2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

First U.S. Coin Featuring President John Adams Heads Into Circulation Nationwide Today

First U.S. Coin Featuring President John Adams Heads Into Circulation Nationwide Today
United States Mint Director Travels to Quincy, MA, for Launch of New Presidential $1 Coin

WASHINGTON – Millions of new John Adams Presidential $1 Coins are heading to the Nation’s banks and financial institutions. It is the first time the United States has featured President Adams on a coin. The United States Mint is marking the occasion with a ceremonial launch and coin exchange in John Adams’ birthplace of Quincy, Massachusetts, on Tuesday, May 22.

Those who cannot travel to Quincy may obtain John Adams Presidential $1 Coins at most banks and financial institutions throughout the country, starting today, May 17. Banks that run out of John Adams Presidential $1 Coins are encouraged to re-order them. The public may also order Presidential $1 Coins in bags and rolls at the United States Mint’s website www.usmint.gov.

“John Adams was a great patriot who helped draft the Declaration of Independence and served as Vice President and then President of our Nation in its early days,” said Director Edmund C. Moy. “This new coin provides the opportunity to learn more about our second President and his fascinating life. With the John Adams Presidential $1 Coin, like the George Washington Presidential $1 Coin before it, Americans are discovering that using a dollar coin is more convenient in many transactions.”

John Adams was the second President of the United States, and the coin commemorating John Adams is the second of the Presidential $1 Coin series, now in circulation. The United States Mint inaugurated the Presidential $1 Coin series in New York with the George Washington Presidential $1 Coin on February 15, 2007, in time for Presidents Day.

Nearly half a billion George Washington and John Adams Presidential $1 Coins have been ordered to date by the Federal Reserve for circulation. Public awareness of the new Presidential $1 Coins has tripled from approximately 15 to 20 percent in November 2006, when the designs for the coins were unveiled in Washington D.C., to approximately 60 percent in March 2007.

The United States Mint is offering financial institutions and retail businesses free informational materials via www.usmint.gov/$1coin. Students, teachers, parents and educational organizations can also access lesson plans and other free educational tools on the same website.

Congress authorized and the President approved the Presidential $1 Coins with the Presidential $1 Coin Act (Act) of 2005. The Act requires the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $1 coins honoring the United States Presidents in the order in which they served, with four new designs annually. Along with the George Washington and John Adams Presidential $1 Coins, coins featuring Thomas Jefferson and James Madison will roll out later in 2007.

Unique Designs Honor Historic Figures

The design of the John Adams Presidential $1 Coin, like all of the Presidential $1 Coins, was created to be bold and dramatic. Edge-lettering also draws attention to the inscriptions “E Pluribus Unum” and “In God We Trust,” as well as the date and the mint mark, distinguishing Presidential $1 Coins from all other coins in circulation today.

The new Presidential $1 Coins are identical in color and size to the Golden Dollar featuring Sacagawea, and have the same distinctive rim and tactile features to assist the visually impaired. The obverse (heads side) of each coin will feature an image of a former President and the years of his term of office. The reverse (tails side) displays an image of the Statue of Liberty and the inscriptions “United States of America” and “$1.”

Distributed through Banks and Other Financial Institutions

The United States Mint and the Federal Reserve are taking steps to enable businesses and the public to obtain the new John Adams Presidential $1 Coin and all of the Presidential $1 Coins, as they are released.

Like the George Washington Presidential $1 Coins, the John Adams Presidential $1 Coins will be shipped to banks and other financial institutions in rolls and small bags, unmixed with other $1 coins. Banks may order and store each Presidential $1 Coin up to two weeks before its introduction so financial institutions will have supplies on hand on the release date. The coins will be available to banks in unmixed rolls and bags for four weeks after the introduction of each design. However, banks should not hesitate to re-order Presidential $1 Coins after the four-week window, in case there are remaining supplies. The special ordering process begins again two weeks prior to the date on which a new Presidential $1 Coin is released.

Presidential $1 Coin Commemoration

Each President will be honored with a single Presidential $1 Coin, regardless of the number of consecutive terms he served, except for Grover Cleveland, the only United States President to serve non-consecutive terms. He will be honored on two coins. No living, former or current President can be honored on a coin.

For more information on the new Presidential $1 Coins,please visit www.usmint.gov/$1coin.

What They’re Saying … About Mayor Giuliani – Part Three

What They’re Saying … About Mayor Giuliani – Part Three

The New York Sun’s Ryan Sager: “Rudy won.” (Ryan Sager, “Giuliani Wins, Romney Loses, Ron Paul Loses, And John Mccain Treads Water Again,” The New York Sun’s “Latest Politics Blog,” www.latestpolitics.com, 5/15/07)

Sager: “[T]he terrorism round went to Rudy — and it was probably the most important round.” (Ryan Sager, “Giuliani Wins, Romney Loses, Ron Paul Loses, And John Mccain Treads Water Again,” The New York Sun’s “Latest Politics Blog,” www.latestpolitics.com, 5/15/07)

Flash Report’s Jon Fleischman: “[I] really thought Mayor Giuliani was in great form last night. [H]is performance throughout the debate was really … Presidential. I was impressed. … The debate winner: Rudy …” (Jon Fleischman, “The Winners: Rudy And The Gipper,” Flash Report Blog, www.flashreport.org, 5/16/07)

The Influence Peddler Blog on Giuliani: “He’s the winner.” (The Influence Peddler Blog, http://influencepeddler.blogspot.com/2007/05/moment-of-night.html, 5/15/07)

Captain’s Quarters Blog: “Giuliani Wins …” (Captain’s Quarters Blog, http://www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/archives/009983.php, 5/15/07)

Slate’s John Dickerson: “It was Rudy’s night.” (John Dickerson, Fox And Frienemies,” Slate, 5/16/07)

Wizbang Politics Blog’s Jim Addison: “Giuliani wins by a length … That’s the Rudy we love: the guy who tore up the Saudi Prince’s $10 million check when the royal began spouting about our foreign policy bringing on 9/11.” (Wizbang Politics Blog, http://politics.wizbangblog.com/2007/05/16/gop-debate-my-impressions.php, 5/16/07)

GOP Consultant John Feehery: “Rudy won tonight’s GOP debate in South Carolina.” (John Feehery, “Rudy Won,” The Hill’s “Pundits Blog,” 5/16/07)

Feehery: “[I]n my mind he won because he finally introduced the real reason he should get the nomination next year:  Hillary Clinton. … Rudy is the only one who can beat her. And that should be a good enough reason to get the nomination. America’s Mayor finally introduced Hillary into the Republican debate tonight. And that is why he won the debate.” (John Feehery, “Rudy Won,” The Hill’s “Pundits Blog,” 5/16/07)

American Spectator’s Philip Klein: “This was Giuliani’s ‘I paid for this microphone’ moment. … Tonight Giuliani demonstrated why he is the frontrunner for the Republican nomination. The Rudy who showed up tonight was the tough as nails prosecutor who took down the mob, the crime-fighting mayor, the leader who displayed steely resolve on the darkest day in American history.” (Philip Klein, “The Eye Of The Rudy Watch,” American Spectator Blog, 5/16/07)

Klein: “From the get go, he seemed more confident, and offered crisp clear answers on Iraq and spending. He also flashed his sense of humor …” (Philip Klein, “The Eye Of The Rudy Watch,” American Spectator Blog, 5/16/07)

Race 4 2008’s Kavon W. Nikrad: “Giuliani transcends to another level from the rest of the candidates when discussing the GWOT.”  “As evidenced in last night’s debate and this afternoon’s conference call, Mayor Giuliani transcends to another level from the rest of the candidates when discussing the GWOT. The passion, thoughtfulness, and determination that is evidenced in his voice when he discusses how we in the modern world need to come to grips with the threat that Radical Islam presents to our way of life and the future of our civilization is truly inspirational.” (Kavon W. Nikrad, “Rudy Giuliani Bloggers Conference Call Recap,” http://race42008.com/2007/05/16/rudy-giuliani-bloggers-conference-call-recap/, 5/16/07)

The Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza: “Giuliani stood out. Debates are all about defining moments, and Giuliani delivered the most memorable one of the early campaign season.” (Chris Cillizza, “GOP Debate: Winners And Losers,” WashingtonPost.com, 5/16/07)

Cillizza: “Giuliani also found his footing on abortion, focusing on his desire to reduce the frequency of the procedure and pointing to his successes in New York City at doing just that.” (Chris Cillizza, “GOP Debate: Winners And Losers,” WashingtonPost.com, 5/16/07)

Red State’s Rob Bluey: “Giuliani showed presidential form … It was so powerful that I found myself cheering him on in front of the TV.” (Rob Bluey, “Why Rudy Giuliani Won Tonight’s Debate,” http://www.redstate.com/stories/featured_stories/why_rudy_giuliani_won_tonights_debate, 5/15/07)

Right Side Of The Road Blog: “Rudy Giuliani … showed his passion, strength and dedication all at once …” (The Right Side Of The Road Blog, “McCain’s Wardrobe, Giuliani’s Passion & Falwell’s Legacy,” http://www.rightsideoftheroad.com/?p=481, 5/16/07)

Lincoln Logs Blog: “Rudy showed emotion.  He showed conviction.” (Lincoln Logs Blog, http://www.lincolnlogsblog.com/2007/05/16/rudy-ron-paul/, 5/16/07)

Iowa Democratic Party Announces Biden To Attend Iowa Hall Of Fame Awards Dinner

Iowa Democratic Party Announces Biden to Attend Iowa Hall of Fame Awards Dinner

“The Iowa Democratic Party is proud to announce that Senator Biden has rearranged his schedule to make the Hall of Fame Dinner a stop on his campaign,” said Scott Brennan, Iowa Democratic Party State Chair. “We have had many conversations with the Biden campaign and understood that travel and time constraints were issues, but the Senator wants to be in Iowa for this important event and now he will be here. Iowa Democrats are honored to have him and excited to see him.”

The Iowa Hall of Fame Awards Dinner is the first opportunity to see the Democratic Presidential candidates on the same stage in Iowa. The Dinner is also the second largest gathering of the year of influential Democrats across Iowa. Topped only in size by the Jefferson Jackson Dinner, being held this year on November 10 in Des Moines, the Hall of Fame is an annual event celebrating Party activists, supporters and the successes of the Democratic Party in Iowa.

Web 2.0 Meets Campaign 2008

Web 2.0 meets Campaign 2008
Podcasts and videos are among the features found on the interactive websites of US presidential candidates.
By Linda Feldmann, Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor

Web expands playing field

"What's clear is that the advent of Web 2.0 – the wave of social-networking, file-sharing, and collaborative sites that have come into common use – has expanded the playing field for presidential candidates in ways that were unthinkable just a few years ago."

Clinton Asks Supporters To Vote For Official Campaign Theme Song

IN YOUTUBE VIDEO, CLINTON ASKS SUPPORTERS TO VOTE FOR OFFICIAL CAMPAIGN THEME SONG
Hillary Will Announce Winner After Internet Voting on Website

Hillary Clinton is getting the 2008 voting started early, posting a YouTube video on her website this afternoon in which she urges supporters to cast their vote for her official campaign theme song.

Coming on the heels of her text messaging effort launched earlier this week, Clinton continues to engage with Americans and encourage them to get involved in her campaign.

“I hope people from across the country will go to my website and vote for the song they feel best represents our message of change and their hopes for a better America,” Clinton said. “And I promise to leave the singing to the professionals.”

Clinton’s video will be featured on YouTube’s “You Choose ’08 Spotlight” over the next week.

Hillary’s list of potential campaign songs includes:

• City of Blinding Lights - U2
• Suddenly I See - KT Tunstall
• I'm a Believer - Smash Mouth
• Get Ready - The Temptations
• Ready to Run - Dixie Chicks
• Rock This Country! - Shania Twain
• Beautiful Day - U2
• Right Here, Right Now - Jesus Jones
• I'll Take You There - The Staple Singers
• Write-in Candidates

Bill Richardson To Announce Monday In Los Angeles

Richardson to announce candidacy By Bruce Smith, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON, D.C. - New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, who has been campaigning for weeks for the nation's highest office, plans to announce Monday in Los Angeles that he is seeking the Democratic presidential nomination.

Yahoo News Story

What They’re Saying … About Mayor Giuliani – Part Two

What They’re Saying … About Mayor Giuliani – Part Two

The American Spectator’s John Tabin: “[R]udy Giuliani emerged the clear winner last night in South Carolina.” (John Tabin, “Rudy Was Way OK,” The American Spectator, 5/16/07)

Tabin: “[G]iuliani reinforced what should be the narrative of his candidacy, which is that he will be a tough president in a tough world.” (John Tabin, “Rudy Was Way OK,” The American Spectator, 5/16/07)

Daily News’ Michael Goodwin On Mayor Giuliani: “Home run, debate over.” (Michael Goodwin, Op-Ed, “Rudy Scores With Assist From Debate Rival,” Daily News, 5/16/07)

Politico’s Jonathan Martin: “[T]he former New York mayor comes out of this debate a winner …” (Jonathan Martin, “SC Debate: Final Thoughts,” The Politico, 5/16/07)

Martin: Viewers saw “the man who stood strong when his city and country were rendered weak.”  “The immediate and booming applause that Giuliani drew for his ‘how dare you’ moment was an ovation not for a politician or another presidential hopeful, but rather for the man who, as his campaign manager said after the debate, takes ‘personal’ such matters.  In that moment, the studio audience and assumedly the folks watching at home saw … the man who stood strong when his city and country were rendered weak.” (Jonathan Martin, “SC Debate: Final Thoughts,” The Politico, 5/16/07)

National Review’s Rich Lowry: “Rudy turned in a performance worthy of a candidate leading this field. He was funny, relaxed, and in command …”

National Review’s Kate O’Beirne: “The Republican audience was obviously eager for their contenders to go on offense against the other team. … [G]iuliani was most in tune with the audience’s desire. … He had a good night …” (“The Second Date,” National Review Online, 5/16/07)

Columnist Kathleen Parker: “Message: Don’t mess with Rudy.” (“The Second Date,” National Review Online, 5/16/07)

Human Events’ Jennifer Rubin: “Rudy Giuliani clearly brought his ‘A’ game … [H]e kept the focus on national security, the economy and even reminded Republicans that their common goal was to keep Hillary Clinton and her anti-capitalist views out of the White House.” (Jennifer Rubin, “Recap And Awards For Debate Winners,” Human Events, 5/16/07)

Ethics And Public Policy Center Fellow Yuval Levin: “This was Giuliani’s night. … He took command on several occasions, and whenever he was called on he had something sharp to say. … [O]n a whole range of issues he was able to project the image that made him popular in the first place.” (“The Second Date,” National Review Online, 5/16/07)

Columnist Mona Charen: “I think Giuliani won. … Giuliani had an ‘I’m paying for this microphone’ moment …” (“The Second Date,” National Review Online, 5/16/07)

Newsday’s Craig Gordon: “It was that kind of night for Giuliani -- where even his rivals’ attacks allowed him to play to his strengths.” (Craig Gordon, “At Debate, Rudy Scores Points On 9/11,” Newsday, 5/16/07)

NBC News’ First Read: “[Giuliani] deflected every veiled attack with humor ...” (NBC News’ “First Read,” 5/16/07)

New York Post’s Charles Hurt: “Giuliani’s defense of America … was a home run in the heart of red-state America …” (Charles Hurt, “‘America’s Mayor’ Homers In Second At-Bat,” New York Post, 5/16/07)

National Review’s Byron York: “The Ron Paul moment was just one of Giuliani’s strong points in the debate. He was solid on terrorism, solid on the war in Iraq, solid on taxes, solid on lots of things.” (Byron York, “Giuliani Up, Mccain Up, Romney Down, And Ron Paul Out -- Way Out,” National Review Online, 5/16/07)

The Weekly Standard’s Fred Barnes: “The debate--the significance of the debate anyway--was all about Giuliani. Given the chance to rise above the squabble … he seized the opportunity and got the biggest cheers from the packed auditorium of 2,500 Republicans.” (Fred Barnes, “Giuliani’s Debate,” The Weekly Standard, 5/16/07)

Barnes: “He saw an opening when others didn’t, jumped in, and made the debate his own.” (Fred Barnes, “Giuliani’s Debate,” The Weekly Standard, 5/16/07)

Author T. J. Walker: “In a spirited exchange, Giuliani finally had the opportunity to do what he does best: beat up on bad guys — in this case, those weak on terrorism.” (“The Second Date,” National Review Online, 5/16/07)

The Associated Press’ Liz Sidoti: “[Giuliani] drew some of the loudest applause of the night from the partisan audience.” (Liz Sidoti, “Analysis: Snipping Ensues As GOP Candidates Debate A Second Time,” The Associated Press, 5/16/07)

The Washington Times’ Stephen Dinan: “Mr. Giuliani showed the most spunk of the night …” (Stephen Dinan, “GOP’s 2008 Top Tier Goes On Attack,” The Washington Times, 5/16/07)

Public Relations Professional Amy Samo: “He was assertive … and proactive.” (Maggie Haberman, “Abort Stance Clear: Panel,” New York Post, 5/16/07)

What They're Saying, Part IV: John McCain At Fox News Debate

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING, PART IV: JOHN MCCAIN AT FOX NEWS DEBATE
McCain Knocked Questions "Out Of The Park"

Presidential Historian Michael Beschloss: Sticking To Convictions Is "A Big Part Of [McCain's] Persona, And You Saw It Last Night." MICHAEL BESCHLOSS: "It's hard, although I think the people running the debate did a great job. You know, one thing you really look for is conviction. And I love the fact that people mentioned Ronald Reagan so much." ... FOX NEWS' BRIAN KILMEADE: "So then John McCain should love what you just said, Michael. Because doesn't he stick with his convictions, right or wrong?" BESCHLOSS: "I think that that's a big part of his persona, and you saw it last night on Guantanamo and Iraq ... " (Fox News' "Fox And Friends," 5/16/07)

National Review's Michael Graham: McCain Knocked Confederate Flag Question "Out Of The Park" As The Crowd "Roared Their Approval." "One Confederate-flag question for Sen. McCain, a reasonable one related to his 2000 campaign, which he promptly knocked out of the park by essentially saying, 'Don't we have more important things to talk about?' The thousands of South Carolina Republicans in attendance roared their approval." (Michael Graham, National Review's "The Corner" Blog, "The No Nonsense Debate," www.nationalreview.com, 5/16/07)

Graham: McCain Delivered "Effective ... Serious And Substantive" Answer On Iraq. "There were other effective moments during the debate ... McCain's defense of the Iraq war. They were effective answers because they were serious and substantive, not pandering ... " (Michael Graham, National Review's "The Corner" Blog, "The No Nonsense Debate," www.nationalreview.com, 5/16/07)

The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza: McCain "Nailed A Number Of Key Policy Questions" And Showed He's "Best Able To Lead Given His Life Experience." "[McCain] nailed a number of key policy questions and generally stuck to his guns. Last night, McCain more successfully married style and substance. He was active without appearing antic and presented himself as [the] candidate best able to lead given his life experience." (Chris Cillizza, The Washington Post's "The Fix" Blog, "GOP Debate: Winners And Losers," blog.washingtonpost.com, 5/16/07)

Cillizza: "McCain Flashed His Wit" With Joke About Drunken Sailors And Congressional Spending. "McCain flashed his wit with his ... story about a former drunken sailor who took offense at having his spending habits compared to those of Congress." (Chris Cillizza, The Washington Post's "The Fix" Blog, "GOP Debate: Winners And Losers," blog.washingtonpost.com, 5/16/07)

South Carolina '08 Blog: "McCain stood his ground on several tough issues and expertly handled the Confederate flag issue." (Baufmuth, "South Carolina 08" Blog, "Thoughts On Last Night's Debate ..." www.southcarolina08.com, 5/16/07)

The Wall Street Journal's John Harwood: McCain "Had A Very Good Night." "[M]cCain had a very good night ... He was vigorous without being too energetic ..." (MSNBC's "News Live," 5/16/07)

Sen. John Thune (R-SD): "Nobody Understands The Issue Of Torture Better" Than John McCain. "You also have to keep in mind the importance of protecting men and women in uniform American men and women in uniform who serve beyond our shores. I think that was a point that John McCain raised. Nobody understands the issue of torture better than he does. I think he was responding in a way that's consistent with his experience but also understanding the importance of getting actionable intelligence that would prevent a future attack." (Fox News' "News Live," 5/16/07)

McCain Stood His Ground In Face Of Attacks, Delivered "One Of The Toughest Lines Of The Night"

New York Observer's Steve Kornacki: McCain "Put His Opponent In His Place." "After Mr. Romney very cutely referred to Mr. McCain's immigration plan as 'McCain-Kennedy' three times and then strained to tie it to 'McCain-Feingold' the Arizona senator moved to put his opponent in his place. 'I haven't changed my positions in even-numbered years, and I haven't changed my positions because of different offices I'm running for,' he said, to some surprising applause from the audience." (Steve Kornacki, New York Observer's "Bridal" Blog, "At Debate, Rudy Stops His Skid, Romney Wiltsby," thebridalblog.observer.com, 5/16/07)

Fox News' Carl Cameron: McCain Responded To Attack By Giving "One Of The Toughest Lines Of The Night." "[M]itt Romney, who took a shot at John McCain for some of the legislation that McCain is best known for, in each case working across party lines with Democrats. That prompted McCain to fire back about what some consider Romney's flip-flops in the past five years. ... Ouch. That was probably one of the toughest lines of the night." (Fox News' "News Live," 5/16/07)

Human Event's Jennifer Rubin: McCain Response To Attack Was "Best Counterpunch." "BEST COUNTERPUNCH: After Romney declared that he did not want McCain-Kennedy immigration reform to do for immigration what McCain-Feingold did for campaign finance, McCain retorted that he had taken and kept consistent positions on campaign finance reform and right to life and 'I haven't changed my position on even numbered years or changed because of the different offices I may be running for.' (Chris Wallace did not contain his laughter.)" (Jennifer Rubin, "Recap And Awards For Debate Winners," Human Events, 5/16/07)

The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza: "McCain Also Showed He's Not Afraid To Throw An Elbow." "McCain also showed he's not afraid to throw an elbow after former Gov. Mitt Romney (Mass.) criticized McCain's support for immigration reform and campaign finance reform. 'I have kept a consistent position on right to life,' McCain said. 'And I haven't changed my position on even-numbered years or have changed because of the different offices that I may be running for.'" (Chris Cillizza, The Washington Post's "The Fix" Blog, "GOP Debate: Winners And Losers," blog.washingtonpost.com, 5/16/07)

Clinton Campaign Announces Asian Americans And Pacific Islanders for Hillary

Clinton Campaign Announces Asian Americans And Pacific Islanders for Hillary
Congresswoman Matsui Endorses And Will Serve As National Campaign Co-Chair And Chair of AAPIs for Hillary

On Wednesday, Hillary Clinton announced the launch of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) for Hillary, a national initiative to organize and mobilize AAPI supporters.  Clinton made the announcement at an event to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month attended by leaders of the AAPI community.  In conjunction with the launch of AAPIs for Hillary, Congresswoman Doris Matsui announced her endorsement of Hillary Clinton for President and agreed to serve as national campaign co-chair and the national chair of AAPIs for Hillary.

“Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have a huge opportunity to make a difference in this election,” said Congresswoman Matsui.  “Hillary Clinton has been a consistent champion and friend of the AAPI community.  She is ready to be our next president and the AAPI community is ready to support her. I look forward to leading the charge to help make Hillary the candidate of choice for AAPI voters.

In addition to Congresswoman Matsui, AAPIs for Hillary will be led by prominent leaders from across the country.  As part of this effort, the campaign announced organizational leadership in six states/regions as well as committees focused on outreach for each ethnic group within the AAPI community (full committee list below).  The committees are expected to expand over the next several months, and the Nevada committee of AAPIs for Hillary is expected to launch next month.  Already, thousands of AAPIs have actively supported Hillary Clinton’s campaign by participating in fundraising and grassroots activity.  AAPIs for Hillary will harness the enthusiasm to grow this group of committed supporters and get them involved in new and existing campaign activities. 

“Many Americans, including we in the AAPI community, are ready for a change in leadership in the White House,” said Hawaii State Senate President Colleen Hanabusa.  “Hillary is ready to tackle the tough issues in this country that have been ignored for too long.  From immigration to health care to our role in the world, Hillary will be able to lead this country from day one and help us reclaim the American Dream.

According to the Census Bureau, the AAPI community is the fastest growing ethnic group in the country and currently represents five percent of the total population.  AAPIs have particular political strength in several early caucus/primary states.  For example, in California, the number of AAPIs eligible to vote has more than doubled from 1990 to 2005.  Currently, there are 2.5 million eligible AAPI voters in California, representing 12 percent of California voters. 

“AAPIs in California will play a major role in determining the next President of the United States," said Assemblymember Fiona Ma, Majority Whip for the California Assembly.  "It's clear that Hillary Clinton understands the significance of this community, and I'm proud to support her candidacy.”

AAPIs will also play a significant role in Nevada where AAPIs represent 4.6 percent of eligible voters.  There is also a tremendous opportunity to engage new AAPI voters in Nevada.  According to APIA Vote, a national nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that encourages and promotes civic participation of the AAPI community, only 42 percent of eligible AAPIs were registered to vote in 2002.

“I am thrilled to have the support of so many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and in particular, leaders like Doris Matsui,” said Hillary Clinton.  “We’re not taking any vote for granted, and I want the AAPI community to know that I hope to earn their vote.  Together, we can rededicate our efforts to creating better opportunities and brighter futures for all Americans.”

New Zogby Poll Numbers In Iowa

Romney Leaps to GOP Lead in Iowa; Edwards Keeps His Edge

Republican Mitt Romney has pushed from a distant third place into a small lead in Iowa, the continuation of progress he has shown since the first of the year in the Hawkeye state, while Arizona Sen. John McCain has has remained steady and one-time front-runner Rudy Giuliani has slid substantially, a new Zogby International telephone poll shows.

The telephone survey also shows that on the Democratic side of the aisle, the race in Iowa is remarkably stable – former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards continues to hold a small lead over Sens. Hillary Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois.

The poll, conducted May 14 and 15, 2007, included 511 likely participants in the Democratic caucus next January, which carries a margin of error of +/– 4.4 percentage points. The survey of likely Republican caucus–goers includes 478 respondents and carries a margin of error of +/– 4.6 percentage points.

Romney, who is also on top of the heap in the GOP race in New Hampshire, has nearly doubled since the last Zogby Iowa polling in March and has nearly quadrupled since January. Meanwhile, McCain has held steady over the same time period, while Giuliani has returned to where he was at the beginning of the year after a solid bump up in March. The percentage of undecided in the GOP race has remained constant at 22% throughout.

Republicans:
Romney 19%, Giuliani 18%, McCain 18%, Fred Thompson 9%, Tommy Thompson 4%, Tancredo 3%, Huckabee 2%, Brownback 2%

Democrats:
Edwards 26%, Clinton 24%, Obama 22%, Richardson 6%, Biden 4%, Kucinich 1%, Dodd <1%

Pollster John Zogby: On the Democratic side, Edwards’ work to build support among union households continues to pay dividends, and the benefit he gets from strong union support here in Iowa is very likely to spill over into good numbers for him in Nevada as well. Overall, Romney’s surge makes this a true three–way battle on both sides of the aisle. Lurking in the background are other figures, including Fred Thompson and Newt Gingrich on the Republican side and former Vice President Al Gore on the Democratic side, but there is no strong evidence that those potential candidacies will break through immediately into the top tier.”