2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Jim Talent Joins Romney Exploratory Committee

FORMER SENATOR JIM TALENT JOINS ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE

Boston, MA - Governor Mitt Romney announced today that former Senator Jim Talent (R-MO) will serve as Domestic Policy Task Force Chairman for the Romney for President Exploratory Committee. Senator Talent will oversee all domestic policy development for Governor Romney.

"Throughout his many years of public service, Senator Talent represented the people of Missouri with steadfast leadership doing what is right for the American people," said Governor Romney. "Today, our country faces great challenges. With Jim's experience and extensive knowledge, he will help us look beyond the status quo and answer these challenges with bold, new approaches."

With today's announcement, Senator Talent said: "Governor Romney has shown extraordinary leadership during his many years of service. He has a strong conservative vision and a successful record of accomplishing that vision. I am proud to be part of his Exploratory Committee and ready to help him craft innovative policy solutions."

Governor Mitt Romney Announces Expanding Florida Field Team

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES EXPANDING FLORIDA FIELD TEAM

Boston, MA - Governor Mitt Romney today announced eight new additions to his Exploratory Committee in Florida, including Sherri McVay of Orlando, who will serve as Political Director for the Florida effort.

These new staffers join an already large Florida organization including State Director Mandy Fletcher, senior advisers Sally Bradshaw and Ann Herberger, and Florida adviser Marc Reichelderfer.

"I am so proud of our strong Florida team. Florida is an important state and these individuals bring tremendous experience and added strength to our efforts in the Sunshine State," said Governor Romney.

Mitt Romney Announces Arizona Finance Committee

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES ARIZONA FINANCE STEERING COMMITTEE

Boston, MA - Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced the Romney for President Exploratory Committee Arizona Finance Steering Committee. Together, the Finance Steering Committee will help Governor Romney raise the resources needed to campaign in Arizona and across the nation.

"I am gratified to have the support of these outstanding men and women. The team we have put together in Arizona is a collection of some of the state's best, most energetic and most committed leaders. With their help, I know our vision for the future will be heard loudly in Arizona," said Governor Romney.

The Steering Committee, along with many others, held its first meeting on Thursday, January 25, in preparation for Governor Romney's next visit to Arizona.

Governor Romney has made numerous trips to Arizona meeting with top business and political leaders, in addition to numerous members of the Arizona media.

In addition to today's announcement regarding Governor Romney's finance team in Arizona, the campaign will soon be announcing its political team and endorsements in Arizona.

Mitt Romney Announces Support Of James Bopp, Jr.

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES SUPPORT OF JAMES BOPP, JR.

Boston, MA - Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that James Bopp, Jr., will be joining the Romney for President Exploratory Committee as Special Adviser on Life Issues.

"For almost three decades, Jim has been at the center of the fight to protect the sanctity of human life. Representing numerous national and state pro-life and pro-family organizations, he has helped defend the rights of those seeking to promote life," said Governor Romney. "Jim will be a powerful spokesman for my vision of a greater tomorrow. I look forward to his counsel derived from many years of service and to working with him as we move forward."

With today's announcement, Jim Bopp said: "As Governor, Mitt Romney has stood side-by-side with those seeking to protect the weakest and most innocent of our society. In one of our country's most liberal states, he has acted to protect the sanctity of life. Governor Romney's record on fundamental life issues is one of not just words but action. I am proud to count myself among his supporters."

Mitt Romney Names Additions To Iowa Leadership And Staff

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY NAMES ADDITIONS TO IOWA LEADERSHIP AND STAFF

Boston, MA - Governor Mitt Romney announced today that former Iowa House Speaker Brent Siegrist (R-Council Bluffs) and former First Congressional District candidate Brian Kennedy (R-Bettendorf) will serve as advisers to his Presidential Exploratory Committee.

"Iowa is a critical state, and we are building a strong organization with talented and experienced people. After stopping in Waterloo, Fairbank, and Dubuque last Friday, I could see that our supporters are motivated and energized. With the help of this experienced leadership, I know our Exploratory Committee will continue to have a strong presence in Iowa," said Governor Romney.

The two join Chairman Doug Gross, Rich Schwarm, State House Republican Leader Christopher Rants, and adviser David Kochel on Governor Romney's Iowa leadership team.

"We are methodically putting together a team on the ground that combines the experience and knowledge needed for a successful caucus campaign," said Gross. "As we begin looking toward a possible presidential campaign, this team will offer serious guidance and advice for Governor Romney's Iowa efforts."

Kennedy will provide critical leadership in Iowa's First Congressional District, which covers 12 counties in northeast Iowa. Included in the District is Dubuque and Waterloo, where Romney drew large crowds last Friday.

"Governor Romney will appeal to Iowans in each corner of the state," said Kennedy. "As people see and talk to him, they are impressed and want to be involved. I believe that as Governor Romney travels our state, his message will resonate. I am excited about this campaign."

Governor Romney also announced his Iowa staff today. Joining the Iowa leadership team will be Gentry Collins as State Director, Jill Latham as Political Director, Nicole Schlinger as Straw Poll Director and Tim Albrecht as Communications Director.

Charleston Area Leaders Support Governor Mitt Romney

CHARLESTON AREA LEADERS SUPPORT GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY

Mt. Pleasant, SC - Today, prominent Charleston, SC area leaders announced their support for Governor Mitt Romney as he moves forward with his exploratory process. Among the community activists joining Governor Romney at Coen Capital were former Governor James B. Edwards, former Congressman Tommy Hartnett, and RNC Committeewoman Cindy Costa.

"I am honored to have the support of these community leaders," said Governor Romney. "Each has been actively involved in politics, and their backing and encouragement will help guarantee the long-term success of our efforts in South Carolina. By coming together today, these men and women have joined others from across the nation who have heard our optimistic message for the future and are motivated to go forward."

Charleston Community Leaders Supporting Governor Romney:

Former Governor James B. Edwards
Ann Edwards
Former Congressman Tommy Hartnett
Cindy Costa
Henry Fishburne
Dick Coen
Richard H. Coen
Larry Richter
Wayland Moody
Ricky Horne
Paul Hogan
Bill Hewitt
Laura Hewitt
John Rivers
Joseph Murray
Gene Zurlo

Mitt Romney Announces Pete Hoekstra As Intelligence Adviser

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES REPRESENTATIVE PETE HOEKSTRA AS INTELLIGENCE ADVISER

Boston, MA - Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that U.S. Representative Pete Hoekstra (R-MI), the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, will be joining the Romney for President Exploratory Committee. Representative Hoekstra will serve as Governor Romney's adviser on all matters pertaining to U.S. intelligence.

Governor Romney also named Representative Hoekstra as a Co-Chair of his Michigan state organization helping to organize areas of Western Michigan.

"I am honored that Representative Hoekstra will serve as my intelligence adviser. From his many years of service on the House Intelligence Committee, he has become a leader in America's Intelligence Community," said Governor Romney. "Today, our country faces grave threats and our intelligence professionals must have the resources necessary to safeguard the American people. Our first priority is a safe America and that requires a strong Intelligence Community."

Joining the Romney for President Exploratory Committee, Representative Hoekstra said: "As a governor and as chief executive of the 2002 Winter Olympics, Governor Romney knows good intelligence is necessary for our security. Governor Romney will provide those on the frontlines of the war against radical militant Islam with the resources necessary to win. I know that the professionals who serve in the Intelligence Community will be well served under Governor Romney."

Mitt Romney Announces Support Of Dennis Hastert

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES SUPPORT OF FORMER SPEAKER DENNIS HASTERT

Boston, MA - Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives J. Dennis Hastert (R-IL) will be joining the Romney for President Exploratory Committee.

"I am honored to have the support of Speaker Hastert. As a leader in our Party and former Speaker, his long and continued career of service has been marked by a deep commitment to improving the lives of the American people. Under his leadership, Congress passed the most significant tax relief in a generation, and in the aftermath of September 11, approved historic legislation protecting the American people and supporting the men and women defending our country," said Governor Romney. "Today's announcement is a clear indication that our message is being embraced across the country."

With today's announcement, former Speaker Hastert said: "Our nation needs proven executive leadership. Whether in business or public service, Governor Romney has demonstrated a unique ability to inspire people to go further and reach new levels of accomplishment. He sees the challenges before us and is not afraid to confront them. Governor Romney is the right kind of leader for America."

Mitt Romney Announces Tom Feeney's Support In Florida

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES REPRESENTATIVE TOM FEENEY'S SUPPORT

Boston, MA - Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that U.S. Representative Tom Feeney (R-FL) will serve as a key liaison to fiscal conservatives and organizations promoting fiscal responsibility in Washington.

"I am pleased to have the support of Representative Feeney. He has been a powerful watchdog for fiscal responsibility in our nation's capital. I look forward to working with him as we strive to restore basic fiscal conservative values, curb runaway spending, and protect taxpayers' money," said Governor Romney.

With Governor Romney's announcement, Representative Feeney said, "I am proud to be part of Governor Romney's team. With his record of fighting for lower taxes and balanced budgets, Governor Romney is the right kind of leader to bring fiscal sanity back to Washington. Governor Romney will be a strong fiscal steward of the American people's tax money."

Mitt Romney Announces Support Of RNC Committee Members

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES SUPPORT OF RNC COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Boston, MA - Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that 16 members of the Republican National Committee (RNC) will be joining the Romney for President Exploratory Committee.

"As we gather for the RNC annual winter meeting, I am grateful to have the strong support of my fellow Republicans. In our Party and in their respective states, these men and women will be tireless advocates for our common ideals of lowering taxes, curbing runaway spending, promoting traditional values, and providing for a strong national defense," said Governor Romney. "In just two weeks, we have put together a strong team united by an optimistic vision for the future and motivated to go forward."

RNC Committee Members Supporting Governor Romney: Cindy Costa, SC, Darrell Crate, MA, David Norcross, NJ, Donna Gosney, WV, Jody Dow, MA, June Hartley, OR, Louis Pope, MD, Lynn Windel, OK, Peter Cianchette, ME, Robert Manning, RI, Ron Kaufman, MA, Sara Gear Boyd, VT, Solomon Yue, OR, Tom Rath, NH, Tony Parker, DC, Vance Day, OR.