2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Minnesota Counties' Recount Completed

MINNESOTA COUNTIES’ RECOUNT COMPLETED
Coleman Campaign Thanks State’s Local Election Officials For Their Efforts

ST. PAUL - The Coleman campaign released the following statement from Cullen Sheehan, campaign manager:

“With Wright County completing its recount, an important phase of the Great Minnesota Recount has ended.  While we are pleased that we remain ahead in this recount, we want to give our thanks and appreciation for all Minnesota’s local election officials for their commitment to a fair, legal and transparent process.  We are confident that when the Canvassing Board begins meeting on December 16th and ultimately completes its work, that Norm Coleman will continue to be ahead, and will be re-elected to the United States Senate.  This recount process showed the best of Minnesota with the commitment of election officials to do their best to give the best possible result for the citizens of the state.”

National Mall Will Be Open To The Public On Inauguration Day

National Mall Will Be Open to the Public on Inauguration Day

WASHINGTON, DC -- In keeping with its pledge to make the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama one of the most open and accessible in history, the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) announced today that, for the first time, the entire length of the National Mall will be opened to the public so that more people than ever before will be able to witness the swearing-in of the President from a vantage point in sight of the Capitol.

The PIC has worked closely with officials from the District of Columbia government, the National Park Service, the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee (AFIC), and the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) to make space at this historic location available to members of the public who are unable to obtain tickets to the swearing-in. Those who come to witness the swearing-in on the Mall will be able to watch and listen to the ceremony on large screens that will be provided by the PIC along the Mall.

"We're grateful to local, federal, and military officials for their efforts to open up the National Mall to Americans who want to participate in this historic occasion," said PIC Executive Director Emmett S. Beliveau. "These arrangements represent our committee's continuing commitment to make next year's historic inauguration as accessible as possible to citizens in Washington, D.C., and across the country."

"This will be an Inauguration for all Americans," said Washington, D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty. "And so we are dedicated to opening it up so that people from across the country can gather together in America's front yard. We remain hard at work to ensure the day's festivities are safe and accessible for visitors, residents, and businesses alike."

In the past, the National Mall has been used as a staging area for participants in the inaugural parade. But in response to early indications that more Americans than usual may travel to Washington to join in celebration of our shared values and common purpose, officials have worked tirelessly in recent weeks to relocate the parade staging area. Inaugural parade participants will be announced next week.

In the coming days and weeks, the PIC will release further information about viewing the inauguration from the National Mall and other inaugural events.

President-elect Barack Obama Announces Governor Bill Richardson As Secretary Of Commerce

President-elect Barack Obama announces Governor Bill Richardson as Secretary of Commerce

CHICAGO -- President-elect Barack Obama today officially announced his nomination of Governor Bill Richardson as Secretary of Commerce.

President-elect Obama said, “With his breadth and depth of experience in public life, Governor Richardson is uniquely suited for this role as a leading economic diplomat for America. He has seen from just about every angle what makes our economy work and what keeps it from working better. He will be an unyielding advocate for American business and American jobs, at home and around the world. I look forward to working with him in the years ahead.”

Governor Richardson said, “There is a vital role for the Department of Commerce in our economic recovery. The unique strengths of the department and its talented public servants make it the natural agency to serve as the programmatic nerve center in America’s struggle to rejuvenate our economy. America will once again be at the forefront of innovation, especially in the new frontier of energy independence and clean energy jobs, and we will restore our position of respect in the world.”

Read Governor Richardson's biography and President-elect Obama's prepared remarks below.

Governor Bill Richardson, Secretary of Commerce
Governor Richardson is serving his second term as Governor of New Mexico, where he has worked aggressively to build a high-wage economy, expand health care access, and invest in renewable energy. Richardson served for fifteen years in northern New Mexico representing the 3rd Congressional District. In 1997, Richardson was nominated to be the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, where he addressed many difficult international negotiating challenges and crises and promoted economic development. In 1998, Richardson was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate as Secretary of Energy. Richardson has served as Chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, and Chair of the Western Governors Association, Border Governors Conference and the 2004 Democratic National Convention. He has been married to his wife, Barbara, for 35 years, and received a BA from Tufts in 1970 and a MA from Tuft's Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in 1971.

The Official Inauguration Commemorative Souvenir Brought To You By The United States Postal Service

The Official Inauguration Commemorative Souvenir Brought to You By the United States Postal Service

WASHINGTON — Celebrate the historic inauguration of Barack Obama as America’s 44th president with the official inauguration commemorative souvenir from the United States Postal Service.

This beautiful philatelic folio includes:

• A collectible stamped envelope with silk portraits of the newly elected President Barack Obama and Vice President-Elect Joseph Biden.
• An official commemorative Inaugural Digital Color Postmark.
• Photographs and biographical information.
• A brief commentary on inaugural tradition and history.
• And the presidential oath of office.

All this for only $14.95.

Pre-orders are now being accepted for this exclusive presidential inaugural commemorative souvenir at www.usps.com/shop and will be shipped starting Jan. 20, 2009. Official sales of this exclusive product begin on Jan. 20, 2009 at select Post Offices, usps.com, and by calling 800-STAMP24.

Senator Hillary Clinton And Key Members Of Obama-Biden National Security Team Announced

Senator Hillary Clinton and key members of Obama-Biden national security team announced

Chicago -- President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden officially announced key members of their national security team today: nominating Senator Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State, selecting Defense Secretary Robert Gates to remain as Secretary of Defense, nominating Eric Holder as Attorney General, nominating Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, nominating Susan Rice as Ambassador to the United Nations and selecting General Jim Jones, USMC (Ret) as National Security Adviser.

"In this uncertain world, the time has come for a new beginning -- a new dawn of American leadership to overcome the challenges of the 21st century, and to seize the opportunities embedded in those challenges. To succeed, we must pursue a new strategy that skillfully uses, balances, and integrates all elements of American power: our military and diplomacy; our intelligence and law enforcement; our economy and the power of our moral example. The team that we have assembled here today is uniquely suited to do just that. They share my pragmatism about the use of power, and my sense of purpose about America's role as a leader in the world," said President-elect Obama.

"It is an honor to be a part of this team, led by the President-elect -- a team that will see to it that America can lead the world not only by the example of our power, but also by the power of our example. I believe we have assembled a national security team that is poised to recapture the totality of America’s strength," said Vice President-elect Biden.

The national security team members announced today are listed below:

Senator Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State
Over nearly four decades in public service, as an attorney, First Lady, Senator, and presidential candidate, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton has become one of the nation's foremost champions for children and families and advocates for women's rights and human rights. During the Clinton Administration, she transformed the role of First Lady, fighting for universal health care and helping to lead successful bipartisan efforts to improve the adoption and foster care systems, reduce teen pregnancy, and provide health care to millions of children through the Children’s Health Insurance Program. As a representative of the United States, she championed American interests as well as the rights of women and girls in more than eighty countries around the world. In November 2000, Senator Clinton became the first First Lady elected to public office and the first woman elected independently in New York State; she has since won reelection. In the Senate, she has continued to advocate for equal access to health care, education, and economic opportunity for women and girls around the world. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Clinton has fought for and secured in law improved health care for members of the National Guard and Reserves and worked to bring our troops home safely and responsibly from Iraq. She also serves as the only Senate member of the Transformation Advisory Group to the Joint Forces Command, working to modernize our military. And Senator Clinton has continued to fight for quality, affordable health care for every American, working to strengthen the Children’s Health Insurance Program and expand the use of health information technology. Most recently, as a groundbreaking candidate for President of the United States, Senator Clinton became the first woman ever to win a presidential primary, receiving more than 18 million votes as an advocate for working families and a voice for millions of Americans who have felt invisible to their government.

Presidential Inaugural Committee Unveils Unprecedented Limits on Fundraising; Broadens Public Access

Presidential Inaugural Committee Unveils Unprecedented Limits on Fundraising; Broadens Public Access

Bipartisan Team Tapped to Organize Historic Inaugural Celebration
WASHINGTON -  President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden’s Inaugural Committee outlined plans today for an inauguration that will underscore their commitment to change business as usual in Washington and ensure that as many Americans as possible, both inside and outside Washington, will be able to come together to unite the country and celebrate our common values and shared aspirations.

The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) announced today that it will abide by an unprecedented set of limitations on fundraising as part of President-elect Obama’s pledge to put the country on a new path.  Unlike previous inaugural committees, the PIC will not accept contributions from corporations, political action committees, current federally-registered lobbyists, non-U.S. citizens and registered foreign agents.  The PIC will not accept individual contributions in excess of $50,000.  Current law does not restrict the size of donations.  In past inaugurations, contribution limits have run as high as $250,000.

In accordance with the Committee’s commitment to provide the most open and accessible inauguration in history, the PIC is working with relevant authorities to open up as much of the National Mall as possible to accommodate more Americans than ever before.

The Committee is headed by a bipartisan group of co-chairs: William Daley, Penny Pritzker, John Rogers, Patrick Ryan and Julianna Smoot, who said today they intend to deliver on President-elect Obama’s commitment to organize an inauguration that will rally all Americans to meet the great challenges of our time:

“It is a distinct honor to chair the committee that will organize the celebration of next year’s historic inauguration of Barack Obama and Joe Biden.  We are committed to ensuring that these activities are organized in a way that reflects the American people’s common values, shared aspirations and commitment to addressing our challenges as one, united nation,“ they said in a joint statement.

Listed below are some details about the co-chairs.  Regularly updated information will be provided to the public and the media on our website, www.pic2009.org.

PIC Co-Chairs

William Daley is head of JPMorgan Chase’s Office of Corporate Social Responsibility as well as the firm’s Vice Chairman, Chairman of the Midwest and Chairman of the JP Morgan Chase foundation. He is the Chair of the Economic Club of Chicago and is on the boards of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.  He served as U.S. Secretary of Commerce under President Bill Clinton from 1997 to 2000.  He also serves as member of the advisory board to President-elect Barack Obama’s transition committee.

Penny Pritzker, a business executive and entrepreneur for more than twenty years, is chairman of the board of four companies:  TransUnion, Classic Residence by Hyatt, The Parking Spot and Pritzker Realty.  Ms. Pritzker also served as Finance Chair of the President-elect’s campaign committee.  As a civic leader, she’s focused on improving the health and education of young people through enterprising initiatives, such as Chicago Run and the Chicago Public Education Fund.

John W. Rogers, Jr. is founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Ariel Investments and serves on the boards of three public companies: Aon Corporation, Exelon Corporation and McDonald’s Corporation. He also is a director of the Chicago Urban League, a trustee of the University of Chicago as well as a member of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

Patrick Ryan, a Republican, is Chairman and Chief Executive of Chicago 2016 and oversees all aspects of Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Olympics.  He is the Founding Chairman of Aon Corporation.  Ryan is Chairman of the board of trustees of Northwestern University and serves as a life trustee of Rush University Medical Center. He is also an owner/director of the Chicago Bears Football Club.

Julianna Smoot served as President-elect Obama’s national finance director during his presidential campaign. She previously worked for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Senator Thomas Daschle, and Senator John Edwards.

President-Elect Obama and Vice President-Elect Biden Announce Key White House Staff

President-Elect Obama and Vice President-Elect Biden Announce Key White House Staff

Washington – President-Elect Obama and Vice President-Elect Biden today announced Jackie Norris, Chief of Staff to the First Lady.

President-elect Barack Obama said, “This group of public servants will bring decades of expertise to my administration, and I'll rely on their counsel and hard work as we fix our struggling economy and meet the great challenges of our time. Vice President-elect Biden and I look forward to continuing our work with these outstanding individuals who have dedicated their careers to a better America.”

Jackie Norris, Chief of Staff to the First Lady
Norris joined Obama’s presidential campaign in January 2007 and served as the Iowa Senior Advisor during the caucus campaign, later serving as the Iowa State Director for the successful 2008 general election campaign. Originally from Ossining, New York, Norris started her career in the office of Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter. She later served as Vice President Al Gore’s scheduler and events planner and as Director of Scheduling and Advance for HUD Secretary Andrew Cuomo. Norris served as finance director for Governor Tom Vilsack’s 1998 gubernatorial campaign and as Gore’s political director for the Iowa caucuses during his 2000 presidential bid. In 2002, Norris became a classroom teacher for history and government at high schools in Perry, Ames, and Johnston, Iowa. Norris, a 1992 graduate of SUNY-Geneseo, obtained secondary education teacher certification in 2002 from Iowa State University and Masters in Political Science in 2008. Norris is the 2005 award recipient of the James Madison Fellowship and serves as Vice Chair of the Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa Freedom Fund Board. Norris and her husband John are residents of Des Moines, Iowa and have five-year-old twin boys, Hunter and Cole, and a two-year-old son, Sam.

St. Paul Saints Will "Re"Count Coleman-Franken Race

St. Paul Saints Will "Re"Count Coleman-Franken Race

ST. PAUL, MN (November 20, 2008) – 571 votes…477…377…215…215 votes ha ha haaa.  With the heated election not quite over in Minnesota the St. Paul Saints have their response to the Norm Coleman/Al Franken race for U.S. Senate.  You may know Sesame Street’s Count von Count; now the Saints are proud to introduce Count von “Re”Count.

Saints fans will have the opportunity to decide for themselves with a doll that depicts the two men and commemorates this historic election.  The figurine will consist of one head with Coleman’s face on one side and Franken’s on the other.  The body of the doll features that of the famous Sesame Street Count (Count von Count) with a suit, bow tie and cape.  The head will spin reminding fans of the dizzying experience that has been this state’s U.S. Senate race.

“The Saints have really outdone themselves with this one,” said Independent Senate candidate Dean Barkley.  “I am glad, however, they decided not to make this a talking doll.  Norm-Al will look great on someone’s shelf—silently.”

The first 2,500 fans that enter the gates on Saturday, May 23 are scheduled to receive a “Re”Count, but that number may change daily leading up to the event.  For example, the Saints may only have 2,400 dolls to give away if an employee accidentally leaves a box of the dolls sitting in their vehicle overnight.

There will be a coloring competition where the winner will be the person who can correctly color inside of an oval shaped object.  Following the third inning of their game against the Sioux Falls Canaries, no matter the score, the Saints will claim victory, “a victory for all Minnesotans.”

While fans choose whether to spin the doll to the side of Coleman or Franken, lawyers will be on hand to help determine their intent and challenges may be submitted to the Saints Fan Services Booth in written or oral form.  All fans will participate in various counting exercises during the course of the game, including the popular exercise: “What’s the difference between 24 and 124?”

Coleman and Franken are currently deadlocked with 42% of the vote while Barkley finished with 15.2% after 2.9 million votes were cast.

Count von Count could not be reached in his castle for comment nor could his most recent girlfriend, Countess von Backwards.  It is not known if either cast a vote in the November 4 election.  The Count is 1,832,652 years old. 

The final result of the May 23 Saints game on The “Re”Count night will not be official until sometime in mid-June.

Secretary of State Mark Ritchie Convenes Historic State Canvassing Board

SECRETARY OF STATE MARK RITCHIE CONVENES HISTORIC STATE CANVASSING BOARD
-Recounts triggered in U.S. Senate, state senate, and two state house races beginning Nov. 19

SAINT PAUL, Minn.-Nov. 18, 2008―Secretary of State Mark Ritchie today convened a historic state canvassing board that authorized automatic recounts in state house seats 12B and 16A, state senate seat 16, as well as the U.S. Senate. Minnesota law triggers automatic recounts when the vote margin between the top two candidates in federal, state, or judicial races is less than one-half of one percent in a general election. The board reviewed and adopted election results with the exception of those requiring automatic recounts. The board adopted a recount plan to be implemented Nov. 19-the start of the statewide U.S. Senate recount.

"Tomorrow, the race begins at zero and election officials from across the state will manually recount nearly 3 million ballots," Ritchie said. "Only when this recount is completed in its entirety will we know who is elected in these four races."

By Minnesota law, the state canvassing board includes two Minnesota Supreme Court Justices, two district court judges, and is chaired by the Secretary of State. Members serving in this canvass board are Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Eric J. Magnuson and Justice G. Barry Anderson, Chief Judge Kathleen R. Gearin and Assistant Chief Judge Edward J. Cleary from the Second Judicial District.

"I thank the members of the state canvassing board for their service to Minnesota," Ritchie said. "Minnesota can be proud of those represented here today and know that each member is deeply committed to upholding Minnesota's tradition of free and fair elections."

The state canvassing board formally announced that the statewide recount of the U.S. Senate race will begin on Wednesday, Nov. 19 in multiple locations throughout the state. The board also agreed to reconvene next week to consider a proposal to review improperly rejected absentee ballots. The board has received written and oral testimony from representatives of the Coleman and Franken campaigns on this issue.

The office has set a goal of completing the recounting by Dec. 5 so the state canvassing board may begin the process of reviewing all challenged ballots on Dec. 16.

Information regarding all recounts and a complete listing of recount sites is available online at www.sos.state.mn.us.

Coleman Re-Election Affirmed In 2008 Senate Race

Coleman Re-Election Affirmed In 2008 Senate Race

St. Paul - Republican Party of Minnesota Chair Ron Carey today issued the following statement at the conclusion of the Statewide Canvassing Board meeting.

“Sen. Coleman’s victory was again affirmed today with a 215 vote lead reported in the Statewide Canvassing Board meeting.  This is the third time the election results reporting process has affirmed Sen. Coleman’s victory, including the election night results, the county canvasses and now the Statewide Canvassing Board meeting.  The recount that begins tomorrow will show Sen. Coleman was selected by Minnesotans to serve as our Senior Senator. We expect a full and fair recount of all the legally cast votes, and we look forward to sending Senator Coleman back to the Senate at the end of this process.”