2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Tim Pawlenty To Be National Co-Chair Of McCain 2008 Committee

MINNESOTA GOVERNOR TO BE NATIONAL CO-CHAIR OF MCCAIN EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE

ALEXANDRIA, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced that Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty will serve as National Co-Chair of Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign should he decide to run.

In his role as National Co-Chair, Pawlenty would help lead Senator McCain’s presidential campaign and provide strategic guidance on its direction.

“Senator McCain has been a strong leader and common sense conservative in the U.S. Senate and will continue to be in the White House,” Pawlenty said.  “As our country pursues the War on Terror, we need a seasoned leader with international affairs and national security experience.  I’m honored and excited to help Senator McCain’s efforts to become our next President.”

Senator McCain stated that he deeply appreciated the support of Pawlenty.  “Tim is a good friend and a great leader.  He has implemented a reform agenda that has moved Minnesota forward and has done so with character and integrity.  If I decide to run for president, Tim’s help and advice will be something my campaign will look forward to and rely on.”

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.

Duncan Hunter Files Exploratory Committee With The FEC

For Immediate Release
January 12, 2007

HUNTER FILES EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE

Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) formed an exploratory committee today as a step toward announcing his bid for the Presidency.

“Our citizens deserve a new American sunrise of opportunity, faith and freedom,” said Hunter.

Hunter, who has chaired the House Armed Services Committee for the past four years until the Democrat takeover, has focused on national defense, securing the border with Mexico and reversing what he calls the “one-way-street” trade with China.

“America needs a way ahead in the ongoing war against terrorists and a policy of economic opportunity, with a reaffirmation of faith in the principles of our founding. I take this step with the support of my family and confidence in our nation’s potential for greatness,” said Hunter.

The website for the committee will be www.gohunter08.com.

Hunter will formally declare his candidacy later this month in South Carolina.
This filing of the exploratory committee allows supporters to contribute money to the exploratory account which will then be turned over to the official account.

Chris Dodd "Why I Am Running For President" Announcement e-mail

Chris Dodd sent this e-mail to supporters today inviting them to join his campaign for President.

Why I am running for President

"I am writing to you today to let you know I am an official candidate for President in 2008. I have filed papers today to make it official.

I am running for President of the United States of America because I believe that we have reached a defining moment in American history. America today is at grave risk of losing many things we've always taken for granted. Our leadership in the world, our role as an innovator, our hopes for a better life - are all threatened.

I'm an optimist who believes America can lead again. We can be respected and admired in the world again. We can create the kind of jobs here at home that allow people to buy a home, have decent health care, have decent retirement, and send their kids to college.

But, in order to get our nation back on track, we need something that has been lacking lately - leadership.

I believe I bring that kind of leadership to my candidacy for the Presidency. Let me give you just one example: long before children's issues were a priority in Washington, I brought forward the simple idea that parents shouldn't have to choose between the job they need, and the child they love. I fought for almost a decade to create the Family and Medical Leave Act, and today, over 50 million Americans have been able to make sure their family got the right start after the birth or adoption of a child. I was able to do that by being innovative about what the country needed, and then working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get something done.

I'm proud of that fact, and the other policies where I've been able to make a real difference - getting resources and funding to our nation's first responders, strengthening our military, supporting smart, pro-growth economic policies, reforming our nation's broken election laws, and, as I said earlier, fighting for our children's health, education, and well being.

I look forward to having a conversation with the American people, and that starts with you, your family, friends and neighbors.  Please take a moment to use the link below to encourage people you know to sign-up at ChrisDodd.com."

Two Key South Carolina Conservatives Endorse Sam Brownback

Brownback Gains Endorsement of Key South Carolina Social Conservatives

Columbia, SC – U.S. Senator Brownback received endorsements today in South Carolina from two key social conservative leaders. State Senator Kevin L. Bryant of Anderson and Mr. Hal Stevenson of Columbia have agreed to join the upcoming South Carolinians for Brownback Steering Committee.

"I've always been impressed with Senator Brownback as he is right on the mark on both the fiscal and social issues," stated Senator Bryant, “Brownback has what it takes to unite the Republican Party and lead us to victory. His message will be very well received here in the Palmetto State.”

“I’ve known Senator Brownback for many years. He is the genuine conservative in this race and someone we can trust,” said Stevenson.

Senator Brownback expressed appreciation for such support: “Senator Bryant and Hal Stevenson are well respected leaders of the conservative movement in South Carolina. Their support will be a great help in spreading my pro-life, pro-family, pro-freedom message to the people of South Carolina."

Tom Vilsack Steps Down From The DLC To Run For President

Vilsack Stepping Down from DLC to Run for President
Democratic Presidential Candidate Follows Path of Former DLC Chair Bill Clinton

DES MOINES, IA – Democratic presidential candidate Tom Vilsack, following the precedent established by former DLC Chair Bill Clinton, announced today he is resigning his post at the Democratic Leadership Council to focus on his campaign for President. Published reports this morning indicate that former Tennessee Congressman Harold Ford, Jr. is preparing to succeed Vilsack at the DLC.

According to outgoing DLC Chair Vilsack:

“I’m resigning from the DLC because I am running for President. As a candidate for President, I am responsible for articulating my views about the future of our country and the importance of having the courage to create change in America.

For the last 18 months, I have genuinely enjoyed traveling across America as the DLC chair, and talking about our party’s commitment to fighting for freedom and liberty for every American family. The DLC has played and will continue to play an important role in ensuring our party remains open to the perspective of every American who shares our values.

Harold Ford has earned his reputation as a persuasive advocate for the Democratic Party and will do a great job as Chairman of the DLC.”

Denver To Host 2008 Democratic National Convention

For Immediate Release
January 11, 2007

Denver to Host 2008 Democratic National Convention

Washington, DC - Citing the Denver host committee's strong bid and growing Democratic gains in the Rocky Mountain West, Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today announced that Denver will host the 2008 Democratic National Convention Monday, August 25 to Thursday, August 28.

Dean issued the following statement:

"I am delighted to announce that the city of Denver will host the 2008 Democratic National Convention. I congratulate Governor Ritter, Mayor Hickenlooper, Senator Salzar and the members of the Denver Host Committee for assembling an outstanding bid that demonstrates the community's commitment to organizing a first-rate national convention that will put our nominee on the path to victory in 2008.

"There is no question that the West is important to the future of the Democratic Party. The recent Democratic gains in the West exemplify the principle that when we show up and ask for people's votes and talk about what we stand for, we can win in any part of the country. Additionally, we have a number of strong Democratic leaders in the West who will be a part of showcasing the vision of Democratic leadership for America as we introduce the next Democratic President in the Rocky Mountains.

"New York is a wonderful city but in the end, it was the strength of Denver's bid that made it the best choice. From the state-of-the-art facilities to the commitment of community leaders to hosting an outstanding event, Mayor Hickenlooper and the host committee made clear that the Denver convention will be a great one. We thank the team for its hard-work during this process and look forward to working with them over the next year and a half to put on the best Democratic convention in history."

"I would like to thank Mayor Bloomberg, the members of the New York Host Committee, and the rest of the team who organized New York City's bid to host the convention. Together, they made this an enormously difficult decision. I know how hard they worked, and appreciate all of their efforts."

Chris Dodd Enters 2008 Presidential Race

The Chris Dodd campaign issued this press release announcing his decision to run for president.

Dodd Enters Presidential Race

For Immediate Release
January 11, 2007

WASHINGTON – Today Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd officially entered the 2008 Presidential race as a candidate for the Democratic nomination.  He will kick off his Presidential campaign with stops in Iowa and South Carolina this weekend.

The following is Senator Dodd’s statement –

“I am running for President of the United States of America because I believe that we have reached a defining moment in American history.  America today is at grave risk of losing many things we’ve always taken for granted.  Our leadership in the world, our role as innovator, our hopes for a better life – are all threatened. 

“There is a sense of urgency.  The country wants leadership. Iraq is the clearest example of the need for change.  Today the American people are listening to their elected officials in Washington debate the President’s new plan for Iraq.  In my view, the President’s new plan for Iraq is not simply a "surge" but rather an escalation of the Administration's current failed strategy that will needlessly place additional troops in harms way. 

“We cannot afford to continue the current failed military option.  The failure in Iraq has cost us in two ways.  It has cost us the lives of three thousand brave men and women, which is tragic.  But it has also diverted our attention away from trouble spots around the world, from the looming threat in Iran to N. Korea and most importantly, the greater war on terror. 

“But my decision to run for President is not just about the war in Iraq but about the urgent need to get America back on track. On every issue important to the American people – from the loss of jobs overseas, to the security of our ports, to retirement, health care, our schools – there’s been no leadership.  This Administration inherited a great deal of prosperity and goodwill six years ago, and they’ve squandered it. 

“But it’s not too late to make the world right once again.  We need to be optimistic and confident about our future.  I believe America can lead again.  We can be respected and admired in the world again.  We can create the kind of jobs again here at home that allow people to buy a home, have decent health care, have decent retirement, send their kids to college.

“It’s going to take one fundamental thing we’ve been lacking: leadership. 

“I believe I bring that kind of leadership to my candidacy for the Presidency.  I know how to get things done.  Let me give you just one example:  long before children’s issues were a priority in Washington, I brought forward the simple idea that parents shouldn’t have to choose between the child they love, and the job they need.  I fought for almost a decade to create the Family and Medical Leave Act, and today, over 50 million Americans have been able to make sure their family got the right start after the birth or adoption of a child.  I was able to do that by being innovative about what the country needed, and then working with both Democrats and Republicans to get something done. 

“I’m proud of the fact that the work I’ve done the past 25 years has made a real difference for America – getting resources and funding to our nations first responders; strengthening our military, supporting smart, pro-growth economic policies, reforming our nations broken election laws, and, as I said earlier, fighting for our children’s health, education, and well being.

“In 2008, I believe that this kind of experience is going to count.  We can’t afford four more years of on the job training in the Oval Office.  We need a President who’s ready to lead from day one, who has the ability to bring people together, and really work on these big issues at home and abroad.

“I say this not just as a public servant, but as a parent, the father of two young daughters – ages five and 22 months.  At some point soon, they are going to be part of a jury coming along that will judge us all. They’re going to want to know what we did on our watch to address issues like global warming, to create a world with more friends than enemies – when we had the chance. 

“Today, I have announced that I am running for President because I want to be able to say to them and all of our children that we did everything in our power to pass along a world where they can grow up to live as beautiful and meaningful a life as anyone can imagine.  I believe I have the leadership, experience, vision and optimism this nation needs to create a better future and a better world.”

Chris Dodd 2008 YouTube Announcement Transcript

Hi, my name is Chris Dodd and I wanted to introduce myself to you this afternoon, because I’m filing papers today formally to be a candidate for the Presidency. And I wanted to introduce myself to you. I’m a Senator from Connecticut. I’m going to be talking about the sense of urgency in the country that I think all of us care about. I’m going to be inviting you over the coming weeks and months to be a part of this discussion.

To upload online your own thoughts and ideas about the issues that you would like to see debated and talked about during the campaign. And from time to time I will respond as well, so you have a chance to engage in that conversation.

Again, there is a sense of urgency. The country wants leadership. I think we need to be optimistic and confident about our future and show the ability to bring people together to really work on these big, big issues at home and abroad. People are worried about the future, I am as well. That’s the real reason that I am running for the presidency. I’ve been in the Senate for a few years and I know how to do these things. I know what needs to be done.

I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Latin America in the sixties. I care deeply about the United States role in the world and I’m terribly disappointed about what’s happened in Iraq over the last number of years and the fact that the President wants to continue the failed policy, instead of insisting that the Iraqis come together politically and providing them the help to achieve that.

We need to be worried about other problems around the globe, getting people back to work here at home, focusing on energy and heath care and education. Anyway, there are a lot of issues. I look forward to the conversation. I invite you to be a part of this and I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks for paying attention.

New Chris Dodd For President Website Launched

Chris Dodd welcomed visitors to his new website with this message.

Welcome to ChrisDodd.com

Thanks for visiting my web site. I'd like this site to be an on-line gathering place for people who want to create a more secure, hopeful, and prosperous America -- and who would like to join with me and others to make that vision a reality.

This site is a place to learn more about the issues that are important to our nation's future -- issues like education, health care, national security, and the environment.

It's a place to discuss what's on your mind and what you believe are our nation's most important priorities.

It's a place to get involved in making a positive difference for our country. Civic participation is the hallmark of a democratic society, and I'd like this site to make it easier for you to participate in creating change for our common future.

Thank you again for taking the time to visit the site. I hope in the coming days and weeks you will check back often as we will be adding additional features like a blog, podcasts and videos.

South Carolina Secretary Of State Mark Hammond Joins McCain 2008

SOUTH CAROLINA SECRETARY OF STATE JOINS GROWING LIST OF MCCAIN SUPPORTERS

ALEXANDRIA, VA – South Carolina Secretary of State Mark Hammond has joined a growing group of prominent South Carolinians who are encouraging Senator John McCain to run for president in 2008. 

Hammond said he looks forward to actively campaigning for McCain should he make the decision to enter the race. But, for the time being Hammond will serve as an adviser to the exploratory committee in an effort to build grassroots support for McCain in the Palmetto State.

The Spartanburg Republican said McCain’s unparalleled commitment to fiscal responsibility and common sense conservatism resonates with GOP voters.  “John McCain and I both believe it’s critical that the interests of the American taxpayer are protected,” said Hammond. “John McCain is a tried and true conservative and he is our party’s best chance to win the presidency in 2008.” 

Hard-working families in South Carolina and across the country can count on him to help restore fiscal discipline to the federal government.” 

Senator McCain said he was pleased to garner the backing of another key elected official in the Palmetto State. “Mark has a long record of public service in Spartanburg and across South Carolina, and he will make a strong addition to our exploratory committee,” said McCain. “He is well-known and well-respected and I am honored to have him as part of our growing team.”