2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Duncan Hunter Iowa State Leadership Town Hall

Sam Brownback Ames Iowa HQ Grand Opening Photos

Edwards Campaign Launches Next Step in Mobile Engagement Campaign

EDWARDS CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES NEXT STEP IN MOBILE ENGAGEMENT CAMPAIGN

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Today, the John Edwards for President campaign announced the launch of the next step in its mobile engagement campaign - a new text message fundraising initiative. The Edwards campaign continues lead the field by using new and different technologies to reach out to, connect with and engage voters. Today, thousands of people who have signed up to stay in touch with the campaign through text messages will get a message directing them to a voicemail message from John Edwards, urging them to make a contribution to the campaign.  The script of the voicemail follows:

"Hi, this is John Edwards. Thank you for taking the time to respond to our text and listen to my message. If you want to skip this message, remember, you can press 1 at anytime to be directly connected to a live volunteer at campaign headquarters. I'm calling to remind you that with just over a week before the end of the quarter the time to act is now. I'm not asking you to help us out-raise everyone else.  I'm only asking you for what we need to get our message of real change out to voters in Iowa, New Hampshire, and other key states nationwide. If we can raise enough money to do that—we'll have what we need to win.

"Our phone banks will be open until 10pm EDT tonight so if you can make a contribution now please press 1 to be connected. If you're in the middle of something and can't stay on the line you can always go to johnedwards.com to make a contribution to the campaign anytime.  Thanks for your support and for joining this movement for change”

The John Edwards for President campaign has been using text messages to connect with supporters for months.  Supporters regularly receive messages to let them know about national events – like Democratic presidential debates – and when Edwards will be in their area.  During the last debate, the campaign asked supporters to text their thoughts and reactions and later featured the messages on johnedwards.com.  Upcoming plans for more advanced forms of mobile outreach will transform text message communications from one-way broadcasts to a truly interactive experience that will allow voters to connect with the campaign in new and different ways. 

"New media technology is transforming the political landscape and allowing voters to take their politics with them every day, not just on Election Day," said campaign spokesperson Colleen Murray. "John Edwards is committed to using as many innovative ways as possible to reach out to the America people about his message for bold, transformational change.  This is only the beginning of how new media technologies will be integrated into the campaign."
Earlier this week, the Edwards campaign launched the ‘Demand and Be Heard’ competition through Eventful.com, where Edwards will visit and speak in the city that ‘Demands’ him the most.  Demanders can also submit questions online for Edwards as part of the competition, and Edwards will answer ten of those questions from the winning city at the rally.

To join the Edwards mobile network text the word "TODAY" to 30644 or visit http://www.johnedwards.com/txt.

Brownback to Open Ames Office

Brownback to Open Ames Office
Grand opening of Ames office concludes whirlwind Iowa bus tour

DES MOINES - U.S. Senator Sam Brownback, Republican candidate for president, will conclude his whirlwind 4-day, 27-stop Brownback “Ames for the Future” bus tour with the grand opening of his new campaign office in Ames.

“I am thrilled with the enthusiastic reception as I have spoken with Iowans about my Midwestern, conservative values and my commitment to Iowa and the Ames Straw Poll,” said Brownback. “Iowans agree that we need to rebuild our families and renew the American culture. Coming from a small town and rural background myself, I am committed to visiting small-town Iowa just as much as the larger cities. You can’t win the presidential nomination if you don’t compete in Iowa, and you can’t compete in Iowa unless you participate in the Ames Straw Poll.”

Senator Brownback has announced that unlike other candidates who have dropped out of the Ames Straw Poll, he will fully compete in the straw poll and is committed to Iowa. Last week Senator Brownback debuted a new website, www.brownbackevents.com, to organize grassroots support for the Straw Poll.

Paul Simon To Campaign With Chris Dodd In Iowa

PAUL SIMON TO CAMPAIGN WITH CHRIS DODD IN IOWA DURING FOURTH OF JULY TOUR

Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Paul Simon will join presidential candidate Chris Dodd and his family for part of Dodd's "River to River" bus tour of Iowa during the week of the Fourth of July.  Simon will campaign with Dodd on July 6th and 7th, appearing with him on those days' tour stops and adding informal performances to Dodd's events.

"I am thrilled that Paul will be joining Jackie, our daughters, and me in Iowa," said Senator Dodd.  "Paul is a long-time friend and one of the most important voices in American music, and he has been tireless in his service to the greater good of people throughout our country and the world.

"His music and his commitment to bettering our world reflect the leadership and optimism that my campaign is all about."

Simon will join the Dodd family at stops in Mason City, Fort Dodge, Sioux City, Carroll, and Council Bluffs.

Iowa Leaders Join Team McCain

IOWA LEADERS JOIN TEAM MCCAIN

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced the volunteer, grassroots leadership organization in Marion and Jasper counties. This leadership team includes elected officials, longtime Republican Party activists, veterans and other Iowans for whom Senator McCain's common sense conservative message has resonated.

"John McCain has demonstrated that he is prepared to take on the big challenges and address the important issues that face our nation," said Jasper County Chair Jack Maples. "I am excited to work with my fellow grassroots supporters to spread Senator McCain's common sense conservative message to voters throughout Iowa."

The leadership team is energized and determined to build on Senator McCain's volunteer grassroots organization in preparation for the Iowa Caucuses.

Senator John McCain expressed his gratitude for the group's support. "I am pleased to have such strong grassroots activists volunteering their time on my behalf," said Senator McCain. "With their help we will continue to grow our Iowa organization."

Jasper County Leadership Team
Jack Maples - County Chair
General Maurice Phillips - County Veterans Chair
Bob Main - County Co-Chair
Rev. Douglas Oelke - County Co-Chair
Ken Smith - Newton City Chair
Cecil Cumpton - Newton City Chair
Charlotte Maples - Newton City Co-Chair
Dr. John Fatland - Colfax City Chair
Daniel Popma - Colfax City Co-Chair
Donna Curtis - Prarie City Chair
Kathy Van Zee - Prarie City Chair
Sheryl Carter - Sully City Chair
Henry Veldhuizen - Sully City Chair
Daniel Ford - Kellogg City Chair
Norma Sharp - Newton Precinct Chair
Richard Martin - Newton Precinct Chair
Mark Linn - Newton Precinct Chair
Jody Smith - Newton Precinct Chair
John Dougan - Newton Precinct Chair
Drew Klein - Young Leaders Chair
Krista Guillaume - Young Leaders Co-Chair
Dustin Black - Young Leaders Co-Chair

Marion County Leadership Team
Mayor Darrell Dobernecker - Honorary County Chair
Paul Emerick - Pella City Chair
Doug Laughlin - Pella City Co -Chair
Jack Spaur - Knoxville City Chair

Arizona Leaders Stand With Senator McCain

ARIZONA LEADERS STAND WITH SENATOR MCCAIN

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's campaign today announced additional members of the Arizona Senator's campaign leadership team in his home state. The influential team is led by Senator Jon Kyl and will continue to build on Senator McCain's Arizona organization.

State Senator Jake Flake spoke to Senator McCain's principled leadership. "Senator McCain is not afraid to stand up for what he believes is in the best interests of the people of Arizona and the United States," said Senator Flake. "John McCain is a proven conservative reformer who has never wavered in his stances on the issues that matter most."

State Representative Bob Stump cited Senator McCain's experience dealing with national challenges. "Whether it's protecting our national, economic, or family security, no one is more prepared to take on tough challenges than John McCain," Rep. Stump said. "I have never seen Senator McCain shrink from taking on a tough issue, and that's the kind of resolve we need in the Oval Office."

Tucson Mayor Bob Walkup called Senator McCain a tested, experienced, and principled leader. "I am proud to support our Senator in his quest to become President of the United States," said Mayor Walkup. "No one has done more to stand by our men and women in uniform, and no one will work harder to protect our nation than John McCain."

Senator John McCain spoke of his appreciation for such an outpouring of support from his fellow Arizonans. "It's an honor to have the support of such an impressive cross-section of leaders, entrepreneurs, and reformers from my home state," said Senator McCain. "I look forward to working with my friends and neighbors in Arizona to share my common sense conservative values."

Statement On Rudy Giuliani's Commitment To Fiscal Discipline By Steve Forbes

Statement from National Campaign Co-Chair and Senior Policy Advisor Steve Forbes

New York City – Steve Forbes, National Campaign Co-Chair and Senior Policy Advisor to the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee, made the following statement today regarding Mayor Giuliani’s commitment to fiscal discipline and cutting wasteful Washington spending:

"Mayor Giuliani demonstrated real fiscal discipline as Mayor of New York City. He showed how a commitment to restraining government spending and cutting taxes could spur economic growth and increase revenues.

“Mayor Giuliani will bring the same commitment to our Federal government by cutting irresponsible spending and making government more efficient and accountable. Our country will benefit from his vision as a strong fiscal conservative leader."

Clinton Web Video Traffic Shatters Campaign Record

CLINTON WEB VIDEO DRAWS HUGE ONLINE RESPONSE, WEBSITE TRAFFIC SHATTERS CAMPAIGN RECORD

More than 500,000 Visit Site After Launch of “Sopranos” Web Video Announcing Online Song Contest Winner

More than half a million people flooded Hillary Clinton’s campaign website yesterday, fueled by a popular online video announcing the winner of Clinton’s campaign song contest. The number of visitors surpassed the previous campaign record set on the day Clinton announced her candidacy.

Clinton’s latest web video features a send up of the “Sopranos” series finale, featuring Hillary and Bill Clinton in a diner discussing the possible winners of her online song competition. You can watch the video at www.hillaryclinton.com

“We are excited by the tremendous response we’ve seen online for our song contest,” said Clinton Campaign Internet Director Peter Daou. “Hillary has charted a fresh course online, using the Internet in creative ways to engage people and bring new voters into the process.”

The online song competition was Clinton’s latest groundbreaking effort on the Internet. Two web videos announcing the competition and the campaign song finalists drew over 1 million views on YouTube and the campaign’s website. More than 200,000 votes were cast online and 25,000 wrote-in to suggest their own song choices.

Throughout the campaign, Clinton has engaged Americans in new and innovative ways. She launched her candidacy with an online announcement and held a series of live video web chats with voters across the country. Since then, she has launched a text messaging program to reach supporters on their mobile phones and posted HillCast web videos on a range of policy proposals. Hillary’s online petitions on a phased withdrawal from Iraq, voting reform and her calls for Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez’s resignation have drawn hundreds of thousands of signatures. And the campaign has launched www.HillaryHub.com to serve as a central repository for news, blogs and videos about Hillary’s candidacy.

Rudy Giuliani Details Commitment To Fiscal Discipline

Rudy Giuliani Details Commitment to Fiscal Discipline for the American People

“I will restore fiscal discipline and cut wasteful Washington spending.”

Des Moines, IA – In a speech in Des Moines today, Mayor Rudy Giuliani will continue to discuss his 12 Commitments to the American People by detailing his commitment to restore fiscal discipline and cut wasteful Washington spending.

The plan approaches budgeting like a business, demanding greater efficiency, transparency and accountability in government to ensure fiscal discipline.  Giuliani will call for ending anonymous earmarking, requiring federal agencies to identify annual spending reductions and savings, and reducing the federal civilian workforce through attrition and retirement.

“If we are going to keep our economy moving in the right direction we need to change the way Washington works,” Giuliani has said. “We must address the culture of spending and return to our core principles of fiscal discipline and fiscal responsibility. I commit to making the Federal government more efficient and accountable to the American people and cut irresponsible spending.”

Restoring fiscal discipline and cutting wasteful Washington spending is one of Rudy’s Twelve Commitments to the American People, his bold vision aimed at moving America forward. He will continue to travel the country this summer to detail each of his Twelve Commitments.  For more about the Twelve Commitments, please visit: www.joinrudy2008.com.