2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

DNC Winter Meeting To Feature 2008 Democratic Candidates

DNC Winter Meeting, "Strong Leadership for America's Future" Features Democratic Presidential Contenders

Washington, DC - The Democratic National Committee will hold its annual winter meeting to highlight "Strong Leadership for America's Future" in Washington, DC from February 1-3, 2007. The meeting will feature presentations from the Democratic Presidential contenders on their visions and ideas for America's future.

The candidates will join more than 400 DNC members from around the country, DNC Chairman Howard Dean, and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) to talk about the strong leadership Democrats are providing now in Congress and around the country and will provide in the White House.

The following presidential candidates will speak at the winter meeting: Sen. Joe Biden, Gen. Wesley Clark (Ret.), Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, Sen. Chris Dodd, Sen. John Edwards, Sen. Mike Gravel, Rep. Dennis Kucinich, Sen. Barack Obama, Gov. Bill Richardson, and Gov. Tom Vilsack.

"After six years of failed leadership from the Bush Administration, the American people want new leadership in the White House," said Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean. "Our Democratic leaders in Congress are working to make government work for every American, and the talented and diverse group of presidential candidates joining us this weekend are proof that we can bring the same kind of vision, talent and strong leadership to the White House. Democrats are energized and ready to build on our Party's successes, and we're confident that a Democrat will be America's next president."

Mitt Romney Names Additions To Iowa Leadership And Staff

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY NAMES ADDITIONS TO IOWA LEADERSHIP AND STAFF

Boston, MA - Governor Mitt Romney announced today that former Iowa House Speaker Brent Siegrist (R-Council Bluffs) and former First Congressional District candidate Brian Kennedy (R-Bettendorf) will serve as advisers to his Presidential Exploratory Committee.

"Iowa is a critical state, and we are building a strong organization with talented and experienced people. After stopping in Waterloo, Fairbank, and Dubuque last Friday, I could see that our supporters are motivated and energized. With the help of this experienced leadership, I know our Exploratory Committee will continue to have a strong presence in Iowa," said Governor Romney.

The two join Chairman Doug Gross, Rich Schwarm, State House Republican Leader Christopher Rants, and adviser David Kochel on Governor Romney's Iowa leadership team.

"We are methodically putting together a team on the ground that combines the experience and knowledge needed for a successful caucus campaign," said Gross. "As we begin looking toward a possible presidential campaign, this team will offer serious guidance and advice for Governor Romney's Iowa efforts."

Kennedy will provide critical leadership in Iowa's First Congressional District, which covers 12 counties in northeast Iowa. Included in the District is Dubuque and Waterloo, where Romney drew large crowds last Friday.

"Governor Romney will appeal to Iowans in each corner of the state," said Kennedy. "As people see and talk to him, they are impressed and want to be involved. I believe that as Governor Romney travels our state, his message will resonate. I am excited about this campaign."

Governor Romney also announced his Iowa staff today. Joining the Iowa leadership team will be Gentry Collins as State Director, Jill Latham as Political Director, Nicole Schlinger as Straw Poll Director and Tim Albrecht as Communications Director.

Swatek Joins Team McCain In Alabama

DAX SWATEK JOINS TEAM MCCAIN IN ALABAMA
Swatek To Serve As Senior Advisor

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's exploratory committee today announced that Dax Swatek has joined the Senator's team and will serve as a senior advisor to the exploratory committee in Alabama.

Dax Swatek is the president of Swatek & Associates, a governmental and political affairs firm that works with public officials and corporate leaders in the development of both public policy and public affairs programs.

Swatek recently served as general consultant and campaign manager to Governor Bob Riley's re-election campaign. He has also served as a consultant to Rep. Robert Aderholt, Rep. Mike Rogers, and House Minority Leader Mike Hubbard.

Swatek stated that it was his sincere privilege to become a member of Senator McCain's team. "Senator McCain is a strong leader whose brand of common sense conservatism will resonate with voters. It is my honor to join the Senator's team in Alabama."

Senator McCain said Swatek will add important experience to the exploratory committee's Alabama operation. "Dax Swatek has an extensive knowledge of grassroots politics and understands the importance of bringing people together," said Senator McCain. "He will serve as an important member of my political team."

Rudy Giuliani Announces Wayne Semprini as New Hampshire Chair

Mayor Giuliani Announces Wayne Semprini as New Hampshire Chair

New York, Jan 29 - The Rudy Giuliani Exploratory Committee today announced that former NHGOP Chairman Wayne Semprini will serve as Mayor Giuliani's New Hampshire Chair. Semprini is a life-long New Hampshire native who has been involved in Granite State politics since 1972. As New Hampshire Chair, Semprini will lead exploratory efforts on the ground and help build an organization.

"Mayor Giuliani is honored to have a Republican leader and hard-working entrepreneur like Wayne Semprini join our team," Giuliani Exploratory Committee Executive Director Mike DuHaime said. "He brings experience, institutional knowledge and a positive, hopeful vision for our Party's future that will be critical to Mayor Giuliani's exploratory efforts in New Hampshire."

Chairman Semprini stated, "Mayor Giuliani is the experienced leader the Republican Party and our country needs to move forward. His message of hope and optimism and record of results resonates with Republicans across New Hampshire."

Semprini is just the latest Granite Stater to sign on board Team Rudy. Recently longtime Republican activists David Tille and Chris Wood joined the Exploratory Committee to serve as Giuliani's New Hampshire political director and coalitions director, respectively.

Charleston Area Leaders Support Governor Mitt Romney

CHARLESTON AREA LEADERS SUPPORT GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY

Mt. Pleasant, SC - Today, prominent Charleston, SC area leaders announced their support for Governor Mitt Romney as he moves forward with his exploratory process. Among the community activists joining Governor Romney at Coen Capital were former Governor James B. Edwards, former Congressman Tommy Hartnett, and RNC Committeewoman Cindy Costa.

"I am honored to have the support of these community leaders," said Governor Romney. "Each has been actively involved in politics, and their backing and encouragement will help guarantee the long-term success of our efforts in South Carolina. By coming together today, these men and women have joined others from across the nation who have heard our optimistic message for the future and are motivated to go forward."

Charleston Community Leaders Supporting Governor Romney:

Former Governor James B. Edwards
Ann Edwards
Former Congressman Tommy Hartnett
Cindy Costa
Henry Fishburne
Dick Coen
Richard H. Coen
Larry Richter
Wayland Moody
Ricky Horne
Paul Hogan
Bill Hewitt
Laura Hewitt
John Rivers
Joseph Murray
Gene Zurlo

Bloggers Indispensable To The '08 Campaign

Bloggers: Indispensable for '08 Campaign
By: Aoife McCarthy
January 29, 2007

Since Howard Dean's Internet-driven bid for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination, retaining a campaign blogosphere guru is no longer a luxury; it's a necessity...

Political Internet strategists are now in a fevered race to make their sites faster, smarter and better. This is one medium where stealing your opponents' ideas is not only encouraged, it is also a necessity. Even Edwards' Web site, widely touted as the most advanced presidential online presence, is an amalgamation of YouTube, MySpace and Facebook, taking from the best of each. His site maintains links to those sites and others...

Politico Story

Mike Huckabee Files Exploratory Committee Paperwork

Mike Huckabee Files Exploratory Committee Paperwork

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee announced Monday he has filed the necessary paperwork to form an exploratory committee as part of a 2008 presidential bid.

"This is an opportunity for me to show the American dream is still alive," Huckabee said to a group of state GOP leaders Monday in Little Rock. "By filing papers with the Federal Election Commission, I'm officially taking the next step to become a candidate for President of United States."

The formation of an exploratory committee allows Huckabee to raise money and hire a campaign staff for a presidential run. He said details of the organization will be announced in future weeks.

Huckabee, 51, left office on Jan 9. "People want an authentic conservative who has a proven record of results," he said.

Huckabee announced his plans to form an exploratory committee yesterday on NBC's 'Meet the Press' morning show with host Tim Russert.

"America loves an underdog," Huckabee told Russert. "One of the reasons that I'm running for president is because I think that America needs folks who understand what it is to start at the bottom of the ladder and climb their way to the top."

Huckabee became Arkansas' 44th Governor in 1996 when his predecessor resigned. Huckabee was elected to a full four-year term as governor in 1998, attracting the largest percentage of the vote ever received by a Republican gubernatorial nominee in Arkansas. He was re-elected to another four-year term in November 2002. He was the third longest serving governor in the history of Arkansas, having served ten and a half years.

Huckabee served as chairman of the National Governors Association and chairman of the Education Commission of the States. During his tenure as governor, Huckabee made great strides in improving education, increasing access to health care, updating technology in state government and revamping the state's roadways.

Huckabee, a fiscal conservative, pushed through the Arkansas Legislature the first major, broad-based tax cuts in state history. He led efforts to establish a Property Taxpayers' Bill of Rights and created a welfare reform program that reduced welfare rolls in the state by almost 50 percent.

Last year, Huckabee campaigned in nearly 30 states on behalf of Republican candidates, state parties and conservative groups. He plans to travel to Iowa, his ninth trip to the Hawkeye State, on Tuesday. Huckabee has events scheduled in Des Moines, Waukee, Urbandale, Grinnell, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Tipton and Bettendorf.

Eileen Wieser Joins McCain Team in Michigan

EILEEN WEISER JOINS SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN IN MICHIGAN

Former State Board Of Education Member To Serve As Education Advisor

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that former state board of education member Eileen Weiser has joined the Arizona Senator's exploratory committee. Eileen Weiser will serve alongside state Senator Wayne Kuipers as a statewide education advisor to the exploratory committee in Michigan.

"Senator John McCain understands the importance of education in creating a bright and competitive future for our children and country", said Eileen Weiser. "It is an honor for me to be part of his team and help make his vision for our future a reality."

"Eileen Weiser has dedicated herself to ensuring that the children of Michigan receive the quality education they need and deserve," said Senator John McCain. "Her advice on education issues is something that I look forward to receiving."

Attorney General Mike Cox is the Chairman of John McCain 2008 - The Exploratory Committee for Michigan.

Maine Leaders Join Supporters of McCain

MAINE LEADERS JOIN SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN

Senators Snowe And Collins To Serve As State Co-Chairs & Tardy To Serve As Vice Chair

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins will serve as co-chairs of the Arizona Senator's exploratory committee in Maine and House Republican Leader Josh Tardy will serve as vice chair.

Senator Snowe said she admires Senator McCain and strongly supports him. "I've known and respected John for many years from our service together in the House and Senate and I have always found him to be genuine, straightforward, and honest," stated Snowe. "He understands the issues facing our nation and has a proven track record of addressing the challenges we face."

Senator Collins stated she was honored to help lead Senator McCain's team in Maine and believes he has the leadership qualities to move the country forward. "Senator McCain's experience on both domestic and foreign policy issues is unparalleled," Collins said. "I can think of no better person to lead our nation than John McCain."

Rep. Tardy said it was an honor to join Senator McCain's exploratory committee. "John McCain is an American hero," stated Tardy. "The Senator understands the importance of winning the War on Terror, and delivering domestic reforms that create jobs and improve government."

Senator McCain stated that he could not be more pleased with his leadership team in Maine. "I have had the privilege of working with Senators Snowe and Collins for many years and their support means a great deal," said Senator McCain. "Olympia, Susan, and Josh make a phenomenal team and ensure our organization in Maine is second to none."

Mike Huckabee Announces Future Plans And Website

Mike Huckabee posted these comments on his new website and by e-mail to supporters regarding his plans for the future.

Mike Huckabee's comments regarding his plans for the future...

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Over the past several months, I have received growing encouragement from conservative activists and leaders for me to become a candidate for President. I have sought counsel and advice from my family, close friends, political advisers, and most importantly from above. Our nation only stays strong as we are willing to take a stand, take a risk, and hopefully make this country a safer, more prosperous, and healthier place. Today, I am ready to take that stand.

I ask you to join me in the effort to take a message of hope and optimism to the people of America. This morning on "Meet the Press" with Tim Russert I announced that on Monday, January 29, 2007, I am filing papers creating the Huckabee for President Exploratory Committee, Inc.

Soon, a new website will be available at http://www.explorehuckabee.com/. I encourage you to visit the website as soon as it is available and register if you haven't already done so. There is also a link for you to "Tell a Friend" and I really need your help in doing just that. Please take the time to click on the "Tell a Friend" link and let others know how they can become involved too. You will find a place to list one or more email addresses and type in your own email message. Please set a goal of letting at least five friends know today how they too can become involved with the Huckabee for President Exploratory Committee, Inc...

I learned a lot in training for the 4 marathons I've run. The hardest part is taking the first step and saying "I will do it." I've taken that step. The road ahead is not a sprint, but truly a marathon. The journey begins and I hope you'll be with me for every step of the way!

With gratitude and hope,

Mike Huckabee