2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

New Mitt Romney TV Ad "Secure"

Romney for President, Inc.
“Secure”:30 TV

The script:

Mitt Romney (VO): We should secure our border.

We should put in place an employment verification system.

And then when an employer is thinking of hiring someone the federal database immediately tells them whether they’re available to be working or not.

If they’re not you can’t hire them.

People that are here illegally are going to have to get in line with everybody else with no special pathway to becoming citizens

Legal immigration is great, but illegal immigration that we’ve got to end.

Thank you, and Amnesty is not the way to do it.

Mitt Romney (VO): I’m Mitt Romney and I approved this message.

Richardson Campaign Outlines Bold Energy Plan In New TV Ad

Richardson Campaign Outlines Bold Energy Plan in New TV Ad. With Richardson rising in polls, campaign advertises plan that Sierra Club has called "much more aggressive"

SANTA FE, NM -- Governor Bill Richardson's campaign unveiled a new ad in Iowa today, emphasizing Governor Richardson's call for a New Energy Revolution.

In the ad, Governor Richardson details his plan for clean energy, which the Sierra Club has called "much more aggressive" than any other candidates' plan. 

"Bill Richardson not only has the best clean energy plan, he has a proven record of experience and achievement as Governor of New Mexico and Secretary of Energy," said campaign manager Dave Contarino. "He has made New Mexico the Clean Energy state with aggressive, effective policies and as President, he will do the same for America."

Governor Richardson encourages people to visit his website, www.richardsonforpresident.com, to learn more about his plan to reduce demand for oil, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and raise mileage standards.

"As Iowans learn about Governor Richardson's plans for clean energy and his record as Governor of New Mexico and Secretary of Energy, we are confident we will continue our steady, upward climb," said Contarino. "The latest polls show our campaign continuing to gain support in Iowa and across the country."

“Web Energy”
RICHARDSON FOR PRESIDENT 

SCRIPT
"I’m Bill Richardson … and on clean energy, a thirty second TV ad isn’t
enough time.

But my website can show you why the Sierra Club called my plan “much more
aggressive.”

In twelve years, I’d lower demand for oil by fifty percent.
Raise mileage standards to fifty miles per gallon.
And by 2040, reduce greenhouse gases by 80 percent.

I approved this message because it won’t be easy, but we’ve relied on foreign oil
and paid too much for gas long enough."

Internet Is Becoming Dominant Media Force In National Political Campaigns

Internet is Becoming Dominant Media Force in National Political Campaigns, Reports USC Digital Future Project. Web offers growing potential for independent candidates and parties

LOS ANGELES, July 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The role of the Internet in politics has grown with such speed and scope that it is well on its way to becoming the dominant media force in political campaigning, according to the director of the most comprehensive study of the impact of the online technology on America.

"For fundraising, outreach to voters, making announcements and articulating a campaign platform, the Internet is now the primary media of choice for candidates to deliver their messages," said Jeffrey Cole, director of the Center for the Digital Future at the USC Annenberg School for Communication. "Television is assuming a lesser role in the development of campaigns; increasingly, TV is being reduced to finding its news coverage in subjects that originate on the Internet."

Cole's observations about the Internet's role in political campaigning are based on findings from the Digital Future Project, the comprehensive year-to- year study launched in 2000 to explore the impact of online technology on Americans.

Summarizing the Center's seven years of analysis of online access and changing patterns of political behavior, Cole has identified broad changes as Internet users now primarily rely on the web for breaking news as well as campaign information about candidates and issues.

In particular, Cole notes a trend of the increasing importance of the Internet as a primary source of political information. Based on conservative estimates, Internet use for obtaining political information may have tripled since 2000, now nearing an estimated 60 percent of Internet users.

According to Cole, the evolving changes that combine open access, low-cost technology, and a growing base of users who seek political information and involvement have created vast potential for virtual politics that is reshaping the nature of election campaigning.

"A vivid recent example of this shift," said Cole, "was the Democratic candidate debate co-sponsored by YouTube that produced thousands of prospective questions and a distinct shift in how the candidates were required to react to issues."

The Internet is not only providing expanded opportunities for established politicians, but is also opening the door for candidates who previously would have had little or no opportunity to reach and influence large numbers of voters.

"I can see a time quite soon when a viable third-party presidential candidate could emerge based entirely on building an online constituency," said Cole. "Given the power of online political communication, the Internet could become the launching pad not only for individual candidates, but for the rise of the first successful third party in the United States since the Republican Party was created in the 1850s."

The growth of virtual politics is also beginning to shift the nature of campaign financing.

"The current political campaign may be the last in which dollars raised is the single most important factor in creating a political power base," said Cole. "Candidates still need plenty of cash, but now candidates with smaller campaign budgets can compete more effectively because of online communication."

"Previously, campaigns needed millions of dollars to buy television commercial time, and they had no other outlet for these messages," Cole said. "Now, commercials distributed online through YouTube, MySpace, and other Web venues not only reach large audiences, but their appearance become campaign events covered by traditional media."

With the Internet's growth in the political process have come many emerging issues about online technology.

"No political candidate can succeed without a comprehensive Internet strategy -- but the growth of online campaigning raises many unanswered issues for candidates," said Cole. "Among the most important questions: How can candidates recruit Internet users who are willing to listen? How can candidates conduct effective fundraising online?

"Equally important are questions about voters who use the Internet," Cole said. "As voters increasingly go online for their political information, how can the Internet become a more effective tool that voters can use to gain power and influence in the political process? Can the Internet truly be a tool for the political empowerment of voters?"

Source: USC Annenberg School for Communication

Governor Mitt Romney Announces National Finance Chairs And Co-Chairs

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES NATIONAL FINANCE CHAIRS AND CO-CHAIRS

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney named the Romney for President National Finance Chairs and Co-Chairs.  These men and women will offer valuable support and counsel to Governor Romney as he travels the country communicating his vision of bringing conservative change to Washington.

"At home and abroad we are facing unprecedented challenges that will test our strength and resolve as a nation," said Governor Romney.  "With the help of such committed leaders, we will overcome these challenges and bring innovation and transformation to our nation's capital.  I am grateful for their strong support."       

For the past seven months, the National Finance Chairs have been leading efforts to build the resources for Governor Romney's national campaign.  The Chairs serve as regional leaders of the National Finance Committee.  The Co-Chairs are responsible primarily for fundraising efforts in their respective states.

Romney For President National Finance Chairs:

Christopher Collins –  Managing Partner of First Atlantic Capital, LLC, Massachusetts
Mark Guzzetta – President of Gemstone Development Corp., Florida
John and Vicki Miller – John Miller is CEO and Founding Member of the National Beef Packing Company, LLC, Kansas/Utah
David and Patricia Nierenberg – David Nierenberg is the President and General Partner of the D3 Family Funds, Washington
John and Terry Rakolta, Jr. – John Rakolta, Jr. is the Chairman and CEO of Walbridge Aldinger, Michigan
Ambassador Mel Sembler – Former United States Ambassador to Italy, Australia, and Nauru and Chairman of the Board of The Sembler Company, Florida
Thomas R. Tellefsen and Stephanie Spencer – Tom Tellefsen is the Principal of Tellefsen Investments, Inc., California
Meg Whitman and Griff Harsh – Meg Whitman is the President and CEO of eBay and Griff Harsh is a Professor of Neurosurgery at Stanford University, California

Romney For President National Finance Co-Chairs:

Scott Baugh – Former California Assembly Republican Leader, California
Bruce and Marcy Benson – Bruce Benson is the Owner and President of Benson Mineral Group, Colorado
Governor Matt Blunt – Governor of Missouri, Missouri
David Bradford – Founder/CEO Galactic Networks and FundingUniverse.com, California
Ambassador and Mrs. Stephen Brauer – Stephen Brauer is the President and CEO of Hunter Engineering Co., Missouri
Jonathan and Julie Bullen – Jonathan Bullen is the Owner and President of Provo College, Eagle Gate College, and Evolution Fitness, Utah
Kelly and Laurie Burt – Kelly Burt is the Chairman and CEO of Price Self Storage, California
Al Cardenas – Senior Partner at Tew Cardenas, LLC, Florida
Nancy Heffner Donovan and Steve Donovan – Nancy Heffner Donovan is the President of Ames Travel Service, Ohio
Spencer F. Eccles – Chairman Emeritus of the Intermountain Region of Wells Fargo Bank, Utah
David and Jennifer Fischer – David Fischer is Chairman and CEO of The Suburban Collection, Michigan
John Fish – President and CEO of Suffolk Construction, Massachusetts
Jeff Fox – CEO of Harbour Group, Missouri
Jim and Debbie Francis – Jim Francis is the President of Francis Enterprises Inc., Texas
Kem Gardner – Founder of The Gardner Company, Utah  
Jack Gerard – President and CEO of the American Chemistry Council, Virginia
Paul and Susan Gilbert – Paul Gilbert is a Partner at Beus Gilbert, PLLC, Arizona
Terry Graunke – Founder and Chairman of Lake Capital, Illinois
Bill and Chrissy Hagerty – Bill Hagerty is the Managing Director and Co-Founder of Hagerty Peterson and Company, LLC., Tennessee
Bill Harrison – Chairman of the Board of JPMorgan Chase, New York
Jon M. Huntsman – Chairman of the Huntsman Corporation, Utah
Chris Jenny – Senior Partner at The Parthenon Group, Massachusetts
Darlene and Gerald Jordan – Darlene Jordan is on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston, Massachusetts
Shelly Kamins – Co-owner of Blum, Frank and Kamins Companies and of DuVal Development, Maryland
Hersh Kozlov – Managing Partner at WolfBlock, New Jersey
Steve Lessing – Head of Client Relationship Management at Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc., New York
Carl H. Lindner, Jr. – Chairman of American Financial Group, Ohio
S. Craig and Frances Lindner – S. Craig Lindner is the Co-President and Co-CEO of American Financial Group, Ohio
Hadi Makarechian – Chairman, CEO and President of Capital Pacific Holdings, California
Bill Marriott – Chairman and CEO of Marriott International, Maryland
Dick Marriott – Chairman of Host Marriott Corp, Maryland
Don Miller – Chairman of Axiom International Investments, LLC, Connecticut
David and Lauren Parker – David Parker is the Managing Partner and Principal at SRS Capital Partners, California
Craig Pattee – President of Dutko Worlwide, Virginia
Don and Susan Peay – Don Peay is the Founder of Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife, Utah
Bob Pence – President of Pence Friedel Developers, Inc., Virginia
Blake Roney – Chairman of the Board, Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc., Utah
Muneer Satter – Partner at Goldman Sachs, Illinois
Edward A. Schwartz – President of Gregory J. Schwartz & Co., Inc., Michigan
Wally Schwartz – Director at Gregory J. Schwartz & Co., Inc., Michigan
L.E. Simmons – Founder and President of SCF Partners, Texas
Jim Sims – Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Gen3 Partners, Massachusetts
Boyd Smith – Partner at WSJ Properties, California
Pete and Cam Starrett – Pete Starrett is with private equity firm, Freeman Spogli, California
Eric Tanenblatt – Senior Managing Director at McKenna Long & Aldridge, Georgia
Ted Welch – Owner of Ted Welch Investments, Tennessee
Frank Vandersloot – President and CEO of Melaleuca, Idaho

Pennsylvania Congressmen Endorse Rudy Giuliani For President

Pennsylvania Congressmen Endorse Rudy Giuliani for President

New York City – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced that Representatives Phil English and Jim Gerlach, of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, have endorsed Rudy Giuliani for President of the United States.

"Rudy Giuliani possesses the strong, proven leadership that our next President will need in order to build a coalition to lead our country forward,” said English, who represents the state’s 3rd District. “Mayor Giuliani has already held one of the toughest elected executive positions in America as New York City’s Mayor, where he proved he is a real fiscal conservative.”

Gerlach, of Pennsylvania’s Sixth District, said: “Rudy Giuliani is the right man, at the right time to be our next President. He has unparalleled experience as a chief executive, having cut taxes 23 times while mayor and made government more efficient and responsive to its citizens. Mayor Giuliani holds an optimistic vision for our country, and I am proud to support his candidacy.”

Reps. English and Gerlach join Rep. Charlie Dent, of Pennsylvania’s 15th District, who endorsed Mayor Giuliani in February.

Obama Campaign Unveils TV Ad, "Not Paid for" Signs in Offices Across Iowa

Obama Campaign: Not Paid for by PAC or Federal Lobbyist Money
Campaign Unveils TV Ad, “Not Paid for” Signs in Offices Across Iowa

DES MOINES – U.S. Senator Barack Obama’s (D-IL) campaign today highlighted its commitment to decreasing the influence of Washington lobbyists and political action committees by hanging “Not Paid for by PAC or Federal Lobbyist Money” signs in dozens of offices across the state. The campaign also announced a new TV ad called “Take it Back” that highlights Obama’s record of reform that will begin running statewide on Wednesday.

“I am extremely proud of amount of money our campaign has raised, but I’m even more proud of how we did it,” Obama said. “We didn’t take a dime from Washington lobbyists or special interest group because if we’re going to truly change the way Washington works, we need to break the stranglehold that the lobbyists and special interests have on our democracy.”

In 25 campaign offices across the state this week, community leaders as well as local supporters and donors will talk about why Senator Obama’s record of reform and refusal to accept money from Washington lobbyists or PACs is important to them. Obama has proposed the most far-reaching ethics and lobbying reform plan of any candidate in this race, pledging that no one working in an Obama Administration will be allowed to lobby the White House after they leave.

Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller headlined the campaign event in Des Moines, and said that Obama’s record of fighting for reforms means that he is the candidate most capable of achieving results and truly changing Washington.

“Barack’s efforts to reform our government haven’t always been popular with politicians, but he knows they’re the right thing to do for America,” Attorney General Miller said. “As a State Senator in Illinois, he worked to pass the toughest campaign-finance law in Illinois history that banned the personal use of campaign money by Illinois legislators and banned most gifts from lobbyists. Eight years later when he arrived in Washington, Obama introduced and helped pass in the Senate the strongest ethics reform since Watergate, including a full ban on gifts and meals from lobbyists, an end to subsidized travel for lawmakers on corporate jets and more.”

The campaign also announced that on Wednesday, it will begin running a new ad titled “Take it Back” that highlights Obama’s record and commitment to ethics and lobbying reform.

To view the ad, click: http://www.barackobama.com/takeitback.html

Script of Take it Back:

Still of Obama.
CG: The Obama Story:
Changing Washington

OBAMA V/O:  I’m Barack Obama and I approve this message.

Obama announcement event.

OBAMA SYNC:  I know that I haven't spent a lot of time learning the ways of Washington. But, I've been there long enough to know that the ways of Washington must change. 

Obama portrait.

Newspaper graphic: Obama is Democrats’ Point Man on Ethics

Chicago Tribune 1-18-06

ANNCR V/O:  In the Senate, Barack Obama challenged both parties to pass tough new ethics rules and rein in the power of lobbyists.

Various shots of Obama talking with people.

CG: Refusing contributions from PACs and Washington lobbyists

Chicago Tribune 4-1-07

And he’s leading by example, refusing contributions from PACs and Washington lobbyists who have too much power today.

Cut to Obama announcement event.

OBAMA SYNC:  They think they own this government.  But we're here today to take it back. 

Cut to card.

CG: Obama ’08

Iowa.BarackObama.com

Approved by Barack Obama and PAID FOR BY OBAMA FOR AMERICA

Sfx: applause

Edwards To Barnstorm Across Iowa During 2007 "Fighting For One America" Bus Tour

EDWARDS TO BARNSTORM ACROSS IOWA DURING 2007 "FIGHTING FOR ONE AMERICA" BUS TOUR Seven-Day Trip Will Take Edwards’ Message of Bold Change to 30 Counties and the Iowa State Fair

Des Moines, Iowa – Senator John Edwards will kick off a week-long bus tour across Iowa on August 13, 2007, stopping in 30 counties and meeting with thousands of caucus goers. The 2007 "Fighting for One America" bus tour will take Edwards from the Iowa State Fair to town hall meetings and community gatherings across the state, culminating in the August 19th Democratic Presidential Debate at Drake University.

“I’m looking forward to this trip and talking with Iowans about our fight to build One America – an America where everyone has a chance to get ahead and where the needs of regular Americans come before the needs of powerful special interests,” Edwards said. “This will be a great opportunity to meet with Iowans from across the state and share with them my vision for bold change in America.”

During the 7-day tour, Edwards will once again drive the Democratic agenda by leading with bold vision and ideas, including discussions of his specific plans to fight for real change in Iowa and all across America.

The route and communities Edwards will visit are listed below.

“Fighting for One America” Bus Tour Day 1 - MONDAY, AUGUST 13, 2007

Des Moines
Perry
Jefferson
Carroll
Denison
Onawa

“Fighting for One America” Bus Tour Day 2 - TUESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2007

Sioux City
Ida Grove
Rockwell City
Pocahontas
Clarion
Clear Lake 

“Fighting for One America” Bus Tour Day 3 - WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2007

Manly
Osage
Charles City
Waterloo
Waverly

“Fighting for One America” Bus Tour Day 4 - THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2007

Grundy Center
Ames
Des Moines
Oskaloosa
Ottumwa

“Fighting for One America” Bus Tour Day 5 - FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2007

Centerville
Bloomfield
Keokuk
Burlington
Wapello
Iowa City

“Fighting for One America” Bus Tour Day 6 - SATURDAY, AUGUST 18, 2007

Dubuque
Davenport
Cedar Rapids 

“Fighting for One America” Bus Tour Day 7 - SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2007

 Des Moines

McCain Unveils National Advisory Committee On Agriculture

MCCAIN UNVEILS NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today unveiled the national advisory committee on agriculture that will be working to engage and enlist voters across the country in support of the Arizona Senator. This influential leadership team will continue to build on Senator McCain's volunteer grassroots organization.

"Senator McCain has been a strong leader who will do what's right for America's farmers and agriculture producers," said New Hampshire Farm Bureau President Wayne Mann. "His experience and courageous life story have prepared him to lead this country on day one, and his sound national farm policy will help strengthen our nation's economy."

Ralph Klemme, the former Chairman of the Iowa House Agriculture Committee noted, "I'm pleased to serve on Senator McCain's advisory team and admire his principled stance against farm policy riddled with waste. We need a president who understands that pet projects benefiting only a few are harmful to the farming and agriculture industry as a whole."

Senator John McCain said, "Farming and agriculture production is part of the backbone of our great country. As president, I will support addressing the larger needs of the farming community abiding by the same standards of common sense and fiscal restraint as demonstrated by our nation's hardworking families." McCain added, "My national advisory team will play a critical role in developing farm and agriculture policy as we continue to build support for my campaign across the country."

SENATOR MCCAIN'S AGRICULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Bill Amick Amick Farms of South Carolina
Harry Bell Former South Carolina Farm Bureau President
Rick Johnson Former Michigan House Speaker and member of the Board of Directors of the Michigan Farm Bureau
Ralph Klemme Former Chairman of the Iowa House Agriculture Committee
Wayne Mann President, New Hampshire Farm Bureau
John Putney Iowa State Senator and lifelong Farm owner and operator
Hugh Weathers South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture

Brownback Campaign Launches Iowa Pastors For Brownback

Brownback Campaign Launches Iowa Pastors for Brownback
Faith leaders support Brownback's values and principles

DES MOINES - The Brownback for President campaign today announced the Iowa Pastors for Brownback Advisory Council.
"As I have campaigned across Iowa, I have appreciated the input and support of pastors and ministry leaders across the state," said Brownback. "Faith leaders serve the day-to-day physical, emotional and spiritual needs of their community. I value their thoughts and prayers, and I feel privileged and humbled that pastors would find my campaign and issues to be worthy of their support. Our nation was founded on the fundamental principle of 'In God We Trust,' and I will continue to promote a government that respects life, family and the role of faith in the public square."

The following pastors have joined the Iowa Pastors for Brownback Advisory Council:
Nick Bal, Walnut Creek Community Church, Des Moines
Randy Bixby, Kingdom House of Prayer, Des Moines
Rex Deckard, Calvary Apostolic Church, Des Moines
Tim Borseth, Stonebrook Community Church, Ames
Francis Frangipane, River of Life Ministries, Cedar Rapids
F. Curtis Gordon, Faith Baptist Church, Knoxville
Jim & Teri Kohl, Heartland House of Prayer, Council Bluffs
Ric Lumbard, Wind and Fire Ministries, Marion
Jack McCullough, First Baptist Church, Monroe
Bob Deever, Grace West Church, West Des Moines
James Peterson, Crossroads Fellowship Christian Reformed Church, West Des Moines

Note: Each member supports Brownback in his or her personal capacity; church and ministry names are included for identification purposes only.

Brownback recently launched several coalitions: Faith and Values, Catholics, Vietnamese, Taxpayers and Moms for Brownback to build grassroots support for the Ames Straw Poll on August 11.

U.S. Representatives Weller And Biggert Endorse Giuliani For President

U.S. Representatives Weller and Biggert Endorse Giuliani for President

New York City – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced U.S. Representatives Jerry Weller and Judy Biggert endorsed Mayor Giuliani for President of the United States.  Both Illinois U.S. Representatives join State Representative Tom Cross, State House Republican Leader and Rudy’s Illinois State Chairman, in supporting the Mayor.

“As Mayor of New York, Rudy proved he is the strong leader with the executive experience we need to lead our nation,” said Congressman Weller, who serves on the House Ways and Means Committee.  “I share Rudy’s commitment to fiscal discipline and to making America energy independent. Rudy is the one candidate that can accomplish these goals.”

“Rudy showed the whole country that he can lead during difficult times.  It will be an honor to campaign for him in Illinois and communicate his optimistic vision for America to voters,” said Congresswoman Biggert. 

Weller and Biggert join a growing list of 16 other U.S. Representatives supporting Mayor Giuliani.