2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Chris Dodd Statement Of Candidacy

Dodd To Announce Official Presidential Bid

Dodd To Announce Official Presidential Bid
January 10, 2007
By DAVID LIGHTMAN, The Hartford Courant

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Christopher Dodd will announce Thursday he is running for president, friends and supporters said today.

Dodd, after months of testing his support in key states like Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, has taken all the necessary steps to proceed with his campaign.

Hartford Courant Article

Jim Gilmore Statement Of Candidacy

Jim Gilmore Files Presidential Exploratory Committee Paperwork

Gilmore Makes it Official: Former Virginia Governor Files a Presidential Exploratory Committee

Alexandria, Virginia --- Former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore made it official today by filing the necessary paperwork with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to form an exploratory committee to explore a potential candidacy for President of the United States.

"Today, I filed the papers necessary to explore a candidacy for President because I believe that this nation needs conservative leadership.  Alone among those considering a candidacy for the Republican nomination, I have a record of real leadership as a tax cutter and job creator, as a leader on national security issues, and as a national leader in our party.  I intend to move quickly to form a national campaign team and to make my decision on moving to a formal candidacy," Gilmore said.

Governor Gilmore will soon announce his committee’s leadership structure, which will include several prominent Republicans with experience in presidential campaigns.

The committee's website will be located at www.gilmoreexploratory.com 

Jim Gilmore Forms Presidential Exploratory Committee

Ex-Gov. Gilmore eyes GOP White House bid
By BOB LEWIS, Associated Press Writer

RICHMOND, Va. - Jim Gilmore, Virginia's former tax-slashing Republican governor, on Tuesday took the first step in a long-shot bid for the presidency.

Gilmore filed papers with the Federal Election Commission in Washington to form the Jim Gilmore for President Exploratory Committee...

Yahoo AP News Story

Senator Jim DeMint To Serve As Senior Advisor To Romney 2008 Committee

SENATOR JIM DEMINT TO SERVE AS SENIOR ADVISER

Boston, MA – Governor Mitt Romney announced today that Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) will serve as a senior adviser to the Romney for President Exploratory Committee.

"Senator DeMint believes, as I do, that we must find new solutions to help ensure the American Dream for every citizen. That is why I am so honored that he will serve as a senior adviser to my Exploratory Committee," said Governor Romney. "As we move forward, Senator DeMint will be a powerful spokesman for our vision for the future not only in South Carolina but nationally."

In a letter released today to fellow Republicans in South Carolina, Senator DeMint wrote, "We must elect a President in 2008 who is up to the task, and I need you to encourage Mitt to run. … As a leader who has spent most of his life in the private sector, Governor Romney will call on America's strength and character to solve problems and secure our future." 

Georgia GOP Chairman Alec Poitevint Joins McCain 2008

Georgia Republican Party Chairman and National Committeeman Poitevint Joins Supporters Of McCain

Chairman Of Perdue For A New Georgia To Lead Team McCain In The South

ALEXANDRIA, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced that Georgia Republican Party Chairman and National Committeeman Alec Poitevint would serve as the Southern Co-Chair for McCain for President should the Arizona Senator decide to run.

“Senator McCain clearly has the track record and experience to lead our nation and he will energize the Republican Party,” said Chairman Poitevint.  “The Senator’s commitment to common sense conservatism coupled with his unwavering dedication to winning the War on Terror ensures we will have the right leader at the right time.”

Senator McCain stated he was honored to have the support of such a distinguished leader.  “Alec is a committed conservative and public servant.  He has been very effective in leading the Republican Party in Georgia and played an integral role in helping Governor Perdue register an impressive victory last November,” said McCain.  “It is indeed an honor to have someone of his caliber joining the team.”

Mitt Romney Raises Over $6.5 Million On "National Call Day"

"NATIONAL CALL DAY" RAISES OVER $6.5 MILLION

Boston, MA – After reaching out across the country on "National Call Day," Governor Mitt Romney and his supporters raised over $6.5 million. The success of today's event will help Governor Romney continue to share his message and vision for the future with the American people.

“This is a message,” said Governor Romney, “that what we stand for and what we are going to fight for has been heard, and gives us motivation to go forward with our message.”

“I am overwhelmed by this support, heartened by the friendship, and hopeful for the future. I can only say thank you,” said Governor Romney.

Approximately 15,000 outbound calls were made by about 400 volunteer fundraisers from over 40 states.

South Carolina Democratic Party And NBC News Team Up For First 2008 Debate

SOUTH CAROLINA DEMOCRATIC PARTY TO TEAM UP WITH NBC NEWS AND SC STATE UNIVERSITY FOR FIRST PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

January 8th, 2007

Orangeburg, SC – South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Joe Erwin and Congressman Jim Clyburn traveled to South Carolina State University today to announce that South Carolina will host the first candidates’ debate of the 2008 Presidential cycle on Thursday April 26th 2007 at 7:00Pm. The Democratic Presidential candidates debate will be produced by NBC News and hosted by SC State. All the major Democratic candidates for president are invited to attend.

MSNBC will carry exclusive live coverage of the South Carolina Democratic Party's presidential primary debate on April 26, 2007 live on MSNBC from 7:00 to 8:30 pm (ET) and streamed live on MSNBC.com. South Carolina NBC affiliates WIS-TV in Columbia; WYFF-TV in Greenville and WCBD-TV in Charleston will join MSNBC in airing the debate. MSNBC's signature political program, "Hardball with Chris Matthews," will air live from South Carolina State University at 5:00 pm (ET) with key interviews and analysis in anticipation of the debate. The network will also air comprehensive analysis of the debate upon its conclusion.

“What better way to celebrate South Carolina and our second-in-the-nation first-in-the South Presidential Primary than with the first Presidential debate at the alma mater of our own Jim Clyburn, Majority Whip of the US House of Representatives,” said South Carolina State Democratic Party Chair Joe Erwin. “Having worked closely with the top-notch NBC News team in 2004 for Presidential primary and debate, we know just what kinds of results they can produce when it comes for viewer ship, voter education and voter participation. Democratic candidates can rest assured that their campaign messages will be heard by millions of South Carolina voters and NBC viewers across the country.

“The NBC News/South Carolina Democratic Party Debate at SC State not only presents an incredible opportunity for the talented field of Democratic candidates running for President to make their case to the voters of South Carolina, but it presents an amazing opportunity for every citizen of this state to have South Carolina issues, values and voices front and center in the national spotlight,” said House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn.

“I fully expect that the leading Democrats who are considering a run for the Presidency, will not miss this opportunity to travel to Orangeburg and meet the terrific students, faculty and staff of SC State for this historic occasion,” Clyburn continued. “ I am so touched by Chairman Erwin’s efforts to bring this debate to my Alma Mater and his commitment along with the talented team at NBC News to making it heard across the state and across the nation.”

"We're thrilled to have the opportunity to be the home of the first debate of the 2008 presidential campaign," said NBC News President Steve Capus. "NBC News is uniquely positioned to bring an event like this to the nation with the number one morning and evening newscasts, the number one Sunday public affairs program, MSNBC's unparalleled commitment to extensive political coverage on cable and the leading news and information web site, msnbc.com."

Trey Walker Will Manage McCain’s Presidential Efforts In South Carolina

Trey Walker Picked to Manage Senator McCain’s Presidential Efforts in South Carolina

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Trey Walker, who has served for the past four years as chief executive assistant to South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster, has been selected by U.S. Senator John McCain’s exploratory committee to manage the Arizona Republican’s potential presidential campaign in the Palmetto State.  South Carolina will hold one of the nation’s key presidential primaries in early 2008.

Walker served as National Field Director for Senator McCain’s 2000 presidential campaign. 

“Trey is a valuable member of our political family,” said McCain.  “I am grateful that he will lend his considerable talent and experience to the management of our efforts in South Carolina, which is an extraordinarily important state in the presidential selection process.”

Walker’s work with McCain’s presidential exploratory committee is effective immediately.  “I am proud and honored to stand with Senator McCain.  He is a personal hero of mine, and I deeply believe he is the right leader at the right time for the future of our nation.”