2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

John McCain 2008 Announces Virginia Leadership

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 ANNOUNCES VIRGINIA LEADERSHIP

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced its Virginia Leadership Team that will lead the growing grassroots organization on behalf of John McCain's candidacy in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

"Thirty-five years ago, when I was Secretary of the Navy during the war in Vietnam, I came to know Commander John McCain well," said Senator John Warner. "We established a bond of strong friendship and respect that has extended through our many years in the U.S. Senate.

"John has a strong and unwavering commitment to the principles that he has so clearly put forward in this campaign. He is a proven leader. It has been a privilege for me to campaign for him and by his side in both South Carolina and Florida, and I look forward to working with this remarkable leadership team right here in Virginia as Senator McCain campaigns for the Presidency of the United States."

John McCain thanked his Virginia leadership, saying, "I thank Senator Warner for his support and friendship. I am very proud of the team of supporters we have in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and I am confident that with their leadership we are well on our way to victory on Super Tuesday."

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 VIRGINIA LEADERSHIP TEAM

Co-Chairs
Former Attorney General Jerry Kilgore
Delegate Chris Saxman
U.S Senator John Warner

Steering Committee
U.S. Representative Tom Davis
Former Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger
Delegate Dave Albo -- Chairman, Courts of Justice 
Delegate Bill Carrico
Delegate Tom Gear
Delegate Phil Hamilton -- Chairman, Health, Welfare and Institutions, Vice-Chairman, Appropriations 
Delegate Clarke Hogan
Senator Robert Hurt
Delegate Terry Kilgore -- Chairman, Commerce and Labor
Delegate Joe May -- Chairman, Transportation
Delegate Don Merricks
Senator Ryan McDougle
Delegate Dave Nutter
Delegate John O'Bannon
Delegate Glenn Oder
Delegate Robert Orrock
Delegate Ed Scott
Delegate Bob Tata -- Chairman, Education Committee

Steven Apicella -- former chairman, Stafford County Republican Party
David Avella -- 8th Congressional District Chairman
Constance Bedell -- Executive Director, Coalition Against the Tax Referendum
Chris Braunlich -- former member, Fairfax County School Board
Bob Calhoun -- former State Senator 
Vincent Callahan -- former Delegate, 20 terms
Paulina Y. "Polly" Campbell -- Secretary, Republican Party of Virginia
Coby Dillard -- Iraq War veteran, USN
Frank and Becki Donatelli 
Wyatt Durrette -- Virginia Republican nominee for Attorney General 1981and 1985 nominee for Governor, 1976 and 1980 Chairman Virginia for Reagan campaign
Tony Elar -- Warren County Republican Party Chairman, former Giuliani coordinator
Paul Galanti -- former Vietnam POW with McCain and retired Navy commander
Jason Gray -- 4th Congressional District Chairman
Jimmy Hazel 
Buzz Hawley -- former member, Virginia State Central Republican Committee
Pete Hegseth -- Executive Director of Vets for Freedom, Iraq War veteran, Bronze Star recipient
R. Christian Hoff
Jim Hyland -- Fairfax County Republican Party Chairman 
Shaun Kenney -- Former Communications Director, Republican Party of Virginia
Bobbie Kilberg 
Bill Kilberg 
Michael Lowe -- Matthews County Republican Party Chairman
Fred Malek -- Finance Chairman, Republican Party of Virginia
Courtney M. Malveaux -- Chairman, Richmond Republican Committee
Bruce Meyer -- 2nd Congressional District Chairman, former Thompson coordinator
Connie Meyer -- Chairwoman, Virginia Republican Professional Network
J. Randall Minchew -- immediate past Chairman, Loudoun Republican Committee
Rick Neel -- former chairman of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County GOP Committee
Wayne Ozmore -- former 4th Congressional District Chairman
Carter Pate 
Ridge Porter 
Daniel Presgraves -- Sheriff, Page County, incoming Page County Republican Party Chairman
Pam Pryor 
Bryan M. Rhode -- Assistant Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney
John Sherman -- retired CEO Scott & Stringfellow
Craig Shirley -- author, Reagan's Revolution
Ed Slavis -- Iraq War veteran, served three tours, fought in 2004 Battle for Fallujah
Chuck Smith -- Virginia Beach Republican Party Chairman
Andrew Shelnutt -- Student Body President George Mason University
Roger Sullivan -- President Virginia Vets Coalition
Lee Talley -- 2nd Senatorial District Chairman
Peter L .Trible, Jr. -- Essex County Republican Committee Chairman
Joseph P. Underwood -- former Fairfax County Republican Party Chairman
Wade Zirkle -- Founder of Vets for Freedom. Iraq War Veteran, Purple Heart recipient

Governor Rick Perry Endorses John McCain for President

GOVERNOR RICK PERRY ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Texas Governor Rick Perry has endorsed John McCain for president.

"Of all the issues the American people must consider as they select a commander in chief, I am convinced that our most pressing concern is the ongoing war on terror," said Governor Perry. "Senator John McCain is the best prepared candidate to guide us to victory in this war and protect our nation against future terrorist attacks. John McCain is a man of principle and a man who has never been afraid of making tough decisions, regardless of the consequences. John McCain has my respect and my endorsement for President of the United States."

John McCain thanked Governor Perry for his support, saying, "Rick's commitment to the great state of Texas is a shining example of public service. He has consistently stood up for the best interests of those who elected him. His dedication to the principles of individual freedom and limited government has made the Lone Star state an even better place to live, to work, and to raise a family. Rick is a great addition to our strong team of supporters, and I am honored to have him on board."

Former Giuliani National Policy Director Bill Simon To Join McCain Campaign As National Policy Co-Chair

FORMER GIULIANI NATIONAL POLICY DIRECTOR BILL SIMON TO JOIN MCCAIN CAMPAIGN AS NATIONAL POLICY CO-CHAIR

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that former Rudy Giuliani National Policy Director Bill Simon has endorsed John McCain for president. Simon will join the campaign serving as National Policy Co-Chair.

"I am very proud to support John McCain to be the next President," said Simon. "John has been a tireless leader for our party for over two decades, and his experience and judgment are precisely the qualities needed in our next Commander and Chief."

John McCain thanked Simon for his support, stating, "I am pleased that Bill Simon has agreed to join our campaign team. I was proud to campaign for him in 2002 and have enormous respect for him as a national conservative leader."

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Endorses John McCain For President

GOVERNOR ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- Today in Los Angeles, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger endorsed John McCain for President of the United States.

"I am endorsing Senator McCain to be the next President of the United States because I am interested in a great future and I think Senator McCain has proven over and over again that he can reach across the aisle to get things done," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "He has also crusaded to end wasteful spending in Washington, which is so important. And John McCain is a crusader with a great vision for protecting the environment, while simultaneously protecting the economy. He has incredible credentials on national security and, of course, he is a fantastic public servant. He is a great American hero and an extraordinary leader."

John McCain thanked Governor Schwarzenegger for his support, stating, "I am honored to have the support of my friend Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. I am very proud that Governor Schwarzenegger has taken the lead in California to protect our environment, an important priority for our nation and the world. I thank him for his leadership. I thank him for being a great American success story. This is a story that is an inspiration not only to young citizens here in California, but all over America and the world. He came to this country without very much, except his strengths, his talents and his ambition. And he is now the governor of the largest state in America, and I am proud to be in his company. I know that he serves as a role model and a guide to millions of Americans and people throughout the world. And that is why I am doubly honored by his endorsement of my candidacy and thankful for his help on the road to the presidency of the United States."

Romney For President Launches "Experience Matters" Television Ad In California

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES "EXPERIENCE  MATTERS" TELEVISION AD IN CALIFORNIA

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President launched its "Experience Matters" television ad in California.  The ad highlights Governor Romney's belief that our nation's leader must have the experience "to run the largest enterprise in the world."  Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) does not have that experience and our nation cannot afford a leader who needs on-the-job training when it comes to executive leadership and the economy.  Governor Romney has led businesses, the 2002 Winter Olympics and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  In each case, he brought change and turned around institutions.  As President, he will do the same for our government.

The ad will begin airing tomorrow in California.

Script For "Experience Matters" (TV:30):

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "Hillary Clinton wants to run the largest enterprise in the world.  She hasn't run a corner store.  She hasn't run a state.  She hasn't run a city.

"She has never run anything.  And the idea that she could learn to be President as an internship just doesn't make any sense.

"I have spent my life running things.  I've learned how to run a business.  I've learned how to run a state.  I ran the Olympics.  In each case, I've brought change.

"And if there's ever been a time we needed change in Washington to bring strength to America, it's now.

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

John McCain 2008 Announces Maine Leadership Team

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 ANNOUNCES MAINE LEADERSHIP TEAM

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced its Maine leadership team. U.S. Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins will serve as co-chairs, former Governor John McKernan as Honorary Chair, and State Representative Josh Tardy as Vice-Chair of John McCain's growing grassroots organization in the Pine Tree state. In addition to the statewide leadership team, 22 state legislators have endorsed John McCain.

"John McCain has the integrity and experience to lead our nation. I have known John for many years from our service together in the House and Senate, and I have always found him to be genuine, straightforward and honest," stated Senator Snowe. "Unlike any other candidate, he has a proven track record of addressing the challenges we face."

"John McCain is the right man to lead the Republican Party and to unite our nation," said Senator Collins. "He is a leader with a consistent record of standing up for what is right--not just what's easy. I am proud to say that John McCain has my full support, and I look forward to working with him throughout this campaign."

"Senator McCain is the one true fiscal and social conservative in this race and he is the best hope for Republicans to win in November," said Representative Tardy. "His leadership, record and vision make him best prepared to serve as president from day one."

John McCain thanked his Maine leadership team, stating, "I have had the privilege of working with Senator Snowe and Senator Collins for many years and I am honored to have their support. Olympia, Susan, and Josh are respected Maine leaders and I proud to have them leading my campaign in the state."

Senator Olympia Snowe is the senior senator from Maine and only the second woman to represent the state in the U.S. Senate. Prior to her election to the U.S. Senate in 1994, Snowe served the people of Maine for 16 years as their representative in the 2nd Congressional District. She is the fourth woman in U.S. history to be elected to both houses of the U.S. Congress, and the first woman to serve in both houses of a state legislature and Congress.

Senator Susan Collins was elected to represent Maine in the U.S. Senate in 1996. Collins is the ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee and serves on the Armed Services Committee with Senator McCain. She became the first woman in Maine history to receive a major party endorsement for governor after winning the Republican primary in 1994 during her first campaign for public office.

Representative Josh Tardy is the Republican Leader in the Maine House of Representatives and is serving his third term representing the 25th District. During the 121st legislative session, Tardy served on the Joint Standing Committee on Taxation as well as the Apportionment Commission.

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 MAINE LEADERSHIP TEAM

Honorary Chair
Former Governor John R. McKernan

Co-Chairs
United Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine)
United States Senator Susan M. Collins (R-Maine)

Vice Chair
State Representative Josh Tardy (R-Newport)

Legislative Team
Representative James Annis (R-Dover-Foxcroft)
Representative Rich Cebra (R-Naples)
Representative Kathy Chase (R-Wells)
Representative Dean Cray (R-Palmyra)
Representative Phil Curtis (R-Madison)
Representative Harold Ian Emery (R-Cutler)
Representative Stacey Fitts (R-Pittsfield)
Representative Ken Fletcher (R-Winslow)
Representative Jeff Gifford (R-Lincoln)
Representative John McDonough (R-Scarborough)
Representative Everett McLeod (R-Lee)
Representative H. Sawin Millett (R-Waterford)
Representative Gary Moore (R-Standish)
Representative Kerri Prescott (R-Topsham)
Representative John Robinson (R-Raymond)
Representative David Richardson (R-Carmel)
Representative Wes Richardson (R-Warren)
Representative David Savage (R-Falmouth)
Representative Thomas Saviello (U-Wilton)
Representative Joseph Tibbetts (R-Columbia)
Representative Windol Weaver (R-York)

Obama Campaign Begins Airing Ads In Key Post Feb 5 Contests

OBAMA CAMPAIGN BEGINS AIRING ADS IN KEY POST FEB 5 CONTESTS

TV and Radio spots go up across WA, NE, LA, ME, DC, VA, and MD

CHICAGO, IL –The Obama campaign today announced that it will begin airing ads in key states holding caucuses and primaries on February 9th, 10th and 12th.  The television and radio spots will hit key markets in Washington State, Nebraska, and Louisiana which hold contests on February 9th, Maine, which holds its caucuses on February 10th and the February 12th primaries in Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland. In Maryland, we will begin airing a new ad, “Future,” that features Obama’s South Carolina victory speech.

THE FOLLOWING ADS WILL BEGIN RUNNING TOMORROW IN THE STATES BELOW:

Washington State:

“President”

Nebraska:

“President”

“Mother”

Rural Radio Spot featuring Senator Ben Nelson

Louisiana:

“Chances I Had”
Maine:

“Enough”

“President”

Washington, DC:

“President”

“Caroline”

Maryland:

“Enough”

“Future”

Virginia:

“Enough”

“President”

SCRIPTS BELOW:

Future:

Visual: Obama South Carolina Victory Speech

I’m Barack Obama and I approved this message. 

This election is about the past versus the future.

As hard as it may seem, we cannot lose hope because there are people all across this great nation who are counting on us who can’t afford another four years without healthcare.

They can’t afford another four years without good schools.

They can’t afford another four years without decent wages.

Don’t tell me we can’t change.

Yes we can.

Character:

SEN. NELSON:  This is Senator Ben Nelson, and I want to tell you about the man I am proud to support for President of the United States, Barack Obama.   

I believe we are too divided today, that there is too much bickering and harsh partisanship in Washington. As someone who has spent a career working across the aisle, I believe Senator Obama is our best hope for reconciliation. His plan strengthens family farms and promotes rural America's leadership in renewable energy.

And I know Barack is a man of great character and strong Christian values who will make us proud and inspire change. 

BARACK OBAMA: This is Barack Obama. Let’s bring Democrats, Independents and Republicans together, not just to win an election, but to transform a nation, and that’s why I approved this message.

NELSON This is Senator Ben Nelson.  I hope you’ll join me in supporting Barack Obama on February 9th.  Visit Nebraska.BarackObama.com to find out the time and location of your local caucus.  And vote for Barack Obama for change we can believe in. 

ANNCR:  Paid for by Obama for America. 

Caroline:

Visual
Audio

Color footage of JFK; B&W footage of JFK; footage of moon landing
CK VO: Once we had a President who made people feel hopeful about America and brought us together to do great things.

Color footage of BO in front of flag and walking in front of crowd.
CK VO: Today Barack Obama gives us that same chance.

Color stills of BO
CK VO: He makes us believe in ourselves again. That when we act as one nation we can overcome any challenge.

CK to camera
CK Synch: People always tell me how my father inspired them. I feel that same excitement now.

CK to camera
CK Synch: Barack Obama can lift America and make us one nation again.

Footage of BO with Kennedy family
VO BO: I’m Barack Obama and I approve this message

President:

Visual
Audio

Barack V/O:

I’m Barack Obama and I approve this message.

Barack Sync:

I’ll be a president…

Visual

“Obama offers universal health care plan”  -- Associated Press, May 29, 2007
Barack V/O:

…who finally makes health care available…

Barack Sync:

…to every single American…

Barack V/O:

…by bringing Democrats and Republicans together.

Barack Sync:

I’ll be a president who ends the tax breaks for companies…

Visual

“Obama proposes tax cut for middle class, seniors” – Chicago Tribune, September 18, 2007
Barack V/O:

…that ship our jobs overseas, and put a middle class tax cut…

Barack Sync:

… into the pockets of working Americans.

Visual

“Obama opposed Iraq war from the start” –Associated Press, Oct 2, 2007
Barack V/O:

And I’ll be a president who ends this war in Iraq and finally brings our troops home.

Barack Sync:

We are one nation, and our time for change has come.

Approved by Barack Obama.  Paid for by Obama for America

Chances I Had:

Visual
Audio

Barack V/O: My parents weren't rich. My father left me when I was very young.

Barack SYNC: The one thing I was able to get was a great education.

Barack V/O: We should give every child the same chances that I had…

Obama's Education Plan:

- Expand early childhood education

- Recruit a new generation of teachers

Barack SYNC: By investing in early childhood education and recruiting a whole new generation of teachers. But, government alone is not going to solve the problem.

Barack SYNC: We need parents to turn off the television and instill in our children a sense of excellence.

Barack SYNC: We've got to ask more of ourselves…

Barack V/O: if we want the kind of world education that they need.

Approved by Barack Obama. Paid for by Obama for America.

Barack V/O: I'm Barack Obama and I approve this message.

Enough:

Visual
Audio

B&W still of BO
BO VO:

I’m Barack Obama and I approve this message.

BO speaking to town hall sized crowd
BO Synch: Ordinary people all across the country are struggling from paycheck to paycheck.

If the plant moves to China, and you’ve been working there for 20, 30 years and suddenly you have the rug pulled out from under ya…

And you don’t have healthcare, and you don’t have a pension, you’re on your own.

We gotta stop giving tax breaks to companies that are moving overseas and give those tax breaks to companies that are investing right here in the United States of America.

Approved by Barack Obama.  Paid for by Obama for President.
Enough is enough.

Mother:

My mother died of cancer at 53. In those last painful months, she was more worried about paying her medical bills than getting well.  I hear stories like hers everyday.

For 20 years Washington has talked about health care reform and reformed nothing.  I’ve got a plan to cut costs and cover everyone. But unless we stop the bickering and the lobbyists we will be in the same place twenty years from now.

I’m Barack Obama and I approve this message because to fix health care we have to fix Washington.

Obama Target Center Event Effectively "Sold Out"

Obama Target Center Event Effectively "Sold Out"

The Barack Obama event at the Target Center on Saturday is effectively sold out. Tickets are no longer available online and a very limited number of paper tickets are still available at our ticket distribution locations across the state. Minnesotans can add their name to a wait list and we will notify them as space becomes available. But we cannot guarantee that anyone from the wait list will be able to attend the event. The wait list can be accessed here:

https://minnesota.barackobama.com/minneapolis

This free event “sold out” less than 24 hours after tickets became available.

UPDATE: We have now given away a ticket for every seat in the Target Center and have more than 2,000 Minnesotans and growing on the waiting list. Tickets are no longer available.

John McCain To Receive Major Endorsement (Arnold Schwarzenegger)

John McCain To Receive Major Endorsement

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that John McCain will receive a major endorsement at a press conference in Los Angeles, California on Thursday, January 31st.

UPDATE: California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger Endorsed John McCain

Mitt Romney Announces Additions To The Minnesota Statewide Steering Committee

Governor Mitt Romney Announces Additions To The Minnesota Statewide Steering Committee

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced the addition of four members of Senator Fred Thompson's steering committee who have now joined the Minnesota Romney for President Statewide Steering Committee. These members join the previously announced members of the committee in spreading Governor Romney's message of conservative change in Washington to the citizens of Minnesota.

"I am pleased to have these four individuals join my Minnesota team," said Governor Romney. "These people share in my vision of creating a stronger America through conservative principles such as low taxes and restrained government spending. Together we can create a stronger America for our future."

"Governor Romney's vision, values and experience make him the best choice for Minnesota voters," said Minnesota Steering Committee Co-Chairman Jack Meeks. "Governor Romney is the only candidate in the race who spent his life in the private sector learning how America, not Washington, DC, works. When the state of the economy is on the minds of many Minnesotans, Governor Romney is the candidate with the knowledge and experience to provide the ideas and leadership to ensure that America's economy remains the strongest in the world."

Additions to the Minnesota Romney For President Statewide Steering Committee:

Michael Barrett: Barrett is a pharmacist at Long Prairie Memorial Hospital and a former candidate for Minnesota's 7th Congressional District. He serves on the Republican State Executive Committee.

Bridget Sutton: Sutton is a veteran Republican activist and sits on the board of the Inver Grove Heights Community Schools.

Margaret Cavanaugh: Cavanaugh is the Co-chair of the Third Congressional District Republicans and former Chair of the Third District Republican Coalition for Life. She resides in Bloomington.

Daniel Riojas: Riojas was Political Director for Barb White for Congress Committee and former delegate to the State Convention