2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Dodd Campaign Endorsed By Joe Keefe

Presidential Candidate Chris Dodd announces support from former New Hampshire Democratic Party Chairman Joe Keefe

WASHINGTON - Senator Chris Dodd today announced that former New Hampshire Democratic Party Chairman Joe Keefe has joined his campaign for President. "Joe Keefe is a highly-respected political strategist and a dear friend. I deeply value his advice and friendship and am grateful for his support," said Dodd. "Joe will be a key member of my campaign team in New Hampshire and beyond."

"I strongly believe that, in an increasingly complex and dangerous world, the times call for a president who brings to the office an astute understanding of global issues and a readiness to be Commander in Chief," said Keefe. "I strongly believe that the times call for political leaders who can engage in the rough and tumble of politics without losing their values or perspective, and Chris Dodd's career is a study in how to do that. I strongly believe that the times call for magnanimity, and Chris Dodd is magnanimous. I strongly believe that the times call for a president who can make friends and influence people - both at home and abroad - and Chris Dodd is a pied piper when it comes to bringing people together. By all these measures, I think Chris Dodd is the strongest candidate for our party and our country."

"People in New Hampshire and across our nation are hoping that the next president will embody the best of what our nation is all about. People all across the world are hoping that the next U.S. president will be someone who will restore our nation's rightful leadership among the family of nations. And people in the Democratic Party are hoping that their nominee can win," said Keefe. "Chris Dodd's record of leadership - on family issues, economic issues, national security and global issues, and in the Democratic Party - is second to none, and I think he brings qualities to this race that no other candidate can equal or surpass."

"Regardless of who is running or who is today's frontrunner, I am endorsing Chris Dodd because I simply think he is the best candidate and would make the best president. In fact, I have no doubt that he will make a great president, and I intend to do everything I can to help him win the Democratic nomination and the 2008 general election," he said.

Keefe, who advised Sen. John Kerry's 2004 primary campaign in New Hampshire, joins a growing team of leaders from across the state backing Chris Dodd for President.

Jim Talent Joins Romney Exploratory Committee

FORMER SENATOR JIM TALENT JOINS ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE

Boston, MA - Governor Mitt Romney announced today that former Senator Jim Talent (R-MO) will serve as Domestic Policy Task Force Chairman for the Romney for President Exploratory Committee. Senator Talent will oversee all domestic policy development for Governor Romney.

"Throughout his many years of public service, Senator Talent represented the people of Missouri with steadfast leadership doing what is right for the American people," said Governor Romney. "Today, our country faces great challenges. With Jim's experience and extensive knowledge, he will help us look beyond the status quo and answer these challenges with bold, new approaches."

With today's announcement, Senator Talent said: "Governor Romney has shown extraordinary leadership during his many years of service. He has a strong conservative vision and a successful record of accomplishing that vision. I am proud to be part of his Exploratory Committee and ready to help him craft innovative policy solutions."

Governor Mitt Romney Announces Expanding Florida Field Team

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES EXPANDING FLORIDA FIELD TEAM

Boston, MA - Governor Mitt Romney today announced eight new additions to his Exploratory Committee in Florida, including Sherri McVay of Orlando, who will serve as Political Director for the Florida effort.

These new staffers join an already large Florida organization including State Director Mandy Fletcher, senior advisers Sally Bradshaw and Ann Herberger, and Florida adviser Marc Reichelderfer.

"I am so proud of our strong Florida team. Florida is an important state and these individuals bring tremendous experience and added strength to our efforts in the Sunshine State," said Governor Romney.

Gallo Joins Supporters Of McCain In Connecticut

GALLO JOINS SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN IN CONNECTICUT
Former State Party Chairman To Serve As State Director

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that George Gallo, the outgoing Chairman of the Connecticut Republican Party, will serve as state director of the Arizona Senator's exploratory committee in Connecticut.

Gallo was active in the Bush-Cheney '00 effort, where he acted as chairman of Victory 2000 for the state of Connecticut.

"Senator McCain is a proven and experienced leader who honestly addresses the challenges we face as a nation," Gallo said. "There is no one more capable to lead America than John McCain and I am excited to manage his efforts in Connecticut."

"George Gallo is one of the most respected and experienced political leaders in the state of Connecticut," stated Senator McCain. "He has a firm understanding of politics at the grassroots level and I am excited to have him as a part of my team."

Marlene Elwell Joins Supporters Of McCain

MARLENE ELWELL JOINS SUPPORTERS OF SENATOR MCCAIN
Conservative Leader To Serve As Deputy Director Of Coalitions & National Director Of Americans Of Faith Coalition

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that Marlene D. Elwell will serve as the Deputy Director of Coalitions, as well as the National Director of the Americans of Faith coalition for the Arizona Senator's exploratory committee.

Elwell has a long record of supporting public service causes. She was actively involved in the presidential campaigns of a number of Republican candidates and served as a member of President Ronald Reagan's National Advisory Council.

Elwell has earned the respect and admiration of government officials and the law enforcement community for her efforts to educate the public on the pervasiveness of pornography on the Internet and the need to protect the innocence of our children.

"Senator McCain has a proven track record of supporting conservative causes, and is the principled voice our party and nation needs," said Elwell. "It will be my privilege to serve the Senator and communicate his message of common sense conservatism nationwide."

McCain stated that he was grateful to have the support of Elwell and looked forward to working with her. "Marlene is a highly respected conservative leader and is an important addition to my team. Her advice, counsel, and networking abilities will be instrumental in communicating my strong record of social and fiscal conservatism."

David Azbell Joins Supporters Of McCain

DAVID AZBELL JOINS SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN
Communications Strategist To Serve As Senior Advisor

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that communications strategist David Azbell has joined the Arizona Senator's team in Alabama and will serve as a senior advisor.

Azbell stated that it is an honor to work with Senator McCain and his team. "Senator McCain's common sense conservative agenda and his commitment to reform is exactly what our nation needs," said Azbell.

Senator McCain said that Azbell is a significant addition to the exploratory committee. "I am pleased that David Azbell has joined our team. David's experience in media relations and communications ensures our conservative message of reform reaches the grassroots."

Penny Pritzker As National Finance Chair For Barack Obama

Obama Announces Penny Pritzker as National Finance Chair for Exploratory Committee

WASHINGTON - The Obama Exploratory Committee today announced that Penny Pritzker will be the National Finance Chair for the committee. Pritzker previously served as a member of the finance committee in Obama's campaign for Senate.

"Penny shares my belief that we can change politics in our country to work toward our common interests. I'm proud that she has agreed to partner with me in this important venture," said Senator Barack Obama.

"Even though this is just getting started, it is already clear to me how excited people are for a change. It is an honor to take a leadership role in this effort," said Pritzker.

Chris Dodd Reports Strong 4th Quarter Fundraising

Presidential Candidate Chris Dodd Reports Strong 4th Quarter Fundraising

WASHINGTON - Senator Chris Dodd, now a Democratic candidate for President, released fundraising results today for the final quarter of 2006 for his former Senate campaign showing more than $4.9 million cash on hand after raising $3.2 million for his Senate campaign account in the last 90 days of 2006.

"Having $4.9 million in my Senate account, I'm confident that the presidential campaign will have the resources to start this campaign well," said Dodd. "We will be competitive financially."

More than 95% of the funds raised by the Senate campaign in the last quarter of 2006 may be transferred to the presidential primary campaign. Senator Dodd announced he was running for President on January 11th.

Barack Obama to Announce Presidential Decision in Springfield

Obama to Announce Presidential Decision at Old State Capitol in Springfield

Washington, DC - Senator Barack Obama will make his official announcement about a Presidential campaign at the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois on February 10, 2007. Doors will open at 9 AM and the event is free and open to the public.

Majority Of South Carolina Republican House Members Endorse McCain

MAJORITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA REPUBLICAN HOUSE MEMBERS ENDORSE SENATOR MCCAIN

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that the majority of Republican members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are supporting the Arizona Senator. Surrounded by fellow legislators, Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives Bobby Harrell made the announcement in Columbia.

Earlier this month, Speaker Harrell participated in a series of news conferences across the state with Senator McCain to announce his endorsement and support.

At Wednesday's statehouse press conference, Harrell released the names of 40 members who are supporting Senator McCain should he decide to seek the presidency. Harrell called the list "a signal of incredible support for Senator McCain among grassroots Republicans all across South Carolina."

Describing the endorsements as a "history making moment," Speaker Harrell said, "This endorsement shows how important we believe the next presidential election is. A majority of Republican House members want to help make Senator McCain, President McCain." He also said McCain's strong leadership on the war against global terror was a major factor. "John McCain knows that losing the war in Iraq is simply not an option for our country," stated Harrell.

House Majority Leader Jim Merrill, one of the legislators endorsing Senator McCain, said South Carolinians are looking for a leader who can inspire the nation. "People know what they're getting in Senator McCain, and that's a strong, principled leader who tells the truth," said Merrill. "They know where he stands, and they know he won't waver or shift in the face of changing political winds."

Over the last few months, Senator McCain has gained key endorsements from the state's top Republican elected officials and leaders, and the addition of the majority of House Republicans demonstrates his increasing momentum in the Palmetto State.

Senator McCain welcomed the latest additions to his team in South Carolina. "Having the support of a majority of the state's Republican representatives means a great deal," said Senator McCain. "These dedicated men and women will be the strength of our efforts in South Carolina and I am honored to have their support."