2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

North Carolina Democratic Congressional Delegation Endorses John Edwards For President

NORTH CAROLINA DEMOCRATIC CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION ENDORSES JOHN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT

Chapel Hill, North Carolina - The John Edwards for President campaign announced today that all seven members of North Carolina's Democratic Congressional delegation are endorsing Senator John Edwards for President.

The seven North Carolina congressmen endorsing Edwards are Congressman G.K Butterfield (D-1st), Congressman Bob Etheridge (D-2nd), Congressman David Price (D-4th), Congressman Mike McIntyre (D-7th), Congressman Heath Shuler (D-11th), Congressman Mel Watt (D-12th) and Congressman Brad Miller (D-13th).

"I am proud to have the support of these outstanding members of Congress," said Edwards. "They work each and every day to bring North Carolina common sense to Washington and to represent the people of our great state with dignity and honor. I value both their ideas and their friendship and thank them for their support."

Congressman Price endorsed Edwards saying, "The North Carolina delegation unanimously supports John's candidacy because we know his character, leadership ability, and commitment to our country. John's vision for our country is one of opportunity and common sense solutions to the challenges we face. He'll be an effective President, and we look forward to helping put a great North Carolinian in the White House."

Congressman Watt said, "I've known John for years and support his commitment to helping Americans climb the economic ladder. He has been in close contact with poor and working people and has studied the issues that impact them. It's a new way of approaching a presidential campaign - from the bottom up, rather than from the top down - and his success will set a wonderful precedent for how future presidential campaigns are run."

Mike Huckabee Hires Debra Vanderbeek In Granite State

Mike Huckabee Hires Debra Vanderbeek As Presidential Exploratory Committee Manager For Granite State

Little Rock, AR – Political veteran Debra Vanderbeek was hired to manage the Mike Huckabee for President Exploratory Committee in New Hampshire, it was announced today. 

“I’m very pleased that Debra has agreed to join my exploratory campaign in this capacity.  She has a distinguished track record of success in New Hampshire politics as well as the private sector,” Huckabee said.  “Importantly, she knows the people of this state – and her outstanding reputation will open up many doors.”

Vanderbeek, who will oversee the fundraising, volunteer and outreach efforts in the Granite State, is the latest to sign up for Huckabee’s effort. She joins New Hampshire State School Board member Fred Bramante and former City Chair of the Manchester Republican Committee Cliff Hurst who will serve as the New Hampshire Co-Chairs of his 2008 presidential exploratory committee.  Bramante and Hurst joined the Huckabee team last month.

“I’m excited to be managing Governor Huckabee’s campaign in New Hampshire,” Vanderbeek said.  “He is exactly the type of leader our nation needs and the type of candidate that New Hampshire expects.”

Huckabee, who served as governor of Arkansas from 1996-2007, announced he was forming a Presidential Exploratory Committee to explore a run for the White House on NBC’s “Meet the Press” with host Tim Russert in late January.

“New Hampshire voters want their candidates to earn their vote and that is exactly what Governor Huckabee will do,” Vanderbeek said.  “This will be a true grassroots campaign that goes town-to-town and door-to-door.”

“New Hampshire voters take their role in presidential politics very seriously – and they are responsible citizens who care who their next leader will be,” Huckabee said.  “I look forward to getting the chance to meet the people again and share my conservative values and ideas of vertical politics with them.”

Blount And Vinroot Support John McCain

BLOUNT AND VINROOT SUPPORT SENATOR MCCAIN
North Carolina Republicans To Serve On Tar Heel Steering Committee 

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign today announced that former North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Ferrell Blount and Former Charlotte Mayor Richard Vinroot will support the Arizona Senator’s presidential candidacy.  In addition, Blount and Vinroot will serve as state steering committee members for Senator McCain’s presidential campaign in North Carolina.

Blount and Vinroot spoke to the importance of Senator McCain’s resolute leadership.  “Senator McCain is the common sense conservative that North Carolina and our nation deserve,” said Blount.

Vinroot continued, “North Carolinians desire a leader who will focus on protecting our homeland, eradicating overstuffed budgets and wasteful spending, and keeping our economy strong,” said Vinroot.  “I know John McCain is that leader.”

Senator John McCain expressed appreciation for the support of both Blount and Vinroot.  “Ferrell and Richard are dedicated community leaders in North Carolina,” said Senator McCain.  “I am grateful they are serving on our steering committee and I look forward to working with them.”

Gerald Parsky Stands With John McCain

GERALD PARSKY STANDS WITH SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN
California Leader Supports Fiscal Conservatism & Spending Discipline

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign today announced that Gerald Parsky will support the Arizona Senator’s presidential candidacy.  In addition, Parsky will serve as senior economic advisor to Senator McCain’s presidential campaign.

Parsky spoke to Senator McCain’s fiscal conservatism and commitment to spending discipline.  “John McCain has been a trailblazer in the Senate in fighting frivolous government spending and bringing budgets under control,” said Parsky.  “I am honored to support his efforts to establish pro-growth economic policies, while reducing spending and the size of government.”

Senator John McCain said that having Gerald Parsky’s leadership and support will be an invaluable asset.  “Gerry has a remarkable public service record and keen understanding of economic policy,” said Senator McCain.  “Having his support means a lot to me personally, and I look forward to his advice and counsel as we move forward in this campaign.”

Maureen Mooney Joins Team McCain In New Hampshire

CONSERVATIVE LEADER JOINS TEAM MCCAIN IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
Maureen Mooney To Serve As Chair Of Conservative Outreach

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced the addition of Maureen Mooney, a New Hampshire state Representative since 2002 and influential grassroots leader.  Mooney will join the campaign as chair of conservative outreach in the state.

"Senator McCain has served our country with the type of honor few can claim and his conservative convictions set him apart in this campaign," said Mooney.

Senator John McCain spoke of his appreciation for Mooney's support. "Maureen has earned the respect of Republicans in New Hampshire as someone who cares deeply about the future of this country," said Senator McCain. "She is a strong supporter of conservative principles and tremendous asset to our organization."

Tom Loeffler Joins Supporters Of McCain

TOM LOEFFLER JOINS SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN
Loeffler To Serve As General Co-Chair

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that former Texas Representative Tom Loeffler will join Senator McCain's team and serve as a general co-chair. 

As general co-chair, Loeffler will be closely involved in the daily workings of the campaign, and assist with fundraising, strategy, and message development.

Tom Loeffler is currently founder, chairman, and senior partner of The Loeffler Group LLP.  Previously, Loeffler was elected to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives representing the 21st Congressional District in Texas.  During his service in the House, Loeffler served in leadership as deputy whip and chief deputy whip.

In 1987, President Ronald Reagan appointed Loeffler as principal coordinator for Central America in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs.

Loeffler served as Texas co-chairman for George H.W. Bush for President in 1988.  He was the Texas finance co-chairman for George W. Bush for Governor in 1994.  Loeffler was also the national finance co-chairman for Bush-Cheney '00 and south Texas co-chairman for Bush-Cheney '04.

"Senator McCain is a common sense conservative whose ideals and principles will guide us through challenging times," said Loeffler.  "John McCain has my full support in this important endeavor because we need a steady, proven leader with the experience to protect our nation and reform government."

Senator John McCain stated he was privileged to have the support of such a well regarded and recognized leader.  "Tom is a good friend and I am pleased he will be actively involved in this effort," said Senator McCain.  "Tom will play a very important role in our campaign and I will look to his leadership in the months ahead."

Mike Conaway Endorses Mitt Romney

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE MIKE CONAWAY ENDORSES GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY

Boston, MA – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Conaway (R-TX) announced his support for Governor Mitt Romney.  Representative Conaway will be joining the 23 other members of Governor Romney's Congressional Whip Team.

"I am honored to support Governor Romney and his vision of a stronger America.  He shares the values of the people of my District – a belief in strong families, a strong military and lower taxes.  A man of deep character and integrity, Governor Romney is the only conservative candidate who can bring real change to Washington.  I am proud to be a part of his team," said Representative Conaway.

Welcoming Representative Conaway's endorsement, Governor Romney said, "I am pleased to have the support of Representative Conaway.  Our country faces a new generation of challenges.  The solution is not more government but to call upon the strength of people in places like West Texas.  We are building a strong network in Texas and I am gratified that Representative Conaway will be serving on my campaign." 

Bill Richardson Signs Landmark Clean & Renewable Energy Bills

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson Signs Landmark Clean & Renewable Energy Bills to Create Jobs, Keep Air Clean

New independent poll cites Governor Richardson as a strong leader on issue of global warming

SANTA FE, NM -- Governor Bill Richardson has signed two bills that enact major cornerstones of his clean energy agenda and make New Mexico one of the top two states for renewable energy requirements.  The first law requires New Mexico utilities to produce 15% of their energy from renewable sources, such as wind, solar, or biomass, by 2015 and 20% by 2020.  The second law creates a Renewable Energy Transmission Authority to develop clean energy resources and market them to other states.

"In the absence of federal leadership, I feel a real sense of urgency to take action at the state level to fight global warming and strengthen our energy security," said Governor Richardson.  "Ramping up our use of renewable energy and reducing carbon-based emissions is the first step. These strategies also help to protect the environment, create high-tech, high-wage jobs and grow our economy."

The results of a new poll, conducted in New Mexico on behalf of the National Environmental Trust by Research & Polling, Inc.*, show a majority of respondents- 57% - say Governor Richardson is a strong leader on the issue of global warming.  Governor Richardson is the only person perceived as a strong leader on this critically important issue by a majority of poll respondents.

59% of those polled believe global warming is a serious problem, and a large majority believes the new Democrat controlled US Congress should take the lead in addressing global warming, renewable energy, and environmental protection.  In the absence of federal leadership on this issue, Governor Richardson has taken aggressive action to make New Mexico a leader in reducing carbon-based emissions and increasing the use of renewable energy.

In 2004 Governor Richardson signed New Mexico's first Renewable Portfolio Standard into law. This mandated that 5% of New Mexico's electricity come from renewable sources by 2006, increasing to 10% by 2011. The Governor's initiative that he signed into law this week dramatically increases these requirements and continues New Mexico's leadership in the area of renewable energy and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

In the past few weeks alone Governor Richardson has signed a major, five state climate change agreement, announced a new Tesla electric car plant for Albuquerque, and a biodiesel plant in Clovis, NM.

Jim Walsh Announces Support for Mayor Giuliani

Congressman Jim Walsh Announces Support for Mayor Giuliani

New York - Mayor Rudy Giuliani continued to build his New York Leadership Team today with Congressman Jim Walsh announcing his support.  Congressman Walsh is the longest serving Republican member of New York's congressional delegation and is the ranking member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education.

"I've always enjoyed working with Jim Walsh. He's a tremendous voice for his district and for New York's congressional delegation and I'm honored to have his support," Mayor Giuliani said.

Congressman Walsh said, "I know what Rudy Giuliani can do. I was proud to work with Rudy while he was Mayor and I've seen the direct results of his actions and his demands for accountability and high standards. When times are tough, he's the leader you want, and I'm proud to support him for President."

In 2006, Congressman Walsh was elected to his tenth term representing New York's 25th district. Walsh's endorsement follows recent endorsements from Congressmen Peter King and Vito Fossella, and the announcement that former New York State Republican Party Chairman Bill Powers and former Congressman Guy Molinari will chair Mayor Giuliani's New York statewide efforts.

Brian Reardon To Serve As Senior Economic Adviser

BRIAN REARDON TO SERVE AS SENIOR ECONOMIC ADVISER

Boston, MA - Governor Mitt Romney today announced that noted economist Brian Reardon will serve as Senior Economic Adviser to Romney for President. Reardon will join Economic Advisory Council Co-Chairs Glenn Hubbard, Greg Mankiw, and John Cogan in advising Governor Romney on economic policy.

"Brian's dedication to conservative economic principles has earned him widespread acclaim.  His experience in coordinating tax and economic policy at the White House will be a valuable addition to our already strong economic team," said Governor Romney.  "As our country confronts extraordinary economic challenges at home and abroad, Brian will help craft the sound strategies we need to keep our economy growing." 

Joining the Economic Advisory Council, Reardon said, "As governor of one of the most liberal states in the country, Governor Romney proved an unfailing champion of low taxes and fiscal responsibility.  He has displayed a dedication to the economic principles of Ronald Reagan that will help ensure the U.S. economy remains free and strong."