2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Brownback Campaign Selects Famous Dave's To Cater Ames Straw Poll

Brownback Campaign Selects Famous Dave's to Cater Ames Straw Poll
Award-winning BBQ to feed thousands of supporters

DES MOINES – The Brownback for President campaign today selected Famous Dave's to serve its legendary BBQ at the Brownback tent at the Ames straw poll on August 11.

"We can't wait to enjoy Famous Dave's pulled pork BBQ as Senator Brownback's tireless grassroots campaigning in Iowa pays off at the Ames straw poll," said John Rankin, Iowa communications director of Brownback for President. "Senator Brownback's supporters should come to Ames with an appetite for victory and BBQ."

Famous Dave's was named "Best in BBQ" in City View's Best of Des Moines in 2006. The restaurant, which has won over 200 awards, agreed to work exclusively with the Brownback campaign during the straw poll. In 1999, the Bush campaign used Famous Dave's at Ames.

Senator Brownback recently joined Bobby Schindler, brother of the late Terri Schiavo, to speak to grassroots supporters and outline his "pro-life, whole-life" vision that values the child in Darfur as much as the child in the womb.

Romney For President Launches New Television Ad, "Ocean"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD, "OCEAN" 

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President launched its newest television ad, "Ocean."  In the ad, Governor Romney discusses his belief that we need to look at the culture that surrounds America's children and clean up "the ocean in which our children now swim."  Governor Romney believes that our country's strength is dependent upon the strength of the American family and the promise of our children.    

The ad will begin airing today in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.  Scripts and viewing links are below. 

Script For "Ocean" (TV:60): 

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "I'm deeply troubled about the culture that surrounds our kids today. 

"Following the Columbine shootings, Peggy Noonan described our world as 'the ocean in which our children now swim.' 

"She described a cesspool of violence, and sex, and drugs, and indolence, and perversions. 

"She said that the boys who did the shooting had 'inhaled too deeply in the oceans in which they swam.' 

"I'd like to see us clean up the water in which our kids are swimming. 

"I'd like to keep pornography from coming up on their computers. 

"I'd like to keep drugs off the streets. 

"I'd like to see less violence and sex on TV and in video games and in movies. 

"And if we get serious about this, we can actually do a great deal to clean up the water in which our kids and our grandkids are swimming. 

"I'm Mitt Romney and I approve this message." 

To view "Ocean," please see:  http://mitt-tv.mittromney.com/?showid=234880

Mike Huckabee (R) Comments On Jim Gilmore Dropping Out Of The Race

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) Comments on Jim Gilmore Dropping Out of the Race for the Presidency

Little Rock, AR – Former Gov. Mike Huckabee (AR) Comments on Today's Decision by Jim Gilmore to Withdraw from 2008 Presidential Race:

"Jim Gilmore successfully campaigned for governor of Virginia on a platform to reduce taxes and improve education in his state. I share his commitment to those issues, and applaud his more recent efforts to support local emergency responders across America . As a fellow former Republican governor and state executive leader, I share his views on many issues, particularly on the need to win the War on Terror and create a stronger national defense. Raising money is indeed a challenge. I respect his decision to leave the race and welcome his support."

Statement From Former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore

Statement from former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore

I am today withdrawing my candidacy for the Republican nomination for President.  It has been a positive and rewarding experience for me, for my family, and for my supporters. 

It has become apparent to me that the combination of my late start, and the front loaded nature of the primary schedule, have made it impractical to continue to pursue this path towards further public service.

I am proud of the fact that my campaign focused on the issues, worked hard to block amnesty for illegal immigrants, brought attention to the need to protect private property rights, and called for a new path in Iraq that would provide our valiant military men and women with a more clearly defined and achievable mission.

However, I have come to believe that it takes more than a positive vision for our nation's future to successfully compete for the Presidency.  I believe that it takes years of preparation to put in place both the political and financial infrastructure to contest what now amounts to a one-day national primary in February.

In the coming weeks and months, I intend to remain active in the Republican Party and in the public debate. I will be forming a state political action committee to assist Republican candidates in the Virginia General Assembly races.  Additionally, I will be actively looking for other opportunities to continue in public service in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Brownback Adds Don Lamberti To Iowa Steering Committee

Brownback adds Don Lamberti to Iowa Steering Committee
Founder of Casey's General Stores cites Brownback's leadership on economic policy

DES MOINES – The Brownback for President campaign today announced that Don Lamberti, founder of Casey's General Stores, has joined Senator Brownback's Iowa Steering Committee.

"I am proud to support Senator Brownback and his balanced commitment to family values and critical fiscal and economic reforms," said Lamberti. "Senator Brownback's Social Security plan would offer every American the option of a personal savings account with ownership over real assets that they could leave to their loved ones. Senator Brownback's tax reform proposal would let Americans choose the current code or a discounted rate through an optional flat tax. Back in 2000, Steve Forbes proposed a flat tax and the Bush Administration responded with tax cuts in 2001 and 2003. Looking ahead to 2008, America needs Senator Brownback's leadership on economic reform to ensure that future generations can benefit from prosperity and economic growth."

"I appreciate Don's support and value his business experience and economic expertise," added Brownback. "The momentum is one our side in Iowa, and I have been thrilled as our steady pace builds an increasingly strong base of support for the Ames straw poll in August and the caucus next year."

Lamberti is the founder and former Chairman and CEO of Casey's General Stores. The convenience store chain, started in 1959, owns and operates over 1,400 stores in the upper Midwest.

Giuliani Announces Campaign Staff In California

Giuliani Announces Campaign Staff in California

New York City –The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee announced today the campaign’s California staff. Brent Lowder will serve as California Executive Director. He will oversee the campaign’s daily statewide operation building upon the Mayor’s momentum leading into next year’s Republican primary. 

In addition to Lowder, Thomas Roberts will serve as the campaign’s California Political Director and Jessica Patterson as Deputy Political Director. Steve Frank, Coalitions Director, will help grow the grassroots efforts throughout the state.

“Rudy’s support in California continues to grow and our campaign staff in the Golden State will turn that support into a strong victory in the Republican primary,” said Giuliani’s National Political Director Mark Campbell. “We have made tremendous progress from the grassroots to statewide fundraising, and we are excited to have such a strong political team in a state as important as California.”

Giuliani Campaign Announces Southwest Iowa Endorsements

Giuliani Campaign Announces Southwest Iowa Endorsements

New York City – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced endorsements in Southwest Iowa led by Southwest Regional Chair Loren Knauss, Pottawattamie County Supervisor. Also joining the team are the campaign’s Montgomery County Co-Chair Dennis Bloom and Edward Martin, former Decatur City Mayor.

“I know from experience that Rudy Giuliani is the proven leader we need as our next President.  It is a privilege to work for Rudy in Southwest Iowa helping to communicate his optimistic message of fiscal discipline, lower taxes, and commitment to keeping Americans safe. These issues are important to our communities,” said Knauss, a veteran local law enforcement officer.

“Rudy is committed to winning the Iowa Caucuses, and we are aggressively building our ground organization across the state,” said Giuliani’s National Political Director Mark Campbell. “This team will help us build support throughout Southwest Iowa. We are glad to have them on board.”

Ron Paul Goes 20/20 With eCampaign

Ron Paul Goes 20/20
GOP presidential candidate's eCampaign reaches unparalleled levels of success

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA – The Ron Paul presidential campaign has reached two important benchmarks of success: 20,000 YouTube subscribers and 20,000 Meetup group members.

As of today, the Paul Campaign's YouTube channel has 20,302 subscribers, giving the organization a powerful platform for their popular videos. The GOP candidate with the second most subscribers is Mitt Romney with 2,416. Barack Obama has 8,807.

Dr. Paul also has 20,677 individuals in 428 cities across America signed up though Meetup.com to participate in grassroots activities. Meetup members have thus far held 1,127 events for Dr. Paul: walking neighborhoods, making signs and handing out literature. Barack Obama has 5,327 Meetup group members, while Mitt Romney has 29.

"Our campaign is growing by the day," said campaign chairman Kent Snyder. "Dr. Paul's message of freedom, peace and prosperity is spreading across the country like wild fire. It is exciting to see online attention translate to action on the ground."

Senator McCain Announces Economic Advisors

SENATOR MCCAIN ANNOUNCES ECONOMIC ADVISORS
Policy Team Is A Collection Of Leading Conservatives

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced an impressive collection of economists, professors, and prominent conservative policy leaders who will advise the Arizona Senator as he seeks the White House.

Members of the economic policy team will use their combined years of experience and expertise with domestic and international economic issues to help guide and promote his call for greater economic freedom and more robust growth.

Gerry Parsky, who serves as a senior economic advisor to John McCain's presidential campaign, is a partner with California-based Aurora Capital Group. In the 1970's, Parsky was an official at the Federal Energy Office and served as the Assistant Secretary for International Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

"There is no greater advocate for reducing government spending and promoting free enterprise in our economy than Senator McCain," said Parsky. "John McCain's respect for the American economy and the ingenuity that drives its progress makes him an extraordinary candidate."

Kevin Hassett, who will also advise the campaign on economic policy, is a resident scholar and the director of economic policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). Hassett is a former senior economist to the Board of Governors at the Federal Reserve System, economics and finance professor at the Graduate School of Business at Columbia University, and economic policy advisor to President George W. Bush's reelection campaign in 2004.

"John McCain has a clear record of supporting tax cuts and promoting trade," Hassett said. "Whether it's his undying initiative to beat back federal spending or his refusal to raise taxes, conservatives must appreciate that John McCain is the best man for the job."

Dr. John Taylor is professor of economics at Stanford University and senior fellow at the Hoover Institution. Taylor is also a former Under Secretary for International Affairs for the U.S. Department of the Treasury in the George W. Bush Administration.

"John McCain knows that economic freedom is among the American people's most cherished assets," said Dr. Taylor. "His experience with these issues and understanding of our government make Senator McCain the most prepared candidate to lead our economy on day one."

Senator John McCain stated that he was proud of the support and counsel he would receive from these advisors. "The American economy must maintain its integrity by keeping with the free market principles and competition that have made it the envy of the world," said Senator McCain. "This is a very respected group of advisors and I look forward to working with them to ensure that we do not take that charge lightly and deliver for the American people."

Romney For President Launches New Radio Ad, "Ann On Family"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW RADIO AD, "ANN ON FAMILY"

Boston, MA – Romney for President today launched its newest radio ad, "Ann On Family."  In this ad, Ann Romney talks about her devotion to her family and what it was like raising five sons.  Governor Romney and Mrs. Romney strongly believe that the most important work being done in America today is the work being done within the four walls of the American home.    

The ad will begin airing today in Iowa and New Hampshire.  Script and audio link are below.

Script For "Ann On Family" (Radio:60):

ANN ROMNEY: "The most common question I get is 'How did you guys meet?'  It's always so fun to tell that story."

ANNOUNCER:  "Ann Romney talks about her husband Mitt Romney."

ANN ROMNEY:  "We met in high school at a party, and we've been going steady ever since.

"We've been married 38 years. We have five sons, lovely sons, and ten grandchildren.

"I was always looking for that girl.  I had to wait until my first granddaughter.  Finally, I get to buy pink!

"Mitt says his greatest success is being able to say 'I've been a good father, and a good husband.'

"Sometimes, I'd be home with those five boys, and it was rough. They were, they were pretty crazy boys. And they were wild. 

"He'd call home and remind me that what I was doing was much more important than what he was doing.

"Mitt says there's no work more important than what goes on within the four walls of the American home. And that's the way it was in our home. 

"I'm Ann Romney, and if you see us on the campaign trail, please come up and say hello.  Or, you can get on the website at MittRomney.com."

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "I'm Mitt Romney and I approve this message."

ANNOUNCER:  "Paid for by Romney for President.  MittRomney.com."

To listen to "Ann On Family," please see:  www.mittromney.com/Audio/AnnOnFamily.MP3