2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Bill Lacy Named Thompson Committee Manager

Bill Lacy Named Thompson Committee Manager Former GOP, Presidential Campaign Strategist Joins Effort

Washington, D.C.—Former Reagan White House political aide Bill Lacy today was named manager of Fred Thompson’s testing the waters committee. 

“Bill Lacy worked in the campaigns of President Reagan, President Bush and Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole from 1980-1996,” Thompson said. “He turned around my campaign for Senate in 1994 and, as I move toward a decision on whether to run for President, I am confident he will take our operations to the next level.” 

Lacy will have full operational control of the Friends of Fred Thompson committee and will report directly to Thompson.

“It is an honor to be working with Fred again,” said Lacy, who is taking a leave of absence as Director of the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas. “My immediate goal to provide stable, hands-on leadership and to retool the Thompson operation to implement a non-traditional, message-driven effort.” 

Lacy was a GOP campaign professional in Washington from 1977-1996. He ran Ronald’s Reagan 1980 Maryland primary campaign, and served as Deputy Director of the National Republican Congressional Committee in 1981-82 before joining the White House staff as Deputy Director of Political Affairs. During Reagan’s reelection campaign in 1984 he was Political Director of the Republican National Committee and afterwards rejoined the White House as Director of the Office of Political Affairs.

Lacy held a senior role in Sen. Bob Dole’s 1988 campaign and served as Deputy National Chairman and strategist in Dole’s 1996 primary campaign. Lacy served as Thompson’s strategist and management consultant in his 1994 campaign until Thompson, down 20 points in the polls and written off by most of the pundits, persuaded Lacy to move to Nashville and take over day-to-day management of the campaign.

In 1996 Lacy assumed a senior management role in a privately held family business and in September 2004 was selected to be the Director of the Dole Institute of Politics.

“Every day at the Dole Institute I told students and others how important it is to get involved in politics, to take a greater interest in the affairs of our country,” Lacy said. “This is a tremendous opportunity to serve, an obligation in my view; I am honored that Fred Thompson has given me this chance.”

Thompson Highlights Economic Success Story

Thompson Highlights Economic Success Story

Washington, D.C.—Former Senator Fred Thompson pointed out the continuing strength of the U.S. economy in a commentary posted on his newly redesigned web site: www.imwithfred.com.

“The economic reality I'm talking about, and about which I've written on numerous occasions, is how well our country is doing economically thanks to the hard work of the American people, the innovation and competition our free market encourages, as well as the Bush tax cuts that helped spur 5½ years of economic growth,” said Thompson. 

The commentary noted more than 8 million jobs have been created, unemployment and inflation remain at historically low levels, and workers’ salaries have risen by $1.2 trillion over the last three years. 

“No matter how you slice this story, this economic record is one we should be proud of,” Thompson noted. “But America should not rest on these accomplishments, or abandon fiscal restraint and other commonsense principles like fighting inflation and keeping regulation to a minimum. Our economy looks great right now, but a rosy outlook isn’t going to pay the bills or ensure a strong economy.

“We need to make sure that America remains the most innovative economy in the world and the best place to invest, start a business, and create jobs.”

Joe Biden At The AFL-CIO Presidential Forum

BIDEN SHINES AT AFL-CIO FORUM Commits to Fight for America’s Workers as President

Chicago, IL (August 7, 2007) – During this evening’s AFL-CIO Presidential Forum at Soldier Field in Chicago, Sen. Joe Biden stood head-and-shoulders above the rest of the field, pointing to his long record of working for labor’s interests and reiterating his commitment to reinvigorate the union movement that built the middle class in America.

During the 90-minute forum, Sen. Biden pledged that starting on Day One as President of the United States, he will end the war the Bush Administration has waged on labor.

“The war in Iraq is not the only war this President has waged” said Sen. Biden. “He has waged a reckless war on labor’s house – the house that built the middle-class and the house that built our neighborhoods.”

Sen. Biden has been leading the fight for organized labor his entire career -- including serving as  co-sponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act, fighting for better labor and environmental standards in trade agreements and opposing new trade agreements that don’t meet high standards, just to name a few. See the attached document to view Sen. Biden’s Record on Labor.

 “This upcoming election could very well be the most important election in the history of organized labor since 1932.  This could be the year when a friend of organized labor takes back the White House and the White House begins to speak again for the middle class” said Biden for President Campaign Manager Luis Navarro. “We need a Democrat who can win a general election and deliver results when he or she gets there – and that Democrat is Joe Biden.”

Bill Richardson At The AFL-CIO Presidential Forum

Governor Bill Richardson Strongest Candidate for American Working Men and Women At AFL-CIO Forum, Richardson details record on and plans for exiting Iraq, creating quality jobs and a fair economy, and universal healthcare

CHICAGO, IL -- Governor Bill Richardson demonstrated why he is the best candidate for working men and women with a strong showing today at the AFL-CIO Presidential Forum in Chicago.

"America should never have a trade agreement unless it protects labor," Governor Bill Richardson said. "What we need to do from now on is say, no child labor, no slave labor. We need to make sure there is freedom of association, collective bargaining, and we need to make sure that wage disparity doesn't exist."

Governor Richardson has long been a proud supporter of organized labor. In New Mexico, one of his first acts as Governor was to reinstate collective bargaining for public employees. He made the state's prevailing wage a union wage, secured the first public works labor agreement in New Mexico history, and presided over an economy that has created nearly 90,000 new jobs.

"As President I will get rid of all of the union-busting attorneys in the Department of Labor and at the Occupational Health and Safety Administration."

When the candidates were asked about how they would handle the threat of al-Qaeda, the Governor responded with the strongest answer.

"I will take whatever steps are necessary to protect the security of the United States. We can get the three groups together. We can have an all-Muslim peacekeeping force. Then we can focus on what really affects American policy - fighting international terrorism, reducing greenhouse gases, a measure to ensure that there are no dirty bombs and fission devices around the world."

When answering a question from an Iraq veteran, who upon arriving home found himself out of a job, Governor Richardson responded, "I would protect their pensions. I would protect their health care. As an Iraq veteran, when you come home, I will have guarantees to protect our veterans, support VA hospitals. Something else I will do for all of our veterans is guarantee health care, with a Heroes' Health Care Card that will allow our veterans to get care outside of the VA system."

Throughout the forum Governor Richardson showed why he is the best candidate to jumpstart the economy and create quality jobs for American workers. As President, Governor Richardson's Secretary of Labor will be a union member. He will protect the right to collective bargaining and support the Employee Free Choice Act.

"I believe I have the most experience in foreign policy," Governor Richardson said. "I represent change, experience, and electability. I believe that I would have the ability to bring this country together, to implement universal health care, and to heal the divisions of the Iraq war."

Earlier in the day Governor Richardson outlined his bold plan to deliver choices of health coverage to every American, without raising taxes, at a speech in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Chris Dodd At The AFL-CIO Presidential Forum

DODD SHOWS DEPTH OF EXPERIENCE, PROVEN LEADERSHIP AT AFL-CIO FORUM Presidential Candidate Shows Leadership; Highlights Longstanding Relationship with American Workers

CHICAGO - Presidential Candidate Chris Dodd highlighted his long history of working for American workers and illustrated his proven, bold leadership abilities tonight at the AFL-CIO Candidate Forum. Citing the enormous challenges that the next President will face, Dodd distinguished himself from the pack by pointing to his bold policy solutions, history of bringing people together to address America's problems, and strong record of legislative accomplishments, including the landmark Family and Medical Leave Act, which has helped millions of American workers avoid the painful choice between the job that they need and caring for a family member they love.

Dodd set the tone for the forum when he said: "I'm a union guy, I am proud to be a union man?. "I happen to believe that putting our country back to work begins by cutting the funding for the war in Iraq. Spending $12 billion every month, spending two billion dollars every week, has got to stop if we are going to have a different set of priorities in our country.?

"We ought to be investing in the bridges and highways, in the water systems, the safe drinking systems in our country here. In fact just five or six days ago, after working a year and a half on this issue, Keith, I introduced legislation to do exactly that. For every one billion dollars we spend in that area 40,000 jobs could be created in the United States of America. Those are the things I'll do as President of the United States if elected by my party and I'm confident a Democrat is going to be elected president of the United States in November of 2008."

"Senator Dodd tonight displayed the vast experience he will draw from when elected President. From infrastructure issues to currency manipulation to providing our troops protective body armor while simultaneously proposing a responsible plan to get our troops out of Iraq, Senator Dodd is the only candidate with a proven record of getting things done," said Dodd spokeswoman Colleen Flanagan. "His vision for America reflects his experience, his mastery of the most complex issues facing our country and his ability to connect with everyday Americans, and makes him the best candidate for President. Tonight's performance is just another example that Senator Dodd's message of proven, bold leadership is resonating with American voters."

Dodd also addressed his leadership in the ongoing Iraq debate by saying:
"I believe - and I've led on this over the last several months - we must begin redeploying our troops immediately. We can do so with two and a half divisions coming out each month done safely and reasonably well. We then need to have a robust approach on diplomacy. This administration has treated statecraft and diplomacy as if it were a gift to our opponents, a sign of weakness. The United States has been successful in both Democratic and Republican administrations over the years when we have drawn the diplomatic arrow out of our quiver to make a difference around the world. We shouldn't be selling arms to Saudi Arabia while they're refusing to support us in Iraq. We need to have a clear message to everybody in the region, that we want them to be part of the solution."

"Senator Dodd has been a longtime friend of American workers both in Connecticut and across the country," said head of the Connecticut AFL-CIO and Dodd supporter John Olsen. "His bold policies and proven ability to work to better our nation, especially the lives of the middle class make Chris Dodd uniquely qualified to be the next President of the United States."

The AFL-CIO Forum was broadcast from Soldier Field in Chicago on MSNBC. Dodd will return to New Hampshire tomorrow, where he will campaign in the state through Saturday and spend Wednesday and Thursday unveiling his comprehensive education policy.

Hillary Clinton At The AFL-CIO Presidential Forum

The Reviews Are In: 'Hillary Won,' 'Majestic,' 'Voice of Experience'

MSNBC’S CHRIS MATTHEWS – ‘HILLARY CLINTON DID WHAT SHE ALWAYS DID… DO WELL. SHE WAS ABLE TO BE MAJESTIC EVEN’: “Hillary Clinton did what she always did, has always done so far in these debates, do well. She was able to be majestic even. In fact, her advantages over the other candidates” [MSNBC, 8/7/07]

PAT BUCHANAN – 'HILLARY WON THE DEBATE': [MSNBC, 8/7/07]

HUFFINGTON POST: 'HILLARY IS ONCE AGAIN THE VOICE OF EXPERIENCE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS': “Hillary is once again the voice of experience on foreign affairs. Even though there are others up there who know this stuff too, she makes it clear that she owns this issue.” [Huffington Post, 8/7/07 ]

CHICAGO TRIBUNE’S LYNN SWEET: HILLARY’S RESPONSE ON LOBBYISTS ‘SERENE BUT TOUGH’ [Sun Times, 8/7/07 ]

FORMER MAYOR OF SAN FRANCISCO WILLIE BROWN – HILLARY 'WON' THE EXCHANGE ON PAKISTAN, SHOWED SHE'S 'INCREDIBLY FOCUSED' AND 'RESPONSIBLE': “Well I think Hillary won that exchange. I think Mr. Obama did extremely well. But I think Mr. Obama was doing what we politicians occasionally do and that’s speak to the bigger crowd. Hillary was in fact doing what she should do as a Presidential candidate and as a person who is president be incredibly focused responsible and not in fact driven to simply be seeking audience approval.” [MSNBC, 8/7/07]

MSNBC’S CHUCK TODD: ‘CLINTON HAD A GOOD NIGHT’: “Clinton had a good night, if only because she didn't have to level the attacks on Obama and Edwards; she got to stay above the fray.” [First Read, MSNBC, 8/7/07 ]

THE ATLANTIC’S MARC AMBINDER: HILLARY’S PROMISE TO TAKE ON THE RIGHT WING 'REALLY WORKED': “Here comes the frontrunner: unbidden, Hillary Clinton noted how her name has escaped the lips of some of her opponents….it was a cliché moment, a cheap applause line, clearly pre-fabricated, and it really worked. The crowd loved it.” [The Atlantic.com, 8/7/07 ]

MSNBC'S MARK MURRAY – 'HILLARY HAD A GOOD NIGHT': "Clinton had a good night, if only because she didn't have to level the attacks on Obama and Edwards; she got to stay above the fray." [MSNBC FirstRead, 8/7/07 ]

NEW YORK TIME’S KATE PHILLIPS: 'CLINTON GETS A ROUSING ROUND OF CHEERS WHEN SHE SAYS GET TOUGH ON CHINA': [The Caucus New York Times, 8/7/07 ]

POLITICO’S BEN SMITH: 'HILLARY…SOFTENS WHAT COULD BE A TOUGH CROWD': “Hillary draws applause, and softens what could be a tough (and rowdy) crowd with a reference to her late father, a ‘fanatic Bears fan.’” [Politico.com, 8/7/07 ]

"Here Come The Bidens!" Tour Comes To Iowa In August

“HERE COME THE BIDENS!” TOUR COMES TO IOWA IN AUGUST Family Members Hit the Trail in the Hawkeye State

Des Moines, Iowa (August 6, 2007) – The Biden for President Campaign today announced the “Here Come the Bidens!” Iowa Tour. Beginning this Wednesday, August 8th, members of the Biden family will visit with Iowans in all corners of the state to campaign for their husband, brother and father, Senator Joe Biden. 

“We’re really excited to bring the whole family to Iowa to campaign for Joe,” said Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Sen. Joe Biden. “Every time we come to Iowa we meet more and more friendly people excited to learn about Joe. Beau, Hunter, Valerie and I are going to have a great time talking to Iowans about Joe and his vision for America.”

Dr. Jill Biden will make stops in north and western Iowa - including Okoboji, Sioux City and Council Bluffs beginning on August 8th. 

Sen. Biden’s son, Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden, will tour central Iowa beginning on Aug 10th and will join his brother Hunter Biden, a Washington attorney, for a series of events starting on the 11th. 

Valerie Biden Owens, Biden for President National Chair and sister of Sen. Joe Biden, will also make campaign stops travel through Iowa during the month of August. 

Along the way, family members will join up with Sen. Biden, who is planning to make stops at the Iowa State Fair, the Iowa State AFL-CIO Convention and the Hawkeye Labor Council meeting.  In addition, Sen. Biden will participate in the ABC News/Iowa Democratic Party Presidential Debate on Aug. 19th. 

The ‘Here Come The Bidens!’ Iowa Tour will continue through Labor Day.

Edwards' 2007 "Fighting for One America" Iowa Bus Tour To Launch This Monday, August 13th

EDWARDS' 2007 “FIGHTING FOR ONE AMERICA” IOWA BUS TOUR TO LAUNCH THIS MONDAY, AUGUST 13th

Edwards Will Highlight His Bold Policies and Vision for America While Visiting 31 Communities and Thousands of Caucus Goers from August 13 to August 19

Des Moines, Iowa – Senator John Edwards and Elizabeth Edwards will kick off the 2007 “Fighting for One America” Iowa bus tour on August 13, 2007, with a supporter rally at campaign headquarters in Des Moines. The seven-day, 31-county bus tour will take the Edwards family from the Iowa State Fair to town hall meetings and community gatherings across the state, culminating in the Democratic Presidential Debate on August 19 at Drake University.

“Elizabeth and I are excited to bring our family back to Iowa and to talk to so many Iowans about our fight to build the One America we all believe in,” Edwards said. “From Ida Grove to Iowa City, and everywhere in between, we are looking forward to sharing our vision for real change in America.”

Edwards continues to drive the Democratic agenda by leading with bold ideas. While Washington continues to offer only rhetoric, empty talk and half-measures, Edwards is offering courage, conviction and real ideas. Each day of the tour will focus on a different critical issue facing America - ending the war in Iraq, restoring economic fairness to rural America, rewarding work, delivering true universal health care, creating a new energy economy, strengthening education and building a One America where every person has a chance to succeed.

I'm With Fred Version 2.0 Launches

I'm With Fred Version 2.0 launched with this blog post.

Welcome to ImWithFred.com – Version 2.0.

As Fred is testing the waters, this site will be our resource for news, information, and ways to let him, and our friends, hear from us about a potential Fred Thompson candidacy.

For the past few weeks, we’ve used the tools on this site to recruit friends and share our thoughts about Fred. Now the site gives us greater capabilities. Beginning with our homepage, this site will now be your resource for Fred Thompson news and information, and to hear from Fred about the issues we face as a nation..

With the newly revised action center, we have even more ways to show Fred we think he’s the right man for the job. There are tools we’ve already been using – contribution and communications widgets for other web sites and blogs to utilize, to e-mails notifications for friends, and new tools, like options for organizing events in our communities, registering to vote, and making sure our friends are registered to vote, too.

We’ve even added a networking tool that will allow you to track - through your profile page - how successful you’ve been in recruiting Friends of Fred and building support for him.

Through the FredCast section we put you on site wherever Fred might be speaking from the road. In Principles, we can see and hear Fred speaking on a range of issues and the broad concepts that form the foundation of America and the values we share.

This site is all about continuing the national dialogue Fred started a few months ago, and doing it together. We hope you come back often and bring along a few new Friends of Fred each time.

Rudy Giuliani Mason City Iowa Photos