2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Sheriff Richard Stanek to Lead Giuliani’s Minnesota Law Enforcement Team

Sheriff Richard Stanek to Lead Giuliani’s Minnesota Law Enforcement Team

The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced Sheriff Richard W. Stanek of Hennepin County has endorsed Mayor Giuliani for President. He will serve as Chair of Minnesota Law Enforcement for Rudy. Sheriff Stanek will work with law enforcement personnel throughout the state to communicate Mayor Giuliani’s record of fighting crime and his commitment to first responders.

“Rudy is a proven leader, which is undeniable,” said Stanek. “I like his vision for a safer country, a safer community and safer infrastructure.”

Sheriff Stanek’s endorsement comes as Mayor Giuliani campaigns in Minneapolis today.

About Sheriff Richard Stanek:

Sheriff Richard W. Stanek is the 27th Hennepin County Sheriff. Sheriff Stanek was born and raised in Northeast Minneapolis and is a lifelong resident of Hennepin County.

Stanek is a 23-year law enforcement veteran who earned several promotions for his determination and passion for public safety, rising through the ranks of the Minneapolis Police Department. Prior to being elected as the Sheriff of Hennepin County, he served the Minneapolis Police Department as Commander of the Criminal Investigations Division, overseeing investigations in the areas of Homicide, Robbery, Assault, Family Violence, Organized Crime, Narcotics, Gangs and Sex Crimes.

A five-term legislator in the Minnesota House of Representatives, he chaired the House Crime Policy and Finance Committee. The Sheriff has also managed the largest law enforcement agency in the state when, in 2003, he was appointed Minnesota’s Commissioner of Public Safety and Director of Homeland Security.

Sheriff Stanek is widely considered to be one of Minnesota’s foremost experts on crime policy, law enforcement and intelligence sharing. He co-chairs the National Criminal Intelligence Coordinating Council, and serves on the GLOBAL Justice Information Advisory Committee, advising the U.S. Attorney General and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Rudy Giuliani Minneapolis, Minnesota Photos

Excerpts From Texas Governor Rick Perry’s Press Conference Endorsing Rudy Giuliani

Excerpts From Texas Governor Rick Perry’s Press Conference Endorsing Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Washington, D.C.

GOVERNOR RICK PERRY: “[O]ver the next 13 months, the American people are going to have the opportunity to sort through a lot of issues, sort through a lot of information.  They’re going to look at the records of these candidates, they are going to determine who offers the real answers.  And they’re going to figure out who is offering platitudes … and they’re going to look at who has the experience of a leader that can take us, particularly in times of crisis, take us forward.

“And as a border state governor, I can tell you that there’s no such thing as homeland security without border security.  As a voter, I’m not looking for somebody with the best sound bite or an individual who’s just out talking over my head. I’m looking for a proven leader, who has been successful in disrupting, dismantling criminal enterprise, individuals that threaten our families and our way of life.  Executive experience matters for the next President of the United States, whether they’re responding to a disaster or they’re slicing through bureaucratic red tape or they’re cutting taxes.  The mayor of America’s largest city is amply prepared to be the next President of the United States.  And I’m not talking about just any mayor, I’m talking about America’s Mayor. 

“Today I’m endorsing Rudy Giuliani for the presidency of the United States because he’s got a record, a strong record of leadership. He’s got the right vision for a nation at war. He’s got clarity of purpose I think that’s unequaled by any candidate in this race.  Rudy Giuliani is a leader who has a proven record of leadership.  He gets things done. He is a results-oriented leader. 

“Rudy Giuliani is best equipped to make the tough choices for a country at war.  He’s a consistent leader with a track record of consistent results.  He offers America a much better vision than another Clinton president.  The office of president requires much of its occupant.  We’ve got to be diligent in choosing the next leader of this great country.  Our nation’s leader must be able to stare down the criminal element, whether they’re trafficking in drugs or whether they’re planting roadside bombs.  Our nation’s leader must be willing to act precisely in response to threats without dialing up their lawyers first.  Our nation’s leader must understand the stifling effect of runaway taxation and be willing to open up the path for growth.  Our nation’s leader must be willing to do what’s right even when it’s unpopular.  I strongly believe that Rudy Giuliani is that man.  He’s not only seen first hand the devastation of a terrorist attack, but he knows what it takes to respond with resolve, with compassion, with clear leadership. 

“Mayor, I’ve been on the receiving end of one of those tough calls from a neighboring government. They asked me to provide food and shelter and safe haven for thousands of their citizens in the midst of a very devastating hurricane.  So I know in the times of crisis it demands of leaders to be decisive. It demands you to have good judgment. It demands you to be driven to do what is necessary to preserve the lives, and I might add the dignity, of our fellow human beings.   

“Rudy Giuliani has made a career out of standing up for victims, prosecuting the worst criminals and by bringing them to justice.  During his time leading one of the most liberal cities in America, Rudy Giuliani successfully cut taxes, he kept spending below the growth of inflation and population during that period of time, and he privatized and he deregulated many of the aspects of that city’s out-of-control bureaucracy.   

“The time that we’ve spent together, whether it’s been on the phone or it’s been face-to-face, I’ve asked him some tough questions. I’ve looked him in his eye as he answered.  I studied his positions.  And I will tell you I have been highly impressed with his record.  I’ve taken the measure of a man. And I believe that without a doubt or reservation that Rudy Giuliani is the most capable, the most prepared individual of either party to be the next President of the United States. He is the best of a strong field of Republican candidates and I’m proud to proclaim my support of his campaign. So I am proud to introduce to you America’s Mayor, a proven fiscal conservative, a leader who gets things done and the best hope of our nation’s future.” …

Rudy Giuliani Coming To Minnesota

Rudy Giuliani is coming to Minnesota for a Meet And Greet on Thursday, October 18, 2007 at Peter's Grill in Minneapolis.

Tommy Thompson Endorses Rudy Giuliani for President

Tommy Thompson Endorses Rudy Giuliani for President
Former Presidential Candidate, Wisconsin Governor Joins As National Co-Chair

New York City – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced that Tommy Thompson, former Republican Presidential candidate and Wisconsin Governor, has endorsed Mayor Giuliani for President. Thompson will serve as National Co-Chair of the Mayor’s campaign.

Thompson, who also served as Secretary of Health and Human Services under President George W. Bush, was elected to an historic four terms as Wisconsin Governor. As National Co-Chair, Thompson will help promote Rudy’s record of results and leadership as Mayor of New York City, while talking about the Mayor’s bold vision for America.

"Rudy Giuliani has shown that he is a true leader. He is America's Mayor and during a period of time of great stress for this country he showed tremendous leadership,” said Governor Thompson. “He can and will win the nomination and the Presidency of the United States."

"I'm honored to have the endorsement and support of Governor Tommy Thompson,” said Mayor Giuliani. “He is a strong conservative with a record of achieving fiscal discipline, implementing tort reform, and bringing about innovation in government. Governor Thompson gave leadership to the Department of Health and Human Services during a period of great crisis, and his expertise in this area is invaluable. I'm honored to have his support and I look forward to learning from his experience and leadership."

About Governor Tommy Thompson:
Governor Thompson was elected to four terms as Wisconsin Governor, beginning in 1986 and serving until his appointment as President George W. Bush’s Secretary of Health and Human Services in 2001. He served in that capacity until 2005.

As Wisconsin Governor, Thompson is best known for his efforts to revitalize the state’s economy and for his national leadership on welfare reform. Thompson served as the nation’s leading advocate for the health and welfare of all Americans as head of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

Governor Thompson has been recognized for his commitment to public service, including being named Governing Magazine’s Public Official of the Year. He is a former chairman of the National Governors’ Association, the Education Commission of the States and the Midwestern Governors’ Conference.

Governor Thompson’s long and distinguished public service career began when he won a seat in Wisconsin’s state Assembly in 1966, which included service as Assembly Minority Leader. He received both his B.S. and J.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

What They’re Saying … About Mayor Giuliani, Part Three

What They’re Saying … About Mayor Giuliani, Part Three

ABC News: “Giuliani Steals Thompson’s Thunder.” (ABC News’ “The Note’s Sneak Peak,” 10/9/07)

ABC News: “[T]he Exchange That Mattered Most At Tuesday's Dust-Up In Dearborn Came When Rudy Giuliani Effectively Defended His Position On The Line-Item Veto.” (ABC News’ “The Note’s Sneak Peak,” 10/9/07)

ABC News: “The Former New York Mayor Was Also Savvy In Not Ceding Any Ground To Romney On The Broader Issue Of Who Is Better On Taxes And Spending.” (ABC News’ “The Note’s Sneak Peak,” 10/9/07)

· ABC News: “Romney, by contrast, conceded that both he and Giuliani are ‘in favor of keeping spending down and keeping taxes down’ …” (ABC News’ “The Note’s Sneak Peak,” 10/9/07)

Newsweek’s Howard Fineman: “[I] Think Overall, Rudy Did Himself The Most Good.” (MSNBC, “Hardball,” 10/9/07)

· Fineman: “[R]udy Trained With The Toughest Press Corps In The World In New York. And The Training Showed At This Thing Tonight.” (MSNBC, “Hardball,” 10/9/07)

NPR’s Mara Liasson: Giuliani “Has Been Consistently The Best Performer In This Debate.” (Fox News’ “Special Report,” 10/9/07)

· Liasson: “If This Is The Year For Authenticity, I Would Say That So Far Giuliani Has Been The Authentic Candidate.” (Fox News’ “Special Report,” 10/9/07)

The Weekly Standard’s Fred Barnes: “On Balance I Thought He Did Well. I Agree With Mara, Rudy Does Great In All These Debates.” (Fox News, “Special Report,” 10/9/07)

· Barnes: “I Thought The Line Item Veto Thing I Thought Clearly That That Was Another Case Where Giuliani Did Better.” (Fox News, “Special Report,” 10/9/07)

MSNBC’s Norah O’Donnell: Giuliani “Was Very, Very Strong In This Debate.” (MSNBC, “Hardball,” 10/9/07)

· O’Donnell: “Rudy Was Relaxed, He Seemed Very Comfortable, Very Confident And Seemed Very Willing To Tackle Mitt Romney On This Issue Of Who’s A Better … With Tax And Spending And Fiscal Issues.” (MSNBC, “Hardball,” 10/9/07)

The Atlantic’s Marc Ambinder: “Props To … Giuliani …For Showing Off His Sunny Optimism.”

(Marc Ambinder, The Atlantic Blog, “The Debate: Thompson Passes A Test; Giuliani and Romney Spar,” http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2007/10/the_debate_thompson_passes_a_t_1.php, 10/9/07)

What They’re Saying … About Mayor Giuliani, Part Two

What They’re Saying … About Mayor Giuliani, Part Two

ABC’s George Stephanopoulos: “If There Was A Winner Tonight I Think It Was Mayor Giuliani.” (ABC, “World News Tonight,” 10/9/07)

· Stephanopoulos: “Mayor Giuliani Got The Better Of That Exchange … And I Think He Was Helped By The Focus Of The Economy In This Debate …” (ABC, “World News Tonight,” 10/9/07)

CNBC’s John Harwood: “I Thought That Giuliani Overall Had A Good Night.” (CNBC, “Kudlow & Company,” 10/9/07)

· Harwood: Giuliani “Set The Tone For A Lot Of The Economic Discussion.” Harwood: “[I] thought also Giuliani had a nice moment in mixing up with our own Maria Bartiromo when she asked a question about London potentially supplanting New York. He says ‘No How, No Way.’ And he says ‘get your head up, come on, let’s be optimistic’ and that kind of set the tone for a lot of the economic discussion.” (CNBC, “Kudlow & Company,” 10/9/07)

CBN’s David Brody: “Giuliani Continues To Be Solid In Every Debate. He’s The Frontrunner For A Reason.” (David Brody, CBN’s The Brody File Blog, “The Republican Debate In Dearborn: Reaction,” http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/246895.aspx, 10/9/07)

· Brody: “When It Comes To Debates, [Giuliani] Doesn’t Make Mistakes And Takes Advantage Of The Opportunities Presented To Him.” (David Brody, CBN’s The Brody File Blog, “The Republican Debate In Dearborn: Reaction,” http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/246895.aspx, 10/9/07)

NRO’s Jim Geraghty: “I Liked [Giuliani’s] “Getcha Head Up!” To Maria Bartiromo When She Asked If London Would Replace New York As The World’s Economic Capital.(Jim Geraghty, National Review Online’s Campaign Spot Blog, “The Republican Debate In Michigan: The Wrapup,” http://campaignspot.nationalreview.com/post/?q=ZWM3OTU2MTM3ZTEzYjI2MmUyNjQ4MDg2ODNlZWM5NjQ, 10/9/07)

The American Spectator’s James Antle: “‘Where Will Canadians Get Healthcare?’ Best Giuliani Line Of The Debate, And An Important Point.” (James Antle, The American Spectator’s AmSpecBlog, “Where Will Canadians Get Healthcare,” http://www.spectator.org/blogger.asp?BlogID=8615, 10/9/07)

TownHall.com’s Matt Lewis: “Rudy says being energy independent is a matter of national security.  We haven’t built a nuclear plant in 30 years ...  Says the President needs to treat this ‘like putting a man on the moon.’  Good stuff...” (Matt Lewis, “Live Blogging the Debate,” www.townhall.com, 10/9/07)

Captain’s Quarters Ed Morrissey: “Romney Pulled Rudy Into A Catfight … Rudy Shrugged It Off Anyway. He Showed Poise, Humor, Energy, And Personality. He Continues To Show His Mastery Of The Format.” (Ed Morrissey, “Fred Wins, Chris Loses,” Captain’s Quarters Blog, www.captainsquartersblog.com, 10/9/07, Accessed 10/9/07)

The American Spectator’s Jennifer Rubin: “Rudy Is A Prepared And Confident Debater.”

· Rubin: “[Giuliani] Won The Dust Up With Romney And His Hillarycare Jibe Reminded Us (As If He Would Let A Day Go By Without A Reminder) There Is No One Better At Hillary Bashing.” (Jennifer Rubin, The American Spectator’s AmSpec Blog, “Debate Wrap,” http://www.spectator.org/blogger.asp?BlogID=8616, 10/9/07)

National Review Online’s Mark Hemingway: “Giuliani Appears To Be Leading The Field By Virtue Of Being The Most Consistent Guy In The Field.” (Mark Hemingway, National Review Online’s The Corner Blog, “The Wrap-Up,” http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=Y2YxMmJjODIwNzMyMmY1OGFlMzY5ZmM5MjQ4YTY3MzQ, 10/9/07)

What They’re Saying … About Mayor Giuliani

What They’re Saying … About Mayor Giuliani

ABC News’ Political Radar: “[H]ere's Guessing The Conventional Wisdom Will Judge Giuliani The Winner.” (ABC News’ Political Radar Blog, “Live Blogging During Today's GOP Debate,” http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/10/live-blogging-d.html, 10/9/07)

ABC News: “The First Great Line On The Night, From Rudy: ‘I Led, [Romney] Lagged.’ And A Great Defense Of Suing Over The Line-Item Veto: ‘You Can Bang Your Head Against The Wall All You Want’ -- But It's Still Unconstitutional.” (ABC News’ Political Radar Blog, “Live Blogging During Today's GOP Debate,” http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/10/live-blogging-d.html, 10/9/07)

National Review’s Rich Lowry: “Rudy Is Such a Talented Guy.” (Rich Lowry, National Review Online’s The Corner Blog, “Rudy Is Such A Talented Guy,” http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=MmQxNTEwZmRjODM0ZjgwNmU2YzdkNDE4NmIzMTU4OTM, 10/9/07)   

· Lowry: “Answer-To-Answer In These Debates [Giuliani Is] Just Very Impressive.” (Rich Lowry, National Review Online’s The Corner Blog, “Rudy Is Such A Talented Guy,” http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=MmQxNTEwZmRjODM0ZjgwNmU2YzdkNDE4NmIzMTU4OTM, 10/9/07)   

Lowry: “[T]he Exchange Goes To Rudy …” (Rich Lowry, National Review Online’s The Corner Blog, “Rudy V. Romney,” http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=YjczYmE3Y2NlOTQ3ZTdkOGU5NWJmMjFlYzJlNjE4MjI, 10/9/07)

CNBC’s Mark Koba: “Rudy G. Dominating The Time Right Now.” (Mark Koba, CNBC’s Political Capital Blog, “OP Presidential Debate: The LIVE Blog,” http://www.cnbc.com/id/21147195, 10/9/07)

Koba: “I Think Giuliani Came Out Best.” (Mark Koba, CNBC’s Political Capital Blog, “OP Presidential Debate: The LIVE Blog,” http://www.cnbc.com/id/21147195, 10/9/07)

Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza: Giuliani Has “Done This Debate Thing Before And It Shows.” (Chris Cillizza, Washington Post’s The Fix Blog, “Romney and Giuliani: Surely You Jest,” http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2007/10/romney_and_giuliani_surely_you.html, 10/9/07)

Cillizza: “A Good Exchange … A Rhetorical Victory For Giuliani.” (Chris Cillizza, Washington Post’s The Fix Blog, “Fight, Fight Fight,” http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2007/10/fight_fight_fight.html, 10/9/07)

Cillizza: “[Giuliani Offered] His ‘Vision Of A Robust, Strong America’ -- And Offered A Defense Of The Need To Not Let Government Get In The Way Of American Ingenuity.” (Chris Cillizza, Washington Post’s The Fix Blog, “A Contrast In Visions,” http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2007/10/a_contrast_in_visions.html, 10/9/07)

NBC’s Domenico Montanaro: “Giuliani … Looked Comfortable  …” (Domenico Montanaro, NBC’s First Read Blog, “On Style,” http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/10/09/404050.aspx, 10/9/07)

National Review Online’s Kathryn Jean Lopez: “[R]udy Seemed To Get The Last Word There.” (Kathryn Jean Lopez, National Review Online’s The Corner Blog, “Romney Vs. Rudy, Rudy Vs. Romney,” http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=MGY3ODBiYjc1NzNjZTQ3MzVkZGE1NTg0OWIxYmE2ZmY, 10/9/07)

Kate O'Beirne: “Rudy Giuliani Has Given A Typically Competent Performance …” (Kate O'Beirne, National Review Online’s The Corner Blog, “So Far...,” http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=NTYzMzE5MWM0NTc4MmMwMmE3ODA5NzZlZGI1ZjJjMTk, 10/9/07)

Detroit News’ Richard Burr: “Rudy Giuliani Has Been Spirited In Defending His Record.” (Richard Burr, Detroit News Blog, “Nobody Has Captured Reagan's Mantle,” http://info.detnews.com/weblog/index.cfm?blogid=10720, 10/9/07)

Iowa Taxpayers Support Rudy As The Fiscal Conservative Candidate

Iowa Taxpayers Support Rudy As The Fiscal Conservative Candidate

Team Rudy Announces Iowa Taxpayers for Rudy Leadership Team

Clive, IA – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced the Iowa Taxpayers for Rudy Leadership Team. The team consists of Iowa community leaders who are committed to helping spread Rudy’s message of cutting taxes and restoring fiscal discipline to our government.

“Rudy is committed to ending earmarks and budgeting government like a business,” said Giuliani’s Iowa State Chairman Paul Pate. “He is the real fiscal conservative candidate in the race who can reduce spending in government and keep the tax cuts in place.”

Mayor Giuliani kicked off his “Rudy Makes Cents” tour last week, highlighting his record as a fiscal conservative leader in New York City. During his eight years as Mayor, Giuliani helped stimulate the local economy by cutting taxes 23 times and turning a $2.3 billion deficit into a multi-billion dollar surplus. As part of Rudy’s 12 Commitments to the American People, the Mayor pledges to cut taxes and reform the tax code as President.

Iowa Taxpayers for Rudy Leadership Team:

John Adams, Arnolds Park
Josh Bronsink, Des Moines
Jeff Crabtree, Clive
Jay Dorschner, Orange City
Dan Forcey, Urbandale
Dennis Hill, Sioux City
Marlene Kay Nelson, Davenport
Clint Nielsen, Waterloo
Keeley Sinnard, Carroll
Nancy Thompson, Perry
Paul Vogtlin, Manchester
Benjamin Wade Haldeman, Johnston

Michigan Leaders Endorse Rudy Giuliani For President

Michigan Leaders Endorse Rudy Giuliani For President

New York City – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee announced today that nearly 40 elected officials, First Responders, Republican community leaders and others in Michigan have publicly endorsed Mayor Rudy Giuliani for President.

The endorsements come as the presidential race begins in earnest in Michigan, and less than one week before a Republican presidential debate is held in Dearborn, MI.

“Rudy Giuliani has the right ideas for Michigan – on the economy and taxes, on health care reform, on securing our borders and staying on offense in the Terrorists War on Us,” said Congresswoman Candice Miller, who serves as Michigan state chair of Mayor Giuliani’s campaign. “Michigan voters know that Rudy Giuliani will get the same real results as president that he did at the helm of one of the nation’s largest governments, the City of New York.”