2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Clinton Accepts WMUR/Union Leader/CNN Debate Invitation

Clinton Accepts WMUR/Union Leader/CNN Debate Invitation

The Hillary Clinton campaign today accepted an invitation to participate in the June 3 Democratic candidates' debate in Manchester, NH sponsored by WMUR-TV, The New Hampshire Union Leader, and CNN.

"The WMUR/Union Leader debate is an important part of the New Hampshire Primary tradition, and Senator Clinton is excited to participate," said Clinton spokesperson Mo Elleithee. "She looks forward to this opportunity to continue her conversation with Granite Staters and demonstrate why she is the candidate most ready to lead and deliver the change we need.

"We look forward to participating in the DNC's schedule of six sanctioned debates that begins in July."

Romney For President Announces Young Professionals For Mitt

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES YOUNG PROFESSIONALS FOR MITT

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President announced the D.C. Chapter of Young Professionals for Mitt – the first chapter of Governor Romney's efforts to involve young professionals in his 2008 presidential campaign.   Serving as Co-Chairs of the D.C. Chapter will be Alex Annett of Patton Boggs and Drew Maloney of Ogilvy Government Relations.

"Young Professionals for Mitt will be our flagship organization for reaching out to voters who are just beginning their careers.  In each of their professions, they are driving forces for new and innovative ideas.  With their help, they will be a driving force behind our campaign as we continue building support across the nation," said Governor Romney.

With today's announcement, Alex Annett said, "As young professionals, we are impressed with Governor Romney's pro-growth record and agenda.  He has balanced budgets, promoted entrepreneurship and transformed institutions.  He creates change and change is what Washington needs."

Joining his fellow Co-Chair, Drew Maloney said, "We are looking forward to helping Governor Romney raise the resources he needs to continue building his strong national organization." 

Over the coming weeks, Romney for President will announce several new Young Professionals for Mitt chapters across the country.

Romney For President Announces "Iowa Students For Romney" Campus

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES "IOWA STUDENTS FOR ROMNEY" CAMPUS CHAIRS

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President announced the additional Campus Chairs of "Iowa Students for Romney," a grassroots group that will inform their on-campus communities around the state about Governor Romney's plan to bring real change to Washington. 

Together, these sixteen young leaders will serve as Students for Romney Campus Chairs at their respective colleges and universities around the state. Romney for President announced the formation of the first chapter at the University of Northern Iowa in March.  Since that time, the organization has grown statewide.

"The hard work of these college and university students will play a pivotal role in the success of our grassroots organization," said Gentry Collins, Iowa Romney for President Campaign Manager.  "They understand that Governor Romney is the only candidate putting forward specific proposals and ideas to keep the opportunity for prosperity alive for future generations.  Each campus chair will organize fellow students and make sure their campus communities know that Governor Romney will successfully lead our nation to answers for the new generation of challenges we're facing."

Iowa Students For Romney Campus Chairs:

Donald Bladt (Cornell College, Chair)

Tristan Cook (Cornell College, Co-Chair)

Phil Jeneary (Central College):

Ashton Schmidt (Drake University)

Luke Martz (Iowa State University)

Geoff Gustitus (Loras College)

Colton Long (Luther College)

Casandra Young (Morningside College, Chair)

Kathryn Kotlik (Morningside College, Co-Chair)

Amanda Allen (Northwestern College)

Matt O'Brien (University of Dubuque)

Ben Johnson (University of Iowa)

Carrie Janura (University of Iowa)

Melissa Mozingo (University of Northern Iowa)

Janna Carson (William Penn University)

Michael Bahr (Ellsworth Community College)

Bill Jones To Chair McCain Campaign In California

JONES TO CHAIR MCCAIN CAMPAIGN IN CALIFORNIA
Former Secretary of State Stands Behind Common Sense Record

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that former California Secretary of State Bill Jones will serve as chairman of the Arizona Senator's campaign in the state of California.

As chairman, Jones will take the lead on Senator McCain's political outreach and use his years of statewide experience on major issues to help advise a successful statewide effort.

"John McCain's established record of leadership will go a long way with California's Republican voters. He has been a leader on our critically important issues for many years and understands the challenges facing California better than any other candidate," said Jones. "Senator McCain has shown throughout his life that he is capable of making difficult decisions based on a set of core conservative principles and that's exactly the type of leadership Californians need for the future."

Senator John McCain stated that he was proud of the support and counsel he will receive from the former California Secretary of State. "Bill is a respected public figure in California and I am proud to have him on board," said Senator McCain. "He and I share a belief in the need for renewed leadership in America and I look forward to the discussion with Californians about what our country can be capable of in the future

McCain Campaign Unveils Alabama Campaign Committee

MCCAIN CAMPAIGN UNVEILS ALABAMA CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
Grassroots Campaign Structure Reaches Across State

ARLINGTON, VA. - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today unveiled its Alabama campaign committee, a statewide grassroots network comprised of individuals and public officials in counties across all areas of the Yellowhammer State.

Congressman Spencer Bachus, who serves as the southeast co-chair of the McCain campaign, said the structure represents the most organized grassroots effort of any presidential campaign currently operating in the state.

"Senator McCain has attracted a group of outstanding individuals and some of the most committed Republican activists in the state," said Congressman Bachus. "I'm proud to support John McCain and look forward to putting Alabama in his win column next year."

John McCain 2008 State Chairman and Alabama Attorney General Troy King said that Senator McCain's proven leadership, straight talk, and common sense conservatism are what drew him and other Alabamians to the Arizona Senator's presidential effort.

"John McCain is a true leader who says what he thinks and thinks what he says," said Attorney General King. "Alabamians like a man you can look in the eye and trust what he says is the truth and John McCain is exactly that kind of individual."

The campaign committee includes local elected officials, law enforcement personnel, veterans, legislators, and Republican activists.

Senator John McCain expressed his confidence in the organization. "I am proud to have the support of this experienced group of individuals," said Senator McCain. "Their counsel will be critical as we continue to build our grassroots organization in the state." 

Governor Mitt Romney's Video Channels Exceed 1.5 Million Viewings

Governor Mitt Romney's Video Channels Exceed 1.5 Million Viewings

Boston, MA – Governor Mitt Romney announced today that his innovative Internet video channels have topped 1.5 million total viewings after just 15 weeks in operation and continue to break new ground by dynamically streaming his message of change in Washington to Americans across the country.

Mitt TV now offers more than 100 different video clips in eight channels, including a documentary about Governor Romney's accomplishments, remarks on major issues, news and interview clips, full-length speeches, Congressional endorsements, and questions and answers from his "Ask Mitt Anything" events.

"A major part of our effort is to make sure we're getting our message to people who get their information in new and up-to-date ways," said Kevin Madden, Romney campaign press secretary.  "Internet video is certainly a very powerful and interactive new medium."

Mitt TV, the innovative Internet TV channel which is incorporated into the www.MittRomney.com web site, has accounted for a majority of the totals views with over 801,000 videos watched.  Governor Romney's YouTube channel, available at www.youtube.com/mittromney, has garnered over 705,000 video views – including the Governor's YouChoose Spotlight video, which is the most popular video produced by any 2008 presidential campaign to date.

"We program Mitt TV much like the campaign's own television network," observed Madden.  "Most of Mitt TV's content is original, and cannot be viewed anywhere else.  Mitt TV offers voters a unique opportunity to spend as much time as they want with Governor Romney, hearing his views direct and unfiltered."

MittRomney.com On Debate Night:

For the first Republican presidential primary debate on May 3rd in California, MittRomney.com will feature a section exclusively for updates from Simi Valley.  Make sure to check out this section of the web site on May 3rd for press releases, photos and video clips.

Fast Facts About Governor Mitt Romney's Video Channels:

• Of the 106 Mitt TV videos, the first chapter of the "Mitt Romney Story" documentary has the most views with 128,790.
• Of the 92 videos on Governor Romney's YouTube channel, "What Do You Believe is America's Single Greatest Challenge?" has the most viewed with 433,132.
• With 1,740 subscribers to his YouTube channel, Governor Romney has substantially more subscribers than any other 2008 Republican candidate.
• Governor Romney's YouTube channel has 60 videos with over 1,000 views apiece, more than triple that of the nearest 2008 Republican candidate.  Ninety-six videos on Mitt TV have over 1,000 views apiece

Maine Legislators Announce Support For McCain

MAINE LEGISLATORS ANNOUNCE SUPPORT FOR MCCAIN
23 State Representatives Endorse Arizona Senator's Strong Leadership

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that twenty-three influential state representatives in Maine will support the Arizona Senator's presidential candidacy.

Republican House Minority Leader Josh Tardy spoke to Senator McCain's strong support in Maine. "Maine Republicans want a leader who can get things done," said Tardy. "Building a strong team in Maine is made much easier because of John McCain's common sense approach and principled reputation."

State Representative Kerri Prescott commented on Senator McCain's record of service. "I'm honored to support John McCain and his steadfast commitment to the ideals that make this country strong," said Prescott. "We face serious times, and Senator McCain is a leader who has credibility and experience with the issues that matter most."

Senator John McCain welcomed the support of these Maine leaders. "I'm very proud of the amount of support I have in Maine," said Senator McCain. "These are respected public officials who work diligently to provide serious leadership in their communities. I look forward to having their support as we move toward a renewed perspective in this country."

Michigan Republican To Support McCain

MICHIGAN REPUBLICAN TO SUPPORT MCCAIN

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Michigan's 8th District Republican Chairman Larry Ward has joined a growing list of supporters in Michigan endorsing the Arizona Senator's presidential candidacy.

"Michigan is McCain Country," said Ward. "John McCain has both the experience and vision to lead our country during these challenging times. I am proud to support Senator McCain's common sense conservative record."

Senator John McCain stated that he was pleased to have Larry Ward's support. "Larry has a strong knowledge of grassroots politics in Michigan and is an excellent addition to our team," said Senator McCain.

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty To Visit New Hampshire

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty To Visit New Hampshire

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty will travel to Manchester, New Hampshire to attend the opening of Senator McCain's New Hampshire headquarters on Saturday, April 28th.

Michigan Leaders Support John McCain

MICHIGAN LEADERS SUPPORT JOHN MCCAIN
Livingston County Sheriff & Former GOP Chair Join Arizona Senator's Team

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte and former Livingston County Republican Chair Cindy Pine have joined a growing list of supporters in Michigan endorsing the Arizona Senator's presidential candidacy.

"Senator John McCain and I share the same passion and sense of responsibility to protect the American people," said Bezotte. "No candidate has the experience or is better equipped to serve as Commander-In-Chief than John McCain."

Cindy Pine spoke to Senator McCain's remarkable leadership record. "Senator McCain is the only Republican candidate with the leadership experience to guide our country from the first day," said Pine. "Unquestionably, John McCain is the candidate who has the common sense conservative credentials to lead our party at this important point in the nation's history."

Senator John McCain expressed his gratitude for Sheriff Bezotte and Cindy Pine's support. "Bob and Cindy are well-respected leaders in Livingston County," said Senator McCain. "Having their support means a great deal to me, and I look forward to competing in Michigan with their leadership and guidance."