2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

John McCain Wins Catholic Support Nationwide

JOHN MCCAIN WINS CATHOLIC SUPPORT NATIONWIDE

ARLINGTON, VA -- Today over 100 prominent Catholics nationwide have come together to support John McCain for president. The National Catholics for McCain Committee, led by U.S. Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Former Governor Frank Keating (R-OK), is growing rapidly. The group is represented by elected officials, businessmen and women, grassroots organizers, students, and Catholic leaders from over two dozen states.

"John McCain has a common sense vision for America based on faith, freedom, and families," said Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS), National Co-Chair of the National Catholics for McCain Committee. "Committed to the protection of innocent human life, he is a leader Catholics will be proud to support. John McCain knows from experience what it means when a society tramples on the truth of the value of the human person. He is committed to defending the dignity and value of every person, regardless of their status."

John McCain expressed his deep appreciation and stated, "I want to thank Catholic voters today, who have played a vital role in electing me as the Republican nominee for the presidency. I am humbled by the support of such a diverse group of Catholic leaders who are dedicated to the defense of traditional marriage, advocate for the protection of innocent human life, and share my vision for a stronger, safer and more prosperous America. I stand firmly with those Catholics who believe that human rights are natural rights for all people, in all places, and in all stages of life."

The National Catholics for McCain Committee is actively recruiting Catholics at the national, regional, state, local, and parish levels to help share John McCain's vision and pro-Catholic message. 

Catholics For McCain Co-Chairs:

U.S. Senator Sam Brownback, Kansas
Former Governor Frank Keating, Oklahoma

Catholics For McCain National Leadership Committee:

Republican House Leader John Boehner, Ohio   
Former U.S. Senator Mike DeWine, Ohio            
Representative Lincoln Diaz-Balart, Florida         
Representative Mario Diaz-Balart, Florida
Former U.S. Secretary of State Alexander Haig, Washington, DC
Representative Ray LaHood, Illinois      
Representative Dan Lungren, California 
U.S. Senator Mel Martinez, Florida
Representative Jean Schmidt, Ohio
Representative Pat Tiberi, Ohio

Catholics For McCain National Steering Committee:

David Adams, Florida, Retired Senior Foreign Service Officer    
Laurence Alvarado, Florida, Managing Director, Bearing Point & Contributor, InsideCatholic.com 
Hon. William Barr, Virginia, Former U.S. Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice
David Barron, South Carolina, Former Advisor & Surrogate, Reagan for President            
Andresen Blom, Hawaii, Former Executive Director, Hawaii Right to Life 
Gerry Bradley, Indiana, Law Professor, University of Notre Dame School of Law
Helen Anne Bunn, California, Owner & Operator, Health Care Facilities
Frank Cannon, Virginia, Treasurer, Susan B. Anthony List & Former Campaign Manager, Bauer for President
Mary Cannon, Virginia, Speechwriter & Former Deputy Communications Director, Kemp for President
Ryan Carney, Virginia, Former Chairman, CUA Republicans & Former Finance Director, Brownback for President
Alan Carson, Georgia, President, Obor Digital
Joseph Cella, Virginia, Founder, National Catholic Prayer Breakfast
Theo Chalgren, Minnesota, Visual Media Producer
Linda Chavez, Virginia, Conservative Author & Syndicated Columnist
Denis Coleman, Florida, Former Chairman, Covenant House & Former General Counsel, Bermuda
Jim Corbett, South Carolina, Former State Director, Brownback for President
Lisa Correnti, Maryland, Grassroots Activist & Homemaker         
Timothy Costa, Rhode Island, Policy Advisor
Marjorie Dannenfelser, Virginia, President, Susan B. Anthony List
Martin Dannenfelser, Virginia, Former Vice President, Family Research Council
Shawn Denton, Florida, Catholic Outreach Coordinator in Broward County, McCain for President
Terry Denton, Florida, Catholic Outreach Coordinator in Broward County, McCain for President
Bob Destro, Washington, DC, Law Professor, Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law
Stephen Louis A. Dillard, Georgia, Attorney & Former Legal Policy Advisor, Huckabee for President
Bernard Dobranski, Michigan, Dean, Ave Maria School of Law
Aggie Dowd, New Hampshire, Political Activist
John Dowd, New Hampshire, Former State Chairman, New Hampshire Republican Party & Coordinator, Catholics for Bush
Martin Duggan, Missouri, Television Host & Catholic Activist
John Eddy, Arkansas, Former National Victory Director, Republican National Committee
Tracy Eddy, Arkansas, Former Senior Staffer, the White House
Umberto Fedeli, Ohio, President & CEO, Fedeli Group
Ariel Fernandez, Florida, Catholic Outreach Coordinator in Miami-Dade County, McCain for President
James Fitzpatrick, Pennsylvania, Former State Regional Coalition Chair, Catholics for Bush
Dorothy Fleming, Minnesota, Deputy Chair, Republican Party of Minnesota
Angela Flood, Virginia, Former Deputy Political Director, the White House
Robert P. George, New Jersey, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence, Princeton University
Martin Gillespie, New Jersey, Former Director of Catholic Outreach, Republican National Committee
Rob Gleason, Pennsylvania, Chairman, Republican Party of Pennsylvania
Frank Hanna, Georgia, CEO, Hanna Capital, LLC
Hon. Melissa Hart, Pennsylvania, Former Representative, US House & Candidate for Congress
Deal W. Hudson, Washington, DC, President, Morley Publishing Group
John J. Jakubczyk, Arizona, Former President, Arizona Right to Life                   
John M. Klink, California, Former Diplomat, Vatican
Christian Kotscher, Georgia, National Principal, IBM
Alfred A. Lagan, Massachusetts, Founder & Chairman, Congress Asset Management Company
Alyssa Lombardi, Virginia, Teacher & Pro-Life Activist
Connie Marshner, Virginia, Writer, Editor & Grassroots Leader
Kitty Martinez, Florida, Former Educator
Hon. Bob McDonnell, Virginia, Attorney General, Virginia
Edward McFadden, Virginia, Former Senior Advisor, Fred Thompson for President
Margaret Melady, Virginia, Former President, American University in Rome
Amb. Thomas Melady, Virginia, Former US Ambassador, Vatican            
Tom Monaghan, Florida, Catholic Philanthropist & Founder, Domino's Pizza & Ave Maria University         
Hon. Maureen Mooney, New Hampshire, State Representative (R-Merrimack) & Former State Director, Catholics for Bush 
Mario Murgado, Florida, President & CEO, Miami Automotive Retail, Inc. Brickell Motors
Dennis Myers, Florida, Broward County Republican Executive Committee
Chris Nolan, Maryland, President, Landbridge Equity, LLC
Catherine Nugent, Missouri, President, Willis Pendleton Inc.
Joe O'Farrell, Georgia, Catholic Activist & Fundraiser
Patrick O'Meara, Michigan, Founder, O'Meara Ferguson Kearns, Inc.
Hon. Brian Palmer, Michigan, State Representative (R-Romeo)
Dana Phillips, Iowa, Former Co-Chairman, Catholics for Brownback
William F. Plunkett, Jr., New York, Attorney
Alexandra Preate, New York, Principal, Capital HQ
George Prezioso, New York, Vice President, AWMA
John Pudner, Georgia, President, Concentric Direct
Robert Reilly, Virginia, Former Director, Voice of America
Maureen Roselli, New Jersey, Founding CEO & Former President, Catholic Alliance
Austin Ruse, Virginia, President, Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute
Cathy Ruse, Virginia, Former Chief Pro-Life Spokesman, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
Paul G. Scolese, Virginia, Former Staff, Bush-Cheney 2000 Presidential Transition Office
Lauren Shea, Florida, Political Activist   
Timothy D. Shea, Florida, Real Estate Executive
Shawn Smeallie, Virginia, Partner, American Continental Group
Jack St. Martin, Colorado, Former Campaign Manager, Beauprez for Governor
John Stanton, Pennsylvania, Former Executive Director, Southeast Pennsylvania Pro-Life Union
Frank Stella, Michigan, Chairman & CEO, F.D. Stella Products Company
Hon. George W. Strake, Jr., Texas, Former Secretary of State, Texas & Former Chairman, Republican Party of Texas      
Warren Sweeney, New Jersey, Former Executive Director, National Right to Life Committee
Christina Valentine, Virginia, Former President, Franciscan University of Steubenville College Republicans
Rick Valentine, Virginia, Former Deputy Assistant U.S. Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice
Susan Valentine, Virginia, Vice President, Virginia Society for Human Life
Tim Von Dohlen, Texas, 2004 Delegate & Former Representative, Texas State House
Pat Von Dohlen, Texas, Pro-Life Activist
Robert Wasinger, Virginia, Former Campaign Manager, Brownback for President
John Willke, Ohio, President, Life Issues Institute, Inc.
Chuck Yob, Michigan, Republican National Committeeman, Michigan
Eugene J. Zurlo, South Carolina, Chairman, Zurlo Investment Trust & Former President, Catholic Radio Association

Catholic Students For McCain Leadership Committee:

Billy Valentine, Virginia, Chairman, Catholic Students for McCain, Franciscan University of Steubenville
Lauren Benning, Florida, Catholic Outreach Coordinator in Lee County, McCain for President, Duke University
Raymond M. Gennawey, III, California, Former Chairman, CUA Republicans, Catholic University of America
Danielle Huntley, Massachusetts, Former President, Students for Life of America, Boston College School of Law
Kilty Maher, Iowa, Ave Maria University
Matthew Rooney, New Jersey, Former Chairman, CUA Republicans, Rutgers Law School
Terry Schilling, Illinois, Student Body President, Franciscan University of Steubenville
Thomas Ternan, Texas, Franklin & Marshall College
Katie Wilcox, Michigan, Ave Maria Law School
Colm Willis, Oregon, Boston College

Howard Dean Discusses Democratic Race, Primaries And John McCain On Sunday Shows

Howard Dean Discusses Democratic Race, Primaries and John McCain on Sunday Shows

Washington, DC -- Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean this morning discussed the Democratic race, his hope that Florida and Michigan delegates will be seated at the convention according to party rules, the Democratic win in this weekend's special election in Illinois, and the third Bush term promised by Senator John McCain.  The following are excerpts from Dean's appearances on CBS's Face the Nation with Bob Schieffer and ABC's This Week with George Stephanopoulos: 

ON SENATOR MCCAIN:

"We're going to beat John McCain. He's totally unsuited at this particular time to be president. He's wrong on the war in Iraq, wrong on the economy, wrong on health care." [ABC's This Week with George Stephanopoulos, 3/9/08]

ON KEEPING THE PARTY UNITED:

"We will beat John McCain if we're united and, in order to be united, the loser of the race has to feel like they've been treated fairly within the rules. That's how you keep the party united.  So that's the number one thing.  We will follow the rules.  Both parties, both Michigan and Florida, have an opportunity to either have some sort of process that is within the rules or simply appeal to the credentials committee.  But we are going to follow the rules that were voted on by all 50 state a year and a half ago." [CBS's Face the Nation with Bob Schieffer, 3/9/08]

ON THE ILLINOIS 14TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT:

"There was a huge election yesterday in Illinois where we took Denny Hastert's seat back...This is going to be a Democratic year.  If we can take Denny Hastert's seat back in Congress, you know people really want a change." [ABC's This Week with George Stephanopoulos, 3/9/08]

ON THE STRENGTH OF OUR PARTY:

"I'm very optimistic. I know the cable TV set wrings their hands, and the inside the beltway set talks about all the problems we have. What about the several tens of millions of people who have voted in this primary? People are so excited in Texas and Ohio. I had somebody from Texas yesterday tell me they thought this was the beginning of the rekindling of the Democratic Party in Texas because of what happened down there in terms of the turnout. So I look at this as a very good primary system so far for Democrats."  [ABC's This Week with George Stephanopoulos, 3/9/08]

ON FLORIDA AND MICHIGAN:

"Everyone, including me and I think both candidates, wants to find a way to seat Florida and Michigan, but is has to be done in such a way that you don't change the rules in the middle of the game."  [CBS's Face the Nation with Bob Schieffer, 3/9/08]

"I had a good series of conversations with Senator Nelson this week. Spoke with Senator Levin yesterday. These two senators are working very, very hard to try to solve their problems for their states. But, look, this is a big -- bigger issue than Florida and Michigan. We have a very close contest between two people who are likely to be elected President of the United States, whichever one wins the nomination. I have to run these rules so that the losing side feels they've been treated fairly." [ABC's This Week with George Stephanopoulos, 3/9/08]

"When these states come before us with proposals, we're going to go to both campaigns and work with them. They're going to have to accept these, because we're going to need all their followers. We can't have half the Democratic Party walk out thinking there was some deal cooked, and that's why their person didn't win. So we're going to go to both campaigns and try to get them to agree to whatever Florida and Michigan propose as long as it's within the rules of the Democratic National Committee.  But first we've got to have a proposal, and both these senators are working very hard on this with task forces and talking with the governors and so forth and so on." [CBS's Face the Nation with Bob Schieffer, 3/9/08]

"Senator Nelson and I have had some discussions which could lead to something fruitful, which is that the Florida party would be able to raise money. They can take unlimited amount of money in Florida. I don't know if that's possible in Michigan or not, and there's some discussion of that too. But the two things I think are established is that the state is not going to pay for it because their governor, who is a McCain supporter, has said they won't pay for it. And the Democratic National Committee is not going to pay for it because right now our job is to tell the American people about Senator McCain's record on Iraq, and the deficits and so forth and convince the American people that our nominee is better than Senator McCain and that's what we're going to be using our resources for." [CBS's Face the Nation with Bob Schieffer, 3/9/08]

ON THE REMAINING PRIMARIES:

"Let's let the voters have their say, George. We've still got 611 delegates left to go. We've got about 350 uncommitted superdelegates. Let's let these folks have their say. When they have their say, I think this thing's going to be resolved without having to sit the candidates down and have them work it all out." [ABC's This Week with George Stephanopoulos, 3/9/08]

Clinton Beats Expectations In Wyoming With Near Split In Delegates

Clinton Beats Expectations In Wyoming With Near Split In Delegates

Clinton Campaign Manager Maggie Williams issued the following statement in response to the Wyoming caucuses and our estimated pick-up of five delegates:

"We are thrilled with this near split in delegates and are grateful to the people of Wyoming for their support.  Although the Obama campaign predicted victory in Wyoming weeks ago, we worked hard to present Senator Clinton’s vision to the caucus-goers and we thank them for turning out today.”

Wyoming Democratic Delegate Selection Plan

Wyoming Democratic Delegate Selection Plan
Wyoming has a total of 18 delegates and 4 alternates.

Wyoming will use a proportional representation system based on the results of a two-tier caucus system for apportioning delegates to the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

The “first determining step” of Wyoming’s delegate selection process will occur on March 8, 2008 with a county caucus/convention in each of the state’s 23 counties.

Participation in Wyoming’s delegate selection process is open to all voters who wish to participate as Democrats. All persons residing in the county and registered to vote as Democrats at least 15 days prior to the county caucus/convention (no later than February 22, 2008) may vote at the county caucus/convention and be elected as delegates to the State and National Conventions.

Any citizen of the United States who will be at least 18 years of age on the day of the next election, who is a bona fide resident of Wyoming, who is not currently adjudicated mentally incompetent, and who has not been convicted of a felony (unless his or her voting rights have been restored) may register to vote in person at the office of the county or town clerk in the county where he or she resides, by mailing a notarized registration oath to the office of the county clerk where he or she resides, or by appearing in person at his or her polling place on Election Day.

District Level Delegates and Alternates

Wyoming is allocated 7 district-level delegates and 3 district-level alternates.

District-level delegate positions will be allocated to presidential preference through a proportional representation system based on the presidential preference vote at a county caucus/convention with the first-determining step on Saturday, March 8, 2008. Preferences which have not attained a 15% threshold on a state- wide basis shall not be entitled to any at-large delegates. The Democratic State Convention will be held in Jackson, WY on Saturday, May 24, 2008. State delegates will meet in presidential preference caucuses and cast ballots to elect district-level national delegates.

Party Leader Elected Official (PLEO), Unpledged Add-on, and At-Large Delegates and Alternates

Wyoming is allocated 2 PLEO, 1 unpledged add-on and 3 at-large delegates. Wyoming is also allocated 1 at-large alternate.

PLEO and at-large delegate and alternate positions shall be allocated among presidential preferences according to the division of preferences among state convention participants on Saturday, May 24, 2008. Preferences which have not attained a 15% threshold on a state-wide basis shall not be entitled to any at-large delegates.

The selection of these delegates and alternates will occur at the state convention on Saturday, May 24, 2008 in Jackson, WY after district-level delegates have been elected.

Mississippi For Hillary To Launch Two New Radio Ads

Mississippi for Hillary To Launch Two New Radio Ads
60-Second Spots “Invisible” and “Neighbor” to Air Statewide

The Clinton campaign today announced it is launching its first two radio advertisements to air statewide in Mississippi.

The 60-second spots entitled "Invisible" and "Neighbor" highlight Hillary’s record of accomplishment on issues important to Mississippi families. 

Following are the scripts for the ads.

"Invisible Mississippi"

Radio :60

Announcer: Hillary Clinton has spent her life standing up for those others don’t see.

Hillary Clinton: "Too many Americans today feel as though they are invisible. If you are a child in a crumbling school...you are invisible to this President."

Announcer: She’s working to end the unfunded mandate on our schools known as No Child Left Behind... help every child live up to their god given potential

Hillary Clinton: If you’re a mother without health care, a father without a job, you’re invisible as well.

Announcer: Hillary expanded health clinics in rural Arkansas, won health coverage for 6 million children, [83,000 in Mississippi alone...]

Hillary Clinton: If your stuck on a rooftop during a hurricane, you’re invisible to this President even when you’re on CNN.

Announcer: And she’s voted consistently to fund the reconstruction of the Gulf Coast.

Hillary Clinton: Well, you are not invisible to me and you should never be invisible to the President of the United States.

Announcer: Paid for by Hillary Clinton for President.

Hillary Clinton: I’m Hillary Clinton, candidate for president, and I approved this message.

"Neighbor Mississippi"
Radio :60

Announcer: They said she couldn't do it. They counted her out. But Hillary Clinton fought back. And she won big.

Maybe that's why Barack Obama is running false attack ads against her now.

But Hillary thinks Mississippians deserve the truth about what she's done and what she'll do.

When Katrina and Rita struck, Hillary was one of the first people in the country to call for FEMA to be a separate agency, run by a professional, not by the [former] head of a horse association.

And she's stayed with it... fighting to stop giving bonuses to contractors who aren't doing their jobs.

Hillary spent 18 years as our neighbor in Arkansas. She worked to improve the schools and expand rural health clinics.

In the White House and the Senate, she won health coverage for six million children, 83,000 right here in Mississippi

...and expanded access to health care for 12,000 members of the Mississippi National Guard.

You know Hillary will fight for Mississippi...because she already has.

Paid for by Hillary Clinton for President.

Hillary Clinton: I'm Hillary Clinton, candidate for President, and I approved this message.

RNC CHAIRMAN ANNOUNCES ADDITIONS TO TEAM

RNC CHAIRMAN ANNOUNCES ADDITIONS TO TEAM

WASHINGTON – Chairman Robert M. “Mike” Duncan today announced the addition of Carly Fiorina, Lew Eisenberg, Frank Donatelli, and Michael DuHaime to the RNC team.  Fiorina will serve as the Victory Chairman, Eisenberg as the Victory Finance Chairman, Donatelli as RNC Deputy Chairman, and DuHaime as Senior Advisor for Political Operations.

“I am excited to announce the addition of these highly qualified and talented individuals and welcome them to the RNC team.  Carly Fiorina, Lew Eisenberg, Frank Donatelli, and Mike DuHaime will play a vital role in our efforts as we move forward to elect Senator John McCain as the next President of the United States and in our efforts to regain the majorities in the House and Senate,” Chairman Duncan said.

Carly Fiorina will serve as the Victory Chairman.  Fiorina is a remarkable American success story and one of the nation’s great business leaders.  Her business experience will be vital to Senator McCain and the RNC as we travel the country talking about the Senator’s plans to create jobs for working families and set the conditions for economic growth.

“I look forward to having a dialogue with the American people about why John McCain will be a great President and why the Republican Party has the best ideas on how to keep our country safe, prosperous, and strong,” Fiorina said.

Fiorina has been active in politics, working with President Bush, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Members of Congress on technology issues.  She has advised the Departments of Defense and State, USAID, and the CIA.  As a sought-after speaker, she has spoken with hundreds of thousands of people all around the country.

“Carly Fiorina is a great asset to our Victory program,” RNC Co-Chairman Jo Ann Davidson said.  “Her experience in business and government give her incredible insight into the economy and we are fortunate to have her as part of the team, especially in this critical election year.”

Lew Eisenberg will serve as the Victory Finance Chairman.  Eisenberg is a former partner at Goldman Sachs and co-founder of Granite Capital International Group.  Mr. Eisenberg also served from 1995 to January of 2002 as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.  Eisenberg previously served as RNC Finance Chairman and Co-Chair to the 2004 Republican National Convention in New York. 

“I am eager to return to the RNC in this new capacity as we continue to raise the resources that our Party will need to elect John McCain as President as well as Republicans nationwide,” said Eisenberg.

Frank Donatelli will assume the role of RNC Deputy Chairman.  Donatelli served under Ronald Reagan as Assistant to the President for Political and Intergovernmental Affairs, as well as Deputy Assistant to the President for Public Liaison.  Donatelli has advised numerous GOP presidential candidates, including Bob Dole and George W. Bush.  Donatelli also served then-White House Chief of Staff James Baker and worked on Baker’s campaign for Texas Attorney General.

“I am excited to be part of the team here at the RNC that will help elect John McCain as our next President.  The RNC has a vital role to play in the upcoming campaign and we will devote all available resources, financial, political and volunteer, to bringing Senator McCain’s message of smaller government, low taxes, and protection of our nation against all enemies to the American people,” Donatelli said.

Mike DuHaime will join the RNC as Senior Advisor for Political Operations.  DuHaime returns to the RNC after managing Rudy Giuliani’s presidential campaign.  A New Jersey native, DuHaime previously served the RNC as Political Director.

“I look forward to rejoining the team at the RNC in order to build on the great work that’s taking place, and boost our organization and resources in order to elect Senator McCain and Republican candidates across America this November,” said DuHaime.

John McCain 2008 Launches New Web Ad, "Man In The Arena"

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW WEB AD, "MAN IN THE ARENA"

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today launched a new web ad, entitled "Man In The Arena." The web ad highlights John McCain's vision and leadership in these historic and dangerous times.

Script for "Man In The Arena" (2:00-Web)

CHYRON: The Time Has Come

SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL: "We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills, we shall never surrender!"

JOHN MCCAIN: "Keep that faith. Keep your courage. Stick together. Stay strong. Do not yield. Do not flinch. Stand up. ... We're Americans. We're Americans, and we'll never surrender. They will."

CHYRON: For a Man in the Arena

PRESIDENT THEODORE ROOSEVELT: "With all my heart and soul ... I pledge you my word to do everything I can to put every particle of courage, of common sense, and of strength that I have at your disposal. ... Surely there never was a fight better worth making than the one in which we are in."

CHYRON: Ready

JOHN MCCAIN: "I know who I am and what I want to do. I don't seek the office out of a sense of entitlement. I owe America more than she has ever owed me."

SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL: "Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never -- in nothing, great or small, large or petty -- never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy."

CHYRON: More Than Aspiration ... Leadership

JOHN MCCAIN: "I have been an imperfect servant of my country for many years. I have never lived a day, in good times or bad, that I haven't been proud of the privilege. Don't tell me what we can't do. Don't tell me we can't make our country stronger and the world safer. We can. We must. And when I'm President we will. Thank you and God bless you."

CHYRON: McCain -- President 2008

AD FACTS: JOHN MCCAIN 2008, "MAN IN THE ARENA"

Sir Winston Churchill, 1940: "We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender." (Sir Winston Churchill, House of Commons, London, June 4, 1940)

John McCain, 2004: "Keep that faith. Keep your courage. Stick together. Stay strong. Do not yield. Do not flinch. Stand up. ... We're Americans. We're Americans, and we'll never surrender. They will." (John McCain, 2004 Republican National Convention, New York, NY, August, 30, 2004)

President Theodore Roosevelt, 1912: "With all my heart and soul ... I pledge you my word to do everything I can to put every particle of courage, of common sense, and of strength that I have at your disposal. ... Surely there never was a fight better worth making than the one in which we are in." (President Theodore Roosevelt, "A Confession of Faith," Progressive Party National Convention, Chicago, IL, August 6, 1912)

John McCain, 2008: "I know who I am and what I want to do. I don't seek the office out of a sense of entitlement. I owe America more than she has ever owed me." (John McCain, Remarks On Wisconsin Primary Victory, Columbus, OH, February 19, 2008)

Sir Winston Churchill, 1941: "Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never -- in nothing, great or small, large or petty -- never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy." (Sir Winston Churchill, Harrow School, London, October 29, 1941)

John McCain, 2008: "I have been an imperfect servant of my country for many years. I have never lived a day, in good times or bad, that I haven't been proud of the privilege. Don't tell me what we can't do. Don't tell me we can't make our country stronger and the world safer. We can. We must. And when I'm President we will. Thank you and God bless you." (John McCain, Remarks On Wisconsin Primary Victory, Columbus, OH, February 19, 2008)

Clinton Campaign Announces Mississippi Co-Chairs

Clinton Campaign Announces Mississippi Co-Chairs State Rep. Flaggs and Former State Sen. Williamson Will Lead Statewide Efforts

The Clinton campaign today announced State Representative George Flaggs and Former State Senator Gloria Williamson will co-chair the campaign’s efforts in the Magnolia State. Flaggs and Williamson will mobilize grassroots support for Hillary leading up to Mississippi’s March 11 primary.

"I’m very proud to stand up and support Hillary. I know she will stand up and deliver real changes for Mississippi families each day as president," said Rep. Flaggs. "Hillary Clinton is a fighter, and our country needs someone to fight for quality, affordable health care, to rebuild our middle class, and to bring our troops home from Iraq."

"I'm thrilled to have this kind of support throughout Mississippi, and look forward to harnessing our grassroots momentum to bring out our support next week," Clinton said. "I believe Mississippi voters want someone who can help deliver affordable health care to everyone who needs it, jump start the economy, and be a strong commander in chief, and I intend to be a president for all of Mississippi."

Iowa Secretary of State Announces Caucus Voter Registration Statistics

Mauro Announces Caucus Voter Registration Statistics

(Des Moines) Iowa Secretary of State Michael A. Mauro released the statistics from voter registration changes his offices attributes to the January 3rd Iowa Caucuses.

The current registration totals as of March 1st are: Democrats - 701,285; Republicans - 615,576; and 761,201 No Party.

The Iowa Democratic Party gained nearly 60,000 registrants and the Iowa Republican Party gained nearly 7,600 registered voters.

"It was apparent from the media reports and the crowded caucus locations that this was going to be a historic event for all Iowans. These registration numbers prove that the reports we were all hearing weren't just hype, but a reflection of a momentous event," Mauro affirmed.

The voters registered as "no party" had the largest decrease in number, dropping by over 49,000. "It is clear from these statistics that more independents chose to align with the Democrats during the caucus," Mauro stated.

Mauro is clear on this point, the overall winner is the state of Iowa. Party politics aside, Iowa gained over 22,000 new registrations overall. "I'm proud that Iowa voters chose to go out and participate in the caucus. I hope and fully anticipate this trend will carry through the Primary season and on to the General Election."

Statement By McCain Communications Director Jill Hazelbaker On Preparedness For 3 a.m. Phone Call

STATEMENT BY MCCAIN COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR JILL HAZELBAKER IN RESPONSE TO SENATOR OBAMA'S FOREIGN POLICY ADVISOR'S COMMENTS ON PREPAREDNESS FOR 3 A.M. PHONE CALL

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released the following statement by Communications Director Jill Hazelbaker in response to the assertion by Susan Rice, Senator Obama's foreign policy advisor, that neither democratic candidate is ready for the 3:00 a.m. call:

"At a time when our country faces an unprecedented range of international challenges and opportunities, the American people want a president who is prepared to lead our country in a dangerous world. Senator Obama's foreign policy adviser said today that neither Senator Clinton nor Senator Obama is ready to answer a 3:00 a.m. phone call during an international crisis. We agree wholeheartedly that neither Senator Clinton nor Senator Obama have the experience or judgment necessary to lead the United States in the struggle against violent Islamic extremists who seek our destruction, or to address the complex global environment that our next president will face. Only Senator McCain is ready to serve as commander in chief from day one."