2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Clinton Campaign Announces Opening of Rochester, St. Cloud Offices

Clinton Campaign Announces Opening of Rochester, St. Cloud Offices

The Clinton Campaign today announced the opening of two additional offices in Rochester and St. Cloud Minnesota’s February 5th caucus.

“We’re excited to expand the campaign’s presence across the state, with our two new offices in Rochester and St. Cloud,” said Buck Humphrey, Hillary Clinton’s Minnesota State Director. “These offices will serve as regional hubs for our grassroots, statewide field operation in the run up to the February 5th caucus.”

The address of the offices are:

Rochester:  2002 2nd St. SW, Rochester, MN  55902 (open now)
St. Cloud: 633 Beachwood Rd., South Haven, MN 55382  (open Saturday, 1/19)

The campaign expects to open additional offices and phone bank locations across the state to accommodate volunteer outreach efforts from now through February 5th.

Clinton Campaign Names Minnesota State Director And Communications Director

Clinton Campaign Names Minnesota State Director and Communications Director

The Clinton Campaign today named Buck Humphrey as its Minnesota State Director and Jonathan Beeton as its Minnesota Communications Director

"Buck is a highly respected individual who brings a deep knowledge of Minnesota and its people to this campaign," said Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives. "Buck's hire should send a clear message to the people of Minnesota that Hillary recognizes the importance of our state as a bellwether and recognizes that Minnesotans desire a new beginning for America."

“I'm delighted that Buck and Jonathan have joined our effort,” Clinton said. “With their help, we’ll take our message of change throughout Minnesota.”

Buck Humphrey, the grandson of former Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey, served as the Minnesota state director for Vice President Al Gore in 2000 and served as Senator Kerry’s Midwest Finance Director in 2004.  He was a candidate for Secretary of State in 2002. A respected community leader, Buck’s knowledge of Minnesota politics and community organizing will ensure that Hillary’s message of bold ideas to move America forward will be heard by all Minnesotans.

“I am proud to join this historic campaign, because Americans are ready for change, and Hillary Clinton has the strength and experience to deliver it from day one,” Humphrey said. “We’re going to run an aggressive, grassroots campaign, and I’m excited about the outpouring of support we are seeing for Hillary across the state.”

Jonathan Beeton, a Midwest native, brings his 14 years of communications experience to the Hillary Clinton for President campaign.  Jonathan began his career in the Clinton Administration and most recently served as a communications director for several members of the House of Representatives.  His previous campaign experience includes the 1996, 2000, and 2004 presidential campaigns.

Hillary's Reviews Are In: Hillary Clinton At The Nevada Debate

Hillary's Reviews Are In: 'So Strong,' 'Turned It On,' 'Very Successful'

MSNBC’s Chris Matthews – Hillary was 'so strong tonight… she’s playing on the varsity team' “She behaved as if she won the Democratic nomination already. That those two partners with her tonight were her adjutants, her allies already. She has won it. She was so strong tonight in skipping past the intramurals to the varsity. She’s playing on the varsity team tonight… [her] attack on the president was so dramatic, so powerful, referring to his pathetic effort to try to jawbone the prices down by the middle east oil potentates, made the president look small tonight. She was running as his stronger successor, I might put it, tonight. It was powerful stuff and I wonder if these guys were ready for it. I don't think they were, to take her on tonight, Keith. I thought it was a strong performance tonight. Something else to watch.” [MSNBC, 1/15/08]

Reno Gazette Journal’s Anjeanette Damon – HRC ‘seizes on the moment’ on Yucca Mountain. “The Inevitable Yucca Mountain question is broached: Hillary Clinton seizes on the moment to go after both Barack Obama, pointing out that he has taken large campaign contributions from the nuclear industry in his state, and John Edwards, pointing out that he voted in favor of the project before turning against it.”  [Reno Gazette Journal, 1/15/08]

NBC News’ Andrea Mitchell – Hillary 'had passion' gave a ‘very successful’ performance. “Well the strategy was clearly to run against Bush and by doing that she becomes the presumptive leader among these people. She was very forceful and I think effective and not in a strident way when she talked about the urgency of the mortgage crisis because she had detailed information, she had passion about it, but it wasn’t a grading thing, it was really a strong, forceful presentation. I thought that was very successful.” [MSNBC, 1/15/08]

NBC News’ Chuck Todd – ‘Clinton is ‘ the candidate who is saying all the right things.’ “Clinton is proving to be the candidate who is saying all the right things as far as Nevada is concerned.” [MSNBC First Read, 1/15/08]

ABC News’ Rick Klein – When the debate ‘turned to substance’ Hillary ‘turned it on,’ show 'depth and range.'  “On energy, an overall strong performance by Clinton. As soon as this debate turned to substance, she's turned it on… Clinton is answering the questions on the economy with depth and range”  [ABC, Political Radar, 1/15/08]

ABC News’ David Wright – Hillary got 'the better' of Obama.  “Seems like the only debate so far is over whether Obama's messy desk is a sign that he's not up to the job.  Obama arguing he has vision, but needs staff to handle the . . .  Clinton did seem to get the better of him . . . Not surprising he should lose that round.”  [ABC, Political Radar, 1/15/08]

The Atlantic’s Marc Ambinder – Hillary ‘got the better of an exchange on Yucca Mountain.’ “Clinton got the better of an exchange on Yucca Mountain, making sure to drive home the point that John Edwards twice voted in favor of the nuclear waste repository.” [The Atlantic blog, 1/15/08]

Statement From Campaign Manager Patti Solis Doyle On Michigan Primary

Statement from Campaign Manager Patti Solis Doyle on Michigan Primary

“Tonight Michigan Democrats spoke loudly for a new beginning.  You spoke out for an economy that would honor the middle class, not punish it.  You spoke out for a President who will fight to create good paying jobs at a time when so many families are struggling to make ends meet.  You spoke out for an end to the war in Iraq.  You spoke out for a quality, affordable health care system that works for all Americans.

“For that, we thank you.

“Your voices matter.  And as President, Hillary Clinton will not only keep listening, but will make sure your voice is always heard.”

Hillary Clinton: NTSB Report On Minnesota’s I-35W Bridge Underscores Need To Invest In Infrastructure

Hillary Clinton: NTSB Report on Minnesota’s I-35W Bridge Underscores Need to Invest In Infrastructure

In response to a report from the NTSB showing that a design flaw caused the failure of the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis, Hillary Clinton today reemphasized the need to invest in America’s infrastructure.

“The tragic loss of life that resulted from the devastating collapse of the I-35W bridge last summer focused American’s attention on the dangers of deferring repair to our infrastructure. Knowing why the I-35W bridge failed does not close the book on America’s need for investment in our infrastructure, rather it should serve as a reminder of the work that lies ahead.

“More than a quarter of America’s bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. In Minnesota, the state is $23 billion short of where they need to be to fund performance goals–that’s $1 billion dollars short a year for the next 23 years. 

“My Rebuild America plan would help states like Minnesota with their infrastructure needs, by establishing a $10 billion Emergency Repair Fund and implementing a comprehensive structural assessment of our key roads and bridges.  Not only is rebuilding our infrastructure vital to the safety of America, our economy relies upon an infrastructure that can quickly and safely deliver products to market.”

Hillary Clinton’s Rebuild America Plan includes:

Establish a $10 billion "Emergency Repair Fund" to address the backlog of critical infrastructure repairs. There is a significant infrastructure funding gap, and it applies to everything from roads and bridges, to waterways and seaports. The under investment harms our economy and compromises our safety. There is an urgent need to repair and upgrade more than 60,000 bridges the Federal Highway Administration classifies as “structurally deficient.” Hillary will invest $10 billion over 10 years to finance the redesign and reconstruction of these structures. She will end the “repair-only-when-it-fails” policy that defers critical repairs because funding is unavailable.

Provide $250 million in "Emergency Assessment Grants" to the states to conduct immediate safety reviews of their high-priority, high-risk infrastructure assets. The Federal Highway Administration (FHA) has issued an advisory that urges state transportation departments to inspect bridges similar to the one that collapsed in Minnesota. Hillary Clinton proposes $250 million of “Emergency Assessment Grants” to help states conduct emergency infrastructure reviews of bridges and other critical infrastructure to ensure their immediate safety. These grants should be available with a priority-procurement status so they can be put to use as quickly as possible. If more funding is needed, Hillary will allow states and local governments the flexibility of using existing federal infrastructure funding.

Form a commission to carry out a comprehensive assessment of our engineering review standards so that we better prioritize needed repairs on bridges and roads. Recent events highlight the need to assess the integrity of our infrastructure and of prioritizing repairs to protect the safety of users. These events also suggest that we need to review our safety certification process and standards. The bridge collapse is only the most recent example of safety lapses. Last July, tons of concrete fell from the ceiling of Boston’s new tunnel and crushed a woman in her car. Hillary Clinton will establish a commission, under the auspices of the National Academy of Engineering, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, to review the safety certification process and standards. The commission will also address the prioritization of needed repairs to roads and bridges, and make recommendations on how best to inspect, monitor, and maintain infrastructure on an ongoing basis.

New Clinton Spanish-Language TV Ad Airing In Nevada

New Clinton Spanish-Language TV Ad Airing In Nevada
The ad highlights Hillary’s commitment to be a voice for the Latino community

LAS VEGAS, NV - The Clinton campaign today launched a new Spanish language TV ad in Nevada. The new 30-second spot, titled "La voz de los que no tienen Voz" (The voice of the voiceless) highlights Hillary’s record as an agent of change for the Latino community - fighting for healthcare, new jobs, and to put an end anti-Hispanic demagoguery.

Following is the translation of the script for the ad.

"La Voz de los que no tienen Voz"
TV: 30

[Announcer] "We, the Latinos of Nevada, want to have a better life for our families.

"This is the moment when our vote needs to be our voice."

"We need to support our friend Hillary Clinton. She is in favor of universal health insurance and economic policies that will create millions of new jobs. And Hillary has said ‘Enough is enough’ to the anti-Hispanic demagoguery. She has worked in favor of the interests of our community for decades and she always delivers.

"Hillary is the voice of those without a voice.

"Next Saturday, at 11 in the morning, let’s go out and vote for Hillary, so that we can have a better life.

"I am Hillary Clinton and I approve this message.

"Paid for by Hillary Clinton for President."

Hillary Clinton Gives Nevadans a ‘Voice’ in New TV Ad

Hillary Gives Nevadans a ‘Voice’ in New TV Ad

The Clinton campaign will launch a new television ad in Nevada tonight highlighting Hillary Clinton’s commitment to giving a voice to American families struggling in our troubled economy to obtain quality, affordable health care, realize the dream of home ownership, and give their children the future they deserve.

“Hillary Clinton is the only candidate with the strength and experience to deliver real change for Nevada and America starting from her first day in office,” said Clinton Nevada Chair Rory Reid. “Throughout her 35 year career advocating on behalf of working families, Hillary has spoken out for Americans without a voice. As President, Hillary will fight to ensure lasting change for all Americans.”

The new 30-second spot, titled “Voice,” highlights Hillary Clinton’s promise to continue her 35-year record of delivering real change that improves the daily lives of working Americans - giving a voice to children without health care, troops without body armor, and families facing foreclosures.

A complete transcript of “Voice” is included below.

Clinton: In this troubled economy…

How can so many millions of people…

…simply not be heard?

Well, I hear you.

You’re asking for healthcare that covers everyone.

Protection from losing your home

You would like to fill your tank without draining your wallet

And give your kids the future they deserve

If I am your president, I will bring more than 35 years of experience to the White House.

I will bring your voice.

Announcer: It’s about People.

Clinton:   I’m Hillary Clinton and I approve this message.

Clinton Says Her Campaign Is About Making A Difference In People’s Lives In New Ad Airing In Nevada, South Carolina

Clinton Says Her Campaign Is About Making A Difference In People’s Lives In New Ad Airing In Nevada, South Carolina

Hillary makes clear that her campaign is about making a difference in people’s lives in a new ad airing in Nevada and South Carolina today.

The 30-second spot, entitled "Listen,” comes on the heels of Hillary’s historic comeback victory in Tuesday’s New Hampshire primary.

Following is the script for the ad.

“Listen”

TV:  30

[Clinton]  “Over the last week I listened to you and in the process I found my own voice.

You helped remind everyone that politics isn’t a game. 

This campaign is about people.  About making a difference in your lives.

It’s time we had a president who stands up for all of you.”

“I’m Hillary Clinton and I approved this message.”

Clinton Statement on Gov. Richardson Withdrawal

Clinton Statement on Gov. Richardson Withdrawal

“Governor Richardson is a great public servant and a friend. He waged a hard-fought and substantive campaign, and helped drive the conversation on the great issues facing our nation. I wish him the best of luck as he continues his outstanding work in New Mexico.”

Henry Cisneros And Edward Romero Endorse Hillary for President

Henry Cisneros and Edward Romero Endorse Hillary for President
Former Richardson Supporters Cite Clinton’s Record of Delivering Results for America’s Families

Today, two prominent supporters of Governor Bill Richardson’s presidential campaign, former U.S. Ambassador Edward Romero and Henry Cisneros, the first Hispanic to serve as the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), announced their endorsements of Hillary Clinton for President today.

“These two men each in their own way broke historic ground and embody what the American dream is all about. I am honored to have their support, experience and passion behind me as I continue my conversation with American families about my bold vision for the future and my record of delivering real change for this country,” said Senator Clinton.

Cisneros served in President Bill Clinton’s administration as the Secretary of HUD from 1993 to 1997. Cisneros is credited with initiating the revitalization of many of the nation’s public housing developments and formulating policies that have contributed to today’s record homeownership rate.

“I am proud to stand with Senator Clinton because she has always stood for America’s children and families. Hillary Clinton has the right combination of passion, leadership and heart that will make her the best President,” said Cisneros. “We all need a President who can start on day one fixing the problems left in the wake of the Bush Administration.”

Former U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra Edward L. Romero, who had served as the National Finance Chair to Governor Bill Richardson’s presidential campaign, cited Senator Clinton’s record of delivering results to America’s children.

“I asked myself two questions: Who will be the best President and who can win in November? For me, the choice was clear. Senator Clinton time and again has worked hard and has a strong record of delivering real results for this country. She is best equipped to get this country back on track,” said Romero. 

Ambassador Romero has previously served on the national finance committees for the Carter and Clinton administrations as well as Vice President Al Gore. He also helped to raise money for Presidential candidate John Kerry.