2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Mike Huckabee Gains National Momentum, Positive Recognition As "Dark Horse Candidate" To Win GOP Nomination

Mike Huckabee Gains National Momentum, Positive Recognition as "Dark Horse Candidate" to Win GOP Nomination

Little Rock, AR – Former AR Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee received  praise from politics' 'odd couple' – former President Bill Clinton and former Speaker Newt Gingrich –who said Sunday, in separate interviews, that he is the most likely "dark horse candidate" to win the GOP nomination.

Huckabee, who now ranks fourth in Iowa among likely Republican Caucus-Goers, welcomed the positive comments, saying his 1st place win in the recent "Values Voter" poll – along with other significant developments, has buoyed his chances for victory.

Huckabee is now ahead of Sen. John McCain in Iowa and nearly tied with former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, according to a Sept. 29 Newsweek poll conducted with 1,215 Iowa registered voters by Princeton Survey Research Associates International on Sept. 26-27.

"The Newsweek poll reflects what we've been feeling on the ground for some time: that there is steady, upward momentum for my campaign in Iowa and New Hampshire , and other early primary states," said Huckabee.

Huckabee, who participated in one of Gingrich's 'American Solutions' workshops in New Hampshire on Saturday, said he was pleased by the former Speaker's comments on ABC News' "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" that he is an appealing candidate who would be "instantly viable" if given funds to succeed.

"Obviously we're making a similar pitch to our supporters and donors," said Huckabee. "We've got a winning message.  O ur focus is on the money game."

Former President Clinton, who also appeared on the ABC show, said Huckabee is the only GOP "dark horse that's got any kind of chance" of winning the GOP nomination.  Clinton also said his wife, Sen. Hillary Clinton (NY), is the likely Democratic nominee. 

Last month, a NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll showed Huckabee and former Gov. Mitt Romney nearly tied in respective head to head match-ups against Hillary Clinton.   Clinton led Huckabee 50-36 with 6% undecided, while she led Romney 51-38 with 5% undecided.   The poll also gave Huckabee the lowest negative ratings among all Republican candidates for President, boding well in a potential match-up against Clinton . Huckabee said Sen. Clinton's "front-runner" status gives her a natural advantage, which could be overcome "once Republicans rally around their candidate."

Campaign Manager Chip Saltsman agreed, saying that a Huckabee-Clinton match-up would be formidable. "Since the Iowa Straw poll, Gov. Huckabee has been gaining upward momentum in nearly every poll.  Recent results in an American Research Group poll, released last month, show Gov. Huckabee is leading Mitt Romney among Republicans in South Carolina, and leading Fred Thompson in both Iowa and New Hampshire . These trends all indicate one thing: Mike Huckabee is a candidate who has the 'right stuff' to win."

Edwards Campaign Raises $7 Million During 3rd Quarter

EDWARDS CAMPAIGN RAISES $7 MILLION DURING 3RD QUARTER
Edwards takes lead in ending the money game in Washington, raises small change for big change for America

Chapel Hill, North Carolina The John Edwards for President campaign announced today that it raised $7 million during the third quarter fundraising period, putting the campaign on track to raise the $40 million needed to implement the campaign’s plan to win.

Senator John Edwards’ campaign has been built on reaching out to all Americans, not just those who can give the maximum donation.  Ninety-seven percent of this quarter’s contributions were in amounts of $250 or under, and less than 1% of contributions were in amounts of $1000 or more. The campaign has continued to build grassroots support through its “Small Change for Big Change” fundraisers – 70 percent of this quarter’s fundraising total came from grassroots fundraising.

“We are thrilled with the support we've received from people across the country,” said Deputy Campaign Manager Jonathan Prince.  “Americans from every walk of life are responding to Senator Edwards' message and bold plans to change Washington.  The campaign wants to thank all of our supporters for their hard work because of their efforts we will have the resources we need to be competitive and win the nomination.”

The campaign expanded its donor base this quarter as more and more Americans join Edwards’ campaign to build One America, where every person has the same opportunities to succeed that he has had.  Since January, more than 150,000 Americans have contributed to Edwards’ campaign for change, and almost half the donors this quarter were first time Edwards contributors.

Last week, Edwards announced he would seek public financing for the 2008 presidential primary campaign. Just as he challenged the Democratic Party to stop accepting contributions from lobbyists, Edwards once again took the lead in ending the money game in Washington, sending a powerful signal to the American people about whose support really matters.  Edwards, who has never taken a dime from PACs or Washington lobbyists, believes it is important to play by the rules that were designed to ensure fairness in the election process by capping his campaign spending and participating in the public finance system.

Americans from across the country realize that the stakes are too high to not elect a Democrat to the White House in 2008 and believe Edwards is both the most electable candidate and the candidate with the boldest plans to truly change our country.  Because he’s focused on issues that matter to the American people, Edwards has won the support of Americans from every part of the country and received contributions from every state.

Third quarter fundraising figures from the John Edwards for President campaign include:

• $7 million raised this quarter.
• 70 percent of the contributions came from grassroots fundraising.
• More than 150,000 contributors from across the country this year.
• 93 percent of contributions were in amounts of $100 or less.
• 97 percent of contributions were in amounts of $250 or less.
• Less than 1 percent of contributions were in amounts of $1000 or more.
• Almost half the donors this quarter were first time Edwards contributors.

Obama Announces Another Quarter Of Historic Grassroots Support

Obama Announces Another Quarter of Historic Grassroots Support

CHICAGO, IL-- Obama for America today announced another quarter of record-breaking grassroots support. In the third quarter, more than 93,000 new donors gave the campaign at least $19 million in primary dollars alone, for a total of at least $20 million including general election funds.

"With over 350,000 donors and more than a half a million donations, Americans hungry for change know that Barack Obama is the candidate with the right experience to make that change happen," said Penny Pritzker, Obama for America National Finance Chair. "Thanks to this unprecedented grassroots support, the Obama campaign will have the resources we need to win the nomination and the White House.”

“Many in Washington have spent the last weeks declaring the outcome of this race to be pre-ordained, and the primary process a mere formality,” said Obama for America Campaign Manager David Plouffe. “Yet, in this quarter alone, 93,000 more Americans joined our campaign, because they desire real change and believe Barack Obama is the one candidate who can deliver it. This grassroots movement for change will not be deterred by Washington conventional wisdom because in many ways it is built to challenge it.”

Third quarter totals:
• Primary dollars raised: at least $19 million
• Overall dollars raised (with general election): at least $20 million
• Number of new donors: over 93,000

Total 2007
• Primary dollars raised: at least $74.9 million
• Total number of donors: 352,000

Romney For President Launches AnnRomney.com

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES ANNROMNEY.COM

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President launched its newest website, AnnRomney.com.  As the premier location for information about Ann and her family, visitors to AnnRomney.com will get an insider's perspective into Ann's time on the campaign trail, the Romney family and Ann's causes.  The website is a unique forum for people to connect directly with Ann.

"Campaigning with Mitt has been such an incredible experience.  One of the best parts about being on the campaign trail is the opportunity to meet so many great Americans that we might not have otherwise met.  Here at AnnRomney.com, I hope people from across the country will get to know a little bit more about me, my causes and the importance of family in my life.  Our campaign is doing so many creative things online, and I'm proud that this site will be a part of that," said Ann Romney.

Central to AnnRomney.com is "Ann's Causes," a section detailing Ann's struggle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and her work to promote awareness about the disease.  As Ann writes on the website, she is "continually amazed by the number of people who approach me to offer support and relay their struggles and successes with MS."  Through AnnRomney.com, she will continue to build awareness about the disease, support networks and treatments.  On the website, Ann writes:

"As I learned more about the disease, I learned this is a very common feeling and have made an effort to reach out to newly diagnosed friends, family members and people I meet on the road to simply talk to them about their concerns and fears. I don’t think anyone can prepare for a diagnosis such as this, but I was very fortunate to have the love and support of my husband, my family and my friends, and if by making a phone call to a newly diagnosed patient, I can ease a few of those fears, it is worth it.  If you, or someone you know, has recently been diagnosed, please click here."

Visitors to AnnRomney.com can also see video, news coverage and photos from Ann's time on the campaign trail.   In the coming weeks and months, the website will be continually updated. 

AnnRomney.com Features:

Ann's Causes:  "I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in the fall of 1998. Since then, I have devoted a great deal of time to raising awareness about the disease and am devoted to making a difference in the lives of people who suffer from MS."

AnnTV:  A companion of MittTV, this web video channel will allow visitors to watch video clips of Ann's speaking engagements and interviews.

AnnWire:  A section with the most recent news stories about Ann Romney and her family on the campaign trail. 

Ann's Recipes:  "I'm sure many of you have heard Mitt talk about the importance of what happens within the four walls of the American home. And for our family, like so many others, the kitchen lies at the heart of our home. … I want to use this area of the website to collect favorite family recipes from across America."

Ron Paul Finishes September With Major Fund Raising Success

Ron Paul Finishes September with a Bang
Campaign ends third quarter with major fundraising, canvassing success

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA – The Ron Paul Presidential Campaign concluded the third quarter of 2007 yesterday with two substantial milestones, raising over $1,000,000 on-line in one week and staging a major canvassing effort in the key battleground state of New Hampshire.

Paul campaign officials set an ambitious goal on Monday, September 24th to raise an additional $500,000 on-line in the final week of the third quarter. The effort brought in $200,000 on Tuesday alone and by Wednesday, having met its initial goal, the campaign raised the bar to $1,000,000. On Saturday night, the campaign passed the million dollar mark after just six days, and finished over $1,200,000 on-line in one week.

In addition to fundraising strength, the campaign also demonstrated strong boots-on-ground prowess, holding a rally and canvassing efforts in New Hampshire. On Saturday and Sunday, 29 members of the Paul Family were joined by hundreds of volunteers in a state wide door knocking effort that touched at least 12,000 Granite State households. The effort is believed to be the biggest two-day direct voter contact operation executed by a GOP candidate in New Hampshire this election cycle.

“From Los Angles to Manchester, from Seattle to Miami, our campaign continues to grow by the day,” said campaign manager Lew Moore. “No other candidate has captured the hearts of grassroots Americans like Dr. Paul. We will continue to build on our September success and push toward victory in January.”

Edwards Campaign Launches Iowa Students For Edwards

JOHN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES IOWA STUDENTS FOR EDWARDS
Innovative Outreach Plan Includes Text Messaging, Social Network Sites, Voice Messaging and a New Online Organizing Website

Des Moines, Iowa – Today, the John Edwards for President campaign launched Iowa Students for Edwards to get more young people involved in Senator Edwards’ campaign to change America.  Student leaders from colleges and universities across the state will help the campaign engage young voters and will discuss with their peers Edwards’ plans to ensure that young people, and all Americans, have the opportunity to succeed.

In addition to direct personal contact, the campaign is also using innovative online, text messaging and voice messaging tools to reach out to young people.  The campaign launched a website today (www.johnedwards.com/iowa/youngiowans) specifically for young Iowans. The site allows visitors to read more about Edwards’ positions on issues important to young people, register to vote, purchase Edwards gear, and find ways to get involved at their schools and in their communities to help elect Edwards. Additionally, the site helps students connect more directly with the campaign by using cutting-edge tools like mobile messaging and popular social networking sites including MySpace, Facebook, and YouTube. Yesterday, for example, the campaign sent out a voice message from James Denton, who plays “Mike Delfino” on ABC’s hit series “Desperate Housewives,” to its Iowa mobile list so Iowans could hear from him why he is supporting Edwards for president.

Denton is in Iowa today and tomorrow for a campaign swing with Cate Edwards, eldest daughter of Senator John and Elizabeth Edwards, on behalf of Senator Edwards.  They will be visiting college campuses and speaking with Iowans about Edwards’ specific ideas to bring big change to our country and build One America.

“I'm here because I want people in Iowa to see my dad as I see him – as a great father, a loving husband, and most of all, someone who is deeply committed to helping regular people," said Cate Edwards.  "I also want young people in Iowa -- people in my generation -- to know that there's no one who shares their passion for change more than my dad.  And there's no one who is more committed to ending the war, passing universal health care, stopping global warming and bringing the big change America needs.  My dad doesn't buy the idea that young people won't participate in the caucuses -- and he's going to work as hard as he can to earn their support."

“We need a president who will fight to make sure young people today have a chance to achieve the American Dream,” said Eric Benson, a student at Wartburg College. “John Edwards is committed to helping young people get ahead.  He has specific plans, like his College for Everyone plan, to improve the lives of young people.”

This week, Edwards outlined a “One America” Agenda for Young People, which will restore America’s leadership in the world and fight to ensure everyone has the chance to succeed by:

Expanding opportunity for every American: Edwards has proposed a national College for Everyone program, overhauling student loans and financial aid, guaranteeing universal health care, raising the minimum wage, and fighting credit card debt and abuse.

Restoring moral leadership here and abroad: Edwards will end the war in Iraq, halt global warming and build a new energy economy, take action in Darfur and Uganda, fight poverty at home and abroad, and end the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

John McCain 2000 Announcement Speech Anniversary

Republican presidential candidate U.S. Senator John McCain's announcement speech.

"I have the privilege of beginning my campaign with you here in New Hampshire, but I began this day as I began my career of service to our nation...in the company of United States Naval Academy midshipmen.

Whenever I see those young men and women, and think of their dedication and the purposeful careers on which they will soon embark, I am reminded of how lucky I was to have been one of them. So there is no more appropriate place for me to have begun this mission than Annapolis.

I do not announce my candidacy to satisfy my personal ambitions. My life has already been blessed more than I deserve.

I don't begin this mission with any sense of entitlement. America doesn't owe me anything. I am the son and grandson of Navy admirals, and I was born into America's service. It wasn't until I was deprived of her company that I fell in love with America. And it has been my honor to serve her and her great cause - freedom. I have never lived a day since that I wasn't thankful for the privilege.

It is because I owe America more than she has ever owed me that I am a candidate for President of the United States.

I want to be President to protect, until my life's end, our magnificent dream of freedom - God's great blessing to the world. And with your help I will."

Rob Reiner Endorses Hillary Clinton

Rob Reiner Endorses Hillary Clinton
Democratic Activist and Director Cites Experience, Commitment to All Americans

Citing her experience and vision for the nation, Democratic activist and director Rob Reiner today endorsed Hillary Clinton for President of the United States.  He issued the following statement:

Until now, my wife Michele and I have supported all of the Democratic candidates.  After watching the candidates debate, stake out their positions on the issues and lay out their visions for our nation, it is clear that Hillary Clinton should be our next president.

Today, I am excited and proud to endorse Hillary Clinton and pledge to do everything I can to elect her.

Hillary has what it takes to get us out of Iraq, and ensure that we truly keep our nation’s promise to “leave no child behind.”

She has fought for healthcare, quality schools, and working families her entire life. As President, she will lead a government that serves all Americans.

Senator Clinton not only has a clear, inclusive and progressive vision for our future, she also has the know-how and experience to create positive and lasting change from day one of her administration.

Hillary and I have worked together for many years.  She has been a staunch advocate for children and helped California pass Proposition 10, which has provided almost $6 billion for early childhood health and education. As First Lady, she helped create the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which provides coverage to 6 million children; the Vaccines for Children program, which resulted in 90% of children receiving the vaccinations they need; and Early Head Start, which provides social services to infants and toddlers living in poverty.  She has continued those efforts on the campaign trail by laying out a serious plan to provide high quality early childhood education to at risk young children, and a terrific plan to provide high quality health care to all Americans.

Based on her actions as a mother, First Lady, Senator and candidate, I know that children will be a top priority in Hillary Clinton’s White House.  She understands that investing in a child pays a lifetime of dividends for our entire nation.

Rob Reiner starred in the groundbreaking “All in the Family,” and directed “When Harry Met Sally,” “A Few Good Men,” “The Princess Bride,” “Stand By Me,” “The American President,” and just completed “The Bucket List,” starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, due out this Christmas

John Edwards Announces That He Will Be Seeking Public Financing For The 2008 Presidential Primary Campaign

EDWARDS TAKES NEXT STEP IN REJECTING MONEY FROM SPECIAL INTERESTS BY SEEKING PUBLIC FINANCING Challenges Clinton, who said on Sunday she supports public financing, to join him now in ending the money game in Washington

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Today, Senator John Edwards announced he will be seeking public financing for the 2008 presidential primary campaign. Just as he challenged the Democratic Party to stop accepting contributions from lobbyists, today Edwards is again taking the lead in ending the money game in Washington.

“You can't buy your way to the Democratic nomination – you should have to earn the votes of the American people with bold vision and ideas,” said Edwards’ campaign manager Congressman David Bonior. “This is the most expensive presidential campaign in history, by far. And the simple fact is that the influence of money in politics – and the focus on raising money in this election – has gotten out of control. It’s time to get back to focusing on the issues that matter to the American people. That’s why John Edwards has decided to play by the rules that were designed to ensure fairness in the election process by capping his campaign spending and seeking public financing.”

Since the campaign began, Edwards has focused on issues that matter to the American people – universal health care, the war in Iraq, education, global warming and helping American workers. He’s promised to end the game in Washington and has challenged the Democratic Party to send a powerful signal to the American people about whose support really matters by refusing to accept donations from federal lobbyists. Senator Clinton has refused to stop taking contributions from federal lobbyists, saying that public financing is the solution to ending the influence of lobbyists.

“Senator Clinton said she believes public financing is the answer to ending the influence of lobbyists and special interests in Washington,” said Congressman Bonior. “If she really believes that, she should join Senator Edwards and seek public financing, or she should explain to the American people why she does not mean what she says.”

Under the public financing system for the presidential primaries, the government will match up to $250 of an individual’s contributions to an eligible candidate. To establish credibility, a candidate must show broad-based public support by proving to the FEC that he or she has raised in excess of $5,000 of matchable contributions in each of at least 20 states. This is done through a threshold submission to the FEC.  In addition a candidate must also agree to: limit campaign spending for all primary elections; limit campaign spending in each state; and limit spending from personal funds to $50,000.

Currently the campaign is working on the first step in this process - to make its threshold submission to the FEC in order to establish Senator Edwards’ eligibility to receive matching funds.

“Edwards has raised more than any Democratic candidate in history before this race. We have more than enough money to compete,” said Congressman Bonior. “The truth is, this election is about ideas – not how much money you’ve raised. And no one has better ideas for how to bring real change to America than John Edwards. That’s why we’re confident he can not only compete in this election – but he will win.”

Former Governor Pete Wilson Endorses Giuliani

Former Governor Pete Wilson Endorses Giuliani

Glendale, CA –The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee announced today former California Governor Pete Wilson has endorsed Rudy Giuliani for President. Wilson, whose public service in California ranged from serving as Mayor of San Diego to U.S. Senator to two-term Governor, is the latest in a strong delegation of support for Giuliani in California.

Wilson is currently a distinguished visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. Similar to Rudy Giuliani’s accomplishments as New York City Mayor, Wilson gained prominence by revitalizing San Diego in his eleven years as Mayor. In San Diego, Wilson declared an increased emphasis on public safety and held the city government accountable. 

“The Republican Party is fortunate to have Rudy Giuliani as a candidate. Rudy’s executive experience and record of results in New York are unmatched,” said Governor Wilson. “Rudy has proven he is the leader and the problem solver this country needs as President, and he is the Republican’s best opportunity to win the general election because of that.”   

“Pete Wilson’s accomplishments in virtually all levels of government in California prove that common sense governing is key to success in public service,” said Mayor Giuliani. “Pete will be an excellent advocate for our campaign and I am grateful to have his support.”

About Governor Pete Wilson:

Wilson is a distinguished visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution. He served as the thirty-sixth governor of California (1991-1999), eight years as a United States Senator (1983-1991), eleven years as Mayor of San Diego (1971-1983), and five years as a California State Assemblyman (1967-1971).

In the U.S. Senate, Wilson served as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and became a leading voice on national defense and U.S. foreign policy.

Wilson attended Yale University and served three years as a United States Marine Corps infantry officer. Upon completion of his military obligation, Wilson earned a law degree from the University of California, Berkeley.