2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Statement From Giuliani Campaign Manager Michael DuHaime

Statement from Giuliani Campaign Manager Michael DuHaime

New York City – Giuliani Campaign Manager Michael DuHaime made the following statement regarding the Iowa Caucuses: 

"We congratulate Mike Huckabee on a hard-fought victory in Iowa.  This race is wide open and we will continue to run a national primary campaign designed to win the number of delegates necessary to become the Republican nominee.  Rudy is the only Republican candidate who can not only win the primary and general elections, but will turn purple states red."

Republican Party Of Iowa Caucus Results

Record Turnout for Republican Caucus in Iowa

Des Moines, Iowa – Iowa Republicans turned out in record numbers for the Caucus Thursday. “More than ever, Iowans took seriously their role at the first-in-the-nation presidential test and attended their caucus to vote for the candidate of their choice,” remarked Chuck Laudner, executive director of the Republican Party of Iowa. Turnout is expected to reach 120,000 eligible voters, a record.

As the Caucus process reached its peak, presidential preference polls were held in each of more than 1700 voting precincts in the state. Mike Huckabee was declared winner of the Iowa Caucus with Mitt Romney and Fred Thompson in second and third place.

Republican Caucus Order of Finish

1. Mike Huckabee
2. Mitt Romney
3. Fred Thompson
4. John McCain
5. Ron Paul
6. Rudy Giuliani
7. Duncan Hunter

“These candidates came to Iowa and engaged in retail politics. They sought out the leaders in the Republican party at the grassroots level, visited every corner of the state, and shared their vision for America,” Laudner stated. “This is the kind of presidential campaign our nation deserves – not a television ad battle focused on the coasts. Voters learn more about the candidates by engaging them personally in cafes and community centers than could ever be judged by slick ads and speeches in arenas.”

The Caucus process gives rise to the grassroots volunteer who selects a candidate and then campaigns for them during the event. “In no other contest does the candidate rely so completely on volunteers to carry their message,” Laudner explained. “When an individual is so passionate, so dedicated to their candidate they are willing to stand in front of their peers at the Caucus to deliver a stump speech, you realize how inclusive and relevant this process is.”

In addition to the presidential preference poll, the Caucus serves to reinvigorate the Republican Party. Precinct representatives to the County Central Committee are selected as well as delegates to the County Convention. “The Caucus is the springboard by which our Party gains leadership to move into the election cycle,” Laudner observed. “County Conventions will be held on March 8th across the state. There delegates are selected to the District and State Conventions ending ultimately in the Republican National Convention this September in Minneapolis.” New leadership is expected to become involved and active.

Moving forward, Laudner sees a bright future for the current presidential selection process. “Once again, Iowans proved themselves worthy of their responsibilities,” he concluded. “They engaged the candidates, measured them against their personal convictions, and made the Iowa Caucus the nation’s premier political event.”

Iowa Democratic Party Caucus Results

Iowa Democratic Party Caucus Results

Senator Barack Obama : 37.58%
Senator John Edwards : 29.75%
Senator Hillary Clinton : 29.47%
Governor Bill Richardson : 2.11%
Senator Joe Biden : 0.93%
Uncommitted : 0.14%
Senator Chris Dodd : 0.02%
Precincts Reporting: 1781 of 1781

(Percentages are State Delegate Equivalents.)

What a night for Iowa Democrats
Results Show Good Things to Come in 2008

Des Moines – With 100 percent of Iowa’s Democratic precinct caucuses reporting by 11:15pm last night, Iowa Democrats demonstrated that they were excited by their candidates and showed up to caucus. A record 239,000 caucus goers packed schools, libraries and community centers around the state, shattering the previous record of 124,000 caucus attendees posted in 2004.

Iowa Democrats pledged to hold a well-run and accurate caucus, and last nights flawless reporting and results showed that the Iowa Democratic Party was ready.

“It was an amazing night for Iowa and especially for Iowa Democrats,” said Scott Brennan, Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party. “Iowa Democrats showed up in record numbers to caucus and demonstrated that the role Iowans plays as first in the nation caucus goers is something they take very seriously.”

With 100 percent of the precincts reporting Iowa Democrats saw record turnout with 239,000 caucus attendees.

Statement By John McCain On The Iowa Caucus

STATEMENT FROM JOHN MCCAIN ON THE IOWA CAUCUS

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain today issued the following statement regarding the results of the Iowa Caucus:
"I thank each and every Iowan who braved the cold to caucus tonight, as well as my tremendous Iowa staff and leadership for all of their hard work over the past year.  They worked wonders with far fewer resources than their competitors.  I also congratulate Governor Huckabee on his victory tonight.

"Now the campaign turns to New Hampshire for the first-in-the-nation primary.  As Granite State voters know best, I will continue to deliver straight talk about the critical issues facing our country.  I will talk about the unique experience that prepares me to lead as commander in chief from day one, and makes me the only Republican who can win the White House in 2008.

"We started this together, New Hampshire, eight years ago. In five days, we're going to send the same message we did then: change is coming."

Northwest Named Official Airline For 2008 Republican National Convention

Northwest Named Official Airline for 2008 Republican National Convention

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) - The 2008 Republican National Convention today announced that Northwest Airlines will serve as the Official Airline for the nominating convention. The airline will transport thousands of delegates, alternate delegates, Republican Party leaders, members of the media, and convention guests to Minneapolis-Saint Paul in September.

"We are thrilled to announce Northwest Airlines as the official airline of our party's 39th nominating convention," said convention President and Chief Executive Officer Maria Cino. "The thousands of visitors who come for this exciting event will begin their convention experience as they board the plane for Minnesota, and it will culminate at the Xcel Energy Center with the nomination of the next President and Vice President of the United States."

Northwest Airlines has its global headquarters in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul suburb of Eagan, Minnesota. NWA's President and Chief Executive Officer, Doug Steenland, also serves on the community's non-partisan, non-profit Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee, which is involved in planning for the convention and promoting the cities.

"Northwest Airlines is proud to support the 2008 Republican National Convention as we welcome guests from all over the world to Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Bloomington and the surrounding areas," said Steenland. "We look forward to providing convention-goers with safe, convenient air travel from their hometowns to this historic event."

Northwest Airlines began operations on October 1, 1926, flying mail between Minneapolis-Saint Paul and Chicago. Passenger service began the following year. Today, NWA and its travel partners serve more than 1,000 cities in 160-plus countries on six continents. Northwest and Northwest Airlink together operate approximately 1,400 daily departures, with hubs in Detroit, Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Memphis, Tokyo, and Amsterdam. Northwest Airlines' U.S. system spans 49 states and the District of Columbia.

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, members of the media, volunteers, 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.

John McCain 2008 Launches TV Ad In New Hampshire, "Better Prepared"

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES TV AD IN NEW HAMPSHIRE, "BETTER PREPARED"

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today launched a new television ad in New Hampshire. In the ad, entitled "Better Prepared," John McCain delivers a positive closing message to New Hampshire voters, highlighting his connection with the state and his qualifications for the presidency in these tough and dangerous times.
"Better Prepared" will run on New Hampshire and Boston television.

Script for "Better Prepared" (:30-TV)

JOHN MCCAIN: "Eight years ago, New Hampshire stunned the political world. You turned convention on its head because you didn't care what the experts or the media said.

"My friends, it's a different time, but it's the same place. You haven't changed and neither have I. But the issues are tougher and the times more dangerous.

"I've learned a lot in eight years. And I feel better prepared than ever to lead this country.

"Once again, I need your help. I'm John McCain and I approve this message."

John McCain 2008 Launches TV Ad In Michigan, "American Reformer"

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES TV AD IN MICHIGAN, "AMERICAN REFORMER"

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today launched a new television ad in Michigan. The ad, entitled "American Reformer," highlights John McCain's unrivaled record of fighting for change in Washington, including standing up to corrupting special interests, eliminating wasteful and irresponsible earmark spending, and foresight in advocating a new strategy in Iraq over four years ago.
The Detroit News today endorsed John McCain for president, writing in part:

"On the Republican side, we believe Arizona Sen. John McCain is the candidate who is best qualified to lead the nation. ... McCain's longtime presidential ambitions are at last aligned with the needs of the nation.

"No matter whose ox is being gored, John McCain puts the country first. He is the leading critic of congressional earmarks to fund pork-barrel projects. He has co-sponsored campaign reforms to slow the influence of money in politics. He will use the veto pen if necessary to curb the growth of the federal government (nearly 50 percent during the past seven years). ...

"McCain is already a respected national leader with a strong grasp of foreign and military affairs. He would be well received on the international stage where his experience and judgment would fortify American leadership. ...

"McCain doesn't have an identity problem. In Iowa, while other candidates pay homage to the ethanol economy, McCain has stuck to his opposition to massive ethanol subsidies. He has also stood firmly for expanding troop levels in Iraq, even though it has cost him the support of some of the independent voters who backed his run in 2000. ..."

Script for "American Reformer" (:30-TV)

JOHN MCCAIN: "Since I've been in Washington, I've made a lot of people angry.

"I upset corrupt lobbyists and special interests when I passed campaign finance reform.

"I made the Pentagon angry when I took on Rumsfeld and said we needed a different strategy in Iraq.

"I angered the big spenders in Congress by opposing their pork projects and calling for ethics reform.

"I don't like the business as usual crowd in Washington. But I love America. I love her enough to make some people angry.

"I'm John McCain and I approve this message."

DNCC Names General Motors As Official Vehicle Provider For 2008 Democratic National Convention

DNCC NAMES GENERAL MOTORS AS OFFICIAL VEHICLE PROVIDER FOR 2008 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION
In Convention First, Entire Fleet of Vehicles to Use Highest Fuel Efficiencies and Technologies, Including Flex Fuel and Hybrid Vehicles

DENVER - The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) today named General Motors Corporation (GM) as the official vehicle provider for the 2008 Democratic National Convention, to be held August 25-28 in Denver. In keeping with the DNCC's commitment to making this the most sustainably-produced political Convention in history, the DNCC will be working closely with GM to select a fleet of vehicles designed to maximize fuel efficiencies and take advantage of new flex fuel and hybrid vehicle technologies.

"As the country's largest manufacturer, GM has a long history with the American people and with the Democratic National Convention," said Leah D. Daughtry, CEO of the DNCC. "We're proud to welcome them back to the team for 2008. GM has an established track record that demonstrates the company's commitment to supporting technological innovation and improving the fuel economy of all GM vehicles. GM's leadership in this area will play a critical role in our event - helping us make this the 'greenest' political Convention our country has ever seen, while providing our guests with yet another convenient option for getting around Denver."

As the Convention's official vehicle provider, GM will provide the DNCC with a mix of vehicles offering high fuel efficiency, biofuel capabilities and hybrid technology. According to GM, when measured against other automakers, 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 more than 2.5 million E-85 capable vehicles to date--more than any other automaker. The company's flex fuel vehicles, using 85 percent ethanol fuel derived from corn, represent a move toward easing the country's dependence on foreign oil, helping to build the domestic infrastructure needed for new energy technologies and supporting America's farmers.

GM is also releasing an average of one new hybrid model every three months for the next two years, including the Saturn Vue, the Aura Green Line and the Chevrolet Malibu - just several of the models of fuel efficient vehicles GM will be providing to the DNCC. This year, GM introduced the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon two-mode hybrid - both models included in the DNCC fleet - that get a 50 percent improvement in city mileage over gas versions.

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

"The Democratic National Convention provides an important showcase for GM's technological innovation and our substantial contribution to America's economy and manufacturing competitiveness," said Ken Cole GM vice president for global public policy and government relations.

DNCC officials and staff will use a select number of vehicles for events and other Convention business during the coming months. The full fleet will be used during Convention week as part of the DNCC's official transportation and shuttle system for delegates, members of the Democratic family and other guests. The DNCC's transportation team estimates needing 3,000 volunteers, including 500 local drivers, for the four-day event.

GM has been selected as the official vehicle provider for every Democratic National Convention since 1980.

The 2008 Democratic National Convention is expected to pump an estimated $160 million into the Denver area's economy and draw approximately 35,000 visitors to the region.

Romney For President Launches New Television Ad, "Remember"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD, "REMEMBER"

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President launched its newest television ad, "Remember."  The ad highlights the people of New Hampshire discussing the issues that are important to them – lowering tax burdens, securing our borders and changing Washington.  While rightly honored as a true patriot, Senator McCain has opposed tax relief, supported amnesty and is too much of a Washington insider to change Washington.  On the issues important to New Hampshire Republicans, Senator McCain has taken the wrong approach.

The ad will begin airing today as part of the campaign's rotation in New Hampshire.

Script For "Remember" (TV:30):

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

BOB DUFFY:  "I believe John McCain's war record is outstanding."

MARIE PALING:  "He's a true patriot and has served his country long and well."

BOB DUFFY:  "However, his record in the US Senate leaves a lot to be desired."

GENE BOIS:  "John McCain has been one of those Republicans that have been wrong on tax cuts."

RAY BRUN:  "Opposing tax cuts that would have helped our family, supporting amnesty for illegal immigrants, taking jobs away from Americans."

COLLETT HILL:  "He wrote the amnesty bill that America rejected."

BOB DEGANGE:  "He's not really listened to the American people."

MARIE PALING:  "He's had his chance in Washington to make things better."

John McCain Urbandale Iowa Photos