2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Romney Tapping Web For Support

Romney connecting quickly with bloggers
Taps into the Web for early support

By Scott Helman, Globe Staff
December 31, 2006

"The importance Romney is placing on developing a rapport with bloggers reflects not only the pivotal role the Internet now plays in American politics, observers say, but also a recognition by Republicans that they have not been as aggressive as Democrats in using the web to gather support and money."

Boston Globe Article

Romney Plans Presidential Announcement In January

Romney set for presidential announcement
By GLEN JOHNSON, Associated Press Writer

BOSTON - Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is making plans for his campaign for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination in two phases early next month...

Is expected to file paperwork as early as Jan. 2 with the Federal Election Commission...

As soon as the week of Jan. 8, Romney will hold a ceremony to officially declare his candidacy.

Yahoo News AP Article

Mitt Romney To Form Exploratory Committee

Romney to form presidential exploratory committee in January
Monday, December 11, 2006
CNN Chief National Correspondent John King

MANCHESTER, New Hampshire (CNN) -- Massachusetts GOP Gov. Mitt Romney will form a presidential exploratory committee in early January, a GOP source tells CNN.

CNN Political Ticker

Iowa House Speaker Joins Romney’s Commonwealth PAC

Iowa House Speaker Joins Romney’s Commonwealth PAC

September 27, 2006, (BOSTON) – Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, Honorary Chairman of The Commonwealth PAC, announced today that Iowa House Speaker Christopher Rants (R-Sioux City) will become an advisor to The Commonwealth PAC. Governor Romney’s Commonwealth PAC was created to help elect Republicans across the country, including Iowa.

Rants joined Romney in Des Moines for the announcement.

“I am impressed with Speaker Rants and his ability to lead the House chamber in such a closely divided Legislature,” said Romney. “Christopher and I have a shared goal: to increase Republican majorities. His willingness to volunteer for my Commonwealth PAC means that we will get that goal accomplished. He is an established and effective leader and a welcome addition to our team.”

Rants says he looks forward to his new role with The Commonwealth PAC, and says Romney has been a crucial figure in helping to maintain the House’s Republican majority.

“Governor Romney has tirelessly crisscrossed this state on behalf of Republican candidates,” said Rants. “The organization he has put together will prove to be very valuable to our efforts. I appreciate his vigorous campaigning on our behalf, and I am proud to join his team.”

Rants was first elected to the Iowa Legislature in 1992. Since that time, he has served as Speaker Pro Tempore and Majority Leader. He was elected speaker in 2002. Currently, Republicans hold a narrow 51 to 49 margin in the Iowa House.

Rants is the highest-ranking elected Iowa Republican official to sign on with a national PAC’s organization.