2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Anne Dunsmore Named Giuliani Deputy Campaign Manager for Finance

Anne Dunsmore Named Deputy Campaign Manager for Finance

New York City - The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced that Anne Dunsmore has been hired to serve as the Deputy Campaign Manager for Finance overseeing fundraising strategies and activities. 

“Anne brings a tremendous amount of experience to our campaign and will be a valuable asset to us as we continue to build upon the strong support for Rudy across the country.  She is a great addition to our finance team,” said campaign manager Michael DuHaime.

As Chair, CEO and Founder of Capital Campaigns, a premier fundraising and event planning firm, Anne has developed one of the most advanced and comprehensive fundraising operations in the country – raising over $2 billion for more than 500 political and non-profit clients over the last 27 years.

She has served as Finance Director for many statewide and down-ballot campaigns throughout the country.  Additional, clients include the Republican National Committee, both of George W. Bush’s presidential campaigns and the first inaugural, the National Republican Senatorial Committee, Progress for America and the Republican Governor’s Association.

Edwards Gains Support Of More Than 40 Prominent Virginia Democrats

EDWARDS GAINS SUPPORT OF MORE THAN 40 PROMINENT VIRGINIA DEMOCRATS

Chapel Hill, North Carolina - Senator John Edwards continues to gain support from people across the country, and today the John Edwards for President campaign announced that more than 40 Virginia Democratic leaders endorsed Edwards for president.  These prominent leaders include state House Democratic Leader Ward Armstrong, numerous state legislators, a former President of the NAACP's Virginia State Caucus and a number of Virginia Democratic Party officials. These leaders join Virginia Democratic Party Chairman Dick Cranwell, who endorsed Edwards in February, in supporting Edwards for President.

"John Edwards will restore our standing in the world and lift up all Americans and Virginians," said Armstrong. "As we work to take back the Virginia state House, I am proud to have Senator Edwards as a partner in bringing hope and prosperity to all Americans."

"When I endorsed John in February, I said that it was because Democrats need to put our best candidate forward in 2008, and that John Edwards was the fastest horse in the race," said Cranwell.  "I am proud to see that so many strong Virginia Democrats agree."

State Senator Janet Howell endorsed Edwards saying, "He has specific plans to end the war, provide universal health care, fight global warming and strengthen the middle class.  Edwards is exactly the kind of leader we need."

Edwards Launches First Ad In Iowa

Edwards Launches First Ad in Iowa; Expands Effort to Urge Congress to Stand Firm on Iraq
Invites Iowans to Join Him in Speaking Out Against the War

Des Moines, Iowa – The John Edwards for President campaign today launched its first advertisement in Iowa as Senator John Edwards invited Iowans to join him in speaking out against the war in Iraq.  The ad is running statewide, including cable and broadcast television, beginning today.  It features Iowans who call on Congress not to back down to President Bush’s veto of the Iraq war funding resolution. 

“The American people have given Congress a mission to end the war - but that mission hasn't been accomplished yet,” said Edwards.  “Since President Bush continues to ignore the will of the American people, Congress has an important responsibility to stand firm.  This is a time for political courage, not political calculation. Congress needs to hear the message of Iowans and use its power to bring this war to an end.”

Edwards is also inviting citizens to submit their own video messages using YouTube technology, and he will release an expanded version of the Iowa ad online as more and more video messages are submitted. A previous online advertisement launched last week has already reached more than 170,000 views on YouTube.

The new ad is available at http://johnedwards.com/wethepeople-iowa

Script:

President Bush isn’t listening to Iowans.

He vetoed Congress’s plan to end the war in Iraq and bring our troops home.

We, the People, want Congress to stand firm.

Don’t back down.  Send him the same bill that you sent him before.

Iowans support our troops. And we have a responsibility to bring them home.

Because stopping a President who believes he can do no wrong...takes people with the courage to do what’s right.

I’m John Edwards and I approve this message.

Massachusetts Rep. Richard Neal Endorses Clinton

Massachusetts Rep. Richard Neal Endorses Clinton
Chairman of Friends of Ireland
Makes Announcement on Historic Day

The Clinton Campaign today announced the endorsement of Massachusetts Congressman Richard Neal.

"Hillary Clinton has the strength and the vision we need to turn this country around," Neal said. "Americans are ready for change, and Hillary has the experience to lead from her first day in the White House."

Congressman Neal announced his endorsement at an event in Washington, D.C. to celebrate a major milestone for peace in Northern Ireland. The endorsement coincides with the inauguration of a new Northern Ireland Assembly that will share power between Protestants and Catholics, fulfilling a major goal of the peace process that stalled more than four years ago. Senator Clinton and Congressman Neal, Chairman of the Friends of Ireland, have been active in helping to bring peace to Northern Ireland.

"Richard has been a tireless fighter for working families in Massachusetts and for peace in Northern Ireland. I'm honored to have his support," Clinton said.

"Today's historic inauguration of the Northern Ireland Assembly serves as a model to the world in resolving differences and restoring lasting peace through power sharing and the promotion of common interests among diverse groups," Clinton said.

Local Leaders Join Senator McCain's Florida Leadership

LOCAL LEADERS JOIN SENATOR MCCAIN'S FLORIDA LEADERSHIP
Hillsborough County Officials Help Steer Arizona Senator's Effort

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Hillsborough County Commissioner Mark Sharpe and Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee will help lead the Arizona Senator's campaign in the state of Florida.

"Whether he is opposing pork-barrel spending, promoting traditional values, or protecting our Second Amendment rights, John McCain's conservative record will make the difference in Florida," said Sharpe. "His commitment to a common sense approach to reform resonates with voters in this state."

"Senator McCain's record of service and his experience with the issues that are critical to making America safe make him the essential choice in this election," said Gee. "Our country faces tremendous challenges in the days ahead and John McCain's leadership will put in place the reforms our government needs to be effective."

Senator John McCain stated that he was proud of his support in Hillsborough County. "These are respected community leaders and I'm proud to have earned their support," said Senator McCain. "I look forward to a campaign and debate where we focus on the pressing needs facing our communities, government, and nation."

South Carolina Elected Officials Join Supporters Of McCain

SOUTH CAROLINA ELECTED OFFICIALS JOIN SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN
57 Town, City & County Council Members Endorse Arizona Senator

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that fifty-seven town, city, and county council members from South Carolina will support the Arizona Senator as he seeks the presidency.

The local elected officials supporting Senator McCain will provide "on-the-ground" guidance to the campaign and play an instrumental role in furthering his grassroots organization in the Palmetto State.

"The thing that sets Senator McCain apart is his deep understanding of the issues facing our country and the fact that he has the necessary experience to do something about them," said Horry County Councilman Carl Schwartzkopf. "There's no learning curve with him. He is ready to lead from day one, and in times like these, that is a crucial distinction."

Spartanburg County Councilman Rock Adams noted Senator McCain's personal character as a chief reason for his support of the Arizona Republican. "John McCain has led a life defined by personal character and integrity," said Adams. "He is someone our children and grandchildren can look up to. I stood with him eight years ago and I am proud to do so again today."

Senator John McCain welcomed the newest additions to his South Carolina team. "It is very encouraging to have the support of so many local leaders. We are putting together a strong grassroots organization in South Carolina and these individuals are critical to its success," said Senator McCain. "I sincerely appreciate their leadership and I look forward to working with them as we strive to advance the principles of common sense conservatism."

Obama Lays Out Plan To Reduce Our Dependence On Foreign Oil

Obama Lays Out Plan to Reduce Our Dependence on Foreign Oil;
Fight the Causes of Global Climate Change
During Speech at Detroit Economic Club, Obama Rolls Out Three Part Plan to Change the Cars we Drive and the Fuels we Use

Detroit, MI- During a speech at the Detroit Economic Club, Barack Obama today proposed a plan to change the cars we drive and the fuels we use in order to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and fight the cause of global climate change.  By 2020, Obama’s plan will cut our oil consumption by 2.5 million barrels of oil per day; take 50 million cars’ worth of pollution off the road; save more than $50 billion at the gas pump; and help the auto industry save millions of jobs and regain its competitive footing in the world.

Barack Obama’s plan focuses on three key components:

1. Fuel Economy Standards: Despite tremendous technological innovation in the auto industry, Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for cars have been held hostage to ideological battles in Washington for 20 years.  Barack Obama introduced a bold new plan, bringing together long-time opponents to gradually increase fuel economy standards while protecting the financial future of domestic automakers.  Obama’s plan would establish a target of four percent increase each year - unless the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration proves the increase is technologically unachievable, hurts safety, or is not cost-effective.  If the target is met for ten years, Obama’s plan will save 1.3 million barrels of oil per day and 20 billion gallons of gasoline per year. 
2. Help for Consumers: Under current law, tax credits are available for consumers who buy hybrids—but only if they buy one of the first 60,000 ultra-efficient vehicles produced by a given manufacturer. Barack Obama would lift the 60,000-per-manufacturer cap on buyer tax credits to allow more Americans to buy ultra-efficient vehicles. 
3. Help for Manufacturers: U.S. automakers are facing retiree health costs that add $1,500 to the cost of every GM car.  They are struggling to afford investments in hybrid technology.  Obama would encourage automakers to make fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles by helping the companies shoulder the health care costs of their retirees. Domestic automakers will get health care assistance in exchange for investing 50 percent of the savings into technology to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles.  In addition, Obama would provide automakers with generous tax incentives for retooling assembly plants.

Biden Receives Endorsements Of Key Scott County Officials

BIDEN RECEIVES ENDORSEMENTS OF KEY SCOTT COUNTY OFFICIALS
Legislators and Officials Will Announce Support in Davenport

Wilmington, DE – Sen. Joe Biden today will receive the endorsements of several key Scott County lawmakers and officials at an event in Davenport.  The prominent leaders announcing their support of Biden this evening include: State Senator Joe Seng, State Representative Jim Lykam, Scott County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jim Hancock and Scott County Board of Supervisors Member Roxanne Moritz.

"I am delighted to receive the support of these key leaders from Scott County," said Sen. Joe Biden.  “Each of them will play an important role in taking our message of rebuilding America’s middle class and offering a real plan for Iraq into the living rooms of voters here in Scott County and the state.”

“We have problems domestically.  He wants to address them and he wants to get us out of Iraq,” said State Sen. Joe Seng. “I like his sincerity.  I really feel he means what he’s saying and really wants to do what he says.”

Jim Lykam, who is in his fourth term representing Davenport in the Iowa State House said, “I feel that Joe Biden is the one who can lead us in these dangerous times.  Joe has a plan to get those troops home and that’s why I believe in him.” 

Roxanna Moritz, a member of the Scott County Board of Supervisors and former Alderman in Davenport said, “We need leadership.  Someone who can step into the office immediately, have a presence and have those foreign relationships that Senator Biden offers.  We’re looking for true change and hope and I think Senator Biden represents that.” 

Los Angeles Sheriff Joins Supporters Of McCain

LOS ANGELES SHERIFF JOINS SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN
Baca Stands With Arizona Senator

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca will support the Arizona Senator's bid for the White House.

"I am proud to support John McCain. He has an impressive record of public service, and his strength on the issues that are critical to keeping us safe sets him apart," said Sheriff Baca. "John McCain is a steady hand who will be able to step into our country's most important leadership role with the experience to be successful. I know as president, Senator McCain will address America's toughest public safety problems."

Senator John McCain said that he was grateful to have the support of Sheriff Baca. "Sheriff Baca is a respected leader in California and he understands the security needs of our urban communities," said Senator McCain. "I am proud to have his support and very much welcome his help in our efforts."

Davenport Mayor Ed Winborn Joins Team McCain

DAVENPORT MAYOR ED WINBORN JOINS TEAM MCCAIN

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Davenport Mayor Ed Winborn will join the Arizona Senator's campaign in the state of Iowa.

Winborn joins 23 other mayors across the state as part of the Iowa Mayors for McCain coalition. Davenport is the largest city in the state of Iowa represented by a Republican mayor.

"As a fellow veteran, I know that John McCain has a background that prepares him to combat terrorism, and keep our country safe and secure" said Winborn. "His experience will allow him to get results on the big issues our country faces at home and abroad."

Winborn served 19 years on the Scott County Board of Supervisors and 11 years as its chairman of the board. He has also served as Scott County Recorder, chairman of the Scott County Solid Waste Commission, chairman of the Bi-State Metropolitan Commission, and vice-chairman of the Quad City Development Group. Winborn has experience in the private sector as the owner and operator of Winborn's Sporting Goods.

Senator John McCain expressed his appreciation for Winborn's support. "Ed has shown his commitment to this country through his dedication to the military, business career, and public service," said Senator McCain. "I'm proud to have the support of such an accomplished Iowa leader."