2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Governor Mark Warner Announces That He Will Not Run In 2008

Statement of Governor Mark Warner
Forward Together PAC
October 12, 2006

Nine months ago, I left the office of Governor in Virginia. I was immensely proud of what we had accomplished. We faced historic challenges and got real results.

Upon leaving office, I committed all my time and energy to Forward Together because we need a new direction in America.

Everywhere I’ve traveled, I found hope that we could turn this country around. That Americans are looking for leaders who at this moment of enormous challenge for our country can actually bring us together and get things done...

But this has also been another kind of journey—one that would lead to a decision as to whether I would seek the Democratic nomination for President.

Late last year, I said to Lisa and my girls, “Let’s go down this path and make a decision around Election Day.”

But there were hiring decisions and people who’ve put their lives on hold waiting to join this effort.

So about a month ago, I told my family and people who know me best that I would make a final decision after Columbus Day weekend, which I was spending with my family. After 67 trips to 28 states and five foreign countries, I have made that decision.

I have decided not to run for President...

I know these moments are never going to come again. This weekend made clear what I’d been thinking about for many weeks—that while politically this appears to be the right time for me to take the plunge—at this point, I want to have a real life.

And while the chance may never come again, I shouldn’t move forward unless I’m willing to put everything else in my life on the back burner.

This has been a difficult decision, but for me, it’s the right decision.

It’s not a decision I have easily reached. I made it after a lot of discussion with my family and a few close friends, and ultimately a lot of reflection, prayer, and soul-searching...

My decision does not in any way diminish my desire to be active in getting our country fixed. It doesn’t mean that I won’t run for public office again.

I want to serve, whether in elective office or in some other way. I’m still excited about the possibilities for the future.

I want to thank the thousands of Americans who have donated to Forward Together, hosted me in their homes, shared their ideas, and given me encouragement.

I also want to thank all of the staff and key advisors at Forward Together who have created a great organization. If we had chosen to go forward, I know they had the skills, talent, and dedication to take us all the way.

And finally, as I have traveled the country, I have been amazed at what pent-up positive energy for change exists...

I think a number of our party’s potential candidates understand that. I think, in fact, we have a strong field. A field of good people. I think they’re all hearing what I heard: that Americans are ready to do their part to get our country fixed. I wish them all well.

And I want to say thanks to all who’ve been part of this effort.

George Bush 1988 Announcement

George Bush Announcement Speech in Houston, Texas on October 12, 1987

"I am here today to announce my candidacy for the Presidency of the United States. I mean to run hard, to fight hard, to stand on the issues -- and I mean to win.

I am following a great Presidency -- and a great President. Ronald Reagan returned dignity and good sense to the high office he holds. Seven years ago, a nation that needed to trust again turned to him -- and refound its spirit. I am proud to have been his partner; I am proud to have been part of his great work. 

And so I know what it all comes down to, this election -- what it all comes down to, after all the shouting and the cheers -- is the man at the desk. And who should sit at that desk.

I am that man.

I love my country too much -- I love my children and grandchildren too much -- to campaign for the job if I didn't think, if I didn't know that I am the best man for it.

And so it begins. And I ask for your help.

Will you join me?

Will you help me complete our triumph? It's going to be a great adventure. Come -- and we'll do it all, with trust in the future, with trust in each other -- together, as one nation, under God.

Thank you all -- thank you very much."

Full Speech Text

U.S. Senator John McCain to campaign with Governor Tim Pawlenty

U.S. Senator John McCain to campaign with with Governor Tim Pawlenty

(St. Paul) – Governor Tim Pawlenty’s campaign announced today that U.S. Senator John McCain will join the Governor on the campaign trail in Minnesota on Wed., November 1.

“Senator McCain is truly an American hero and one of our nation’s guiding lights,” Governor Pawlenty said.  “You can't help but look at his life story and his record of courage, dedication and self-service and not be inspired.  I’m honored that he’s going to spend some time with us in Minnesota in November as we enter the home stretch of the campaign.”

Bill Clinton 1992 Announcement

Bill Clinton 1992 Announcement Speech at the Old State House, Little Rock, Arkansas on October 3, 1991.

"Thank you all for being here today, for your friendship and support, for giving me the opportunity to serve as your Governor for 11 years, for filling my life full of blessings beyond anything I ever deserved.

I want to thank especially Hillary and Chelsea for taking this big step in our life's journey together. Hillary, for being my wife, my friend, and my partner in our efforts to build a better future for the children and families of Arkansas and America. Chelsea, in ways she is only now coming to understand, has been our constant joy and reminder of what our public efforts are really all about: a better life for all who will work for it, a better future for the next generation. 

That is why today I am declaring my candidacy for President of the United States. Together I believe we can provide leadership that will restore the American dream - that will fight for the forgotten middle class - that will provide more opportunity, Insist on more responsibility and create a greater sense of community for this great country.

I believe with all my heart that together, we can make this happen. We can usher in a new era of progress, prosperity and renewal. We can - we must. This is not just a campaign for the Presidency - it is a campaign for the future, for the forgotten hard-working middle class families of America who deserve a government that fights for them. A campaign to keep America strong at home and around the world. Join with us. I ask for your prayers, your help, your hands, and your hearts. Together we can make America great again, and build a community of hope that will inspire the world."

Full Speech Text

Clinton Gore '96 Announce Innovations to Web Site

New innovations to the Clinton Gore Web Site are highlighted in this press release issued September 30, 1996.

President Clinton's and Vice President Gore's re-election campaign is breaking new ground on the information superhighway. Clinton/Gore '96 is relaunching its world wide web site to showcase state of the art technological advances, announced Clinton/Gore '96 Campaign Manager Peter S. Knight. President Clinton and Vice President Gore understand that continuing investments in technology represent an investment in our nation's future. Technology opens doors, creates jobs, and makes possible the opportunity for all of our citizens to reach out for the American dream. "We are excited about these additions and innovations on our web site. Through these interactive components, our web site users can be a part of our campaign and see first hand how the campaigns are strategizing to win the electoral college on November 5th," said Knight.

One of the most exciting changes in the website is a new main menu which features a "java script mouse-over application." Animated icons appear as the mouse rolls over the headings for each section offering the viewer a "sneak peak" of each section of the site. "We have not found any other site that has implemented this unique viewing option," stated Clinton/Gore '96 Director of Technology Adam Sohn.

Another new, interactive aspect of the web site is an electoral college simulation game. The simlulator allows users to learn about the state-by-state electoral voting system in a fun, easy to use interactive, map-driven game. As users choose states for each candidate, the electoral process is revealed and a presidential candidate becomes the winner.

The web site also includes a new multimedia presentation entitled, "The Challenges Ahead" to keep web browsers informed about the issues important to them. This visually stimulating presentation features streaming audio and still photographs, and will be continually updated with short segments of President Clinton's vision for the challenges that face our nation.

President Clinton's trademark of listening to communities and appealing to people all across America to become involved has been incorporated into the web site in a new feature called, "America's Home Page." Each week, Clinton/Gore '96 web site users submit testimonials and stories on why they support the Clinton/Gore ticket. These are made available to read each week in the "America's Home Page" newsletter. It is an opportunity for web users to share how they have been affected by President Clinton and the work of this Administration and another example of the Clinton/Gore '96 campaign�s commitment to community involvement.

With all these new services available, Clinton/Gore '96 has added a new technology which allows users to select specific content from the web site and register to have it automatically updated whenever they are on the web. Every time a user logs back into the Internet, the server automatically begins downloading the updated information from the Clinton/Gore '96 page in the background. The viewer is alerted when it is done. This exciting technology will keep Clinton/Gore '96 web site users updated on information including the President's campaign speeches and additions to the "Challenges Ahead" video.

The web site will continue to provide instant access to statements by the President, position papers, and detailed accounts of the Clinton Administration�s record. Those who want to get involved can register to volunteer, while journalists will also gain access to valuable information quickly and easily. Finally, no campaign is complete without bumper stickers and buttons. The Clinton/Gore '96 web site has available bumper stickers and buttons in addition to screen savers and wallpaper.

For the next five weeks this virtual campaign headquarters will take the President's vision for the next four years and his proud record of achievement directly to America's voters.

Bob Kerrey 1992 Announcement

U.S. Senator Bob Kerry Announcement Speech for the Candidacy of President of the United States of America on September 30, 1991 in Lincoln, Nebraska.

"At the center of this great country and on the edge of a new century, I am today announcing my candidacy to be the next President of the United States of America.

This announcement is to all America. But the first message is to Nebraska. You are the people who supported me each time I've asked for help. In my family, business and in politics.

Nothing better symbolizes the sense of new purpose we need to demand of our leaders than the building that stands behind me -- Nebraska's State Capitol. It was built by Nebraskans at the start of the Great Depression. If ever a people had the right to give up it was the people who built this building.

This building turns our eyes and spirits upward. It should occur to us that if God gave the Nebraskans of our past the strength and courage to overcome pessimism and build for greatness, then we ought not doubt our capacity to do the same.

It requires us to believe. It requires us to risk. Most of all it requires us to look towards and work for the future.

The words of a martyr to the cause of freedom should guide our work today:

"It may be that the day of judgment will dawn tomorrow; in that case, we shall gladly stop working for a better future. But not before."

Let us go now ... and begin the good work of building greatness in America again."

Full Speech Text

Iowa House Speaker Joins Romney’s Commonwealth PAC

Iowa House Speaker Joins Romney’s Commonwealth PAC

September 27, 2006, (BOSTON) – Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, Honorary Chairman of The Commonwealth PAC, announced today that Iowa House Speaker Christopher Rants (R-Sioux City) will become an advisor to The Commonwealth PAC. Governor Romney’s Commonwealth PAC was created to help elect Republicans across the country, including Iowa.

Rants joined Romney in Des Moines for the announcement.

“I am impressed with Speaker Rants and his ability to lead the House chamber in such a closely divided Legislature,” said Romney. “Christopher and I have a shared goal: to increase Republican majorities. His willingness to volunteer for my Commonwealth PAC means that we will get that goal accomplished. He is an established and effective leader and a welcome addition to our team.”

Rants says he looks forward to his new role with The Commonwealth PAC, and says Romney has been a crucial figure in helping to maintain the House’s Republican majority.

“Governor Romney has tirelessly crisscrossed this state on behalf of Republican candidates,” said Rants. “The organization he has put together will prove to be very valuable to our efforts. I appreciate his vigorous campaigning on our behalf, and I am proud to join his team.”

Rants was first elected to the Iowa Legislature in 1992. Since that time, he has served as Speaker Pro Tempore and Majority Leader. He was elected speaker in 2002. Currently, Republicans hold a narrow 51 to 49 margin in the Iowa House.

Rants is the highest-ranking elected Iowa Republican official to sign on with a national PAC’s organization.

The 2008 RNC Political Convention Fact Sheet

The 2008 RNC Political Convention Fact Sheet

2008 convention dates: Republicans will meet Sept. 1- 4, 2008
Attending: About 30,000 people, including delegates, donors, elected officials, lobbyists, staff and media. Approximately 4,000 delegates will attend the convention. 
About 15,000 members of the media will cover the convention--more media participation than any other event besides the Olympics. The massive, unparalleled amount of national and international media attention that follows a national political convention will showcase this region far into the future.
Hotel needs: Approximately 95 hotels or 17,000 - 20,000 hotel rooms throughout the Twin Cities.
Cost: Estimated at more than $50 million. The 2004 Republican Convention in New York cost $154 million. In Boston, it was $89 million for the Democrats.
Economic Impact: Hosting a national political convention is considered extremely valuable – both economically and for media visibility. Based on previous conventions, local officials believe that hosting a national political convention could result in an economic impact of $150 million or more.
Staff members from the RNC will move to Minneapolis-Saint Paul immediately after the announcement and their staff will build to approximately 500 people by the time of the convention.
There is an unlimited access period to the facilities that would begin on June 30, 2008. Construction for the convention would begin at the start of the unlimited access period.
There will be many events held in and around the host city the weekend before and after the respective conventions.  The official proceedings are Monday through Thursday. 
Have we ever done this before? Minnesota has only been host to one national presidential convention – in 1892, when Republicans re-nominated President Benjamin Harrison who eventually lost to Grover Cleveland.

Source: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, Minnesota

STATEMENT FROM SENATOR NORM COLEMAN ON RNC SELECTION OF TWIN CITIES

STATEMENT FROM SENATOR NORM COLEMAN ON RNC SELECTION OF TWIN CITIES 
 
September 27th, 2006 - Washington, D.C. - I am thrilled that after more than a century Minnesota is once again going to be the epicenter of the nation and the Republican Party in 2008. This was a team effort all the way, with both parties and both sides of the river working tirelessly to make this a reality. This is a huge win for all Minnesotans. The 2008 Republican National Convention will showcase Minnesota to a worldwide audience, generating enormous economic activity and opportunity. As a former Mayor of St. Paul, this holds special significance for me. When we built the Xcel Energy Center, we dreamed of bringing hockey back to Minnesota, but never the Superbowl of politics.

Governor Pawlenty Statement on the 2008 Republican National Convention

For Immediate Release:
September 27, 2006

Governor Pawlenty statement on the 2008 Republican National Convention

(St. Paul) – The following is a statement from Governor Tim Pawlenty regarding news that the 2008 Republican National Convention will be held in Minnesota. 

“This is tremendous news for Minnesota.  The convention will provide a boost to our economy and give Minnesota a great chance to show-off the Twin Cities and entire state to the world.  Minnesota has a rich tradition of big events and civic involvement.  Hosting the convention will only add to our fantastic reputation.”