2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Tom Vilsack Files Official Papers To Declare Presidential Candidacy

The Vilsack for President campaign issued this press release announcing the 2008 Presidential Campaign Committee and Website.

TOM VILSACK FILES OFFICIAL PAPERS TO DECLARE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDACY

Tom Vilsack '08 Committee Established

(Des Moines, IA) -- Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack today took the first formal step toward running for President of the United States by filing documents with the Federal Election Commission to establish his presidential campaign committee, Tom Vilsack for President.

Tom Vilsack for President, will be headquarted in Des Moines, IA and will be publicly launched with a multi-state campaign kick-off tour scheduled to begin in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa on November 30 and include announcement events in New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Nevada and South Carolina.

Tom Vilsack is the longest serving Democratic governor in the United States.  As Chair of the Democratic Leadership Council and former Chair of the Democratic Governors Association, he is a recognized national leader on education, healthcare, economic development and renewable energy.  Tom Vilsack was the first Democratic governor elected in Iowa since 1968.  In 1998, he promised to serve only two terms - a pledge that he kept in 2006 despite healthy job approval ratings in his home state.

"Americans sent a clear message on Tuesday.  They want leaders who will take this country in a new direction. " said Vilsack, Iowa's two-term Governor.  "They want leaders who share their values, understand their needs, and respect their intelligence. That's what I've done as Governor of Iowa, and that's what I intend to do as President." 

"I couldn't be more honored that my wife, Christie, and our sons, Doug and Jess, are committed to joining my effort to offer the people of America and the Democratic Party my vision for the future of our country as a candidate for President," he said.  Over the next several weeks, they and the rest of my team will put together the building blocks needed to run a successful national presidential campaign.  I invite all Americans to join with us in working for America's future."

Official announcement activities are scheduled to begin in Vilsack's hometown of Mt. Pleasant, IA on November 30 and will be followed by events in New Hampshire, Pittsburgh, PA, Nevada and South Carolina.

A "Gala Celebration of American Community" is schedule in Des Moines on December 2 as the inaugural fundraising event for the campaign.

Members of his campaign staff will move into the new Vilsack '08 headquarters today.

More information about the campaign and how to become involved is available on the campaign's new website:  http://www.tomvilsack08.com.

Chris Dodd Campaign Launches New Website

For Immediate Release
October 19, 2006

The Dodd Campaign Launched ChrisDodd.com with this press release.

WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Chris Dodd’s campaign announced the launch of their new website, ChrisDodd.com.

The website, home to large amounts of information on Senator Dodd and his agenda, has some interactive features, with more to be announced over the next few weeks. Of particular note is the Dodd Corps, a way for people to organize over the internet and share ideas about how to better our nation.

"The internet is revolutionizing the American political process and we need to embrace it as a vehicle for promoting democracy. Websites and blogs are a great and important way for people across the country to come together, participate in the process and have their voices and opinions heard," said Dodd. "With the help of the internet, we are able to bring together a variety of committed Americans from all over the country who want to make real change in the future of this country.”

Another key feature of the website is the "DoddPod" which allows visitors to send songs, podcasts and their own personal audio message for possible placement on Senator Dodd's iPod. The chrisdodd.com website allows for personal messages up to 10 megabyte in size (or approximately 10 minutes) to be uploaded.

"I use my iPod when I travel and I’m excited about the possibility of listening to what Americans have to say directly to me through their personal messages, their podcasts suggestions or music they listen to,” said Dodd.

Currently, ChrisDodd.com contains the following items:

• The DoddPod
• The Dodd Corps
• Ten Actions You Can Take Now
• Senator Dodd on the Issues
• Support Chris Dodd
• Senator Dodd’s biography
• A media section, including news clips, press releases and a press kit
• Hi-Res images of Senator Dodd

The website will continue to unveil new features in the weeks ahead, including Senator Dodd’s blog, integration with the photo sharing site Flickr.com, web-based videos and more.

Iowa House Speaker Joins Romney’s Commonwealth PAC

Iowa House Speaker Joins Romney’s Commonwealth PAC

September 27, 2006, (BOSTON) – Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, Honorary Chairman of The Commonwealth PAC, announced today that Iowa House Speaker Christopher Rants (R-Sioux City) will become an advisor to The Commonwealth PAC. Governor Romney’s Commonwealth PAC was created to help elect Republicans across the country, including Iowa.

Rants joined Romney in Des Moines for the announcement.

“I am impressed with Speaker Rants and his ability to lead the House chamber in such a closely divided Legislature,” said Romney. “Christopher and I have a shared goal: to increase Republican majorities. His willingness to volunteer for my Commonwealth PAC means that we will get that goal accomplished. He is an established and effective leader and a welcome addition to our team.”

Rants says he looks forward to his new role with The Commonwealth PAC, and says Romney has been a crucial figure in helping to maintain the House’s Republican majority.

“Governor Romney has tirelessly crisscrossed this state on behalf of Republican candidates,” said Rants. “The organization he has put together will prove to be very valuable to our efforts. I appreciate his vigorous campaigning on our behalf, and I am proud to join his team.”

Rants was first elected to the Iowa Legislature in 1992. Since that time, he has served as Speaker Pro Tempore and Majority Leader. He was elected speaker in 2002. Currently, Republicans hold a narrow 51 to 49 margin in the Iowa House.

Rants is the highest-ranking elected Iowa Republican official to sign on with a national PAC’s organization.

Senator Bill Frist Launches MedicalMatters Website

Senator Bill Frist M.D. issued this statement about his new health care website.

"I wanted to update you on a new Volpac website we are launching today, MedicalMatters.org.

We built this website to provide an interactive forum for the discussion of the medical challenges facing America in the twenty-first century. We hope you use this forum to discuss and debate solutions to these moral, ethical, political and scientific issues.

I started blogging in October of last year because blogging provides a unique way to reach out to Americans and solicit their feedback.

The mainstream media (MSM) can only devote so much attention and print space to a particular issue. Reading a newspaper, you rarely get the chance to challenge editorials or biased news. And, if you're watching television, the only feedback you can provide is through your remote control.

Of course, the MSM now provides its news online. But, in my case, it never seems to satisfy.

Bloggers, however, can devote a considerable amount of time to a particular issue that they're passionate about. They can reexamine topics with ease and issue corrections and clarifications with the click of a mouse. And many blogs involve readers by encouraging feedback. In fact, my blog at www.volpac.org has had over one hundred thousand visitors and generated over 24,000 comments. Blogs help connect people to the news and blogs give them a chance to speak out in ways MSM cannot.

MedicalMatters.org is a blog about health care and the politics of health care. In the coming days and weeks we will discuss stem cells, avian flu, electronic medical records, Health Savings Accounts, and much more. We will take a long term look at some of the health care challenges facing the country and start an online discussion encouraging different points of view. I will blog regularly as will 10-12 regular bloggers from a variety of health care-related fields. We will also encourage high profile, guest bloggers to join the discussion.

Obviously, health care is an important issue for me, and it is issue that I feel needs a meaningful and comprehensive debate. It is also an issue where the Republican view of health care often differs greatly from the Democrats. This blog will also highlight and discuss these differences.

My hope is that the MedicalMatters.org blog will help sustain a focus on health care challenges and health care solutions in ways that the occasional news story in your Sunday paper or on the evening TV newscast cannot.

I am excited about MedicalMatters.org and I hope you will join our discussion."

Evan Bayh All America PAC New Website

Evan Bayh unveiled a redesigned All America PAC website with this note.

"Welcome to our new website. I hope you will spend a few minutes reading about our ideas for the future."

Mike Huckabee's 'Hope for America' Political Action Committee (HAPAC) Hires Iowa Coordinator

This Press Release was issued by Mike Huckabee's Hope for America PAC.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., June 14  -- Governor Mike Huckabee's 'Hope for America' Political Action Committee (HAPAC) has hired Eric Woolson to coordinate his efforts in Iowa and a handful of other states, it was announced today.

"Keeping our majority is absolutely critical to our Party's future. I am very pleased that we were able to draft such great local talent as Eric Woolson to help us build our grassroots team in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Minnesota," Huckabee said.

Huckabee, who is currently the second-most senior governor in the United States, said Woolson will help direct HAPAC's efforts to preserve Republican majorities at the state and local levels, particularly in the Hawkeye State.

Woolson previously served as Iowa press coordinator for George W. Bush during the 2000 presidential campaign and was a part of communications teams at the Republican National Conventions at Philadelphia and New York in 2000 and 2004.

Earlier this month, Huckabee announced that he had changed the name of his political action committee from 'Healthy America' to 'Hope for America' to reflect his broader public policy focus.

"America has a health care crisis, which has enormous implications for our society and our ability to compete globally," said Huckabee, who has served as governor of Arkansas for nearly 10 years. "We wanted to make sure that people know that there is also a strong focus on other areas which include reforming education, improving our national security, and energy independence, to name a few."

The new 'Hope for America' political action committee allows Huckabee to continue to accept funds for his political activities, which include "helping Republican candidates, causes and organizations." Huckabee, who succeeded to the governor's office in 1996 and was elected in 1998 and re-elected in 2002, was born and raised in Hope, AR.

His visits to Iowa, New Hampshire, North Carolina, South Carolina and other states are part of his commitment to "keeping the G.O.P. moving forward as we head into the important 2006 mid- terms," he said.

Rudy Giuliani Solutions America PAC Web Site

Rudy Giuliani Solutions America PAC Web Site launched. The site features biographical information on the Mayor and a summary of his record on the issues. The former New York mayor sends this message to his supporters. "This web site will help keep you informed about competitive races across the country as well as our efforts to develop common sense solutions to the challenges facing our country.

Please also help spread the word by telling your friends and family to visit SolutionsAmerica."

One America Committee Website Launch

Elizabeth Edwards sent out this message to supporters announcing the new One America Committee website.

"John and I have been working hard to share our vision for One America with people from across the country. With the launch of the One America Committee website yesterday, we can start working directly with you to realize that vision. Wherever we are, wherever you or your friends are, the One America Committee website will be our meeting place to discuss new ideas, share stories, and mobilize action for the One America we all dream of and know is possible.

Over the years, John and I have witnessed the power of online activism. We have seen online discussions between people living in different states turn into an idea for a town hall forum that ends up catching the attention of a major newspaper and elected officials. That's why we packed the website with interactive tools that will bring people together from all walks of life, encourage dialogue, and generate ideas for taking action on what John and I believe is the most important moral issue of our time: ending poverty in America.

Through our One America blog, you can join lively discussions about the day's leading news stories. Your blog postings will be featured on our home page right next to entries from John and me. We want everyone who visits our website to hear your views. You can make your very first entry by joining the blog now. If you've spent all day at the computer and just want to pick up the phone to share your comments or questions, you can call us on our audio blog and let us know your thoughts in a voice message. For those of you with video cameras, you can send us a video blog.

The One America Committee website also has a Town Hall forum where you can discuss important issues like health care, raising the minimum wage, and building an economy that works for all Americans. We also started an online Book Club where you can join a chapter-by-chapter discussion of our latest featured book. We are very excited about our next book, Jimmy Carter's Our Endangered Values: America's Moral Crisis.

Since John is often on the road, we produced our own reality TV show called JRE-TV, that follows John across the country. With personal, behind-the-scenes footage, you can see what Americans are saying to John about the reality they face as they try and raise healthy children with a minimum wage paycheck.

Through this website, we want to mobilize a powerful Internet community whose voice cannot be ignored. We hope these interactive resources will help you and your friends stay informed and mobilize our communities for a better future. The national poverty rate has increased each year for the last five years. The children of working parents deserve to live in a country where food, safe shelter, health care, and education are available to them so that they have a chance at the American dream. John and I will continue to take our message from state to state, coast to coast. We hope you will join us and keep in touch with us through the One America Committee website. We look forward to hearing from you."

Governor George E. Pataki Announces the Launch of the FreedomPAC Website

Governor George E. Pataki announced the launch of the FreedomPAC website with this press release.

Wednesday, April 26, 2006
21st Century Freedom PAC

GOVERNOR GEORGE E. PATAKI ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF FREEDOMPAC.COM

New York, NY – Governor George E. Pataki today announced the launch of FreedomPAC.com, the online resource center for news and information about the activities of 21st Century Freedom PAC.

“FreedomPac.com will help us accomplish our core mission of supporting candidates who advance the ideals of freedom to help lead our nation into its next century of greatness,” said Governor Pataki.  “By harnessing the power of the Internet we can spread our message to millions of Americans across the country and help promote those that are committed to making America even stronger in this century than it was in the last century.”

FreedomPAC.com features an introduction to the PAC mission, profiles of the PAC leadership team, including Honorary Chairman, New York Governor George E. Pataki, National Finance Chairman Walter ‘Wally’ Ganzi and PAC Chairman Robert Davis.

The site also features news updates and archives, a multimedia gallery and a Spanish language page.

Freedompac.com will be updated regularly to include the latest news and information about the PAC.

Chuck Hagel Sandhills PAC Web Site Launched

The Sandhills PAC web site was launched with this welcome message from Chuck Hagel.

"Welcome to Sandhills PAC.

Our country faces great challenges. We must have strong, steady and capable leadership during this critical time in our nation.

Sandhills PAC is committed to supporting candidates who have demonstrated this kind of leadership.

Since 1999, Sandhills PAC has been one of the most successful contributors to Republican candidates all over the country, contributing almost $1million directly to their campaigns. I’m very proud of this record.

Within this site, you will find information about me, Sandhills PAC, current news and events, and how you can help support our efforts.

Thanks for visiting and best wishes in 2006!"

Sincerely, Chuck Hagel