2016 Presidential Campaign Blog

What They’re Saying About Ted Cruz and Pending 2016 Presidential Campaign Announcement at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia on March 23, 2015

What They’re Saying About Ted Cruz and Pending 2016 Presidential Campaign Announcement at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia on March 23, 2015

http://www.chron.com/news/politics/us/article/Ted-Cruz-to-announce-presidential-bid-Monday-6150890.php

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/ted-cruz-running-president-texas-senator-announce-2016/story?id=29809943

http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/22/cruz-announces-presidential-run/

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2015/03/22/ted-cruz-president-2016-announcement/25137661/

http://www.politico.com/story/2015/03/sen-ted-cruz-2016-presidential-bid-116285.html

http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268798/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=CmpEoWtk

http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/236545-report-cruz-to-announce-white-house-bid-monday

http://dailycaller.com/2015/03/22/ted-cruz-to-become-first-major-candidate-to-officially-jump-in-2016-race/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

http://edition.cnn.com/2015/03/22/politics/ted-cruz-2016-announcement/index.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/23/us/politics/ted-cruz-to-announce-on-monday-he-plans-to-run-for-president.html

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/03/22/sen-ted-cruz-to-announce-plans-for-presidential-bid/

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2015/03/22/394636645/ted-cruz-reportedly-set-to-announce-presidential-bid

http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/ted-cruz-announce-presidential-bid-monday-n328051

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/report-cruz-will-launch-white-house-bid-monday/2015/03/22/5e81fa00-d064-11e4-8a46-b1dc9be5a8ff_story.html

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ted-cruz-to-launch-presidential-bid/

Ted Cruz Names South Carolina’s LaDonna Ryggs Senior Advisor to his Jobs, Growth, and Freedom PAC

Sen. Cruz Names South Carolina’s LaDonna Ryggs Senior Advisor to PAC

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, today named LaDonna Ryggs of the Upstate, South Carolina senior advisor to his Jobs, Growth, and Freedom PAC, effective immediately.

“LaDonna’s years of grassroots outreach in South Carolina have been invaluable to the state’s conservative movement and will be invaluable to our team,” said Sen. Cruz. “I am honored to have her join us as we continue working to energize conservatives across this country and bring meaningful change to Washington. She will be a tremendous asset to that effort.”

“I am thrilled to come on board Team Cruz,” Ryggs said. “The stakes could not be higher. It is an incredible honor to work with a man who not only talks the talk, but has the consistent, conservative record to prove he walks the walk.”

Ryggs has served in numerous leadership capacities in the Republican Party for the last 15 years. She is the immediate past chairman of the Spartanburg County Republican Party, having served two terms, including a presidential cycle, and was Spartanburg’s State Committeeman prior to her chairmanship. During her eight-year tenure on the South Carolina Republican Party’s executive committee, Ryggs was twice elected delegate to the Republican National Convention in 2008 and 2012. In 2011, Ryggs was one of three South Carolinians named to Politico’s “50 Politicos to Watch.”

Additionally she is a former state president of the South Carolina Federation of Republican Women, overseeing a tenure where membership doubled. Ryggs also served as a member-at-large to the National Federation of Republican Women, one of four South Carolinians to have served on their executive committee. Ryggs earned her bachelors and masters degrees in Communications from Bob Jones University. She and her husband, Robert, reside in Greer, South Carolina, and have two grown children and grandchildren.

What They’re Saying About Martin O’Malley on Day One of His Iowa Trip, March 20, 2015

Day One of Governor O'Malley's Iowa Trip: “Multiple Standing Ovations,” “New Breed of Democrats,” “Fought for the Little Guy,” “Wowed the Large Crowd,” “Real Deal”

Quad-City Times Headline: O’Malley Says Change Needed to Strengthen Middle Class

Washington Post Headline: O’Malley Steps up Wall Street Critique in Swing Through Iowa

Washington Post: “Over the past two years…he has poured hefty resources into Iowa, appearing at 24 campaign events and fundraisers, loaning 14 staffers to Democratic candidates and the state party and donating more than $40,000.”

Washington Post: “[Davenport Mayor] Gluba…thought O’Malley ‘hit it out of the park’ with his speech.”

Washington Post: “I’m going to be looking at him a lot harder now,’ said Ken Krayenhagen, a 56-year-old chiropractor who lives in Davenport. ‘I like a leader that’s inspiring.’”

Quad-City Times: “Rep. Cindy Winckler, D-Davenport, said she is impressed with O’Malley’s core beliefs. ‘If he doesn’t run for president, he can move to Iowa and run for governor,’ she said.”

Washington Post: “The speech…drew multiple standing ovations…”

Daily Iowan EPI: “O’Malley worked to connect to Quad Cities area unionized workers with calls for rights of all workers to organize. He shook hands with at least 100 individuals, from Democratic strongholds like Davenport Mayor Bill Gluba to 17-year-old Rekha Karuparthy.”

The Daily Iowan EPI: “ ‘He’s a new breed of Democrats,’ said [Davenport Mayor] Gluba, who had lunch with O’Malley earlier in the day. ‘He’s fought for the little guy.’”

The Daily Iowan EPI: “O’Malley’s name recognition needle has moved from a relatively unknown to a viable alternative to a presumed Democratic pack of presidential contenders.”

The Daily Iowan EPI: “[Representative] Loebsack, said the “social progressive” is doing everything right in Iowa.”

Iowa Starting Line @IAStartingLine: .@GovernorOMalley getting a lot of spontaneous standing ovations tonight, crowd really enjoying it #IACaucus pic.twitter.com/4i0wLsLNiE

RandyJohnson @RandyJohnsonRJC: @GovernorOMalley @ScottCoDems Iowa voters should take a good listen to what Gov. OMalley has to say. He is the real deal and great leader.

Rob Hogg @SenatorRobHogg: I thought @GovernorOMalley wowed the large crowd last night at Scott County Democrats in Davenport #Iowa2016

Iowa Democratic Party Publishes 2016 Delegate Selection Plan for 30-day Public Comment Period

Iowa Democratic Party publishes 2016 Delegate Selection Plan for 30-day public comment period

Des Moines – The Iowa Democratic Party has published the 2016 Delegate Selection Plan for the 30-day public comment period as required by the delegate selection rules for the 2016 Democratic National Convention. The plan is online at www.IowaDemocrats.org. All comments are welcome and will be included in the final draft of the plan submitted to the Democratic National Committee’s Rules & Bylaws Committee in May.

“This plan strives for increased participation in the process of selecting delegates from Iowa to the Democratic National Convention,” said Dr. Andy McGuire, Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party. “We have designed several new components to expand participation in the 2016 Precinct Caucuses, which is the first step in the delegate selection process. Those initiatives include:

Satellite Caucuses for those Iowa Democrats that cannot participate due to either limitations of mobility, distance, or time. This option would be available to a group of Democrats who demonstrate a need to add an additional caucus site.

A Military Tele-Caucus for Iowans serving in the military. This tele-caucus would be no different than a normal caucus. Participants would break into preference groups and allow for realignment.

The Iowa Democratic Party is also continuing to push for legislation that would require employers to allow non-essential workers to take time off to attend their precinct caucus. This step gives working men and women greater flexibility to participate. Senate File 437 passed the Iowa Senate on March 18.

The Party is also making it easier for Iowans with children to participate. Many county parties already provide some form of activity for children. The Iowa Democratic Party will work with county parties across the state to expand these opportunities at caucus sites. The Party is also hiring a position that will serve as an accessibility director, working with counties across Iowa to ensure that each caucus site is as accessible as possible.

Rick Santorum to visit Council Bluffs, Red Oak, Clarinda, Shenandoah, Glenwood & Sidney, Iowa on March 23-24, 2015

Santorum returns to Southwest Iowa for 2 day swing
Santorum to visit Council Bluffs, Omaha, Red Oak, Clarinda, Shenandoah, Glenwood, and Sidney

UPDATED LOCATIONS, TIMES, & ADDITIONAL STOP

VERONA, PA - Winner of the 2012 Iowa Republican presidential caucus, former U.S. Senator, and Chairman of Patriot Voices Rick Santorum will return to Iowa for a two-day swing through Southwest Iowa, where he will visit Council Bluffs, Omaha, Red Oak, Clarinda, Shenandoah, Sidney, and a newly added stop in Glenwood.
 
Please note the changes to Senator Santorum's stop in Clarinda, as well as the addition of a stop in Glenwood.
 
Senator Santorum will also be meeting privately with concerned Iowa community leaders and activists.
 
Monday, March 23, 2015:

1:00pm CT: Senator Santorum will host a meet-and-greet in Council Bluffs, IA.
 
Location:
Council Bluffs Public Library
Meeting Room B
400 Willow Avenue
Council Bluffs, IA
 
6:30pm CT: Senator Santorum will hold a book signing for "Bella's Gift" in Omaha, NE.
 
Location:
Adoremus Books
Frederick Square Shopping Center
2992 South 84th Street
Omaha, NE
 
Tuesday, March 24, 2015:

7:30am CT: Senator Santorum will hold a retail stop at the Firehouse Restaurant in Red Oak, IA.
 
Location:
Firehouse Restaurant
310 East Washington Avenue
Red Oak, IA
 
10:00am CT: Senator Santorum will hold a retail stop at The Garrison House in Clarinda, IA.
 
Location:
The Garrison House
106 North 16th Street
Clarinda, IA
 
11:30am CT: Senator Santorum will hold a retail stop at the Depot Deli in Shenandoah, IA.
 
Location:
Depot Deli
101 North Railroad Street
Shenandoah, IA
 
1:30pm CT: Senator Santorum will hold a retail stop at the Penn Drug, Iowa's oldest soda fountain, in Sidney, IA.
 
Location:
Penn Drug
714 Illinois Street
Sidney, IA
 
3:00pm CT: Senator Santorum will hold a meet-and-greet at the Glenwood Senior Center in Glenwood, IA.
 
Location:
Glenwood Senior Center
20 North Vine Street
Glenwood, IA

Rick Santorum and Patriot Voices PAC names Jon Parker South Carolina State Director

Santorum and Patriot Voices PAC names Parker South Carolina State Director

VERONA, PA - Former Republican presidential candidate, U.S. Senator, and Chairman of Patriot Voices Rick Santorum is proud to announce the addition of Jon Parker as South Carolina State Director for Patriot Voices PAC.  In this role, Parker will work directly with Patriot Voices National Field Director Terry Allen and National Political Director Jessica Colon on advancing Patriot Voices' activities in the Palmetto State.
 
Rick Santorum said: "I am excited to formally announce the addition of Jon Parker to our growing Patriot Voices team.  Jon is a talented and experienced South Carolina political operative who will be a tremendous resource, counselor, and organizer for Patriot Voices PAC in the Palmetto State.  I am confident that with Jon's leadership and experience, Patriot Voices' message of fighting for hard-working families will be heard from Rock Hill to Beaufort and everywhere in between."
 
Jon Parker said: "Senator Santorum has been a consistent leader and true champion for hard-working families.  His message is one that resonates not just in the Upstate or Lowcountry, but in town after town across our state.  I am confident that his message, combined with hard work here on the ground, we will be able to ensure that Senator Santorum and Patriot Voices' message of hope, opportunity, and responsibility makes its mark in South Carolina."
 
Jon Parker is a veteran of numerous state and federal races as well as conservative advocacy groups, and is joining Patriot Voices PAC from his role with the leading South Carolina political consulting firm Richard Quinn and Associates.  During the 2012 presidential campaign, Parker directed Santorum's victorious efforts to win the Tennessee Republican Primary.  In 2011, Parker founded Innovative Campaign Strategies, a Grassroots Consulting Firm that has provided Get-Out-The-Vote support for races and organizations such as Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Tennessee Republican Party, Virginia House Caucus Committee, and the South Carolina Republican Party. Parker has worked on over a dozen successful races in the Palmetto State including multiple statewide campaigns.  In 2014, Parker directed the election efforts of Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC), Attorney General Alan Wilson (R-SC), Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman (R-SC), and Treasure Curtis Loftis (R-SC).

RANDPAC Names David Chesley as the New Hampshire Political Director and Tammy Simmons as Operations Director

RANDPAC Names Political and Operations Directors for NH New Hires Join Chief Strategist Mike Biundo on NH Team

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Rand Paul has named David Chesley as the New Hampshire Political Director and Tammy Simmons as Operations Director for his RANDPAC New Hampshire team.

Chesley and Simmons will join Mike Biundo, Chief Strategist for New England and National Senior Advisor, in all RANDPAC efforts throughout the Granite State.

“I have known David and Tammy for over a decade now, they are both respected operatives with keen understandings on how to build a statewide team. They will be great additions and I am excited to be working with them,” Mike Biundo said.

David Chesley is a long-time political operative who has served in key political and government positions. Most recently, Chesley served as the RNC State Director for New Hampshire and as Senior Advisor to the New Hampshire Republican State Committee. In this role, he oversaw the rebuilding of the party political, field and data operations while implementing a new data driven voter contact and get out the vote program. He served as a Senior Advisor on the 2012 Charlie Bass campaign and served in the office of Congressman Charlie Bass. Chesley also managed Jennifer Horn’s 2008 and 2010 congressional campaigns. David began his career in politics as the Deputy Coalitions Director for Elizabeth Dole’s 2002 Senate Campaign and as an office manager in her senate office.

Chesley added, “Senator Paul is a leading voice for liberty and the Constitution and I am honored to be on his team. Rand’s unique ability to expand our party’s base and connect with Americans of all backgrounds, while still fighting for conservative principles, is unparalleled – and that is exactly what our country and party needs right now. I look forward to joining Senator Paul’s many efforts, both in New England and around the country.”

Tammy Simmons has a long, distinguished career in New Hampshire Republican politics. Simmons is currently serving her second term in the NH House of Representatives and is rated the #3 Liberty Legislator by the NH Liberty Alliance. She also serves as Chairman of the Manchester Republican City Committee. Simmons was very active in both the 2012 and 2008 Ron Paul Presidential Campaigns as well as served numerous roles in past US Senate, gubernatorial, legislative, and municipal campaigns. In addition, Simmons is a past Executive Director of the New Hampshire Advantage Coalition and was instrumental in passing a Tax Cap in the City of Manchester.

“I’m excited to join Senator Paul’s team in New Hampshire. I have been a longtime supporter of Senator Paul and his family. Rand is a man of principle and integrity and I am truly honored to work for him. I look forward to joining him in the fight for a more fiscally responsible and constitutionally sound government,” Simmons said.

Doug Stafford, Executive Director of RANDPAC, commented on these hires, “I am very pleased that David and Tammy will be joining our New Hampshire team. Their knowledge and experience will be invaluable to Senator Paul.”

Martin O'Malley Visits Davenport, Tipton, and Council Bluffs, Iowa on March 20-21, 2015

Martin O'Malley Visits Davenport, Tipton, and  Council Bluffs, Iowa on March 20-21, 2015

Friday, March 20, 2015:

Scott County Democratic Party's Red, White and Blue Dinner

Clarion Hotel - 5202 Brady Street, Davenport, Iowa
Cocktail/Social Hour 6:00pm
Dinner and Program 7:00pm

Saturday, March 21, 2015:

Cedar County Democrats Meeting

10:00 AM
400 Cedar Street
Tipton, IA

Pottawattamie County Democrats Annual Fundraiser

6:00-8:00 PM
Dixie Quicks, RNG Gallery
157 W. Broadway
Council Bluffs, IA 51503

RickPAC Announces Hiring of Jamie Johnson of Iowa as Senior Director

RickPAC Announces Jamie Johnson of Iowa as Senior Director

AUSTIN, Texas –– Former Texas Governor Rick Perry’s political action committee, RickPAC, has hired a key Iowa political operative with deep ties to the national conservative movement and to America’s evangelical and Catholic communities.

Jamie Johnson, an ordained Anglican minister, former radio broadcaster, and grassroots GOP strategist, will be stepping down from his various responsibilities, including the Republican Party of Iowa State Central Committee and his day to day role at World Wide Missions & Affiliates to serve as a Senior Director to the campaign.

Johnson, 49, has spent three decades working in local, state, and federal politics across the United States. He is the vice president of the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition, the director of outreach for Iowa Right to Life, and has served on the board of governors of the Council for National Policy, the nation’s preeminent network of conservative leaders, policy experts, and media professionals.

“I am excited to have Jamie Johnson as a senior member of our national team,” said Governor Perry. “He brings 30 years of political expertise as well as friendships with thousands of leaders in the conservative and faith-based community. He has a strong track record of building dynamic coalitions that advance virtue, liberty, and prosperity in American life.”

Johnson holds degrees in theology and public policy with a specialization in political communication, and he is a trusted source on conservative political trends for many national news agencies.

“I am honored to join Governor Perry in his work to restore America’s political, economic, and moral leadership in the world,” Johnson said.

“For the last 14 years, Rick Perry has been the most successful chief executive in America,” he added. “As a veteran, a public servant, and a man of strong moral conviction, he is uniquely qualified to lead a 21st century American renewal.”

Donald Trump Announces Formation of Presidential Exploratory Committee (Text of Statement)

Trump Announces Formation of Presidential Exploratory Committee

(New York. NY) March 18", 2015 - Today, Donald J. Trump, the globally renowned business mogul announced he is forming an exploratory committee to determine whether he will run for the office of the President of the United States of America.

Donald Trump stated, “l have a great love for our country, but it is a country that is in serious trouble. We have lost the respect of the entire world. Americans deserve better than what they get from their politicians—who are all talk and no action! I have built a great company, created thousands of jobs and built a tremendous net worth with some of the finest and most prestigious assets in the world—and very little debt!  All Americans deserve the same opportunity.

Our real unemployment rate is staggering while our manufacturing base is eroding on a daily basis.

We must rebuild our infrastructure, control our borders, support local control of education, greatly strengthen our military, care for our veterans and put Americans back to work! We must stop other countries rom totally taking advantage of our representatives who are being out-negotiated at every turn. I am the only one who can make America truly great again!"

In addition to forming an exploratory committee, Mr. Trump has made several key hires in primary states with staff in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina as well as a team of political advisers based in New York.

Corey Lewandowski, Senior Political Adviser to Mr. Trump said, “Mr. Trump has the vision and leadership skills to bring our country back to greatness. He has run an extremely successful corporation for many years. During that time he has created thousands of jobs. Mr. Trump has a proven ability to present real solutions and get things done. He looks forward to meeting with Americans across the country and sharing those solutions to the serious problems we are facing.”

Mr. Trump will be in New Hampshire this Thursday, March 19^th meeting with a group of local veterans and business owners