2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Jim Ryan Endorses Giuliani For President

Jim Ryan Endorses Giuliani for President
Former State Attorney General Joins Rudy’s Illinois Campaign

Lisle, IL – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced the endorsement of former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan. Ryan, the 2002 Republican nominee for Illinois Governor, is currently a Benedictine University professor. 

Ryan, who served as Attorney General from 1995 to 2003, is the latest high-profile endorsement for Mayor Giuliani in Illinois. Ryan joins former Illinois Governor Jim Thompson and DuPage County State’s Attorney Joseph Birkett, who endorsed the Mayor earlier this month while he was visiting the state.

“Rarely will you find a candidate with the executive leadership experience and proven record of fiscal discipline and crime fighting like Rudy Giuliani,” said Ryan. “He is the proven leader who has never been afraid to take on tough challenges and find common sense solutions.”   

“Attorney General Ryan is a well-respected and successful prosecutor, whose commitment to justice and our legal system is admirable,” said Michael DuHaime, Giuliani’s National Campaign Manager. “I’m honored to have Jim as part of our team in Illinois because it is an important state in helping to elect Mayor Giuliani as the next President of the United States.”

Bill Richardson Releases New Online Video

Bill Richardson Touts "Big Difference" in Iraq War Policy in New Online Video
"The Choice on Iraq" is first 2008 campaign video to feature bloggers, details Richardson’s unequivocal stance to leave behind no residual forces

SANTA FE, NM-- The Presidential campaign of New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today released an online video entitled "The Choice on Iraq." The video highlights a key difference among the major Democratic Presidential candidates: how many troops they would leave behind in Iraq. Richardson is the only major Presidential candidate with a plan that removes every single soldier from Iraq, leaving no residual troops behind.

Although the mainstream media have overlooked this critical difference, leading online bloggers and activists have taken notice. Three prominent activists appear in "The Choice on Iraq" video: Chris Bowers and Matt Stoller from Openleft.com and Christina Siun O'Connell from Firedoglake.com.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, September 25, the Richardson for President campaign will begin airing a new 30-second television advertisement in New Hampshire. The ad, featuring activists Bowers, Siun O'Connell, and Stoller, reiterates that Richardson is the only major Presidential candidate with a plan that removes every single soldier from Iraq, leaving no residual troops behind. This is the first ad by any 2008 Presidential candidate that includes members of the burgeoning netroots community.

Democratic Presidential candidate Richardson is opposed to the current strategy in Iraq, espoused by President Bush and supported by the leading Republican Presidential candidates. Richardson also disagrees with the major Democratic candidates.

"I believe we should bring all of the troops home with no residual forces left behind," Richardson says in the video. "This is critically important. This war is a quagmire, it is endless, and the time has come to bring the troops home."

The video cites chapter eight of the U.S. Army Field Manual, as noted in the Center for American Progress report "How to Redeploy: Implementing a Responsible Drawdown of U.S. Forces from Iraq," to support that "standard military procedure calls for non-combat troops to withdraw first, so they can be protected by combat forces."

"Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and John Edwards would leave tens of thousands of non-combat troops behind in Iraq," campaign manager Dave Contarino said. "An estimated 97,000 American non-combat troops are in Iraq. Leaving behind up to 97,000 American troops does not end this war. As President, Bill Richardson will withdraw non-combat troops in tandem with combat troops to get them all out of Iraq safely."

To expedite reconciliation in Iraq and reunite America with the international community, Bill Richardson will enact policies that promote diplomacy.

"We need to hand over the security of Iraq to an all-Muslim peacekeeping force," Richardson says in the video. "We then would have a moral responsibility to do everything we can to bring the different factions together in a national reconciliation conference. We need to bring back diplomacy in our foreign policy."

This four-and-a-half minute online video, produced by Mark Putnam and Steve Murphy of Murphy Putnam Media, is designed to harness the power of the online community to spread Governor Richardson's message on the Iraq war to voters around the country. In recent months, Richardson has climbed in the polls in the important early states of Iowa and New Hampshire. Governor Richardson recently received double-digit support in both the ONE Campaign's Iowa poll and the WMUR-TV New Hampshire poll.

Polly Butka Endorses Joe Biden

IOWA SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE POLLY BUKTA ENDORSES JOE BIDEN FOR PRESIDENT
Support Within the Iowa House Leadership Team Continues to Grow

Des Moines, IA (September 24, 2007) – The Biden Campaign today announced the endorsement of Iowa House Speaker Pro Tempore Polly Bukta (D-Clinton). This marks the 9th Iowa legislative endorsement for the campaign, which currently includes five members of the House Leadership team.

Rep. Bukta has been a leading voice in the Iowa Legislature since 1996, when she was first elected. In just her second term, she was elected to serve on the Leadership team, and this past November she was selected to serve as Speaker Pro Tempore.

“I’ve known Joe Biden for over 20 years. His loyalty and honesty are second to none - and those are two critical qualities I am looking for in the next President” said Rep. Bukta. “However, perhaps even more important to me, is how we are going to bring our men and women home from Iraq safely. Joe Biden is the only candidate with a thoughtful and sensible political plan to do just that.”

“Polly represents the best our party has to offer” said Sen. Biden. “She is a mom, a school teacher, and a leading legislator in Iowa. She is a woman who knows what it takes to bring both parties together in delivering results for Iowa’s families.”

Bukta joins eight Democratic legislators in a growing list of elected officials supporting Joe Biden in the Hawkeye state: State Sen. Joe Seng (Davenport), House Majority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy (Des Moines), Rep. John Whitaker (Hillsboro), Rep. Doris Kelley (Waterloo) Rep. Lisa Heddens (Ames), Rep. Jim Lykam (Davenport), Rep. Mike Reasoner (Creston), and Rep. Dick Taylor (Cedar Rapids).

Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh Endorses Clinton, Will Serve As National Campaign Co-Chair

Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh Endorses Clinton
Bayh Will Serve As National Campaign Co-Chair

The Clinton Campaign today announced the endorsement of Indiana Senator Evan Bayh and named him a national Campaign Co-Chair.

“Hillary Clinton is a seasoned, experienced leader who will be ready to lead this country on Day One,” Bayh said. “She will run the kind of campaign and administration that will appeal to all corners of America, emphasizing national security and middle class economic progress.”

Sens. Bayh and Clinton are members of the Senate Armed Services Committee and have traveled together to Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan and met with the Presidents of those countries.

First elected to the Senate in 1998, Sen. Bayh has earned a reputation as a bipartisan problem solver, committed to strengthening our national security, growing small businesses to create new jobs and encouraging responsible fatherhood.

"I have seen firsthand how effective she is interacting with global leaders and the respect she commands," Bayh said. "I believe that her approach to our national security challenges will be strong but also more effective, because it will be more thoughtful and comprehensive than the current administration's. Senator Clinton is both tough and smart."

Prior to being elected to the Senate, Sen. Bayh served two terms as Governor of Indiana, where he established a track record of fiscal responsibility and economic growth, passing the largest tax cut in state history and creating 350,000 new jobs. Prior to being elected Governor, Sen. Bayh served as Indiana’s Secretary of State.

Sen. Bayh currently serves on five committees: Banking Housing and Urban Affairs, on which he is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on International Trade and Finance; Armed Services; the Select Committee on Intelligence; the Special Committee on Aging; and the Small Business Committee.

"In an increasingly rancorous political environment, Evan has consistently reached across the aisle to tackle our nation’s toughest challenges and get results,” Clinton said. “I’m honored to have his support as we bring our message of change across the country.”

Mike Huckabee to Host First-Ever, 24-Hour "Vertical Day"

MIKE HUCKABEE TO HOST FIRST-EVER, 24-HOUR “VERTICAL DAY” ON MON., SEPT. 24 & TUES., SEPT. 25

Little Rock, AR – Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee will host an historic 24-hour online “conversation” with voters called “Vertical Day, starting at 10 a.m. CT / 11 a.m. ET on Monday, Sept. 24 and ending at 10 a.m. CT / 11 a.m. ET on Tuesday, Sept. 25, it was announced today.

The goal of “Vertical Day” is to focus on the issues in order to attract a large wave of potential supporters to the campaign website (www.mikehuckabee.com) over a 24-hour period.   An emphasis will be placed on building new online support, energizing the campaign’s base of existing support, and identifying the people most likely to participate in the first wave of the actual get-out-the-vote efforts on the ground.

Components of Vertical Day include:  blog posts, video clips of Huckabee on the issues and clips of Huckabee answering questions from bloggers.

“The focus of Vertical Day will be a discussion of the most important challenges facing America ,” said Huckabee.  “I'm excited about this opportunity to reach thousands of voters across America – and to build excitement around this discussion of these ideas, the solutions we see possible, and our hopes for America .”

Romney For President Launches New Radio Ad, "Khatami"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW RADIO AD, "KHATAMI"

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President launched its newest radio ad, "Khatami."  The ad highlights Governor Romney's opposition to former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami's 2006 visit to Harvard University.  Calling the visit on the eve of the fifth anniversary of 9/11 a "disgrace," Governor Romney refused to provide Khatami with a State Police escort.  Today, Governor Romney has called on the United Nations and Columbia University to take similar action and revoke any invitation for current Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to speak at their respective institutions.

The ad will begin airing as part of the campaign's rotation today in Iowa and South Carolina, and then Florida later in the week.  Script and viewing links are below.

Script For "Khatami" (Radio:60):

ANNOUNCER:  "On the eve of the fifth anniversary of 9/11, Harvard University invited former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami to Boston.  The same Mohammad Khatami who has supported the terrorist group Hezbollah, advocates destruction of Israel and stood by while Jews and Christians were persecuted.

"The Iranian wanted VIP treatment at taxpayer expense.  But Governor Mitt Romney said, 'No.'  Governor Romney called the invitation a 'disgrace' and refused to grant Khatami a police escort.

"Now another Iranian President is visiting America, coming to New York, and Governor Mitt Romney is leading the opposition."

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "We should be tightening our sanctions against Iran, not welcoming him to the world stage and I've called on the Secretary-General of the United Nations to withdraw that invitation.  What we should be doing is indicting Ahmadinejad under the Genocide Convention." 

ANNOUNCER:  "As Governor Mitt Romney did what was right, not what was politically correct.  As President, he'll do the same.  Mitt Romney."

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

ANNOUNCER:  "Paid for by Romney for President."

New York City Correction Officers Endorse Barack Obama

New York City Correction Officers Endorse Barack Obama

NEW YORK, NY – New York City’s Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association ( COBA) endorsed Barack Obama today at a press conference with the Senator in New York City. COBA, which represents 9,000 unionized members in New York City, is the largest municipal jail union in the country, and the second largest law enforcement union in New York City.

“I am looking forward to working with President Seabrook and the thousands of correction officers across the state as we continue to build this campaign from the bottom up,” said Barack Obama. “It’s an honor to have the endorsement of these men and women who put themselves at risk everyday to serve on the front lines of our nation’s criminal justice system. And we’re all fortunate to have them fighting to make sure correction officers and their widows and children are being treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

“We need a president whose leadership empowers all Americans to come together and fight for a better tomorrow. We need a president who understands the contributions of union members, and the critical role we play in advancing our cities, states, and country,” COBA President Norman Seabrook stated.  “Barack Obama is the one candidate who will put an end to the divisiveness in this country so that we can finally achieve greater economic prosperity for the working-class and health care coverage for all Americans.”

The New York City Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association ( COBA) is dedicated to improving the salary and benefits of its members, while ensuring the safest working conditions possible.  COBA has successfully negotiated four contracts with the Bloomberg administration.

Barack Obama will join supporters from across the New York City metropolitan area for a rally in Washington Square Park on Thursday, September 27.  Gates to the park will open at 5:00pm. The event is an opportunity for Obama to thank his supporters for their commitment and hard work over the last few months and rally support for the final push to the nomination contests including the New York primary on February 5th.

International Union Of Bricklayers And Allied Craftworkers Endorses Clinton

International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Endorses Clinton

The Clinton Campaign today announced the endorsement of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC). The BAC is the oldest continuous union in North America and represents roughly 100,000 skilled masonry-trowel trades craftworkers.

“Hillary Clinton has the strength and experience to deliver the change America needs. After years of an administration that has turned its back on working families, we need a President whose priorities are our priorities,” said BAC President John J. Flynn. “A President who will work with us to grow the economy and address the issues facing workers and their families, a President whose commitment, experience and strong leadership will help put America’s middle class back on its feet, a President who will govern through strength – not fear. We believe that Senator Hillary Clinton meets those needs and will be our next President.”

Flynn said Clinton was the clear winner in a poll of BAC members, and BAC’s executive council voted unanimously to endorse her.

“During her years in public service and in the U.S. Senate, she has listened, she has learned and she has led the fight on so many of the issues that our members care about most – bringing the war in Iraq to a close, advancing affordable, accessible health care, safeguarding Social Security and Medicare, defending prevailing wage protections, restoring the rights of workers to organize and join unions, and ensuring that our veterans receive the services they so justly deserve. Senator Clinton has earned our Union’s support – she’s worked hard for BAC members and we intend to work hard for her election.”

The Council also committed to launching an aggressive union-wide effort to engage and mobilize members to help Clinton secure the Democratic nomination and win the general election in 2008.

“I am honored to receive the support of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers,” Clinton said. “In my administration, America’s working families will again have a partner in the White House.”

Clinton has also been endorsed by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and the United Transportation Union.

Gordon Fischer Endorses Barack Obama

Former Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Gordon Fischer Endorses Barack Obama

When I relaunched this blog six weeks ago, I shared my four goals: (1) to be positive; (2) to address the negative influence of Big Money in politics and need for campaign finance reform; (3) to show how "ordinary" people can reach extraordinary results through politics; and (4) to show why politics is important.

I came back to these same four goals again and again over the past several months as I reflected on the outstanding Democratic field of candidates for president and considered whom to support.  Who could make people feel positive and hopeful about our future?  Who would take a meaningful stand about how money can negatively influence the political process?  Who would inspire a whole range of Democrats -- young and old, party establishment and first-time caucus-goers -- to get involved?  Who would help remind us of the good that we can accomplish through politics?

Clearly, the candidate with the greatest ability to achieve all these goals is Barack Obama.

And so I am proud and very excited today to announce my support for Barack Obama in the 2008 Iowa Caucuses.  I will do everything I can to help him win Iowa, and I hope you'll join me...

Governor Mitt Romney's Open Letter To The Republican Party

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY'S OPEN LETTER TO THE REPUBLICAN PARTY

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney issued an open letter to his fellow Republicans calling on the Republican Party to once again become the party of change in Washington.   "Democrats are not the change Washington needs.  We are the change Washington needs and it's time for Republicans like us to stand for that change again," writes Governor Romney.

The Republican Party needs to return to its core conservative principles on issues like fiscal responsibility, ending illegal immigration and upholding ethical standards.  By returning to these principles, Governor Romney believes Republicans can bring conservative change to Washington. 

Governor Romney's Open Letter:

To my friends and fellow Republicans,

Throughout our country's long and remarkable journey, there have been "inflection points," critical moments when political, economic, military and other forces converged to alter the course of our history.

We are at one of those inflection points today.

Forces of globalization, the rise of major new economic powerhouses such as China and India, and the emergence of radical Jihad have created a "perfect storm" that will change the course of our nation. We face unprecedented challenges in securing our borders, protecting the American family, and ending America's dependence on foreign oil.

Our actions today will determine which course America will take. Will America remain the world's economic and military superpower, able to preserve peace, progress, and prosperity? Will our children and grandchildren grow up with the same opportunities that have been our birthright for over two centuries? Will our uniquely America culture – a culture of family, patriotism, faith, and freedom – remain our foundation and lead a stronger America into the future?

I believe the American people can rise to these and every other challenge ahead of us. Yet, at this extraordinary moment in our nation's history, our government is failing us. Washington is busy pointing fingers, assigning blame, and spending too much money. There is too much talk and too little action.

The blame, we must admit, does not belong to just one party. If we're going to change Washington, Republicans have to put our own house in order.

We can't be like Democrats – a party of big spending. We can't pretend our borders are secure from illegal immigration. We can't have ethical standards that are a punch-line for Jay Leno.

When Republicans act like Democrats, America loses.

It's time for Republicans to start acting like Republicans. We have to remember who we are: We are not Big Government Republicans. We are not Washington Republicans. We are Change Washington Republicans. Democrats are not the change Washington needs. We are the change Washington needs and it's time for Republicans like us to stand for that change again.

There is not a single challenge America faces that we can't overcome with the innovation and passion that has always been at the heart of the American people. If we change Washington, I believe America can achieve anything.

It's time for change in Washington and that change must begin with us.

Sincerely,

Mitt Romney