2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

RNC RESPONSE TO DEMOCRAT DEBATE

RNC RESPONSE TO DEMOCRAT DEBATE

WASHINGTON – RNC Chairman Robert M. “Mike” Duncan released the following statement in response to tonight’s Democrat presidential debate in Philadelphia:

“Tonight we saw politicians aspiring to lead a great nation, but failing to demonstrate the courage to stand up and offer sensible solutions.  In a truly disturbing display, Hillary Clinton and her compatriots were more interested in attacking the President of the United States than the threats posed against our nation.  Our country faces very real challenges, from the threat of terrorism to the rising cost of health care, and Democrats are going to have to offer up something better than political attacks if they’re going to be taken seriously by the American people.”

Joe Allbaugh To Serve As Senior Advisor To Rudy Giuliani

Joe Allbaugh to Serve as Senior Advisor to Rudy Giuliani

New York City – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee announced today that former FEMA Director Joe Allbaugh will serve as Senior Advisor to the Rudy Giuliani campaign.  Allbaugh will advise the campaign on general strategy and homeland security.    

“Rudy Giuliani is the only candidate who will keep America on offense in the Terrorists’ War on Us,” said Joe Allbaugh.  “The leadership he showed after 9/11 was an inspiration not only to New Yorkers but to the country.  He knows what it takes to keep America safe, and as President, he will ensure that our country never goes back on defense in this war.”   

“Joe and I worked closely together in the aftermath of 9/11 to ensure that everything possible was being done to help victims and their families,” Rudy Giuliani said.  "He has significant experience in emergency management and I will look to him for sound advice and expertise."

About Joe Allbaugh:
Joe M. Allbaugh was the National Campaign Manager for the Bush-Cheney 2000 presidential campaign.

Governor Bill Richardson Releases New Advertisement in Iowa "When I Began"

Governor Bill Richardson Releases New Advertisement in Iowa
"When I Began" to run in tandem with ad detailing Richardson's successful efforts to obtain release of hostages from Iraq

SANTA FE, NM-- New Mexico Governor and Democratic Presidential candidate Bill Richardson today released a new ad in Iowa entitled "When I Began." The ad, which will run in conjunction with the campaign's "Only One" ad, features Governor Richardson speaking directly to voters about his character and vision for the country.

"I am Bill Richardson, and when I began this campaign for President, I was not sure what to expect," Richardson says in the ad. "I knew I would not have every answer, but I will always tell you what I really believe. And I will never mislead you. I know who I am, and I know how hard I will work for you."

Richardson also discusses the profound differences between his Iraq plan and those of the other major candidates.

"I knew there would be differences between the candidates, especially on Iraq," Richardson says in the ad. "I will get every soldier out. You cannot say you will end the war if you plan to leave thousands of troops behind; the Iraqis sure will not think the war is over. If you are wondering if anyone can really do all this, just look at what I have done in my life and how I have done it. Not by dividing people, but by earning their trust. And that is really where we need to begin in Iraq. There is a way out."

Campaign manager Dave Contarino spoke about the new advertisement.

"Iowans have witnessed Governor Richardson's humor and experience in the Job Interview ads, and they have learned about his heroic service rescuing hostages from Iraq in 'Only One,'" Contarino said. "This new ad allows Governor Richardson to tell voters in Iowa what he is about and why he has been so successful in bringing people together to get things done. Bill Richardson is the only candidate in this race with both experience and a real vision for change."

The sixty-second ad, produced by Mark Putnam and Steve Murphy of Murphy Putnam Media, will start running today in Iowa.

“WHEN I BEGAN”
Richardson for President

SCRIPT
“I’m Bill Richardson … and when I began this campaign for president, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew I wouldn’t have every answer … but I’ll always tell you what I really believe. And I’ll never mislead you.

I knew there’d be differences between the candidates. Especially on Iraq. I’ll get every soldier out. You can’t say you’ll end the war if you plan to leave thousands of troops behind. The Iraqis sure won’t think the war is over.

And when I began this campaign, I knew we had to get rid of No Child Left Behind, reverse global warming, and cover every American with health insurance.

If you’re wondering if anyone can really do all this … just look at what I’ve done in my life and how I’ve done it. Not by dividing people. But by earning their trust. And that’s really where we need to begin in Iraq. There is a way out.

I approved this message because I’m sure not the best looking or the flashiest … but I know who I am. And I know how hard I’ll work for you.”

Clinton Highlights Record Fighting For Seniors In New Ad Airing In Iowa, New Hampshire

Clinton Highlights Record Fighting For Seniors In New Ad Airing In Iowa, New Hampshire

The Clinton Campaign is launching a new television ad in Iowa and New Hampshire focused on Hillary’s long record of fighting to preserve Social Security and improve the lives of America’s seniors.

The new 30-second spot, entitled “There For You,” details Hillary’s fight to stop the Bush Administration from privatizing Social Security and jeopardizing the bedrock of retirement security that 34 million Americans rely on.

The ad also describes Hillary’s multi-year effort to pass the Lifespan Respite Care Act, which helps 44 million Americans care for an adult family member who has a chronic illness or disability each year. The bill provides hundreds of millions in grants for states and localities to increase the availability of respite care and help families care for their loved ones.

Throughout the campaign, Hillary has outlined a series of measures aimed at protecting elderly consumers from fraud and deceptive marketing in the long-term care insurance market. She would crack down on the use of fine print clauses to deny seniors coverage and would discourage premium increases by requiring that a larger percentage goes to paying consumer claims—not to insurance company profits.

Following is the script for the ad:

Announcer: When George Bush threatened to privatize social security,

Hillary was there fighting every step of the way to stop him.

And she was there for every senior who needs round-the-clock-

Care, creating a law to ease the burden on family caregivers.

She's still there fighting to stop long term care insurance scams that prey on the elderly.

These days, it seems like every candidate on earth is coming here for

You.

But which candidate has been there for you all along?

Hillary Clinton: I'm Hillary Clinton and I approved this message.

DR. JERRY ZANDSTRA ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

DR. JERRY ZANDSTRA ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Dr. Jerry Zandstra, President of the Pro-Life Federation of Michigan and former member of the Brownback for President National Steering Committee, has endorsed John McCain for President of the United States.

"I am sad to see Sam leave the race for president, but proud to announce my support for John McCain because he is the only pro-life candidate in the race with the ability to defeat Senator Hillary Clinton," said Dr. Jerry Zandstra. "I will volunteer nearly full-time over the next several weeks to convince other pro-life leaders and Brownback supporters that John McCain is the best candidate for conservatives to support."

John McCain thanked Dr. Zandstra, stating, "I am grateful to have Jerry's support. He is a distinguished leader among conservative organizers in Michigan and across the country. I look forward to working with him as we continue to build our strong grassroots organization in the Great Lakes State."

DNCC Names Executive Producers For 2008 Democratic National Convention In Denver

DNCC NAMES EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS FOR 2008 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION IN DENVER
Emmy Award Winning Producer Ricky Kirshner, Long-Time Party Strategist Mark Squier to Oversee Production of Convention Program

DENVER - The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) today announced that Emmy Award winning producer Ricky Kirshner and long-time Democratic Party strategist Mark Squier will serve as Executive Producers for the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver.  Together, Kirshner and Squier will craft and implement a program that supports the DNCC's commitment to bring down the Pepsi Center walls and make this Convention as inclusive, accessible and engaging as possible using new technology and other creative means. As Executive Producers, the pair will be responsible for the overall look and execution of the Convention program including the design, staging, lighting, audio and entertainment.

"Come August 2008, the world's spotlight will shine on Denver, the Rocky Mountain West and the Democratic Party," said Leah D. Daughtry, CEO of the DNCC. "No one can make that light shine brighter than Ricky and Mark. Pairing Ricky's unparalleled production experience with Mark's strategic political insight will make an unbeatable team. I am confident they will put on the most spectacular show in Convention history as the world watches us nominate the next President of the United States."

Ricky Kirshner, an Emmy Award winner and one of the industry's leading production executives, has produced every Democratic National Convention since 1996. During the last 20 years, Kirshner has produced countless television specials, stadium spectaculars, political events and corporate gatherings.

"I am delighted to once again be a part of this historic event," said Kirshner, who founded and runs RK Productions. "Now, it's our job to make sure the millions of people watching from home and inside the Pepsi Center are informed, entertained and inspired by this four-day celebration."

After producing four NFL Opening Kick-Off shows, Kirshner was selected as an Executive Producer of the Emmy-nominated 2007 Super Bowl Half Time Show starring Prince - the most watched television program in the world.  This year, he won an Emmy, his third, for the 2006 broadcast of the 60th Annual Tony Awards. His production credits also include the Boston Pops Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular for CBS, the Vibe Awards for UPN, the Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rose Parade on CBS and the GQ Men of the Year Awards for NBC.

"I am very much looking forward to creating a Convention program that helps communicate the voice and vision of our Party and our nominee," said Squier. "Our ultimate goal here is to put on a show that inspires the nation and builds just the right starting block for our nominee to begin the home-stretch sprint to the election."

Held from August 25-28, 2008, the Convention is expected to pump an estimated $160 million into the Denver area's economy and draw approximately 35,000 visitors, including 15,000 members of the media, to the region.

UI Hawkeye Poll: Romney Leads, Huckabee Gaining; Clinton And Obama Battling For Top Spot

UI Hawkeye Poll: Huckabee gaining; Clinton and Obama battling for top spot

Mitt Romney continues to hold a strong lead in Iowa among candidates seeking the Republican presidential nomination. But Mike Huckabee's Iowa numbers -- buoyed, perhaps, by growing support among Evangelical Christians -- have jumped significantly since August, putting him in a near-tie with Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson, according to a new University of Iowa Hawkeye Poll of likely GOP caucus-goers released today, Monday, Oct. 29, 2007.

Despite Giuliani's lead in most national polls, Romney holds a strong lead in Iowa at 36.2 percent, with Giuliani second at 13.1 percent, Huckabee third with 12.8 percent and Thompson fourth at 11.4 percent. John McCain has 6.0 percent.

In the race for the Democratic presidential nomination, meanwhile, a slip in John Edwards' numbers has allowed Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama to tighten their grips on the No. 1 and No. 2 spots, respectively. Among all likely Democratic caucus-goers, Clinton leads with 28.9 percent, followed by Obama with 26.6 percent, Edwards with 20.0 percent, Bill Richardson with 7.2 percent and Joe Biden with 5.3 percent.

These results are from a random, statewide poll of likely caucus-goers in Iowa conducted Oct. 17 through 24. The Republican sample consists of 285 likely caucus-goers, with a margin of error of +/-5.8 percent. The Democratic likely caucus-goer sample consists of 306 likely caucus-goers, with a margin of error of +/-5.5 percent. Respondents in both samples were asked to name the candidate they would support if the caucus were today.

For related stories and information, visit the UI Election 2008 Web site at http://www.uiowa.edu/election.

David Redlawsk, director of the UI Hawkeye Poll and associate professor of political science in the UI College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, said the Republican results show that Romney is continuing to build on his solid lead among respondents who indicated that they plan to participate in the Republican caucus, regardless whether they're committed to going or just thinking about it.

"We see no differences between these two groups and no candidate catching up to Romney, who had added more than 8 points to his August lead," Redlawsk said.

At the same time, he said the move by Huckabee is notable, as the former Arkansas governor received the support of fewer than 2 percent of Republican caucus-goers in the August poll, which was taken immediately before the Iowa Straw Poll.

"Huckabee's bounce from the Iowa Straw Poll remains evident as he moves into a virtual tie with Giuliani for second place with Thompson right behind them," Redlawsk said. "McCain has shown some rebound from August, but he remains far behind in Iowa."

On the Democratic front, after declining between March and August, Clinton's support has returned to March levels among likely caucus-goers while Obama's support has also increased. Edwards, on the other hand, continues to see a decline in the number of likely caucus-goers who say he is their candidate.

"Much of Clinton's strength comes from her support among women," Redlawsk said. "She leads with 33.0 percent of women, compared to Obama's 26.5 percent and Edwards' 16.8 percent. But the order reverses with men, where Obama leads 26.7 percent to Edwards at 25 percent and Clinton at 22.5 percent. How well Clinton will actually do depends greatly on the mix of women and men who actually show up to caucus."

Senator Judd Gregg Endorses Governor Mitt Romney

SENATOR JUDD GREGG ENDORSES GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY

Boston, MA – Today, Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH) announced his endorsement of Governor Mitt Romney for President of the United States.  Senator Gregg is New Hampshire's Senior Senator, and in 2004, he received the highest number of votes in any election in the state's history.  He will be joining Governor Romney as he campaigns throughout New Hampshire today and in the coming weeks and months.

"I am proud to stand alongside Governor Romney as he campaigns to build a stronger America.  For months, the people of New Hampshire have had the opportunity to meet Governor Romney all over the state and listen to his ideas for bringing change to Washington.  Mitt Romney embodies New Hampshire's values – values that stress government living within its means, lower taxes, a stronger military and stronger families," said Senator Gregg.  "Governor Romney is the strong leader we need to lead America forward.  He has the experience, vision and values needed to be our next President."

Making today's announcement, Governor Romney said, "For nearly thirty years, Judd Gregg has served the citizens of New Hampshire with distinction, championing our shared conservative values.  As New Hampshire's Senior Senator, he has always fought to do what is right for the people of his state, and he is one of the most respected fiscal watchdogs in Congress.  Judd Gregg's leadership and support is a significant addition to our campaign to build a stronger America.  As we head into New Hampshire's First in the Nation Primary, I am proud to have Judd Gregg and grassroots supporters from all across the state at my side." 

Rudy Giuliani Campaign Launches New Radio Ad in New Hampshire Entitled, “Chances”

Rudy Giuliani Campaign Launches New Radio Ad In New Hampshire Entitled, “Chances”

New York City - The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced it will launch a new radio ad in New Hampshire, entitled “Chances.”  The ad highlights Rudy Giuliani’s commitment to give Americans more control over and access to health care with affordable and portable free-market solutions including tax exemptions for those who chose to purchase their own health insurance.

Script for “Chances”: 

RUDY GIULIANI: “I had prostate cancer, five, six years ago.  My chance of surviving prostate cancer, and thank God I was cured of it, in the United States, 82%.  My chances of surviving prostate cancer in England, only 44% under socialized medicine.”

RUDY GIULIANI: “You and I should be making the decisions about what kind of health care we get with our doctors, not with a government bureaucrat.  What we need to do is to give people a $15,000 deduction for a family, a $7500 deduction for an individual so they can go out and by their own health insurance.”

RUDY GIULIANI: “If we do that, and we end up with a market of 50, 60 million Americans buying their own health insurance, without a mandate, the cost of health insurance will come down and the quality will come up. 

RUDY GIULIANI:  “Government has never been able to reduce costs.  Government never increases quality”. 

RUDY GIULIANI:  “We have the best health care system in the world.  We just have to make it better.”

VOICEOVER:  “Rudy Giuliani.  Leadership.  Principle.  Results.”

RUDY GIULIANI:  “I’m Rudy Giuliani and I approved this message.” 

VOICEOVER: “Paid for by Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee Incorporated.  Visit joinrudy2008.com”

Iowa Democratic Party Announces New Caucus Date Of January 3, 2008

Iowa Democratic Party Announces New Caucus Date of January 3, 2008

Des Moines - After consultation with Chairman Dean of the Democratic National Committee, state Democratic party chairs, Governor Chet Culver and Senator Tom Harkin, the Iowa Democratic Party State Central Committee tonight approved an amendment to the Iowa Delegate selection plan allowing the Iowa Democratic caucuses to take place on Thursday, January 3, 2008.

"This date maintains the important common-sense principle of beginning the delegate selection process in the same calendar year as the election for which we are selecting delegates," said Scott Brennan, Iowa Democratic Party State Chair. "But the overarching principle is to retain the importance of the caucuses. Holding the caucuses on the same day as the Republican Party of Iowa shows solidarity and unity in working to protect Iowa's First-in-the-Nation status, an important argument in the years to come."

The State Central Committee is the governing body of the Iowa Democratic Party. There are 43 voting members of the Committee. They were called to meet on Thursday, October 25 at 3pm, and following the party constitution, met tonight, three days later.