2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Mitt Romney Forest City Iowa

Richardson Campaign Announces South Carolina Steering Committee

Richardson Campaign Announces South Carolina Steering Committee

SANTA FE, NM -- Today, Democratic Presidential candidate Bill Richardson announced the formation of his South Carolina steering committee. The committee includes elected officials, Democratic activists, members of the business and professional community, and community leaders from around the state. The committee will act as a base of support for Richardson's campaign throughout the state of South Carolina.

"I am honored to have the support of so many esteemed members of the South Carolina community," said Governor Richardson. "They have been leaders in this state, and I know that with their support, we can achieve real change."

Governor Richardson's South Carolina campaign will be co-chaired by State Representative Fletcher Smith and Former South Carolina Comptroller General Jim Lander.

"I am honored to be a Co-Chair for Governor Richardson," said Representative Fletcher Smith. "With his unparalleled record of achievement both in New Mexico, creating jobs, expanding the economy and cutting taxes; and on the national and international levels, reopening negotiations in North Korea, rescuing American hostages and receiving four Nobel Peace Prize nominations, I know he will make a great president. Governor Richardson is a true leader who works hard for Americans and represents South Carolina values and will continue to do that as President."

"Governor Richardson has spent the last several decades honing his skills as a leader. I support Governor Richardson because I know that his vast experience far outshines other candidates and that he will use it effectively for the good of the United States and the world," said Former Comptroller General Jim Lander.

Richardson for President South Carolina Steering Committee:

Fletcher Smith, State Representative, Greenville, Co-Chair
Jim Lander, Former SC Comptroller General, Newberry, Co-Chair
Ken Holland, Former US Congressman, Gaffney
Diane Aghapour, Former Charleston County Democratic Party Chair, Charleston
David Adams, Richland County Treasurer, Columbia
A.J. Glover, Dorchester County Democratic Party Chair, Summerville
Dell Isham, Former Director of the SC Sierra Club, Columbia
Dr. Hunter Stokes, Florence
Robert Burton, Former nominee for SC Adjutant General, Mt. Pleasant
Diana Salazar, Community Leader, North Charleston

Brownback Announces Iowa Catholics For Brownback Team

Brownback Announces Iowa Catholics for Brownback Team Catholic leaders from around the Hawkeye State unite behind Brownback

DES MOINES – U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today announced his Iowa Catholics for Brownback Leadership Team.

"We are proud to stand with Sam Brownback, a fellow Catholic, as we spread his pro-life, whole-life message across Iowa," said Iowa Catholic businessman Don Lamberti, who will chair the committee. "In 23 days, thousands of Catholics from around Iowa will support Sam at the Ames Straw Poll as his momentum continues to build in Iowa. Sam Brownback is the best candidate to uphold and defend Catholic values in the public square."

"I am honored to receive the support of the Catholic community here in Iowa," said Brownback. "As Catholics, we are called to build and support a culture of life and to defend marriage and promote human dignity. I have fought for many years to support these principles and I will be a steadfast advocate for them as president."

Senator Brownback has been endorsed by nationally-known Catholic leaders such as Fr. Frank Pavone, Dr. Jack Willke, Norma McCorvey, Steve McEveety, Tom Monaghan and Bobby Schindler.

The launching of Iowa Catholics for Brownback comes two weeks after the announcement of his Iowa Faith and Family Leadership Committee, which is being led by former state representative Chuck Hurley.

Members of Iowa Catholics for Brownback will organize support for Senator Brownback in Iowa for the Ames Straw Poll on August 11 and the caucus in January.

The entire committee, which includes more than 140 members, is listed below.

Chairman:
Don Lamberti, Ankeny

Members:
Scott & Lorraine Bailey, Earlham
Allan & MaryAnn Logan, Davenport
Dan & Andrea Logan, Bettendorf
Steve & Christie Logan, Davenport
John Logan, Davenport
Scott & Susan Hurd, Roland
Jim & Rosemary Wilson, Ames
Ken & Theresa Welch, Madrid
Anthony Welch, Des Moines
Jack Williams, Des Moines
Diane Cortese, Des Moines
Jennifer Chaplin, Des Moines
Joe Vorwald, Indianola
Charles & Maryann Wadle, Des Moines
Bob & Susan Downey, Clive
Rachel Downey, Clive
Joe, Marilyn & Hunter Lane, West Des Moines
Jim & Rita Becker, Muscatine
Worth Hartzell, Des Moines
Wm. Jon & Rose Yost, Urbandale
James, Stephanie, Katherine, Jimmy, Robbie & Kimberly Becker, Waukee
Charles, Cathy, & Mike Bergman, Beaverdale
Trinh & Dzung Le, Des Moines
Rick Garneau, Des Moines
Christine Kirkman, Des Moines
Rob & Jere Coppola, Windsor Heights
John Murray, Storm Lake
Joe & Jo Kobes, Des Moines
John & Debra Putbrese, Des Moines
Hugh & Veronica O'Hagan, Urbandale
Tricia Pietig, Urbandale
George & Carol Remer, Battle Creek
Brian Rosener, Bronson
Pat Anderson, Cedar Falls
Charles Daugherty, Cedar Rapids
Patricia Daugherty, Cedar Rapids
Theresa, Jerry, Josiah & Joel Lydon, Cedar Rapids
Judith Colgnhoun, Cedar Rapids
Scott Gilbert, Cedar Rapids
Dean Rothchild, Cedar Rapids
Bob & Patti, Kyle & Kelli Klaus, Cedar Rapids
Michael & Jeannette Frey, Cedar Rapids
Wendy Wilcox, Cedar Rapids
Jason Besler, Cedar Rapids
Dana Philips, Central City
Les & Liz Schofield, Clinton
Joe Ranney, Council Bluffs
Janice Sanderland, Davenport
Kent & Karen Baxter, Davenport
Marilyn Anderson, Dayton
Larry & Sara Morris, Des Moines
David Rubin, Des Moines
Nancy Ellinger, DeWitt
Brett Barker, Iowa City
Jeanne Jennings, Johnston
Randy Goodson, Marion
Garth Betry, Marion
Sandra Goodson, Marion
Amy Russell, Mt. Vernon
Brad Russell, Mt. Vernon
Mark & Kay Flanders, Muscatine
Hannah Flanders, Muscatine
Anna Anderson, Muscatine
Brad & Danielle Schmidt, Muscatine
Joe & Joan Flanders, Muscatine
John Anderson, Muscatine
Robin Chase, Palo
JoHann Twedt, Roland
Sherin Gifford, Cedar Rapids
Althea Haffe, Springville
Kateri Sevde, Roland
Larry Myers, Toddville
Mark Bakker, Urbandale
Jordan Anderson, Washington
Gladys Heasley, Waterloo
Angela Wruche, Waterloo
Marge Stanek, Sioux City
Bonnie Hickman, Sioux City
Mary & Don Stevens, Sioux City
Regina Ratino, Sioux City
Jim Keane, Sioux City
Paul & Mary Wolpert, Sioux City
Kevin & Stormy Poss, Sioux City
Jean Plourde, Council Bluffs
Christine & Roger Wilson, Council Bluffs
David Prenger, Carroll
Brenda Klein, Carroll
Scott Steffen, Carroll
Dan & Ruth Ellis, Ida Grove
Mary Arens, Remsen
Marilyn Bose, Esterville
Joseph Ramirez, Des Moines
Joe & Leslie Teeling, Des Moines
Colleen Murphy, Grimes
Lois Brookhart, Des Moines
Sarah Davis, Des Moines
Michelle Hillaker, Des Moines
Carmen Rising, Des Moines
Rosemary Yost, Des Moines

Mitt Romney Announces The Iowa Faith And Values Steering Committee

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES THE IOWA FAITH AND VALUES STEERING COMMITTEE

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced the formation of the Iowa Faith and Values Steering Committee.  This committee of 92 leaders will advise Governor Romney on the important social issues most  affecting the people of Iowa.

"To ensure a stronger America, we must strengthen families, defend traditional marriage and promote the sanctity of human life.  The men and women who will be joining our effort today are committed to defending these important values.  I look forward to working with this team in bringing change to Washington," said Governor Romney. 

Joining Romney for President, Chair Tom Coates said, "In the bluest of blue states, Governor Romney led the charge to defend traditional families.  In the face of political adversity, he fought to protect marriage, defend the sanctity of human life and strengthen families.  Governor Romney is the one candidate who has made stronger families a cornerstone of his candidacy, and we hope to ensure every Iowan knows his strong record of defending conservative values."  

To hear audio of why Tom Coates, Iowa Faith and Values Steering Committee Chair, is supporting Governor Romney, click here.  You can also listen by calling 641-715-3801, and entering this access code: 8065784.

Romney For President Iowa Faith And Values Steering Committee Chairs:

Tom Coates, Des Moines – Chair
Mike Canady, Des Moines – Co Chair
Keith Hunter, Des Moines – Co Chair
Sen. David Johnson, Ocheyedan – Co Chair
Rose Kramer, Dubuque – Co Chair
Kathy Oltmans, Council Bluffs – Co Chair
Romney For President Iowa Faith and Values Coalition Steering Committee Members:

Bremer County:
Kris Brunkhorst

Cass County:
Deb Field
Jim Field

Cerro Gordo County:
Bart Pals
Jodi Pals

Clarke County:
George Barber

Decatur County:
Bob Bixby
Deb Etchison
Gary Etchison

Dubuque County:
Janet Buss
Becky Herrig
Ron Herrig
Rose Kramer
John Tallent
Tracy Tallent

Fremont County:
Karen McAllister

Harrison County:
Don Blackford
Stephanie Blackford

Hardin County:
Andy Cable

Jasper County:
Pat Bazal

Linn County:
Tim Palmer
Renee Schulte

Marshall County:
Betty Caldwell
Pastor Dan Caldwell

Monona County:
Di Ann Rose
Gene Vandebur
Lois Vandebur

Montgomery County:
Gail Ernst
Joni Ernst
Sandy Schoonover
Ted Schoonover

Muscatine County:
Susanne Carter
Yvonne Fillmore
Sen. Jim Hahn
Janetta Stamler
Paul Stamler

Page County:
Iris Morrison
Karen York

Pottawattamie County:
Betty Baber
Dick Baber
Miriam Beck
Tony Beck
Steve Cates
Andy Christenson
Tom Coates
Donna Conn
Gladys Danker
David Edwards
Jody Edwards
Jon Gruber
Leigh Anne Gruber
Steve Johnson
Grace King
Wylie King
William Carl Livingston
Victoria Livingston
David Overholtzer
Rosemary Overholtzer
Susan Overholtzer
David Payer
Connie Schmett
Kim Schmett
Ruby Thomason
James Trahms

Poweshiek County:
Diana Hanson

Scott County:
Paul Janecek
Janet Janecek

Story County:
Dennis Freeman
Kevin Kimle
Pat Kimle
Jim Kurtenbach
Linda Livingston
Andy Norman
Jacqui Norman

Tama County:
Marcia Livingston
William Livingston

Union County:
Laura Hartman

Warren County:
Jeanette Best
Joe Best

Webster County:
Gil Copper

Woodbury County:
Norma Adema
Bernard Cooper
Ruby Cooper
Brent Hoffman
Brett Lyon
Theresa Moran

Edwards Campaign Unveils First TV Ad Featuring Elizabeth Edwards in New Hampshire Today

Edwards Campaign Unveils First TV Ad Featuring Elizabeth Edwards in New Hampshire Today

Manchester, New Hampshire – The John Edwards for President campaign today unveiled its second New Hampshire TV ad of the campaign and the first featuring Elizabeth Edwards.  The ad, entitled “30 Years,” features Elizabeth Edwards, the person who knows John Edwards best, discussing her husband’s strength and character.   

“We are proud to unveil the campaign’s first ad featuring Elizabeth Edwards in New Hampshire this week,” said Deputy Campaign Manager Jonathan Prince.  “This ad is a continuation of the discussion that Senator and Mrs. Edwards have begun with New Hampshire families as they have traveled across the Granite State listening to voters’ concerns and talking about John Edwards’ bold plans to build one America that works for everyone.”

“30 Years” will run on broadcast state-wide and is the next piece of the Edwards campaign’s continued efforts to expand its New Hampshire operation.  This ad follows “Strength of America,” a 30 second spot that began airing in New Hampshire on June 26th and highlighted John Edwards’ belief that we all share the responsibility to build a better America.  “30 Years” also debuts on the heels of the campaign opening eight new field offices across New Hampshire and hiring an additional 11 field staffers, bringing its New Hampshire payroll total to 40 employees.

John and Elizabeth Edwards are currently traveling to eight states across the country to help shine a light on the crisis of poverty in this country.

Full Script of “30 Years”

Elizabeth Edwards:
"I have been blessed for the last 30 years
To be married to the most optimistic person that I have ever met
But at the same time he has an unbelievable toughness
Particularly about other people and that is his ability to fight for them
You’re not going to out smart him
He works harder than any human being that I know, always has
It’s unbelievably important that in our president we have someone
Who can stare the worst in the face
And not blink"

John Edwards:
“I’m John Edwards and I approve this message”

Obama Campaign Announces Contributions from 1,864 Iowans In First 6 Months

Obama Campaign Announces Contributions from 1,864 Iowans in First Six Months of Campaign. 93 Percent of Contributions Less than $200

DES MOINES – The Obama for America campaign today announced that in the last five months, 1,864 Iowans have donated to the campaign – an impressive early measure of grassroots support across the state. In the second fundraising quarter alone, Obama received contributions from 1,209 Iowans.

“Each donation to this movement is a show of commitment to the idea that we can change our politics and elect a leader who will inspire and unite this country,” said Josh Earnest, Obama’s Iowa Communications Director. “Senator Obama doesn’t accept contributions from Washington lobbyists or PACs, so small contributions from average Americans are the foundation of this effort. We are thrilled that thousands of people across Iowa contributed to this movement for change.”

Earnest said 1,104 of the campaign’s 1,209 donation from Iowans in the second quarter were less than $200. Of the 1,864 total donations from Iowa donors since Obama announced his candidacy, 1,737 were less than $200 dollars. About one third of Obama’s total contributions in the second fundraising quarter consisted of donations of less than $200.

In the past 5 months, Obama has received contributions from more than 258,000 individuals across America. 

Giuliani Campaign Announces Georgia Regional Chairs

Giuliani Campaign Announces Georgia Regional Chairs

New York – The Rudy Giuliani Campaign today made the first of its regional chair announcements, naming campaign leadership in the Coastal, Central, Eastern and Greater Atlanta Regions of Georgia.

A talented group of current and former legislators and party leaders join Giuliani Georgia Chairman, Speaker of the House Glenn Richardson. 

“Rudy Giuliani has the executive experience and proven record we need in our next President.  I look forward to helping the Mayor build a strong grassroots effort throughout the central and southern parts of this state,” said state Representative Jay Roberts, the Central Georgia Regional Chairman.

“Rudy Giuliani continues to impress Republicans in Georgia with his solid grasp of the challenges our country faces,” said former Georgia GOP Chairman and Giuliani Greater Atlanta Co-Chair, Rusty Paul.

“This team will help spread the message across Georgia that Mayor Giuliani is the candidate that has a proven record on our most important issues,” said Georgia Co-Chair State Sen. Ronnie Chance.  

Rudy Giuliani’s Georgia Regional Team

Coastal Georgia Chair Mary Flanders
Greater Atlanta Co-Chair Rusty Paul
Greater Atlanta Co-Chair Jay Morgan
Greater Atlanta Co-Chair William Woodall
Greater Atlanta Co-Chair State Representative Jeff May
East Georgia Chair State Representative Barry A. Fleming
East Georgia Co-Chair Gwen Fulcher Young
Central Georgia Chair - State Representative Jay Roberts

RNC Announces New Director Of E-Campaign

RNC Announces New Director of E-Campaign

WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee Chairman Robert M. “Mike” Duncan announced that new media veteran Cyrus Krohn has joined the RNC as Director of the E-Campaign division.

As E-Campaign Director, Krohn will oversee the RNC’s website, all online strategic communications, and constituent outreach. He will be responsible for the introduction of new technologies and multimedia to continue to expand the GOP’s Internet efforts.

“I am thrilled to welcome Cyrus on board as the new Director of our E-Campaign. His wealth of experience in both strategic multimedia and politics makes him uniquely qualified for this key role.  Continuing to stay ahead of the technology curve is a top priority for the RNC, and we are fortunate to have someone of Cyrus Krohn’s expertise and reputation to lead our efforts in the coming election cycle,” said Duncan.

Krohn joined the RNC following two years with Yahoo! and nine years with Microsoft.  

While at Yahoo!, Krohn was the director of content production and election strategy. While at Microsoft, Krohn was Slate magazine's first employee and then publisher. Krohn also managed the political advertising efforts for MSN.com, the Microsoft Network, and was executive producer at MSN Video. Krohn worked in CNN's Washington, D.C. bureau producing Larry King Live and Crossfire and served as an intern for Vice President Dan Quayle. 

New Bill Richardson Ad Airing In Iowa

New Bill Richardson Ad Calls For All US Troops Out of Iraq
Airing in Iowa, Ad calls on Congress to Stand Up to the President and Get All US Troops Out Now 

SANTA FE, NM -- Today, Governor Bill Richardson's Presidential campaign went on air in Iowa with a timely new television ad titled "Stand Up". In the ad Governor Richardson reiterates his call to get all US troops out of Iraq and for Congress to stand up to President Bush. 

"Governor Richardson knows all too well the pain of the families of fallen soldiers and the human toll the war is taking on our communities and our country. The Governor's own state of New Mexico has lost 31 soldiers. Iowa has lost 45 soldiers," said Richardson campaign manager Dave Contarino. "Congress must stand up to a President who has put our brave military men and women in an impossible situation refereeing a civil war. Our troops are targets- viewed as occupiers. If George Bush doesn't get them out, as President, Bill Richardson will. Every last one of them. These commercials reinforce that point." 

The commercial began running today on broadcast affiliates and cable systems in Iowa, and were produced by Steve Murphy and Mark Putnam of Murphy Putnam Media in Alexandria, Virginia.

SCRIPT
I’m Bill Richardson … and here in New Mexico, we’ve lost too many soldiers in Iraq … just like Iowa and every other state.
We have to end this war now.
The one thing the Iraqis agree on is they want us to leave.
Our troops have done everything we’ve asked and I don’t want to see any more die.
I approved this message because Congress has to stand up to this president. We need to get all of our troops out of Iraq. George Bush won’t do that. But I will

Clinton Sends DVD/Mailer to Iowa Democrats

Clinton Sends DVD/Mailer to Iowa Democrats Outlining Her Plan to End Iraq War

Early next week, Iowa Democrats will receive a DVD and mailer from Hillary Clinton outlining her plan to end the war in Iraq.  

The DVD features a recent conversation Hillary held in Muscatine with residents of Iowa to discuss her three-step plan to end the war. Clinton’s plan includes bringing our troops home safely, working to bring stability to the region, and replacing military force with a new diplomatic initiative to engage countries around the world in securing Iraq's future.

“I have said consistently that if [President Bush] doesn’t end the war in Iraq, I will,” Clinton says in the video. “When I am President, what I intend to do is send out a clear message to the rest of the world that diplomacy is back.”

The DVD includes interviews with Iowa caucus-goers about Hillary’s Iraq plan, as well as commentary from former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack, retired Lt. General Don Kerrick, Dr. Julie Thomas of Cedar Rapids and former Ambassador Joseph Wilson. The mailer will arrive in Iowa homes early next week.