2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Dodd For President Welcomes New Internet Technology Director

DODD FOR PRESIDENT WELCOMES NEW INTERNET TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR, AARON WELCH

WASHINGTON - Presidential Candidate Chris Dodd's campaign today announced that Aaron Welch will join the campaign's team as Internet Technology Director. Welch will be responsible for upgrading, maintaining and expanding the internet technology infrastructure as well as managing production of new and innovative online tools. Welch brings a cutting-edge style to the already innovative internet strategy in place at the campaign. In addition, Welch brings a wealth of experience honed in part while serving as Lead Developer for Howard Dean's Iowa campaign in 2004.

"We're really excited to have Aaron on board - he's going to make a great addition to our internet team," said Tim Tagaris, Dodd's Internet Director. "Senator Dodd's bold views on the Iraq war, health care, and energy are definitely gaining traction in the online community, and Aaron's experience and vision is only going to increase that effort."

Welch is a partner and co-founder of the technology firm Advomatic, which has worked with a wide range of progressive causes and several corporate clients. Clients of Advomatic have included NRDC, Yearly Kos, Air America Radio, Josh Marshall's TPM Cafe, PDF TechPresident, Music for America, Joe Conason, Maplight, Greenopia, Sony / BMG and Viacom. Advomatic is also a sponsor of YearlyKos, which Dodd will attend next month.

Welch joins a campaign technology team that has been praised in prominent media outlets such as the Washington Post for its Talk Clock and D-TV applications. Thousands of viewers have tuned in to D-TV to see live coverage of Senator Dodd. This past week, Dodd live-streamed his heath care plan roll out in Iowa on Thursday and answered submitted questions before the CNN/YouTube Democratic debate on Monday.

D-TV can be found at http://www.chrisdodd.com/dtv

Bismarck Mayor John Warford Endorses Rudy Giuliani

Bismarck Mayor Endorses Rudy Giuliani for President Mayor John Warford Named as North Dakota Finance Chairman

New York City – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced the endorsement of John Warford, Mayor of Bismarck, North Dakota.  Mayor Warford, who is a former Republican National Committeeman for the North Dakota Republican Party, will serve as the Giuliani campaign’s North Dakota Finance Chairman, leading the effort to build financial support throughout the state.     

“Mayor Giuliani has demonstrated the strong executive leadership skills the people of North Dakota respect and look for in a President,” said Mayor Warford.  “As a Mayor myself, I admire how Rudy Giuliani achieved real results by using fiscally conservative principles to transform New York’s deficit into a surplus, while also cutting taxes and dramatically reducing crime.”

“The endorsement of Mayor Warford will have major benefits for Rudy’s campaign in North Dakota,” said Giuliani’s National Political Director Mark Campbell. “We are honored to have the Mayor of one of North Dakota’s largest cities helping to communicate to the voters Mayor Giuliani’s optimistic vision for America.

Jim O'Brien To Head McCain Conservation Committee

NEW HAMPSHIRE LEADING CONSERVATION ADVOCATE TO HEAD MCCAIN CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE

ARLINGTON, VA U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Jim O'Brien will lead the "Conservation Advisory Committee" for McCain for President.

"New Hampshire voters are grateful for Senator McCain's bold leadership in Congress to preserve our nation's resources, increase funding for our nation's parks, and address the effects of global climate change on our environment," said O'Brien. "Senator McCain is the only candidate in the Republican primary with the courage to call the nation to action on climate change. I will work hard to ensure that he is the next president of the United States."

"Jim and I share a passion for protecting the environment and his influence and expertise on environmental issues will be a significant asset to my campaign," said Senator John McCain.

Congressman Paul Hodes Endorses Obama

Congressman Paul Hodes Endorses Obama Freshman Rep elected to shake up Washington praises Obama as “the candidate for real change”

CHICAGO , IL —Congressman Paul Hodes of New Hampshire’s Second District announced today that he is endorsing Senator Barack Obama’s campaign to change American politics.  Congressman Hodes was elected to the U.S. House last November on a platform of change—including an insistence on ending the war in Iraq and a commitment to cleaning up the mess in Washington.

Hodes, who soon after being sworn in was elected president of the newest class of Democratic members of congress, said he sees Obama’s grassroots movement as the natural extension of the new representatives’ dedication to fix our broken political system and address the critical problems that we face.

“Barack and I share an optimistic vision for this country and we share the belief that change is possible when people come together,” Congressman Hodes said. “Campaigning across New Hampshire this fall, people told me that they believe this country can be great again—but they know that we need a new kind of politics if we’re going to make progress on the issues that confront us around the world.  In Barack Obama, we have a leader who will turn the page on our narrow-minded foreign policy, a leader who will end the war in Iraq and who realizes, just like JFK and Ronald Reagan did, that being a strong nation means having the strength to talk to our enemies.”

Congressman Hodes will serve as a national co-chair of the Obama campaign.

“Paul represents the very best in American politics,” Obama said. “In the face of deep skepticism he ran a true grassroots campaign on the values that Granite Staters hold dear: accountability, responsibility, and common sense. Like me, he ignored the insiders who said it was too risky to oppose the war in Iraq , and instead he spoke his conscience. One year later, he’s a leader in Washington and a phenomenal representative for New Hampshire. I’m thrilled to have his support for this movement for change.” 

New Tom Tancredo TV Ad Running In Iowa

New Tom Tancredo TV Ad Running In Iowa

http://teamtancredo.typepad.com/team_tancredo/2007/07/tancredo-tv-ad.html

Mitt Romney Announces Two Additional Iowa Endorsements

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES TWO ADDITIONAL LEGISLATIVE ENDORSEMENTS

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced the endorsement of two additional Iowa House members, Representative Rich Anderson (R-Clarinda) and Representative Chuck Soderberg (R-Le Mars).  They join 14 previously announced Iowa state legislators, making Governor Romney the candidate with the most legislative endorsements in Iowa.

"Representatives Anderson and Soderberg represent the kind of conservative leadership we need in government," said Governor Romney. "They have fought to promote fiscal responsibility and conservative values in Iowa, and their support will be critical to my campaign.  Together, we will work to make sure America is strong for generations to come."

With today's announcement, Representative Rich Anderson said, "There is not a more qualified candidate for President than Governor Romney.  The combination of his business, volunteer and governing experience makes him the strongest leader in the field.  His message is resonating with voters in Iowa, and his campaign will continue to grow as more voters have the opportunity to hear his optimistic message."

Representative Chuck Soderberg added, "Governor Romney shares my social and fiscal conservative principles and values, and those of Iowa Republicans.  Our nation needs a leader from outside of Washington who believes the way to make America stronger is to strengthen individuals and families, not government.  Governor Romney has a proven record of accomplishment, and will be the strong leader our nation needs."

Both Representative Anderson and Representative Soderberg were elected to the Iowa House in 2004. They join 14 other members of the Legislature who have previously announced their support for Governor Romney.

Governor Romney's Previously Announced Iowa Legislative Leadership Team:

Sen. Jim Hahn, Muscatine
Sen. David Johnson, Ocheyeden
Sen. Dave Mulder, Orange City
Sen. Brad Zaun, Urbandale
Rep. Dave Deyoe, Nevada
Rep. Linda Miller, Bettendorf
Rep. Steve Olson, DeWitt
Rep. Christopher Rants, Sioux City
Rep. Doug Struyk, Council Bluffs
Rep. Dave Tjepkes, Gowrie
Rep. Jodi Tymeson, Winterset
Rep. Ralph Watts, Adel
Rep. Tami Wiencek, Waterloo

Iowa Grassroots Leader To Head Taxpayers For Brownback

Iowa Grassroots Leader to Head Taxpayers for Brownback
George Davey led successful effort opposing the "Project Destiny" local tax hike

DES MOINES - The Brownback for President Campaign today announced that George Davey will chair the new Taxpayers for Brownback coalition. Davey was the leading force behind NoLocalOption.com, the successful grassroots effort against "Project Destiny," a proposed regressive tax shift in Polk, Dallas and Warren counties that was defeated by 85 percent of the vote earlier this month.

"I am very pleased to support Senator Brownback and his balanced message of tough border control and critical fiscal and economic reforms," said Davey. "Sam's proposal for optional Social Security personal savings accounts would give people the choice of saving for their own retirement with real assets they would own, while making certain that America's seniors receive their benefits on time and in full. I support Senator Brownback's optional, discounted flat tax because it is the best proposal for all taxpayers. High taxes without any options hurt low-income and military families, in particular, and Sam's rewarding solution would allow us to decide which method--the existing code with its deductions, or the new flat rate--would be best for ourselves and our businesses.  If the money stays in Washington, so will the corruption, and Sam's proposals will take the money away from the politicians by putting it in our pockets, strengthening families and this indispensable nation."

"Davey's grassroots activism shows what Americans can do when they come together to voice their opinion on how their taxpayer dollars should be used," said Brownback. "I am honored to welcome George Davey to my expanding team of grassroots conservatives here in Iowa."

The Brownback for President campaign recently announced Faith and Values, Catholic, and Homeschool grassroots leadership teams leading up to the Ames Straw Poll on August 11.

Paul Williams Endorses Senator Clinton

Paul Williams Endorses Senator Clinton Eagle Academy Co-Founder and past president of the New York Chapter of 100 Black Men, Inc.

Paul T. Williams, Jr. today announced his endorsement and enthusiastic support for Senator Hillary Clinton’s candidacy for President of the United States. Williams will chair the urban agenda working group for the campaign.

"Hillary Clinton has demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities,” said Williams, former president of the New York Chapter of 100 Black Men and co-founder of the Eagle Academy for Young Men. “She has a record of years of commitment to issues I care about and I have learned over time that we share the philosophy that people really count! She understands that many of the problems we face can be solved by supporting people of good will, who are trying to make a difference in society,” he added.

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of my friend Paul Williams,” said Clinton. “I worked with Paul when he served as president of the New York Chapter of 100 Black Men and worked with them to establish the Eagle Academy for Young Men in the South Bronx,” she added. The Eagle Academy, a high school for minority men whose principles are built on a set of mentoring relationships between students and successful minority men, is being replicated across the nation.

“Through the urban agenda working group, I hope not only to identify great initiatives to replicate regionally or nationally, such as the Eagle Academy, but to also stimulate creative approaches to support these initiatives financially,” Williams said.

Hillary Surges In First Post-Debate Poll In SC

FIRST POST-DEBATE POLL IN SC: HILLARY SURGES Clinton Gains 18 Points Since May

In the first poll taken after Monday’s Democratic debate in South Carolina, Hillary Clinton has surged to a 15-point lead among Palmetto state voters in the latest SC Insider Advantage/Majority Opinion poll taken Tuesday.

Clinton gained 18 points since June, when she trailed by 3 points. Since April, Clinton has gained 29 points in the poll, turning a 14-point deficit into a 15-point lead.

Today’s poll shows:

Clinton: 43%
Obama: 28%
Edwards: 13%
Richardson: 5%
Biden: 4%
Gravel: 1%
Others: 1%
Undecided: 5%

Steve Rothman to Serve As Northeast Regional Co-Chair For The Obama Campaign

Congressman Steve Rothman to Serve as Northeast Regional Co-Chair for the Obama Campaign

CHICAGO, IL— Barack Obama announced today that Congressman Steve Rothman (D-NJ) will be a leader of his efforts in New Jersey and serve as Northeast Regional Co-Chair of his campaign.  Rothman praised Obama’s dedication to ending the war in Iraq and changing the politics in this country, declaring that Obama is the best candidate to unite all Americans and reverse the damage created by the Bush administration at home and abroad.   

“Last week’s National Intelligence Estimate proves that we are no safer than we were before the attacks of September 11th,” said Rothman.  “It’s time to turn the page and bring an end to the Bush-Cheney foreign policy that has left Americans vulnerable here at home and reduced matters of war and national defense to signs and slogans.  Barack Obama is the best candidate for President, with the strength and character to change our broken politics and restore America’s standing in the world.  He will engage in the aggressive diplomacy necessary to hold countries that pose the greatest threats to our national security accountable. Senator Obama also possesses the resolve to use military force, if necessary, to protect America.”

Steve Rothman is serving his sixth term in Congress representing the 9th District of New Jersey.  As Congressman, Rothman has been a champion for working families and a tireless advocate for improving Americans’ security and quality of life. Recognized as a leader in Congress on veterans’ issues, he shares Barack Obama’s commitment to ensuring that our men and women serving abroad also receive the support they deserve when they return home. 

“I am honored to have the support of Congressman Rothman and proud to have him represent the Obama campaign in the Northeast,” Senator Obama said.  “Congressman Rothman has been a dedicated fighter for justice and equality for New Jersey and a leader in efforts to bring the war in Iraq to an end.  I am pleased to have him join our grassroots movement for change and look forward to working with him to share with people across New Jersey and this country how we can transform our politics.”   

Congressman Rothman’s endorsement comes as leading national security experts sent a letter praising Obama’s judgment in opposing the war in Iraq before it began and understanding of the importance of tough-minded diplomacy when it comes to making Americans more secure.  Rothman, whose district sits in the shadow of Ground Zero and includes the George Washington Bridge, Teterboro airport and other potential terrorist targets, has been a leader on homeland security issues in the House of Representatives. Having represented northern New Jersey for over a decade, Rothman knows first-hand the importance of strong and capable leadership when it comes to our nation’s homeland security.

As Northeast Regional Co-Chair, Rothman will be a leader for Obama campaign efforts in the region, which includes Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.