2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Senator John Ensign And Nevada Republican Leaders Endorse John McCain

SENATOR JOHN ENSIGN AND NEVADA REPUBLICAN LEADERS ENDORSE JOHN MCCAIN

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman, Senator John Ensign (R-NV), State Party Chair Sue Lowden, National Committeeman Joe Brown, and National Committeewoman Beverly Willard have endorsed Senator John McCain for president.

"I am enthusiastically endorsing Senator John McCain as this country's next President of the United States," said Senator John Ensign. "He has a conservative record of fiscal discipline and strong national defense of which Republicans can be proud. I look forward to working with him to elect Republican Senators across the country."

"It is time to unite our Republican Party around John McCain. He has been consistently strong and courageous when it comes to supporting our troops in the global war on terror," said State Chairwoman Lowden. "He has also been a champion against wasteful federal spending in Washington and a champion for our veterans here at home. I urge all Nevada Republicans to consider the numerous issues we share in common as a Party and move beyond our differences to focus on winning the general election in November."

Committeeman Brown added, "John McCain has been a hero of mine for many years, being ex-military myself. He is the perfect person to lead and unite the Republican Party. He has the proven experience and courage to lead America into the future. It is time for all Nevadans to support the candidate who can win in November."

"All Nevada Republicans should unite behind John McCain, the next Republican nominee for President of the United States," said Committeewoman Willard. "This coming November, voters across the country will face a stark choice between the candidate the Democrats nominate and John McCain, a principled, conservative leader who has fought for fiscal responsibility and a strong military for his entire career."

John McCain thanked Senator Ensign and the Nevada Republican leadership, stating, "I am grateful to have the support of four of Nevada's most prominent Republican leaders. I look forward to working with each of them in the months to come, and to the continued support of all the Nevada Republicans who they represent."

John McCain La Crosse Wisconsin Photos

John McCain La Crosse Wisconsin Photos

Wisconsin For Hillary Launches Two New Statewide Ads

WISCONSIN FOR HILLARY LAUNCHES TWO NEW STATEWIDE ADS

Today, Wisconsin for Hillary launched two new 30-second television ads statewide.  The ad "Deserves" responds to Senator Barack Obama's false attack ad and asks Sen. Obama why he has not agreed to debate in Wisconsin. The second ad entitled "Rebuild" reaffirms Hillary's commitment to rebuild the middle class.

The new ads come four days before Wisconsin residents head to the polls on February 19th.

Following is the script for "Deserves":

Announcer: "Barack Obama still won't agree to debate in Wisconsin.

And now he's hiding behind false attack ads.

Maybe he doesn't want to explain why his health care plan leaves out 15 million people and Hillary's covers everyone.

Or why he voted to pass billions in Bush giveaways to the oil companies, but Hillary didn't.

Or why he said he might raise the retirement age and cut benefits  for social security.   But Hillary won't.

Why wont Barack Obama debate these differences?

Wisconsin deserves better.

Hillary Clinton: "I'm Hillary Clinton and I approved this message

BACKUP:

The Script
The Facts

Barack Obama still won't agree to debate in Wisconsin. 

Screen: Barack Obama still won't agree to debate in Wisconsin. 

And now he's hiding behind false attack ads.

Maybe he doesn't want to explain why his health care plan leaves out 15 million people and Hillary's covers everyone.

Screen: Obama's health care plan leaves out 15 million out. [New America Foundation, 12/6/07]  Hillary's plan covers everyone.

Or why he voted to pass billions in Bush giveaways to the oil companies, but Hillary didn't.

Screen: Obama voted to pass billions in Bush giveaways to the oil companies. [HR 6, 7/20/05] Hillary didn't.

Screen: Obama might raise the retirement age and cut benefits for social security. [ABC News, 5/17/07]

Hillary won't.

Obama: 'Everything should be on the table.' Stephanopoulos: You've also said that with Social Security everything should be on the table.
Obama: Yes.
Stephanopoulos: Raising the retirement age?
Obama: Everything should be on the table.
Stephanopoulos: Raising payroll taxes?
Obama: Everything should be on the table. I think we should approach it the same way Tip O'Neill and Ronald Reagan did back in 1983. They came together, I don't want to lay out my preferences beforehand, but what I know is that Social Security is solvable. It is not as difficult a problem as we're going to have with Medicaid and Medicare. ["This Week," 5/13/07]
Obama says 'everything has to be on the table' and he would make 'benefit and tax changes' to Social Security. "I will work in a bipartisan way to maintain Social Security's solvency for future generations. I believe everything has to be on the table that is genuinely intended to strengthen the program. We can close the gap with an equitable mix of benefit and tax changes similar to those recommended by the bipartisan Greenspan Commission in 1983." [washingtonpost.com]

Why won't Barack Obama debate these differences?

Wisconsin deserves better.

Following is the script for "Rebuild":

Announcer: She's fighting for America's middle class.

Hillary Clinton: The oil companies, the drug companies, have had seven years of a president who stands up for them.

Announcer: She will end fifty five billion dollars in giveaways to corporate special interests and invest that money to rebuild our middle class, end tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas and cut taxes for working families.

Hillary Clinton: It's time we had a president who stands up for all of you. I'm Hillary Clinton and I approve this message

The Script
The Facts

VO: She's fighting for America's middle class

HRC: The oil companies, the drug companies have had seven years of a president who stands up for them

VO: She will end $55 billion in corporate giveaways and invest that money to rebuild the middle class

Screen: End $55 billion in corporate giveaways

            Rebuild the middle class

VO: End tax breaks that ship jobs overseas and cut taxes for working families

Screen: Cut taxes for working families

HRC: It's time we have a president who stands up for all of you. I'm Hillary Clinton and I approve this message

John McCain La Crosse Wisconsin Live Stream

Google Inc. Will Serve As The Republican National Convention’s Official Innovation Provider

Google Inc. Will Serve As The Republican National Convention’s Official Innovation Provider

SAINT PAUL, Minn.) – Embracing technology that will propel the 2008 Republican National Convention to the forefront of the digital age, the GOP today announced that Google Inc. will serve as the Republican National Convention’s Official Innovation Provider.  Convention President and Chief Executive Officer Maria Cino made the announcement in a unique video posted to the convention’s new YouTube™ channel (www.youtube.com/gopconvention2008).  The video, also showcased on the convention’s website (www.GOPconvention2008.com), highlights Google's cutting-edge, computer-generated SketchUp™ graphics of the Xcel Energy Center, where the convention will be held.

As Official Innovation Provider, Google Inc. will enhance the GOP’s online presence with new applications, search tools, and interactive video. In addition, Google will help generate buzz and excitement in advance of the convention through its proven online marketing techniques.

“Google and YouTube are synonymous with innovation, and our groundbreaking collaboration will set a new precedent for engaging and involving Americans in the Republican National Convention,” said Cino. “We also remain firmly focused on providing the eventual Republican nominee with every tool available to communicate his message to the American people – and this agreement is an important part of our efforts.”

The convention’s official website, www.GOPconvention2008.com, will eventually feature a full-range of Google™ products, including Google Apps, Google Maps, SketchUp, and customized search tools, which will make navigating the site easier. The convention's YouTube channel will enable visitors to upload, view, and share online videos.  These innovative technologies will also help the GOP streamline convention organization and expand its online reach across websites, mobile devices, blogs, and email.

“As more Americans go online to learn about elections, we’re pleased to work with the Republican National Convention to give citizens around the world easy access to convention information and new ways to engage in the event,” said David Drummond, Google's Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and Chief Legal Officer.

“This year, YouTube will bring a new dimension to this landmark event by enabling GOP visitors to share their unique experiences with the world through the power of online video,” said Chad Hurley, YouTube co-founder.  “We look forward to working with the convention committee and watching the action unfold.”

The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul’s Xcel Energy Center from September 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the event.

Clinton Campaign Responds To New Obama Ad In Wisconsin

CLINTON CAMPAIGN RESPONDS TO NEW OBAMA AD IN WISCONSIN

The Clinton campaign today released the following response to the new Obama campaign TV ad currently being aired in Wisconsin:

"This ad makes clear why Sen. Obama doesn't want to have a one-on-one debate with Sen. Clinton in Wisconsin,” Kathleen Falk, Dane County Executive said. “He doesn't want people to know that his health care plan leaves 15 million people out. He doesn't want people to know that Sen. Clinton's plan cuts health care costs more aggressively. And he certainly doesn't want people to know that the most authoritative source he can find to validate his housing plan is a story quoting his own campaign."

Mike Huckabee Comments on Romney Endorsement Of Sen. McCain

Mike Huckabee Comments on Romney Endorsement of Sen. McCain

Little Rock, AR -- Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee has issued the following statement in response to Gov. Mitt Romney's endorsement of Sen. John McCain:

"This goes to show there is a lot of 'me too' going on in the party, I just happen to be the leader of the "not me" crowd.  There are those from the Beltway and those of the party establishment who believe its time for the Republican Party to pull together, but there are still a lot of voices that have not been heard.  This election should be about choices and voices, and not a coronation.  Until someone receives 1,191 delegates, the verdict is not in."

Governor Mitt Romney Endorses John McCain For President

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- At a press conference in Boston today, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney endorsed John McCain for president. In addition, Governor Romney pledged all 289 of his delegates to John McCain, putting McCain over the required 1,191 delegates necessary to secure the Republican nomination.
Governor Romney issued the following statement on his endorsement:

"Thank you all very much. And thank you all for joining us on such short notice.

"This isn't my first joint appearance with Senator John McCain, but it promises to be one of our more pleasant exchanges. 

"I am honored today to give my full support to Senator McCain's candidacy for President of the United States. Today I am asking my delegates to vote for Senator McCain.

"As you all saw over the past year, things can get rough in a political campaign. And in the thick of the fight it's easy to lose sight of your opponent's finer qualities. But in the case of Senator John McCain, I could never quite do that. Even when the contest was close and our disagreements were debated, the caliber of the man was apparent.

"This is a man capable of leading our country at a dangerous hour. Senator McCain understands the war we are in -- the necessity of victory and the consequences of surrender. For him, national security isn't just another item on the agenda. It is the abiding concern and responsibility of our nation. 

"This is a man who tied his political fortunes to the fortunes of his country in a time of war. Such courage is not always rewarded in politics, but it was this time -- and that is a credit to both the man and to the party he will lead in the election of 2008. 

"This is a man who has served and suffered for his country. John McCain's greatest test was long ago.  But the loyalty, and love of country, and strength of heart that saw him through are still the qualities that define him. With their rhetoric, our Democratic opponents are very skilled at striking heroic poses. But with our Republican nominee, we're going to offer America the real thing.

"I am pleased to introduce a real America hero, the next president of the United States, Senator John McCain."

John McCain made the following remarks thanking Governor Romney for his endorsement:

"I thank Governor Romney for his endorsement. More than that, I thank him for the hard, intensive, fine, honorable campaign that he ran for the nomination of our Party. And I think it is also extremely important to me that not only do I have his endorsement, but that we join together now and travel this country not only on behalf of my candidacy, but on behalf of our Republican candidates for the House, the Senate, for Governor and all of the other races that we are committed to and are so important to the future of this country.

"I'm grateful for the fact that Governor Romney has served the state of Massachusetts. I'm grateful that he ran a hard, tough, and frankly a campaign that helped me become a better candidate not only in the primary, but also in the general election.

"Governor Romney will help me draw the stark differences that exist between myself and the things that he and I stand for and believe in and the Democratic candidates. Whether we have higher taxes, as the Democrats will want to impose, or lower taxes. Whether there will be a government-run health care system in America, or whether families will make choices on health care. Whether we will retreat and declare withdrawal from Iraq, or whether we will continue this surge and now the political process that's moving forward there. There will be stark differences.

"I look forward to campaigning with Governor Romney and I look forward to his continued, very important role of leadership in our Party that he has exercised in the past and will exercise even more so in the future. Governor Romney, I thank you. We all know it was a hard campaign -- primaries are tough. We know it was a hard campaign. And now we move forward together for the good of our Party and the nation and I am very honored to have Governor Romney and the members of his team at my side -- that's a vital ingredient for victory in November."

Rhode Island Governor Donald L. Carcieri Endorses John McCain For President

RHODE ISLAND GOVERNOR DONALD L. CARCIERI ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Rhode Island Governor Donald L. Carcieri has endorsed John McCain for president.

"I'm confident that, as president, John McCain will rein in wasteful and irresponsible government spending and will work to balance the budget," said Governor Carcieri. "John is a leader with integrity who will restore trust to Washington. He also has the proven judgment and national security experience to lead as commander in chief. I'm proud to support him for president."

John McCain thanked Governor Carcieri for his support, stating, "Don has worked hard to improve Rhode Island's economy. His business has experience served him well. I am grateful for his support and look forward to working with him for victory in Rhode Island."