2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

John McCain 2008 Launches New Web Ad: "Proud Conservative"

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW WEB AD: "PROUD CONSERVATIVE"

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released a new web ad. The ad, entitled "Proud Conservative," highlights John McCain's strong conservative record and features Jack Kemp, Governor Mike Huckabee, Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS), Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) and former Sen. Phil Gramm (R-TX).

Script For "Proud Conservative" (:30-Web)

JOHN MCCAIN: I enlisted as a foot soldier in the Reagan Revolution.

CHYRON: John McCain: A clear record of conservatism

JACK KEMP: He wants a flatter, fairer, simpler tax rate system.

MIKE HUCKABEE: Senator McCain is a genuine conservative.

CHYRON: Pro-life. Not just recently. Always. Never wavering.

SAM BROWNBACK: He will appoint strict constructionists to the United State Supreme Court.

CHYRON: "John McCain is a fiscal conservative." -- Former Sen. Phil Gramm (R-TX)

CHYRON: "He is guided by strong conservative principles." -- Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK)

JOHN MCCAIN: I will match my record with anybody who's running.

JOHN MCCAIN: I'm John McCain and I approve this message.

Coming Soon To A Theatre Near You: New Film Starring South Carolina's Native Son John Edwards

COMING SOON TO A THEATER NEAR YOU: NEW FILM STARRING SOUTH CAROLINA’S NATIVE SON JOHN EDWARDS
In upcoming attraction, John Edwards rescues a nation hijacked by special interests and delivers it back to the hands of the people

Columbia, South Carolina – Two days before South Carolina voters go to the polls, the John Edwards for President campaign unveiled a new theatrical trailer for Native Son: The Movie starring Senator John Edwards. The trailer, narrated by well-known voiceover artist and Edwards’ supporter George DelHoyo, highlights how Edwards has spent his life standing up to the rich and powerful to help the kind of regular people he grew up with in the Palmetto State, and how, as president, Edwards will rescue a nation hijacked by special interests and deliver it back to the hands of the people.

“From the people that want to end this senseless war, comes the story of the man who will bring you stronger schools, smart trade and universal health care,” the narrator explains. “Starring South Carolina’s native son, John Edwards. On January 26th, choose a brighter future – John Edwards for President.”

Today, Edwards wraps up a two-day “Back Roads, Back Home Barnstorm” of South Carolina’s small towns and rural communities to bring attention to the millions of rural Americans who, for too long, have been forgotten by Washington politicians. Edwards has seen how the voices of working Americans – like James Lowe, who could not speak for 50 years because he did not have health insurance, like the men and women who worked in the mills with his father Wallace, and like so many others he has met across South Carolina, have been forgotten.

Joined by James Lowe, his parents Bobbie and Wallace Edwards, his daughter, Cate, and Rev. James Blassingame of Sumter, South Carolina, on the last day before the primary, tomorrow Edwards will campaign across South Carolina to meet with voters and tell them, as President, he will never forget the voices of South Carolina’s working families.

Transcript of Native Son: The Movie Trailer (90 seconds):

NARRATOR: In a world where candidates are many, one man stands apart from the crowd.

EDWARDS: When people say to me, ‘why are you running for President of the United States,’ I can say it in one sentence. I’m running for President of the United States because I want everyone in America to have the same chances that I’ve had.

NARRATOR: Born to humble beginnings in South Carolina, he spent his life fighting against the rich and powerful to help the kind regular people he grew up with.

SUPPORTER: Give ‘em hell, Johnny.
EDWARDS: Oh, I will.

NARRATOR:  Now we have the chance to let him bring that fight to the White House, to rescue a nation hijacked by special interests and deliver it back to the hands of the people.

EDWARDS: The strength of America’s not just in the Oval Office, the strength of America is in this room, right now. It’s the American people, the incredible capacity of the American people to do great things. And we need you. Your country needs you.

NARRATOR: From the people that want to end this senseless war, comes the story of the man who will bring you stronger schools, smart trade and universal health care. Starring South Carolina’s native son, John Edwards. On January 26th, choose a brighter future – John Edwards for President.

EDWARDS: I’m John Edwards, and I approve this message.

Romney For President Launches New Television Ad, "Winning Combination"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD, "WINNING COMBINATION"

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President launched its newest television ad, "Winning Combination."  In this campaign, Governor Romney is the only "full-spectrum conservative" that has the experience, vision and values we need when confronting the challenges our nation faces today.  On the economy, his message is "stronger."  Governor Romney is "at his best in crisis mode."  In this election, he has "the credentials to run the country."  In this campaign, newspapers and magazines agree that Governor Romney has the "winning combination."

The ad will begin airing today in Florida.  Script and viewing links are below. 

Script For "Winning Combination" (TV :30):

ANNOUNCER 1: "The economy is emerging as the overriding issue in the 2008 presidential race and Mitt Romney's message is stronger."

ANNOUNCER 2:  "He's the 'full-spectrum conservative.'"

ANNOUNCER 1:  "'A supporter of free-market economics and limited government, moral causes such as the right to life.'"

ANNOUNCER 2:  "'The credentials to run the country.'  'Romney was at his best in crisis mode.'" 

ANNOUNCER 1:  "'A winning combination, we vote for Mitt Romney.'"

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

Mitt Romney Announces Minnesota Statewide Steering Committee Co-Chairs

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES MINNESOTA STATEWIDE STEERING COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced 45 members of his Minnesota Statewide Steering Committee, led by previously announced State Co-Chairs Jack Meeks, Brian Sullivan, Evie Axdahl and Tony Sutton.

The Minnesota Statewide Steering Committee will play an instrumental role in building upon Governor Romney's grassroots campaign leading up to the February 5 caucuses.

"These Republican leaders from across Minnesota agree we need real conservative change in Washington," said Governor Romney.  "Together, we will work to ensure our economy is strong and jobs are available for hard working families in Minnesota and across the country.  I look forward to fighting in Washington to keep taxes low, cut wasteful government spending and keeping our nation a leader in the world."

Minnesota Romney for President Co-Chair Brian Sullivan said, "Governor Romney is the candidate with the experience and background to bring real change to Washington.  Minnesota voters are looking for a candidate with the determination and the optimistic vision to grow job opportunities, keep us safe from terrorism and strengthen families here and across the nation.  Governor Romney has accomplished this in the private sector, at the Winter Olympics and as a governor – now we need to send him to Washington."

Romney For President Minnesota Statewide Steering Committee:

Evie Axdahl – Co-Chair, Maplewood, Minnesota Republican National Committeewoman
Jack Meeks – Co-Chair, Minneapolis, Former Minnesota Republican National Committeeman
Brian Sullivan – Co-Chair, Maple Grove, Minnesota Republican National Committeeman
Tony Sutton – Co-Chair, Inver Grove Heights, Secretary/Treasurer Republican Party of Minnesota
Jim Anderson – Shoreview, Former Republican Party State Central Committee Member
Amy Anderson – Waconia, Carver County Republican Party Chair
Warren Anderson – Saint Paul, Minnesota Republican Party State Central Committee Member
Tara Anderson – Eden Prairie, Former Executive Director, Minnesota College Republicans
Bev Aplikowski – Arden Hills, Former Mayor, Arden Hills
Dirk Bak – Minnetonka, Republican Activist
Chris Barden – Edina, Republican Activist
Kristin Beach – St. Paul, Republican Activist
George Benda – Alpha, Minnesota Republican Party 1st Congressional District Officer
Brad Biers – Blaine, Minnesota Republican Party State Executive Committee Member
Neil Breitbarth - Fairmont - State Central Committee
Matt Dean – Delwood, Minnesota State Legislator
Georgia Dietz – St. Paul, Minnesota Republican Party BPOU Chair
Peggy Fairbourne – Plymouth, Republican Activist
John Frydenlund – Floodwood, Republican Activist
Joey Gerdin – St. Paul, Minnesota House Republican Staff
Jake Grassel – Eden Prairie, Former Chairman, Minnesota College Republicans 
David Haan – Eden Prairie, Minnesota State Senator
David Hallman – Moorhead, Clay County Republican Party Chair
Nevin Doran Hunter – Mankato, Republican Activist
Pat Igo – St. Paul, Former Minnesota Republican Party 4th Congressional District Chair
Mary Igo – St. Paul, Minnesota Republican Party 4th Congressional District Officer
Chris Jacobson – Maplewood, Minnesota Republican Party State Executive Committee
Pat Kaluza – Lakeville, Minnesota Republican Party BPOU Chair
Paul Kohls – Victoria, Minnesota State Legislator
John Kysylyczyn – Roseville, Former Mayor, Roseville
Ted Lovdahl – Effie, Minnesota Republican Party 8th Congressional District Chair
Annette Meeks – Minneapolis, Minnesota Republican Party Former 5th Congressional District Chair
Corey Miltmore – Eden Prairie, Minnesota Republican Party Former Executive Director
Jessica Mollman – Minneapolis, Republican Activist
Ray Morris – Aitkin, Minnesota Republican Party State Central Committee Member
Dan Nygaard – Big Lake, Minnesota Republican Party Former 6th Congressional District Chair
Kristin Ostrander – Greenwood, Republican Activist
Bill Poulos – St. Paul, Minnesota Republican Party State Central Committee Member
Linda Runbeck - Circle Pines - Former State Senator
Duane Qaum – Byron, Minnesota Republican Party 1st Congressional District Chair
Chris Tiedeman – Eagan, Former Treasurer, College Republican National Committee and 7th Congressional District Vice-Chair
Tony Trimble – Walker, Former Minnesota Republican Party State Party Chairman
Andy Tulenchik – White Bear, Minnesota Republican Party State Central Committee Member
Brent VanTassel – St. Paul, Minnesota Republican Party BPOU Chair
Bill Walsh – White Bear Lake, Former Executive Director, Minnesota Republican Party
Joe Weber – Eagan, Republican Activist
Jeff Williams – Maplewood, Minnesota Republican Party BPOU Chair
Leslie Wilcox – St. Paul, Minnesota Republican Party BPOU Chair
Jon Wood – Shoreview, Former National Republican Committee Advisor
Wells Wright – Minneapolis, Republican Activist
Luke Yurczyk – Sartell, Minnesota Republican Party BPOU Chair

Duncan Hunter Endorses Mike Huckabee for President

Duncan Hunter Endorses Mike Huckabee for President

Little Rock, AR – Former Arkansas Governor and Republican Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee accepted the endorsement of Congressman Duncan Hunter, the former Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, who withdrew from the Presidential race earlier this week. 

Huckabee stated, "I'm honored to have Duncan Hunter's support.  Over the past year, I have come to admire him on a personal and professional level.  We share many of the same positions on the military and immigration. I look forward to having his support as our campaign continues to surge ahead to Super Tuesday and beyond."

"I got to know Governor Huckabee well on the campaign trail. Of the remaining candidates, I feel that he is strongly committed to strengthening national defense, constructing the border fence and meeting the challenge of China's emergence as a military superpower that is taking large portions of America 's industrial base," said Congressman Hunter.

Hunter continued, "Mike Huckabee is a man of outstanding character and integrity. I saw that character over the last year of campaigning and was greatly impressed. The other Republican candidates have many strengths and I wish them all well. My personal choice is Mike Huckabee."

Huckabee called on Hunter's supporters – as well as those of former Senator Fred Thompson who also withdrew from the race -- to join his campaign. "As a true authentic conservative, I have a vision to bring hope, opportunity and prosperity to all Americans, and I welcome their support," Huckabee said.

John McCain Wins Louisiana Caucus

JOHN MCCAIN WINS LOUISIANA CAUCUS

ARLINGTON, VA -- The Republican Party of Louisiana today announced that John McCain won the Louisiana Caucus held yesterday, January 22nd. On the heels of his win in South Carolina last weekend, victory in Louisiana is another indication of John McCain's growing momentum and of the fact that John McCain is the consistent conservative choice capable of winning the GOP stronghold of the South this November.

John McCain's Louisiana Chair, former Governor Buddy Roemer, issued the following statement regarding the results of the Louisiana Caucus:

"Last night's results go to show that John McCain is the best hope of conservatives here in Louisiana and across the country. The people of Louisiana know that actions speak louder than words, and that's why they chose John McCain over Mitt Romney. He is the only candidate with a long-held and consistent record of defending life, of protecting our national security, and of promoting pro-growth economic principles that benefit hard-working American families. John McCain is quickly emerging as the consensus candidate in the Republican race and the only conservative who can win this November."

Obama Campaign Announces New Television Ads In February 5th States

Obama Campaign Announces New Television Ads In February 5th States
The new ads highlight Obama's ability to unify Americans to bring change

Chicago, IL —Today, the Obama campaign announced that it will begin airing new television ads in key February 5th states.  Over the past two weeks, the Obama campaign became the first to air ads in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Tennessee and  New Mexico.  Today, the campaign also becomes the first to air ads in Alabama, Georgia and Delaware.  The campaign is expanding ads through New Mexico, and also airing ads in Utah.

The new ads will begin airing tonight in the following states:

Alabama- President

Connecticut – Need

Delaware – Need

Georgia – President

New Mexico – President, Chances

Utah – Need

“President”

Visual
Audio

Barack V/O:

I’m Barack Obama and I approve this message.

Visual

Barack’s Iowa victory speech
Barack Sync:

I’ll be a president…

Visual

“Obama offers universal health care plan”

Associated Press

May 29th, 2007
Barack V/O:

…who finally makes health care affordable…

Barack Sync:

…to every single American…

Visual

Barack working a rope line
Barack V/O:

…by bringing Democrats and Republicans together.

Barack Sync:

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

Visual

Closed plant; workers speaking
Barack V/O:

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

“Obama calls for middle-class tax relief”

Reuters

Sept 18th, 2007
Barack Sync:

… into the hands of working Americans.

Visual

American flag; Barack with soldiers
Barack V/O:

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

“Obama opposed Iraq war from the start”

Associated Press

Oct 2, 2007
Barack Sync:

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

“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

For more details:

NM.BarackObama.com

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

Change we can believe in

Vote February 5th   

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.

“Need”

VISUAL
VOICE 

CG: The Obama Plan:

- Close corporate tax loopholes

- $1,000 tax cut per working family

-  No taxes on seniors making under $50,000

Utah.BarackObama.com

Barack Obama for President

Vote February 5th

Senator Thad Cochran Endorses Governor Mitt Romney

SENATOR THAD COCHRAN ENDORSES GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY

Boston, MA – Today, Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) announced that he was endorsing Governor Mitt Romney and his candidacy for President of the United States.  Senator Cochran joins a Romney for President team that includes Senators Robert Bennett (R-UT), Wayne Allard (R-CO), Jim DeMint (R-SC), Judd Gregg (R-NH) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT).   

"It is an honor to join Governor Romney and his campaign for our nation's highest office.  At this moment our nation faces unprecedented challenges, and Governor Romney has the experience, vision and values needed to strengthen our country for future generations," said Senator Cochran.  "Governor Romney is a man of outstanding judgment and strong character.  I look forward to working with him and helping to implement his conservative vision when he is elected our next President." 

Welcoming Senator Cochran's support, Governor Romney said, "Senator Cochran has been a strong voice for the State of Mississippi and our conservative values in the United States Senate.  He has been dedicated to improving the quality of life of all Americans while defending this great country from foreign threats.  I am proud that he has joined our campaign to strengthen our military, our economy and our families." 

John McCain 2008 Announces Colorado Leadership Team

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 ANNOUNCES COLORADO LEADERSHIP TEAM

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced its Colorado Leadership Team. Michael Norton, former United States Attorney for Colorado, will serve as a State Chair. He will join former Lt. Governor Jane Norton and former Deputy Attorney General Marti Allbright Whitmore as State Chairs of John McCain's Colorado Campaign.

"John McCain is the one candidate in this race who can unite both the Republican Party and the nation," said Jane Norton, Co-Chair of John McCain's Colorado campaign. "He has dedicated his entire life to serving our country. He has the courage and the experience to face our nation's challenges and to restore Americans' trust in government. I know Colorado Republicans will find the values they are looking for in John McCain as we work towards victory on February 5th."

John McCain thanked the Colorado leadership team, stating, "The members of the leadership team in Colorado have been assets to my campaign, and I look forward to communicating our shared vision over the coming weeks."

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 COLORADO LEADERSHIP TEAM

State Co-Chairs
Jane Norton, former Lt. Governor, present Executive Director of the Denver Police Foundation
Michael Norton, Former U.S. Attorney
Marti Allbright Whitmore, Former Chief Deputy Attorney General

Vice Chair
Gil Cisneros, Colorado Chair of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly, Golden

Honorary Vice Chairs
Doug Dean, Director of Colorado Public Utilities Commission; Former House Speaker (2001-2002), Denver
Lola Spradley, Former House Speaker (2003-2005), Cuchara

Grassroots Chairs
Curt Cerveny, Gennese
Rob Fairbank, Former State Rep. (1999-2005), Littleton
Pete Jacobson, Evergreen

YR National Committeewoman and President Eagle County Young Republicans
Alison Miller, Vail

Justice Advisory Chair
Michael Morgan, Lohf Shaiman Jacobs Hyman & Feiger PC
Michael Norton, Burns, Figa & Will, P.C.
Michael Stuart Beaver, Holland and Hart LLP

Youth Chair
Andrew Nussbaum, Colorado Springs

Fresno Bee Endorses John Edwards For President

FRESNO BEE ENDORSES JOHN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT

California’s sixth largest paper picks Edwards for his leadership in standing up for middle class families

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Today, California’s Fresno Bee endorsed Senator John Edwards for President citing his leadership in standing up for middle class families and ending the war in Iraq.

“Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards’ campaign for president offers a much-needed vision that recognizes the hope and promise of America,” the editorial board wrote. “It’s a view that includes solidifying the plight of working families and others in the middle class. This group of Americans has struggled the past eight years under an administration that has catered to the well-connected and powerful, and it’s time for leadership that understands the contributions and needs of American families. We believe that John Edwards can provide that leadership and urge Democratic and independent voters to support him in the California primary on Feb. 5.”
Last week, more than 1,000 supporters attended a community meeting with Senator Edwards at the Southern California Public Service Workers’ headquarters in Los Angeles. Edwards enjoys the support of more than 760,000 union members across California, including the support of California’s single largest union, the California SEIU State Council. Edwards has also won the support of dozens of diverse Democratic elected officials and party leaders from every region of the Golden State.

The endorsement can be viewed at: https://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/story/341733.html.