2016 Presidential Campaign Blog

Mike Huckabee for President 2016 Campaign Video "Hope"

Mike Huckabee for President 2016 Campaign Video "Hope"

Gov. Huckabee gives a tour of the small town he grew up in and talks about his working class background and the values he learned there
 
Little Rock, Ark. - Former Ark. Governor Mike Huckabee released a video titled "Hope," shot on the front porch of his boyhood home and in and around his hometown of Hope, Ark. In the video, Gov. Huckabee gives a tour of the small town he grew up in and talks about his working class background and the values he learned growing up there.
 
"Hope" video transcript:

Gov. Mike Huckabee:

"We're on second street in Hope, the street I lived on, and about a block from my house this is the fire station. This is where my dad worked."

"Hope was a great little town to grow up in. It was a place where people knew each other, cared about each other, helped each other.

"My grandmother's house was here, right on the train tracks like my house was.

"Clinton boyhood home right here...but we won't spend a lot of time there.

"I think the most important value I learned as a kid growing up in a little town like Hope, Ark. is there's a difference between right and wrong. There's a difference between good and evil.

"I hope I never forget where I come from. I hope I never forget this porch. I hope I never forget what it's like to live in a neighborhood where neighbors know each other and care about each other, where people have to work hard just to be able to put food on the table and put clothes on their kids backs, pay the rent on a rent house like the one I lived in.

"There's a lot more of America whose living like I grew up living, than will ever live in the White House or a governor's mansion. I think the worst thing that can happen is we forget where we've come from, not only individually, but God help us if we ever forget where we've come from as a country."

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) To Sanction Six Presidential Primary Debates Beginning Fall of 2015

DNC To Sanction Six Presidential Primary Debates

Washington, DC – The Democratic National Committee announced today that it will sanction six debates between candidates seeking the Democratic presidential nomination, beginning in the fall of 2015.   

“We’ve always believed that we would have a competitive primary process, and that debates would be an important part of that process,” said DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz.  “Our debate schedule will not only give Democratic voters multiple opportunities to size up the candidates for the nomination side-by-side, but will give all Americans a chance to see a unified Democratic vision of economic opportunity and progress – no matter whom our nominee may be.”

Each of the six DNC-sanctioned debates will be sponsored by a combination of state Democratic Parties, national broadcast media, digital platforms, local media, and civic organizations.  The four early primary and caucus states of Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina will each host a sanctioned debate.

Wasserman Schultz said that there are several key principles guiding the process of putting together a debate schedule:

•    Setting a reasonable number of impactful debates that give voters ample opportunity to see the candidates side-by-side, while remaining manageable for all of the candidates.
•    Beginning the debate window in the fall of 2015, when voters are truly beginning to pay attention.
•    Making the debates as appealing and accessible as possible to voters through a variety of means, including:
•    Diversity of media outlets, moderators and formats
•    Inclusion of key civic groups
•    Strong and creative digital presence that will take the debates directly to voters

While a six sanctioned debate schedule is consistent with the precedent set by the DNC during the 2004 and 2008 cycles, this year the DNC will further manage the process by implementing an exclusivity requirement.  Any candidate or debate sponsor wishing to participate in DNC debates, must agree to participate exclusively in the DNC-sanctioned process.  Any violation would result in forfeiture of the ability to participate in the remainder of the debate process.

Wasserman Schultz said that the DNC has already received a number of proposals and inquiries from potential debate sponsors.  Senior DNC officials will now begin working directly with those groups to facilitate partnerships and discuss next steps.  Additional details regarding debate partners, cities, dates, logistics, additional host states, and criteria for participation will be released at a later date.

Mike Huckabee for President 2016 Campaign Website Now Online #Huckabee2016

http://mikehuckabee.com/home

Mike Huckabee for President 2016 Logo and Slogan "From Hope to Higher Ground" #Huckabee2016

Rick Perry to Visit Iowa from Saturday, May 16, 2015 to Wednesday, May 20, 2015

GOV. RICK PERRY IN IOWA May 16-20

SATURDAY MAY 16

12:00pm – Linn County Lunch Event
Cedar Rapids GOP Office
1204 Dina Court
Hiawatha, IA

5:30pm – Lincoln Day Dinner
Iowa Event Center
833 5th Ave.
Des Moines, IA

MONDAY MAY 18

9:30am – Lyon County Breakfast
Frontier Bank
301 Main St.
Rock Rapids, IA

11:30am – Meet & Greet At Pizza Ranch
251 N Main Ave. #100
Sioux Center, IA

2:00pm – Meet & Greet At The Living Center
112 Central Ave. NW
Le Mars, IA

6:00pm – Town Hall With Gov. Rick Perry
Veterans Memorial Hall
121 N. Main St.
Holstein, IA    

TUESDAY MAY 19

8:30am – DeWitt Meet & Greet
Hall of Fame Pizza & Wings
902 6th Ave.
DeWitt, IA

11:30 AM –Town Hall With Gov. Rick Perry
Loras College, Alumni Campus Center (Ballroom C)
1450 Alta Vista St.
Dubuque, IA

WEDNESDAY MAY 20

9:30am – Madison County Meet & Greet
Northside Café
61 E. Jefferson St.
Winterset, IA

Ted Cruz Statement Welcoming Ben Carson, Carly Fiorina, and Mike Huckabee to 2016 GOP Primary

CRUZ: I welcome Ben Carson, Carly Fiorina, and Gov. Mike Huckabee into the race

HOUSTON, Texas -- Today, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, released the following statement welcoming Ben Carson, Carly Fiorina, and Gov. Mike Huckabee to the race for the Republican nomination for President of the United States:

"The entry of three more candidates into the 2016 GOP primary this week is terrific news for our party and indicative of the strong field of candidates that will compete in the 2016 cycle. I welcome Ben Carson, Carly Fiorina, and Gov. Mike Huckabee into the race. All are individuals for whom I hold immense respect and who have inspiring stories that will energize Republicans across the country and get them engaged in the important issues before us."

Right to Rise PAC Releases New Web Video Featuring Jeb Bush: "Cinco de Mayo"

RIGHT TO RISE PAC RELEASES NEW WEB VIDEO: “CINCO DE MAYO”
 
Tallahassee, FL — In honor of Cinco de Mayo, the Right to Rise PAC released a new web video featuring former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, the PAC’s Honorary Chairman, with a message for the entire Hispanic population in the United States, but especially those of Mexican origin. Governor Bush, in a direct-camera address, discusses the importance of the Cinco de Mayo holiday and the relationship between Mexico and the United States, while wishing everyone a happy Cinco de Mayo.
 
“Here in the U.S., Cinco de Mayo has become a day where we celebrate our ties with México and the great contributions of the Mexican-American community in the U.S.,” said Honorary Chairman Jeb Bush. “Happy Cinco de Mayo to all.”
 
Transcript:
 
Governor Jeb Bush: Les habla Jeb Bush
[I’m Jeb Bush.]
 
Hoy, el Cinco de Mayo quisiera dirigir un mensaje a toda la comunidad hispana del país, y en especial a nuestros compatriotas de origen Mexicano.
[Today, Cinco de Mayo, I would like to send a message to the entire U.S. Hispanic community, and especially to our fellow Americans of Mexican origin.]
 
El Cinco de Mayo es una fecha honorable en la que Mexico, nuestro vecino se defendió con valentía ante una intervención extranjera.
[Cinco de Mayo is an honorable date when Mexico, our neighbor, bravely defended itself against a foreign intervention.]  
 
Aquí en los Estados Unidos el Cinco de Mayo se ha convertido en un día en que reconocemos  y celebramos nuestra relación , nuestros  lazos con México y las grandes aportaciones de la comunidad Mexico-Americana a nuestro país.
[Here in the US, Cinco de Mayo has become a day where we celebrate our ties with México and the great contributions of the Mexican-American community in the US.]
 
En mi caso, esa relación es muy profunda. Mi esposa Columba nació en México, mi familia tiene fuertes lazos con México y yo tengo un gran respeto y cariño por nuestros vecinos.
[In my case, this relationship is very profound. My wife Columba was born in Mexico, my family has always had strong ties with Mexico and I have great respect and affection for our neighboring country.]
 
Feliz Cinco de Mayo para todos.
[Happy Cinco de Mayo to all.]

What They’re Saying About Scott Walker's Michigan Trip on May 4, 2015

What They’re Saying About Scott Walker's Michigan Trip on May 4, 2015

The Associated Press: "… Scott Walker on Monday touted tax cuts to boost the U.S. economy, a day before Michigan voters decide the fate of tax hikes. The Wisconsin governor … said he cut taxes by $2 billion over four years in Wisconsin to help cut the unemployment rate in half since January 2010, a year before he took office." (David Eggert, May 4, 2015)

Michigan Live: “Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, speaking Monday inside an old automobile museum in Michigan, presented himself as a reform-minded Republican unafraid to take on entrenched union power. … During his speech, Walker focused on economic growth, entitlement reform and national security.” (Jonathan Oostin, May 4, 2015)

Detroit Free Press: “Walker spoke to Ingham County Republicans in Lansing Monday before traveling to Novi, telling reporters: ‘With reform minded leadership, we can turn our states around ... There is still much more work to be done, but it gives me hope that in America, with the right leadership in a couple of years, we can turn this country around.’” (Kathleen Gray, May 4, 2015)

The Detroit News: “Walker also spoke mid-day Monday to an Ingham County Republican Party luncheon in Lansing before heading to Novi for 1,000-seat, sold-out event at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.” (Lauren Abdel-Razzaq, May 4, 2015)

The Hill: “In a fiery keynote address to about 1,000 local activists and party officials at the Oakland County Republican Party’s Lincoln Day Dinner in suburban Detroit, Walker thrilled the crowd as he confidently ticked through his catalogue of accomplishments. … Walker said he cut taxes in Wisconsin by $2 billion, turned a $3.6 billion budget deficit into a half-billion dollar surplus, fully funded the state’s pension system, and reduced unemployment from 9.2 percent to 4.6 percent while achieving one of the highest labor participation rates in the country at 68 percent.” (Jonathan Easley, May 4, 2015)

MSNBC: “In his 40-minute address, Walker touted right-to-work policies, his battle against the teachers’ unions, and voter ID laws in Wisconsin. ‘I tell these stories because I think it’s important to tell Americans there’s hope,’ he said. ‘There’s hope, in large part, because we’ve seen the transformation that’s happened in states when we put common sense Republican reforms in place!’” (Jane C. Timm, May 4, 2015)

CNN: “Speaking in Novi, Michigan, the Wisconsin Republican rallied around the plight of a Michigan man who has been held hostage in Iran since 2011 and blasted Obama for failing to do enough on the missing man's behalf -- as well as failing to ward off attacks by Islamic terrorists around the world. … Speaking at an Oakland County Republican Dinner, Walker listed terrorist acts committed by individuals affiliated with ISIS and others who sympathize with the group.” (Ashley Killough, May 4, 2015)

Governor John Kasich to Visit New Hampshire on May 6, 2015

Governor John Kasich to Visit New Hampshire on May 6, 2015

Governor John Kasich will visit New Hampshire tomorrow, May 6th to meet with residents, political leaders and other activists. In addition to the public events below, Governor Kasich will be taping Conversation with the Candidate at WMUR in Manchester.

Concord
WHAT: Business Roundtable with New Hampshire House Business Caucus & Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce.
WHEN: Noon, Wednesday May 6th
WHERE: Barley House Restaurant, 132 N. Main Street, Concord
 
Nashua
WHAT: Meet and Greet
WHEN: 4:30 p.m., Wednesday May 6th
WHERE: Martha's Exchange Restaurant and Brewing Co. 185 Main St., Nashua
 

Mike Huckabee Makes 2016 Decision in Hope, Arkansas on Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Gov. Huckabee makes 2016 decision in Hope, Ark. and rolls out weeklong Iowa & S.C. schedule
Launches "Factories, Farms & Freedom" tour across Iowa and S.C. with major economic policy address in Greenville

Little Rock, Ark. - Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee will announce his decision about entering the 2016 presidential race Tues., May 5 in his hometown of Hope, Ark.  On Weds. and Thurs. he travels to Iowa to launch his "Factories, Farms & Freedom" tour with various stops across the state. On Fri., Gov. Huckabee will finish his "Factories, Farms & Freedom" tour in S.C. with an economic opportunity address titled "America's Maximum Wage" at the Greenville Chamber of Commerce.

May 5, 2015
 
EVENT: Gov. Mike Huckabee announces 2016 presidential decision
TIME: 10:00 am CT
LOCATION: University of Arkansas Community College at Hope (Hempstead Hall)
ADDRESS: 2500 South Main Street, Hope, Ark.

May 6, 2015

EVENT: Gov. Huckabee hosts "Factories, Farms and Freedom" listening session with workers at Clow Valve
TIME: 12:30 p.m. CT
LOCATION: Clow Valve
ADDRESS: 902 S 2nd St., Oskaloosa, Iowa

EVENT: Gov. Huckabee hosts "Factories, Farms & Freedom" rally
TIME: 7:00 p.m. CT
LOCATION: Living History Farms
ADDRESS: 11121 Hickman Rd., Urbandale, Iowa

May 7, 2015

EVENT: Gov. Huckabee hosts "Factories, Farms & Freedom" rally
TIME: 8:30 a.m. CT
LOCATION: Charlies's American Grill
ADDRESS: 701 Gordon Drive, Sioux City, Iowa

EVENT: Gov. Huckabee hosts "Factories, Farms & Freedom" rally
TIME: Noon CT
LOCATION: Pizza Ranch
ADDRESS: 2450 Westdale Drive, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

May 8, 2015

EVENT: Gov. Huckabee finalizes "Factories, Farms & Freedom" tour with economic opportunity address titled "America's Maximum Wage"
TIME: 11:30 a.m. ET
LOCATION: Embassy Suites Golf Resort & Conference Center  
ADDRESS: 670 Verdae Blvd., Greenville, S.C.