2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

ABC News Will Produce Six Live Forums For Presidential Candidates

ABC News Announces Debates

ABC News will produce six live forums for presidential candidates, two in August 2007, two in October 2007, and two in January 2008.

The first two forums, co-sponsored by ABC NEWS and ABC5/WOI-TV, will be in Iowa, moderated by ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos.  The forums will air nationwide as special editions of This Week with George Stephanopoulos. The Republican forum will be held on Sunday, August 5, 2007. The Democratic forum will be co-sponsored by the Democratic Party of Iowa, and will be held on Sunday, August 19, 2007. David Yepsen, a political columnist for the Des Moines Register, will also question the candidates in these debates.  Both forums will take place in Des Moines, Iowa.

The remaining four forums will be held in New Hampshire, the first state in the country to hold a primary. The hosts will be ABC News, WMUR-TV, the Hearst-Argyle Television-owned ABC affiliate in Manchester, NH, and the New Hampshire Union Leader, in October 2007 and in January 2008.

George Stephanopoulos will moderate the two October town hall style debates. They will air nationwide in special editions of This Week with George Stephanopoulos.  The January debates will be held the week before the New Hampshire Primary.  Detailed information on the dates, locations and formats of the January debates will be forthcoming.

Raymond Cole, President/COO of Citadel Communications and Chairman of the ABC Affiliates Board of Governors, said “We are pleased that ABC News recognizes the unique role that Iowans play in the electoral process. Our stations in Des Moines and Sioux City, along with the other ABC stations serving the state are proud to be partners in these special broadcasts from Iowa.”

WMUR General Manager Jeff Bartlett said, “We are very pleased to be offering the voters of New Hampshire these opportunities to see the field of candidates running for president and listen to their ideas and plans for the country. New Hampshire has an important role to play in American politics with its first-in-the-nation primary and WMUR is committed to providing voters with as much information as we can in debates, news coverage, special programming and on our website, WMUR.com, to help them make their decision.”

The New Hampshire Union Leader is the largest and only statewide newspaper in New Hampshire. It has been a dominant voice in the Granite State since its founding in 1863. Its fast-growing online news site, UnionLeader.com, specializes in fast updates of breaking news supplied by more than 40 local reporters and correspondents. The daily newspaper and the web site are part of the Union Leader Corporation, an independently owned company. Joseph W. McQuaid is its president and publisher.

WMUR is the leading source of television news in New Hampshire.   WMUR.com is the most viewed New Hampshire website for local news. WMUR is owned by Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc.  Hearst-Argyle owns 25 television stations, and manages an additional three television and two radio stations,   in   geographically diverse U.S. markets.  The Company's television stations reach approximately 18% of U.S. TV households, making it one of America’s largest television station groups. Hearst-Argyle owns 12 ABC-affiliated stations, and manages an additional ABC station owned by the Hearst Corporation, and is the largest ABC affiliate group.

ABC News Political Radar

Excerpts From Mitt Romney's Remarks At The Detroit Economic Club

EXCERPTS FROM GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY'S REMARKS AT THE DETROIT ECONOMIC CLUB

Detroit, MI - Today, Governor Mitt Romney will deliver a major policy speech on the economy at the Detroit Economic Club. Governor Romney will address his policy ideas for keeping America strong and meeting a new generation of challenges so all Americans can realize the New American Dream.

Governor Romney's Five Factors That Accelerate Growth And Assure Economic Leadership:

Skilled, Educated, Motivated People
Free Trade, On The Level
Capital And Savings
Innovation And Technology
Consumer Freedom

Governor Romney's Five Braking Factors That Decelerate Economic Growth:

Excessive Taxation And Spending
Excessive Regulation
Excessive Burdens On Business Activity
Excessive Health Care Costs
Excessive Energy Costs

Governor Romney's Initiatives To Ensure America's Continued Economic Growth:

Below are excerpts of Governor Romney's remarks as prepared for delivery.

MAKING THE 2001 AND 2003 TAX CUTS PERMANENT: "Which course is better for America? A European model of high taxes and regulations? Or, low taxes and free trade - the Ronald Reagan model? That's the choice the next President will make. Some are already fighting to implement a massive tax increase. Instead, we should make the tax cuts permanent."

REFORMING THE TAX CODE: "However, making the tax cuts permanent is only the first step. We also need reform of the tax code that moves towards a tax system that encourages growth, fairness, and simplicity."

TAX FREE SAVINGS: Governor Romney Proposes Allowing People To Save Tax Free. "It is time to make saving easy in America. I believe people should be allowed to earn interest, dividends and capital gains up to a certain amount a year, tax free and without restrictions on how or when their savings and investments are spent. As an example, let's say we chose $5,000 for joint filers as the annual tax free figure for dividends, interest and capital gains. This would help middle class families to be able to save and to invest - and spend their savings the American way: any way they want."

FISCAL DISCIPLINE: Unless Given The Line-Item Veto, Governor Romney Would Veto Any Appropriations Bills If They Exceed Spending Targets. "I have a fairly simple idea for keeping spending in check. Give Congress a spending target and then insist that it is met. If Congress does not meet the spending targets, then its appropriations bills should be vetoed. I regularly exercised my veto power while governor. The alternative is for the Congress to vest the President with a power held in some form by 43 governors, including this Governor - the line-item veto."

REGULATORY RELIEF: Governor Romney Would Reinstitute A Regulatory Relief Board To Cut Back Regulations That Choke Off Growth. "Our regulatory burden is also overbearing. I'd re-institute a regulatory relief board to cut back the regulation weeds that choke off growth. One that deserves pruning is Sarbanes Oxley - it's driving away IPO's, depressing jobs, and requiring billions of unnecessary cost. Executives who violate the law should go to jail, but the entire economy shouldn't have pay an inordinate price for the sins of the few bad actors."

NATIONAL TORT REFORM: Governor Romney Believes America Needs National Tort Reform, Not Reform State-By-State. "Another burden on our economic future is our out-of-control tort system. Last year, U.S. corporations spent more money on tort claims than they did on R&D. If innovation is the key to our long term leadership, then some tort lawyers are cashing out our country's future. I spoke with one member of the plaintiff's bar the other day. He said that the tort lawyers are ok with state reform, but not national reform. You know what state level tort reform means - it means that as long as there is one lawsuit-friendly state, they can sue almost any major, deep-pocketed company in America. No thanks, America needs national tort reform."

FUEL EFFICIENCY: Governor Romney Would Evaluate Reforms To CAFE Standards To Develop A Better Way To Get Higher Fleet Mileage Without Market Distortions. "What does this mean for Detroit? Well, it means that the automotive fleet will have to become more fuel efficient. CAFE improved mileage initially, but the consumer has gotten around it over the last couple of decades. CAFE has some real problems. It distorts the market. It penalizes the domestic automakers. It can ignore technical realities. So before I would change the CAFE standards, I want to sit down with every major knowledgeable party and evaluate each of the alternatives. A good number have been proposed; let's decide which is the best course by looking at the data and analysis, rather than by playing to the TV cameras Let's not forget that a far more fuel efficient fleet must be part of our energy future. The issue is which is the least distorting way to achieve it."

ALGOP Executive Director Joins Team McCain

ALGOP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOINS TEAM MCCAIN
Republican Party's State Field Director Also Aligns With Arizona Senator

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced Alabama Republican Party Executive Director Tim Howe is leaving his post to fill the role of campaign manager for Senator McCain's exploratory committee in the state.

ALGOP State Field Director Sommer Hawthorne is also leaving the state party to serve the Arizona Senator, where she will hold the same title and responsibilities.

"As executive director of the state party, I've come to know the heart and soul of Alabama Republicans as well as anyone, and I am convinced that John McCain is the right man to lead our party to victory," Howe said. "I look forward to helping Senator McCain spread his common sense conservative message to all of the Republicans that I have served over the past few years."

Prior to his tenure with the party, Howe served as campaign manager for Justice Mike Bolin's successful Supreme Court campaign in 2004. He also served as deputy campaign manager for Justice Harold See during his successful re-election campaign in 2002.

The two new staffers will work closely with the exploratory committee's senior advisors Dax Swatek and David Azbell in directing Senator McCain's efforts within the state.

"Our goal is to put together an effective team that has proven it can win in Alabama," said Senator McCain. "With two of the Alabama Republican Party's highest and most capable officials joining veterans of Gov. Riley's successful campaigns, I am confident we are on the right track."

Steven LaTourette Joins Supporters Of McCain

REP. STEVEN LATOURETTE JOINS SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN
Ohio Congressman Aligns With Arizona Senator

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that Rep. Steven LaTourette will support the Arizona Senator should he decide to seek the presidency.

"Senator John McCain is a leader in the Republican Party who is respected for his candor and resolve," said Rep. LaTourette. "Senator McCain is committed to fiscal responsibility, and has proven time and time again that he can bring people together to get the job done."

Senator McCain stated that he was pleased to have Rep. LaTourette's support. "Congressman LaTourette has worked hard to make our federal government smaller and more efficient," said Senator McCain. "I value Congressman LaTourette's support and look forward working with him to promote our shared priorities."

Barack Obama 2008 Announcement Tour Public Schedule

Barack Obama Public Schedule
Saturday, February 10th – Monday, February 12th

Springfield - Cedar Rapids -> Waterloo - Ames -Chicago - New Hampshire

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10
Springfield - Cedar Rapids - Waterloo

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS
Obama to make announcement concerning presidential campaign
Location: Historic Old State Capitol , outdoors
South 6th and East Adams
Springfield, IL 62701

Doors open to Public: 9:00AM
Event start: 10:00 AM

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA
Iowa Town Hall Meeting
Location: Kennedy High School
4545 Wenig Road, NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

Doors open to Public: 3:00 PM
Event start: 4:00 PM

WATERLOO, IOWA
Waterloo community meet-and-greet with Senator Obama
Location: Central Middle School Gymnasium
1350 Katoski Drive
Waterloo, IA 50701

Doors open to Public: 6:30 PM
Event start: 7:30 PM

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11
Ames - Des Moines - Chicago

AMES, IOWA
Obama Rally with Students and Community
Location: Beyer Gymnasium at Beyer Hall
Union Drive
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011

Doors open to Public: 11:00 AM
Event start: 12:00 PM

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
Obama Rally in Chicago
Location: University of Illinois – Chicago Pavilion
525 South Racine Avenue
Chicago, IL 60607

Doors open to Public: 3:30 PM
Event start: 5:30 PM

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12
Nashua - Durham

NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE
House Party

DURHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE
Town Hall Meeting
Location: University of New Hampshire
Field House
145 Main Street
Durham, NH

Doors open to Public: 5:30 PM
Event start: 6:30 PM

Governor Mitt Romney Announces Congressional Whip Team

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES CONGRESSIONAL WHIP TEAM

Boston, MA - Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that 22 Members of the U.S. House of Representatives will be joining the Romney for President Exploratory Committee's Congressional Whip Team. The Members of Congress gathered at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington, D.C., to announce their support for Governor Romney.

Led by Representative Jim McCrery (R-LA), the Congressional Whip Team will continue Governor Romney's already successful outreach efforts to the U.S. House of Representatives.

"Our Congressional Whip Team represents some of America's finest leaders. Each has a depth of experience gained through years of service to the American people," said Governor Romney. "They will be powerful voices for our conservative agenda of lower taxes, smaller government, traditional values, and a safer America. I am honored that they are joining our Exploratory Committee."

Governor Romney's Congressional Whip Team:

Representative Jim McCrery (R-LA), House Congressional Liaison
Representative Dave Camp (R-MI), House Co-Congressional Liaison
Representative Howard "Buck" McKeon (R-CA), House Co-Congressional Liaison
Former Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL)
Representative Bill Shuster (R-PA)
Representative Ed Whitfield (R-KY)
Representative Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL)
Representative Hal Rogers (R-KY)
Representative Joe Knollenberg (R-MI)
Representative John Campbell (R-CA)
Representative John Duncan (R-TN)
Representative John Linder (R-GA)
Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
Representative Mike Rogers (R-AL)
Representative Mike Simpson (R-ID)
Representative Pete Hoekstra (R-MI)
Representative Phil Gingrey (R-GA)
Representative Ralph Regula (R-OH)
Representative Rodney Alexander (R-LA)
Representative Ron Lewis (R-KY)
Representative Tom Feeney (R-FL)
Representative Tom Price (R-GA)

Politico Reports On Romney 2008 Announcement

Politico Exclusive: Romney's Announcement Plans

"Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney will formally announce his bid for the presidency in his native Michigan on February 13th, an official with the Romney campaign tells the Politico.  Romney, whose father was governor of the state from 1963 to 1969..."

"He will then fly to Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, making stops in each of those three early nominating states over the next two days before touching back down in Massachusetts..."

Politico Story

Frederick W. Smith Joins Supporters Of McCain In 2008

FREDERICK W. SMITH JOINS SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN IN 2008
Industry Leader To Serve As National Co-Chair

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that Frederick W. Smith, the current chairman, president, and chief executive officer of the FedEx Corporation* has agreed to serve as national co-chair of the Arizona Senator's exploratory committee. In his role as national co-chair, Smith will help lead Senator McCain's exploratory committee.

"Senator McCain is a proven leader who will deliver for our nation," said Fred Smith. "John understands what it takes to defend America and that makes him uniquely qualified to lead our country in these historic times."

"Fred Smith is someone that has a proven track record of building organizations and teams that achieve success. He will play an instrumental role in my campaign should we decide to move forward," said Senator John McCain. "It is my honor to have the support of such an accomplished and well-respected individual."

* Mr. Smith is endorsing Senator John McCain in his individual capacity and not on behalf of the FedEx Corporation.

Tim Pawlenty To Attend Michigan Republican State Convention

GOV. PAWLENTY TO ATTEND MICHIGAN REPUBLICAN STATE CONVENTION

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that National Co-Chairman and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty will be addressing the Michigan Republican State Convention on behalf of the Arizona Senator. Pawlenty will be addressing the convention on Saturday, February 10th.

Governor Pawlenty was elected Minnesota's governor in 2002 and re-elected in 2006. He also currently serves as Vice Chairman of the National Governors Association (NGA) and is slated to become NGA Chairman in the summer of 2007.

"I respect and admire Senator McCain. He is an honest and courageous leader who has dedicated his life to public service," said Governor Pawlenty. "I look forward to helping Senator McCain communicate his common sense conservative principles across this great nation."

Winston Blount Endorses Senator McCain

FORMER STATE CHAIRMAN ENDORSES SENATOR MCCAIN
Winton Blount Touts McCain's Common Sense Conservatism

ARLINGTON, VA - Just days before Alabama Republican Executive Committee members gather to elect a new party leader, former state party chairman Winton Blount III announced his endorsement of Arizona Senator John McCain.

"John McCain has a long record of practicing common sense conservatism, and he has never wavered from the values that we, as Republicans, hold dear," Blount said. "I am proud to add my name to those across the country who stand ready to support Senator McCain should he seek the presidency."

McCain, in acknowledging the endorsement, noted that Blount and his family can be credited with building and growing the Republican Party in Alabama for the past several decades.

"The Blount family laid the foundation for today's Alabama Republican Party, and Winton's tenure as chairman certainly built upon that foundation," McCain said. "I am proud to have Winton Blount's endorsement and appreciate the knowledge and experience that his support brings."