2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Former House Speakers Join Supporters Of McCain

FORMER HOUSE SPEAKERS JOIN SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN
Perricone To Serve On Sportsmen Committee & Johnson On Farmers Committee

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's exploratory committee today announced that former Michigan House Speakers Chuck Perricone and Rick Johnson have joined the statewide steering committee.

Former Speaker Perricone will serve on the Michigan Sportsmen for McCain committee, in addition to the statewide steering committee. Perricone preceded Rick Johnson as Michigan House Speaker. In addition to advising leaders in Lansing, he also serves as executive director of America's largest, state-based organization dedicated to defending the right to own firearms.

"I am honored to be a member of Senator McCain's team and I am eager to help him communicate our shared values," said former Speaker Perricone. "His experience and commitment - in addition to his record of support for a family's right to self-defense - speaks for itself. I am looking forward to recruiting other Michigan leaders and sportsmen to join Senator McCain's team."

In addition to the statewide steering committee, former Speaker Johnson will serve on the Michigan Farmers for McCain committee.

"Much like family farmers, Senator McCain understands the importance of values, hard work, faith, and family," said former Speaker Johnson. "I am honored to be a part of Senator McCain's team and I look forward to helping him communicate his common sense conservative message to farmers throughout Michigan."

Senator McCain stated that he was pleased to have two of Michigan's key Republican leaders on his team. "Speakers Perricone and Johnson bring a tremendous amount of grassroots experience to our team," said Senator McCain. "They understand that defending the rights of gun owners and keeping agriculture competitive are critically important to the future of our society and economy."

Joe Biden Announces Campaign For President Of The United States

SENATOR JOE BIDEN ANNOUNCES CAMPAIGN FOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

Highlights Voters Desire for Bold Leadership and Change in Direction

January 31, 2007 - Senator Joseph R. Biden today announced in a video statement posted on his website www.joebiden.com that he has filed the necessary paperwork to become a candidate for President of the United States.

"I am heartened by the response so many people have given to my call for a new direction in American foreign policy and to our focus on middle class concerns," said Sen. Biden.

In the video statement, Biden stressed the disastrous results of the Bush Administration's failed policies and handling of Iraq.

"In my view, President Bush has dug America into a very deep hole," said Sen. Biden. "This administration's mishandling of the war in Iraq may be the greatest foreign policy disaster of all time."

Biden said the next president must be prepared to change our policy in Iraq immediately upon entering office, "The next President of the United States must be prepared to immediately step in and act – without hesitation – to end our involvement in the Iraq conflict without further destabilizing the Middle East and the world."

Biden also emphasized the need for a change in direction more broadly in both foreign and domestic policies, stating, "To restore America's place in the world, we also must focus on the hopes and needs of our own people. The Bush administration – because it worships profits over people – has forgotten that to make America strong, we need a growing, vibrant middle-class.

We need our citizens to feel secure. Secure that their children will be cared for if they are ill. Secure that they will have a retirement income they can count on. Secure that we are doing all we can to end global warming. Secure that their jobs and opportunities will not vanish like so many have in recent years."

Biden said he would make a more formal presentation of the prospective policies and principles of a Biden Administration over the next several months.

To watch the video statement or for more information on the campaign, please visit: www.joebiden.com.

Vander Plaats And Carroll To Lead Iowa Huckabee Team

VANDER PLAATS, CARROLL JOIN MIKE HUCKABEE EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE AS STATE CHAIR, CO-CHAIR

URBANDALE, IA - Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee announced last night that 2006 lieutenant governor nominee Bob Vander Plaats of Sioux City and former House Speaker Pro Tem Danny Carroll of Grinnell will serve as the Iowa chairman and co-chairman, respectively, of the Huckabee for President Exploratory Committee.

Speaking at in a "Meet Mike Huckabee" event, Huckabee lauded Vander Plaats and Carroll as "two of the most recognized and respected conservative leaders in Iowa."

"No Iowa conservative enjoys a broader statewide political base than Bob Vander Plaats. He has built an impressive grassroots network through his clear vision of the future, hard work and an unwavering commitment to core conservative values," Huckabee said. "His support for a potential presidential campaign is a big, big boost for us and clearly signals that Iowa 's conservatives are receptive to my message of hope."

He continued, "Danny Carroll earned great respect during 12 years in the General Assembly as a conservative leader who always held true and firm true to his principles yet worked so successfully with people from across the political spectrum to accomplish meaningful results in health care, tax policy, education and economic development. Iowa 's social conservatives know that Danny Carroll has always been a clear, strong voice on the issues that matter most to them."

Carroll said, "Mike Huckabee has the solid experience in state government that is essential for anyone pursuing the office of president. His views reflect the values of everyday hardworking Americans and he will make a great president if he decides to take the next step on the road to the White House after completing his exploratory campaign."

Huckabee, who left office on Jan. 9 after more than 10 years as governor, has toured the country and appeared on national programs in recent days to discuss his fifth book, "From Hope to Higher Ground: 12 STOPs to Restoring America's Greatness." Time magazine has named him one of the five "Best Governors in the Nation" and his leadership on national Medicaid reform and education were among the reasons Governing magazine named Huckabee as a "Public Official of the Year" and AARP presented him with a national "Impact" award.

Fred Zeidman Joins Supporters Of McCain

FRED ZEIDMAN JOINS SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN
Republican Leader To Serve As National Vice Chair For Jewish Outreach

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that Fred Zeidman has joined the Arizona Senator's team and will serve as National Vice Chair for Jewish Outreach.

Fred Zeidman previously helped lead Jewish outreach for Bush-Cheney '00 and '04 and served as vice chairman of the Dole-Kemp presidential campaign in Harris County.

"Senator John McCain has been a consistent and strong supporter of both Jewish Americans and Israel," said Zeidman. "We are a nation at war and Senator McCain's leadership and commitment to victory are required to protect America from terrorism."

Senator McCain called Fred Zeidman a highly regarded leader that will expand the reach of his exploratory committee. "Fred Zeidman's advocacy on behalf of the Jewish community has made a real impact," stated Senator McCain. "He is someone that represents the best our country has to offer and I look forward to working with him to communicate my conservative principles to Jewish Americans and Texas voters."

Senator McCain Announces U.S. House Whip Team

SENATOR MCCAIN ANNOUNCES U.S. HOUSE WHIP TEAM

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that Rep. Fred Upton (MI-06), Rep. Spencer Bachus (AL-06), Rep. John Shadegg (AZ-03), Rep. John Shimkus (IL-19), Rep. Mark Kirk (IL-10), and Rep. Dan Lungren (CA-03) will serve as members of the Arizona Senator's whip team in the U.S. House.

The members of the exploratory committee's whip team in the U.S. House will work to build on Senator McCain's base of support in the chamber.

Senator McCain stated he was honored to have the commitment of such distinguished leaders and colleagues. "I am extremely proud to have the support of these Republican leaders," said Senator McCain. "I look forward to working with them to communicate our shared values."

Coos County Leaders Join McCain New Hampshire Team

COOS COUNTY LEADERS JOIN SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN
State Legislators Add To Building Momentum In New Hampshire

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that the entire Coos County state legislative delegation has joined the Arizona Senator's team in New Hampshire.

State Senator John Gallus, representing the city of Berlin joins state Representative Fred King, Sr. and state Representative Eric Stohl, both of Colebrook, in announcing their support for Senator John McCain.

In addition to Gallus, King, and Stohl, state Representative Bill Remick of Lancaster and state Representative John Tholl, Jr. of Whitefield will also support Senator McCain.

State Senator Gallus stated he was honored to join his colleagues in supporting Senator McCain and becoming a member of the team. "I am honored and humbled to assist Senator McCain in building his campaign in New Hampshire," said Senator Gallus. "John McCain understands and respects the influence our 'first in the nation' primary status and I am excited to help him energize activists across the state."

Senator John McCain stated he was pleased to the have the support of such distinguished and highly regarded legislators. "I am honored to have the support of these prominent New Hampshire organizers," said Senator McCain. "These men are tireless advocates and each will play a critical role as we continue to reach out to supporters across the state."

Mitt Romney Announces Arizona Finance Committee

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES ARIZONA FINANCE STEERING COMMITTEE

Boston, MA - Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced the Romney for President Exploratory Committee Arizona Finance Steering Committee. Together, the Finance Steering Committee will help Governor Romney raise the resources needed to campaign in Arizona and across the nation.

"I am gratified to have the support of these outstanding men and women. The team we have put together in Arizona is a collection of some of the state's best, most energetic and most committed leaders. With their help, I know our vision for the future will be heard loudly in Arizona," said Governor Romney.

The Steering Committee, along with many others, held its first meeting on Thursday, January 25, in preparation for Governor Romney's next visit to Arizona.

Governor Romney has made numerous trips to Arizona meeting with top business and political leaders, in addition to numerous members of the Arizona media.

In addition to today's announcement regarding Governor Romney's finance team in Arizona, the campaign will soon be announcing its political team and endorsements in Arizona.

New Joe Biden For President Website Launched

This welcome message greeted visitors to the new Joe Biden Website that launched today.

Welcome to JoeBiden.com

Thank you for visiting JoeBiden.com

I want to thank all of you who have encouraged me with your support and contributions to run for President.

Please take a few moments to explore this website by following the links below. I hope you will get to know who I am, how my life has prepared me for this campaign, and what we hope to accomplish in the days and months ahead. Then I hope you will join the campaign by joining our email list or making a contribution.

A presidential campaign is an exciting journey. Along with my wife, Jill, and our children Beau, Hunter and Ashley, we look forward to spending time with you as we campaign across America.

Thank you,

Joe Biden

Joe Biden Running For President Announcement e-mail

Joe Biden sent this e-mail to supporters today announcing his intention to file papers to become a candidate for President.

Running For President

I wanted you to be among the first to know. Tomorrow, I am filing the necessary papers to become a candidate for President of the United States and launching my official campaign website at www.JoeBiden.com .

You'll hear more about the launch of our campaign tomorrow, but I wanted to send you an early invitation to participate in a live audio webcast this Thursday at 8:00 PM ET. I hope you can join me as I discuss the upcoming campaign.

You will find a link to this webcast on JoeBiden.com on Thursday.

The start of a presidential campaign is an exciting time and my family and I look forward to working with you as we begin this journey.

Thank you,

Joe Biden

Mitt Romney Announces Support Of James Bopp, Jr.

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES SUPPORT OF JAMES BOPP, JR.

Boston, MA - Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that James Bopp, Jr., will be joining the Romney for President Exploratory Committee as Special Adviser on Life Issues.

"For almost three decades, Jim has been at the center of the fight to protect the sanctity of human life. Representing numerous national and state pro-life and pro-family organizations, he has helped defend the rights of those seeking to promote life," said Governor Romney. "Jim will be a powerful spokesman for my vision of a greater tomorrow. I look forward to his counsel derived from many years of service and to working with him as we move forward."

With today's announcement, Jim Bopp said: "As Governor, Mitt Romney has stood side-by-side with those seeking to protect the weakest and most innocent of our society. In one of our country's most liberal states, he has acted to protect the sanctity of life. Governor Romney's record on fundamental life issues is one of not just words but action. I am proud to count myself among his supporters."