2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Iowa Women For Obama Announce Leaders In 50 Iowa Counties

Iowa Women for Obama Announce Leaders in 50 Iowa Counties 

DES MOINES – Today, the Obama for America Campaign announced Women for Obama County Leaders in 50 Iowa counties.  Senator Obama’s commitment to changing the conventional thinking in Washington, D.C. has galvanized women across Iowa and inspired them to act. 

To commemorate Women’s Equality Day, the anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, Women for Obama will come together for more than 30 organizing parties across Iowa to reach out to other women and discuss why they believe Senator Obama is the best candidate to build consensus and make progress on vital issues important to women.    

“The kind of real change we need to transform our country must happen from the bottom-up, not the top-down,” Senator Barack Obama said.  “That’s why I’m honored to have the support of these women across Iowa who have made the commitment to join me as we work together to change the way we do politics in Washington, D.C. and change our country.”

Each Women for Obama party will have an organizing element to build on Senator Obama’s grassroots movement for change.  Following a conference call with actress Alfre Woodard, women will gather to make phone calls, knock on doors, and write postcards to their friends and neighbors discussing Senator Obama’s vision for changing the politics as usual in Washington, D.C. 

Throughout his career, Senator Obama has fought to ensure that every American has equal rights and opportunities, regardless of gender.  For a fact sheet on Senator Obama’s commitment to women and the vital issues women face, click here. 

John Cox and Jason Lewis HRCC Straw Poll

2007 Iowa Straw Poll Video

John Cox Minnesota House Republican Straw Poll

Bill Richardson Statement On Earlier Michigan Democratic Primary

Governor Bill Richardson Statement on Earlier Michigan Democratic Primary

RENO, NV -- Governor Bill Richardson, campaigning in Nevada, today released a statement regarding the Michigan Legislature's vote to move the state's primary date up to January 15.

"This continuing game of 'primary leapfrog' is not constructive and threatens to disrupt the entire process," said Governor Richardson. "I respect and support Iowa's and New Hampshire's rightful places as the first caucuses and first primary, respectively, in the nation, and I call on my fellow Democratic candidates to do the same. We'll deal with the remainder of the calendar when the dust settles."

Governor Richardson is also concerned that the scramble for early dates will negatively impact the Nevada Caucuses scheduled for January 19th.

"The Nevada Caucuses for the first time give the West a critical voice in the selection of the President," said the Governor. "This diversity is essential to ensure that Western values and issues and the concerns of minorities are directly addressed during the campaign."

Leading New Hampshire Social Conservatives Announce Support For John McCain

LEADING NEW HAMPSHIRE SOCIAL CONSERVATIVES ANNOUNCE SUPPORT FOR JOHN MCCAIN

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced the Social Conservatives for McCain steering committee in the Granite State.

State Representative Maureen Mooney, a third term lawmaker from Merrimack, will co-chair the steering committee along with Pam Colantuono of Manchester. Mooney is a well-respected and influential voice in the social conservative movement in New Hampshire and has led McCain's conservative outreach efforts since March.

Colantuono is a notable evangelical activist who chaired President Bush's evangelical outreach efforts for his 2004 reelection.

"John McCain has the most consistent conservative record of any candidate for president," said Mooney. "Whether it is his 25 year voting record in support of life, his strong support for the Second Amendment, or his commitment to the preservation of the traditional family, John McCain has always stood firm for the causes most important to New Hampshire's conservative community."

Colantuono added, "John McCain has been with us on conservative issues as a matter of principle, and we know that he will not yield his principles for any convenience or to any political calculation."

"I am very pleased to have the support of these community leaders who are respected among fellow conservatives," said Senator John McCain. "I am deeply grateful for their support and advice and look forward to working with them as we strive to return the Republican Party to our conservative ideals of fiscal responsibility, limited government, and respect for the dignity of every individual."

Conservatives for McCain Steering Committee
Former State Representative Nelson Allan, Nashua
State Senator Jack Barnes, Raymond
State Senator Peter Bragdon, Milford
Evangelical activist Pam Colantuono, Manchester
Former State Representative Pastor G. Michael Gilman, Littleton
Former State Representative Paul Laflamme, Nashua
State Representative Maureen Mooney, Merrimack
Evangelical activist Joanne Nash, Charlestown
Former State Representative Tony Soltani, Epsom
State Representative Kevin Waterhouse, Windham

Mike Huckabee Announces New Hampshire Endorsements

Republican Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee Announces New Hampshire Endorsements

Little Rock, AR – Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, following a strong finish in the Iowa Straw Poll, announced today an impressive roster of prominent New Hampshire political leaders and activists endorsing his presidential candidacy.

Among them, former Senator and Executive Council Candidate Russell Prescott from Exeter will join the New Hampshire Huckabee Leadership Committee and serve as the Rockingham County Co-Chair, it was announced.

"Governor Huckabee speaks from the heart – articulating positions that encourage both sides to work together.  His qualifications for President are backed up by his performance as Governor of Arkansas," Prescott said.  "Being elected in an 80% Democrat state, he bypassed party lines and proved people vote for authenticity and results.  Governor Huckabee is strong in so many areas.  He is my choice for President and I am looking forward to working real hard for him." 

Former Executive Councilor, State Senator and State Representative Dave Wheeler will also serve on the statewide leadership committee, chair Huckabee's "New Hampshire Homeschoolers for Huckabee Coalition," and serve on his 2nd Amendment Advisory Committee.

"Mike Huckabee is just the type of leader this country needs.  He is a true conservative that shares the same family values that I do," Wheeler said.  "His record of accomplishment in Arkansas is impressive, and he is the only candidate that I can fully endorse without hesitation because I know that he believes in what he says.  Mike Huckabee is the person I will be supporting and working for to get elected President."

Also endorsing Huckabee is former Commissioner of Transportation Carol Murray, who will advise the Governor's campaign on transportation issues.  In addition, State Representative Jason Bedrick from Windham, will serve as the Windham/Salem Town Chair;  John Castelot, Vice Chairman of the Manchester Republican Committee, will serve as the Manchester Ward 4 Chair; Cheryl Cataldo, will serve as Farmington Town Chair; State Representative Dan Dumaine, will serve as the Rockingham County Co-Chair and Auburn Town Chair; State Representative Frank Emiro, will serve as Londonderry Town Chair; State Representative Ryan Hansen, will serve as the Milford Town Chair; Dick & Linda Jazowski, will serve as Rochester City Committee Chairs; State Representative Connie Soucy, will serve as Manchester City Committee Co-Chair; and former State Representative Rep. Nancy Wall will serve as the Hollis Town Chair.
"I am pleased to have the trust and support of this fine group of individuals, led by New Hampshire Campaign Manager Debra Vanderbeek," Huckabee said.  " New Hampshire is a priority state for me.  With my growing leadership team, and the continued wise counsel of my co-chairmen, Fred Bramante and Cliff Hurst, and my advisor on state issues, Sen. Bob Clegg, I am confident we will be victorious on Primary Day."

Giuliani Unveils Virginia Leadership Team

Giuliani Unveils Virginia Leadership Team

New York City –The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced Rudy’s Virginia Leadership Team led by former Attorney General Jerry Kilgore, who was previously announced as the campaign’s State Chair.

Joining Team Rudy as State Co-Chairs are State Senator Jeannemarie Devolites Davis, State Delegate Terrie Suit, State Senator Frank Wagner and former Attorney General Richard Cullen and six regional chairs.

“Rudy is the candidate with the proven record as the real fiscal conservative and Virginians support his vision for our country,” said State Chair Kilgore.

“We are glad to have these respected Virginians join our efforts in the state," said Mark Campbell, Giuliani’s National Political Director. “They understand Rudy’s strong leadership is what we need in our next President.”

About Virginia Leadership Team:

Jerry Kilgore, State Chair
Richard Cullen, State Co-Chair
State Senator Jeannemarie Devolites Davis, State Co-Chair
State Delegate Terrie Suit, State Co-Chair
State Senator Frank Wagner, State Co-Chair
Theodore Brown, Central Virginia Chair
Theadore Darby, Roanoke and Shenandoah Valleys Chair
Catherine France, Tidewater Virginia Chair
Michael Lowe, Eastern Virginia Chair
Israel O’Quinn, Southwest Virginia Chair
Robert Schwartz, Southside Virginia Chair
Michelle Presson, Northern Virginia Co-Chair
Joseph Underwood, Northern Virginia Co-Chair
Carrie Cantrell, Communications Chair
Rachelle Gruenberg, Deputy Communications Chair
Robert Dyer, Coalitions Chair
James Maxwell, Petitions Chair

Biden Issues Statement On Michigan’s Effort To Move Up In The Primary Calendar

BIDEN ISSUES STATEMENT ON MICHIGAN’S EFFORT TO MOVE UP IN THE PRIMARY CALENDAR

Wilmington, DE (August 21, 2007) -- Before departing Iowa after a weeklong stay, Senator Joe Biden today issued the following statement regarding the attempt by Michigan to circumvent the primary calendar and move its date to January 15, 2008.

“Powerful interests are trying to change the Democratic nomination for President into a game of Monopoly, replacing the retail politics of Iowa, Nevada and New Hampshire with a process in which the only credential necessary to be President is to be the wealthiest candidate.

Under the current calendar, voters can regularly meet candidates in their homes, town halls and diners.  This provides an almost one on one opportunity to hold candidates accountable for their ideas and records for solving the most pressing issues facing this country.  The communities of Iowa, Nevada and New Hampshire provide a diverse array of voters and a level playing field for candidates to compete in, as a lead up to the larger states which will decide who the next Democratic nominee will be for President.

I call upon all of my fellow Democratic candidates to reaffirm their support for the retail role Iowa, Nevada and New Hampshire and publicly ask their supporters, such as Democratic Senate Leader Mark Schauer, and Governor Granholm to oppose any attempts to break the Democratic National Committee’s “calendar window” as Republicans did in Florida on behalf of Mitt Romney.”

"I carry the promise of America in my heart, where my parents placed it," said Edwards.  "Because of them, I believe in people, hard work and the American Dream.  I believe the future belongs to us if we only dare to seize it. And I believe to seize it, we must blaze a new path, firmly grounded in the values that first made America great. On that new path lies One America, where possibility is unbound and opportunity the birthright of every American. Where the voices of the people are heard again in the halls of government, and government heeds their call. One America, where every individual takes responsibility for our common good, and the chance to reach one's God-given potential is every individual's common right. I am the son of Wallace and Bobbie Edwards.  And I believe in the promise of America."

Obama Receives Endorsement From Only Iraq War Veteran In Congress And Addresses VFW

Today: Obama Receives Endorsement from Only Iraq War Veteran in Congress and Addresses VFW 

Congressman Patrick Murphy Endorses Obama while Obama vows to Keep “Sacred Trust” With America’s Troops and Veterans

CHICAGO, IL – Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-PA), the first and only Iraq War Veteran to serve in Congress, announced today his endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for President.   Congressman Murphy’s endorsement comes as Senator Obama addresses the national convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in Kansas City, MO today.   Obama will discuss his agenda to ensure that America’s military continues to be the strongest fighting force in the world, and to make certain we honor our nation’s sacred trust to care for veterans and their families.

“When I returned from Baghdad, I saw that we needed to go in a new direction -- both here at home and in Iraq.  I am inspired by Senator Obama's call to service and believe he is best suited to bring about the changes we need in our country,” Murphy said. “Senator Obama truly wants to unite America and speaking as a former Captain in the 82nd Airborne Division, I know that he has the judgment we need to be our next Commander-in- Chief.”   

Congressman Patrick Murphy deployed twice after 9/11, first in Bosnia (2002) and then in Baghdad (2003-2004).  He also taught constitutional law at West Point. In Congress, he has worked with Senator Barack Obama, a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, on the Iraq War De-Escalation Act of 2007 to stop troop addition and develop a plan to redeploy American troops.

“I’m honored to have Congressman Murphy’s endorsement,” Obama said. “Congressman Murphy is a part of the new generation of American leaders that’s bringing a fresh voice to our nation’s capitol. He knows that we need fundamental change in our politics and our foreign policy if we want to make the progress America so desperately needs.” 

In an address to the 108th National Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, U.S. Senator Barack Obama today articulated his plan to keep America’s sacred trust with our active duty servicemen and women and our veterans, rebuild our overstretched military, and develop the capabilities we need to face the challenges of the 21st century. 

Barack Obama believes that America hasn’t been keeping its sacred trust with our servicemen and women and our veterans.  We haven’t been giving our troops the support they need when they’re fighting overseas or when they return home. And we aren’t keeping faith with our veterans after they transition to civilian life. Barack Obama has been a leader on veterans’ issues in the U.S. Senate, and the plan he outlined today for our veterans includes a reformed 21st-century Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that provides vets with reliable, accessible services and maintains zero tolerance for vets falling into homelessness.

Obama’s comprehensive plan to support our troops and veterans includes:

Deploying troops on predictable rotations and at an appropriate state of readiness.
Improving mental health screening and treatment at all levels, from enlistment, to deployment, to reentry into civilian life.
Building a 21st-century VA to serve our veterans and fully fund the VA medical center.
Ensuring that veterans receive the very best health care without having to travel long distances or get on long waiting lists.
Establishing a world-class Actuary and Planning Division at the VA to work with the Pentagon to anticipate the needs of the 21st century’s veterans.
Enforcing zero tolerance for veterans falling into homelessness.

“We enter into a sacred trust with our veterans from the moment they put on that uniform”, said Obama.  “That trust is simple – America will be there for them just as they have been there for America. As a candidate for the presidency, I know that I am running to become Commander-in-Chief – to safeguard this nation’s security, and to keep that sacred trust. There is no responsibility that I take more seriously”