2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Philadelphia Mayor John Street, Rep. Joe Sestak Endorse Clinton

Philadelphia Mayor John Street, Rep. Joe Sestak Endorse Clinton
Local Officials, Community Leaders Also Back Hillary

The Clinton Campaign today announced the endorsement of Philadelphia Mayor John F. Street, Congressman Joe Sestak and several leading local officials and community leaders.

“Senator Clinton is a progressive leader who has served the people of our country with dedication and passion for over 30 years,” Mayor Street said.  “She will be a strong advocate for our nation’s cities, and I endorse her candidacy for president.”

Elected in 1999, Mayor Street launched an ambitious effort called the Neighborhood Transformation Initiative to revitalize local communities by eliminating blight and decayed properties, developing affordable and market-rate housing, and cleaning and securing city streets. Mayor Street also focused on improving the lives of the city’s children, forming the Philadelphia Children’s Commission, developing after-school programming, supporting education reforms and creating programs to reduce truancy.

Prior to his election as mayor, Street served 20 years on the Philadelphia City Council and was chosen unanimously by its members to serve as president in 1992 and 1996. As Council President, Mayor Street was known for his expertise on a range of issues including city budgeting and fiscal matters, housing, education and crime.  Working with then-Mayor Edward G. Rendell, Mayor Street helped craft and implement a financial plan that turned a $250 million deficit into the largest surplus in city history.

“I’m honored to have the support of Mayor Street and these local leaders,” Clinton said. “With their help, we’ll take our message of change across Pennsylvania.”

PHILADELPHIA-AREA LEADERS ENDORSING HILLARY CLINTON TODAY:

Mayor John F. Street
Congressman Joe Sestak
City Controller Alan Butkovitz
State Senator Connie Williams
State Representative Jewel Williams
Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham
City Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell
City Councilman Frank DiCicco
City Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller
Former Congressman Joe Hoeffel
Asia Coney, President, Resident Advisory Board
Carl Green, Executive Director, Philadelphia Housing Authority

Clinton Names Iowa Campaign Co-Chairs

Clinton Names Iowa Campaign Co-Chairs
25 Co-Chairs to Lead Clinton’s Iowa Effort

DES MOINES, IA – Senator Hillary Clinton announced the Co-Chairs of Iowans for Hillary. Hillary Clinton will be in Iowa next week with former President Bill Clinton on their “Ready for Change, Ready to Lead Tour.” For more information on the events, please go to www.HillaryClinton.com/Iowa or call 515-282-5307.

“It is a tremendous honor to have the support of these great Iowans in my effort to bring change and lead our nation forward,” said Clinton. “These leaders bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our campaign.”

“Senator Clinton is ready to hit the ground running on her first day in the Oval Office,” said State Senator Roger Stewart of Preston. “She is the most qualified candidate to be President.”

“Hillary Clinton’s experience makes her the best person to lead us out of the war in Iraq, make health care a reality for millions of uninsured Americans and restore America’s standing in the world,” said former Lieutenant Governor Sally Pederson.

The 25 Co-Chairs are:

• Des Moines Activist Tom Baccam
• State Senator Bill Dotzler of Waterloo
• Former Dallas County Democrats Chair Mickey Carlson and Activist Pam Duffy
• Agency Activist Bonnie Eggers
• State Senator Gene Fraise of Fort Madison
• Mayor Kay Halloran of Cedar Rapids
• Past-President of Iowa College Democrats and University of Iowa Democrats Megan Heneke of Spirit Lake
• Bloomfield Activist Cheryll Jones
• Donnellson Labor Activist John Kemper
• Des Moines Community and Business Leaders Bill Knapp and Susan Knapp
• State Representative Mark Kuhn of Charles City
• State Representative Mary Mascher of Iowa City
• Former Lieutenant Governor candidate Dr. Andy McGuire of Des Moines
• AFSCME President of Local 3000 Miguel Moreno and Activist Juanita Moreno of Glenwood
• Former Lieutenant Governor and Iowa Democratic Party Chair Sally Pederson
• Cedar Rapids Activist Alfred Ramirez
• President of Hawkeye Labor Council and Cedar Rapids City Council Member Justin Shields
• State Senator Roger Stewart of Preston
• Burlington City Council Member Garry Thomas
• Former Iowa First Lady Christie Vilsack
• State Representative Roger Wendt and former educator Anita Wendt of Sioux City

The campaign previously named former Governor Tom Vilsack as a National Co-Chair and Bonnie Campbell and Jerry Crawford as Midwest Co-Chairs.

Clinton Campaign Announces National Hispanic Leadership Council

Clinton Campaign Announces National Hispanic Leadership Council
Leaders From Across The Country Will Guide Campaign Outreach Efforts

Hillary Clinton today announced the formation of the campaign’s National Hispanic Leadership Council and named its Executive Committee, demonstrating her growing support among the Hispanic community. Clinton made the announcement in Orlando, Florida, where she is participating in a Presidential Forum during the 24th Annual Conference of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO).

The Executive Committee, comprised of national and local leaders from across the country, will serve as an advisory board for the campaign on issues important to the Latino community and will play an active role reaching out and organizing Hispanics in their communities and across the country.

“The support for Hillary Clinton in the Latino community continues to grow,” said Raul Yzaguirre, Campaign Co-Chair and Chair of Hispanic Outreach efforts. “I first met Hillary Clinton when she was registering voters in South Texas, and her commitment to public service continues today. Whether it’s fighting for universal health care, making college more accessible or creating better job opportunities, her record on issues important to Latinos speaks for itself. I am proud to support Hillary, and to be joined by such a strong group of leaders working on her behalf.”

“I support Hillary Clinton because she is the candidate that will help create opportunities to empower our communities across America,” said New York Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez. “Hillary has consistently supported proposals that help strengthen the middle class and working families. In New York, I have witnessed her work to launch economic development initiatives to provide critical resources to small and micro businesses and helped launch a private sector initiative called New Jobs for New York that makes venture capital available to New York's innovators, many of whom are Latinos.”

“I am proud to support Hillary Clinton for President,” said Florida State Rep. Luis García. “As a life-long firefighter and former Fire Chief, I know the true meaning of public service and Hillary embodies that concept. Our country is ready for her strong leadership that will take our country in a new direction.”

“I am honored to be joined by so many leaders that have dedicated their lives to advocating for better education for our children, access to health care, civil and voting rights and advancing economic opportunities not only for Latinos, but for all Americans,” Clinton said. “With their support, we will continue taking our message of change across the country.”

A USA Today/Gallup poll released this week found that among Hispanic voters, Hillary Clinton leads the primary field by 46 points. Hillary Clinton has fought for many issues important to the Latino community, including education, health care, economic opportunities and a fair and humane immigration reform.

NATIONAL HISPANIC LEADERSHIP COUNCIL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Antonio Villaraigosa, Los Angeles Mayor, and National Campaign Chair
Fabián Núñez, California Assembly Speaker
Senator Robert Menendez, New Jersey
Rep. José Serrano (NY-16)
Rep. Nydia Velázquez (NY-12)
Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (CA-38)
Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34)
Rep. Albio Sires (NJ-13)
Raúl Martínez, former Mayor of Hialeah
State Rep. Luis García (FL)
State Rep. Darren Soto (FL)
Houston Councilwoman Carol Alvarado
Lillye Ramos Spooner, Community Activist, Epsom, NH
Raul Yzaguirre, Former President, National Council of La Raza
Dolores Huerta, Co-Founder, United Farm Workers Union, Human Rights Activist
Eddie Escobedo, President, El Mundo, NV
Adriana Martinez, Former President, Nevada Democratic Party
Robert Gomez, President, Magic Brite Janitorial, NV

HISPANIC LEADERSHIP COUNCIL IN IOWA

Miguel Moreno, President, AFSCME Local 3000, Glenwood
Alfred Ramirez, Former Executive Director, White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans, Cedar Rapids

HillCam To Follow Hillary And Bill Clinton As They Travel In Iowa

Coming to Iowa…HillCam
Supporters Can Sign Up For Exclusive Behind The Scenes Footage of the Clintons on the Campaign Trail in Iowa

The Clinton campaign is offering supporters an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Clintons’ 4th of July trip through Iowa next week, with a new addition to the campaign trail--The HillCam.

The HillCam will follow Hillary and Bill Clinton as they travel from Des Moines to Davenport, capturing their spontaneous and unscripted moments. Taking supporters beyond the soundbites, the HillCam will offer an unvarnished look at the Clintons’ first joint-campaigning of the 2008 race.

The HillCam is Clinton’s latest groundbreaking effort on the Internet. Hillary’s web video send-up of the “Sopranos” finale announcing her campaign song drew several million views on the Internet. More than 200,000 votes were cast online and 25,000 wrote-in to suggest their own song choices.

To view a HillCam preview and sign up for access to HillCam footage and updates, visit: www.hillaryclinton.com/hillcam

Throughout the campaign, Clinton has engaged Americans in new and innovative ways. She launched her candidacy with an online announcement and held a series of live video web chats with voters across the country. Since then, she has launched a text messaging program to reach supporters on their mobile phones and posted HillCast web videos on a range of policy proposals. The campaign has also launched www.HillaryHub.com to serve as a central repository for news, blogs and videos about Hillary’s candidacy.

Wisconsin Lt. Governor Lawton Joins Clinton Team

Wisconsin Lt. Governor Lawton Joins Clinton Team
Lawton will serve as a Midwest Campaign Co-Chair

The Clinton Campaign today announced that Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton will serve as Co-Chair of the Midwest Region and a Co-Chair of the campaign's Wisconsin effort.

"Senator Clinton comes uniquely prepared to lead our nation in these complex times," Lawton said. "For the United States to compete successfully in a global knowledge economy, we need a president with a bold vision that draws us all into the equation for prosperity."

"Senator Clinton will restore our country's standing in the world and drive the American economy forward. This is more than an endorsement. This is a promise. I will work hard, alongside thousands of my fellow Wisconsinites to deliver Wisconsin, the battleground of battlegrounds, for Senator Clinton."

"Barbara Lawton's leadership has helped drive Wisconsin's economic growth and expanded opportunities for everyone," Clinton said. "I'm honored that she will help lead our efforts in Wisconsin and throughout the Midwest."

Minnesota Leaders Endorse Clinton

Minnesota Leaders Endorse Clinton
Hillary Clinton received the endorsements of more than 40 leading Minnesota officials and community leaders today.

"I sat next to Senator Clinton for six years in the Senate Chamber and I saw her experience, dedication and tremendous ability at work for all Americans," said former Senator Mark Dayton. "I know that she will be our party’s best nominee and our country’s best President."

Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner said Hillary has the focus and resiliency needed to be President. "Americans are ready for change, and Hillary Clinton is the only candidate with the experience to do the job from her first day in office."

"I am grateful for the overwhelming support I’ve received in Minnesota," Clinton said. "With the help of these local leaders, we’ll take our message of change across the state and this nation."

Leading Minnesotans Endorsing Hillary Today:

Mark Dayton, Former US Senator
Susan Gaertner, Ramsey County Attorney
Sandy Pappas, State Senator
Nora Slawik, State Representative
Sandra Peterson, State Representative
Barbara Johnson, President, Minneapolis City Council
Gary Schiff, Minneapolis City Council Member
Lisa Goodman, Minneapolis City Council Member
Dave Thune, St. Paul City Council Member, and Susan Thune, RN
Colleen Landkamer, President, National Association of Counties; Blue Earth County Commissioner
Ann Wynia, Former House Majority Leader
Matt Entenza, Former House Democratic Leader
Ember Reichgott Junge, Former Senate Assistant Majority Leader
Joan Anderson Growe, Former Minnesota Secretary of State
Emily Anne Staples Tuttle, Former State Senator
Carol Flynn, Former State Senator
Gordon O. Voss, Former State Representative
Al Patton, Former State Representative
Koryne Horbal, Former Ambassador to U.N.
Betty Folliard, Co-owner Strategy Partners; Former MN State Representative
Tom Foley, Former Ramsey and Washington County Attorney
Joan Niemiec, Former Minneapolis City Council Member
Vance Opperman, President, Key Investments
Lois Quam, Business Leader
Melanie Benjamin, Chief Executive, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
Mohamed Jibrell, Somali Community Leader
Hubert "Buck" Humphrey
Jackie Stevenson, DNC Member
Rick Stafford, DNC Member, Chair of the DNC's LGBT Caucus
Elsa Leven, MN DFL Latino Caucus
Mari Urness Pokornowski, Co-Chair DFL State Platform Commission
Lynn Wilson, Chair, Olmsted County DFL
Tammy Tesky, Vice President, DFL Feminist Caucus
Megan Thomas, Former Chair, Stonewall DFL
Cheryl Poling, DFL Party Activist
Ruth Usem, Community Activist
M. Kathleen Murphy, Women's Rights Activist
Bill Pohlad, Film Producer & Michelle Grabanski Pohlad, Social Activist
Susan Burns, Attorney
Paul Cassidy, Minneapolis
Jill Sletten, Public Policy Consultant
Andrew Luger, Attorney; Former Candidate, Hennepin County Attorney and Ellen Goldberg Luger
Sarah Youngerman, Minneapolis
Rebecca Yanisch, Former MN Commissioner of Trade and Economic Development
Lori L. Jacobwith, Consultant
Patsy Green, Robbinsdale Area School Board Director
Amy K. Rotenberg, Communications Consultant, and Mark B. Rotenberg, University General Counsel
Paula Maccabee, Former St. Paul City Council Member, and Paul Maccabee, President, The Maccabee Group

Iowans for Hillary Announce Event Stops for Clintons’ Upcoming Iowa Trip

Iowans for Hillary Announce Event Stops for Clintons’ Upcoming Iowa Trip

The Hillary Clinton for President campaign today announced the cities Senator Clinton and former President Clinton plan to visit during their upcoming visit to Iowa.

This trip will mark the first time the Senator and former President hit the campaign trail together since Senator Clinton announced her candidacy in the 2008 presidential election. Below is a list of dates and the cities the Clintons will visit. 

Monday, July 2, 2007

Des Moines

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Iowa City
Davenport

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Clear Lake
Waterloo
Cedar Rapids

Clinton Web Video Traffic Shatters Campaign Record

CLINTON WEB VIDEO DRAWS HUGE ONLINE RESPONSE, WEBSITE TRAFFIC SHATTERS CAMPAIGN RECORD

More than 500,000 Visit Site After Launch of “Sopranos” Web Video Announcing Online Song Contest Winner

More than half a million people flooded Hillary Clinton’s campaign website yesterday, fueled by a popular online video announcing the winner of Clinton’s campaign song contest. The number of visitors surpassed the previous campaign record set on the day Clinton announced her candidacy.

Clinton’s latest web video features a send up of the “Sopranos” series finale, featuring Hillary and Bill Clinton in a diner discussing the possible winners of her online song competition. You can watch the video at www.hillaryclinton.com

“We are excited by the tremendous response we’ve seen online for our song contest,” said Clinton Campaign Internet Director Peter Daou. “Hillary has charted a fresh course online, using the Internet in creative ways to engage people and bring new voters into the process.”

The online song competition was Clinton’s latest groundbreaking effort on the Internet. Two web videos announcing the competition and the campaign song finalists drew over 1 million views on YouTube and the campaign’s website. More than 200,000 votes were cast online and 25,000 wrote-in to suggest their own song choices.

Throughout the campaign, Clinton has engaged Americans in new and innovative ways. She launched her candidacy with an online announcement and held a series of live video web chats with voters across the country. Since then, she has launched a text messaging program to reach supporters on their mobile phones and posted HillCast web videos on a range of policy proposals. Hillary’s online petitions on a phased withdrawal from Iraq, voting reform and her calls for Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez’s resignation have drawn hundreds of thousands of signatures. And the campaign has launched www.HillaryHub.com to serve as a central repository for news, blogs and videos about Hillary’s candidacy.

And The Winner Is "You and I" By Celine Dion

AND THE WINNER IS… 

Hillary Clinton announced the winner of her online song competition in a web video released today. 

“I want to thank the thousands of people who wrote in with fantastic suggestions and engaged with us online,” Clinton said. “It was a tough choice, but you’ll be hearing many of these great songs at rallies across the country. And now, without further delay, the winner is…” 

Go to www.hillaryclinton.com to watch the video and find out what song Hillary chose as her official campaign anthem. 

BY THE NUMBERS 

1,000,000+: Number of views of Hillary’s two web videos announcing the song contest on YouTube and her website 

200,000+: Number of votes for Hillary’s official campaign song 

25,000+: Number of song write-in suggestions on Hillary’s website

Florida Rep. Kendrick Meek Endorses Clinton

Florida Rep. Kendrick Meek Endorses Clinton
Meek Will Serve as Senior Advisor

The Clinton Campaign today announced the endorsement of Florida Congressman Kendrick Meek and named him a Senior Advisor to the Senator and her campaign.

“Senator Hillary Clinton is the Democratic candidate with the perfect blend of leadership, talent and intellect to lead our nation in a new direction.  It is my honor to endorse Senator Hillary Clinton to be our next president,” Meek said. “I am pleased to accept Senator Clinton’s offer to serve as her Senior Advisor, and will work to help her win this campaign.  Where Hillary Clinton needs me, I will go and deliver her message of hope and opportunity to all Americans.  Ending the war in Iraq, tackling the inequities in our health care system, breaking our dependency on foreign oil – that is Hillary Clinton’s agenda and I will work tirelessly to help her achieve these goals.”

“Kendrick is a rising star and the future of our party,” Clinton said.  “I’m honored to have his support, and fortunate to have him advising me on policy and campaign strategy.  I look forward to working together as we tackle the challenges facing America at home and abroad.”