  Cook was the Founder and President of a successful advertising and communications firm that did work in South Carolina and across the world.  Additionally, Cook has held senior positions in several Democratic Governors administrations in the state of South Carolina.

"I am very positive about the support we have and will further develop here in South Carolina for Richardson," said Crawford Cook," "Bill's grassroots style of campaigning will play well here and will make him a competitive Presidential candidate in South Carolina."

Earlier this year, Governor Richardson was the keynote speaker at the South Carolina Democratic Party Governors Appreciation Dinner, where he helped honor the former Democratic Governor's of South Carolina. 

Spalding Group Joins Rudy Giuliani Team

Spalding Group Joins Rudy Giuliani Team

New York, February 23, 2007 - Spalding Group announced today that it is teaming with the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Exploratory Committee, as licensee, to launch the Official Rudy 2008 Online Store. Throughout the campaign, www.Rudy2008Store.com, will serve as the official online location for everyone wishing to further display their support for Mayor Giuliani’s candidacy.

Spalding Group created, owns and is managing the new website which will be linked directly from www.JoinRudy2008.com. Spalding Group served as the official licensee to the campaign of President George W. Bush in both 2000 and 2004, and is credited with creating the award-winning George W. Bush Online Store.

Ted Jackson, Founder and CEO of Spalding Group commented, “We’re excited about joining the Rudy Giuliani team and the opportunity to work with a proven leader who has incredible grassroots appeal across the country. Rudy Giuliani’s popularity is unparalleled in American politics today.”

Team Rudy supporters will be able to purchase everything from Rudy ’08 apparel, stickers, signs and “Rudy Gear.”

Statement on Former Governor Tom Vilsack’s Decision to Withdraw

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson Statement on Former Governor Tom Vilsack’s Decision to Withdraw From Democratic Presidential Race

SANTA FE, NM- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today issued the following statement regarding former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack's announcement that he is withdrawing from the race for the 2008 Democratic Presidential Nomination:

"While I respect and understand Tom's decision, he will be missed from the campaign. He is a good friend, and a man of integrity and tremendous ability.  As Governor, Tom accomplished a great deal for the people of Iowa.  He was a leader among Governors as a former Chair of the Democratic Governor's Association, and I know that he will continue to be a strong force in the national Democratic Party."

Iowa Democratic Party Statements On Tom Vilsack's Withdrawal

Statement from IDP Chair Scott Brennan on the Announcement on Former Governor Vilsack Dropping Out of Presidential Race

DES MOINES – Iowa Democratic Party Chair Scott Brennan issued the following statement in response to former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack dropping out of the presidential race:

“I want to commend former Governor Vilsack for entering the presidential race. He showed to the country what this state has known all along that he is a great leader and a role model for all Americans. He demonstrated on the national stage the values that all Iowans are proud of. We thank him for his service to our state as State Senator and Governor, and we will continue to seek his counsel as an Iowa and national leader.”

Statement of Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) On Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack

“Today, I learned with great disappointment that my friend Tom Vilsack has decided to end his candidacy for President of the United States.  There’s no question in my mind that Tom is a great leader, something he’s proven as Iowa’s two-term governor and as a successful state legislator and mayor.

“The highest accolade I can give, though, is simply that Tom is a good and decent person.  He is a model husband and father, and a loyal friend.  And he has a genuine passion for fairness and social justice.  It’s a message I’ve heard again and again from voters across the country.

“With Tom’s strength and character, he would have made an exceptional President. That’s why when I spoke with him today, I urged him to continue his leadership for Iowa and the nation.  This is certainly not the last we’ve seen of Tom Vilsack.”

GOVERNOR CULVER ON GOVERNOR TOM VILSACK WITHDRAWING FROM PRESIDENTIAL RACE

WASHINGTON D.C. — “I consider Governor Tom Vilsack a good friend and a great public servant. It’s a loss for Iowa and the country that he is no longer in the race for president. However, I am certain he will continue to provide a strong voice for issues like energy security and offer bold ideas on how to bring an end to the war in Iraq. Tom provided outstanding leadership in this state as Governor and offered a clear vision for the direction of our country as a presidential candidate.  He ran a positive, issues-based campaign, and he should be commended for his efforts.  Mari and I wish Tom and Christie all the best in their future endeavors.”

Statement on Former Governor Tom Vilsack’s Announcement

Statement on Former Governor Tom Vilsack’s Announcement

DES MOINES – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on former Governor Tom Vilsack’s announcement:

“Tom Vilsack is an outstanding public servant whose initiatives in Iowa on education reform, health care and alternative energy are models from which our entire nation can learn. More than that, Tom brings a badly needed sense of honor and decency to our politics, and a passionate advocacy for an end to the war in Iraq. I hope he will continue to speak out in the months and years to come, as his is an important and valued voice.”