2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Connie Binsfeld Endorses Governor Mitt Romney

FORMER LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF MICHIGAN CONNIE BINSFELD ENDORSES GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY

Boston, MA – Today, former Michigan Lieutenant Governor Connie Binsfeld, announced her endorsement of Governor Mitt Romney.  Joining her in making today's endorsement is her husband, John Binsfeld.

"Governor Romney is the leader our country needs," said Lt. Governor Binsfeld.  "He is committed to strengthening our economy and adding jobs to the workforce, critical issues for the people of Michigan.  Additionally, Governor Romney has a proven record on the issues facing our nation.  He'll keep taxes low, cut government spending, and reform healthcare.  With Governor Romney, Americans know they have an exceptional leader with a proven record of results."

Governor Romney added, "I am honored to have the support of former Lt. Governor Binsfeld and her husband, John.  She is a leader who understands that those elected to public service must act with the highest ethical standards.  She shares my passion for strong families, creating jobs, and keeping more money in the pockets of hardworking families.  I look forward to joining them on the campaign trail in Michigan."

Governor Romney has the support of more Republican elected and grassroots officials in Michigan than any other Republican presidential candidate.  Having grown up in Michigan, he has a unique understanding of the issues facing those living in the state.  His proven record of leadership demonstrates that he is the candidate who can best solve the challenges facing our nation.

Governor Romney Announces His Fiscal Discipline Policy Advisory Group

GOVERNOR ROMNEY ANNOUNCES HIS FISCAL DISCIPLINE POLICY ADVISORY GROUP

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced the Romney for President Fiscal Discipline Policy Advisory Group.  This group of men and women will be tasked with advising Governor Romney on strategies to cut government spending and reform government programs.

The Fiscal Discipline Policy Advisory Group will be chaired by Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC), a Senior Adviser to Governor Romney and a leading fiscal conservative in the United States Senate.

"Changing Washington begins with Republicans advocating fiscal discipline and smaller government.  We need to take Washington apart and put it back together based on sound conservative, fiscally responsible principles," said Governor Romney.  "The men and women of this group bring years of oversight and management experience that will help us find ways to cut the size of government and make it more efficient."   

Governor Romney has outlined several initiatives to bring fiscal discipline back to Washington.  In March 2007, Governor Romney proposed a strong agenda to restrain government spending.  As President, he has pledged to veto non-defense discretionary appropriations bills that grow spending at a rate greater than inflation minus one percent (CPI-1%).  This will save $300 billion over 10 years.  Governor Romney will also review and reevaluate all federal spending programs to eliminate wasteful spending.  He also supports giving the President the same line-item vetoing authority he used so many times as Governor of Massachusetts.

As Chair of the Fiscal Discipline Policy Advisory Group, Senator DeMint said, "Governor Romney has spoken forcefully for the need for change in Washington.  That change begins with Republicans returning to the fundamental conservative principles of fiscal responsibility.  Government should be smaller and the American people should be taxed less.  Governor Romney is the right candidate to cut spending because he's already done it."

The Romney For President Fiscal Discipline Policy Advisory Group:

Senator Jim DeMint (Chair):

Governor Donald L. Carcieri:

Congressman Dave Camp:

Congressman John Campbell:

Roger B. Porter:

Former Congressman Vin Weber:  Currently a Director of Citizens Against Government Waste, Vin Weber served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1981 to 1993, representing Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District.  He currently serves as Chairman of the National Endowment for Democracy and as chief executive officer of Clark & Weinstock.  Mr. Weber sits on the Board of the Council on Foreign Relations, the U.S. Secretary of State's Advisory Committee on Democracy Promotion, and co-chaired a major independent task force on U.S. Policy Toward Reform in the Arab World.  He has counseled numerous Presidential campaigns, and in 2004, was the Bush-Cheney '04 Plains States Regional Chairman.  Prior to opening Clark & Weinstock's Washington office in 1994, Mr. Weber was president of Empower America.  Mr. Weber currently serves as the chief policy adviser to Governor Romney.

Barbara Anderson: 

Donna Arduin:

Dr. Ed Harper: 

Chris Jenny:

Brian Reardon:

David B. Struhs:

Romney For President Launches New Radio Ad, "Tax Pledge"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW RADIO AD, "TAX PLEDGE"

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President launched its newest radio ad, "Tax Pledge."  The ad highlights Governor Romney's pledge to oppose any attempt to raise taxes on the American people.  Governor Romney is the only major candidate for President to have signed the "Taxpayer Protection Pledge."  He has also proposed a bold agenda to decrease taxes on the American people.  He will permanently eliminate the death tax, roll back tax rates across the board and make savings tax free for middle class Americans.  For lower taxes and smaller government, change begins with Republicans.

The ad will begin airing as part of the campaign's rotation today New Hampshire.  Script and viewing links are below.

Script For "Tax Pledge" (Radio:60):

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "It started in New Hampshire. It's the Tax Pledge.

"For years, conservative candidates for President signed their name on the dotted line pledging to oppose tax increases.

"I'm Mitt Romney. I'm proud to be the only major candidate for President to sign the Tax Pledge. The others have not.

"I signed the Tax Pledge because I want everyone to know where I stand. We've got to get taxes down and grow our economy.

"I believe it's not fair that you have to pay taxes when you earn your money, when you save your money, and when you die.

"That's why I'll kill the death tax once and for all and roll back tax rates across the board.

"And savings?  When I'm President, for every middle class American, the new tax rate on your interest, dividends, and capital gains will be absolutely zero.

"I stood firm to roll back taxes as Governor. I'll roll back taxes as President.

"I'm Mitt Romney and I approved this message because on taxes – Change Begins With Us."

ANNOUNCER:  "Paid for by Romney for President – MittRomney.com."

Romney For President Totals Over $18 Million In Total Receipts For The Third Quarter

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT TOTALS OVER $18 MILLION IN TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE THIRD QUARTER
$62 Million In Total Receipts For The Year

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President announced it is expected to report over $18 million in total receipts for the Third Quarter, ending September 30, 2007.  The Campaign again opted to raise no general election funds and is expected to report $10 million in primary contributions.  The total receipts include Governor Romney's loan of $8.5 million.

For the first nine months of this year, Romney for President has total receipts of $62 million.  Governor Romney's message of conservative change and returning to conservative principles in Washington is resonating with people from across the country as his support continues to build.

In the Third Quarter, Romney for President focused on growing its base of grassroots supporters and contributors.  For the year, Romney for President will report more than 100,000 contributors to Governor Romney's effort.  In the Third Quarter, Governor Romney focused on meeting voters across the country in political forums.  He won the Iowa Republican Straw Poll and held 66 out of his 90 "Ask Mitt Anythings" town hall forums in the Third Quarter.

"Our campaign made considerable progress this quarter expanding Governor Romney's support across the country.  From the grassroots victory in Ames to the campaign's first Ask Mitt Anything in California, Governor Romney has built a nationwide network of volunteers and supporters that are energizing our efforts as we work towards the first votes being cast in January," said Romney for President national spokesman Kevin Madden.

FAST FACTS About Romney For President's Over $18 Million Third Quarter Total:

• Amount Expected To Report In Primary Contributions In The Third Quarter:  $10 Million
• In The Third Quarter, Governor Romney Loaned $8.5 Million To Romney For President.
• Total Amount Raised In Primary Contributions For The Year: Approximately $45 Million
• Total Amount Of Revenue For The Year: $62 Million
• Cash On Hand: $9 Million
• Total Number Of Donors So Far This Year:  More Than 100,000 (23,000 New Donors In The Third Quarter)
• Contributions Received From All 50 States And Washington, D.C.
• NO General Election Money Collected (General Funds Cannot Be Spent During The Primary Election

Mitt Romney Announces Orrin Hatch As Congressional Co-Chair

GOVERNOR ROMNEY ANNOUNCES CONGRESSIONAL CO-CHAIRS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE CONSTITUTION AND THE COURTS

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Representative Lamar Smith (R-TX) will serve as the Congressional Co-Chairs of the Romney for President Advisory Committee on the Constitution and the Courts.  As Congressional Co-Chairs, they will advise Governor Romney on the important legal matters and issues confronting Congress.    

"There are few more uniquely qualified to provide counsel on judicial matters than Senator Hatch and Representative Smith.  As former Chairman of their respective Judiciary committees, they have an invaluable perspective into the judicial confirmation process and constitutional matters.  Their many years of service will be an incredible asset for our campaign," said Governor Romney.   

With today's announcement, Senator Hatch said, "We need a President who will nominate men and women of exceptional experience who will uphold the rule of law.  I am confident that Governor Romney will nominate distinguished men and women to serve on the federal bench."   

Joining Senator Hatch, Congressman Smith said, "We need Governor Romney's strong leadership on judicial issues to ensure that our laws are properly enforced, and our law enforcement officials have the support they need.  I look forward to working with him as one of his principal advisers on constitutional matters.

Background On The Advisory Committee On The Constitution And The Courts Congressional Co-Chairs:

Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) Is The Former Chairman Of The Senate Judiciary Committee.  First elected to the Senate in 1976, Senator Hatch has fought to restrain spending and promote fiscal responsibility within the federal government.  He has worked to make permanent the President's 2001 and 2003 tax cuts and reduce the regulatory burdens on businesses.  Best known for his chairmanship of the Judiciary Committee, Senator Hatch participated in the confirmation hearings of eight of the nine current Supreme Court Justices and countless federal judges.  He was also Chairman of the Labor and Human Resources Committee from 1981-1987.  Senator Hatch is the eighth-most senior member of the Senate and fourth-most senior Republican. 

Congressman Lamar Smith (R-TX) Is The Ranking Republican Member Of The House Judiciary Committee.

Romney For President Launches AnnRomney.com

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES ANNROMNEY.COM

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President launched its newest website, AnnRomney.com.  As the premier location for information about Ann and her family, visitors to AnnRomney.com will get an insider's perspective into Ann's time on the campaign trail, the Romney family and Ann's causes.  The website is a unique forum for people to connect directly with Ann.

"Campaigning with Mitt has been such an incredible experience.  One of the best parts about being on the campaign trail is the opportunity to meet so many great Americans that we might not have otherwise met.  Here at AnnRomney.com, I hope people from across the country will get to know a little bit more about me, my causes and the importance of family in my life.  Our campaign is doing so many creative things online, and I'm proud that this site will be a part of that," said Ann Romney.

Central to AnnRomney.com is "Ann's Causes," a section detailing Ann's struggle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and her work to promote awareness about the disease.  As Ann writes on the website, she is "continually amazed by the number of people who approach me to offer support and relay their struggles and successes with MS."  Through AnnRomney.com, she will continue to build awareness about the disease, support networks and treatments.  On the website, Ann writes:

"As I learned more about the disease, I learned this is a very common feeling and have made an effort to reach out to newly diagnosed friends, family members and people I meet on the road to simply talk to them about their concerns and fears. I don’t think anyone can prepare for a diagnosis such as this, but I was very fortunate to have the love and support of my husband, my family and my friends, and if by making a phone call to a newly diagnosed patient, I can ease a few of those fears, it is worth it.  If you, or someone you know, has recently been diagnosed, please click here."

Visitors to AnnRomney.com can also see video, news coverage and photos from Ann's time on the campaign trail.   In the coming weeks and months, the website will be continually updated. 

AnnRomney.com Features:

Ann's Causes:  "I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in the fall of 1998. Since then, I have devoted a great deal of time to raising awareness about the disease and am devoted to making a difference in the lives of people who suffer from MS."

AnnTV:  A companion of MittTV, this web video channel will allow visitors to watch video clips of Ann's speaking engagements and interviews.

AnnWire:  A section with the most recent news stories about Ann Romney and her family on the campaign trail. 

Ann's Recipes:  "I'm sure many of you have heard Mitt talk about the importance of what happens within the four walls of the American home. And for our family, like so many others, the kitchen lies at the heart of our home. … I want to use this area of the website to collect favorite family recipes from across America."

Governor Romney On Last Night's Democratic Debate

GOVERNOR ROMNEY ON LAST NIGHT'S DEMOCRATIC DEBATE

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney issued the following statement regarding last night's Democratic presidential debate:

"While the men and women of our military are serving and sacrificing for their country in Iraq, the leading Democratic presidential candidates have consistently called for a retreat.  Yet, when asked last night if they could outline a path forward in Iraq under their leadership, Senators Clinton, Obama and Edwards fell silent.  Clearly, the Democrats place a higher premium on cheap and shallow political attacks that appeal to the fringe element of their party than they do on outlining a plan.  Instead of troop withdrawals, we need to be talking about how we achieve victory in Iraq.  Changing Washington requires Democrats who are willing to put aside the partisanship and work toward solutions on our most pressing challenges."

RNC Members Endorse Governor Mitt Romney

RNC MEMBERS ENDORSE GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY

Boston, MA – Today, five members of the Republican National Committee (RNC) endorsed Governor Mitt Romney for President of the United States.  They join 27 other current and former RNC members supporting Governor Romney.

"From New Hampshire and Iowa to California and Florida, the success of the Republican Party in 2008 will, in part, rest upon the work of our Republican National Committeemen and Committeewomen.  That is why I am proud to have the support of so many members of the Republican National Committee.  Change in Washington begins with us, and I look forward to working with these Committee members to ensure that the Republican Party returns to our core conservative principles," said Governor Romney.

New RNC Members Supporting Governor Romney:

Brian Sullivan, MN
Evie Axdahl, MN
Allan Kolstad, MT
Zoraida Fonalledas, PR
Eileen Slocum, RI
Fast Facts About Current And Former RNC Members Supporting Governor Romney:

Number Supporting Governor Romney:  32
Representing:  17 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and American Samoa
Previously Announced RNC Committee Members Supporting Governor Romney:

Te'o Fuavai, AS
Lilly Nunez, CO
Tony Parker, DC
Betsy Werronen, DC
Diane Adams, IN
James Bopp, IN
Jody Dow, MA
Ron Kaufman, MA
Louis Pope, MD
Joyce Lyons Terhes, MD
Peter Cianchette, ME
Doug Russell, MO
David Norcross, NJ
Lynn Windel, OK
Vance Day, OR
June Hartley, OR
Solomon Yue, OR
Cindy Costa, SC
Randy Frederick, SD
Sara Gear Boyd, VT
Donna Gosney, WV

Former RNC Members Supporting Governor Romney:

Darrell Crate, MA
John Kane, MD
Jack Meeks, MN
Tom Rath, NH
Joe Kyrillos, NJ
Kevin Mannix, OR

Romney For President Launches New Radio Ad, "Khatami"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW RADIO AD, "KHATAMI"

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President launched its newest radio ad, "Khatami."  The ad highlights Governor Romney's opposition to former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami's 2006 visit to Harvard University.  Calling the visit on the eve of the fifth anniversary of 9/11 a "disgrace," Governor Romney refused to provide Khatami with a State Police escort.  Today, Governor Romney has called on the United Nations and Columbia University to take similar action and revoke any invitation for current Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to speak at their respective institutions.

The ad will begin airing as part of the campaign's rotation today in Iowa and South Carolina, and then Florida later in the week.  Script and viewing links are below.

Script For "Khatami" (Radio:60):

ANNOUNCER:  "On the eve of the fifth anniversary of 9/11, Harvard University invited former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami to Boston.  The same Mohammad Khatami who has supported the terrorist group Hezbollah, advocates destruction of Israel and stood by while Jews and Christians were persecuted.

"The Iranian wanted VIP treatment at taxpayer expense.  But Governor Mitt Romney said, 'No.'  Governor Romney called the invitation a 'disgrace' and refused to grant Khatami a police escort.

"Now another Iranian President is visiting America, coming to New York, and Governor Mitt Romney is leading the opposition."

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "We should be tightening our sanctions against Iran, not welcoming him to the world stage and I've called on the Secretary-General of the United Nations to withdraw that invitation.  What we should be doing is indicting Ahmadinejad under the Genocide Convention." 

ANNOUNCER:  "As Governor Mitt Romney did what was right, not what was politically correct.  As President, he'll do the same.  Mitt Romney."

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "I'm Mitt Romney and I approved this message." 

ANNOUNCER:  "Paid for by Romney for President."

Governor Mitt Romney's Open Letter To The Republican Party

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY'S OPEN LETTER TO THE REPUBLICAN PARTY

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney issued an open letter to his fellow Republicans calling on the Republican Party to once again become the party of change in Washington.   "Democrats are not the change Washington needs.  We are the change Washington needs and it's time for Republicans like us to stand for that change again," writes Governor Romney.

The Republican Party needs to return to its core conservative principles on issues like fiscal responsibility, ending illegal immigration and upholding ethical standards.  By returning to these principles, Governor Romney believes Republicans can bring conservative change to Washington. 

Governor Romney's Open Letter:

To my friends and fellow Republicans,

Throughout our country's long and remarkable journey, there have been "inflection points," critical moments when political, economic, military and other forces converged to alter the course of our history.

We are at one of those inflection points today.

Forces of globalization, the rise of major new economic powerhouses such as China and India, and the emergence of radical Jihad have created a "perfect storm" that will change the course of our nation. We face unprecedented challenges in securing our borders, protecting the American family, and ending America's dependence on foreign oil.

Our actions today will determine which course America will take. Will America remain the world's economic and military superpower, able to preserve peace, progress, and prosperity? Will our children and grandchildren grow up with the same opportunities that have been our birthright for over two centuries? Will our uniquely America culture – a culture of family, patriotism, faith, and freedom – remain our foundation and lead a stronger America into the future?

I believe the American people can rise to these and every other challenge ahead of us. Yet, at this extraordinary moment in our nation's history, our government is failing us. Washington is busy pointing fingers, assigning blame, and spending too much money. There is too much talk and too little action.

The blame, we must admit, does not belong to just one party. If we're going to change Washington, Republicans have to put our own house in order.

We can't be like Democrats – a party of big spending. We can't pretend our borders are secure from illegal immigration. We can't have ethical standards that are a punch-line for Jay Leno.

When Republicans act like Democrats, America loses.

It's time for Republicans to start acting like Republicans. We have to remember who we are: We are not Big Government Republicans. We are not Washington Republicans. We are Change Washington Republicans. Democrats are not the change Washington needs. We are the change Washington needs and it's time for Republicans like us to stand for that change again.

There is not a single challenge America faces that we can't overcome with the innovation and passion that has always been at the heart of the American people. If we change Washington, I believe America can achieve anything.

It's time for change in Washington and that change must begin with us.

Sincerely,

Mitt Romney