2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Biden Campaign Announces New Hampshire Steering Committee

BIDEN CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCES NEW HAMPSHIRE STEERING COMMITTEE CHAIR Building Granite State Grassroots Organization

Concord, NH (June 19, 2007) –Today the Biden for President campaign announced that Milford Democratic activist Ron Pieper will lead their New Hampshire Steering Committee.  

“I’m delighted that Ron is taking a principal role on the steering committee,” said State Representative Jim Ryan, New Hampshire Chair of the Biden for President Campaign. “As a leader in his community for years, Ron brings a wealth of knowledge to the campaign and knows what it takes to win in New Hampshire.  This committee will be an integral part of our grassroots effort, as we continue to reach out to voters across the state and talking about how Joe Biden is the most qualified and prepared candidate in the race.”  

“Joe Biden is the most experienced candidate in the field, Republican or Democratic,” said Pieper. “During the debate at St. Anselm’s College, he was honest and direct with New Hampshire voters and that’s what Joe Biden is all about.  I am honored to serve on the steering committee and I look forward to helping elect the next President of the United States.  He exemplifies the leadership skills that Americans expect from their President.”

Governor Mitt Romney Announces The Massachusetts Steering Committee

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES THE MASSACHUSETTS STEERING COMMITTEE

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced the Romney for President Massachusetts Steering Committee.  Led by statewide chairs former Lt. Governor Kerry Healey, The Honorable Jody Dow and The Honorable Ron Kaufman, this group of Massachusetts Republicans will help build Governor Romney's already strong grassroots support in the state.

Announcing the Massachusetts Steering Committee, Governor Romney said, "The people of Massachusetts have always had a powerful and passionate voice in our government.  The members of this committee are all leaders dedicated to strengthening our state and our nation.  Like we did in the State House, I look forward to working with this team to bring conservative change to Washington."

Massachusetts Steering Committee Co-Chair Kerry Healey added, "As citizens of Massachusetts, every member of this committee can attest to the leadership ability of Governor Romney.  We all witnessed as Governor Romney closed a nearly $3 billion budget gap without raising taxes or borrowing money.  Working together, we will help Governor Romney in his efforts to bring the same much needed change to Washington."

Dodd Campaign In Iowa Announces Statewide Field Leadership Team

DODD CAMPAIGN IN IOWA ANNOUNCES STATEWIDE FIELD LEADERSHIP TEAM

DES MOINES - The Dodd for President campaign today announced the statewide leadership team that will head up Chris Dodd's Iowa Caucus field campaign at the Des Moines headquarters and in regional offices throughout the state.

"This is a strong, energetic team that is taking Chris Dodd's Iowa campaign to the next level," said Iowa State Director Marc Beltrame.

"With their leadership in every part of the state, we can reach out to Iowa caucus-goers right in their communities and continue building a truly statewide organization from the grassroots up."

The Dodd campaign's Iowa field operation is overseen by Iowa Field Director Ben Rohrbaugh. Rohrbaugh came to the Dodd campaign following a successful run as the Field Director for Chicago City Clerk Miguel del Valle. He has previously served on Congresswoman Melissa Bean's re-election campaign, the Christine Jennings recount in Florida, and the John Kerry campaign in Michigan.

David Joseph serves as the campaign's Iowa Director of Voter Contact. Joseph most recently served as the DCCC's Indiana Director of Finance and Voter Contact for the successful campaigns of Congressmen Joe Donnelly, Brad Ellsworth, and Baron Hill. He previously served on John Kerry's campaign in Michigan and Dick Gephardt's Iowa Caucus bid.

Regional Field Directors will be establishing campaign offices throughout the state and coordinating local campaign and volunteer activities in their respective regions.

Northwest Iowa Regional Field Director: Mario Piscatella. Piscatella most recently served as Senior Advisor and Strategic Director for Pete Ashdown's U.S. Senate campaign in Utah.

Southwest Iowa Regional Field Director: Greg Neil. Neil has previously served as a Field Organizer for Indiana Congressman Baron Hill and Chicago City Clerk Miguel del Valle.

North Central Iowa Regional Field Director: John Yaggi. Yaggi has served on the campaigns of Kentucky gubernatorial candidate Bruce Lunsford, Indiana Congressman Baron Hill, and Chicago City Clerk Miguel del Valle.

Polk County Regional Field Director: Justin Lindsay. Lindsay has previously directed field and coordinated field programs in Michigan, as well as working on the John Kerry campaign in Michigan and the Christine Jennings recount effort in Florida.

Waterloo-Mason City Regional Field Director: Rich Wilkins. Wilkins has previously served on several state and federal campaigns in Pennsylvania, as well as John Kerry's presidential campaign in that state.

Cedar Rapids-Iowa City Regional Field Director: Ben Young. Young previously worked for Arkansas Congressman Marion Berry, as well as on the campaigns of Indiana Congressman Baron Hill and Arkansas Congressional candidate Jan Judy.

Northeast Iowa Regional Field Director: Kevin McTigue. McTigue previously served as a field coordinator for Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell's re-election, Field Director for Virginia Delegate Vivian Watts, and Michigan Volunteer Coordinator for John Kerry.

Southeast Iowa Regional Field Director: Chris Bowen. Bowen, a native of Burlington, Iowa, most recently served as a Regional Field Director for the Iowa Democratic Party's 2006 coordinated campaign. He previously worked for Iowa Governor Chet Culver's primary campaign and for the New Jersey Democratic Party.

Bill Richardson Minnesota Photo

Former Congressman Henry Bonilla Endorses Governor Mitt Romney

FORMER CONGRESSMAN HENRY BONILLA ENDORSES GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT

Bonilla To Serve As Honorary Texas Finance Chairman

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that former Congressman Henry Bonilla (R-TX) has endorsed his campaign for President of the United States. Congressman Bonilla will help build and expand Governor Romney's grassroots infrastructure across Texas and will communicate Governor Romney's vision of conservative change in Washington. Bonilla will also serve as Governor Romney's Honorary Texas Finance Chairman, helping Governor Romney raise the resources needed to campaign in Texas and across the country.

Making today's announcement, Governor Romney said, "I am proud to welcome a man as distinguished as Congressman Bonilla to our strong and growing Texas organization. During his time in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Bonilla fought to keep our military strong, our taxes low, and our government small. He represented his Congressional District with principled leadership, and I am honored to have his counsel and endorsement."

Announcing his support, Congressman Bonilla said, "Governor Romney is a proven leader, and is the only candidate who can bring real change to Washington. He has a record of strong leadership and problem-solving. He fought for conservative social and economic principles in the bluest of blue states. I am proud to support Mitt Romney for President of the United States."  

Congressman Mike Conaway (R-TX) has also endorsed Governor Romney.

New Mitt Romney Website Launched

New Mitt Romney Website Launched

Congressmen Doyle, Ortiz, Green and Reyes Endorse Richardson For President

Congressmen Doyle, Ortiz, Green and Reyes Endorse Richardson For President

SANTA FE, NM - Today, Governor Bill Richardson announced the endorsements of Congressman Mike Doyle (Pennsylvania), Congressman Solomon Ortiz (Texas), Congressman Gene Green (Texas), and Congressman Silvestre Reyes (Texas).

"I am privileged to have the support of such honorable men," said Governor Bill Richardson. "These are outstanding Congressmen who have provided leadership in Congress, and dedicated their careers to serving their constituents and improving our country."

"Having known Governor Richardson for many years, I have always been impressed by his experience, ability, and sincere commitment to our country," stated Congressman Doyle. "Our next President has to be prepared to address difficult challenges here at home -- and re-establish our standing abroad. I'm confident that Bill Richardson is the best choice to lead us back in the right direction, and I am proud to endorse his candidacy."

"Bill Richardson is the best Presidential candidate to work across party lines to solve the very real problems facing our country," said Congressman Ortiz. "I am proud to be supporting a Westerner, who understands and has experience with the issues of energy, water, transportation and land. He can reach many segments of our nation; and he understands our relationship with the rest of the world, a very rare talent."

"Over the years I have had the opportunity to work with Governor Richardson and see first hand how his leadership has helped not only New Mexico, but our country," said Congressman Green. "Richardson has the proven executive experience and record to be President on day one."

"I have known Governor Richardson personally for 20 years and he is the most qualified candidate for the Presidency," said Congressman Reyes. "Thanks to the actions of the current Administration, our nation's next President will face many challenges. The American people need someone with Governor Richardson's qualifications, experience and talent to restore our position of strength and leadership in the world."

Biden Receives Unanimous Endorsement Of The Delaware State AFL-CIO

BIDEN RECEIVES UNANIMOUS ENDORSEMENT OF THE DELAWARE STATE AFL-CIO

Wilmington, DE (June 14, 2007) – Today, Sen. Joe Biden received the endorsement of the Delaware state AFL-CIO for the Democratic nomination for President.  Sen. Biden is the first Democratic candidate for President to receive an endorsement from a state chapter of the AFL-CIO. 

“Sen. Joe Biden is labor’s favorite son and he has been loyal to labor his entire career in the United States Senate,” said Sam Latham, the President of the Delaware state AFL-CIO.  “We proudly and unanimously support Senator Biden’s nomination for President and appreciate his commitment to America’s working women and men.”

Sen. Biden has worked tirelessly on the issues important to America’s working families -- especially in his home state of Delaware, where he has made protecting jobs and promoting the growth of the various manufacturing industries a priority. 

He has fought to make sure that workers are free to organize and has supported the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act.  Sen. Biden co-sponsored the original legislation to establish guidelines to protect the health and safety of American workers on the job.  He also supports the Healthy Families Act, which would require employers with 15 or more employees to provide seven paid sick days to care for their own and their families' medical needs, providing millions of Americans with the flexibility they need to both take care of their families and remain working.  Sen. Biden has consistently supported an increase in the minimum wage, the rights of workers to receive overtime and the protection of Davis-Bacon wages.  Sen. Biden is also in support of a fund to make sure that workers exposed to asbestos get the proper medical care they deserve. 

The Delaware state AFL-CIO is made up of local representatives from various unions including the Commercial Foodworkers, Transportation Workers, Pipefitters and Plumbers, Bricklayers, Steelworkers, Ironworkers and Musicians unions.

John Edwards Picks Up Support In Michigan

EDWARDS PICKS UP SUPPORT IN MICHIGAN
50 Democrats endorse Edwards for president 

Detroit, Michigan – As Senator John Edwards visits Detroit to discuss his plan to guarantee quality, affordable health care to every American, the John Edwards for President campaign announced that 50 Michigan Democratic leaders are endorsing Edwards for president.  Edwards’ campaign to transform America already has the support of two Michigan leaders: Congressman Bart Stupak, who endorsed Edwards in February and former Congressman David Bonior, who is leading Edwards’ campaign as the National Campaign Manager.  In April, Edwards delivered the keynote address at the Michigan Democratic Party’s Jefferson-Jackson Dinner.

“I can’t think of anything more important that I could be doing than working to elect John Edwards our next president,” said Bonior.  “He is a leader in the fight for social and economic justice in our country and I’m proud to be a part of his campaign to create a working society where every person who works hard has the chance to achieve the American Dream.”

"Through his leadership on poverty, the minimum wage and with the victims of Hurricane Katrina, John Edwards brings morality and voice to issues too often ignored,” said Rev. Michael C. Murphy.  “The prophet Amos said 'let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.'  Senator Edwards’ willingness to speak truth to power embodies this spirit."
Former State Senator and environmental leader Lana Pollack endorsed Edwards saying, “I’m thrilled that John Edwards is running for president because he is not afraid to speak the truth on even the toughest issues. He is the only one taking on the issue of poverty in a way that counts. He clearly has the strongest position on the biggest environmental challenge we face -- global warming.”

Sheriff Mark Hackel said, “John Edwards is committed to the working people of this country. He cares about our future, jobs, and health care. He’s the one person who can bring us all together.”

“These are tough times in Michigan with many complicated issues,” said State Representative Fred Miller.  “John Edwards is the kind of leader with real plans to address the problems we are facing in these tough economic times in Michigan. As the son of blue-collar workers, John understands the concerns of Michigan’s working families and knows that now is the time to stand up and fight for what is right. My colleagues and I are proud to endorse John Edwards for president and ask others to stand with us to create a better America.”

Romney Announces Co-Chairs Of The Advisory Committee On The Constitution And The Courts

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES CO-CHAIRS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE CONSTITUTION AND THE COURTS

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced the Co-Chairs of the Romney for President Advisory Committee on the Constitution and the Courts.  Together, Professor Mary Ann Glendon and Professor Douglas Kmiec will lead a group of noted legal scholars and professionals in advising Governor Romney on judicial matters, separation of powers and federalism issues.  Additional members of the Committee will be announced at a later date.

"Too often, too many of the most important issues of our day are decided by a select group of judges.  This makes it even more important that we select judges who will respect our Constitution and the rule of law.  Mary Ann Glendon and Douglas Kmiec are two of our country's leading conservative voices on judicial matters and I look forward to their counsel as we move forward in this campaign," said Governor Romney.

With today's announcement, Professor Mary Ann Glendon said, "In the aftermath of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's decision redefining marriage, I had the opportunity to work with Governor Romney and see him in action.  He knows the importance of defending principles of judicial restraint.  I was proud to work with him then and am proud to work with him now as he pursues our nation's highest office."

Joining Professor Glendon, Professor Douglas Kmiec said, "More than any other candidate, Governor Romney understands the importance of nominating 'honest constructionists' – that is, judges with a genuine appreciation for the text, structure, and history of the Constitution and the laws as enacted. There have been far too many examples of late where the public has been given reason to believe that those charged with dispassionately interpreting the law have relied on partisanship instead.  It is as wrong to politicize the Courts as it is for the Courts to play politics.  For this reason, Governor Romney strongly supported the nominations of Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito, and he will appoint federal judges and justices in the same mold. With Governor Romney as President, I am confident that we will have a judiciary that will respect our Constitution and not legislate from the bench."