2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

The San Antonio Express-News Endorses John McCain For President

THE SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

"The Arizona senator's tendency to be a political maverick has earned him the mistrust of some party loyalists. ... On core conservative issues, however, there should be no doubts about McCain." -- The Express-News

"John McCain Is Right For GOP Nomination"

Editorial
Express-News
February 10, 2008

John McCain seems like an unlikely candidate, let alone undisputed front-runner, for the GOP nomination in 2008. Yet for Republicans, the choice should be clear. McCain is the best nominee to lead the Republican ticket in November.

The Arizona senator's tendency to be a political maverick has earned him the mistrust of some party loyalists. The campaign finance reform measure that bears his name and his advocacy for comprehensive immigration reform and climate stewardship are considered to be examples of his past apostasy by some opponents.

In a general election, these may actually be attractive points for independent voters.

On core conservative issues, however, there should be no doubts about McCain. And since his own brush with scandal shortly after arriving in Congress in the 1980s, he has been an outspoken advocate for accountability and ethics.

McCain's strong opposition to profligate spending and wasteful earmarks also has been unpopular on Capitol Hill -- another example of his maverick spirit. But the Republican Party and the nation would be better off if his counsel had been followed.

National security issues have in large measure defined the McCain campaign. And it's on this point, more than any other, that he separates himself from his principal challenger.

Military service is not a prerequisite for entering the White House. But McCain brings a vast amount of personal and political experience that makes him uniquely qualified to address the nation's foreign policy challenges.

A year ago, he staked out an unpopular position on Iraq, judging that a precipitous American withdrawal would make matters worse while a new commander with a new strategy and additional resources could improve the security situation.

It's safe to say that if his judgment were wrong and the surge failed to demonstrate unmistakable results, McCain would not be in the running today. His judgment was correct. And he would bring a similar judgment of policy to the broad range of issues the United States confronts in the foreign policy arena.

Other candidates have held more appeal to elements of the Republican Party's conservative base. And McCain, like all candidates, has his weaknesses, not least his susceptibility to rage.

This year, however, the old warrior and occasional non-conformist is the best person to lead his party.

Read The Express-News Editorial: "John McCain Is Right For GOP Nomination"

The Cleveland Plain Dealer Endorses John McCain For President

THE CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

"The likelihood of a McCain nomination ought to please Republicans of every stripe. Even before the winnowing of the GOP field began, McCain stood out as the party's most impressive presidential material and its most electable candidate." -- The Plain Dealer

Excerpts From "McCain Is A Plain-Spoken Pragmatist Who Can Build A Coalition"

Editorial
The Plain Dealer
February 10, 2008

The Republican Party has been running presidential candidates since 1856. In all that time, it has never elected one who failed to carry Ohio. Even today, the party's strategists cannot construct a realistic blueprint for winning 270 electoral votes without picking up 20 here.

Because neither the Democrats nor the Republicans enjoy majority status, independents decide elections in Ohio. That means you don't win here by driving people out of your party's tent. You win by inviting them in. ...

The likelihood of a McCain nomination ought to please Republicans of every stripe. Even before the winnowing of the GOP field began, McCain stood out as the party's most impressive presidential material and its most electable candidate.

Americans of any party or ideology cannot help but admire McCain's service to this country, including 5½ years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. The scars he carries give him extra credence when he talks about the uses and limits of military power and about America's role in the world. A president may have to make split-second decisions on matters of national security; McCain has shown steel under the greatest pressures imaginable.

Then, too, there is his admirable willingness to work with allies wherever he finds them - even among Democrats in the Senate. This infuriates some conservatives, but McCain's ability to form coalitions would serve him and the country well as president. Ronald Reagan, whom GOP contenders feel duty-bound to salute at every turn, was a master of cobbling together unlikely majorities and of accepting half a loaf if that's all he had the votes to win. McCain embodies the blend of principle and pragmatism that made Reagan so effective.

Make no mistake. McCain has a very conservative voting record. He's a maverick, not a moderate, no matter what Tom DeLay, Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter might say. But in an era of carefully programmed politicians, McCain also is a throwback. He says what he thinks. He gets mad in public. He refuses to toe the party line - even his own party's.

That kind of Republican wins in Ohio. By voting for John McCain on March 4, Republicans here can steer their party away from those who have a death wish and focus it instead on the serious business of holding the White House in November.

Read The Full Plain Dealer Editorial: "McCain Is A Plain-Spoken Pragmatist Who Can Build A Coalition"

Obama Campaign Launches Second Statewide TV Ad, "Mother"

Obama Campaign Launches Second Statewide TV Ad
New TV ad "Mother" Focuses on Obama's Plan for Universal Health Care and Changing the System in Washington

Madison, WI - Today, the Obama campaign announced its second TV ad in Wisconsin, in which Obama highlights his commitment to changing the system in Washington and providing health care for all Americans.

The ad, titled "Mother," opens with Obama talking directly to the camera about how his mother was burdened by a failing health care system as she battled cancer during the last few months of her life.

"For twenty years Washington's talked about health care reform and reformed nothing," Obama says in the ad. "I've got a plan to cut costs and cover everyone. But unless we both stand up to special interests and are able to convince independents and some Republicans to support the plan, we'll be in the same place 20 years from now."

Script of the ad "Mother":

My mother died of cancer at 53. In those last painful months, she was more worried about paying her medical bills than getting well. I hear stories like hers everyday.

For 20 years Washington has talked about health care reform and reformed nothing. I've got a plan to cut costs and cover everyone. But unless we stop the bickering and the lobbyists we will be in the same place twenty years from now.

I'm Barack Obama and I approve this message because to fix health care we have to fix Washington.

Mike Huckabee Wins Kansas GOP Caucuses

MIKE HUCKABEE WINS KANSAS GOP CAUCUSES BY THREE-TO-ONE MARGIN

Little Rock, AR – Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee scored a major win in Kansas today, adding the Sunflower State's GOP Caucuses to his victory column.
"Earlier this morning, I said I didn't major in math, I majored in miracles.  It looks like my victory in Kansas is one of them," said Huckabee.

"It was an important victory, especially after the pundits spent the past few days saying this campaign is over.  Kansas said not so fast," agreed Campaign Manager Chip Saltsman.
Under Kansas' rules, Huckabee will get at least 24 out of 36 delegates up for grabs from the Sunshine State.  Early reports indicate that the former Arkansas governor is winning a majority of the delegates and congressional districts.

"I'm delighted that the good people of Kansas honored me with their vote.  They, like people in the other 26 states who were not a part of Super Tuesday, deserve to have their voice heard -- and I am grateful for their support," said Huckabee, who also received a key endorsement from the Kansas Right to Life chapter last week.

Huckabee said momentum is going his way – during the past 24 hours, he has raised a quarter million dollars – the most he has raised in that amount of time in the campaign
Yesterday, he conducted a whirlwind tour of Kansas, with cheering rallies and events in Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka, and Garden City.  Those efforts paid off, he said.

"The voters of Kansas spoke today – they spoke with one voice: they said I am the authentic conservative in this race. Clearly, I am pleased by these results, but it is onward and upward to Virginia and Maryland as we head into the Potomac primaries on Tuesday," said Huckabee.

Former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore Endorses John McCain

FORMER VIRGINIA GOVERNOR JIM GILMORE ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that former Virginia Governor, Jim Gilmore, has endorsed John McCain for president.

"There is one issue that is more pressing than all others -- winning the war against radical Islamic extremism," said Governor Gilmore. "And there is one man who is best prepared to step-in and serve as commander in chief from day one John McCain. I have known John McCain for years. He is a proven conservative leader with a track record of cutting taxes, eliminating wasteful government spending, upholding our traditional values, and promoting a strong national defense. I urge my fellow Virginians to join me in voting for and supporting John McCain this Tuesday."

John McCain thanked Governor Gilmore, saying, "Jim is a great example of what it means to be a public servant. He has devoted his life to the people of Virginia and our country. I sincerely appreciate his support, and I look forward to his counsel and guidance as we work towards victory."

Jim Gilmore served the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States of America as a member of Army counter-intelligence; Virginia Attorney General; and as the 68th Governor of Virginia. A graduate of the University of Virginia and the University of Virginia School of Law, Jim Gilmore is a former chairman of the Republican National Committee. At the request of the U.S. government, Jim Gilmore served as the Chairman of the Advisory Panel on Homeland Security and the Terrorist Threat. Additionally, Mr. Gilmore served as Governor during the tragic 9/11 attacks on the Pentagon.

He was born in the historic fan district of Richmond in 1949. While studying at UVa, Jim Gilmore joined College Republicans, and was elected a statewide officer, and met his wife Roxane. He and Roxane are the proud parents of two sons.

Congressman Dave Obey Endorses Obama For President

Congressman Dave Obey endorses Obama for President
Says Senator Offers Best Chance For Desperately Needed New Beginning

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to many questions from private citizens and members of the Press, Wisconsin Seventh District Congressman Dave Obey (D-WI) today issued the following statement:

“For eight long years, in extreme partisanship, George W. Bush has governed this country by dividing it. He has pursued disastrous foreign and domestic policies and has stubbornly refused to listen to anyone’s views except those who march in lockstep with him. America desperately needs a new president who can reach across old barriers to form new alliances that can produce a new era of optimism and a healthier respect for the needs of others. I had originally supported John Edwards for President, but with his withdrawal I am voting for Barack Obama. People will, and should, make their own choices, but I believe that, while both remaining candidates would make outstanding presidents, Senator Obama has the best chance of giving this country the new beginning it so desperately needs.”

GOVERNOR CHRISTINE GREGOIRE ENDORSES BARACK OBAMA

GOVERNOR CHRISTINE GREGOIRE ENDORSES BARACK OBAMA
Washington State Governor is Ninth Governor to Support Obama

CHICAGO, IL – Today, Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire endorsed Barack Obama, citing his ability to end the politics of division and be a leader who will inspire a new generation to move our country forward.

Gregoire becomes the ninth governor to endorse Obama.

Governor Gregoire said, “We must restore hope in America. We must put an end to politics of division - by gender, race, and faith. Barack Obama has a unique ability to reach across all the artificial divides and divisions to move our nation forward. At a time of great division in our country, we need a leader who will unite us. Barack Obama is that kind of leader.

“I was inspired to pursue a career in public service by John F. Kennedy. His presidency heralded the arrival of a new generation of Americans to lead our nation. Like President Kennedy, Barack Obama is inspiring a new generation of young people to get involved. If elected, I believe he will lead us all – young and old, “blue and red” – to create a positive change in our communities, this nation and the world.”

Senator Obama said, “I am proud to have Governor Gregoire’s support. Governor Gregoire has shown that she knows the importance of reaching out to those who might hold different views and coming together to bring about change.  She has created over 220,000 new jobs since taking office, and turned a deficit into a surplus.  She has tackled the health care crisis and added coverage for over 80,000 kids in the state with a plan to cover all kids by 2010.  Governor Gregoire has a vision for her state and has worked in a bipartisan way to make her vision a reality.  Together, we will fight to bring about real change not just in Washington State, but across the country.”

Virginia Newspapers Endorse John McCain For President

VIRGINIA NEWSPAPERS ENDORSE JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT
The Fredericksburg Free-Lance Star, Danville Register & Bee And 19 Times Community Newspapers Endorse John McCain

"[C]onservatives can be perfectly sure that in ways basic to the definition of conservatism -- involving judicial nominees, the proper role of government, taxes, and national defense -- a McCain presidency would look strikingly different from one ordered by either Mrs. Clinton or Mr. Obama." -- The Fredericksburg Free-Lance Star

"McCain is a war hero, a distinguished conservative senator and a loyal Republican who stood by President Bush on the Iraq War. A year ago, McCain's support for the war was supposed to kill his candidacy. Today, it has underscored his loyalty -- and his military background." -- Danville Register & Bee

"Among the candidates of both parties, only Republican Sen. John McCain has demonstrated leadership qualities and a broad understanding of the issues. He has shown the vision to meet future challenges. McCain boasts a rare blend of courage and national experience, boldly fighting for more than two decades for needed change in the U.S. Senate." -- 19 Times Community Newspapers: Annandale Times, Burke Times, Centreville Times, Chantilly Times, Clarke Times-Courier, Culpeper Times, Fairfax Times, Fairfax Station Times, Fauquier Times-Democrat, Fauquier Weekend, Gainesville Times, Great Falls Times, Herndon Times, Loudoun Times-Mirror, McLean Times, Rappahannock News, Reston Times, Springfield Times, Vienna Times

NEW AD: Hillary Clinton Launches Ad in Washington State Touting Commitment to Universal Health Care

NEW AD: Hillary Clinton Launches Ad in Washington State Touting Commitment to Universal Health Care

In a new ad going on the air today in Washington state, Hillary Clinton makes clear that she is the ONLY candidate for President – Democrat or Republican – with a plan to provide universal health care for every American.

The 30-second spot, entitled “Happen,” comes two days before Washington voters go to caucus on February 9th.

The ad describes Hillary’s efforts to pass universal health care in the 1990s and her perseverance in championing the Children’s Health Insurance Program that now covers more than 6 million kids a year. It also talks about her successful efforts to push drug companies to lower the cost of vaccinations.

Following is the script for the ad.

“Happen”

TV :30

Announcer: She fought for universal health care, long before it was popular.

Championed the bill that gave six million kids health insurance

…and pushed the drug companies to lower the cost of vaccinations. 

Now, she’s the only candidate for President –Democrat or Republican– with a plan to provide health care for every American.

Just one reason why she's earned the support of Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell.

Because health care is a moral obligation, not a privilege.

Saturday. Caucus for Hillary.

Hillary Clinton: I’m Hillary Clinton and I approved this message.

Former RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman Endorses John McCain For President

FORMER RNC CHAIRMAN KEN MEHLMAN ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that former Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman has endorsed John McCain for president. Mr. Mehlman issued the following statement on his endorsement:
"From going door to door for President Reagan at age 13, to working for the first Republican majority in 40 years, to serving in President George W. Bush's White House and as RNC Chairman, I have had many opportunities on behalf of the GOP. Today I am pleased to continue in that tradition and endorse Senator John McCain for President.

"Sen. McCain has shown extraordinary character and perseverance throughout this race, and earned this nomination through his unwavering commitment to defend America abroad, limit government at home, and confront head on the major challenges facing our country. He has been a tireless advocate and courageous leader standing up for lower taxes, stronger national defense and constitutionalist judges on the federal bench.

"Our party has had many outstanding candidates this year, but it is now time for Republicans across the country to unite. Together, led by Sen. McCain, we will work for a better, safer, stronger America."

John McCain thanked Mr. Mehlman for his support, stating, "Ken is one of the most dedicated, effective and visionary leaders in the Republican Party today. I admire his hard work to build the GOP in recent years, including his leadership of President Bush's 2004 re-election campaign. I look forward to working with Ken as we unite our Party for victory in November, and I appreciate his support."

Ken Mehlman served as chairman of the Republican National Committee from 2005-2006. Previously, he was campaign manager for President Bush's 2004 re-election campaign. Mr. Mehlman also served in high level positions in Congress and the White House, including as White House political director during President George W. Bush's first term.