2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

The Tuscaloosa News Endorses John McCain For President

The Tuscaloosa News Endorses John McCain For President

"McCain stands head and shoulders above the rest of the Republican field in terms of stature, honesty and character. ... McCain has a strong record as a critic of earmarking and a champion of budgetary restraint. He's tough, smart and shoots straight. He would never dishonor the high office that he seeks."

"We endorse McCain, Obama as party nominees"

Editorial
Tuscaloosa News
January 20, 2008

We endorse McCain, Obama as party nominees

On Tuesday, Feb. 5, Alabama voters have an opportunity to help change the course of history by selecting a candidate for president who will redirect the nation to an era of progress, peace and prosperity.

We believe Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama offer the best hope among the candidates for effective, positive leadership.

Read Entire Tuscaloosa News Editorial Endorsing John McCain for President.

The Kansas City Star Endorses John McCain For President

THE KANSAS CITY STAR ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

"No one in the still-crowded Republican field has a better claim to the battle cry of 'change' than Sen. McCain of Arizona. He has a very long track record of denouncing business as usual in Washington, which led us to endorse him in the 2000 GOP primary as well. He has been a tireless advocate of campaign finance reform and better ethics in government. Unlike most of his opponents in this year's GOP race, McCain has extensive foreign policy experience -- a critical difference." --The Kansas City Star

Excerpts From "Clinton, McCain Could Lead U.S. Well In The Years Ahead"

Editorial
The Kansas City Star
January 19, 2008

No one in the still-crowded Republican field has a better claim to the battle cry of "change" than Sen. McCain of Arizona.

Read Entire Kansas City Star Editorial Endorsing John McCain for President

North Dakota Leaders Join Supporters Of John McCain

NORTH DAKOTA LEADERS JOIN SUPPORTERS OF JOHN MCCAIN

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released its North Dakota Leadership Team. The leadership team will contribute to the growing grassroots organization on behalf of John McCain's candidacy in the Bison State.

"John McCain is the one candidate running for the Republican nomination who has the foreign policy and national security experience necessary to do the job from day one," said Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem. "John McCain is the most principled, fiscal conservative in this race and he is exactly the kind leader North Dakota Republicans will rally behind. I am proud to be a part of his team as we work towards victory on February 5th."

John McCain thanked the leadership team, stating, "These North Dakota leaders will prove critical to our success in the Bison State. I am grateful to have their support as we work towards winning the Republican nomination and restoring Americans' trust in our government."

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 NORTH DAKOTA LEADERSHIP TEAM

Honorary Chair
Republican State Committee Chair Gary Emineth, Washburn

Chair
Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, Bismarck

Co-Chairs
State Representative Stacey Dahl (R Grand Forks), District 42
Duane Sand, Fargo

Vice Chair
Public Commissioner Tony Clark, Bismarck

NORTH DAKOTA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONER TONY CLARK ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that North Dakota Public Service Commissioner Tony Clark has endorsed John McCain for president. Commissioner Clark will serve as vice chair of John McCain's growing grassroots organization in North Dakota.

"John McCain is the one candidate running for the Republican nomination with the leadership, character, and experience necessary to lead our nation as president on day one," said Tony Clark, North Dakota Public Service Commissioner. "The people of North Dakota, like me, appreciate his common sense conservative record and that's why I am proud to support him for the Republican nomination for President."

John McCain expressed his appreciation for Clark's support. "Tony has been a passionate advocate for increased civic involvement in the state of North Dakota and I am proud to have him supporting my candidacy as we work towards victory on February 5th."

Rudy Giuliani Campaign Launches Florida Spanish Television Ad

Rudy Giuliani Campaign Launches Florida Spanish Television Ad

The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced the launch of a new Spanish television ad entitled “Un Plan.” The ad is airing in Florida.

Script for “Un Plan”:

Narrator: “Aumentan los impuestos – los seguros. A todos nos afecta. Rudy Giuliani tiene un plan. El recorte de impuestos más grande en la historia de este país.”

Chryon: “El recorte de impuestos más grande en la historia de este país”

Narrator: “Y Rudy Giuliani es el único candidato Republicano que apoya un fondo nacional para aliviar el alto costo de los seguros a la propiedad.”

Chryon: “Apoya un fondo nacional para aliviar el alto costo de los seguros a la propiedad.”

Narrator: “Sus logros demuestran su capacidad. Su visión nos da esperanza.”

Narrator: “Su visión nos da esperanza.”

Mayor Giuliani: “Soy Rudy Giuliani y apruebo este mensaje”

English Translation:

Narrator: “Taxes increase – insurance. We’re all affected.”

Narrator: “Rudy Giuliani has a plan. The largest tax cut in the history of this country.”

Chryon: “The largest tax cut in the history of this country.”

English Translation: “And Rudy Giuliani is the only Republican candidate that supports a national fund to provide relief with the high cost of property insurance.”

Chryon: “Supports a national fund to provide relief with the high cost of property insurance.”

Narrator: “His accomplishments demonstrate his capability.”

Narrator: “His vision gives us hope.”

Mayor Giuliani: “I’m Rudy Giuliani and I approve this message.”

John McCain 2008 Launches New Television Ad In Florida: "Never Surrender"

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD IN FLORIDA: "NEVER SURRENDER"

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released a new television ad to run in Florida. The ad, entitled "Never Surrender," highlights John McCain's record of courageous leadership on the tough challenges facing our country.

"Never Surrender" will run statewide in Florida beginning today and tomorrow.

Script For "Never Surrender" (:30-TV)

ANNOUNCER: "One man sacrificed for his country.

"One man opposed a flawed strategy in Iraq.

"One man had the courage to call for change.

"One man didn't play politics with the truth.

"One man stands up to the special interests."

JOHN MCCAIN: "Stand up. We're Americans, we're Americans and we'll never surrender, they will."

ANNOUNCER: "One man does what's right, not what's easy. John McCain."

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

Minnesota DFL & Republican Party Of Minnesota Work Together To Promote Caucuses

Minnesota DFL & Republican Party of Minnesota Work Together to Promote Caucuses

St. Paul, MN- Minnesota DFL Chair Brian Melendez and Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Ron Carey today announced that the two parties will hold joint news conferences in St. Paul and Rochester on Tuesday, January 22 to encourage Minnesotans to take part in party caucuses on Tuesday, February 5.

"Precinct caucuses are the first step for Minnesotans to have their voice heard on who becomes the next President of the United States," said Minnesota DFL Chair Brian Melendez. “This election will help to determine the direction of our state and our country and we encourage all Minnesotan to take part in this process.”

"I am very pleased to join with the DFL in the promotion of party caucuses. Since I was teenager growing up in Iowa, I have been a proud participant in the caucus process. Chair Melendez and I both agree that a strong caucus system is good for all Minnesotans who feel strongly about issues," Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Ron Carey said.

Romney For President Launches Spanish-Language Television Ad In Florida

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES SPANISH-LANGUAGE TELEVISION AD IN FLORIDA

Boston, MA – Romney for President this week launched its new Spanish-language television ad.  The ad features Craig Romney introducing his father to voters and discussing Governor Mitt Romney's exceptional record of success in the public and private sectors. 

The ad is titled "Mi Padre" ("My Father") and will air in South Florida.  The English and Spanish transcripts are below:

English Script For "Mi Padre" (TV:30):

CRAIG ROMNEY: "Mitt Romney's record speaks for itself: successful as a businessman, saved the Olympics, and as Governor of Massachusetts, lowered taxes and stimulated the economy.

"But above all, Mitt Romney is a family man, a great father, husband and grandfather.

"I know because Mitt Romney is my Dad.

"I'm Craig Romney and I invite you to get to know my father, Mitt Romney, a leader who loves our nation, recognizes our challenges and has solutions to confront them."

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

Spanish Script For "Mi Padre" (TV:30):

CRAIG ROMNEY: "El record de Mitt Romney habla por si solo.  Exitoso como empresario, salvó las Olimpiadas, y como gobernador de Massachusetts bajó los impuestos y estimuló la economía.

"Pero sobre todo, Mitt Romney es un hombre de familia, un gran padre, esposo y abuelo.

"Yo lo se porque Mitt Romney es mi papá.

"Soy Craig Romney y les invito a conocer mejor a mi padre, Mitt Romney, un líder que ama a nuestra nación, reconoce nuestros retos y tiene soluciones para enfrentarlos".

GOBERNADOR MITT ROMNEY: "Soy Mitt Romney y apruebo este mensaje".

McCain Campaign Adds Six Offices In Florida

MCCAIN CAMPAIGN ADDS SIX OFFICES IN FLORIDA
Momentum Builds For John McCain In The Sunshine State

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced the opening of six offices across Florida. Backed by strong support from many of Florida's top business leaders and elected officials, and endorsed by seven major Florida newspapers, John McCain's presidential campaign continues to build momentum in the Sunshine State.

"Momentum for John McCain's presidential campaign continues to grow in Florida due to his strong message on issues valued by Floridians, and a very experienced Florida-based leadership team," said Ambassador Al Hoffman. "John McCain's military experience and strong stance on defense, focus on the economy by ensuring low taxes and unwavering commitment to eliminating wasteful government spending is well appreciated by Floridians. John McCain is the only candidate with the experience both domestically and internationally to lead our country in this time of change."

John McCain has built a strong team in Florida, led by veterans of the successful statewide Republican campaigns of President George W. Bush, former Governor Jeb Bush and Governor Charlie Crist. This leadership team is supported by more than 15 campaign staff, advisors and a growing team of volunteers.

The campaign offices can be found at:

Ft. Lauderdale
908 S. Andrews Avenue
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Jacksonville
1046 Riverside Avenue
Jacksonville, FL

Orlando
234 South Semoran Blvd.
Orlando, FL

Pensacola
744 E. Burgess Road
Unit A-102
Pensacola, FL

Tampa
142 West Platt Street
Tampa, FL

West Palm Beach
505 South Flagler Drive
Suite 1450
West Palm Beach, FL

2008 Democratic National Convention Delegate Allocation

State	Total Pledged	Total Un-pledged	Total #	Alternates	Total Size
AL	52	8	60	9	69
AK	13	5	18	4	22
American	3	6	12	1	13
AZ	56	11	67	9	76
AR	35	12	47	6	53
CA	370	71	441	62	503
CO	55	16	71	9	80
CT	48	12	60	8	68
DE	15	8	23	4	27
Abroad	7	4	22	1	23
DC	15	23	38	4	42
FL	0	0	0	0	0
GA	87	16	103	15	118
Guam	4	5	13	1	14
HI	20	9	29	4	33
ID	18	5	23	4	27
IL	153	32	185	26	211
IN	72	12	84	12	96
IA	45	12	57	8	65
KS	32	9	41	5	46
KY	51	9	60	9	69
LA	56	10	66	9	75
ME	24	10	34	4	38
MD	70	29	99	12	111
MA	93	28	121	16	137
MI	0	0	0	0	0
MN	72	16	88	12	100
MS	33	7	40	6	46
MO	72	16	88	12	100
MT	16	8	24	4	28
NE	24	7	31	4	35
NV	25	8	33	4	37
NH	22	8	30	4	34
NJ	107	20	127	18	145
NM	26	12	38	4	42
NY	232	49	281	39	320
NC	115	19	134	19	153
ND	13	8	21	4	25
OH	141	20	161	24	185
OK	38	9	47	6	53
OR	52	13	65	9	74
PA	158	30	188	26	214
PR	55	8	63	9	72
RI	21	11	32	4	36
SC	45	9	54	8	62
SD	15	8	23	4	27
TN	68	17	85	11	96
TX	193	35	228	32	260
UT	23	6	29	4	33
VT	15	8	23	4	27
Virgin I.	3	6	12	1	13
VA	83	18	101	14	115
WA	78	19	97	13	110
WV	28	11	39	5	44
WI	74	18	92	12	104
WY	12	6	18	4	22
Un-assign	0	4	4	0	4
TOTAL	3253	796	4070	562	4632

2008 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION
DELEGATE / ALTERNATE ALLOCATION

(As adopted by the Democratic National Committee at its meeting February 1-3, 2007.)

Basic Delegate FAQ

Who can be a delegate?

It is open to all voters who wish to participate as Democrats, including new voters and non-affiliated voters who wish to register or enroll. The times, dates, places and rules for the conduct of delegate selection meetings will be publicized, bilingually where necessary.

How much does it cost?

There is no mandatory cost or fee required to become a delegate.

What are the types of delegates? How are they selected?

Pledged delegates differ from unpledged delegates in that they must openly commit to a candidate before the vote and are subject to review by that candidate. Unpledged delegates are sometimes referred to as "superdelegates."

District-level delegates - These make up roughly half of delegates, and must file a statement of candidacy designating the presidential or uncommitted preference and a signed pledge of support for the presidential candidate the person favors, if any, with the state party by a date the state party specifies. They must run for election in the district they are registered to vote, and are subject to review by the candidate they support.

At-large delegates - Must also file a statement of candidacy designating the presidential or uncommitted preference and a signed pledge of support for the presidential candidate the person favors, if any, with the state party by a date the state party specifies. The state party determines how these delegates are selected, but they are often selected by the district-level delegates.

Party Leaders and Elected Official (PLEO) delegates - DNC Members, Democratic House and Senate members, Democratic governors, and former Democratic Party leaders are automatically confirmed to the state parties. In addition, these positions are considered according to the following priority: big city mayors and state-wide elected officials, state legislative leaders, state legislators, and other state, county and local elected officials and party leaders. These delegates can be chosen by a state convention, the State Party Committee, or by a committee consisting of a quorum of district-level delegates. There are both pledged and unpledged PLEO delegates.

Add-on delegates - May be selected by either the same selecting body that selects the state's PLEO delegates or by the same selecting body which will select the state's "at-large" delegates. They can be selected whether or not they previously filed a statement of candidacy for a delegate position or submitted a pledge of support for a presidential candidate. There are both pledged and unpledged add-on delegates.

What about alternate delegates?

Alternate delegates are selected by primary, convention, or committee processes. State parties provide for the conditions under which alternates may "replace" a delegate.

How many delegates does my state get?

The number of delegates varies by state, and the divison by types changes reguarly as the strucutre of the Democratic Party in your state changes (people move, retire, leave jobs, become elected, etc.).

The Orlando Sentinel Endorses John McCain For President

THE ORLANDO SENTINEL ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

"[John McCain] can be the agent of change for which many voters are clamoring He has been battling business as usual in the Capitol -- especially its weak ethics and irresponsible budgeting -- for years. Mr. McCain is one of the most authoritative voices in Congress on national security and foreign affairs, two core responsibilities for any president. ... His qualifications to be president are beyond dispute." -- The Orlando Sentinel

Excerpts From "Our Position: The Arizona Senator Is Clearly The Most Qualified Of The Contenders"

Editorial
Orlando Sentinel
January 20, 2008

No clear front-runner has emerged among Republican presidential candidates after the party's early primaries. But there is a clear choice when it comes to the most qualified: U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona..

The Sentinel endorses John McCain for the nomination in Florida's Republican Primary.

Read The Orlando Sentinel Editorial: "Our Position: The Arizona Senator Is Clearly The Most Qualified Of The Contenders"