2012 Presidential Campaign Blog

Senator Santorum will hold a tele-town hall meeting with Minnesota Republican Voters on Sunday, January 29th

Sunday, January 29:

9:30pm ET: Senator Santorum will hold a tele-town hall meeting with Minnesota Republican Voters.

Mitt Romney Announces Support Of Puerto Rico Governor Luis Fortuñ

MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES SUPPORT OF PUERTO RICO GOVERNOR LUIS FORTUÑO

Boston, MA – Mitt Romney today announced the support of Puerto Rico Governor Luis G. Fortuño. 

“It is an honor to have Governor Fortuño’s support,” said Mitt Romney.  “As president, I look forward to working with Governor Fortuño on the issues most pressing for the people of Puerto Rico – job creation, public safety and resolving the Island’s 113-year political status question.  Every job created on the Island is another American job added to our nation’s economic comeback.  Working together to continue Puerto Rico’s economic recovery will ensure Puerto Rico is part of the United States’ economic revitalization.  By implementing pro-growth policies that promote job creation, we can help Puerto Rico and the rest of the country.   We must also commit ourselves to stopping drug trafficking into Puerto Rico as a priority of the Federal Government and the required resources need to be assigned.  I will never neglect the U.S. Caribbean border and will continue to support strong trade and economic opportunity, and robust border security. In addition, I pledge to work with Congress to help the American citizens residing in Puerto Rico resolve their century-long status issue by choosing from the constitutionally-viable status options.  I look forward to working with Governor Fortuño on these issues as well as many other issues.”

Announcing his support, Governor Fortuño said, “Mitt Romney is the one candidate who has the record, leadership, experience, and pro-growth plan to continue the course of private-sector job creation we’ve begun in Puerto Rico and provide economic stability for generations.  Mitt Romney has shown throughout his life that the principles learned in the private sector can be applied to all challenges, whether it was saving the 2002 Olympics or balancing the budget as Governor.” 

Background on Governor Fortuño:

Governor Luis G. Fortuño Was Elected in 2008.  As Governor, he has reduced government size, closed the biggest deficit in the country and set the course for a balanced budget in his first term, cut taxes and revitalized the local economy.  He serves as Chairman of the Southern Governors Association and President of the Council of State Governments. Prior to his election, he represented the people of Puerto Rico in the U.S. Congress.  During his time in the U.S. House, Fortuño served as Vice Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Conference and was a co-sponsor of the Puerto Rico Democracy Act.

Mike Huckabee Statement On Latest Gingrich for President Ad

Mike Huckabee Statement On Latest Gingrich for President Ad

Any use of an out of context quote from the Republican Presidential primary 4 years ago in a political ad to advocate for the election or defeat of another candidate is not authorized, approved, or known in advance by me. I have made it clear that I have not and do not anticipate making an endorsement in the GOP primary, but will support the nominee. My hope is to defeat Barack Obama and win majorities in both the House and Senate, not to attack any of the Presidential candidates who might be our nominee.

Mitt Romney Campaigns Across Florida on Saturday, January 28, 2012 and Sunday, January 29, 2012

Mitt Romney Campaigns Across Florida on Saturday, January 28, 2012 and Sunday, January 29, 2012

Boston, MA –On Saturday, Mitt Romney will hold a veterans rally in Pensacola and then will hold a grassroots rally in Panama City. On Sunday, Mitt Romney will hold a rally with supporters in Naples, meet with voters in Hialeah, and hold a rally with supporters in Pompano Beach. The campaign will be announcing additional events in future advisories.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Event: Mitt Romney Holds a Veterans Rally

When: 8:15 AM CST

Location:                 

The Fish House
600 South Barracks Street
Pensacola, Florida

Event: Mitt Romney Holds a Grassroots Rally

When: 1:45 PM CST

Location:                 

Eastern Ship Building
2200 Nelson Street
Panama City, Florida

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Event: Mitt Romney Holds a Rally with Supporters

When: 11:45 AM EST

Location:                 

Sugden Plaza
701 5th Avenue South
Naples, Florida

Event: Mitt Romney Meets with Voters

When: 3:45 PM EST

Location:                 

Casa Marin
4195 Palm Avenue
Hialeah, Florida

Event: Mitt Romney Holds a Rally with Supporters

When: 6:30 PM EST

Location:                 

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center
1801 Northeast 6th Street
Pompano Beach, Florida

Mitt Romney Announces National Hispanic Steering Committee

MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES HISPANIC STEERING COMMITTEE

Boston, MA – Mitt Romney today announced his national Hispanic Steering Committee.

“President Obama’s policies have been especially devastating to Hispanic families. Over 2.5 million Hispanics are unemployed today, with the unemployment rate at 11% for Hispanics,” said Mitt Romney. “President Obama does not understand that what makes our country great is our people, not the government. These leaders understand that for our economy to recover, we must free the entrepreneurial spirit that made this the greatest nation in the history of the Earth.”

Announcing the Hispanic Steering Committee, former Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez said, “Throughout his life, Mitt Romney has demonstrated the values that we are looking for in our next President. Whether as a business leader, head of the Olympics or governor, Mitt Romney has used conservative principles to turn around tough situations. We need a president who can do the same for our economy and country.” 

“The next election is the most important in decades,” said former U.S. Senator Mel Martinez. “Whether we replace President Obama with a true conservative will have ramifications perhaps for generations. Mitt Romney’s strategy for a ‘Smaller, Simpler, Smarter’ government will help get government out of the way of the private sector and allow for small businesses to do what they do best: create jobs.”

Members of Mitt Romney’s National Hispanic Steering Committee:

Sec. Carlos Gutierrez (Honorary Co-Chair) –Served As Secretary Of Commerce From 2005 To 2009; Served as Co-Chair of the U.S. Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba; President and CEO of the Kellogg Company.

Sen. Mel Martinez (Honorary Co-Chair) –Represented Florida In The U.S. Senate From 2005 To 2009; Served as Chairman of the Republican National Committee. Prior to his election to the Senate, Martinez was Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development in the administration of President George W. Bush. Previously, he practiced law in Florida.

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Co-Chair) – Represents Florida’s 18th district and is currently the Chairman of the House Foreign Relations Committee; Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen is the most senior Republican woman in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (Co-Chair) – Represents Florida’s 21st District in the U.S. Congress; Founding members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus; Served in both the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate. He was elected in 2002.

Former Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart (Co-Chair) –Represented Florida’s 21st District In The U.S. Congress From 1993 Until 2011; Vice-Chairman of the House Rules Committee; Currently the Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute. 

Jose Fuentes (Co-Chair) – Former Attorney General of Puerto Rico; Former Surrogate and Co-Chair Bush-Cheney 2000 and 2004; Chairman, Eastport Strategies LLC.

Hector Barreto (Co-Chair) – Chairman of the Board of The Latino Coalition; President/CEO of Barreto Associates; Former Administrator of the United States Small Business Administration 2001-2006.

Zoraida Fonalledas – National Committeewoman, Republican Party of Puerto Rico; Chair, Romney Campaign in Puerto Rico; Bush-Cheney ’00-’04 Co-Chair; RNC Budget Committee ’00-’06; Order of Malta (2000).

Bertica Cabrera Morris – Native of Cuba, has been in Orlando since 1978; Owner of Bertica Cabrera Morris Consulting, a business and governmental relations company; Chairman, Marco Rubio I-4 corridor campaign; Senior Advisor to Mitt Romney campaign.

Jorge Arrizurieta –President of Arrizurieta and Associates; Past president of Florida Free Trade of the Americas (FTAA);  Appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as the United States Alternate Executive Director of the Inter-American Development Bank; Served as an appointee of Governor Jeb Bush to the State of Florida's Board of Governors.

R. Alexander Acosta –Presently Dean of the College of Law at FIU in Miami, formerly U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida (2005-2009), Assistant Attorney General (2004-2005) and Member, National Labor Relations Board (2003-2004).

Anna Escobedo Cabral – Anna Escobedo Cabral - Served as the 42nd Treasurer of the United States, Executive Staff Director for the United States Senate Republican Conference Task Force on Hispanic Affairs, Deputy Staff Director for the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary, President and CEO of the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility and Director of the Smithsonian Institution’s Center for Latino Initiatives.  Ms. Cabral received a BA in political science from the University of California, Davis, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in International Trade and Finance from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, and a Law Degree from George Mason University. 

Remedios Diaz Oliver – President of All American Containers, Inc;  Former member of the Board of Directors of Avon Products, Inc., and Barnett Bank (Bank of America); Member of the Board of Directors of The Round Table, American Cancer Society, Cuban Liberty Council, U.S. Cuba Democracy PAC, The Florida Council of 100 and Emeritus Director of U.S. West Inc in Denver; Appointed in 1988 as a member of the Advisory Board Trade Policy, Negotiations and International Policy for the President of the United States and reappointed in 1992. 

Rafael Elias Linero – Active member of the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC), a registered Republican, and the Founder of Political Analysis and Economic Studies, LLC;  Holds a Masters Degree in Public and Private Management (MPPM 1995) from Yale University and has worked as a financial, economic and political analyst in firms such as Credit Suisse, ING, UBS, Deutsche Bank, and currently Credit Agricole CIB.

Rudy Fernandez – Special Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs, The White House 2005-2007; Deputy Assistant Secretary for Governmental Affairs, U.S. Department of Transportation 2005; Regional Political Director for Southwestern states, Bush-Cheney 04; Director of Grassroots Development for the Republican National Committee 2002-03.

Sharon Castillo – Managing Director, CLS & Associates (2005-Present); Director of Specialty Media & Spokesperson, Bush-Cheney ’04 (2003-2004); RNC Deputy Director of Communications (2001-2003); Washington, DC Bureau Manager, Telemundo Network (1998-2001).

Sal Gomez – Owner of Source One Management; awarded the National Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the National Society of Hispanic MBA’s ; received a lifetime achievement award from the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and in 2009; Founded the National Business Information Clearinghouse (NBIC) in 2005; Co-Founder of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Michael Barrera – Attorney with over 30 years of business, legal, non-profit and government experience; Served as President of the Business Information Clearinghouse; served as President and CEO of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Allen Gutierrez – Founder of The MCA Group based out of Southern California;  Former Chief Operating Officer of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Senior Advisor to the Chief Operating Officer for the U.S. Small Business Administration as well as the Senior Advisor to the Office of International Trade.

Steve Galvan – Principal at Galvan and Associates, LLC an Illinois firm; received five presidential appointments to the Executive Office of the President at the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and then at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

James Campos –Director of Government Relations & Renewable Energy Initiatives for the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) July 2009 to September; Formerly the Commissioner of the Nevada Consumer Affairs Division.

Jeanette Prenger –President and Owner of ECCO Select, an IT consulting and human capital firm and one of the top 500 Hispanic Businesses in the United States; Appointee of the governor to the Missouri Workforce Investment Board; Commissioner for Mayor James on the Citizens Commission on Revenue.

Aner Iglesias – Operator of chain of supermarkets; member of the Latin Chamber of Commerce, the Unified

Grocers Committee, the Mexican-American Grocers Association and the  American Grocers Association; past board of director of the Ronald McDonald House of Los Angeles

Jerry Natividad –Founder and CEO of American Facility Services Group;  Former chair of the Colorado Republican Hispanic Assembly; Former board member of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and has served on the board of the Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Hector Barajas –Communications director for the California Senate Republican Leader and Caucus, the California Victory 2008 campaign, Spanish media spokesman for the Republican National Committee, the McCain/Palin ‘08, and Bush/Cheney ’04 presidential campaigns.  Today, Hector is the Director of Communications for Revolvis Consulting and is a political analyst for Univision and Telemundo. 

Michael Zajur –  Founder, VAHCC Foundation to provide education, information and resources to the Community;  Chair of the Virginia Latino Advisory Board; Recipient, National Conference of Community Justices Humanitarian Award, the Minority Small Business Champion Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Cici Rojas – Former President and CEO of the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Former President and CEO of the Greater Kansas City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Alfonso Pino, M.D. – Founded an anesthesiology group which currently serves eleven Dallas area hospitals and surgery centers and cares for over 8000 patients annually; Founder and President of a management and investment company; Founded a medical practice management consulting company, a convenience care clinic company, a preventive medicine clinic and, most recently, Nucleus Healthcare Group, an anesthesiology outsourcing company;  Served in local business organizations, including serving as Vice Chairman of the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Leaders In America’s Space Program Write Open Letter In Support Of Mitt Romney

LEADERS IN AMERICA’S SPACE PROGRAM WRITE OPEN LETTER IN SUPPORT OF MITT ROMNEY

Boston, MA – Leaders in America’s space program today wrote an open letter in support of Mitt Romney. The full text of the letter is below:

ROMNEY WILL RESTORE AMERICA’S SPACE PROGRAM
      
The U.S. space program is a strategic national asset, which makes critical contributions to our scientific knowledge, technological innovation, economic competitiveness, national security, and international leadership.  We have watched with dismay as President Obama dismantled the structure that was guiding both the government and commercial space sectors, while providing no purpose or vision or mission.  This failure of leadership has thrust the space program into disarray and triggered a dangerous erosion of our technical workforce and capabilities.  In short, we have a space program unworthy of a great nation. 

Restoring the U.S. space program to greatness will require the leadership, management skill, and commitment to American exceptionalism possessed by only one candidate in this race: Mitt Romney.  We support Mitt’s candidacy and believe that his approach to space policy will produce results instead of empty promises.  As his long record of success in both the private and public sectors attests, Mitt will do more than provide our space program with an inspiring vision and mission of exploration.  He will also set aggressive yet achievable goals, adhere to realistic budgets, and execute on a carefully drawn plan. 

As president, Mitt Romney will facilitate close collaboration not only within the government’s civil and national security space sectors, but also with the private sector and with research institutions.  He will create conditions for a strong and competitive commercial space industry that can contribute greatly to our national capabilities and goals.  And he will ensure that NASA returns its focus to the project of manned space exploration that uniquely affirms American strength and values around the globe.  Under his leadership, America will once again lead the world in space.

Scott Pace, Chair of the Romney Space Policy Advisory Group
Director, Space Policy Institute, The Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University
Former Assistant Director for Space and Aeronautics, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy

Mark Albrecht
Chairman of the Board, USSpace
Former Executive Secretary, National Space Council

Eric Anderson
Chairman and CEO, Space Adventures
Chairman, Commercial Spaceflight Federation

Gene Cernan
Commander, Apollo XVII

Bob Crippen
Pilot, First Space Shuttle Mission
Former Director, NASA Space Shuttle Program

Michael Griffin
Former NASA Administrator
Former Head of the Space Department, The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Peter Marquez
Former Director of Space Policy, National Security Council
Former Director of Special Programs, Department of Defense

William Martel
Associate Professor of International Security Studies, The Fletcher School at Tufts University
Former Alan B. Shepard Chair of Space Technology and Policy Studies, Naval War College

*Organization names are provided for identification purposes only.

Ron Paul Nevada Team Names New ‘Hispanics for Ron Paul’ Nationwide Coalition Members

Ron Paul Nevada Team Names New ‘Hispanics for Ron Paul’ Nationwide Coalition Members

HENDERSON, Nevada – The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign announced today additions to its active “Hispanics for Ron Paul” nationwide coalition.
 
The following additions to the coalition hail from Clark and Washoe counties, both Nevada.  They have pledged to spread the word about Dr. Paul among their respective communities.
 
Originally from Colombia, Las Vegas student Vanny Hunter supports Ron Paul for his stances on the economy and foreign policy.  “A less interventionist foreign policy will be beneficial to the United States and its valued partners around the globe,” said Mr. Hunter.  The young Mr. Hunter favors Dr. Paul’s plan to bring limited government back to America, but his favorite policy stance is the restoration of the Constitution of the United State of America.
 
“I support Ron Paul because he is the only politician that has been consistent on the issues for over 30 years, and he has never voted against our Constitution,” said Alexia Acha, a stay-at-home mother in North Las Vegas. 
 
She added, “I want to leave this country a better place for my children, and their children.  The best way to do that is to help elect Ron Paul for the presidency.  In doing so, we will be better able to take back control over our schools and our lives.  Ron Paul has a unique ‘Plan to Restore America.’”
 
Alexander Falconi, a father from Washoe County in Carson City, also pledged his support for Ron Paul.  “Ron Paul is the only politician I trust.  Politicians should not straddle the line between the peoples' interests and special interests.”  Falconi proclaimed that “this will be a tough fight,” and that he will do whatever he can to support Ron Paul for President.
 
New members being announced today are leaders in their community who are representative of the support Dr. Paul enjoys from America’s fastest-growing population and voter segment.
 
Arecent poll shows Dr. Paul faring better among nonwhite voters than any other Republican candidate when matched against incumbent President Barack Obama.  “Hispanics for Ron Paul,” then, offers the Ron Paul campaign the opportunity to form a larger winning coalition by sharing his message of personal and economic liberty among voters of Hispanic ancestry.
 
As a function of this announcement, the above-mentioned persons are all members of the “Hispanics for Ron Paul” nationwide coalition, in particular its Nevada steering committee.

Newt Gingrich Florida Schedule January 28-30, 2012 *Updated

Newt 2012 Public Schedule: January 28th to 30th

Tampa, FL - Newt 2012 released its public schedule for Saturday, January 28 to Monday, January 30.


Saturday, January 28

Martin County Lincoln Day Breakfast

8:30-9:30 am

Location:

Willoughby Golf Club
3001 SE Doubleton Drive
Stuart, FL 34997

St. Lucie Meet and Greet

9:45-10:30 am

Location:

The PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance
8565 Commerce Center Drive
Port St. Lucie, FL 34986

Polk County Headquarters Meet and Greet

11:30-12:30pm

Location:

Lakeland Campaign Headquarters
10153 Cortez Boulevard
Brooksville, FL 34613

Hispanic Townhall Meeting

2:30-3:30 pm

Location:

Centro de La Familia
4365 Kennedy Avenue
Orlando, FL 32822

Orange County Liberty Counsel Forum

4:00-5:00 pm

Location:

Aloma Baptist Church
1815 State Road 436
Winter Park, FL 32792
 
Orange County Lincoln Day Dinner

5:30-6:30 pm

Location:

Rosen Shingle Creek
9939 Universal Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32819

Palm Beach Lincoln Day Dinner

8:00-9:00 pm

Location:

Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
Cohen Pavillion
701 Okeechobee Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL

Sunday, January 29

Visit to Idlewild Baptist Church

9:30-11:00 am

18333 Exciting Idlewild Boulevard
Lutz, FL 33548

Rally at The Villages

1:30-2:30 pm

Lake Sumter Landing (Parking lot near Barnes & Noble)

1055 Old Camp Road
Old Camp Road/Lake Shore Drive
The Villages (Lady Lake), FL 32162

Visit to First Jacksonville Baptist Church

5:00-6:00 pm

Location:

124 West Ashley Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202

Monday, January 30

Fly around: Jacksonville, Pensacola/Panama City, Tampa, Palm Beach/Broward/Miami, Orlando

Ron Paul Nevada Team Names New ‘Gun Owners for Ron Paul’ Nationwide Coalition Members

Ron Paul Nevada Team Names New ‘Gun Owners for Ron Paul’ Nationwide Coalition Members

HENDERSON, Nevada – The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign announced today additions to its active “Gun Owners for Ron Paul” nationwide coalition.
 
The new members hail from Clark County, Nevada, and reside in the Las Vegas metro area.  All have pledged to spread the word among their respective communities about Dr. Paul’s staunch defense of the fundamental right to bear arms.
 
“As a gun owner, I am supporting Ron Paul because he truly believes in freedom and the Constitution.  He stands by the Second Amendment which gives us the right to exercise our constitutional right to carry and use firearms responsibly,” said Renee Newton of Las Vegas.
 
Ms. Newton further commented, “The Federal Government is out of control and spends money we don't have while borrowing it to give away as aid.  Ron Paul would take care of Americans first and that is why he will win this election.”
 
“Ron Paul represents so well the core values upon which our nation was founded.  The provisions of his ‘Plan to Restore America’ intended toresolve our country's current issues are both intelligent and attainable,” said Glenn and Andrea Barthel, two Las Vegas gun owners.  They believe that “his adherence to traditional values, his voting record, and his predictions show he is in touch with the majority of America.”
 
Scott Schultz, a concealed carry permit holder from Las Vegas, also announced his support for Ron Paul.  “Dr. Paul is the only Republican candidate who continues to show strong support for the Second Amendment.  As a gun owner, I believe possessing firearms is a fundamental right.”
 
As a function of this announcement, the above-mentioned persons now are members of the “Gun Owners for Ron Paul” nationwide coalition, in particular its Nevada steering committee.

Ron Paul Nevada Team Names New ‘Hospitality Workers for Ron Paul’ Nationwide Coalition Members

Ron Paul Nevada Team Names New ‘Hospitality Workers for Ron Paul’ Nationwide Coalition Members

HENDERSON, Nevada – The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign announced today new members of its active “Hospitality Workers for Ron Paul” nationwide coalition. 
 
The following additions are from Clark County and have pledged to spread the word about Dr. Paul in and among their respective workplaces, peers, and communities.
 
A Las Vegas taxi cab driver for more than five years, Aaron Gamboa praised Dr. Paul’s proposals, and his support for Ron Paul stems from a dissatisfaction of the government taxing his hard-earned tips. 
 
“My hard earned tips from my customers are taxed based on the highest percentage allowable by law.  There are already way too many cabs in Vegas to make a good living, and I feel that taxing someone unfairly who lives off tips is way too big of a burden to bear from our government,” said Mr. Gamboa.
 
“Ron Paul respects the hard work we do,” said Reginald Currie, a Las Vegas resident.
 
Currie has been in the service industry his whole life.  Currently working two jobs as a waiter, he supports Ron Paul and his stance on tax-free tips.  “The service industry in America respects people who respect our hard work,” he stated.  Mr. Currie firmly believes Ron Paul’s bill, the Tax Free Tips Act of 2011, is a sign that “he understands and stands for hardworking service industry employees in America.”
 
“I am a big supporter of Ron Paul because he understands that this country was based on the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  His voting record shows his consistency, and this country needs a president who is a man of his word.  I know Ron Paul will restore America,” said Ivy Floirendo, also from the Las Vegas area.
 
As a five year service industry worker, Ms. Floirendo supports Ron Paul for his goal of helping tip-based workers “keep their hard earned money.”
 
These new members are everyday hospitality or service sector workers in their community who are representative of the support Dr. Paul enjoys from this large Nevada voting bloc.  They understand and are attracted to Ron Paul’s stance on ending taxation of tips, and for this reason this coalition will serve to amplify Nevada state operations.
 
As a function of this announcement, the above-mentioned persons are all members of the “Hospitality Workers for Ron Paul” nationwide coalition, in particular the Nevada steering committee.