2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

John Edwards For President Campaign Announces Communications Staff

JOHN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCES COMMUNICATIONS STAFF

Chapel Hill, North Carolina - The John Edwards for President campaign announced today its top communications and policy staff. The team includes veterans of numerous campaigns with years of strategic, policy, and communications experience, who will help share Senator Edwards' vision of change with the country.

The team includes:

Deputy Campaign Manager, Jonathan Prince Prince has more than fifteen years experience in strategic communications, message development, crisis management, writing, politics and government. During Senator Edwards' 2004 campaign, Prince served as Deputy Campaign Manager for Strategy and Policy. In addition to Senator Edwards' 2004 campaign, he is a veteran of both Clinton presidential campaigns.

Senior Advisor for Communications, David Ginsberg Ginsberg currently serves as Vice President at PSB. Ginsberg has held senior positions in several presidential campaigns, including Senior Advisor for Communications in the Kerry/Edwards presidential campaign. He served as Deputy Campaign Manager for Communications in Senator Edwards' 2004 presidential campaign and as Research Director of Gore/Lieberman in 2000.

Policy Director, James Kvaal

Deputy Policy Director for Domestic and Economic Policy, Heather McGhee McGhee

Deputy Policy Director for Foreign Affairs and National Security, Michael Signer

Policy Communications Coordinator, Alex Navarro. In 2004, he worked as Press Secretary for Senator Edwards' New York campaign.

National Spokesman and Senior Advisor for Communications, Mark Kornblau Kornblau will serve as Senator Edwards' traveling spokesperson.  He returns to the Edwards team after serving as Senator Edwards' Press Secretary during the 2004 general election. Kornblau has years of political experience, working as New Hampshire Communications Director for Senator Kerry's presidential primary campaign and later as a National Spokesman.

Research Director and Senior Advisor for Communications, Christina Reynolds. Reynolds was the Research Director during his 2004 presidential primary run.

Deputy Research Director, Peter Bondi

Director of Communications Planning, Candace McAdams. In 2004, she worked on Senator John Kerry's presidential campaign.

Deputy Director of Communications Planning, Teresa Wells. Previously, Wells worked on the presidential efforts of Senators John Kerry and Bill Bradley.

Deputy Press Secretary, Andrea Purse

Deputy Press Secretary, Jenni Lee
During the 2004 campaign, she worked as Assistant to the Campaign Manager for the Vice Presidential nominee.

National Press Secretary, Eric Schultz
In 2004, Schultz was the New Hampshire Communications Director for the Kerry/Edwards campaign and the New Hampshire Deputy Communications Director for the Kerry campaign during the primaries.

Deputy National Press Secretary, Kate Bedingfield
She worked on the Kerry-Edwards general election campaign.

Director of Internet Operations, Aaron Myers Myers was Director of Internet Development for the Kerry/Edwards campaign.  He was also Internet Director for Senator Edwards during the 2004 primaries.  Myers was Senior Web Producer for Gore/Lieberman in 2000.

Senior Advisor for Online Communications, Mathew Gross Gross was Director of Internet Communications for Governor Howard Dean's presidential campaign in 2003 and 2004.

Senior Advisor for Online Communications, Ryan Montoya During the 2004 general election, Montoya served as Mrs. Edwards' Trip Director.  In 2000, he served Vice President Gore in several capacities, including Director of Advance in New Hampshire and Director of Scheduling and Advance for Vice-Presidential nominee Senator Joe Lieberman.  Montoya worked also on Clinton/Gore '96. 

Director of Online Communications and Organizing, Ben Brandzel
He worked as an organizer on Governor Howard Dean's 2004 presidential campaign. 

Online Communications Manager, Tracy Russo

Senior Advisor, Jennifer Palmieri
Palmieri, who served as National Press Secretary in the 2004 Edwards for President campaign will be an advisor to the campaign.

Edwards Support Strong in South Carolina

Edwards Support Strong in South Carolina
More than 50 Democratic leaders endorse John Edwards for President

Columbia, South Carolina - Today, the John Edwards for President campaign announced that more than 50 Democratic leaders from across South Carolina endorsed Senator John Edwards for President.  Building on Edwards' already strong base of support in his home state, South Carolina leaders from all levels of government joined his campaign, believing that Edwards is the best candidate for President.

"I am honored to have the support of all of these great South Carolina leaders," said Edwards.  "I look forward to campaigning in South Carolina and working with them over the upcoming weeks and months to share my vision of change with South Carolina voters."

State Senate Minority Leader John Land: "Senator Edwards chalked up an overwhelming victory in South Carolina in our last presidential primary and will win South Carolina once again."

State Representative Bill Clyburn: "I am proud to support John Edwards and his wife, Elizabeth.  John Edwards is the one candidate laying out specific proposals to help the people of South Carolina, his home state."

Mayor Bob Coble of Columbia: "It is imperative that South Carolina Democrats nominate a candidate who will bring bold new leadership to address the challenges our country faces."

John Edwards Announces Iowa Communications Director

JOHN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES IOWA COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Iowa Team Continues To Grow With The Addition of Dan Leistikow

Des Moines, Iowa – John Edwards for President announced today that Dan Leistikow will serve as Iowa Communications Director, adding another staffer to its strong Iowa campaign team.
Leistikow joins Team Iowa after serving in Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle’s administration. He joined Governor Doyle’s staff in 2003 as Press Secretary, and has been the Governor’s Communications Director since 2004. Leistikow also worked on Governor Doyle’s successful reelection effort – one of the most competitive gubernatorial contests in the nation.

“Dan understands the issues important to voters in Midwestern states like Iowa after working with them every day for years," said Edwards. "I am excited to have him join my campaign.”

Elizabeth Edwards

Elizabeth and I are so grateful for your prayers and wishes. Your support means a great deal to us during this difficult time.

As you may have heard, yesterday we found out that Elizabeth's breast cancer is back, but confined mainly to her bones. Although this isn't the news we wanted to hear, we are very optimistic. Having been through many struggles together in the past, we know that the key is to keep your head up, keep moving and be strong. And that's exactly what we intend to do.

Elizabeth and I have been married for nearly 30 years and we will be in this every step of the way together. We will keep a positive attitude and always look for the silver lining—that's what we do.

Although the cancer is no longer curable, it is treatable, and many patients in similar circumstances have lived full, energetic lives. We expect nothing less for Elizabeth. She expects to do all the things next week that she did last week.

Our campaign goes on and it goes on strongly. We are so proud of the campaign we are running—a campaign based on ideas and reaching out to people. This campaign is not about me or Elizabeth—it's about all the people we have met these past few years and people like them all across America and the world—people worried about feeding and clothing their kids; people without health care; people facing hardships overseas.

Both of us are committed to this campaign. We're committed to this cause and we're committed to changing this country we love so much.

Thank you again for your support and for standing with us.

John Edwards

John Edwards Announces Bold Energy Plan

EDWARDS ANNOUNCES BOLD ENERGY PLAN
Plan will halt global warming and create a new energy economy

Nevada, Iowa – In a speech today at the Biomass Energy Conversion Center, Senator John Edwards outlined a bold plan for America to achieve energy independence and halt global warming.  Under Edwards’ plan, America can lead the world in stopping climate change, create 1 million new jobs in a new, clean energy economy and freeze our growing demand for electricity.

“Our generation must be the one that says, ‘we must halt global warming,’” said Edwards. “If we don’t act now, it will be too late. Our generation must be the one that says ‘yes’ to alternative, renewable fuels and ends forever our dependence on foreign oil. Our generation must be the one that accepts responsibility for conserving natural resources and demands the tools to do it. And our generation must be the one that builds the New Energy Economy. It won’t be easy, but it is time to ask the American people to be patriotic about something other than war.”

Edwards believes that with American ingenuity and resolve we can turn the crisis of global warming into an opportunity -- ending our dependence on foreign oil and creating a new energy economy that embraces innovation, brings rural communities back to life and creates new, good-paying jobs.

The Edwards Plan halts global warming, achieves energy independence and jumpstarts a new energy economy by:

Capping greenhouse gas pollution starting in 2010 with a cap-and-trade system, and reducing it by 15 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050, as the latest science says is needed to avoid the worst impacts of global warming.

Leading the world to a new climate treaty that commits other countries—including developing nations—to reduce their pollution.  Edwards will insist that developing countries join us in this effort, offering to share new clean energy technology and, if necessary, using trade agreements to require binding greenhouse reductions.

Creating a New Energy Economy Fund by auctioning off $10 billion in greenhouse pollution permits and repealing subsidies for big oil companies.  The fund will support U.S. research and development in energy technology, help entrepreneurs start new businesses, invest in new carbon-capture and efficient automobile technology and help Americans conserve energy. 

Meeting the demand for more electricity through efficiency for the next decade, instead of producing more electricity.

Edwards Statement On California Moving Its Primary

EDWARDS STATEMENT ON CALIFORNIA MOVING ITS PRIMARY TO FEBRUARY 5TH, 2008

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Senator John Edwards released the following statement today about California moving the date of its presidential primary to February 5th, 2008.

“California’s economic, social and ethnic diversity brings a valuable perspective to the nominating process and I am always glad for the opportunity to spend more time talking to Californians about their concerns and their hopes for the future.”

John Edwards Announces Senior Iowa Staff

JOHN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES SENIOR IOWA STAFF
Iowa Team Features Experienced Caucus and Campaign Staff

Des Moines, Iowa – Building on the momentum from Senator John Edwards' series of community meetings on health care with Iowa caucus goers last week, the campaign announced today the addition of key staff members in Iowa.  The staff includes veterans of numerous campaigns, who have years of experience working in the caucuses.

“I am proud to have such a strong staff in Iowa to share my vision for America with caucus goers,” said Edwards.  “I plan to campaign hard in Iowa and look forward to talking with Iowans about the big challenges facing our nation and how we can meet them together.”

The Iowa staff is led by State Director Jennifer O’Malley, who was Edwards’ Iowa Field Director during the 2004 caucuses.  She most recently worked as campaign manager for Congressman Jim Davis' gubernatorial campaign in Florida.  She has worked on numerous campaigns, including as Deputy Campaign Manager for Senator Tom Daschle's re-election campaign and Field Director for South Dakota Senator Tim Johnson's winning re-election campaign.

The Iowa staff includes: 

Jackie Lee — Iowa Field Director
Pat Maloney — Iowa Political Director
Matt McGrath — Iowa Trip Director
Mark McCullough – Iowa Deputy Press Secretary
Zach Wineburg – Iowa Deputy Field Director
Chris Fields — Surrogate Trip Director for Iowa
Melanie Muenzer — Iowa Operations Director
Andy Zabel — Iowa Regional Field Director
Andy Zabel, a native of Humboldt, Iowa, graduated from the University of Iowa. Zabel’s campaign experience includes 
Chad Horrell — Iowa Regional Field Director
Elizabeth Lucas — Iowa Regional Field Director                                                            
Pam Danielson — Iowa Regional Field Director                                                               
Jessica Jones — Iowa Regional Field Director 

Chris Bell Endorses John Edwards For President

CHRIS BELL ENDORSES JOHN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT

Chapel Hill, North Carolina - The John Edwards for President campaign announced today that former congressman and 2006 Texas gubernatorial candidate Chris Bell endorsed Senator John Edwards as the Democratic nominee for President.

"I am proud to have Chris Bell's support," said Edwards. "He is a charismatic leader and a powerful voice for Texas Democrats. I look forward to working with him, so we can move our country forward."

"I am pleased to announce my endorsement of John Edwards for President. Having traveled the state in my run for governor in 2006, I know what Texas Democrats are looking for in a candidate and a leader, and John Edwards is it. If we want to take back the White House, we need a candidate who can fight and win everywhere in the country, including here in Texas. I am convinced that nobody will work harder for the values that Texas Democrats believe in, especially by fighting every day for people who work for a living."

North Carolina Democratic Congressional Delegation Endorses John Edwards For President

NORTH CAROLINA DEMOCRATIC CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION ENDORSES JOHN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT

Chapel Hill, North Carolina - The John Edwards for President campaign announced today that all seven members of North Carolina's Democratic Congressional delegation are endorsing Senator John Edwards for President.

The seven North Carolina congressmen endorsing Edwards are Congressman G.K Butterfield (D-1st), Congressman Bob Etheridge (D-2nd), Congressman David Price (D-4th), Congressman Mike McIntyre (D-7th), Congressman Heath Shuler (D-11th), Congressman Mel Watt (D-12th) and Congressman Brad Miller (D-13th).

"I am proud to have the support of these outstanding members of Congress," said Edwards. "They work each and every day to bring North Carolina common sense to Washington and to represent the people of our great state with dignity and honor. I value both their ideas and their friendship and thank them for their support."

Congressman Price endorsed Edwards saying, "The North Carolina delegation unanimously supports John's candidacy because we know his character, leadership ability, and commitment to our country. John's vision for our country is one of opportunity and common sense solutions to the challenges we face. He'll be an effective President, and we look forward to helping put a great North Carolinian in the White House."

Congressman Watt said, "I've known John for years and support his commitment to helping Americans climb the economic ladder. He has been in close contact with poor and working people and has studied the issues that impact them. It's a new way of approaching a presidential campaign - from the bottom up, rather than from the top down - and his success will set a wonderful precedent for how future presidential campaigns are run."

John Edwards Campaign Announces Nevada Staff

JOHN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCES NEVADA STAFF

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Today, the John Edwards for President campaign announced its senior Nevada staff, which will oversee all of the campaign’s operations in Nevada in preparation for the 2008 caucuses. The staff includes veterans of numerous political campaigns, including the 2004 Iowa presidential caucuses.  Their years of caucus experience will be tremendous assets to the campaign as it organizes for the Nevada caucuses.

The campaign announced that Bill Hyers would serve as the Nevada State Director.  Hyers has important experience organizing caucus-goers, having worked for Senator Edwards’ 2004 campaign in Iowa.  He most recently worked as Campaign Manager for Kristen Gillibrand’s successful congressional campaign in New York’s 20th district, defeating an incumbent Republican congressman. In 2004, Hyers also worked as the Coordinated Campaign Director in Alaska.  He has run numerous ballot initiatives and mayoral races.

The campaign also announced the following staff:

Roberto Rodriguez, Nevada Political Director, Preston Elliot, Nevada Field Director, Oscar Lopez, Nevada Trip Director, and Kelly Harlow, Nevada Regional Field Director.