2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Romney for President Communications Director Matt Rhoades Statement On The Debate

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY STANDS OUT BY DEBATING SUBSTANCE

Manchester, NH – Tonight, Romney for President Communications Director Matt Rhoades released the following statement on the third Republican presidential debate:

"Tonight in New Hampshire, Governor Romney addressed the issues important to the American people – a strong national defense, a strong economy and strong families.  By talking substantively about the issues facing Americans today, Governor Romney stood above the crowd of candidates in tonight's debate. 

"Governor Romney is the only candidate who can change Washington and lead a stronger America into the future." 

Governor Romney Announces South Carolina Statewide Finance Co-Chairs

GOVERNOR ROMNEY ANNOUNCES SOUTH CAROLINA STATEWIDE FINANCE CO-CHAIRS

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced the Co-Chairs of the South Carolina Statewide Finance Committee. Jim Anthony, Peter Brown, Bill Hewitt and State Senator Greg Ryberg will help Governor Romney raise the resources needed to run an effective campaign in South Carolina.  Drea Byars will serve as the South Carolina Finance Director.

"It is an honor to have the support of these South Carolina business and community leaders," said Governor Romney.  "With their help, we will continue to build our expanding grassroots network in this critical state and bring change to Washington."

Governor Mitt Romney Names New Hampshire Business Coalition

Governor Mitt Romney Names New Hampshire Business Coalition

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney named the Romney for President New Hampshire Business Coalition.  Led by Statewide Chairs Ben Gamache, Steve Griffin and Ray Pinard and the County Chairs for each of the ten counties across the state, this group of business leaders will work to ensure New Hampshire voters know that Governor Romney is the candidate who will bring real change to Washington by using techniques he learned in the business world.  

"Business leaders in New Hampshire and across the nation understand the need for meeting the new generation of challenges confronting our nation today.  We must keep taxes low and make sure health care is affordable and available, as these issues impact the bottom line.  We need conservative change in Washington to address these challenges, and I'm looking forward to working with these business leaders to make that happen," said Governor Romney.

Chair Ray Pinard said, "If a private business ran like our federal government, it would have closed down a long time ago.  We need a proven executive who will change the standard operating procedure in our nation's capital.  The business leaders who have joined us today are confident that executive is Governor Romney."

Mitt Romney Announces Florida County Chairs

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES FLORIDA COUNTY CHAIRS

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced the campaign's first group of Florida County Chairs. These 59 individuals will lead the campaign's efforts in nearly half of Florida's 67 counties. They will build and expand Governor Romney's grassroots infrastructure across the state, helping to share his vision for America's future with more Floridians.

"We have a strong and growing organization in the Sunshine State, and I am honored to have the support and commitment of these Floridians," said Governor Romney.  "This group of dedicated individuals will spearhead our local efforts to reach out to Florida voters as I continue to aggressively campaign in this important state."

These county leaders join a Florida organization that includes an accomplished Florida Steering Committee and a Florida Statewide Finance Team comprised of more than 80 business and community leaders from across the state.  The Florida Steering Committee is led by former Lieutenant Governor Toni Jennings and chaired by former Speaker of the House Allan Bense, Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson, former Chairman of the Florida Republican Party Al Cardenas, U.S. Congressman Tom Feeney and former Speaker of the House John Thrasher.

"As Governor Romney campaigns in Florida and across the nation, voters are learning why he is the best choice to lead our nation and the only candidate that can bring strong, new leadership to Washington," said former Lt. Governor Toni Jennings.  "With our primary now moved up to January, this impressive team of county leaders will recruit new supporters and volunteers to help secure victory for Governor Romney in Florida."

Governor Romney's Florida Steering Committee is also co-chaired by St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker, State Representative Jennifer Carroll, former State Representative Dudley Goodlette, David Griffin, State Representative Anitere Flores, former Secretary of State Glenda Hood and former Republican Party of Florida Chairman Van Poole. Additionally, Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite serves as a member of Governor Romney's Congressional Whip Team.

Mitt Romney Announces Additions To The California Leadership Team

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES ADDITIONS TO THE CALIFORNIA LEADERSHIP TEAM

Boston, MA – Governor Mitt Romney announced today that Coronado Communications, led by Duane Dichiara, will head the daily operations of the California Romney for President campaign.  Rob Stutzman and Mike Schroeder were named Senior Advisers for the California campaign.  They join previously announced State Chairs Tony Strickland and Senate Minority Leader Dick Ackerman. 

"California will play an important role in the upcoming primary elections, and this team will be critical in making sure every voter knows about my message of change in Washington," said Governor Romney.  "I look forward to working with them so we can bring conservative leadership back to our government."

With today's announcement, Duane Dichiara said, "Coronado Communications is committed to electing a leader who is not afraid to fight for conservative principles and demand change.  Governor Romney's proven leadership is needed today more than ever.  He has successfully turned around private businesses, the 2002 Winter Olympics, and state government, and he will do the same as President."

Senior Adviser Rob Stutzman said, "Governor Romney is a strong leader who doesn't just talk about change, he gets real results.  By using proven conservative principles, Governor Romney has shown he is the candidate who can establish benchmarks in Washington to streamline government and return fiscal responsibility to our nation's capital.  I'm convinced Governor Romney is the candidate for Republican voters in California."    

Senior Adviser Mike Schroeder added, "Governor Romney has a strong California team and we will work to make sure every voter in California knows Governor Romney is the leader our country needs.  His new and innovative ideas are what our country needs to remain strong."

Romney For President Names Polk County City Chairs

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT NAMES POLK COUNTY CITY CHAIRS

Boston, MA – Romney for President today announced Chairs for nearly every city in Polk County, Iowa's largest county and home to Des Moines and its surrounding suburbs.

"In our efforts to build an aggressive, grassroots organization in Iowa, we are ensuring no stone is left unturned in Iowa's largest county," said Iowa Campaign Manager Gentry Collins.  "Each of these individuals will play a major part in winning this campaign and recruiting neighbors and friends to support Governor Romney's agenda."

Romney for President Polk County Honorary Chair Senator Brad Zaun said, "A caucus campaign requires local volunteers for success.  Each chair will ensure that Governor Romney runs the best campaign in Polk County.  This team will work together as we strongly believe that Mitt Romney is the best candidate to lead our nation as President."

Romney for President Polk County City Chairs:

• Honorary County Chair – Senator Brad Zaun
• Polk County Chair – Connie Schmett
• Altoona – Jon Gruber
• Ankeny – W. Carl Livingston 
• Clive – Councilman Scott Cirksena
• Des Moines – David Payer
• Grimes – Brian Jones
• Johnston – Andy Christiansen
• Mitchellville – Chelsey Harding
• Pleasant Hill – Alex Clark
• Polk City – Kathy Arndt
• Runnells – Dean & Diane Johnson
• Urbandale – Senator Brad Zaun
• West Des Moines – George Steenson
• Windsor Heights – Beverly Poncin

Governor Mitt Romney On Memorial Day

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ON MEMORIAL DAY

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney issued the following statement on Memorial Day: 

"On this Memorial Day, we recommit ourselves to honoring the memory of all those brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country so that others may live in liberty.  Their bravery is a legacy that no American should ever forget.  While we honor those who have fallen for their country, our thoughts and prayers are with the men and women currently serving across the globe.  They are Americans doing extraordinary things so that our country can be free.  We are forever grateful to them."

Romney For President Launches New Television Ad, "Tested, Proven"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD, "TESTED, PROVEN"

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President launched its newest television ad, "Tested, Proven."  The ad highlights Governor Romney's strong conservative leadership making the toughest decisions in one of our country's most liberal states.  As Governor, he acted to cut spending, fought against tax increases, enforced immigration laws, championed traditional marriage and defended the sanctity of human life.

The ad will begin airing as part of the campaign's rotation on Thursday in Iowa, New Hampshire and on national cable.  Scripts and viewing links are below.

Script For "Tested, Proven" (TV:30):

ANNOUNCER (Voice Over):  "In the most liberal state in the country, one Republican stood up and cut spending, instead of raising taxes.

"He enforced immigration laws, stood up for traditional marriage and the sanctity of human life."

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "This isn't the time for us to shrink from conservative principles.  It's a time for us to stand in strength.  Strong military, strong economy, strong families."

ANNOUNCER (Voice Over):  "In the toughest place, Mitt Romney's done the toughest things."

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

Dan Rutherford Joins Romney For President As Illinois State Chairman

DAN RUTHERFORD JOINS ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT AS ILLINOIS STATE CHAIRMAN

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that State Senator Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac) will serve as the Illinois Romney for President State Chairman.  Senator Rutherford will play an integral role on the Romney campaign, helping to reach out to voters and to spread Governor Romney's message of bringing conservative change to Washington.

"Senator Rutherford has been a longstanding and important part of the political and business community in Illinois," said Governor Romney.  "He understands that like any well run business, we need benchmarks in Washington to measure our successes, and his leadership in the state of Illinois will ensure we bring that accountability to the nation's capital.  I look forward to working with him to end the status quo and bring conservative principles back to the federal government."

In joining Romney for President, Senator Rutherford said, "Governor Romney understands that to keep America strong we need a strong military, a strong economy and strong families.  To do that, we must have a strong leader who will change Washington.  The people of Illinois can be proud to join me in supporting the candidate who will make his vision for an optimistic future a reality."

Governor Mitt Romney Names Idaho Leadership Team

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY NAMES IDAHO LEADERSHIP TEAM

Boston, MA – Governor Mitt Romney today announced the first 25 members of the Romney for President Idaho Leadership Team, a group of leading Idaho business and community leaders who will support Governor Romney as he campaigns in the state and across the nation.  U.S. Senator Larry Craig and Lt. Governor James E. Risch will serve as Chairs of the effort.

"I am excited to join with these leaders from across the state of Idaho to talk about the need to bring real change to Washington," said Governor Romney.  "Idaho will be an important state in our campaign to end the status quo and prepare our nation to face a new generation of challenges."

With today's announcement, Senator Larry Craig said, "Our government is in need of a proven leader like Governor Romney, who will put in place benchmarks and streamline our government using proven conservative principles.  His message is resonating with voters and I'm looking forward to helping him on his way to winning the Republican nomination."

Joining Senator Craig, Lt. Gov. James Risch added, "Governor Romney has proven he is a leader who can get the job done whether in business, at the 2002 Olympics, or as the chief executive of his state.  We don't have to take him at his word, we can look at his record and know he won't raise taxes, that he will bring spending under control, and that he'll reduce the size of the bureaucracy in our nation's capital.  He is the candidate that will make sure our nation remains a world leader."