2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Edwards Statement On Announcement By Governor Tom Vilsack

Statement On Announcement By Governor Tom Vilsack That He Will No Longer Pursue The Democratic Nomination For President

Chapel Hill, North Carolina ­ Senator John Edwards released the following statement today about the announcement by Governor Tom Vilsack that he will no longer seek the Democratic nomination for President in 2008.

"Tom Vilsack is a terrific human being and one of the genuine treasures of our Party, so it is our loss more than his that he has chosen to end his campaign for president. His record as a leader on critical issues including education, health care, and energy independence makes one thing very clear: Tom has never forgotten where he came from or the people he serves. He is a powerful voice for the people of Iowa and America, and I am proud to call him a friend. Elizabeth and I wish Tom, Christie and their entire family the very best life can offer and look forward to working with them in the years ahead to build a country that lives up to its great promise."

Clinton Statement On Vilsack Withdrawl

CLINTON STATEMENT ON VILSACK WITHDRAWAL

Following is a statement released today by Senator Hillary Clinton:

"I have been proud to work with Tom Vilsack for years on the challenges facing our country, and I have a deep admiration for both Tom and Christie.

"Tom has made Iowa a leader in renewable energy and created thousands of jobs as one of America's great governors. We share a passion for protecting America's young people through expanded health care options, early childhood education initiatives and opening the doors to higher education to every American.

"I know he will continue to contribute to the dialogue about how to move America forward."

Tom Vilsack Withdraws As Presidential Candidate

VILSACK WITHDRAWS AS PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
Will Continue Fight to Defund Iraq War, Achieve Energy Security

Organization & Message Trumped by Money

DES MOINES, IA -- Former DGA Chair and Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack today announced that he is ending his presidential campaign, citing money -- the so-called "invisible primary" -- as the only reason for getting out of the race.

According to Vilsack:

"I am a very luck guy, blessed in love, family, friends, job, and by this campaign.

"I have the boldest plan to get us out of Iraq and a long-term policy for energy security to keep us out of future oil wars. Our campaign has built the strongest organization here in Iowa, with almost 3,000 supporters among Democratic caucus goers. We are organizationally positioned to win the caucuses in January 2008. We have everything to win the nomination and general election.

"Everything except money."

Media-expensive states that have moved, or are considering moving their primaries or caucuses to early February 2008 include: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, New Mexico, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Utah.

Vilsack, a native of Pittsburgh and successful two-term governor of Iowa, vowed to continue fighting for bold changes in America's international and domestic policies:

"I am leaving one campaign, but I am not saying goodbye. I will continue to fight for the outsiders and underdogs who are the backbone of the Democratic Party and our country. And I will continue to fight to end the war, achieve energy security and get our country back on track. So stay tuned. The best is yet to come."

Vilsack, who said that he will not be endorsing any presidential candidate at this time, urged his fellow Democrats to keep the presidential campaign positive and to spend time campaigning in small communities and living rooms across America.

"Retail political events in coffee shops, living rooms and small towns are sometimes dismissed by insiders as relics of the past, but they are wrong. It's critically important to our party and our country that our candidates spend the time and energy visiting the small towns and communities that make America great. And let us focus on the dreams that unite us rather than be distracted by the differences of opinion that sometimes separate us."

As a presidential candidate, Vilsack was the first to announce his candidacy, the first to oppose the Bush-McCain Doctrine of escalating the war in Iraq and the first to demand that Congress use its spending power under the Constitution to bring U.S. fighting to an end in Iraq.

Today, Chris Cillizza of The Washington Post wrote:

"As for the ideas primary, Vilsack continues to issue the most detailed policy proposals of anyone in the Democratic field; the latest example was a comprehensive energy plan. ... [W]e're intrigued by the kind of campaign he is running."

Last week, the San Francisco Chronicle called Vilsack's energy-security plan "the most wide-ranging and detailed energy policy of any of almost two dozen 2008 presidential hopefuls, Democratic or Republican."

Also last week, the Washington Post reported that Tom "has the most gripping personal story -- he was orphaned and grew up in an abusive family -- of any Democratic candidate."

Tom Vilsack was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1950. He never knew his birth parents. Shortly after his birth, he was handed over to nuns in a Catholic orphanage in Pittsburgh, where he stayed until he was adopted. Vilsack was raised in a loving but troubled home. His parents, who successfully triumphed over their problems, have served as a lifelong inspiration.

Vilsack married his college sweetheart, the former Christie Bell, and moved to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa - Christie's hometown -- in the 1975. In the past 19 years, Vilsack served successfully as mayor, state senator and governor.

Karen Unger To Lead Rudy Giuliani's Florida Efforts

Former Jeb Bush Campaign Manager Karen Unger to Lead Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s Florida Efforts

New York City –The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Exploratory Committee today announced Karen Unger as the newest member of the political team.  Unger, former campaign manager for Florida Governor Jeb Bush, will serve as the Committee’s Senior Advisor for Florida.  She will help organize statewide efforts on the ground and assist in building the grassroots network.   

“Karen’s incredible campaign record in Florida speaks for itself.  She played an integral role in both of Governor Jeb Bush’s successful gubernatorial campaigns and we are lucky to have her,” said Committee Executive Director Mike DuHaime. “Karen’s experience communicating with the people of Florida will help us spread Rudy Giuliani’s message of proven leadership for America throughout the state.”

Jon Kyl To Chair Senator McCain's Team In Arizona

KYL TO CHAIR SENATOR MCCAIN’S TEAM IN ARIZONA

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced that fellow Senator Jon Kyl will serve as chairman of Senator McCain’s exploratory committee in Arizona.

As chairman, Senator Kyl will provide guidance and leadership to Senator McCain’s exploratory committee in the state. 

“At a time when our country is facing significant challenges across the globe, it is imperative that our nation is led by a tested, experienced, and principled leader,” said Senator Kyl.  “Senator John McCain is that leader and I am honored to serve as Chairman of his exploratory committee in Arizona.”

Senator John McCain praised Senator Jon Kyl’s public service and expressed appreciation for his support.  “I am honored to have Senator Jon Kyl leading my efforts in Arizona,” said Senator McCain.  “Jon has been one of my closest allies in the Senate.  It is with deep pride that I accept his support.”

Attorney General McKenna Joins Team McCain

ATTORNEY GENERAL MCKENNA JOINS TEAM MCCAIN
Attorney General Supports McCain’s Record Of Effectiveness

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced that Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna will support the Arizona Senator should he decide to seek the presidency.

McKenna praised Senator McCain’s record of effectiveness.  “John McCain is an impressive leader with a record of public service that’s beyond reproach,” said McKenna.  “He understands the difficult challenges our country faces.  He has the experience and fortitude to bring people together for solutions we need.”

Senator John McCain spoke of the importance of garnering support from state leaders like McKenna.  “In order to have a meaningful discussion with voters about the choices and challenges ahead, it’s important for me to have thoughtful leaders like Rob on my team,” said Senator McCain.  “He’s a respected public servant and his knowledge of important issues in the state of Washington is going to be invaluable to our effort.”

Mike Huckabee Announces Congressional Leaders

U.S. REPS. DON YOUNG  AND JOHN BOOZMAN TO SERVE AS CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS OF HUCKABEE FOR PRESIDENT EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE

Little Rock, AR – Former Governor Mike Huckabee announced Friday that U.S. Representative Don Young (R-AK) will serve as congressional chairman of his presidential exploratory committee and U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) will serve as co-chairman. 

"It's an honor to have the strong support of such dedicated and well respected members of the U.S. Congress,” said Huckabee.

"As Governor of Arkansas and NGA Chairman, I worked closely with Don on a range of critical issues, including transportation – which is a passion we both share.  I’ve seen him in action and respect his commitment – not only to the people of Alaska, but to our country.  I have deep respect for the job he has done in Congress, and I know he’ll do a great job as chairman of my congressional team."

“I’m also honored to have the home-state support of John Boozman,” Huckabee said.   “I always knew when I asked something of him, he would do whatever he could to help the people of Arkansas.  He’s a talented and dedicated member of the House of Representatives – and I’m pleased that he’ll be assisting Don Young in his efforts.”

In a February 22, 2007 letter to House Republicans, Young articulated his support for Huckabee – and urged his GOP colleagues to support Huckabee’s bid for the presidency.

“Last month, Mike formed a Presidential Exploratory Committee because he believes – as I do – that it’s time for Americans to experience a reawakening of the conservative values that make our country a land of opportunity and a beacon of hope and freedom around the world,” wrote Young in a letter that was hand-delivered to Members’ offices.

On 'hot button' issues, such as energy independence, Iraqi freedom, and excellence in education, “Mike and I couldn’t agree more,” Young wrote.

He added: "Mike is a true conservative.  During his tenure as Governor, he balanced the state budget, reduced welfare by nearly 50 percent and signed the first-ever, broad-based tax cut in 160 years, which amounted to a $90 million refund to taxpayers.  All told, he fought for passage of more than 90 tax cuts and left the State of Arkansas with a surplus of more than $800 million."

“I’m proud to support my friend, Mike Huckabee,” agreed Boozman. “He’s governed according to conservative principles – and what’s more, he has a proven record of working with people, regardless of party, to get things done which actually make lives better.”

Young, who was re-elected in November 2006 to his 18th term, also praised Huckabee's bipartisan approach: “As chairman of the 50-state National Governors Association, Mike put partisan politics aside to work closely with Governors, Members of the U.S. House and U.S. Senate – of both parties – and the Administration, in order to achieve results on complex issues, including Medicaid reform and the reauthorization of the highway bill."

Young concluded by touting Huckabee’s ability to set goals and achieve them.  “I’m proud to stand behind Mike Huckabee in his efforts to take this country to higher ground – and I hope you will too,” he wrote.

Kathleen Strand To Serve As Clinton NH Communications Director

CLINTON HIRES KATHLEEN STRAND TO SERVE AS NH CAMPAIGN COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Democratic Party Communications Head Worked in State in 2004 and 2006

The Clinton presidential campaign announced today that Kathleen Strand will be joining the campaign as New Hampshire Communications Director. Strand, who currently serves as Communications Director for the New Hampshire Democratic Party, worked in the Granite State as the Press Secretary for the Kerry-Edwards campaign in 2004 and was the Deputy Press Secretary in Iowa for Richard Gephardt's presidential campaign.

"I am extremely proud and excited to be joining Senator Clinton's campaign. She possesses the wisdom, experience and vision to take this country in the direction it needs to go," said Strand. "Senator Clinton is looking forward to many conversations with Granite Staters in the coming months, and I am thrilled to join her in this historic effort."

Kathleen served as the press secretary for the 2004 New Hampshire coordinated campaign. In addition, she worked for Congressman Richard Gephardt's presidential campaign as his Deputy Press Secretary in Iowa.

Strand joins Nick Clemons, who was recently named New Hampshire state director for the Clinton campaign. She grew up in Chicago, IL and received her Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Giuliani Announces Support of PA Congressman Charlie Dent

Giuliani Announces Support of PA Congressman Charlie Dent

Dent is the First Pennsylvania Congressman to Sign on with Team Rudy

New York City -The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Exploratory Committee today announced Pennsylvania Congressman Charlie Dent is supporting Rudy Giuliani for President. Congressman Dent is the first member of the Pennsylvania delegation to sign on board with Team Rudy. Dent will begin working to enlist other Pennsylvania Republicans to join Mayor Giuliani's campaign effort.

"Mayor Giuliani possesses the experience and the proven leadership our country needs to move forward during this critical time," Congressman Dent said. "Rudy Giuliani successfully led New York City and became known as "America's Mayor" because of his dynamic approach to tackling the challenges facing America's largest city.

"It takes a determined fiscal 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," Dent concluded.

Mayor Giuliani expressed his thanks for Congressman Dent's endorsement, "I'm honored to have Charlie's support as we build our team in Pennsylvania."

Mitch Daniels Joins Supporters Of McCain

INDIANA GOVERNOR JOINS SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN
Daniels Endorses McCain’s Common Sense Conservative Values

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced that Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels will support the Arizona Senator should he decide to seek the presidency.

Governor Daniels was elected to be Indiana’s chief executive in 2004.  Prior to serving as governor, Daniels was chief-of-staff to Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN), senior advisor to President Ronald Reagan, and Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for President George W. Bush.  Between his two periods of White House service, Daniels held senior management positions in business, including more than a decade at Eli Lilly and Company

Governor Daniels explained his respect for Senator McCain’s leadership.  “John McCain is a longtime friend.  More importantly, he is a principled leader with a history of integrity, opposing excessive government spending, and dealing honestly with the American people,” said Governor Daniels.  “The term ‘great American’ applies to very few people, but it indisputably fits John McCain.”   

Senator John McCain said that having the support of Governor Daniels will be an incredible asset.  “Mitch is an impressive businessman and public servant who understands that common sense conservative principles and more effective government go hand-in-hand,” Senator McCain said.  “Having the support of Mitch Daniels is important and I look forward to honoring our common values as I move ahead in this process.”