2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Giuliani Campaign Announces Wisconsin State Co-Chairs

Giuliani Campaign Announces Wisconsin State Co-Chairs

The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee announced today that former U.S. Representative Scott Klug and former state Senator Cathy Stepp will serve as co-chairs of the Mayor’s campaign in Wisconsin.
They will join former U.S. Senator Robert Kasten in leading Mayor Giuliani’s campaign efforts in Wisconsin.
“These two additions to the Mayor’s campaign team show the strength of support for Rudy Giuliani in Wisconsin,” Kasten said.

“Mayor Giuliani has shown the kind of strong leadership that the people of Wisconsin want in their next president – not just on 9/11 and the days following, but over eight years as the Mayor of New York who reduced taxes, cut crime rates, and strengthened the city’s economy,” Klug said. “President of the United States is not a learn-as-you-go position, and Mayor Giuliani has the most public executive leadership experience of anyone running.”

Stepp added: “I am eager to help promote Mayor Giuliani’s 12 Commitments to the American People, which include keeping us on offense in the Terrorists’ War on Us, cutting taxes, giving us more control over our health care, and protecting the quality of life for our children. Mayor Giuliani is the only Republican who can compete in all 50 states in the general election.”

The campaign announced earlier this month that Kasten would serve as state chairman. Kasten also serves as a senior member of the campaign’s Foreign Policy Advisory Board

Drew Theodore And 11 Others Join South Carolina Campaign Committee For Chris Dodd

Drew Theodore and 11 others join South Carolina Campaign Committee for Chris Dodd
Former Comptroller General candidate to be one of Dodd's SC Campaign
Co-Chairs

Columbia, SC - Chris Dodd for President today announced the endorsement of Drew Theodore and the addition of 11 local leaders in the political, business and education communities to its South Carolina Campaign Committee. Chris Dodd's team in South Carolina reflects Sen. Dodd's unique ability to attract party loyalist and newcomers to the process, as well as business leaders and working families.

"We are extremely excited about these additions to Chris Dodd's team here in South Carolina," said State Senator Phil Leventis and former State Representative Joe Brown, co-chairs of Chris Dodd's South Carolina Campaign. "As his message of bold leadership takes hold, Senator Dodd is building more and more support which translates into a strong organization across the country. We look forward to working with Drew and the other leaders to bring Dodd's message to even more people in the Palmetto State."

With Senator Dodd, you get both leadership and proven experience on the tough issues of Iraq, economic stability, quality education, sustainable energy and affordable health care," stated Theodore. "Chris Dodd understands the problems facing working families and he knows how to get things done. Chris Dodd is the Democrats' best chance to beat any one of the candidates that the Republicans run against us."

Theodore will join State Senator Phil Leventis of Sumter and former State Representative Joe Brown of Columbia as co-chairs of Chris Dodd's South Carolina Campaign.

Rudy Giuliani Unveils National First Responders Coalition

Rudy Giuliani Unveils National First Responders Coalition
Former NYC Fire and Police Commissioner Howard Safir to Serve As National Chair

Pelham, SC - The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today unveiled the national leadership team for First Responders for Rudy at the Pelham-Batesville Firehouse in Pelham, South Carolina. The team will be led by National Chair Howard Safir, who previously served as both Police and Fire Commissioner for New York City. Joining Safir on the national team are U.S. Congressman David Reichert (R- WA) and S.C. State Firefighters' Association Executive Director Jim Bowie.

Reichert, a former Sheriff in King County, Washington, will serve as National Chair of Law Enforcement for Rudy. Bowie, who worked at the South Carolina Fire Academy for 16 years, will serve as National Chair of Firefighters for Rudy. In addition, the Mayor's campaign announced National Co-Chairs for Firefighters for Rudy and Law Enforcement for Rudy. Team members represent law enforcement and firefighter communities from states across the country including Iowa, Florida, South Carolina and Illinois.

"Mayor Giuliani is a strong and principled leader," said Safir, who served under Giuliani. "I saw firsthand his leadership in helping transform a crime-ridden New York City into the safest large city in our nation, while increasing preparedness by opening the city's first Office of Emergency Management. He has always shown uncompromising courage in the face of challenges. I am proud to lead First Responders across America who support Rudy for President."

"Mayor Giuliani has a proven record of supporting firefighters. As Mayor, he implemented policies that improved firefighters' safety and preparedness. Firefighters across the nation are supporting Mayor Giuliani because they admire his leadership and support his vision for our country," said Bowie.

Congressman Reichert, a leader on law enforcement issues, added: "I admire Rudy Giuliani for his determination, courage, strength and ability to find real solutions to tough problems. As New York City's Mayor, he implemented the CompStat program to help police be proactive in fighting crime. The Mayor will be a leader for law enforcement and for our country; a leader who not only pledges to find solutions, but also demands our government be held accountable and show results for the American people."

Joining Safir and Reichert at today's announcement were first responders from across South Carolina. In the coming weeks, Team Rudy is expected to announce first responders' leadership teams at the state level.

Fire Fighters Endorse Dodd

FIRE FIGHTERS ENDORSE DODD
IAFF PRESIDENT SAYS DODD OFFERS PROVEN LEADERSHIP THEY TRUST TO KEEP AMERICA SAFE AND MIDDLE CLASS FAMILIES SECURE
Schaitberger Named National Co-Chair of Dodd Campaign

WASHINGTON, DC - Saying that he was the candidate that offered the proven leadership they trust to keep America safe and middle class families secure, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) General President Harold Schaitberger today announced the IAFF's endorsement of Chris Dodd for President. The endorsement, which was made at a meeting of the IAFF leadership earlier in the morning, marks the first major union endorsement of the 2008 Presidential campaign.

"There are many capable candidates this year, some of whom may have more celebrity, but for fire fighters it came down to the more substantive question of who we trust to keep America safe when the unexpected occurs and who we trust to fight for our families," said Schaitberger. "Chris Dodd offers proven leadership in protecting our homeland and in fighting for issues that matter to America's working families.

The IAFF is credited by many with helping John Kerry win the 2004 Iowa caucuses, and eventually the Democratic nomination. As author Philip Dine notes in his forthcoming book, State of Unions, former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack said the IAFF played a key role in Kerry's victory:

"Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack, who remained judiciously neutral during this state's caucus season even though his wife endorsed Kerry, attributed the senator's success in the first instance to the personal attributes and unanticipated level of organization of the firefighters. They 'willed it,' he says - which is a sentiment shared by key operatives for the 2004 campaigns of Dean and Gephardt, including union officials who backed the two candidates." [Dine, Philip M., State of the Unions; How Labor Can Strengthen the Middle Class, Improve Our Economy, and Regain Political Influence, McGraw-Hill, Expected Release October 2007, p.14]

Securing the endorsement of the IAFF, which represents more than 281,000 fire fighters and first responders in every state across the country, also brings critical manpower and "boots on the ground" to a campaign. After the Iowa caucuses the St. Louis Post-Dispatch wrote: "A nearly secret weapon Kerry had in Iowa was the organizing work of the 263,000-member firefighters union, which is about 2,400 strong in Iowa?Because they work 24-hour shifts, two-thirds of the union members are off work at any given time, meaning that 1,600 could go to caucuses Monday, and each was asked to bring five people in a 'carload for Kerry.'" [St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 1/23/04]

"Today's endorsement isn't just a recognition that the nation's fire fighters think Chris Dodd is the most qualified candidate to protect our communities and our families, but also a great, tangible addition to our grass roots campaign," said Dodd Communications Director Hari Sevugan. "Fire fighters have proven that they know how to win in the early states, and are set to go to work to help Chris Dodd."

The Dodd campaign also announced this morning that Harold Schaitberger will become a National Co-Chair of Dodd's campaign. He joins fellow Co-Chairs Former Senator and Ambassador Jim Sasser, Former Connecticut State Senator Sanford Cloud, Jr., Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro and Congressman Xavier Becerra.

Dodd and Schaitberger will depart this evening for a three day tour through Iowa City, IA, Des Moines, IA, Council Bluffs, IA,  Manchester, NH, Reno, NV, and Las Vegas, NV.

Romney For President Launches Unprecedented "Create Your Own Ad" Contest

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES UNPRECEDENTED "CREATE YOUR OWN AD" CONTEST

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President announced the "Team Mitt: Create Your Own Ad!" contest, an unprecedented initiative to create the campaign's new television advertisement by empowering grassroots supporters of Governor Mitt Romney. The winner of the contest will become the first amateur ever to have his or her work used as an official television advertisement for a presidential campaign.

By partnering with Yahoo! and Jumpcut.com, supporters from across the country will be able to utilize an innovative video editing platform to create their own ad by remixing or "mashing up" a large variety of the campaign's photos, videos and audio clips, as well as their own multimedia content.

After the contest's submission period ends on September 17, the campaign will conduct online voting at MittRomney.com to help select the winner of the contest. The ad will air in conjunction with the campaign's massive grassroots event, "Rally for Romney," during the week of September 20.

Alex Castellanos, Senior Adviser and media strategist to Governor Romney, said, "It is truly groundbreaking for amateur, grassroots supporters to so directly assist in introducing their candidate to the American people. This contest demonstrates Romney for President's commitment to using unique and democratizing online tools to engage voters and harness the extraordinary enthusiasm of its growing team of supporters."

Hillary And Bill Clinton To Kick-Off Fall Campaign In New Hampshire And Iowa

CLINTON TO KICK-OFF FALL CAMPAIGN
Hillary and Bill Clinton Plan Labor Day Swing Through New Hampshire and Iowa

The Clinton Campaign today announced its Fall Campaign Kick-Off with information for Hillary and Bill Clinton’s visit to New Hampshire and Iowa over Labor Day weekend.

The Clintons will spend Sunday, September 2nd in New Hampshire and Monday, September 3rd in Iowa.

New Hampshire Business Leaders Join Team Rudy

New Hampshire Business Leaders Join Team Rudy

Manchester, NH – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced New Hampshire Business Leaders for Rudy. The team will help spread Rudy’s commitment to cutting wasteful government spending, restoring fiscal discipline and lowering taxes.

“Rudy Giuliani is famous for improving New York City ’s quality of life. Cutting taxes and eliminating red tape was a key component of that effort,” said Greg Stowell, sales manager with Crown Point Cabinetry in Claremont, who is backing Rudy. “The approach that was successful in New York will be successful for small businesses in New Hampshire and across the nation when Rudy gets to Washington.”

Mayor Giuliani discussed his commitment to cutting taxes and fiscal discipline at a forum in Manchester on Saturday. He was joined at the event by several New Hampshire taxpayers, who highlighted the importance of low taxes to the state’s families and businesses. Giuliani continued his discussion of fiscally conservative policies during visits to Stratham, Seabrook and Portsmouth.

During his eight years as Mayor of New York City, Giuliani helped stimulate the local economy by cutting taxes 23 times and turning a $2.3 billion deficit into a multi-billion dollar surplus. As part of Rudy’s 12 Commitments to the American People, the Mayor pledges to restore fiscal discipline to Washington, while cutting both wasteful spending and taxes.

Florida Business Leaders Join Team Rudy

Florida Business Leaders Join Team Rudy

Business Coalition Announcement Follows “Your Money. Your Choice.” Forum 

New York City – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced the leadership team for Florida Business Leaders for Rudy. These businessmen and businesswomen will help promote Rudy’s commitment to cutting wasteful government spending, restoring fiscal discipline and cutting taxes.

“Business leaders across Florida are supporting Rudy Giuliani because they know he is the strongest fiscal conservative running for President,” said Debbie Jallad, Co-Chair of Florida Business Leaders for Rudy and President and Owner of Accredited Bond Agencies of Winter Park. “Rudy’s commitment to easing the burden on businesses and American taxpayers, as with all of his commitments, is backed up by his fiscal record as Mayor of New York City.”

On Saturday, Mayor Rudy Giuliani discussed his commitment to cut taxes and reform the tax code with taxpayers and small business owners in Manchester, New Hampshire at his “Your Money. Your Choice.” forum.

During his eight years as the Mayor of New York City, Giuliani helped stimulate the local economy by cutting taxes 23 times and turning a $2.3 billion deficit into a multi-billion dollar surplus.  As part of Rudy’s 12 Commitments to the American People, Mayor Giuliani pledges to restore fiscal discipline to Washington, while cutting both wasteful spending and taxes.

Team Rudy Unveils California Business Leaders Team

Team Rudy Unveils California Business Leaders Team

New York City – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced California Business Leaders for Rudy. The team will be chaired by Kim Quinones, Vice President of Ramirez and Company and help spread Rudy’s commitment to fiscal discipline, ending wasteful government spending and cutting taxes.

“As Mayor of New York, Rudy Giuliani achieved what many said could not be done.  Rudy used fiscal conservative principles to turn a $2.3 billion dollar deficit into a multi-billion dollar surplus,” said Bill Simon, Giuliani’s California State Chairman and Director of Policy. “As President, Rudy will restore fiscal discipline to Washington and cut taxes, as he did in New York 23 times.”

IAFF To Endorse Chris Dodd For President

IAFF TO ENDORSE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE CHRIS DODD

WASHINGTON, DC - Democratic Presidential Candidate Chris Dodd will receive the endorsement of the International Association of Fire Fighters at an event with IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC tomorrow at 11 am. Saying that Dodd is the candidate that offers the proven leadership they trust to keep America safe and keep middle class families secure, the IAFF is set to formally endorse Dodd at a meeting of its Executive Board earlier in the morning. After the announcement, Dodd and Schaitberger will begin a three day tour through Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada.

The IAFF is credited by many with helping John Kerry win the 2004 Democratic nomination, including former Clinton Advisor Paul Begala who said, "Kerry wouldn't be the presumptive nominee without the firefighters? [Their involvement in his campaign] has been absolutely central." [U.S. News & World Report, 3/22/04].