2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Joe Earle Joins Romney For President

FORMER IOWA CHRISTIAN ALLIANCE DIRECTOR JOE EARLE JOINS ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT

Boston, MA – Governor Mitt Romney today announced that Joe Earle, immediate past Director of Outreach with the Iowa Christian Alliance, has joined his campaign for President.  Earle will provide insight and advice to Governor Romney as he works to build grassroots support across Iowa.

"I am very pleased to welcome Joe Earle to my Iowa campaign team," said Governor Romney.  "As my campaign gathers momentum, Joe will help to communicate my optimistic vision for the future to voters who agree that our nation's strength rests on a set of firm, unwavering principles."

With today's announcement, Joe Earle said, "Governor Romney has an impressive record on the issues that matter most to conservative Christian voters.  Whether leading the fight for traditional marriage, implementing abstinence education programs or standing strong on Life, Governor Romney has shown the integrity and leadership necessary to move our nation forward."

Todd Platts Joins Supporters Of McCain

TODD PLATTS JOINS SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN
Pennsylvania Congressman Endorses Common Sense Conservatism

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign today announced that Pennsylvania Congressman Todd Platts will support the Arizona Senator as he seeks the presidency.

"I am honored to announce my support for John McCain in his bid for the White House,” said Platts.   “Senator McCain’s distinguished record of opposing pork barrel projects, keeping a watchful eye on government spending, and slashing overstuffed budgets is what our country needs to maintain a thriving economy for the next generation.”

Senator John McCain spoke to having Todd Platts’ support.  “Todd is a principled public servant who shares my commitment to curbing government waste,” said Senator McCain.  “I am honored to have his endorsement and look forward to his leadership in the Keystone State.”

Cuban-American Leaders Stand With John McCain

CUBAN-AMERICAN LEADERS STAND WITH JOHN MCCAIN

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign today announced that famous prisoners of conscience Armando Valladares and Roberto Martin-Perez will support the Arizona Senator as he seeks the presidency.

“I have great confidence in John McCain because we belong to a brotherhood of men that have faced ruthless consequences because of our belief in freedom,” said Valladares.  “As President, I have no doubt Senator McCain will rely on his proven resolve to advance America’s role as a promoter of human rights and protector of global security.”

Roberto Martin-Perez spoke of Senator McCain’s commitment to freedom.  “John McCain has shown throughout his life that maintaining the greatness of America requires resolve, sacrifice, and principle,” said Martin-Perez.  “Senator McCain’s strength of leadership comes at exactly the right time.”

Senator John McCain expressed his appreciation for the support of these honorable men.  “These men are leaders who have demonstrated incredible courage in the face of oppression and withstood great adversity to promote freedom,” said Senator McCain.  “Their support means a great deal and I’m honored they’ve chosen to stand with me.”

Chris Dodd Opens Offices In Iowa And New Hampshire

DODD OPENS OFFICE IN IOWA AND NEW HAMPSHIRE

WASHINGTON – Senator and Presidential candidate Chris Dodd today announced the opening of his campaign’s first regional campaign office, located in downtown Des Moines. Dodd also announced that his campaign will open an office in Manchester, New Hampshire, in the coming days. The two offices will serve as headquarters for the Dodd campaign’s operations in two important primary states.

“Opening these headquarters are two important milestones in building Senator Dodd’s organizations in Iowa and New Hampshire,” said spokesperson Christy Setzer. “The more people get to know Senator Dodd, the more they see he is the candidate best equipped to lead America in a new direction. Soon, our new offices will be bustling with volunteers and staff, working to get Senator Dodd’s message out to caucus and primary voters in Iowa and New Hampshire.”

Dodd’s Iowa office, located at 1115 Grand Avenue in the heart of Des Moines’ revitalized downtown, is across the street from the Des Moines Public Library and Western Gateway Park and features more than 6,000 square feet of office space.

In Manchester, the Dodd campaign will be located at 379 Elm Street, near the Verizon Wireless Arena and in a space previously occupied by the very successful 2006 New Hampshire Democratic Party Coordinated Campaign.

The offices come as the Dodd campaign is building an experienced staff in both states. In Iowa, the campaign recently hired Marc Beltrame, a former aide to Congressman Leonard Boswell, as State Director; Taylor West, former press secretary for Governor Chet Culver, as Iowa Press Secretary; and two experienced field staffers.

In New Hampshire, Dodd will be assisted by Political Director Sean Downey, a former advisor to Senator Evan Bayh; Field Director Dana Kelly, a former political director of the Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire; and two field operatives with stellar histories in electoral politics.

McCain Announces Arizona Campaign Co-Chairs

MCCAIN ANNOUNCES ARIZONA CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRS
Senator's Commitment To Service, Conservative Values Attracts Local Leaders

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Arizona leaders will come together to co-chair Senator McCain's campaign in his home state. Today's announcement includes an impressive list of elected leaders who will work with state campaign chair U.S. Senator Jon Kyl to lead the Arizona effort.

U.S. Representative John Shadegg (AZ-03), a newly announced co-chair for Senator McCain's Arizona campaign, discussed McCain's leadership. "John McCain has not only been a close friend to me, but also to Arizona," said Shadegg. "There is a straight-forward, optimistic spirit that prevails in Arizona and no leader embodies that more than McCain."

Senator Jon Kyl, the Chairman of McCain's Arizona campaign, explained the importance of electing John McCain to be the Republican nominee. "The most important function of our federal government is to protect the nation's security, and John McCain's leadership on that and other issues make him the best candidate for conservatives and Republicans in Arizona," stated Senator Kyl. "McCain's ability to build alliances for security and conservative change is exactly what our country needs."

Senator McCain welcomed the support of his friends and colleagues from Arizona. "These are people who Cindy and I respect as friends and fellow public servants," said Senator McCain. "Having a collective effort from my friends at home means a great deal to me and it also provides a great base of support to discuss the conservative principles our country must have moving forward."

In the weeks ahead, the campaign will be announcing the Arizona Campaign Leadership Team, which will be an impressive list of key leaders from across the state that will head up an unparalleled grassroots effort.

Dodd Announces National Campaign Manager

DODD ANNOUNCES NATIONAL CAMPAIGN MANAGER, MAKES MORE KEY HIRES
Cohen, Andreeff Jensen add momentum to growing campaign

WASHINGTON — Chris Dodd for President today officially announced the addition of Sheryl Cohen as Campaign Manager and Julie Andreeff Jensen as Deputy Political Director.

Cohen is a long-time Dodd aide, having worked in both his political operations and in his official offices.

Julie Andreeff Jensen brings a wealth of presidential campaign experience to the Dodd campaign, having served in key political roles for John Kerry's presidential campaign. Andreeff Jensen served as political director for Kerry in several key states, including Iowa. She ended the campaign running Get Out the Vote efforts in Cleveland, Ohio, where she oversaw the largest Democratic turnout in Ohio presidential history.

"Sheryl's passion, talent and experience have been instrumental in helping me get things done for the families of Connecticut over the last dozen years," said Dodd. "She is a trusted friend and advisor, and I am honored to have her with me as we embark on this campaign to restore leadership that can get things done for all American families.

"Julie's depth of political experience will prove essential in Iowa and across the country. Their additions build on the growing momentum of this exciting campaign," Dodd continued.

Recently, former Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Gordon Fischer noted on WHO-TV's "Up/Down with Dave Price" that Andreeff Jensen's hire, along with that of Iowa state director Marc Beltrame, makes Dodd "a serious player in Iowa."

"Both Sheryl and Julie bring to the Dodd Team a wealth of experience of working to improve the lives of people across this nation, as well as a wonderful energy. Their intelligence and political acumen will serve Chris well as he travels across the county sharing his vision for America's future," stated Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro, a Dodd Campaign National Co-chair.

Bill Shaheen Endorses Hillary Clinton

Bill Shaheen Endorses Senator Clinton
New Hampshire Leader to Co-chair Campaign

CONCORD, NH – At the Merrimack Diner in Manchester today, New Hampshire political powerhouse and campaign veteran, Bill Shaheen announced his decision to endorse Senator Hillary Clinton for President and serve as her New Hampshire campaign Co-chair.

“I have decided to support Senator Clinton because she has the experience, wisdom and courage our country desperately needs from our next President,” said Shaheen. “What is most important to me is that Senator Clinton understands what is at stake in Iraq and she knows what it takes to get us out of there, rebuild our relationships around the world and solve our problems here at home.”

Born and raised in New Hampshire, Shaheen has considerable Presidential primary experience having served as the campaign Chair for John Kerry’s 2004 New Hampshire primary win, Co-chair for Jimmy Carter’s 1976 New Hampshire primary win, and Chair of Al Gore’s 2000 New Hampshire primary win.

“My campaign in New Hampshire is in exactly the right hands,” said Sen. Clinton. “Bill Shaheen brings so much with him and I am absolutely thrilled to have his guidance and leadership.”

“As a father of three daughters, I am honored to be part of this historic campaign that will help elect the first woman president,” said Shaheen.

“Bill Shaheen knows how to win New Hampshire primaries,” said Nick Clemons, Clinton’s New Hampshire State Director. “He will be pivotal to the campaign bringing a tremendous amount of excitement and energy with him.”

Chris Dodd Opens Iowa Headquarters

DODD OPENS IOWA HEADQUARTERS
Continues Building Strong Iowa Presence

DES MOINES – Senator and presidential contender Chris Dodd today announced the opening of his Iowa campaign headquarters in downtown Des Moines.  The office, located at 1115 Grand Avenue, will house the central operations for Dodd’s Iowa effort, with regional offices due to open around the state in the coming months.

The office opening marks another step in Dodd’s growing Iowa momentum.

“The more people get to know Senator Dodd, the more they discover that he is the truly experienced, thoughtful leader Americans are looking for.  And there is no better place to get to know people than in the living rooms and church basements of Iowa,” said Taylor West, Dodd’s Iowa spokeswoman.

In recent weeks, Dodd has brought on experienced Iowa staff, including State Director Marc Beltrame, a former senior advisor to Congressman Leonard Boswell, and West, former press secretary for Governor Chet Culver.

The new office is located in the heart of Des Moines’s revitalized downtown, across the street from the newly opened Des Moines Public Library and Western Gateway Park.  It features over 6,000 square feet of space for staff and volunteer operations.

John Edwards Announces Bold Energy Plan

EDWARDS ANNOUNCES BOLD ENERGY PLAN
Plan will halt global warming and create a new energy economy

Nevada, Iowa – In a speech today at the Biomass Energy Conversion Center, Senator John Edwards outlined a bold plan for America to achieve energy independence and halt global warming.  Under Edwards’ plan, America can lead the world in stopping climate change, create 1 million new jobs in a new, clean energy economy and freeze our growing demand for electricity.

“Our generation must be the one that says, ‘we must halt global warming,’” said Edwards. “If we don’t act now, it will be too late. Our generation must be the one that says ‘yes’ to alternative, renewable fuels and ends forever our dependence on foreign oil. Our generation must be the one that accepts responsibility for conserving natural resources and demands the tools to do it. And our generation must be the one that builds the New Energy Economy. It won’t be easy, but it is time to ask the American people to be patriotic about something other than war.”

Edwards believes that with American ingenuity and resolve we can turn the crisis of global warming into an opportunity -- ending our dependence on foreign oil and creating a new energy economy that embraces innovation, brings rural communities back to life and creates new, good-paying jobs.

The Edwards Plan halts global warming, achieves energy independence and jumpstarts a new energy economy by:

Capping greenhouse gas pollution starting in 2010 with a cap-and-trade system, and reducing it by 15 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050, as the latest science says is needed to avoid the worst impacts of global warming.

Leading the world to a new climate treaty that commits other countries—including developing nations—to reduce their pollution.  Edwards will insist that developing countries join us in this effort, offering to share new clean energy technology and, if necessary, using trade agreements to require binding greenhouse reductions.

Creating a New Energy Economy Fund by auctioning off $10 billion in greenhouse pollution permits and repealing subsidies for big oil companies.  The fund will support U.S. research and development in energy technology, help entrepreneurs start new businesses, invest in new carbon-capture and efficient automobile technology and help Americans conserve energy. 

Meeting the demand for more electricity through efficiency for the next decade, instead of producing more electricity.

H. Wayne Huizenga Joins Mitt Romney's Florida Finance Committee

H. WAYNE HUIZENGA JOINS GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY'S FLORIDA STATEWIDE FINANCE COMMITTEE 

Boston, MA – Governor Mitt Romney today announced that H. Wayne Huizenga has joined his Florida finance team and endorsed his candidacy for President of the United States.  Huizenga, owner of the Miami Dolphins and creator of three Fortune 500 companies, is a five-time recipient of Financial World Magazine's CEO of the Year and the 2005 recipient of Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year. Huizenga will join 78 other men and women named to the Romney for President Florida Statewide Finance Committee. 

"I am proud to have Wayne's support," said Governor Romney.  "He is an innovative thinker who has made tremendous contributions to our country and the global business community.  As a successful businessman, Wayne understands we can help ensure a more prosperous America through sound conservative principles like smaller government and low taxes."