2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Romney for President Communications Director Matt Rhoades Statement On The Debate

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY STANDS OUT BY DEBATING SUBSTANCE

Manchester, NH – Tonight, Romney for President Communications Director Matt Rhoades released the following statement on the third Republican presidential debate:

"Tonight in New Hampshire, Governor Romney addressed the issues important to the American people – a strong national defense, a strong economy and strong families.  By talking substantively about the issues facing Americans today, Governor Romney stood above the crowd of candidates in tonight's debate. 

"Governor Romney is the only candidate who can change Washington and lead a stronger America into the future." 

New Ron Paul For President Website

Clinton Expands Iowa Leadership Team

Clinton Expands Iowa Leadership Team
Vilmain Named State Director, Winterhof Becomes Senior Strategist

On the heels of her strong organizational showing at this weekend’s Iowa Hall of Fame Dinner, Hillary Clinton’s campaign today announced a major expansion of her Iowa leadership Team.

The campaign today named longtime Democratic activist Teresa Vilmain as Iowa State Director. Vilmain will be responsible for day-to-day operations and running the campaign in the state. JoDee Winterhof will shift from state director to the role of senior strategist. She will become a chief surrogate for the campaign, traveling across the state to do more political outreach and expand on the campaign’s women and other constituency outreach, and continue to play a key role in the overall strategy of the Iowa campaign.

“Our campaign is expanding in a serious way,” said Winterhof. “I’m excited to work alongside Teresa Vilmain again, and am looking forward to getting out around the state and continuing to make the case to Iowans that Hillary Clinton is the candidate most ready to lead our nation from day one.”

A native Iowan, Winterhof also served as Chief of Staff to Senator Tom Harkin.

Vilmain is one of the most experienced operatives in the Democratic Party, having worked on the campaigns of Senator John Culver, Senator Tom Harkin and Governor Tom Vilsack and Lt. Governor Sally Pederson. A veteran of the 1992 and 1996 Clinton presidential campaigns and the 2000 Gore presidential campaign, Vilmain was a senior strategist on Vilsack’s presidential campaign earlier this year. She also has worked in senior roles at the Democratic National Committee and EMILY’s List.

“I am honored to join Senator Clinton’s Iowa campaign,” said Vilmain. “She is the only candidate with the experience and leadership to bring real change to our nation. I’m excited to work with JoDee Winterhof and the rest of the Iowa team to get that message out across Iowa.”

“JoDee Winterhof has done a great job getting our Iowa campaign off the ground, and look forward to continuing to work with her towards success in January,” said Senator Clinton. “By adding Teresa Vilmain to our Iowa leadership team, we are bringing in even more experience and expanding our ability to talk to more Iowans. I look forward to coming back to Iowa this weekend and talking to people about my vision for getting our country back on track.”

Governor Romney Announces South Carolina Statewide Finance Co-Chairs

GOVERNOR ROMNEY ANNOUNCES SOUTH CAROLINA STATEWIDE FINANCE CO-CHAIRS

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced the Co-Chairs of the South Carolina Statewide Finance Committee. Jim Anthony, Peter Brown, Bill Hewitt and State Senator Greg Ryberg will help Governor Romney raise the resources needed to run an effective campaign in South Carolina.  Drea Byars will serve as the South Carolina Finance Director.

"It is an honor to have the support of these South Carolina business and community leaders," said Governor Romney.  "With their help, we will continue to build our expanding grassroots network in this critical state and bring change to Washington."

Huckabee to Open Iowa Campaign

Huckabee to Open Iowa Campaign

DES MOINES, Iowa – The Huckabee for President Exploratory Committee announced today that its Iowa headquarters will be located in the heart of downtown Des Moines. The office, which will open within the week, will be in the ground floor of the Des Moines Building, 405 Sixth Avenue.

“There aren’t many spots in the city that have a higher profile and more traffic than the corner of Sixth Avenue and Locust Street,” said Bob Vander Plaats, Huckabee’s Iowa chairman. “Our mission is to let Iowans know about Mike Huckabee, his record as an authentic conservative with an impressive array of accomplishments as governor of Arkansas and his vision for restoring America’s greatness. And that location suits our mission to a T.”

Vander Plaats noted that Huckabee caught a glimpse of the offices during his most recent visit to Des Moines on May 26. “He recognizes an excellent campaign headquarters location when he sees one and he couldn’t have been happier. We’re looking forward to a grand opening with Governor Huckabee in the near future,” Vander Plaats said. “We’re also looking forward stepping up our activities leading up to the Iowa caucuses next January.”

Jim Ryan To Lead Biden Campaign In New Hampshire

KEY STRATEGIST TO LEAD BIDEN CAMPAIGN IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
Rep. Ryan Will Leverage Experience from Historic Midterm Election Victories

Wilmington, DE (June 5, 2007) – The Biden for President Campaign today announced a key addition to its organization in New Hampshire as State Representative Jim Ryan comes onboard to serve as New Hampshire State Chairman. 

Rep. Ryan has played a key role in recent Democratic successes in New Hampshire.  As the Grassroots Chair of the New Hampshire Democratic State Committee since 2002, Rep. Ryan has visited over 200 town or county committees, working closely with local leaders to build a critical electoral infrastructure for future campaigns. 

“The addition of Jim Ryan to our great team in New Hampshire is more evidence of our momentum in the state,” said Biden for President Campaign Manager Luis Navarro.  “We are excited to have Jim on board.  Jim understands the importance of New Hampshire in the Presidential nominating process, and I know that his expertise and his leadership that helped to turn New Hampshire blue will prove to be invaluable to our campaign.”

Joe Biden NH Debate More Reviews

BIDEN’S A HIT IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
Granite State Audience Declares Biden The Best At The Debate

Goffstown, NH (June 3, 2007) – Last night, the eight candidates took to the stage at St. Anselm College in Manchester, but it was Senator Joe Biden that struck a chord in New Hampshire and emerged as the clear winner.

Biden Wins The Debate - WMUR

“Another successful performance was given by Biden who gained thirteen points and moved in the ranking from 6th to first place among tonight’s focus group participants. Biden received the strongest gain among women.”

[WMUR, 6/4/07]

http://www.wmur.com/realtimeresponse/13435363/detail.html

Sen. Biden “Seizes The Moment” – Michael McCord, Portsmouth Herald

“Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware seized his moments by speaking passionately about taking action on Iraq, Darfur, Iran and campaign finance reform.”

Michael McCord, Portsmouth Herald

http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070604/NEWS/706040324

A Passionate, Break Out Performance – Beth LaMontagne, NHPols.com

“[Sen. Biden] did manage to have that break out performance, speaking passionately on allowing gay men and women to serve in the military, the war in Iraq and genocide in the Darfur region of the Sudan. State Rep. Jim Ryan, D-Merrimack, and co-chair on the Biden campaign, said he felt the senator came across as passionate and decisive. His mention of Darfur, saying it was America’s ‘moral authority’ to help, was the highlight of his performance.”

[NHPols.com, 6/3/07]

http://campaignsandelections.com/NH/articles/?ID=227

Biden Funny, Forceful, and Knowledgeable – Scott Lehigh, Boston Globe

“Biden was forceful -- and funny -- about letting gays and lesbians serve openly in the military. The candidate who seemed most knowledgeable about foreign affairs, he also spoke powerfully and passionately about establishing a no-fly zone to help end genocide in Darfur.”

[Boston Globe, 6/4/07]

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2007/06/04/a_night_for_obama_and_biden/

Biden Brings Passion, Conviction and Substance To The Table – Dante Scala, NHPR Guest and St. Anselm Professor

I think Biden is going to stick to his principles no matter what. He’s not in the same position as Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama and I think he’s going to speak out with passion and conviction and try to speak out with substance and bring that to the table and see whether that attracts voters or not.

On Darfur: For that moment, if you didn’t know anything about the polls, you’d think that Joe Biden was the frontrunner and everyone else was just following in his wake.

Biden experienced and passionate, it’s hard to beat Joe Biden on foreign policy – Scott Spradling, NHPR Guest and Co-Moderator of the Democratic Presidential Debate

On Darfur: That answer, his credibility, his foreign policy experience and the passion that he brought to that answer, is exactly why Republicans are happy right now that he’s not the frontrunner, because when it comes to the global war on terror and foreign policy issues, it’s hard to keep up with Joe Biden”

[NHPR, 6/4/07]

http://www.nhpr.org/taxonomy/term/15001

Joe Biden NH Debate Reviews

BIDEN GARNERS EXCELLENT DEBATE REVIEWS

Manchester, NH (June 4, 2007):  Joe Biden earned high marks from commentators and Democratic strategists for his second straight strong debate performance. Last night during the Democratic Presidential Debate in Manchester, New Hampshire, Senator Biden exhibited strong leadership and showed a command of the issues that Americans care about most. 

“Senator Biden had another good night.”

- James Carville, Democratic strategist

“I thought Joe Biden was on fire. He came in tonight knowing he had to move a little bit up front on the second tier and I think he did himself very well.  Overall, I thought all the top tier candidates did well and Joe Biden in the second tier.”

- Donna Brazile, Democratic strategist

“I don't think there was anyone who broke out, with the possible exception of Joe Biden. I thought Joe had a very good command of the issues. I thought he made a very good point in terms of supporting the supplemental appropriation for the troops. I thought he gave a very good explanation, sound, truthful explanation. We'll see what happens and see if he gets a bump out of that.”

- J.C. Watts, former Congressman

[CNN, Post-debate Analysis, 6/3/07]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vKPcK-XPqY

“By and large Joe Biden had a very, very good night.”

- David Gergen, Editor-at-Large, U.S. News & World Report

[CNN, Post-Debate analysis, 6/3/07]

“Joe had a great night last night. … He was very honest. He said, "Look, we can't end the war. We need 67 votes." When he talked about earmarks. When he was so passionate about those dying in Sudan. I think what his role is really going to be is sort of the John McCain role and that is, he is going to be Mr. Straight Shooter, Mr. Personality. That's where he can excel really; challenging the other candidates.”

- Roland Martin, WVON Radio broadcaster

[CNN American Morning, 6/4/07]

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman Launches Convention ‘08 E-Newsletter

Mayor Coleman Launches Convention ‘08 E-Newsletter

(Saint Paul) – Mayor Chris Coleman today launched the City’s first 2008 Convention Planning E-Newsletter, which will be distributed as convention planning unfolds over the next 15 months.  The City’s newsletter will provide updates on the planning process, information on how the convention may affect mobility in the city, and how people can get involved in this exciting and historic event.

 “Hosting a national convention is an incredible opportunity for the City of Saint Paul.  Before Saint Paul shines in the national spotlight, we want residents and businesses to be informed and engaged in the planning process.  This E-Newsletter is a great way for residents to stay informed about the Republican National Convention in 2008,” Mayor Coleman said.  “I encourage folks to sign-up and stay informed.”

To sign-up, visit: www.stpaul.gov/convention

Rod Pacheco Endorses McCain

PROMINENT RIVERSIDE REPUBLICAN ENDORSES MCCAIN
District Attorney Rod Pacheco Supports Arizona Senator's Record Of Leadership

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that former California State Assembly Republican Leader Rod Pacheco will support the Arizona Senator's candidacy for the White House.

"Senator McCain has consistently shown the courage to stand up and lead on the issues that matter most," said Pacheco. "John McCain's unimpeachable record of service and his commitment to conservative principles make him the candidate most prepared to lead."

Senator John McCain said that he was proud to have Pacheco's support. "Rod has made important contributions to the Republican agenda in California and I'm looking forward to having him campaign by my side," said Senator McCain. "He will be an invaluable ally in Southern California as we work to remind voters why lower taxes, sensible immigration policy, and a strong homeland defense are crucial to our prosperity."