2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Statement By RNC Chairman On Democratic Debate

STATEMENT BY RNC CHAIRMAN ON DEMOCRAT DEBATE

WASHINGTON – RNC Chairman Robert M. “Mike” Duncan released the following statement regarding the Democrat presidential debate in New Hampshire:

“Tonight, we once again saw the true face of the Democrat Party, as Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, John Edwards, and all the rest stuck to their plans to raise taxes, increase the size of government, and retreat from the War on Terror.  What we didn’t see onstage tonight were the leaders of the radical, blame-America-first groups like MoveOn.org, who only have to say ‘jump’ in order to have the Democrat candidates and leadership eagerly ask, ‘how high?’”

Joe Biden Takes On Opponents

BIDEN TAKES ON GIULIANI AND DEMOCRATIC OPPONENTS

Hanover, NH (September 26, 2007) – Tonight, Sen. Joe Biden demonstrated that he is the one candidate who can take on Rudy Giuliani and the Republican Party on issues of National Security and Foreign Policy.

In tonight’s debate Sen. Biden said, “Rudy Giuliani doesn't know what the heck he's talking about. He's the most uninformed person in American foreign policy and now running for president, number one."

Biden Campaign Manager Luis Navarro also pointed out that several of the Democratic candidates showed serious errors in judgment related to critical issues of national security. 

Navarro said, “Sen. Obama said he would do everything possible to end the war in Iraq and emphasized the need for a political solution yet he failed to show up to vote for Sen. Biden’s critical amendment to provide a political solution in Iraq.  Sen. Clinton tried to defend her vote on the Kyl/Lieberman amendment on Iran, which could be an excuse for another dangerous folly by the Bush Administration.” 

“Gov. Richardson may have committed the most egregious mistake of all,” added Navarro, “by calling for a three month withdrawal of 240,000 troops “

“This is what I would do. I would bring them out through roads, through Kuwait and through Turkey. It would take persuading Turkey. The issue is light equipment. I would leave some of the light equipment behind,” said Richardson.

In fact, virtually every military expert says it will take at least a year – and possibly longer – to safely withdraw our troops from Iraq. 

On the other hand, earlier today, Sen. Biden did what no one else has been able to do -build a bi-partisan consensus which offers America a path out of Iraq that will not leave chaos behind for future generations.  His plan for a federal system in Iraq passed the Senate today by a vote of 75-23 garnering overwhelming support from a bipartisan group of leaders of both parties.  It was the first overwhelming bi-partisan rejection of the Bush administration’s Iraq policy. 

Tonight, Biden showed the presidential demeanor and confidence the American people are looking for in a Democratic president.

Statement Of Biden For President Campaign Manager Luis Navarro

BIDEN SHOWS PRESIDENTIAL LEADERSHIP IN NEW HAMPSHIRE DEBATE

Lebanon, NH (September 26, 2007) – Tonight at the MSNBC/NECN Debate at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH, Sen. Joe Biden once again exhibited a command of the issues and demonstrated real presidential leadership. 

“Tonight, Sen. Biden demonstrated real presidential leadership,” said Biden for President Campaign Manager Luis Navarro.  “After years of failed Bush policies, the next President will have to unite this country and tackle big issues including the war in Iraq, health care and education.  The next President will also have to produce results and Sen. Biden has shown that he can get the job done.  Today’s overwhelming support for Sen. Biden’s Iraq plan in the Senate is further proof that he is the only candidate for President that can bring Americans together to solve the toughest problems ahead of us.”

New Ad Highlights Ford Escape Hybrid As Vehicle Of Choice For Presidential Candidates

NEW AD HIGHLIGHTS FORD ESCAPE HYBRID AS VEHICLE OF CHOICE FOR PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
2008 Escape Hybrid - The President's Choice"

WASHINGTON, D.C. Sept. 26 – With the 2008 Presidential campaign in full swing, Ford is touting the fact that the Escape Hybrid is the “candidate’s choice” for transportation, whether at home or on the campaign trail, in ads on Capitol Hill.

Reported by major news organizations – including the Associated Press, USA Today, and BusinessWeek – the Escape Hybrid, and the Mercury Mariner Hybrid, are playing a role in the transportation of the current crop of Presidential hopefuls and even in that of the leaders of the previous Presidential administration.

The Escape Hybrid is the first American-made hybrid to hit the market, and it remains the cleanest and most fuel-efficient SUV on the planet. Escape Hybrid and Mariner Hybrid are produced at Ford’s Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Mo.

The Escape Hybrid “Candidate’s Choice” ad features a headline reading “We May Not Know Where All of the Candidates Stand, But We Do Know Where a Lot of Them Sit.” An image of a campaign button featuring an Escape Hybrid is the centerpiece of the ad. The new ads will appear beginning the week of September 24 in several Capitol Hill publications including CongressDaily AM, CQ Today, Roll Call, The Hill and Politico.

Escape Hybrid owners, no matter if they are Presidential candidates or not, receive multiple benefits from the hybrid electric SUV, including:

Hybrid Technology – Ford Escape Hybrid is a “full” hybrid that maximizes fuel efficiency with the ability to run on electric or gasoline power alone, or a combination of the two to deliver up to 34 mpg in city driving and 30 mpg on the highway.

Greener Living – Escape Hybrid makes it easy to drive “green” by emitting 76% less smog-forming emissions than the average new car. Escape Hybrid is PZEV-certified (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) in the states adopting California Emissions standards. Escape Hybrid also features fabric seating surfaces produced from 100 percent recycled post-industrial materials.

No Compromise – Featuring a rugged new look for 2008, the Escape Hybrid not only offers low environmental impact and outstanding fuel economy, but has all the capability and roominess of a traditional SUV.

Saving Green 101 – With considerable savings from fewer visits to the gas pump, the highest available federal tax credit for a hybrid (up to $3,000 for front-wheel drive and $2,200 for all-wheel drive models), various state tax credits and local incentives, and insurance discounts from major providers (Travelers Insurance offers up to a ten percent discount in certain states), Escape Hybrid is good for an owner’s bank account.

About Escape Hybrid
The Ford Escape Hybrid is the cleanest and most fuel-efficient SUV in the world, combining the fuel economy and emissions benefits of a full hybrid with the go-anywhere capability, toughness and spaciousness of the Ford Escape – America’s favorite small SUV.

The Escape Hybrid is a “full” hybrid, meaning it automatically switches between pure electric power, pure gasoline engine power or combined operation to maximize efficiency and performance. Its gasoline engine and electric motor work in concert, providing performance similar to that of a V-6 engine. In less demanding situations, the Escape Hybrid can run on its electric motor alone (at speeds up to 25 mph), its gasoline engine alone or the most efficient combination of the two.

Full hybrids achieve their greatest improvement in fuel economy during stop-and-go driving, when the electric motor is most efficient. In fact, the Escape Hybrid provides approximately 80 percent better fuel economy in city driving than the conventional V-6 Escape and can travel more than 500 miles in city driving on a single tank of gasoline.

It is an extremely clean vehicle to operate – an amazing 99.4 percent cleaner, on average than an unregulated vehicle. Escape Hybrid meets strict Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV II) and Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) standards.

The 2008 Escape and Escape Hybrid are believed to be the first U.S. automotive applications of 100 percent recycled fabric seating surfaces. The new fabric, supplied by Interface Fabrics, Inc. of Atlanta, Ga., is produced from 100 percent post-industrial material – defined as anything intended for retail use but never makes it to the consumer. This can be anything from plastic intended for soft drink bottles to un-dyed polyester fibers.

This plastic and polyester is processed, spun into yarn, dyed and woven into seat fabric. Recycling waste otherwise intended for landfills has obvious environmental benefits. Interface Fabrics estimates that Ford’s use of post-industrial recycled materials, rather than virgin fibers, could conserve an estimated 600,000 gallons of water, 1.8 million pounds of carbon dioxide equivalents and more than 7 million kilowatt hours of electricity.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 260,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda.

Cate Edwards And “Desperate Housewives” Star James Denton To Campaign In Iowa On Behalf Of Senator John Edwards

CATE EDWARDS AND “DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES” STAR JAMES DENTON TO CAMPAIGN IN IOWA ON BEHALF OF SENATOR JOHN EDWARDS

Edwards’ Eldest Daughter and America’s Favorite Primetime Plumber Will Both Make First Iowa Campaign Appearances This Election Cycle

Des Moines, Iowa – Cate Edwards, eldest daughter of Senator John and Elizabeth Edwards, and James Denton, who plays “Mike Delfino” on ABC’s hit series “Desperate Housewives,” will be in Iowa this weekend to campaign on behalf of Senator John Edwards.  They will be visiting college campuses and speaking with Iowans about Senator Edwards’ campaign to change America.

On Saturday, Edwards and Denton will visit Hawkeye fans in Iowa City for a Homecoming tailgate and events in Cedar Rapids, Grinnell and Des Moines. On Sunday, they will discuss Senator Edwards’ campaign to build One America with Iowans in Des Moines, Ames and Indianola.

Cate Edwards shares her parents' commitment to building One America. As a board member of Generation Engage, a new nonpartisan youth voter initiative focused on engaging young people in politics on a regular basis and increasing civic involvement, Edwards is active in helping her generation become involved in the political process. She currently attends Harvard Law School.

James Denton is active in many important causes.  He has been involved with numerous charitable organizations including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Cure Autism Now/Autism Speaks, Fragile X and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Denton is a regular cast member on the show “Desperate Housewives,” where he plays the role of Mike Delfino, a plumber who lives on Wisteria Lane.

Dodd Campaign Announces Senior Leadership Additions, Field Team Expansion, New Offices In Iowa

DODD CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCES SENIOR LEADERSHIP ADDITIONS, FIELD TEAM EXPANSION, NEW OFFICES IN IOWA
New Offices Located in Burlington, Coralville, and Mason City

DES MOINES – Presidential candidate Chris Dodd’s Iowa campaign today announced it has expanded its senior leadership team, increased the size of its field team, and is opening three new field offices in Iowa.

“The Dodd campaign continues to build the kind of strong, experienced operation that it takes to win the Iowa Caucuses,” said Dodd’s Iowa spokeswoman Taylor West.  “We are excited to keep growing and talking to Iowans about Chris Dodd’s proven record of fighting for Democratic principles and delivering results.”

Joe Zepecki has joined the Iowa campaign as Deputy Caucus Director.  Zepecki has been a part of several Democratic victories in Iowa, having served as a consultant to the Iowa House Caucus in 2004 and 2006, when Democrats regained control of the chamber.  Zepecki first joined the Dodd campaign in Nevada.  In 2004, Zepecki worked for Gen. Wesley Clark's Campaign for President in Wisconsin.

Nikki Budzinski will serve as the Iowa campaign’s Political Director.  Budzinski comes to the Dodd campaign from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), where she has been a Political Representative responsible for outreach and coordination with state associations.  Prior to her work at the IAFF, Budzinski served on John Kerry’s presidential campaign in both Missouri and Ohio.  Last month, the IAFF endorsed Chris Dodd for President.

In recent weeks, the Dodd campaign has also added new staff and field organizers throughout the state, bringing the Iowa staff total to fifty-nine.  The campaign will also open three new field offices in Iowa City/Coralville, Mason City, and Burlington.

Edwards Statement On Tentative Agreement Between The U.A.W. And G.M.

EDWARDS STATEMENT ON TENTATIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE U.A.W.  AND G.M.

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Senator John Edwards released the following statement congratulating the U.A.W. and G.M. on reaching a tentative agreement:

“I am pleased to hear of today's tentative agreement between the United Auto Workers and General Motors. I honor the strength and solidarity shown by 73,000 U.A.W. members who walked the line to get a deal that protects their jobs and honors the standards they have created over decades.  This process illustrates that collective bargaining works, and I am happy that both sides are satisfied with today's outcome.   

“This settlement highlights the significance of two issues that every worker in America is concerned about – health care and job security. I am encouraged that U.A.W. members have won promises of job security in an era where our government's trade policies are undercutting and exporting jobs that pay living wages. I believe that unionized American autoworkers, if given the chance, can compete with workers from anywhere to produce the most modern and energy efficient vehicles in the world.

“The challenges faced by both sides on the issue of health care remind all of us that our nation remains constrained by our shortsighted approach to securing care for our workers, retirees and families.  Until America joins the rest of the industrialized, developed world in providing universal care, we will continue to make our companies less competitive in the global market, and our workers and families will remain at great risk of joining the 47 million Americans who have no health care coverage.  I know that America can do better, and I believe that U.A.W. members and retirees join all Americans in wanting real change in Washington that protects good jobs and provides universal health care for everyone.”

RNC Members Endorse Governor Mitt Romney

RNC MEMBERS ENDORSE GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY

Boston, MA – Today, five members of the Republican National Committee (RNC) endorsed Governor Mitt Romney for President of the United States.  They join 27 other current and former RNC members supporting Governor Romney.

"From New Hampshire and Iowa to California and Florida, the success of the Republican Party in 2008 will, in part, rest upon the work of our Republican National Committeemen and Committeewomen.  That is why I am proud to have the support of so many members of the Republican National Committee.  Change in Washington begins with us, and I look forward to working with these Committee members to ensure that the Republican Party returns to our core conservative principles," said Governor Romney.

New RNC Members Supporting Governor Romney:

Brian Sullivan, MN
Evie Axdahl, MN
Allan Kolstad, MT
Zoraida Fonalledas, PR
Eileen Slocum, RI
Fast Facts About Current And Former RNC Members Supporting Governor Romney:

Number Supporting Governor Romney:  32
Representing:  17 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and American Samoa
Previously Announced RNC Committee Members Supporting Governor Romney:

Te'o Fuavai, AS
Lilly Nunez, CO
Tony Parker, DC
Betsy Werronen, DC
Diane Adams, IN
James Bopp, IN
Jody Dow, MA
Ron Kaufman, MA
Louis Pope, MD
Joyce Lyons Terhes, MD
Peter Cianchette, ME
Doug Russell, MO
David Norcross, NJ
Lynn Windel, OK
Vance Day, OR
June Hartley, OR
Solomon Yue, OR
Cindy Costa, SC
Randy Frederick, SD
Sara Gear Boyd, VT
Donna Gosney, WV

Former RNC Members Supporting Governor Romney:

Darrell Crate, MA
John Kane, MD
Jack Meeks, MN
Tom Rath, NH
Joe Kyrillos, NJ
Kevin Mannix, OR

Richardson Releases New Ad, Emphasizes Richardson Plan to End the War, Major Difference with Other Democratic Candidates

Governor Richardson Releases New Ad, Emphasizes Richardson Plan to End the War, Major Difference with Other Democratic Candidates on Iraq

Leading online activists praise Richardson as only candidate who actually will end the war, get all our troops out of Iraq

SANTA FE, NM-- The Richardson for President campaign released a new ad today that will begin airing in New Hampshire on Wednesday. The ad highlights that Governor Richardson is the only major Presidential candidate with a plan to get all of our troops out of Iraq. The Richardson plan actually ends the war and leaves no residual forces behind.

The ad, called "Long Enough," is the first by any candidate in this campaign to prominently feature online activists. In the ad, Chris Bowers and Matt Stoller of Openleft.com and Christina Siun O'Connell of Firedoglake.com praise Governor Richardson as the only candidate with a plan that actually ends the war.

The thirty-second ad follows the release of a longer video emphasizing Governor Richardson's position on Iraq, "The Choice on Iraq," which also features Bowers, Stoller, and Siun O'Connell.

"It is very simple," campaign manager Dave Contarino said. "Governor Richardson is the only candidate who will get all of our troops out of Iraq and actually end this war. Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and John Edwards all would leave tens of thousands of troops in Iraq indefinitely."

The ad, produced by Mark Putnam and Steve Murphy of Murphy Putnam Media, is designed to harness the power of the netroots community to spread Governor Richardson's message to voters around the country. Over the past few months, Richardson has climbed in the polls in the important early states of Iowa and New Hampshire. Governor Richardson consistently has registered double-digit support, most recently in the ONE Campaign's Iowa poll and the WMUR-TV poll in New Hampshire.

Thompson Builds On Momentum In South Carolina

Thompson Builds on Momentum in South Carolina
Picks up Endorsements from Republican State Leaders

McLean, VA - Former Senator Fred Thompson's presidential campaign in South Carolina continued to show signs of growing momentum today as he received the official endorsements of Congressman Gresham Barrett (R-SC) and 12 state legislators from across the state.

Congressman Barrett has been an outspoken supporter of Thompson since last spring but is now joining the ranks of federal officials around the country who are officially endorsing Thompson's bid.

"Senator Thompson brings the vision, values and clarity voters are hungry for, and I look forward to doing everything I can to help introduce him to the people of South Carolina," Barrett said.

Joining Barrett in endorsing Thompson are state Republican legislators:

State Senator George E. "Chip" Campsen, III, Dist. 43 - Charleston and Berkeley Cos.
State Senator Raymond Cleary, III, Dist. 34 - Horry, Georgetown and Charleston Cos.
State Senator Lawrence K. "Larry" Grooms, Dist. 37 - Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton and Dorchester Cos.
State Senator John Hawkins, Dist. 12 - Spartanburg Co.
State Senator James H. "Jim" Ritchie, Jr., Dist. 13 - Spartanburg, Greenville and Union Cos.
State Representative Eric M. Bedingfield, Dist. 28 - Greenville Co.
State Representative Harry F. Cato , Dist. 17, Greenville Co.
State Representative Jeffrey D. "Jeff" Duncan, Dist. 15 - Laurens and Newberry Cos.
State Representative David R. Hiott, Dist. 4 - Pickens Co.
State Representative Dwight A. Loftis, Dist. 19 - Greenville Co.
State Representative Michael D. Thompson, Dist. 9, Anderson C o.
State Representative W. Brian White, Dist. 6, Anderson Co.

"I am very proud to have these legislators joining our quickly growing grassroots driven team in South Carolina, and I look forward to working with them over the coming months as we take our conservative message to voters across the state," said Senator Fred Thompson.