2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Governor Bill Richardson Reaches 10% In Iowa And New Hampshire Polls

Governor Bill Richardson Reaches 10% in Iowa and New Hampshire Polls
Momentum in key early voting states builds as voters learn of Richardson's unparalleled experience and hear his vision for America

SANTA FE, NM - A new poll by the Des Moines Register published today shows support in Iowa for Governor Bill Richardson has reached 10%, pulling him closer to the leaders in the race for the 2008 Democratic Presidential nomination. The new Iowa numbers come on the heels of the latest Zogby poll in New Hampshire which shows Governor Richardson's support there has also grown to 10%.

"Our strategy is simple and it's working," said Dave Contarino, Governor Richardson's campaign manager. "We have focused Governor's time and campaign resources in those early states to demonstrate that once people hear of Bill Richardson's extraordinary record and get to know him, support and the campaign's momentum would grow."

Bill Richardson has served 7 terms as a US Congressman, as US Ambassador to the United Nations, as Secretary of Energy, and is now in his second term as Governor of New Mexico.

"Bill Richardson is the most qualified and best prepared to be President and heal the divisions and take on the challenges facing this country today," added Contarino. "Our biggest hurdle is penetrating the media coverage that is mainly focused on the early poll leaders. When voters compare records and experience, Governor Richardson is clearly the top candidate."

The most recent Zogby poll in Iowa also showed Governor Richardson's support and momentum growing from 3% to 6%.

Women’s Campaign Forum Endorses Clinton

Women’s Campaign Forum Endorses Clinton, Joins Women Leaders Across the Country

Hillary Clinton was endorsed today by the Women’s Campaign Forum, a bipartisan group dedicated to identifying and promoting women candidates for elected office.  The Forum joins other prominent national women’s organizations supporting Clinton, including EMILY’s List, the National Organization for Women PAC, the National Women’s Political Caucus, the Women’s Political Committee and the Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy Committee.

“The Women’s Campaign Forum is proud to endorse Hillary Clinton for President of the United States,” said Ilana Goldman, President of the Women’s Campaign Forum.  “We could not ask for a better candidate.  She is simply the most qualified and experienced candidate in the field for the White House and she demonstrates it each day of the campaign.  She shows that women can succeed at the highest levels.  Hillary Clinton is an inspiration for our daughters and for women across the country who are running – or considering running – for elected office.”

“Hillary Clinton has shown that she does not just walk the walk, but she talks the talk – in fact, she’s leading the march,” said Senator Barbara Mikulski, a national chair of the Clinton campaign.  “She sponsored the Paycheck Fairness Act to ensure that women get equal pay for equal work.  She sponsored the Prevention First Act to ensure that women have access to reproductive health services.  She fought the Bush administration to make Plan B emergency contraception available over the counter.  She passed legislation to expand the S-CHIP program to provide more children with health insurance, and is working for another expansion to cover all children.  I am proud to see so many women leaders from across the country join me in supporting Hillary.”

“I am grateful for the outpouring of support I’ve received from The Women’s Campaign Forum and women across the country,” Clinton said. “I will continue to reach out to women and all Americans who are ready for change, and ask them to join me in renewing America’s promise.”

The Forum’s endorsement is the latest show of support from national women’s groups and an unprecedented number of women elected officials from across the country in their support for Senator Clinton’s historic bid.  As former First Lady of Iowa Christie Vilsack said, “Hillary has earned our support for her lifetime of work on issues important to women and families.”

NPR And Iowa Public Radio To Make Recordings Fully Accessible After Original Broadcast And Webcasts

NPR AND IOWA PUBLIC RADIO TO PERMIT FULL PUBLIC ACCESS OF JANUARY 9-10 PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES, FOLLOWING ORIGINAL BROADCASTS AND WEBCASTS

May 18, 2007; Washington, D.C. – NPR and Iowa Public Radio, which previously announced they will partner to produce two live national presidential debates in Des Moines for public radio on January 9-10, 2008, will make the recordings of these debates fully accessible to all media outlets and individuals, without license restrictions, following each of the original broadcasts/webcasts.

The public radio Democratic and Republican debates will take place in advance of the 2008 Iowa Caucus, which is January 14. They will be exclusive to NPR Member stations for the initial radio-only broadcast and available permanently through NPR.org, iowapublicradio.org and NPR Member stations’ websites.

“Debates are a core part of public radio’s public service mission, and our goal is always to give the broadest audience the widest opportunity to use the candidates’ ideas and words. Our decision to place these recordings in the public domain, without restriction, is a natural extension of our mission,” said Ken Stern, Chief Executive Officer, NPR.

According to Joan Kjaer, Deputy Director, Iowa Public Radio, “Iowa is in a privileged position with its long history of first-in-the-nation caucuses. Iowa Public Radio believes that it’s our responsibility to provide not only Iowans but the nation free and open access to the words and policy statements of those running for this most important office.”

These productions mark the second time NPR news is collaborating with the Iowa public radio station community to host presidential debates.

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson To Officially Announce Presidential Bid On Monday

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson to Officially Announce Presidential Bid on Monday, May 21st in Los Angeles, California
Event location changed to Millennium Biltmore Hotel

SANTA FE, NM - Governor Bill Richardson will be in Los Angeles, California on Monday, May 21st where he will officially announce that he is seeking the 2008 Democratic Presidential nomination at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel.

"I am running for President of the United States because I can bring together a country that is divided and partisan," said Governor Bill Richardson. "My background, experience and record as Governor of New Mexico, UN Ambassador, Secretary of Energy and Congressman, enable me to bridge gaps, achieve political solutions, heal partisan divisions and solve problems.

"I believe in America - the greatest nation in the world - but we must restore our leadership. We have lost our moral compass at home and abroad. I am optimistic about the future. America should not be afraid. We have to be bold, patriotic and confident that we can resolve problems and bring peace by working together. We need hope, faith, and optimism. Qualities that have always represented and defined the American spirit. We need experienced and accomplished leadership now more than ever. I believe I can best provide this leadership for our nation and help move American forward."

Romney For President Launches New Television Ad, "Secure Borders"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD, "SECURE BORDERS"

Boston, MA – Romney for President today launched its newest television ad, "Secure Borders."  The ad highlights Governor Romney's support for reforming our immigration system by strengthening our borders and implementing an employment verification system.  The remarks were made at an "Ask Mitt Anything" forum on April 3 in Derry, New Hampshire.

The ad will be a part of the campaign's spot rotation starting this weekend in markets in Iowa and New Hampshire.  Scripts and viewing links are below.

Script For "Secure Borders" (TV:60):

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "Yes Sir?"

QUESTIONER:  "How would you deal with the border issue?"

GOVERNOR ROMNEY:  "Number one, we should secure our border.

"And number two, we should put in place an employment verification system.

"And by that, I mean that everybody who is not a United States citizen, with a valid Social Security number, would be expected to get a card, with their name and their number and some biometric information.  And would indicate their work status, whether they have a visa that allows them to work here or not.

"And then when an employer is thinking of hiring someone, if they don't have a valid Social Security number, he asks for the card, or she asks for the card.  They input the number into the computer.  The federal database immediately tells them whether they're available to be working or not.

"If they're not, you can't hire them.  And if you do, you get the same penalties and fines as if you're not paying your taxes.

"Legal immigration is great.  But illegal immigration, that we've got to end.  Thank you.  And amnesty is not the way to do it.  Thanks so much, thank you.

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

Clinton Campaign Song Competition Draws Huge Online Response

Clinton Campaign Song Competition Draws Huge Online Response
More than 60,000 Votes Cast, 285,000 Watch Video

Hillary Clinton’s challenge to supporters to pick her campaign theme song has generated a tremendous response online, with more than 60,000 casting votes in little more than 24 hours since the competition launched.

Clinton posted a video on YouTube’s “You Choose ’08 Spotlight” on Wednesday afternoon, poking fun at her singing abilities and urging voters to visit her website and select a theme song or suggest their favorite. More than 285,000 people have watched the video, as the blogs and network television have drawn attention to Clinton’s innovative web campaign.

“Our song competition has generated an incredible amount of energy and excitement online,” said Clinton Campaign Internet Director Peter Daou. “By utilizing the Web in unique ways, we can continue our conversation with voters and reach thousands of Americans every day.”

Clinton’s website had already drawn thousands of visitors this week, after launching a text messaging effort to personally engage voters on their cell phones, and posting a video from President Clinton discussing why Hillary would make the best President.

On Monday, Hillary called on her supporters to text “JOIN” to 77007 to sign up for her text messaging effort that will provide people with campaign updates and photos.

And a video posted by President Clinton was one of the top-rated videos on YouTube this week, with more than 500,000 views on YouTube and Hillary’s website and regular play on cable TV.

As she kicked off her campaign, Hillary vowed to hold a conversation with voters online, announcing her candidacy in a web video and holding live web chats with voters across the country. Since then, she’s continued the conversation, posting regular HillCast web videos on her policy proposals and participating in an online townhall with MoveOn.org.

Governor Bill Richardson Calls for Fast, Comprehensive Energy Revolution

Governor Bill Richardson Will Be America's Energy President, Calls for Fast, Comprehensive Energy Revolution
Proposals Dramatically Reduce Oil Consumption, Incentivize Alternative Vehicle Market, and Save Consumers Thousands in Fueling Costs

WASHINGTON, DC - Governor Bill Richardson today unveiled a bold new Energy and Climate Policy Plan at a speech to the New America Foundation.

"Gasoline is back up over $3 a gallon and people are hurting," stated Governor Richardson. "Retail sales are down, as many American households do not have income to spread across high gasoline costs and other life expenses. Consumers are hurting because US energy markets are not diverse and competitive, and because we have fed our addiction to oil instead of ending it."

"We need an aggressive national energy and climate policy that helps Americans who are struggling to heat their homes, fill their gas tanks and that moves us to safe, available alternatives as quickly as possible. We also need a policy that will help the US meet the two great challenges of our era: energy security and global warming."

Today, I'm going to stake my claim to being the next President, the Energy President, on the concept of a fast, comprehensive energy revolution in the United States," stated Governor Bill Richardson. "We need a man on the moon program to end our oil addiction, but we need it faster and bolder than others have suggested."

Governor Richardson's five point framework breaks our oil addiction, creates competition and value for consumers, strengthens our national security, creates American jobs and will the lead the world toward effective climate protection.

Goal 1--By 2020, dramatically reduce oil consumption by as much as 10 million through a series of bold measures:

• Get low and zero petroleum plug-in cars into the marketplace, while sharply reducing the carbon emissions from our electric sector. The pure-electric vehicle offers simplicity and performance for an average daily commute in our larger metro areas, while the plug-in electric car or truck provides more range and flexibility for people who drive longer distances, as it can extend gas mileage above 100 miles per gallon.
• Create a well-to-wheels low carbon fuel requirement that reduces carbon impact of our liquid fuels by 30% by 2020, including ethanol and biodiesel. Requiring conventionally powered cars and trucks, to be flex fuel capable and provide tax credits to the first 10% of gasoline retailers who install renewable fuel pumps.
• Push fuel economy standards to 50 miles per gallon by 2020.
• Reduce oil consumption for other modes of transportation-ships, trains, trucks and planes through new technologies, such as fuel-switching to electricity and renewable fuels.

Goal 2 -- Create new efficiencies and energy sources in the electrical sector

• Call for a national renewable portfolio standard of 30% by 2020, rising to 50% by 2040 -- thus mandating utilities to provide a certain amount of renewable energy in the electricity sold to every consumer.
• Push for a law requiring a 20% improvement in energy productivity by 2020. This 20 by 20 proposal has been studied by the Western Governors Association and will save western customers $21 billion a year by 2020.

Goal 3 -- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions at least 20% by 2020 and 80% by 2040.

• Start with a market-based cap and trade system. By 2020 utilities and industry will be allowed to emit 80% as much global warming pollution as they do today. Combined with transportation sector savings, these changes will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2020.
• Move to carbon-clean coal using safe, long-term carbon disposal or sequestration, and deploy these carbon-clean coal technologies here and around the world.

Goal 4 -- Capitalize and invest in America's strengths in science and technology

• Establish a national energy innovation trust fund with a one-time funding commitment to provide needed research and technology support, invest in our world-leading institutions and science and technology programs.

Goal 5 -- America must lead by example and become a beacon of the New Energy Future.

• Immediately return to the international negotiating table and support mandatory limits on global warming pollution and keep atmospheric carbon below 450 parts per million.
• Cooperate with the European Union, the World Bank, the Asian partnership, the UN and our allies around the world to finance the small incremental cost of "doing it right."
• Work closely with fast-growing nations like China, Brazil, South Africa, and India so that they use new, low-carbon technologies to help meet their energy demands.
• Renew our relations with our largest oil supplies, Mexico and Canada, which supply about 20% of our oil and create a North American Energy Council to stabilize the oil and gas trade, build a continental electrical grid, help bring energy resources and productivity to market throughout the continent and develop a regional system for carbon trading.

Governor Richardson has a record of accomplishment on each of these challenges. As Energy Secretary, he pushed for aggressive energy efficiency standards, conservation in the midst of the California electricity crisis, a national renewable portfolio standard, and development of new vehicle technology.

As Governor of New Mexico, Bill Richardson has initiated mandates requiring utilities to meet standards of renewable energy production, supported generous solar, biodiesel and biofuel tax incentives, eliminated sales taxes on hybrid vehicles, and set aggressive targets to reduce global warming pollution. New Mexico is on track to exceed the Kyoto Protocols and has become the Clean Energy State.

"As a diplomat and negotiator, I have a record of dealing successfully with hostage-takers and tyrants," stated Governor Richardson. "Now I want to bring that experience to the task of freeing the United States from its status as international hostage to costly energy...and from the tyranny of oil dependence."

"I have a record, I have the will, and I am making this a central priority in my campaign for president," stated Governor Richardson.

"Sign Up America!" Enlists Over 24,000 New Supporters In 24 Hours

"SIGN UP AMERICA!" ENLISTS OVER 24,000 NEW SUPPORTERS IN 24 HOURS

Boston, MA – After nearly 1,000 Debate Watch House Parties and a highly successful national call day during "Sign Up America!", Governor Mitt Romney has signed up over 24,000 new supporters from across the country in just 24 hours.  The success of this event is an indication of Governor Romney's broad-based grassroots and finance support and will help him spread his vision for conservative change in Washington.

Addressing today's success, Governor Romney said, "Over the past 24 hours, hundreds have gathered at house parties and manned phone banks across the country in our successful effort to sign up 24,000 new supporters.  We have surpassed our goal and will continue building momentum in our effort to sign up thousands of new supporters for our message of conservative change in Washington.  'Sign Up America!' demonstrates what can happen when you apply innovation and reach out to new voters."

"Sign Up America!" Fast Facts:

• Total Number Of New Romney Supporters Signed Up:  Over 30,000
• Percent Of New Supporters Who Signed Up On The Web Site:  60%
• Number Of Call Day Events:  90 Call Day Events In 22 States
• MittRomney.com received more traffic on May 16 than ever before, as measured by daily unique visitors and by page views
• Total Number Of Debate Watch House Parties:  953
• Number Of States With Debate Watch House Parties: 48 states and the District of Columbia
• Number Of Parties In Arizona:  44
• Number Of Parties In California:  99
• Number Of Parties In Florida:  77
  • More Than 100 People Attended A Single Orlando House Party
• Number Of Parties In Georgia:  23
• Number Of Parties In Iowa:  55
• Number Of Parties In Michigan:  42
• Number Of Parties In New Hampshire:  41
  • House Parties Were Held In Every New Hampshire County
• Number Of Parties In Oregon:  22
• Number Of Parties In South Carolina:  16
  • More Than 200 People Attended A Single Columbia House Party
• Number Of Parties In Texas:  48

Bob Letourneau Joins Romney For President In New Hampshire

Bob Letourneau Joins Romney For President In New Hampshire

Boston, MA - Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced the endorsement of New Hampshire State Senator Bob Letourneau (R-Derry). Senator Letourneau will play an integral role on the Romney campaign, helping to reach out to voters and to spread Governor Romney's message of bringing conservative change to Washington.

"Senator Letourneau is an important figure in the Derry area and throughout all of New Hampshire. He is a leader in the New Hampshire Legislature and understands the importance of making government work again," said Governor Romney. "I look forward to working closely with him to bring conservative principles back to government and to end the status quo in Washington."

In joining Romney for President, Senator Letourneau said, "After joining Governor Romney at campaign stops in New Hampshire, and hearing from him in the Republican debates, I've decided he is the candidate best able to lead our nation forward and address the new generation of challenges facing our nation. His optimistic vision and fundamental belief in the American people will lead to a stronger America. I am proud to join Governor Romney's campaign here in the Granite State."

Richardson Announces New Hampshire Steering Committee

Richardson Announces New Hampshire Steering Committee

MANCHESTER, NH -Today, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson announced the formation of his New Hampshire State Steering Committee. The committee includes elected officials, Democratic activists, members of the business and professional community, and community leaders from around the state. The committee will act as a base of support for Richardson's Presidential campaign throughout the state of New Hampshire.

"I am thrilled to have such a diverse and active group of New Hampshire individuals supporting my candidacy," said Governor Richardson. "The Granite State is built on grassroots activism and retail politics, and there is no doubt that my Steering Committee is composed of people who will work hard in the coming months in every corner of the state to get my message of change and hope to the voters of New Hampshire."

Last month, Richardson announced the co-chairs of the Steering Committee, which include: New Hampshire State Representative Candace Bouchard, Democratic activist Dick Bouley, former New Hampshire Democratic Party State Chair Jeff Woodburn, and former New Hampshire Commissioner of Labor Jim Casey.