2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

2008 Republican National Convention: GM Named Official Vehicle Provider

GENERAL MOTORS NAMED OFFICIAL VEHICLE PROVIDER TO 2008 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) – The 2008 Republican National Convention today announced General Motors (GM) will serve as the Official Vehicle Provider for the convention later this year, which will be held at Saint Paul’s Xcel Energy Center.  As the Official Vehicle Provider, GM will provide a fleet of vehicles, primarily flexible-fuel and hybrid models, to support the 2008 Republican National Convention.

“We’re pleased that General Motors will serve as the Official Vehicle Provider for the 2008 Republican National Convention,” said convention President and Chief Executive Officer Maria Cino. “GM and the Republican National Convention have enjoyed a strong partnership for the last seven conventions, and we look forward to working with GM once again to keep our convention moving smoothly.

“GM vehicles will be invaluable to our guests’ convention experience – and use of environmentally responsible models will support our pledge to host the greenest convention in our Party’s history,” Cino added.

GM will provide the 2008 Republican National Convention with more than 300 cars and light trucks representing a mix of highly fuel efficient vehicles that include E85 ethanol flex-fuel and hybrid technology.   GM offers more vehicles that achieve 30 mpg on the highway, more flex fuel vehicles that can run on E85, and groundbreaking technology such as GM's two-mode hybrid system found in its full-size light trucks.

GM alone has produced over 2.5 million E-85 capable vehicles to date – more than any other automaker.  GM is also releasing an average of one new hybrid model every three months for this year and next that includes the Saturn Vue and Aura Green Line, and Chevrolet Malibu. Last year, GM introduced the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon two-mode hybrid (the only hybrid system developed and built in the U.S. at its Baltimore, MD transmission plant) that get a 50 percent improvement in city mileage over gas versions.   

“With convention goers from throughout the country descending on Minneapolis-St. Paul, this is an outstanding venue for a great number and variety of people to see first-hand how GM is leading the way with more products with more fuel and technology choices for consumers,” said Ken W. Cole, GM vice president for Global Public Policy and Government Relations.  “As an integral part of the economic fabric of America with people and plants in over 30 states, we are proud to once again partner with the Republican National Convention.”

GM employs more than 130,000 people in the United States at its more than 75 plants and facilities throughout the country.

The Republican Party is committed to environmental preservation and the responsible stewardship of our natural resources. With convention preparations well underway, every effort is being made to use resources efficiently. In addition to environmentally responsible vehicle selection, Committee on Arrangements and Host Committee staff members are working with convention venues, including primary sites the Xcel Energy Center and Saint Paul RiverCentre, on ways to improve energy efficiency.

The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul’s Xcel Energy Center from September 1-4, 2008.  Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event.

Hillary Clinton Minnesota Campaign Committee

 

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, Speaker of the House Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Assistant Majority Leader Tarryl Clark, Former Senator Mark Dayton, and Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner held a press conference at the Minneapolis Clinton Campaign Headquarters to discuss Hillary Clinton's real record of making change and getting results for Minnesota families. The group will also discuss details surrounding Hillary Clinton's campaign and efforts in Minnesota.

Hillary Clinton Minnesota Campaign Committee

Tom Monaghan Joins Romney For President

TOM MONAGHAN JOINS ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT

Boston, MA – Today, Tom Monaghan announced that he is endorsing Governor Mitt Romney and his campaign for President of the United States.  Monaghan is a noted business man and philanthropist.

"It is an honor for me to endorse Governor Mitt Romney for President.  He is a proven leader and has demonstrated his effectiveness in multiple arenas - in his successful business ventures, the running of the Olympics and in politics.  I had first hand experience of Mitt's effectiveness and expertise during the sale of Domino's Pizza to Bain Capital," said Tom Monaghan.  "Most importantly, Governor Romney is a man of principle.  As someone who values the importance of faith in one's life, I recognize in Mitt his deep religious convictions which will serve him well in facing the critical moral issues facing our society.  I believe he will stand firm on the pro-life issues and for the traditional family values that our country was founded on and which are so critical to the future of our nation."

With today's announcement, Governor Romney said, "Having known Tom since 1998, I am proud to have his support in this critical election.  As a successful business man, he has also been a strong supporter of conservative causes across the country.  His philanthropic work has touched the lives of millions."

Iowa And New Hampshire Again Earn Their First-in-the-Nation Status

Iowa and New Hampshire Again Earn Their First-in-the-Nation Status
Record turn out in both states further legitimizes traditional role

Des Moines, Iowa – Record numbers of Iowans of both political parties turned out for the state’s first-in-the-nation Caucus on January 3rd. On Tuesday this week, voters in New Hampshire mirrored Iowa for their first-in-the-nation Primary.

“You can see, measure, and quantify the legitimacy of the presidential selection process with this unprecedented participation in Iowa and New Hampshire,” stated Chuck Laudner, executive director of the Republican Party of Iowa. “The electorate in these two lead-off states overwhelmingly earned their first-in-the-nation status.”

Critics of the present process often cite low participation in their arguments for change. “Nearly 400,000 Iowans and 500,000 residents of New Hampshire spoke loud and clear,” Laudner explained. “In Iowa specifically, one in four eligible voters made their voice heard on Caucus night.”

As many states attempted to leap-frog ahead of Iowa and New Hampshire, the lead-off Caucus and Primary were moved forward as well. “Iowans evaluate the line-up of candidates, then set their own personal batting order,” Laudner observed. “We expect to meet the candidates, shake their hands, and ask them about their positions on the issues. To move away from this retail style of politics would harm the nation.”

If campaigns were to focus first on higher population centers on the nation’s coasts, candidates’ interaction with voters would be limited to placing advertisements and holding rallies in huge arenas, Laudner observed. “The nation deserves better of the person seeking to be their Commander-in-Chief,” he said.

Moving ahead, the strong turn out of voters in both Iowa and New Hampshire is expected to solidify their status. “Our mission as the Republican Party of Iowa will be to emphasize our qualifications, performance, and willingness to do the hard work of being first-in-the nation,” Laudner concluded. “Iowans never walk away from hard work – the Caucus included.”

Statement By New Hampshire Chair Peter Spaulding On The New Hampshire Primary Victory

STATEMENT BY NEW HAMPSHIRE CHAIR PETER SPAULDING ON THE NEW HAMPSHIRE PRIMARY VICTORY

MANCHESTER, NH -- U.S. Senator John McCain's New Hampshire Chair, Peter Spaulding, issued the following statement on John McCain's New Hampshire Primary victory:

"I proudly congratulate John on his historic victory in today's primary. John McCain never gave up, and the voters of New Hampshire have clearly rallied behind his unique brand of straight talk, leadership and solutions to the biggest problems facing our country. I am confident that, as president, John McCain will root out wasteful spending in Washington and lead the country to victory against those who wish America harm.

"I could not be more proud of the New Hampshire leadership team and the unwavering efforts of our staff and volunteers across the state working on John's behalf. They have proven you can catch lightning in a bottle, twice."

Remarks By Barack Obama On New Hampshire Primary Night

Remarks By Barack Obama On New Hampshire Primary Night

I want to congratulate Senator Clinton on a hard-fought victory here in New Hampshire.

A few weeks ago, no one imagined that we'd have accomplished what we did here tonight. For most of this campaign, we were far behind, and we always knew our climb would be steep.

But in record numbers, you came out and spoke up for change. And with your voices and your votes, you made it clear that at this moment - in this election - there is something happening in America.

There is something happening when men and women in Des Moines and Davenport; in Lebanon and Concord come out in the snows of January to wait in lines that stretch block after block because they believe in what this country can be.

There is something happening when Americans who are young in age and in spirit - who have never before participated in politics - turn out in numbers we've never seen because they know in their hearts that this time must be different.

There is something happening when people vote not just for the party they belong to but the hopes they hold in common - that whether we are rich or poor; black or white; Latino or Asian; whether we hail from Iowa or New Hampshire, Nevada or South Carolina, we are ready to take this country in a fundamentally new direction. That is what's happening in America right now. Change is what's happening in America.

You can be the new majority who can lead this nation out of a long political darkness - Democrats, Independents and Republicans who are tired of the division and distraction that has clouded Washington; who know that we can disagree without being disagreeable; who understand
that if we mobilize our voices to challenge the money and influence that's stood in our way and challenge ourselves to reach for something better, there's no problem we can't solve - no destiny we cannot fulfill.

Our new American majority can end the outrage of unaffordable, unavailable health care in our time. We can bring doctors and patients; workers and businesses, Democrats and Republicans together; and we can tell the drug and insurance industry that while they'll get a seat at the table, they don't get to buy every chair. Not this time. Not now.

Our new majority can end the tax breaks for corporations that ship our jobs overseas and put a middle-class tax cut into the pockets of the working Americans who deserve it.

We can stop sending our children to schools with corridors of shame and start putting them on a pathway to success. We can stop talking about how great teachers are and start rewarding them for their greatness. We can do this with our new majority.

We can harness the ingenuity of farmers and scientists; citizens and entrepreneurs to free this nation from the tyranny of oil and save our planet from a point of no return.

And when I am President, we will end this war in Iraq and bring our troops home; we will finish the job against al Qaeda in Afghanistan; we will care for our veterans; we will restore our moral standing in the world; and we will never use 9/11 as a way to scare up votes, because it is not a tactic to win an election, it is a challenge that should unite America and the world against the common threats of the twenty-first century: terrorism and nuclear weapons; climate change and poverty; genocide and disease.

All of the candidates in this race share these goals. All have good ideas. And all are patriots who serve this country honorably.

But the reason our campaign has always been different is because it's not just about what I will do as President, it's also about what you, the people who love this country, can do to change it.

That's why tonight belongs to you. It belongs to the organizers and the volunteers and the staff who believed in our improbable journey and rallied so many others to join.

We know the battle ahead will be long, but always remember that no matter what obstacles stand in our way, nothing can withstand the power of millions of voices calling for change.

We have been told we cannot do this by a chorus of cynics who will only grow louder and more dissonant in the weeks to come. We've been asked to pause for a reality check. We've been warned against
offering the people of this nation false hope.

But in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope. For when we have faced down impossible odds; when we've been told that we're not ready, or that we shouldn't try, or that we can't, generations of Americans have responded with a simple creed that sums up the spirit of a people.

Yes we can.

It was a creed written into the founding documents that declared the destiny of a nation.

Yes we can.

It was whispered by slaves and abolitionists as they blazed a trail toward freedom through the darkest of nights.

Yes we can.

It was sung by immigrants as they struck out from distant shores and pioneers who pushed westward against an unforgiving wilderness.

Yes we can.

It was the call of workers who organized; women who reached for the ballot; a President who chose the moon as our new frontier; and a King who took us to the mountaintop and pointed the way to the Promised Land.

Yes we can to justice and equality. Yes we can to opportunity and prosperity. Yes we can heal this nation. Yes we can repair this world. Yes we can.

And so tomorrow, as we take this campaign South and West; as we learn that the struggles of the textile worker in Spartanburg are not so different than the plight of the dishwasher in Las Vegas; that the hopes of the little girl who goes to a crumbling school in Dillon are the same as the dreams of the boy who learns on the streets of LA; we will remember that there is something happening in America; that we are not as divided as our politics suggests; that we are one people;
we are one nation; and together, we will begin the next great chapter in America's story with three words that will ring from coast to coast; from sea to shining sea - Yes. We. Can.

Hillary Clinton Remarks Following The New Hampshire Primary

Remarks following the New Hampshire primary

Thank you. Thank you so much. I come tonight with a very, very full heart. And I want especially to thank New Hampshire. Over the last week, I listened to you and in the process, I found my own voice.

I felt like we all spoke from our hearts, and I am so gratified that you responded. Now, together, let's give America the kind of comeback that New Hampshire has just given me.

For all the ups and downs of this campaign, you helped remind everyone that politics isn't a game. This campaign is about people. It's about making a difference in your lives. It’s about making sure that everyone in this country has the opportunity to live up to his or her God-given potential. That has been the work of my life.

We are facing a moment of so many big challenges. We know we face challenges here at home, around the world, so many challenges for the people whose lives I've been privileged to be part of. I've met families in this state and all over our country who have lost their homes to foreclosures. Men and women who work day and night but can't pay the bills and hope they don't get sick because they can't afford health insurance. Young people who can't afford to go to college to pursue their dreams.

Too many have been invisible for too long. Well, you are not invisible to me.

The oil companies, the drug companies, the health insurance companies, the predatory student loan companies have had seven years of a president who stands up for them. It's time we had a president who stands up for all of you.

I intend to be that president, to be a president who puts you first - your lives, your families, your children, your future. I believe deeply in America, in our can-do spirit, in our ability to meet any challenge and solve any problem. I believe in what we can do together. In the future, we will build together. There will be no more invisible Americans. So we're going to take what we've learned here in New Hampshire, and we're going to rally on and make our case. We are in it for the long run.

And that is because we are in it for the American people. This victory will serve notice that people across our country know what's really at stake, that we will all be called upon to deliver on the promise of America.

We'll be called upon to deliver on the promise that the middle class will grow and prosper again, to deliver on the promise the government will be of the people, by the people and for the people, not just the privileged few, to deliver on the promise that every generation will have their shot at the American dream, to deliver on the promise that we'll have the will and the wisdom to end the war in Iraq the right way, to deliver on the promise to take care of our brave veterans and restore America’s standing, respect, and credibility around the world.

We know that for the promise of America to be real, we are called upon to deliver on that promise. And if you join in this call to greatness, we will, together, answer. So tomorrow, we're going to get up, roll up our sleeves and keep going.

I invite you to come join us at Hillaryclinton.com. We're going to tap into all of the spirit, the talent and just the plain grit of this great nation again.

We are determined to tackle our toughest problems and stand up to those who most need a champion because we are determined to make America work again for all of our people.

We came back tonight because you spoke loudly and clearly. You want this campaign to be about you because there is so much at stake for our country.

I have so many people to thank. I want to thank the two most important people in my life, Bill and Chelsea. I want to thank them for their incredible commitment, their passion and their heart. I want to thank my entire family, particularly my mother, who is watching tonight.

I want to thank the extraordinary team here in New Hampshire that never faltered one minute. That team had a great staff. It had volunteers and supporters from across the state and this country. I want to thank the young people across New Hampshire who came out.

They asked the hard questions and they voted their hearts and their minds and I really appreciate it.

Finally, I want to say how much I respect our Democratic candidates. Senators Dodd and Biden who were in the race earlier have given great service to our country. Governor Richardson, Congressman Kucinich, Senator Edwards and Senator Obama.

They all have put themselves on the line day and night on behalf of this country we love so much.

This campaign will transform America because we will take on the challenges. We will seize the opportunities. Every single day, I am not going out there on my own. I am going out there accompanied by millions and millions of people who believe, as I do, that this country is worth fighting for.

Thank you, and God bless you!

RNC Announces Regional Political Director For The Northwest

RNC ANNOUNCES REGIONAL POLITICAL DIRECTOR FOR THE NORTHWEST

WASHINGTON – RNC Chairman Robert M. “Mike” Duncan announced today that Jon Seaton has been named Regional Political Director for the Northwest.

“The RNC’s Regional Political Directors serve as our representatives in the field, offering counsel and assistance wherever needed,” Duncan said.  “With his extensive background in the Northwest region, Jon Seaton will play a critical role in our efforts to elect a new Republican President, and increase the numbers of Republicans serving in the U.S. House and Senate.”

Jon Seaton served as National Field Director and Iowa State Director for the John McCain 2008 Campaign.  Prior to that, he was Associate Director in the White House Office of Political Affairs, responsible for the successful implementation of all Presidential and Vice Presidential visits for 11 Northwest and upper Midwestern states.  Seaton also served as Washington State Executive Director for Bush-Cheney 2004.  He is a 1997 graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Remarks By John McCain On New Hampshire Primary Victory

Remarks By John McCain On New Hampshire Primary Victory
January 8, 2008

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain tonight delivered the following remarks in Nashua, New Hampshire, on his victory in the New Hampshire Primary:

Thank you.

My friends, I am past the age when I can claim the noun, "kid," no matter what adjective precedes it.  But tonight we sure showed them what a comeback looks like.  When the pundits declared us finished, I told them, "I'm going to New Hampshire, where the voters don't let you make their decision for them."  And when they asked, "how are you going to do it?  You're down in the polls.  You don't have the money."  I answered, "I'm going to New Hampshire, and I'm going to tell people the truth."

We came back here to this wonderful state we've come to trust and love.  And we had just one strategy: to tell you what I believe.  I didn't just tell you what the polls said you wanted to hear.  I didn't tell you what I knew to be false.  I didn't try to spin you.  I just talked to the people of New Hampshire.  I talked about the country we love; the many challenges we face together; and the great promise that is ours to achieve; the work that awaits us in this hour, on our watch: to defend our country from its enemies; to advance the ideals that are our greatest strength; to increase the prosperity and opportunities of all Americans and to make in our time, as each preceding American generation has, another, better world than the one we inherited.

I talked to the people of New Hampshire.  I reasoned with you.  I listened to you.  I answered you.  Sometimes, I argued with you.  But I always told you the truth, as best as I can see the truth.  And you did me the great honor of listening.  Thank you, New Hampshire, from the bottom my heart.  I am grateful and humbled and more certain than ever that before I can win your vote, I must win your respect.  And I must do that by being honest with you, and then put my trust in your fairness and good judgment.

Tonight, we have taken a step, but only the first step toward repairing the broken politics of the past and restoring the trust of the American people in their government.  The people of New Hampshire have told us again that they do not send us to Washington to serve our self-interest, but to serve theirs.  They don't send us to fight each other for our own political ambitions; but to fight together our real enemies.  They don't send us to Washington to stroke our egos; but to help them keep this beautiful, bountiful, blessed country safe, prosperous and proud.  They don't send us to Washington to take more of their money, and waste it on things that add not an ounce to America's strength and prosperity; that don't help a single family realize the dreams we all dream for our children; that don't help a single displaced worker find a new job, and the security and dignity it assures them; that won't keep the promise we make to young workers that the retirement they have begun to invest in, will be there for them when they need it.  They don't send us to Washington to do their job, but to do ours.

My friends, I didn't go to Washington to go along, to get along or to play it safe to serve my own interests.  I went there to serve my country.  And that, my friends, is just what I intend to do if I am so privileged to be elected your President.

I seek the nomination of a party that believes in the strength, industry, and goodness of the American people.  We don't believe that government has all the answers, but that it should respect the rights, property and opportunities of the people to whom we are accountable.  We don't believe in growing the size of government to make it easier to serve our own ambitions.  But what government is expected to do, it must do with competence, resolve and wisdom.  In recent years, we have lost the trust of the people, who share our principles, but doubt our own allegiance to them.  I seek the nomination of our party to restore that trust; to return our party to the principles that have never failed Americans: The party of fiscal discipline, low taxes; enduring values; a strong and capable defense; that encourages the enterprise and ingenuity of individuals, businesses and families, who know best how to advance America's economy, and secure the dreams that have made us the greatest nation in history.

The work that we face in our time is great, but our opportunities greater still.  In a time of war, and the terrible sacrifices it entails, the promise of a better future is not always clear.  But I promise you, my friends, we face no enemy, no matter how cruel; and no challenge, no matter how daunting, greater than the courage, patriotism and determination of Americans.  We are the makers of history, not its victims.  And as we confront this enemy, the people privileged to serve in public office should not evade our mutual responsibility to defeat them because we are more concerned with personal or partisan ambition.  Whatever the differences between us, so much more should unite us.  And nothing should unite us more closely than the imperative of defeating an enemy who despises us, our values and modernity itself.  We must all pull together in this critical hour and proclaim that the history of the world will not be determined by this unpardonable foe, but by the aspirations, ideals, faith and courage of free people.   In this great, historic task, we will never surrender.  They will.

The results of the other party's primary is uncertain at this time, but I want to congratulate all the campaigns in both parties.  I salute the supporters of all the candidates who worked so hard to achieve a success tonight and who believe so passionately in the promise of their candidate.  And I want to assure them that though I did not have their support, and though we may disagree from time to time on how best to advance America's interests and ideals, they have my genuine respect.  For they have worked for a cause they believe is good for the country we all love, a cause greater than their self-interest.

I learned long ago that serving only oneself is a petty and unsatisfying ambition.  But serve a cause greater than self-interest and you will know a happiness far more sublime than the fleeting pleasure of fame and fortune.  For me that greater cause has always been my country, which I have served imperfectly for many years, but have loved without any reservation every day of my life.  And however this campaign turns out -- and I am more confident tonight that it will turn out much better than once expected -- I am grateful beyond expression for the prospect that I might serve her a little while longer.  That gratitude imposes on me the responsibility to do nothing in this campaign that would make our country's problems harder to solve or that would cause Americans to despair that a candidate for the highest office in the land would think so little of the honor that he would put his own interests before theirs.  I take that responsibility as my most solemn trust.

So, my friends, we celebrate one victory tonight and leave for Michigan tomorrow to win another.  But let us remember that our purpose is not ours alone; our success is not an end in itself.  America is our cause -- yesterday, today, and tomorrow.  Her greatness is our hope; her strength is our protection; her ideals our greatest treasure; her prosperity the promise we keep to our children; her goodness the hope of mankind.  That is the cause of our campaign and the platform of my party, and I will stay true to it so help me God.

Thank you, New Hampshire.  Thank you, my friends, and God bless you as you have blessed me.  Enjoy this.  You have earned it more than me.  Tomorrow, we begin again.