2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

John McCain Coming To Minnesota On Thursday, June 19, 2008.

John McCain is coming to Minnesota for a fund raising reception to be held at The Hilton Minneapolis on Thursday, June 19, 2008.

Obama Statement Honoring Memorial Day

Obama Statement Honoring Memorial Day

"On this Memorial Day, our nation honors the generations of patriots who were willing to give their lives to defend this country. While we may come from different places, cherish different traditions, and have different political beliefs, all Americans hold in reverence those who’ve given this country the full measure of their devotion. They are a shining example of what’s best about America.  

"Today is also a reminder of our obligation as Americans to serve our fallen heroes as well as they served us; as well as the wounded warriors I’ve had the honor of meeting at Walter Reed have served us; as well as the troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world are serving us. That means giving the same priority to building a 21st century VA as to building a 21st century military. It means having zero tolerance for veterans sleeping on our streets. It means bringing home our POWs and MIAs. And it means treating the graves of veterans like the hallowed ground it is and banning protests near funerals.  

"So on this day, of all days, let’s memorialize our fallen heroes by honoring all who wear our country’s uniform; and by completing their work to make America more secure and our world more free."

John McCain 2008 Launches New Web Ad: "Memorial Day"

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW WEB AD: "MEMORIAL DAY"

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released a new web ad honoring the service and sacrifice of Hispanics in our Armed Forces on Memorial Day.

Script For "Memorial Day" (Web-1:00)

JOHN MCCAIN: My friends, I want you, the next time you're down in Washington, D.C., to go to the Vietnam War Memorial and look at the names engraved in black granite. You'll find a whole lot of Hispanic names.

When you go to Iraq or Afghanistan today, you're going to see a whole lot of people who are of Hispanic background.

You're even going to meet some of the few thousand that are still green card holders who are not even citizens of this country, who love this country so much that they're willing to risk their lives in its service in order to accelerate their path to citizenship and enjoy the bountiful, blessed nation.

So let's, from time to time, remember that these are God's children. They must come into country legally, but they have enriched our culture and our nation as every generation of immigrants before them.

Thank you.

I'm John McCain and I approve this message.

Statement from Hillary Clinton on Memorial Day

Statement from Hillary Clinton on Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a solemn day for every American; a day to express our profound gratitude to the men and women who have given their lives in military service. A day to join in our thoughts and prayers with the families mourning loved ones. A day to cherish the freedoms and opportunities that so many have served, sacrificed, and died to defend.

On this Memorial Day, I’m reminded of the words of a poet and a veteran named Archibald MacLeish. He served in World War I and witnessed incredible service and sacrifice. Before the close of World War II, to commemorate those who had died, he wrote of the responsibility of all of us who survive them.

In his poem entitled “The Young Dead Soldiers Do Not Speak,” he reminds us that those we have lost: “have a silence that speaks for them at night…They say: We have done what we could but until it is finished it is not done…They say: our deaths are not ours; they are yours; they will mean what you make them…They say: we leave you our deaths. Give them their meaning.” 

How do we give these lives their meaning?  I believe we must honor our service members by doing our best to serve the men and women who have served us. And I believe we must honor the lives we’ve lost by honoring the values for which they fought. That is our duty. And on this Memorial Day, let us recommit ourselves to fulfilling this sacred responsibility every single day.

The United States has the finest military on the planet because we have the best soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen in the world. We owe them our support and resources while in-service and when they come home as our Veterans. We owe them a GI Bill of Rights that sees to their health care, housing, education and overall wellbeing. In many ways, everyday should be Memorial Day to honor and remember all they do for our nation, our communities and our families.

Our moral obligation is significant for the simple reason that the sacrifice of those who serve and have served in our military demonstrates a profound example of commitment and love for our nation. We must return to them all they have given and we must remember and honor those who gave their all, their lives, for our great nation.

Libertarian Party Selects Bob Barr As 2008 Presidential Nominee

Libertarian Party selects Bob Barr as 2008 presidential nominee
Former Congressman plans to take the White House as Libertarian candidate

Denver - The Libertarian Party has nominated former Congressman Bob Barr as its candidate for president for the 2008 election.

"I'm sure will we emerge here with the strongest ticket in the history of the Libertarian Party," Barr stated in his victory speech shortly after being selected as the Party's nominee. "I want everybody to remember that we only have 163 days to win this election.  We cannot waste one single day."

More than 650 Libertarian delegates met in Denver from May 22 till the 26 for the 2008 Libertarian National Convention.  After six rounds of voting Sunday afternoon, Barr was selected as the Party's presidential nominee. 

"We're proud to present to the American voters Bob Barr as our presidential nominee," says Libertarian Party spokesperson Andrew Davis. "While Republicans and Democrats will fight for their own power in November, Libertarians will fight for Americans.  Bob Barr is one of the strongest candidates in the Party's 37-year history, and we look for him to have an enormous impact in the 2008 race.  Republicans and Democrats have good reason to fear a candidate like Barr, who refuses to accept the 'business-as-usual' attitude of the current political establishment.  Americans want and need another choice, and that choice is Bob Barr."

The Libertarian Party is America's third largest political party, founded in 1971 as an alternative to the two main political parties.  You can find more information on the Libertarian Party by visiting www.LP.org. The Libertarian Party proudly stands for smaller government, lower taxes and more freedom.

Ron Paul To Speak In Rochester, Minnesota On May 30

Ron Paul To Speak In Rochester, Minnesota On May 30

Presidential Candidate Ron Paul will be in Rochester, Minnesota Friday morning, May 30, 7:30 AM to speak to MN GOP delegates and alternates at a rally outside the Rochester Civic Center.

Invitation to hear Congressman Ron Paul speak in Rochester Friday morning

All MN GOP state delegates and alternates are welcome to hear Congressman Ron Paul, MD speak in Rochester this coming Friday morning.  Whether you think you agree with him or not, this will be the opportunity for you to hear his point of view directly from the man, to see why his new book shot to #1 on Amazon and the NYT Bestseller list upon release.

Ron Paul
Live and In Person

In Rochester Minnesota
Friday morning, May 30, 7:30 AM
At the Mayo Memorial Park
Directly behind the Civic Center

Join us Friday morning to hear Presidential Candidate, Congressman Ron Paul speak about the need for our nation to return to the principles of the Constitution, limited government in its proper role, sound money and the spirit of Liberty.

Marianne Stebbins
Ron Paul 2008 PCC

Ron Paul to speak in Rochester

Minneapolis, Minnesota – Presidential candidate and Congressman Dr. Ron Paul will speak to his supporters, and other delegates and alternates to the Minnesota Republican State Convention, Friday morning, May 30, at 7:30 AM at the Mayo Memorial Park, 30 Civic Center Drive, Rochester MN.  The park features an amphitheater setting adjacent to the rear of the Mayo Civic Center where the convention is to be held.

Dr. Ron Paul, tenth-term Congressman from Texas, is one of two candidates remaining in the Republican race for President, and has earned seven national delegates so far out of Minnesota.  With his new book, The Revolution: A Manifesto, now in its third week on the New York Times Bestseller List, he remains in the race to offer conservatives an option in the primaries, and to spread the message of Liberty, Peace and Prosperity.

Hillary: Why I Continue To Run

Hillary: Why I Continue To Run

Excerpts follow below:

This past Friday, during a meeting with a newspaper editorial board, I was asked about whether I was going to continue in the presidential race.

I made clear that I was - and that I thought the urgency to end the 2008 primary process was unprecedented. I pointed out, as I have before, that both my husband's primary campaign, and Sen. Robert Kennedy's, had continued into June.

Almost immediately, some took my comments entirely out of context and interpreted them to mean something completely different - and completely unthinkable.

I want to set the record straight: I was making the simple point that given our history, the length of this year's primary contest is nothing unusual. Both the executive editor of the newspaper where I made the remarks, and Sen. Kennedy's son, Bobby Kennedy Jr., put out statements confirming that this was the clear meaning of my remarks. Bobby stated, "I understand how highly charged the atmosphere is, but I think it is a mistake for people to take offense."

I realize that any reference to that traumatic moment for our nation can be deeply painful - particularly for members of the Kennedy family, who have been in my heart and prayers over this past week. And I expressed regret right away for any pain I caused.

But I was deeply dismayed and disturbed that my comment would be construed in a way that flies in the face of everything I stand for - and everything I am fighting for in this election.
…

I am running because I still believe I can win on the merits. Because, with our economy in crisis, our nation at war, the stakes have never been higher - and the need for real leadership has never been greater - and I believe I can provide that leadership.
…

I am running for all those women in their 90s who've told me they were born before women could vote, and they want to live to see a woman in the White House. For all the women who are energized for the first time, and voting for the first time. For the little girls - and little boys - whose parents lift them onto their shoulders at our rallies, and whisper in their ears, "See, you can be anything you want to be." As the first female candidate in this position, I believe I have a responsibility to finish this race.

I am running for all the men and women I meet who wake up every day and work hard to make a difference for their families. People who deserve a shot at the American Dream - the chance to save for college, a home and retirement; to afford quality health care for their families; to fill the gas tank and buy the groceries with a little left over each month.
…

Finally, I am running because I believe I'm the strongest candidate to stand toe-to-toe with Sen. McCain. Delegate math might be complicated - but electoral math is not. Our campaign is winning the popular vote - and we've been winning the swing states we need to get 270 electoral votes and take back the White House: Pennsylvania, Ohio, Arkansas, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Michigan, Florida and West Virginia.

But no matter what happens in this primary, I am committed to unifying this party. Ultimately, what Sen. Obama and I share is so much greater than our differences. And I know that if we come together, as a party and a people, there is no challenge we cannot meet, no barrier we cannot break and no dream we cannot realize.

All Systems Go 100 days until Republican National Convention

'All Systems Go' As GOP Convention Marks 100 Days Out
Convention staff, local leaders ready to make
Minneapolis-Saint Paul 'center of the politicaluniverse'

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) - Observing an important milestone, 2008 Republican National Convention President and CEO Maria Cino today marked the 100-day-out threshold, saying the convention and the host cities of Minneapolis-Saint Paul will be ready to make history when the gavel drops at the Xcel Energy Center on Sept. 1, 2008.

"With 100 days remaining until the gavel drops at the Xcel Energy Center, I am pleased to report our planning remains on track and that we will be ready for all systems go," Cino said. "In September, the world will see a successful convention and that is due to the commitment and professionalism of not only our convention staff, but the local community leaders who have been great partners in this effort."

As convention planning moves into its final 100 days, convention staff, the MSP 2008 Host Committee, and local leaders continue to finalize plans which will place Minneapolis-Saint Paul on the world stage.

"In 100 days, the eyes of the nation and the world will focus on Minneapolis-Saint Paul as Sen. John McCain is formally nominated as our party's candidate for president," Cino said. "It is the pinnacle moment in a process that began nearly two years ago, and will result in the most exciting and energetic convention in Republican Party history."

Xcel Energy Center

The design of the podium continues under the auspices of Executive Producer David J. Nash. Nash, a veteran of Broadway and television award shows, is back for his fifth-consecutive Republican National Convention.

Build-out plans for the Xcel Energy Center, the Saint Paul RiverCentre and the Roy Wilkins Auditorium are being finalized by Freeman Company, a worldwide leader in convention-related services. Freeman, with offices in 41 cities across America, is the lead contractor for the Republican National Convention for the fifth time. Implementation begins on July 21, 2008.

Media Operations

The convention's media operations division is allocating more than 450,000 square feet of working space for the anticipated 15,000 members of the media who will cover the 2008 Republican National Convention - ranking it just behind the Olympics in terms of media interest. The space to be allocated is the equivalent of nearly eight National Football League (NFL) playing fields.

Earlier this week, the convention hosted media representatives from across the nation to brief them on the media operations planning for the convention. The briefing included a tour of the media positions and workspace that will be available to journalists from around the world.

Hotels

The 2008 Republican National Convention has identified and announced the host hotels for the 56 Republican delegations that will nominate Sen. McCain as the GOP's candidate for President of the United States, as well as the host hotel for the Republican National Committee: the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis. All told, the convention has secured more than 16,000 rooms in 101 area hotels.

Transportation

The convention is working with Transportation Management Services (TMS) to develop a comprehensive transportation plan for the 45,000 convention guests expected in Minneapolis-Saint Paul. TMS is working its third Republican convention.

TMS and the convention transportation staff are developing the GOP Express, a system of more than 300 buses that will transport credentialed guests and media to and from official hotels and the Xcel Energy Center.

The Republican National Convention has also partnered with Northwest Airlines. NWA is the Official Airline and will bring thousands of delegates, alternate delegates, Republican Party leaders, members of the media, and convention guests to Minneapolis-Saint Paul.

Local Support

The convention and host committee enjoy close working relationships with a bipartisan group of local, state, and federal government leaders, including Gov. Tim Pawlenty; Sens. Norm Coleman and Amy Klobuchar; and Mayors R.T. Rybak (Minneapolis), Chris Coleman (Saint Paul), and Gene Winstead (Bloomington).

The MSP 2008 Host Committee has also notched several successes leading up to the 100-day-out mark. In an effort to welcome the 45,000 expected visitors and increase traffic to Minnesota businesses, the host committee launched the More to Minnesota GOParty Card which will offer up to 20 percent discounts and special deals from participating Minnesota businesses from August 23 until September 7 as an additional incentive to come early and stay longer.

CivicFest: A Very Minnesota Celebration, a one-of-a-kind event celebrating Minnesota and American history, democracy and the U.S. Presidency, is being organized by the host committee. The event, produced by high-profile event veteran Gerard McTernan, will be held Aug. 29 - Sept. 4, 2008, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. More than 150,000 people are expected to attend CivicFest, which will be open to the general public.

To gather the 8,000 volunteers needed to help put on the convention, MSP 2008 is partnering with Monster.com to create and power the official online recruitment section of the official host committee website: www.MSP2008.com.

Community Service: American Neighbor

Since arriving in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, the 2008 Republican National Convention has made community involvement a key program in convention preparations.

In Sept. 2007, the convention established the American Neighbor Volunteer Program, a service initiative aimed at giving back to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area and inspiring Republicans across the nation to take action in their own communities. In keeping with Sen. McCain's call to "serving a cause greater than one's own self-interest," convention staff have totaled more than 375 volunteer hours benefitting the host cities.

More information on the American Neighbor Volunteer Program can be found at: GOPConvention2008.com/news/Read.aspx?ID=477.

Green Convention

The 2008 Republican National Convention has maintained its commitment to being the most environmentally-friendly convention in party history by undertaking several initiatives to reduce waste. Reflecting Sen. McCain's record of "common sense stewardship," convention staff work in an energy efficient office which has been outfitted with recycled furnishings and most live within walking distance of their workplace.

Through its Official Vehicle Provider, General Motors, the convention will more than 300 alternative fuel/hybrid vehicles to transport staff, members of the Republican National Committee, and government leaders.

The convention staff and host committee have reduced the amount of paper by adopting electronic systems for communication, volunteer recruitment, and hotel booking.

As part of its volunteer initiative, the convention took part in the annual Earth Day cleanup of the Minneapolis watershed. More on the convention's green efforts can be found at: GOPConvention2008.com/features/greenfactsheet.pdf.

Technologically Savvy Convention

As part of its commitment to hold the most technologically savvy convention in GOP history, the convention established www.GOPConvention2008.com to provide more information and greater interactive capabilities, including video features, user-generated content, and a convention blog.

In addition, the convention has partnered with Google Inc. to propel it to the forefront of the digital age. As Official Innovation Provider, Google is enhancing the GOP's online presence with new applications, search tools, and interactive video. In addition, Google is helping generate buzz and excitement in advance of the convention through its proven online marketing techniques.

The convention's YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/gopconvention2008) is enabling visitors to upload, view, and share online videos. These innovative technologies are helping the GOP streamline convention organization and expand its online reach.

Americans will have a front-row seat to the convention through the Official Live Video Streaming Provider, Ustream.TV. In addition to live gavel-to-gavel coverage of the convention, the Ustream.TV broadcasting platform will feature live video chats and online interviews of convention and other Republican officials.

Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Scott Brennan Endorses Barack Obama

Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Scott Brennan Endorses Barack Obama

Des Moines – Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Scott Brennan released the following statement after hosting a morning press conference in Des Moines announcing his endorsement of Senator Barack Obama:
“Today, I stand with many Iowa Democrats by announcing my support for Senator Barack Obama.  I’m endorsing Barack Obama today because he is positioned to pick up a majority of pledged delegates later tonight.  I have said all along, that pledged delegates should be the marker, and today I am proud to stand with the majority of Iowa Democrats and a nearing majority of national delegates. 

The level of enthusiasm for Democratic candidates this year is unlike anything I have seen in Iowa politics.  In January, we saw 240,000 people turn out to caucus for Democrats here in Iowa, virtually doubling the turnout from 2004.   Iowa Democrats are going to work hard to turn Iowa blue, and we are armed with 60,000 new Democrats, and an 85,000 voter registration advantage over Republicans.

Senator Obama is going to help Iowa Democrats win up and down the ticket in November.  He is bringing new people into the political process at historic levels and helping us to build the future of the Iowa Democratic Party.

Iowa is where it all began for Senator Obama.  I am pleased to welcome him back to the state today and I am proud to stand with Iowa Democrats by endorsing Senator Barack Obama.”

Romney Forms 'Free and Strong America PAC' To Help Elect Conservative Republicans

ROMNEY FORMS ‘FREE AND STRONG AMERICA PAC’ TO HELP ELECT CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICANS

BOSTON. . . A new federal political action committee chaired by former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney made its debut today with the mission of helping to elect conservative Republicans around the country.

Free and Strong America PAC will support officeholders and candidates who are dedicated to advancing social, fiscal and foreign policies that will strengthen America at this critical time in the nation’s history. The guiding focus will be on the core principles that have built and nurtured America since its founding – uncompromised military strength, a belief in the power of free markets and that a competitive America is one where taxes are low and government is small, an emphasis on strong families and a federalist approach to government that leaves decision-making as close to the people as possible.

“America is at a crossroads. If we are to remain a leader in the world, we must be prepared to tackle the numerous challenges ahead of us with the same innovation and spirit that has made us the envy of the world. Together with the candidates we support, and the help of the American people, we can embrace solutions that will create a strong economy, strong families and a strong military,” Romney said.

The PAC will support candidates running for all levels of office in the current 2008 cycle, starting at the top of the ticket with Republican presidential candidate John McCain. Targeted races will be added to the PAC website at www.FreeStrongAmerica.com on an ongoing basis. In the first week, one of the featured congressional candidates is U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota.

Headquartered in Boston, Free and Strong America PAC will be led by executive director Peter Flaherty, a former deputy chief of staff to Governor Romney and a deputy campaign manager in the Romney presidential campaign.