2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Rudy Giuliani Unveils California Mayors For Rudy

Rudy Giuliani Unveils California Mayors for Rudy

New York City – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee announced today California Mayors for Rudy. These mayors represent cities from across the state in a show of Rudy’s growing support in California.

“Rudy will bring the same strong leadership to the presidency that he demonstrated as Mayor of New York City,” said Mayor Curt Pringle of Anaheim. “His remarkable record backs up his commitment to lowering taxes, cutting wasteful government spending, and keeping Americans safe.”

“I am proud to have the support of these California Mayors,” said Mayor Rudy Giuliani. “They understand firsthand the challenges American families face each day and the need to govern using the principles of fiscal conservatism, personal freedom, and individual responsibility.”

California Mayors for Rudy:

Jean Blois, Mayor of Goleta
Dene Bustichi, Mayor of Scotts Valley
Roger Campbell, former Mayor of Fillmore
Jim Desmond, Mayor of San Marcos
Dr. Donald J. Kurth, Mayor of Rancho Cucamonga
Larry Lavagnino, Mayor of Santa Maria
Robert McKaben, Mayor of Colusa
Ila Mette-McCuteon, Mayor of Marina
Curt Pringle, Mayor of Anaheim
David Smith, Mayor of Newark
Michael Termini, Mayor of Capitola
Ernie Villegas, Mayor of Fillmore

Prominent Latinos Endorse Edwards for President

PROMINENT LATINOS ENDORSE EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – The John Edwards for President campaign announced today that numerous Latino elected officials and community leaders are endorsing Senator John Edwards for president. Latino leaders supporting Edwards include U.S. Representatives Raul Grijalva (AZ) and Charlie Gonzalez (TX), and former New Mexico Attorney General Patricia Madrid, Texas Mexican American Legislative Caucus Vice-Chair Trey Martinez Fischer and former Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund Chair Frank Herrera, Jr.

“I am proud to have the support of these prominent leaders,” said Edwards. “Too many Americans today are separated from the opportunities of this country, but working together, we can build One America where all people have the chance to work hard and get ahead.  We can guarantee health care for every man, woman and child in this country, eliminate poverty and protect the right to organize, and ensure that future generations have the same opportunities to succeed that I’ve had.”

These leaders are supporting Edwards because of his vision to build One America, where every person has the chance to succeed regardless of race, gender or income.  Edwards has proposed bold policies to lift up Latino communities.  He has proposed a truly universal health care plan, which would cover every man, woman and child in American, including the one out of every three Latinos who lack coverage.  Edwards also has detailed plans to end poverty in America, expand our middle class and strengthen our education system.

"I strongly believe that John Edwards is the right man for the Democrats to nominate for the White House in 2008," said Grijalva. "He has shown principled leadership on the way in Iraq and on economic opportunity in America." 

“John Edwards and I share a commitment to improving the lives of working families,” said Gonzalez. “He understands, as I do, that the key to economic development is making sure that our society honors and rewards hard work. Any American who is willing to work hard should have the opportunity to create a better life for his or her family, and John Edwards has spent his life fighting to make this happen.”

"I am proud to endorse my friend, Senator John Edwards," said Madrid, the first Hispanic woman ever elected to the position of state Attorney General. "He has always fought for real change in women's lives—working tirelessly to raise the minimum wage, end poverty and guarantee universal health care."

“The issues that John Edwards cares most passionately about and talks about everywhere he goes -- eliminating poverty, creating economic opportunities, bringing about universal health care, raising the minimum wage, and making the dream of home ownership more accessible to all Americans – are kitchen table issues for Latino families everywhere in this country,” said Fischer. 

Latino leaders endorsing Edwards include:

U.S. Representative Raul Grijalva (AZ)
U.S. Representative Charlie Gonzalez (TX)
Former New Mexico Attorney General Patricia Madrid

President of Unidos of Iowa Lena Avila Robinson
President of Quad City Mexican American Organization Celia Rangel

Richardson Campaign Names Alex Goepfert As New Hampshire Communications Director

Richardson Campaign Names Alex Goepfert as New Hampshire Communications Director

MANCHESTER, NH -- The Richardson campaign today announced the appointment of Alex Goepfert as New Hampshire Communications Director.

"I am very pleased that Alex will be joining my New Hampshire staff," said Governor Richardson. "Alex's experience and understanding on New Hampshire politics will be a great asset to my campaign."

Goepfert comes from a diverse background in political campaigns and television journalism.

"Governor Richardson is the most experienced and most qualified candidate for President," said Goepfert. "I am honored to be a part of the growing momentum of the Richardson campaign in New Hampshire."

Alex Goepfert joins a growing Richardson team in New Hampshire that includes State Director Janis Hahn and Political Director Daniel McKenna.

Wisconsin Lt. Governor Lawton Joins Clinton Team

Wisconsin Lt. Governor Lawton Joins Clinton Team
Lawton will serve as a Midwest Campaign Co-Chair

The Clinton Campaign today announced that Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton will serve as Co-Chair of the Midwest Region and a Co-Chair of the campaign's Wisconsin effort.

"Senator Clinton comes uniquely prepared to lead our nation in these complex times," Lawton said. "For the United States to compete successfully in a global knowledge economy, we need a president with a bold vision that draws us all into the equation for prosperity."

"Senator Clinton will restore our country's standing in the world and drive the American economy forward. This is more than an endorsement. This is a promise. I will work hard, alongside thousands of my fellow Wisconsinites to deliver Wisconsin, the battleground of battlegrounds, for Senator Clinton."

"Barbara Lawton's leadership has helped drive Wisconsin's economic growth and expanded opportunities for everyone," Clinton said. "I'm honored that she will help lead our efforts in Wisconsin and throughout the Midwest."

John Edwards For President Campaign Opens Eight New Offices In New Hampshire;

John Edwards For President Campaign Opens Eight New Offices In New Hampshire; Hires Additional Field Staff
Campaign Continues To Build Momentum After Release Of First New Hampshire Ad

Manchester, New Hampshire – The John Edwards for President Campaign announced that its grassroots New Hampshire campaign continues to grow with the opening of eight new offices, bringing the total to 10, and the hiring of additional field staff.

"Our campaign in New Hampshire continues to build momentum," said Beth Leonard, New Hampshire State Director. "As Senator Edwards travels the state, people are responding tremendously to his leadership on ending the war in Iraq, providing truly universal healthcare, and fighting poverty.

"With the release of our first ad, the opening of additional offices, and the hiring of more field staff we are making sure we have the resources to harness the growing grassroots support that Edwards is inspiring with his leadership across the state. We are going to be going after every single vote in New Hampshire, we will be competing everywhere."

The campaign is opening new community offices in Berlin, Keene, Laconia, Lebanon, Portsmouth and Strafford. The campaign already has community offices in Concord, Manchester, and Nashua.

The campaign is hiring an additional eleven field staffers, bringing the total of paid staffers to 40. They will be joining dozens of interns, countless volunteers and a grassroots Leadership Committee of elected officials, community leaders and activists across the state.

Kucinich At PBS Forum

Kucinich energizes PBS forum by relating foreign policy failings to growing domestic 'crises'

WASHINGTON D.C. - In a Presidential forum designed to focus on America’s domestic crises – poverty, sub-standard education, job loss, crime, and HIV AIDS – Congressman Dennis Kucinich made a compelling and enthusiastically applauded case that U.S. foreign policy, especially the war in Iraq, is sapping the national resources to solve problems on our own shores.

If the U.S. were not spending more than a trillion dollars on the war in Iraq, Kucinich argued, funds would be available to provide early child care, free pre-kindergarten, and fully funded state-college tuition to help America’s disadvantaged youth prepare for jobs and productive lives. “Stop funding war, and start funding education.

If the U.S. health care system were converted to a not-for-profit system that covered all Americans, the financial burdens and denials of service to upwards of 100 million uninsured or under-insured citizens would be lifted. As would the crushing financial costs that are making many U.S. companies non-competitive. "Michael Moore is right about this – take the profit out of the system." Kucinich co-authored legislation (H.R.676) early this year for a national health insurance plan that film-maker Moore recently endorsed and is promoting.

And, with the cancellation of foreign trade agreements such as NAFTA and the WTO, the U.S. could stop the out-sourcing of millions of U.S. jobs. "A Democratic administration started NAFTA, and a Democratic administration will end NAFTA," said Kucinich to a cheering crowd at the PBS All-American Presidential Forum at Howard University tonight.

Kucinich, the only Democratic Presidential candidate who voted against the original war authorization in 2002 and every subsequent war-funding appropriation, is also the only candidate who has introduced federal legislation to create a national, not-for-profit health insurance plan to cover all Americans. Other candidates, who have proposed plans that include the participation of for-profit insurance and pharmaceutical companies, appeared tonight to give Kucinich previously unexpressed deference by agreeing to the need for a "universal" health care plan.

In addressing the special problems confronting America’s minority populations, Kucinich also re-asserted his opposition to the federal death penalty and mandatory minimum sentencing, and his support of rehabilitation, rather than incarceration for some offenders. His positions drew loud and prolonged applause.

Kucinich also argued against tax breaks for the wealthy and tax breaks for U.S. companies that move their operations off-shore because of the negative impact those actions have on working Americans and job-seekers.

One of his loudest and most energetic responses from the audience came when he and the other candidates were asked a question about Darfur and what action the U.S. should take to end the deadly strife there. Kucinich, reiterating an earlier criticism of U.S. foreign policy, said that the United States must adopt an entirely new perspective toward Africa: ”not just a place that corporations can exploit.” Drawing a parallel to Iraq, Kucinich said, “If Darfur had oil, this administration would be occupying it right now.”

Kucinich published and widely circulated an intelligence analysis in 2002 refuting the Bush Administration’s arguments for invading Iraq. He rallied 125 other members of the House to oppose the war authorization bill. He has since publicly disclosed other documents revealing that the Administration is pressuring the Iraqi government to adopt measures that would turn control of up to 70% of Iraq’s oil to multi-national oil and energy corporations.

Minnesota Leaders Endorse Clinton

Minnesota Leaders Endorse Clinton
Hillary Clinton received the endorsements of more than 40 leading Minnesota officials and community leaders today.

"I sat next to Senator Clinton for six years in the Senate Chamber and I saw her experience, dedication and tremendous ability at work for all Americans," said former Senator Mark Dayton. "I know that she will be our party’s best nominee and our country’s best President."

Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner said Hillary has the focus and resiliency needed to be President. "Americans are ready for change, and Hillary Clinton is the only candidate with the experience to do the job from her first day in office."

"I am grateful for the overwhelming support I’ve received in Minnesota," Clinton said. "With the help of these local leaders, we’ll take our message of change across the state and this nation."

Leading Minnesotans Endorsing Hillary Today:

Mark Dayton, Former US Senator
Susan Gaertner, Ramsey County Attorney
Sandy Pappas, State Senator
Nora Slawik, State Representative
Sandra Peterson, State Representative
Barbara Johnson, President, Minneapolis City Council
Gary Schiff, Minneapolis City Council Member
Lisa Goodman, Minneapolis City Council Member
Dave Thune, St. Paul City Council Member, and Susan Thune, RN
Colleen Landkamer, President, National Association of Counties; Blue Earth County Commissioner
Ann Wynia, Former House Majority Leader
Matt Entenza, Former House Democratic Leader
Ember Reichgott Junge, Former Senate Assistant Majority Leader
Joan Anderson Growe, Former Minnesota Secretary of State
Emily Anne Staples Tuttle, Former State Senator
Carol Flynn, Former State Senator
Gordon O. Voss, Former State Representative
Al Patton, Former State Representative
Koryne Horbal, Former Ambassador to U.N.
Betty Folliard, Co-owner Strategy Partners; Former MN State Representative
Tom Foley, Former Ramsey and Washington County Attorney
Joan Niemiec, Former Minneapolis City Council Member
Vance Opperman, President, Key Investments
Lois Quam, Business Leader
Melanie Benjamin, Chief Executive, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
Mohamed Jibrell, Somali Community Leader
Hubert "Buck" Humphrey
Jackie Stevenson, DNC Member
Rick Stafford, DNC Member, Chair of the DNC's LGBT Caucus
Elsa Leven, MN DFL Latino Caucus
Mari Urness Pokornowski, Co-Chair DFL State Platform Commission
Lynn Wilson, Chair, Olmsted County DFL
Tammy Tesky, Vice President, DFL Feminist Caucus
Megan Thomas, Former Chair, Stonewall DFL
Cheryl Poling, DFL Party Activist
Ruth Usem, Community Activist
M. Kathleen Murphy, Women's Rights Activist
Bill Pohlad, Film Producer & Michelle Grabanski Pohlad, Social Activist
Susan Burns, Attorney
Paul Cassidy, Minneapolis
Jill Sletten, Public Policy Consultant
Andrew Luger, Attorney; Former Candidate, Hennepin County Attorney and Ellen Goldberg Luger
Sarah Youngerman, Minneapolis
Rebecca Yanisch, Former MN Commissioner of Trade and Economic Development
Lori L. Jacobwith, Consultant
Patsy Green, Robbinsdale Area School Board Director
Amy K. Rotenberg, Communications Consultant, and Mark B. Rotenberg, University General Counsel
Paula Maccabee, Former St. Paul City Council Member, and Paul Maccabee, President, The Maccabee Group

Bill Richardson At PBS Debate In Washington, D.C.

Governor Richardson Gives Strong Debate Performance at PBS Debate in Washington, DC

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- At tonight's Democratic Presidential debate moderated by Tavis Smiley, Governor Bill Richardson showed again that he is the candidate with the boldest vision and the strongest record to lead America forward.

This was the first Democratic Presidential debate that the important issue of education was specifically discussed by each of the Presidential candidates and in Richardson's response he made it clear that as President he would make it a priority.

"This is the first time we've talked about education at any debate," said Governor Bill Richardson. "The first thing you hear is -- how are we going to pay for it? No one asks how we're going to pay for the war. I just want to state for the record - I am for a minimum wage for every teacher. And we have to make sure that we deal with the achievement gap we have in our country. One out of two minorities drops out, or doesn't make it -- we need more parental involvement, universal pre-school, access to health insurance for children, we have done it in New Mexico and we can do it across America."

In response to a question about race relations in America Richardson responded "Leading on the issues of race is about being authentic, about speaking honestly. Race is a major issue in this country and the next President has got to talk about it. Race is not just passing new laws. It's not just appointing supreme court justices... it is also dealing with bigotry and racism that exists in this country and I believe very strongly that the next President will not just have to pass laws to protect affirmative action, but will have to lead and speak passionately, dialogue among all the peoples. Issues of diversity for me -- as a Latino candidate aren't a talking point. They're a reality."

On Darfur:
The Governor believes that the United States must take the lead on international humanitarian efforts to fight genocide and injustices in Darfur and Sudan. He believes that the US must use every available diplomatic tool, including the possibility of the US boycotting the upcoming summer Olympics, to persuade China to pressure Sudan to allow UN peacekeeping forces into Darfur.

On Economic Disparity:
Governor Richardson believes that to close the economic divide we must start with education. As President he will build math and science academies around the country -- especially in underserved urban and rural areas -- so that everyone has a chance to gain the skills that they need to thrive in the modern economy. He will make sure that everyone has access to a college education and he will make sure that our technical and vocational community colleges excel at preparing our students for high-paying jobs.

On Outsourcing:
Governor Richardson believes our next President must restore this nation's focus on middle- and low-income Americans. Families in this country are struggling in an economy that is increasingly harmful to the middle class. Over the past several years, middle class incomes have declined and although worker productivity has increased, most of the gains have gone into profits at the top, not toward workers' wages. Real earnings, pensions and health insurance benefits are dropping, while the costs of living are rising.

On AIDS:
Governor Richardson believes our foreign policy in Africa should focus on directly confronting that continent's problems, starting with making sure every HIV positive African receives the full measure of life saving drugs, and women, the fastest growing group with AIDS, are empowered to protect themselves against exposure to HIV.Richardson supports distributing condoms and clean needles to at-risk populations and as President his administration will work to make sure that everybody in the world who is HIV positive has access to the medication they need. And he will encourage the formation of public-private partnerships to reduce costs and enhance access to AIDS medicine and treatment.

Dodd At PBS Presidential Forum

DODD STANDS OUT AT FORUM WITH PRESIDENTIAL LEADERSHIP
Experience And Bold Solutions Set Dodd Apart From Field

WASHINGTON -- Senator and Presidential candidate Chris Dodd put on an impressive display of presidential leadership at tonight's candidates' forum, hosted by PBS at Howard University. Dodd set himself apart from the field by pointing to his proven track record and comprehensive and innovative policy proposals.

"I'm proud of the fact that I was called the Senator of the Decade by the national Head Start Association. I have walked the walk on these issues," said Dodd, the author of the Family and Medical Leave Act.

"I'm very proud of the fact that [I] authored the first child care legislation in this country to make sure parents have the assurance that there will be a quality place for their child to be at an affordable price," said Dodd, pointing to his record in the Senate.

In discussing HIV/AIDS education, Dodd said, "There's a job obviously for government here in funding and support, but I believe that each and every citizen bears a responsibility to reach out and do what they can to educate a child." Dodd, who introduced a comprehensive national service initiative last week that calls for a renewed commitment to public service, is the only candidate to have proposed such a bold, visionary reinvestment in community.

"Senator Dodd is the only candidate for President who has the experience this country needs to overcome the challenges we face," said Howard alumnus and Dodd campaign co-chair Sandy Cloud. "His bold leadership and wealth of experience will make him a great president from day one."

"There was only one President on stage tonight," said Congressman Xavier Becerra. "Senator Dodd is ready to lead from his first day in office. He showed, once again, that the combination of his proven track record of accomplishment and his bold leadership and vision for the country is unmatched."

Dodd will build off his success in tonight's forum with a five-day "river to river" tour through Iowa, where he will be joined by legendary singer Paul Simon.

Joe Biden At The Third Debate

JOE BIDEN DEMONSTRATES PRESIDENTIAL LEADERSHIP AT THIRD STRAIGHT DEBATE

Washington, DC – Tonight Sen. Joe Biden drew on over 30 years of experience to demonstrate his leadership on the critical issues of civil rights and equal opportunity in our country.

“Joe Biden once again showed why he is ready to be president,” said Biden for President Campaign Manager Luis Navarro. “Since he began his career on the County Council in Wilmington and continuing through 34-years in the Senate, Sen. Biden has been on the front lines of every major civil rights issue in this country. Tonight, that leadership and experience was obvious.”

Sen. Biden, on question after question, offered specific solutions for major issues related to equal rights, equal opportunity and income disparity in America. Tonight Sen. Biden called for mandatory preschool at age 4 and rebuilding the New Orleans infrastructure.

In addition, Sen. Biden continued to press his proposal to institute a No Fly Zone in Darfur and focused attention on the need for a Democratic President to change the direction of the Supreme Court.

“Joe Biden showed tonight why we need a president who is prepared to act immediately on the challenges facing our country,” said Navarro.