2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

What They're Saying About Governor Mitt Romney At The Des Moines, Iowa GOP Debate

WHAT THEY'RE REALLY SAYING ABOUT GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY AT THE DES MOINES, IOWA GOP DEBATE

The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza: "Former Gov. Mitt Romney is the frontrunner in Iowa and he's at the center of the debate at its start." (Chris Cillizza, "Republican Debate In Iowa Begins," Washington Post's The Fix, http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/ 8/5/07)

Time's Mark Halperin: "I think Governor Romney had the best performance overall. He's been strong in all the debates, comes very well prepared." (ABC WOI-DM's "Vote 2008 Special," 8/5/07)

· Time's Mark Halperin: "Mitt Romney gets an A. I couldn't find a lot of things to criticize in his performance. He faced some tough questions, but he did a good job handling it. It's becoming cliché to say, but he looks and sounds like a president. For a lot of voters that's important." (ABC WOI-DM's "Vote 2008 Special," 8/5/07)

ABC News Political Director David Chalian: "I think Mitt Romney had a really strong performance. … I think from then on out, he had a very smooth, solid performance, and continues to show why he is leading in these early states." (ABC WOI-DM's "Vote 2008 Special," 8/5/07)

The Politico's Jonathan Martin: "The pre-packaged one-liner of the morning. At least so far. Romney on Obama's desire to meet with enemy leaders and hawkish views on Pakistan: 'He's gone from Jane Fonda to Dr. Strangelove in one week.'" (Jonathan Martin, "The View From Across The Street," The Politico, http://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/ 8/5/07)

· National Review's Kathryn Jean Lopez: "I didn't know where [Romney]'d go from the McCain, Giuliani start there.... hitting Obama 'from Jane Fonda to Dr. Strangelove' was pretty funny, and to point. And a good ending on the military and the surge." (Kathryn Jean Lopez, "The Corner," National Review Blog, http://corner.nationalreview.com\ , 6/5/07)

The Politico's Jonathan Martin "Republican pollster and author Frank Luntz and Fox News have set up a dial group of 29 GOP primary voters from the Des Moines area … Asked who was winning the debate so far, about a dozen said Romney." (Jonathan Martin, "The View From Across The Street," The Politico, http://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/ 8/5/07)

· The Politico's Jonathan Martin: "One small but influential group of voters -- a bit like Iowa itself, come to think of it -- had Mitt Romney winning at the halfway point." (Jonathan Martin, "The View Across The Street," The Politico, 8/5/07)

National Review's Kathryn Jean Lopez: "From the 'normal American' focus group that just dropped by my Corner Debate Watching Headquarters ... 'Romney seems the most pleasant and presidential.' Coming off that YouTube fighting with that radio host, he seems like a guy revving for the fight. (Kathryn Jean Lopez, "The Corner," National Review Blog, http://corner.nationalreview.com\ , 6/5/07)

National Review's Kathryn Jean Lopez: "'Moving Islam toward modernity'… Romney's attitude sounds a little like Ronald Reagan's cultural exchanges with the Soviet Union. And it strikes me as a real-world approach taking into consideration the problems we face run deep." (Kathryn Jean Lopez, "The Corner," National Review Blog, http://corner.nationalreview.com/ , 6/5/07)

ABC News Political Radar: "Romney has a pretty effective – if not down-the-line conservative – answer on healthcare: 'We have to have our citizens insured.' And he took a subtle jab at Giuliani's new health care plan, which relies on tax breaks to encourage individuals to obtain health coverage." (ABC News, "Live Blogging From Sunday's Democratic Debate," http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/, 8/5/07)

A Statement From Romney Iowa Chairman Doug Gross

A STATEMENT FROM IOWA CHAIRMAN DOUG GROSS

"In a crowded field, Governor Romney stood out as the only candidate substantively addressing the challenges confronting our nation today. With his vision of a stronger America, Governor Romney has proven that he is the leader we need in the White House. He is also the only major candidate fully committed to the Iowa process and speaking to the concerns of Iowa families. Today's debate was a great start to a week that will conclude at the Iowa Straw Poll."

Governor Mitt Romney Outlines His Vision To Lead America

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY OUTLINES HIS VISION TO LEAD AMERICA

Des Moines, IA – This morning, Romney for President Communications Director Matt Rhoades released the following statement on the fourth Republican presidential debate:

"This morning, Governor Romney won the debate by once again demonstrating why he is the best candidate to lead our nation forward. He spoke directly to the challenges facing America and what we must do to strengthen our economy, military and families. Governor Romney is the only candidate with the vision to build a stronger America.

"We look forward to communicating Governor Romney's message of conservative change this week through the Iowa Straw Poll and into the January Caucuses."

Mitt Romney RNC Summer Meeting Minneapolis Photo

New Mitt Romney TV Ad "Secure"

Romney for President, Inc.
“Secure”:30 TV

The script:

Mitt Romney (VO): We should secure our border.

We should put in place an employment verification system.

And then when an employer is thinking of hiring someone the federal database immediately tells them whether they’re available to be working or not.

If they’re not you can’t hire them.

People that are here illegally are going to have to get in line with everybody else with no special pathway to becoming citizens

Legal immigration is great, but illegal immigration that we’ve got to end.

Thank you, and Amnesty is not the way to do it.

Mitt Romney (VO): I’m Mitt Romney and I approved this message.

Governor Mitt Romney Announces National Finance Chairs And Co-Chairs

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES NATIONAL FINANCE CHAIRS AND CO-CHAIRS

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney named the Romney for President National Finance Chairs and Co-Chairs.  These men and women will offer valuable support and counsel to Governor Romney as he travels the country communicating his vision of bringing conservative change to Washington.

"At home and abroad we are facing unprecedented challenges that will test our strength and resolve as a nation," said Governor Romney.  "With the help of such committed leaders, we will overcome these challenges and bring innovation and transformation to our nation's capital.  I am grateful for their strong support."       

For the past seven months, the National Finance Chairs have been leading efforts to build the resources for Governor Romney's national campaign.  The Chairs serve as regional leaders of the National Finance Committee.  The Co-Chairs are responsible primarily for fundraising efforts in their respective states.

Romney For President National Finance Chairs:

Christopher Collins –  Managing Partner of First Atlantic Capital, LLC, Massachusetts
Mark Guzzetta – President of Gemstone Development Corp., Florida
John and Vicki Miller – John Miller is CEO and Founding Member of the National Beef Packing Company, LLC, Kansas/Utah
David and Patricia Nierenberg – David Nierenberg is the President and General Partner of the D3 Family Funds, Washington
John and Terry Rakolta, Jr. – John Rakolta, Jr. is the Chairman and CEO of Walbridge Aldinger, Michigan
Ambassador Mel Sembler – Former United States Ambassador to Italy, Australia, and Nauru and Chairman of the Board of The Sembler Company, Florida
Thomas R. Tellefsen and Stephanie Spencer – Tom Tellefsen is the Principal of Tellefsen Investments, Inc., California
Meg Whitman and Griff Harsh – Meg Whitman is the President and CEO of eBay and Griff Harsh is a Professor of Neurosurgery at Stanford University, California

Romney For President National Finance Co-Chairs:

Scott Baugh – Former California Assembly Republican Leader, California
Bruce and Marcy Benson – Bruce Benson is the Owner and President of Benson Mineral Group, Colorado
Governor Matt Blunt – Governor of Missouri, Missouri
David Bradford – Founder/CEO Galactic Networks and FundingUniverse.com, California
Ambassador and Mrs. Stephen Brauer – Stephen Brauer is the President and CEO of Hunter Engineering Co., Missouri
Jonathan and Julie Bullen – Jonathan Bullen is the Owner and President of Provo College, Eagle Gate College, and Evolution Fitness, Utah
Kelly and Laurie Burt – Kelly Burt is the Chairman and CEO of Price Self Storage, California
Al Cardenas – Senior Partner at Tew Cardenas, LLC, Florida
Nancy Heffner Donovan and Steve Donovan – Nancy Heffner Donovan is the President of Ames Travel Service, Ohio
Spencer F. Eccles – Chairman Emeritus of the Intermountain Region of Wells Fargo Bank, Utah
David and Jennifer Fischer – David Fischer is Chairman and CEO of The Suburban Collection, Michigan
John Fish – President and CEO of Suffolk Construction, Massachusetts
Jeff Fox – CEO of Harbour Group, Missouri
Jim and Debbie Francis – Jim Francis is the President of Francis Enterprises Inc., Texas
Kem Gardner – Founder of The Gardner Company, Utah  
Jack Gerard – President and CEO of the American Chemistry Council, Virginia
Paul and Susan Gilbert – Paul Gilbert is a Partner at Beus Gilbert, PLLC, Arizona
Terry Graunke – Founder and Chairman of Lake Capital, Illinois
Bill and Chrissy Hagerty – Bill Hagerty is the Managing Director and Co-Founder of Hagerty Peterson and Company, LLC., Tennessee
Bill Harrison – Chairman of the Board of JPMorgan Chase, New York
Jon M. Huntsman – Chairman of the Huntsman Corporation, Utah
Chris Jenny – Senior Partner at The Parthenon Group, Massachusetts
Darlene and Gerald Jordan – Darlene Jordan is on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston, Massachusetts
Shelly Kamins – Co-owner of Blum, Frank and Kamins Companies and of DuVal Development, Maryland
Hersh Kozlov – Managing Partner at WolfBlock, New Jersey
Steve Lessing – Head of Client Relationship Management at Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc., New York
Carl H. Lindner, Jr. – Chairman of American Financial Group, Ohio
S. Craig and Frances Lindner – S. Craig Lindner is the Co-President and Co-CEO of American Financial Group, Ohio
Hadi Makarechian – Chairman, CEO and President of Capital Pacific Holdings, California
Bill Marriott – Chairman and CEO of Marriott International, Maryland
Dick Marriott – Chairman of Host Marriott Corp, Maryland
Don Miller – Chairman of Axiom International Investments, LLC, Connecticut
David and Lauren Parker – David Parker is the Managing Partner and Principal at SRS Capital Partners, California
Craig Pattee – President of Dutko Worlwide, Virginia
Don and Susan Peay – Don Peay is the Founder of Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife, Utah
Bob Pence – President of Pence Friedel Developers, Inc., Virginia
Blake Roney – Chairman of the Board, Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc., Utah
Muneer Satter – Partner at Goldman Sachs, Illinois
Edward A. Schwartz – President of Gregory J. Schwartz & Co., Inc., Michigan
Wally Schwartz – Director at Gregory J. Schwartz & Co., Inc., Michigan
L.E. Simmons – Founder and President of SCF Partners, Texas
Jim Sims – Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Gen3 Partners, Massachusetts
Boyd Smith – Partner at WSJ Properties, California
Pete and Cam Starrett – Pete Starrett is with private equity firm, Freeman Spogli, California
Eric Tanenblatt – Senior Managing Director at McKenna Long & Aldridge, Georgia
Ted Welch – Owner of Ted Welch Investments, Tennessee
Frank Vandersloot – President and CEO of Melaleuca, Idaho

Mitt Romney Announces Two Additional Iowa Endorsements

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES TWO ADDITIONAL LEGISLATIVE ENDORSEMENTS

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced the endorsement of two additional Iowa House members, Representative Rich Anderson (R-Clarinda) and Representative Chuck Soderberg (R-Le Mars).  They join 14 previously announced Iowa state legislators, making Governor Romney the candidate with the most legislative endorsements in Iowa.

"Representatives Anderson and Soderberg represent the kind of conservative leadership we need in government," said Governor Romney. "They have fought to promote fiscal responsibility and conservative values in Iowa, and their support will be critical to my campaign.  Together, we will work to make sure America is strong for generations to come."

With today's announcement, Representative Rich Anderson said, "There is not a more qualified candidate for President than Governor Romney.  The combination of his business, volunteer and governing experience makes him the strongest leader in the field.  His message is resonating with voters in Iowa, and his campaign will continue to grow as more voters have the opportunity to hear his optimistic message."

Representative Chuck Soderberg added, "Governor Romney shares my social and fiscal conservative principles and values, and those of Iowa Republicans.  Our nation needs a leader from outside of Washington who believes the way to make America stronger is to strengthen individuals and families, not government.  Governor Romney has a proven record of accomplishment, and will be the strong leader our nation needs."

Both Representative Anderson and Representative Soderberg were elected to the Iowa House in 2004. They join 14 other members of the Legislature who have previously announced their support for Governor Romney.

Governor Romney's Previously Announced Iowa Legislative Leadership Team:

Sen. Jim Hahn, Muscatine
Sen. David Johnson, Ocheyeden
Sen. Dave Mulder, Orange City
Sen. Brad Zaun, Urbandale
Rep. Dave Deyoe, Nevada
Rep. Linda Miller, Bettendorf
Rep. Steve Olson, DeWitt
Rep. Christopher Rants, Sioux City
Rep. Doug Struyk, Council Bluffs
Rep. Dave Tjepkes, Gowrie
Rep. Jodi Tymeson, Winterset
Rep. Ralph Watts, Adel
Rep. Tami Wiencek, Waterloo

Mitt Romney Forest City Iowa

Mitt Romney Announces The Iowa Faith And Values Steering Committee

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES THE IOWA FAITH AND VALUES STEERING COMMITTEE

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced the formation of the Iowa Faith and Values Steering Committee.  This committee of 92 leaders will advise Governor Romney on the important social issues most  affecting the people of Iowa.

"To ensure a stronger America, we must strengthen families, defend traditional marriage and promote the sanctity of human life.  The men and women who will be joining our effort today are committed to defending these important values.  I look forward to working with this team in bringing change to Washington," said Governor Romney. 

Joining Romney for President, Chair Tom Coates said, "In the bluest of blue states, Governor Romney led the charge to defend traditional families.  In the face of political adversity, he fought to protect marriage, defend the sanctity of human life and strengthen families.  Governor Romney is the one candidate who has made stronger families a cornerstone of his candidacy, and we hope to ensure every Iowan knows his strong record of defending conservative values."  

To hear audio of why Tom Coates, Iowa Faith and Values Steering Committee Chair, is supporting Governor Romney, click here.  You can also listen by calling 641-715-3801, and entering this access code: 8065784.

Romney For President Iowa Faith And Values Steering Committee Chairs:

Tom Coates, Des Moines – Chair
Mike Canady, Des Moines – Co Chair
Keith Hunter, Des Moines – Co Chair
Sen. David Johnson, Ocheyedan – Co Chair
Rose Kramer, Dubuque – Co Chair
Kathy Oltmans, Council Bluffs – Co Chair
Romney For President Iowa Faith and Values Coalition Steering Committee Members:

Bremer County:
Kris Brunkhorst

Cass County:
Deb Field
Jim Field

Cerro Gordo County:
Bart Pals
Jodi Pals

Clarke County:
George Barber

Decatur County:
Bob Bixby
Deb Etchison
Gary Etchison

Dubuque County:
Janet Buss
Becky Herrig
Ron Herrig
Rose Kramer
John Tallent
Tracy Tallent

Fremont County:
Karen McAllister

Harrison County:
Don Blackford
Stephanie Blackford

Hardin County:
Andy Cable

Jasper County:
Pat Bazal

Linn County:
Tim Palmer
Renee Schulte

Marshall County:
Betty Caldwell
Pastor Dan Caldwell

Monona County:
Di Ann Rose
Gene Vandebur
Lois Vandebur

Montgomery County:
Gail Ernst
Joni Ernst
Sandy Schoonover
Ted Schoonover

Muscatine County:
Susanne Carter
Yvonne Fillmore
Sen. Jim Hahn
Janetta Stamler
Paul Stamler

Page County:
Iris Morrison
Karen York

Pottawattamie County:
Betty Baber
Dick Baber
Miriam Beck
Tony Beck
Steve Cates
Andy Christenson
Tom Coates
Donna Conn
Gladys Danker
David Edwards
Jody Edwards
Jon Gruber
Leigh Anne Gruber
Steve Johnson
Grace King
Wylie King
William Carl Livingston
Victoria Livingston
David Overholtzer
Rosemary Overholtzer
Susan Overholtzer
David Payer
Connie Schmett
Kim Schmett
Ruby Thomason
James Trahms

Poweshiek County:
Diana Hanson

Scott County:
Paul Janecek
Janet Janecek

Story County:
Dennis Freeman
Kevin Kimle
Pat Kimle
Jim Kurtenbach
Linda Livingston
Andy Norman
Jacqui Norman

Tama County:
Marcia Livingston
William Livingston

Union County:
Laura Hartman

Warren County:
Jeanette Best
Joe Best

Webster County:
Gil Copper

Woodbury County:
Norma Adema
Bernard Cooper
Ruby Cooper
Brent Hoffman
Brett Lyon
Theresa Moran

Romney For President Launches New Television Ad, "Ocean"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD, "OCEAN" 

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President launched its newest television ad, "Ocean."  In the ad, Governor Romney discusses his belief that we need to look at the culture that surrounds America's children and clean up "the ocean in which our children now swim."  Governor Romney believes that our country's strength is dependent upon the strength of the American family and the promise of our children.    

The ad will begin airing today in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.  Scripts and viewing links are below. 

Script For "Ocean" (TV:60): 

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "I'm deeply troubled about the culture that surrounds our kids today. 

"Following the Columbine shootings, Peggy Noonan described our world as 'the ocean in which our children now swim.' 

"She described a cesspool of violence, and sex, and drugs, and indolence, and perversions. 

"She said that the boys who did the shooting had 'inhaled too deeply in the oceans in which they swam.' 

"I'd like to see us clean up the water in which our kids are swimming. 

"I'd like to keep pornography from coming up on their computers. 

"I'd like to keep drugs off the streets. 

"I'd like to see less violence and sex on TV and in video games and in movies. 

"And if we get serious about this, we can actually do a great deal to clean up the water in which our kids and our grandkids are swimming. 

"I'm Mitt Romney and I approve this message." 

To view "Ocean," please see:  http://mitt-tv.mittromney.com/?showid=234880