2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Clinton Vows To Rebuild Middle Class In New Ad Airing In Iowa, New Hampshire

Clinton Vows To Rebuild Middle Class In New Ad Airing In Iowa, New Hampshire

The Clinton Campaign launched a new television ad in Iowa and New Hampshire today, underscoring Hillary’s commitment to strengthen the middle class and chart a new course in Iraq, on health care and on the economy.

The new 30-second spot, entitled “Trapdoor,” features Hillary at a townhall discussing the anxieties facing middle class families, many of whom are only a pink slip or a medical emergency away from falling through the trapdoor of the Bush economy.

The latest IRS data reveals an American economy that is leaving more and more middle class families behind. Widening income inequality has reached levels not seen since 1929, and typical taxpayers have found their real income drop 2 percent between 2000 and 2005.

The new ad airs a week after Hillary’s “Rebuilding the Road to the Middle Class Tour” across Iowa and New Hampshire, during which she outlined her economic blueprint for the 21st Century to create high-paying jobs, restore fairness to our tax code, and renew the basic American bargain that anyone who works hard and follows the rules can get ahead.

Hillary detailed proposals to offer retirement savings plans for every American and unlock the doors to higher learning by providing generous tax credits to help all young people afford a college education. Read more about Hillary’s middle class agenda here.

Following is the script for the ad:

“Trapdoor”

TV :30

CLINTON:  We have to change course on the economy, just as we have to change course in Iraq and on healthcare.

CLINTON:  The Bush economy is like a trapdoor.   Too many families are one pink slip, one missed mortgage payment, one medical diagnosis away from falling through and losing everything.

ANNCR:  If you're ready for change…she's ready to lead.

CLINTON:  We’ve got to build a strong and prosperous middle class to have a strong and prosperous America again.

CLINTON:  I’m Hillary Clinton and I approved this message.

Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee Files Candidacy Papers In New Hampshire

Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee Files Candidacy Papers in New Hampshire

Concord, NH – Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee has filed the necessary paperwork to have his name on the New Hampshire presidential primary ballot.  Huckabee signed papers and paid the $1,000 filing fee Thursday at the Secretary of State's Office in Concord, NH.  "I'm excited to take this important step on the road to securing the Republican nomination for president," Huckabee said.  "The people of New Hampshire are a big part of the primary process and I am encouraged at the progress we have made in the Granite State."

Huckabee was accompanied to the Secretary of State's Office by more than 75 supporters, including one of the state's most respected political leaders, Ruth Griffin, who announced her endorsement of the Governor at the filing.

"I have been courted by all the candidates and Mike Huckabee is the only one that presents his vision for the future in a genuine way that lets you know his concerns for the future of our country are the same as my concerns. Mike Huckabee is the only candidate that is talking about the kind of things that are important to life in America like education, health care, energy and conservation," said Griffin.

"It is an incredible honor to have Ruth join my national leadership team and head up my national women's coalition. She is one of the most respected political leaders in New Hampshire and sought after by all the presidential campaigns. I consider myself very fortunate to have her experience, wisdom and counsel as our campaign continues to build momentum," said Huckabee.   

Griffin served as an Excecutive Councilor from 1987-2006 and is the first woman to serve in the House, Senate and Executive Council. She was a two-term Republican National Committeewoman and member of two Constitutional Conventions. She served as a Portsmouth Police Commissioner for 10 years. Griffin currently chairs the Portsmouth Housing Authority and is the Regional Director of the National Foundation for Women Legislators. 

Huckabee continues to gain momentum in the key early states.  In Iowa, a recent Rasmussen Reports poll shows him in a statistical tie with former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson and leading national frontrunner Rudy Giuliani by 6 percent.  Rasmussen Reports, the nation's most accurate polling firm during the 2004 presidential election, indicated Romney attracts 25 percent of likely caucus participants, followed by Thompson at 19 percent and Huckabee at 18 percent, "virtually tied for second."   

Sheriff Richard Stanek to Lead Giuliani’s Minnesota Law Enforcement Team

Sheriff Richard Stanek to Lead Giuliani’s Minnesota Law Enforcement Team

The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced Sheriff Richard W. Stanek of Hennepin County has endorsed Mayor Giuliani for President. He will serve as Chair of Minnesota Law Enforcement for Rudy. Sheriff Stanek will work with law enforcement personnel throughout the state to communicate Mayor Giuliani’s record of fighting crime and his commitment to first responders.

“Rudy is a proven leader, which is undeniable,” said Stanek. “I like his vision for a safer country, a safer community and safer infrastructure.”

Sheriff Stanek’s endorsement comes as Mayor Giuliani campaigns in Minneapolis today.

About Sheriff Richard Stanek:

Sheriff Richard W. Stanek is the 27th Hennepin County Sheriff. Sheriff Stanek was born and raised in Northeast Minneapolis and is a lifelong resident of Hennepin County.

Stanek is a 23-year law enforcement veteran who earned several promotions for his determination and passion for public safety, rising through the ranks of the Minneapolis Police Department. Prior to being elected as the Sheriff of Hennepin County, he served the Minneapolis Police Department as Commander of the Criminal Investigations Division, overseeing investigations in the areas of Homicide, Robbery, Assault, Family Violence, Organized Crime, Narcotics, Gangs and Sex Crimes.

A five-term legislator in the Minnesota House of Representatives, he chaired the House Crime Policy and Finance Committee. The Sheriff has also managed the largest law enforcement agency in the state when, in 2003, he was appointed Minnesota’s Commissioner of Public Safety and Director of Homeland Security.

Sheriff Stanek is widely considered to be one of Minnesota’s foremost experts on crime policy, law enforcement and intelligence sharing. He co-chairs the National Criminal Intelligence Coordinating Council, and serves on the GLOBAL Justice Information Advisory Committee, advising the U.S. Attorney General and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Romney For President Launches First Web Ad, "Our Home"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES FIRST WEB AD, "OUR HOME"

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President launched its first web ad, "Our Home."  The ad features Ann Romney talking about raising five sons and her devotion to her family.  Governor Romney believes that the most important work being done in America today is the work going on within the four walls of the American home.  As President, Governor Romney will act to strengthen the American family and clean up the culture that surrounds our children. 

The ad will be featured on AnnTV on the AnnRomney.com web site.  "Our Home" will also begin airing as part of the campaign's rotation in Iowa on Friday.  Script and viewing link are below. 

"Our Home" will also be used as an innovative advertisement on user-generated online video sites.  By partnering with the Boston-based company ScanScout, "Our Home" will be overlaid on relevant videos targeted through real-time content scanning.  Romney for President is the first presidential campaign to use this new form of video advertising.

Script For "Our Home" (TV:30):

ANN ROMNEY:  "We have five boys – five boys and ten grandkids.  Big family.

"Mitt says his greatest success is being able to say 'I have been a good father, and a good husband.'

"Sometimes I'd be home with those five boys, and it was rough. 

"He'd call home and remind me that what I was doing was much more important than what he was doing.

"Mitt says there's no work more important than what goes on within the four walls of the American home. And that's the way it was in our home.

"I'm Ann Romney."

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

Edwards Receives Support Of Iowa Postal Workers Union

EDWARDS RECEIVES SUPPORT OF IOWA POSTAL WORKERS UNION
Union Votes Overwhelmingly to Endorse Edwards as the Strongest Candidate to Win the Election and Help Working Americans

Des Moines, Iowa – The Iowa Postal Workers Union, representing more than 3,000 workers in all 99 counties, today endorsed Senator John Edwards for president. The union’s executive board voted at their fall meeting in Bettendorf to support Edwards because they know he will stand up for hard-working families and is the strongest candidate to win the White House. The Iowa Postal Workers Union is the statewide branch of the AFL-CIO-affiliated American Postal Workers Union.

"I am honored to receive the support of the Iowa Postal Workers Union," said Edwards. "My mother worked in the postal service, so I know firsthand the values and hard work that this union stands for. Postal workers play a critical role in the day-to-day life of our country and they deserve our gratitude.  I look forward to joining with the Iowa Postal Workers Union to bring about the big, bold change America desperately needs.”

"We are proud to endorse John Edwards for president because of his unparalleled commitment to strengthening America’s workers and helping them organize across the country," said Iowa Postal Workers President Bruce Clark.  "For too long, Washington has ignored working Americans and George Bush has actively worked to weaken workers’ rights in America. John Edwards is far and away the strongest candidate to win the White House, take on the special interests and stand up for hard-working Americans. While any of the Democrats running would be preferable to any of the Republicans for working people, only John Edwards has taken clear, specific stands on labor rights, health care, trade, working to end poverty and all the issues so vital to all the workers of America."

The Iowa Postal Workers Union joins Iowa SEIU and nine other SEIU State Councils, the United Steelworkers, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, the Mine Workers Union and the Transport Workers Union in supporting Edwards’ campaign for change. These unions will work to share Edwards’ ideas to change America with caucus goers across the state.

Edwards believes that to strengthen the middle class and build One America, we need to strengthen the union movement in our country.  He has traveled across the country to walk picket lines and has helped organize thousands of workers into unions. Edwards is a strong supporter of workers' rights and has laid out a comprehensive agenda to help working families, which includes raising the minimum wage, guaranteeing universal health care, enacting smart and safe trade policies and protecting a worker's right to organize.

Mitt Romney Announces Romney For President Ohio State Director

GOVERNOR ROMNEY ANNOUNCES ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT OHIO STATE DIRECTOR

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that David Gallagher will serve as State Director of the Ohio Romney for President team.  Gallagher brings nearly a decade of political experience and will be critical in growing Governor Romney's already strong grassroots organization in Ohio.

"I look forward to working with David as I campaign in Ohio and talk about my vision to build a stronger America," said Governor Romney.  "We need to bring change to Washington and I will continue to talk to voters in Ohio and across the nation about my plans to keep our nation strong for future generations."

"Governor Romney is a proven leader and has the experience needed to bring conservative change to Washington," said Gallagher.  "He will fight for lower taxes, to control government spending, to strengthen our military, and to build stronger American families.  Governor Romney is a candidate Ohio voters can be proud to support."

David Gallagher joins previously announced Romney for President Ohio supporters State Senator Kevin Coughlin and State Representative Shannon Jones.

Rudy Giuliani Minneapolis, Minnesota Photos

Mike Huckabee "Virtually Tied" For Second In Iowa

RASMUSSEN REPORTS POLL:  HUCKABEE "VIRTUALLY TIED" FOR SECOND IN IOWA, CLOSING ON ROMNEY
Former Arkansas Governor Leads National Frontrunner Giuliani, McCain

Little Rock, AR – Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee has continued his strong push toward the top of the polls in Iowa, moving into a statistical tie with former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson and leading national frontrunner Rudy Giuliani by 6 percent, according to a poll released today by the Rasmussen Reports. Rasmussen Reports, the nation's most accurate polling firm during the 2004 presidential election, indicated Romney attracts 25 percent of likely caucus participants, followed by Thompson at 19 percent and Huckabee at 18 percent, "virtually tied for second." 
"This poll is just the latest in a series that reflect what we have been seeing across Iowa," Huckabee said.  "We are gaining more support and momentum as each day goes by and it's clear my conservative message is resonating with the people of America."

Huckabee for President National Campaign Manager Chip Saltsman says these numbers are significant for many reasons, including the fact that Romney has spent far more money than other GOP candidates in Iowa.   
"The surge that began with Gov. Huckabee's stunning second-place finish in the Republican Party of Iowa Straw Poll on Aug. 11 continues as the first-in-the-nation Iowa caucuses approach," Saltsman said.

The Rasmussen Reports Poll notes that the Iowa race remains "very fluid."
"Iowans like Mike Huckabee and respect his stand for traditional values, ethical leadership and real reform," Saltsman said.  "They're going to turn out for him in force on Jan. 3, 2008."

According to the Rasmussen Report, Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is the only other Republican in double digits at 13 percent. Arizona Senator John McCain, once considered by some to be the GOP frontrunner, gets just 6 percent of the vote.  Kansas Senator Sam Brownback (3 percent), rounds out the field with Congressmen Tom Tancredo (2 percent), Ron Paul (2 percent), and Duncan Hunter (1 percent).  Eleven percent (11 percent) are undecided.
A poll summary notes that Romney and Thompson are essentially even among men, but Thompson attracts only 10 percent of the vote from women.  In fact, Romney, Huckabee, and Giuliani all outpoll Thompson for the female vote.  Huckabee leads among evangelical Christians while Romney leads among those with other religious beliefs.

Excerpts From Texas Governor Rick Perry’s Press Conference Endorsing Rudy Giuliani

Excerpts From Texas Governor Rick Perry’s Press Conference Endorsing Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Washington, D.C.

GOVERNOR RICK PERRY: “[O]ver the next 13 months, the American people are going to have the opportunity to sort through a lot of issues, sort through a lot of information.  They’re going to look at the records of these candidates, they are going to determine who offers the real answers.  And they’re going to figure out who is offering platitudes … and they’re going to look at who has the experience of a leader that can take us, particularly in times of crisis, take us forward.

“And as a border state governor, I can tell you that there’s no such thing as homeland security without border security.  As a voter, I’m not looking for somebody with the best sound bite or an individual who’s just out talking over my head. I’m looking for a proven leader, who has been successful in disrupting, dismantling criminal enterprise, individuals that threaten our families and our way of life.  Executive experience matters for the next President of the United States, whether they’re responding to a disaster or they’re slicing through bureaucratic red tape or they’re cutting taxes.  The mayor of America’s largest city is amply prepared to be the next President of the United States.  And I’m not talking about just any mayor, I’m talking about America’s Mayor. 

“Today I’m endorsing Rudy Giuliani for the presidency of the United States because he’s got a record, a strong record of leadership. He’s got the right vision for a nation at war. He’s got clarity of purpose I think that’s unequaled by any candidate in this race.  Rudy Giuliani is a leader who has a proven record of leadership.  He gets things done. He is a results-oriented leader. 

“Rudy Giuliani is best equipped to make the tough choices for a country at war.  He’s a consistent leader with a track record of consistent results.  He offers America a much better vision than another Clinton president.  The office of president requires much of its occupant.  We’ve got to be diligent in choosing the next leader of this great country.  Our nation’s leader must be able to stare down the criminal element, whether they’re trafficking in drugs or whether they’re planting roadside bombs.  Our nation’s leader must be willing to act precisely in response to threats without dialing up their lawyers first.  Our nation’s leader must understand the stifling effect of runaway taxation and be willing to open up the path for growth.  Our nation’s leader must be willing to do what’s right even when it’s unpopular.  I strongly believe that Rudy Giuliani is that man.  He’s not only seen first hand the devastation of a terrorist attack, but he knows what it takes to respond with resolve, with compassion, with clear leadership. 

“Mayor, I’ve been on the receiving end of one of those tough calls from a neighboring government. They asked me to provide food and shelter and safe haven for thousands of their citizens in the midst of a very devastating hurricane.  So I know in the times of crisis it demands of leaders to be decisive. It demands you to have good judgment. It demands you to be driven to do what is necessary to preserve the lives, and I might add the dignity, of our fellow human beings.   

“Rudy Giuliani has made a career out of standing up for victims, prosecuting the worst criminals and by bringing them to justice.  During his time leading one of the most liberal cities in America, Rudy Giuliani successfully cut taxes, he kept spending below the growth of inflation and population during that period of time, and he privatized and he deregulated many of the aspects of that city’s out-of-control bureaucracy.   

“The time that we’ve spent together, whether it’s been on the phone or it’s been face-to-face, I’ve asked him some tough questions. I’ve looked him in his eye as he answered.  I studied his positions.  And I will tell you I have been highly impressed with his record.  I’ve taken the measure of a man. And I believe that without a doubt or reservation that Rudy Giuliani is the most capable, the most prepared individual of either party to be the next President of the United States. He is the best of a strong field of Republican candidates and I’m proud to proclaim my support of his campaign. So I am proud to introduce to you America’s Mayor, a proven fiscal conservative, a leader who gets things done and the best hope of our nation’s future.” …

Obama Campaign Announces Contributions From 2,893 Iowans In First Nine Months Of Campaign

Obama Campaign Announces Contributions from 2,893 Iowans in First Nine Months of Campaign
Campaign Also Begins Airing New Television Ad “Quiet”

DES MOINES – The Obama for America campaign today announced that in the last nine months, 2,893 Iowans have donated to the campaign – an impressive display of grassroots support across the state. In the third fundraising quarter alone, Obama received contributions from 1,321 Iowans.   

“Over the past nine months, a record number of Americans have donated to this campaign because they are sick of the status quo in Washington and are ready for a President who will fight for them,” said Josh Earnest, Obama’s Iowa Communications Director. “Amazingly, not one of these contributions came from Washington lobbyists or PACs.”

Earnest said that 1,257 of the 1,545 donations from Iowans in the third quarter were less than $200. Of the 4,034 total donations from Iowa donors since Obama announced his candidacy, 2,749 were less than $200 dollars. Obama has raised $252,737 total from Iowans in this campaign.

In the past nine months, Obama has received contributions from more than 350,000 donors across America. 

“Small donations from ordinary Americans are the backbone of this campaign,” Earnest said. “As Senator Obama learned over two decades ago as a community organizer, real change comes from the bottom up, not the top down, so we’re honored to have the support of so many hard-working Iowans.”

The Obama Campaign also announced the launch of a new ad, Quiet.  In the ad, Obama stresses Washington’s failure to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and reveals his willingness to take on tough issues in front of challenging audiences—like telling automakers that as President he won’t stand for them blocking higher fuel standards for our cars.  In Des Moines on Sunday, Obama talked about  how his Christian faith influenced his commitment to fighting global warming.  His bold plan to fight the causes of global warming underscore his view that as President, he won’t just tell the American people what they want to hear—he’ll tell them what they need to know.

SCRIPT – “Quiet”

I don’t accept that we should be still sending eight hundred million dollars a day, part to hostile nations because of our addiction to foreign oil. 

And in the bargain we’re melting the polar ice caps. 

I went to Detroit to insist that we have to increase fuel efficiency standards. Now, I have to admit, the room got kind of quiet.

We can’t just tell people what they want to hear.

We need to tell them what they need to hear. We need to tell them the truth.