2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

J. B. White To Lead Veterans For Biden

IRAQ WAR VETERAN J. B. WHITE TO LEAD VETERANS FOR BIDEN COMMITTEE Cites Biden’s Plan for Iraq and Commitment to Protect Troops

Wilmington, DE  – The Biden for President Campaign today announced that J. B. White, an Iraq war veteran from McComb, Mississippi, will serve as National Coordinator of Veterans for Biden.

“I owe it to my brothers and sisters who remain in Iraq to do what I can to give them the best chance to return home safely,” said White, who is currently on the campaign trail in Iowa, where he is working  to mobilize veterans and their family members for Biden.  “For me, that means supporting Sen. Biden for President as he is the only candidate from either party to put forward a realistic vision to resolve the Iraq war.”

White also pointed out that Sen. Biden was the only Democratic presidential candidate who voted for the Iraq War supplemental bill last month that provided funding for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, which will dramatically reduce casualties in Iraq. 

“Sen. Biden has shown that his foremost concern is for the safety and well-being of those who have placed themselves in harm’s way,” said White. “That’s why veterans and their family members throughout the country are rallying in support of Sen. Biden.”

“We are thrilled to have the enthusiastic leadership of J. B. and other veterans and their family members who have expressed their commitment to Sen. Biden and our campaign,” said Luis Navarro, Biden for President Campaign Manager.  “Throughout his career, Sen. Biden has been committed to supporting our men and women in uniform.”

The Biden for President Campaign will feature ‘Veterans for Biden’ on its website and allow veterans throughout the country to sign up online and become part of the campaign.

New Hampshire Veterans Support McCain

NEW HAMPSHIRE VETERANS SUPPORT MCCAIN

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that well over 200 Granite State veterans have joined the Arizona Senator's team as members of the New Hampshire Veterans Advisory Coalition.
"With Pearl Harbor veterans and a number of Iraq War vets, this coalition spans the state, every military branch, and many of the major battles in our country's history," said Sergeant Major and advisory committee chair Paul Chevalier (Ret.). "This group of men and women represents the service and sacrifice of generations of America's veterans and we all stand proudly behind John McCain."

Airman First Class and advisory committee co-chair Dr. Griff Dalianis added, "John McCain has dedicated his life to serving his country. Throughout his Congressional career, he has fought for veterans and their families. New Hampshire Veterans for McCain will continue to grow and work on Senator McCain's behalf."

Senator John McCain applauds the service of these respected veterans and is proud to have their support. "These men, women, and their families have all made sacrifices on behalf of our great country," said Senator McCain. "I am honored to have their support and I look forward to their leadership as we move ahead in New Hampshire."

Barry Wynn to Serve As Giuliani South Carolina Chairman

Barry Wynn to Serve As Giuliani South Carolina Chairman

New York – The Rudy Giuliani campaign announced today that Barry Wynn will serve as the South Carolina Chairman of Mayor Giuliani’s presidential campaign.

Wynn, a former chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party, has been an integral member of Mayor Giuliani’s team, serving as South Carolina Finance Co-Chairman and helping to build the campaign’s political and finance teams.

“Rudy Giuliani has the common sense, experience, and vision that South Carolinians are looking for in their next President. I’m proud to support Rudy and am eager to help share his vision as Chairman of his South Carolina campaign,” Wynn said.

“Barry has been a driving force behind our success in South Carolina and he is the natural choice to lead our efforts in the Palmetto State,” Giuliani campaign Political Director Mark Campbell said.

Wynn played prominent roles in both campaigns of President George W. Bush in South Carolina and served as South Carolina Finance Chair for President George H.W. Bush in 1992.

Governor Mitt Romney Names The Iowa Business Coalition

Governor Mitt Romney Names The Iowa Business Coalition

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney named the Romney for President Iowa Business Coalition.  Led by Statewide Chair Jamie Myers and County Chairs in 20 counties across the state, this group of business leaders will work to ensure Iowa voters know that Governor Romney is the candidate who has put forth strong pro-growth economic policies and will bring real change to Washington.

"Business leaders across the state of Iowa and throughout the nation understand the need to meet this generation's economic challenges.  They understand that their businesses will thrive in a climate of low taxes and less government regulation.  Most importantly, they understand that we need a conservative change in Washington to address these challenges.  I look forward to working with these business leaders to promote our plan for a stronger economy," said Governor Romney.

Leading this group, Chair and Regency Companies President Jamie Myers said, "Governor Romney is a proven leader with a proven record of transformation.  He transformed companies into thriving businesses, a debt-ridden Olympics into a remarkable success, and a budget deficit into a balanced budget without raising taxes or borrowing more money.  Governor Romney has the experience and know-how to make positive, conservative changes in Washington."   

The Romney For President Iowa Business Coalition:

Black Hawk County:

• Jim Buschkamp, Owner, Creative Services

Dallas County:   

• Tom and LaDonna Gratias
• Jamie Myers, President, Regency Companies
• Gary Wiggins, Gary Wiggins Insurance

Davis County:

• Lloyd And Lynn Mietzner, Owners, Mietzner Chiropractic

Dubuque County:

• Arnie Honkamp, Managing Partner, Honkamp Krueger & Co.
• Marianne Yount, Owner, Annie's Lil Bits

Hardin County:

• Andy Cable, Diversified Interests

Humboldt County:

• Roger Lindeman, Owner, Home Town Baskets

Johnson County:

• Keith Steurer, Owner, New Millennium Promotions

Linn County:

• Tim Palmer, President, Clover Hill Creations

Louisa County:

• Jason Hutcheson

Marshall County:

• Pastor Dan Caldwell, Retired
• Betty Caldwell, Retired
• Buck Dates, Retired
• Georgia Dates, Retired

Palo Alto County:

• Mike And Gennifer Scott, Owners, Scott Telephone & Telecom, Inc.

Plymouth County:

• Alan Lucken

Polk County:

• Mike Carver, Commercial Real Estate Broker
• David Greenspon, Competitive Edge Advertising Specialty
• Jon Gruber, Owner, Riverside Consulting
• Brian Patterson, Co-Owner, Burd & Patterson Design
• David Payer, Owner, Omni Internet

Pottawattamie County:

• Tony Beck, President, Beck Accounting Services
• Don Coats
• Doug Coziahr, Convenience Store Operator
• Liz Doll
• Scott Doll
• David Edwards
• Steve Johnson, Realtor, Heartland Properties
• State Representative Doug Struyk, Co-Owner, Struyk Turf
• Vern Welch, Retired Consultant

Scott County:

• Brian Kennedy

Story County:

• Dennis Freeman, President, Freeman Financial Services
• Kevin Kimle, President, Decision Commodities
• Jim Kurtenbach, General Partner, Prairie Oak Capital LLC

Union County:

• Jerry Hartman, Owner, Action Photo

Warren County:

• Ryan Ellis
• Doug Shull, Retired

Webster County:

• Terri Dillion, Owner, Dust-Tex

Woodbury County: 

• Debi Durham

* Organization and business names are listed for identification purposes only and should not be construed as endorsements by such organizations or businesses.

ABC Draws All Candidates For August Debates In Iowa

ABC Draws All Candidates for August Debates
June 19, 2007 3:58 PM

ABC News' Jordan Hultine Reports: All of the current presidential contenders have confirmed their attendance at the two presidential debates being hosted by ABC News in Iowa this August.

The debates will be co-hosted by ABC News affiliate station ABC5 WOI-TV.

The Republicans will debate Sunday, August 5, and the Democrats will follow on Sunday, August 19. Both will be held at Drake University.

Romney For President Launches New Television Ad, "Work Like Crazy"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD, "WORK LIKE CRAZY"

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President launched its newest television ad, "Work Like Crazy."  The ad highlights Governor Romney's message of conservative change in Washington through lower government spending and lower taxes.  In the private sector, at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games and as Governor of Massachusetts, Mitt Romney brought change to institutions and turned them around.  He will do the same for Washington.

The ad will begin airing as part of the campaign's rotation today in Iowa and New Hampshire.  Scripts and viewing links are below.

Script For "Work Like Crazy" (TV:30):

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "We have an opportunity to really make a change in this country.

"Government is simply too big.  State government's too big.  The federal government's too big.  It's spending too much.

"I'm going to cut spending.  I'm going to cut taxes.

"Lower marginal tax rates for all Americans.  Get taxes down.  Make them simpler, and flatter, and lower.

"I've brought change to every institution I've touched.  I'm going to work like crazy to go to Washington and bring change there.

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

And The Winner Is "You and I" By Celine Dion

AND THE WINNER IS… 

Hillary Clinton announced the winner of her online song competition in a web video released today. 

“I want to thank the thousands of people who wrote in with fantastic suggestions and engaged with us online,” Clinton said. “It was a tough choice, but you’ll be hearing many of these great songs at rallies across the country. And now, without further delay, the winner is…” 

Go to www.hillaryclinton.com to watch the video and find out what song Hillary chose as her official campaign anthem. 

BY THE NUMBERS 

1,000,000+: Number of views of Hillary’s two web videos announcing the song contest on YouTube and her website 

200,000+: Number of votes for Hillary’s official campaign song 

25,000+: Number of song write-in suggestions on Hillary’s website

Obama Campaign Launches Text Messaging Initiative

Obama Campaign Launches Comprehensive Text Messaging Initiative to Expand Grassroots Network and Organize Supporters Supporters Can Text “Go” to OBAMA (62262) to Sign Up for Text Messaging 

Chicago, IL-The Obama campaign announced the launch of a new text messaging service today that will be used as a key tool to organize for events, build on the grassroots volunteer network and add to the growing base of support for Barack Obama’s campaign to change this country. 

“This campaign is about the people across the country who are taking organizing into their own hands and text messaging is a key tool that will help us reach out to people who rely on their mobile phone service for information,”  said Joe Rospars, new media director for the Obama campaign.  “This is a service we hope to use to continue to communicate with our growing base of supporters who are excited about playing an active role in our efforts to change this country.” 

How will Obama Text Messaging Program Work? 

With millions of Americans relying on cell phones, this new service will enable the campaign to not only communicate news about events and campaign developments, but it will also allow users to request information from the campaign.  The campaign will use text to inform supporters about important public appearance and ask for opinions and advice. 

How can Obama supporters join? 

Anyone who texts “GO” to OBAMA (62262)  will receive a free bumper sticker between now and June 30th.  There is a low threshold to join and the Obama campaign will not charge anyone for text messaging. Participants will just pay their standard text messaging rates to their own providers. Information about the program will also be available at www.barackobama.com/mobile. 

What are some of the interesting tools the campaign is providing to users? 

The campaign will utilize creative free ringtones and wallpapers to highlight Barack Obama’s positions and key statements on the war in Iraq, healthcare, up to date speeches and developments on the campaign trail. 

Supporters who produced the first ringtones include musicians from different genres including hip hop, rock and techno.

Minnesota DFL Party Launches New Web Site

Minnesota DFL Party Launches New Web Site

St. Paul, MN (June 19, 2007) The DFL Party today announced the launch of its new Web site. The site is available starting immediately at www.dfl.org.

“The DFL Party is committed to a common-sense vision of government based on the core Minnesota values of accountability, opportunity, prosperity, and fair play,” said DFL Chair Brian Melendez. “Our new Web site is one of our most important tools as we build a bigger, better, stronger party to elect DFL candidates across Minnesota in 2008 and beyond.”

The Party’s Web site provides many new features, including a greater focus on elected officials and candidates, more attention to the many communities that make up the DFL Party, extensive information on getting involved and attending precinct caucuses, and an easy-to-use calendar of upcoming local and state party events.

Statement From Rudy Giuliani Regarding Jim Nussle

Statement from Rudy Giuliani Regarding President’s Intention to Nominate Jim Nussle to be OMB Director

New York City – Rudy Giuliani made the following statement today regarding President Bush’s intention to nominate Jim Nussle to be the Director of the Office of Management and Budget:

“President Bush made a great choice in Jim Nussle for Director of the Office of Management and Budget.  The President’s decision was the right one for our country and for taxpayers. 

“Jim and I have long shared a commitment to fiscal discipline and I have every confidence he will continue to be an effective steward of taxpayers’ hard earned dollars in his new position. 

“As our campaign continues to grow our team in Iowa, I am grateful to Jim for his early support and for his hard work in helping our team get started.”