2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Additional RNC Members, Including Brian Sullivan Of Minnesota, Endorse John McCain

ADDITIONAL RNC MEMBERS ENDORSE JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that 19 additional Republican National Committee Members have endorsed John McCain for president.

"The Republican Party continues to rally around John McCain," said RNC Vice Chairman Chuck Yob. "John McCain will unite our party, and his broad electoral appeal will lift all Republicans running for office against stiff Democratic competition this November. He has shown that he has the experience and tested judgment to lead our nation and our Party from his first day in office."

John McCain thanked the RNC members, saying, "I am grateful for these RNC delegates' support. Their service to our party has been admirable and I am proud to have them on my team."

Members of the Republican National Committee are automatically seated as delegates at the Republican National Convention.

ADDITIONAL RNC MEMBERS FOR MCCAIN

Saul Anuzis, Michigan 
Henry Barbour, Mississippi 
Morton Blackwell, Virginia 
James Bopp Jr, Indiana 
Giovanni Cicione, Rhode Island 
Sharon Day, Florida 
Mark Ellis, Maine 
Jim Greer, Florida 
Virginia Haines, New Jersey 
Ray Hoffman, Iowa
Douglas McKinney, West Virginia 
Cindy Phillips, Mississippi 
Steve Roberts, Iowa 
Steve Robertson, Kentucky 
Katherine Russell, Kentucky 
Bob Schaffer, Colorado 
Paul Senft, Florida 
Robin Smith, Tennessee 
Brian Sullivan, Minnesota

Spalding Group Announces McCain Store

PBS's AMERICAN EXPERIENCE Launches "Campaign '08" Multimedia Website For THE PRESIDENTS Biography Collection

PBS's AMERICAN EXPERIENCE Launches "Campaign '08" Multimedia Website for THE PRESIDENTS Biography Collection

- Television's most-watched history series takes voters from the past to THE PRESIDENTS through video of FDR, Truman, LBJ, Nixon, Carter, Reagan, and George H.W. Bush -

BOSTON, Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- PBS' AMERICAN EXPERIENCE today launched http://www.pbs.org/presidents/2008, the online component of an unprecedented public television initiative that, for the first time, will make available more than 25 hours of presidential programming online, on TV, and on the go. The project comes at a critical moment in American politics. This year, American voters will take part in a landmark election, where for the first time in over a half-century, neither the sitting President nor vice president is a contender for the Oval Office.

In the coming months, voters will wrestle with tough questions and campaign issues. Who should we trust? How do we end a war? Who is best suited to lead the nation in a volatile world? With THE PRESIDENTS, AMERICAN EXPERIENCE provides an invaluable historical roadmap -- helping viewers to understand where we have been, so that they may better decide where we are going.

THE PRESIDENTS Online

Visitors to the Campaign '08 (http://www.pbs.org/presidents/2008) will select provocative questions that connect today's domestic and international issues and candidate platforms with yesterday's leaders. For example, by selecting "How do you end a war?" users will be able to scan video segments about the resolutions of World War II, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War. The site currently features five such questions, which will be updated to reflect hot button election issues leading up to November 2008.

Seven films -- more than twenty-five hours in all -- will be streamed for online viewing, and available for download, beginning with FDR, Truman, and Reagan in February. In the coming months, programs examining Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Jimmy Carter will follow. Finally, after a premiere television broadcast on PBS, a new profile of the 41st President, George H.W. Bush, will launch on May 6.

THE PRESIDENTS on TV

In broadcast, AMERICAN EXPERIENCE will roll out THE PRESIDENTS on PBS beginning in May 2008, and continuing up to the 2008 presidential election in November:

  -- May 5 & 6 - George H.W. Bush
  -- May 12 & 19 - FDR
  -- May 25 & 26 - Truman
  -- September 15 & 22 - LBJ
  -- September 29 - Nixon
  -- October 6 & 13 - Jimmy Carter
  -- October 20 & 27 - Reagan

THE PRESIDENTS On the Go

A rich array of companion podcasts and vodcasts will be produced monthly for download from THE PRESIDENTS web site, covering themes such as political conventions, debates, presidential character, and more. The first in the series, available now, examines the campaigning season.

"With THE PRESIDENTS, we want to engage viewers in the civic process. To my mind, that involves not just voting on Election Day, but also taking an active interest in where we've been as a nation and what led our country to the place we now hold on the international stage," says AMERICAN EXPERIENCE executive producer Mark Samels. "As we enter a pivotal election year, it is interesting to see the many issues the country wrestled with throughout the 20th century -- from war and religion to healthcare and education -- that we are still debating today."

ABOUT AMERICAN EXPERIENCE

Television's most-watched history series, AMERICAN EXPERIENCE has been hailed as "peerless" (Wall Street Journal), "the most consistently enriching program on television" (Chicago Tribune), and "a beacon of intelligence and purpose" (Houston Chronicle). On air and online, the series brings to life the incredible characters and epic stories that have shaped America's past and present. Acclaimed by viewers and critics alike, AMERICAN EXPERIENCE documentaries have been honored with every major broadcast award, including twenty-four Emmy Awards, four duPont-Columbia Awards, and fourteen George Foster Peabody Awards, one most recently for Two Days in October.

Obama Campaign Releases 2-Minute TV Ad: Leader

Obama Campaign Releases 2-Minute TV Ad: Leader

Austin, TX - The Obama Campaign today announced a new television advertisement titled Leader ran in markets across Texas during last night's evening news and will run again tonight. The two-minute ad features Senator Obama speaking directly to Texans about his commitment to uniting our country and bringing to Washington, D.C. the kind of change we can believe in.

LEADER TRANSCRIPT:

I'm Barack Obama and I approve this message.

For years, we've watched politicians divide us, seen lobbyists put their interests ahead of ours, and heard our leaders tell us what we want to hear, instead of what we need to hear.

The question you have to ask yourself is this:

Who can take can take us in a fundamentally new direction? I'm running to finally solve problems we talk about year after year after year.

To end the division, the obscene influence of lobbyists and the politics that value scoring points over making progress. We can't afford more of that -- not this year, not now.

I've spent my life working for change that's made a real difference in the lives of real people. That's why I passed up a job on Wall Street -- to fight joblessness and poverty on the streets of Chicago when the local steel plant closed.

That's why I turned down the corporate law firms to work as a civil right lawyer -- to fight for those who have been denied opportunity. That's why I fought for tough new ethics law in Illinois and Washington -- to cut the power of lobbyists -- and I won.

That's why I brought Democrats and Republicans together to provide health care and tax relief to working families. And that's why I opposed this war in Iraq from the start. It wasn't popular, but it was right.

This country is ready for a leader who will bring us together. That's the only way we're going to win this election. And that's actually how we'll fix health care and make college affordable, become energy independent and end this war.

I'm reminded every day that I'm not a perfect man. And I won't be a perfect President. But I can promise you this: I will always tell you where I stand and what I think. I will listen to you when we disagree. I will carry your voices to the White House and I will fight for you every day I'm there.

On Tuesday, help change Washington; let's bring Democrats, Republicans and Independents together, not just to win an election, but to transform a nation.

Additional Governors Endorse John McCain For President

ADDITIONAL GOVERNORS ENDORSE JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced six additional governors who have endorsed John McCain for president.

"Now is the time to unite our party behind John McCain," said Governor Barbour. "The stakes couldn't be higher this November. This election will offer voters a clear choice: Democrats' liberal vision for our country versus the Republican Party's conservative principles of strong national defense, small government and traditional values. John McCain represents those values and I am proud to support him."

"John McCain is the leader America and our Party needs at this point in our history," said Governor Perdue. "He has the experience and proven judgment to lead our nation, and John's broad appeal will lift all Republicans running for office against stiff Democratic competition this November. On Tuesday, as voters in Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island and Vermont head to the polls, we hope they, too, will stand with us in supporting John McCain and rally our party behind our nominee for president."

"John McCain has already sacrificed more for our country than most of us ever will," said Governor Jindal. "John is a man of great courage and great fortitude. In these uncertain times, his steadfast commitment to keeping America strong and safe is badly needed."

"John McCain is a well known fiscal conservative who will bring strong fiscal discipline to Washington," said Governor Lingle. "He will work hard to cut taxes for all Americans. Senator McCain is a decorated veteran who will make certain that our nation's veterans are treated fairly after their service to our country. I am very proud to be part of his team."

"Our nation faces tremendous challenges that require a leader who's been tested, a leader with character who is guided by traditional values, and a leader with a proven track record of delivering results," said Governor Riley. "John not only meets, but exceeds each of these criteria. I am honored and proud to endorse John McCain for president."

"Senator McCain is a tried and true leader," said Governor Hoeven. "He is a genuine war hero, having served his country in Vietnam, including five and a half years in a prisoner-of-war camp. In these challenging times, we need a strong leader like John McCain to ensure that Americans are safe both at home and abroad. Domestically, Senator McCain has made a commitment to hold the line on taxes, which is important as this country faces a possible economic slowdown. It's also important because the American people, not government, should make decisions on how to spend their money."

John McCain thanked the governors, stating, "Each governor's tireless service has made a positive difference in their respective state. They have consistently stood up for the best interests of those who put them in office, and have fought to reduce the burden of a heavy-handed government and stood for the values that make our country great. I am proud to have each of them as a member of our team, and I know that their support will go a long way toward a Republican victory in November."

ADDITIONAL GOVERNORS FOR JOHN MCCAIN
Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour
North Dakota Governor John Hoeven
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal
Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle
Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue
Alabama Governor Bob Riley

New Ad: Hillary Promises Never To Be Too Busy To Defend Our National Security

New Ad: Hillary Promises Never to Be Too Busy to Defend Our National Security 
30-Second Television Spot, “True” To Air in the Lone Star State

The Clinton campaign today announced it is broadcasting a new television ad in Texas highlighting Senator Clinton’s promise to defend our nation’s security by fighting Al Qaeda in Afghanistan, commitment to bringing our troops home from Iraq, and readiness to be Commander-in-Chief.

As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Clinton worked to provide body armor to our troops fighting in Iraq and deliver health care benefits to our veterans. Senator Obama, as chairman of an oversight committee charged with the force of fighting Al Qaeda in Afghanistan, was too busy running for President to hold even one hearing.

The 30-second spot, entitled “True,” comes the day before Texas voters head to the polls on March 4th.

Following is the script for the ad.

Hillary For President
“True”
TV : 30

Announcer: Barack Obama says he has the judgment to be president.

But as chairman of an oversight committee charged with the force of fighting Al Qaeda in Afghanistan –he was too busy running for president to hold even one hearing.

Barack Obama: "I became chairman of this committee, at the beginning of this campaign-at the beginning of 2007, so it is true that we haven't had oversight hearings on Afghanistan."

Announcer: Hillary Clinton will never be too busy to defend our national security-bringing our troops home from Iraq and pursing Al Qaeda in Afghanistan.

Hillary Clinton: “I'm Hillary Clinton and I approved this message.”

Texas Democratic Party's Precinct Convention Information

Texas Democratic Party's Precinct Convention Information

The Precinct Conventions are the first step in the Texas Democratic Party's convention process, which will ultimately determine Texas' delegates to the Democratic National Convention, where the next President of the United States will be nominated.

Date: March 4th, 2008

Time: 7:15pm or after the last voter casts his or her ballot, whichever is later.

Place: Your Precinct Polling Location (the place where you would vote on election day)

Who:  Anyone who votes in the Democratic Primary that day (or during the early voting period).

Why:  To elect delegates to the County or Senatorial District convention

The Texas Democratic Party has a three-level convention system:
Level 1. Precinct Conventions
Level 2. County Conventions (or Senatorial District Conventions in urban areas)
Level 3. State Convention.

Those who attend their Precinct Convention will elect delegates to the County/Senatorial Convention; those who attend their County/Senatorial Convention will elect delegates to the State Convention. Those who attend the State Convention will elect delegates to the National Convention.

There will be a sign at the polling place telling exactly where the convention will be held. If you can't find a sign, ask your election clerk where the convention will be held.

The convention begins at 7:15 p.m. when the Precinct Chair calls the convention to order. The order of business at the precinct convention is outlined in the minutes.  We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the minutes so that you will understand how the precinct convention will be conducted.

The needed materials will be given to the election judge for your precinct and the judge will give them to the Precinct Chair when they arrive at the polling location.  If the Precinct Chair is absent at 7:15pm, anyone participating may start the meeting.

New Ad: Hillary Promises to be a "Partner" To Ohio's Working Families In A New TV Ad

New Ad: Hillary Promises to be a "Partner" to Ohio's Working Families in a New TV Ad
30-Second Television Spot To Air in the Buckeye State

The Clinton campaign today announced it is broadcasting a new television ad in Ohio highlighting Senator Clinton's commitment to standing up for Ohio's working families, reviving Ohio's troubled economy, and delivering new jobs to communities throughout the state. Senator Clinton has a lifetime of experience fighting for the middle class, and as president, she will be a partner to the American worker in the White House.

The 30-second spot, entitled "Partner," comes the day before Ohio voters head to the polls on March 4th. 

Following is the script for the ad.

Hillary For President
"Partner"
TV :30

Hillary Clinton: I have talked with people from Cincinnati to Dayton to
Parma.

Man 1: The economy in this part of the state is terrible.

Man 2: We need a leader who cares about the people.

Hillary Clinton:  It's time that the American worker had a partner in the
White House.

Woman 1: She's going to bring jobs back here to Ohio.

Man 3: And fight for working families here in the United States of America.

Man 1: Hillary Clinton can turn this country around.

Hillary Clinton: The wealthy and the well connected have had a president.
It's time the middle class had a president, who will stand up for you.

Hillary Clinton: I'm Hillary Clinton and I approved this message.

Ohio Elected Officials Endorse John McCain For President

OHIO ELECTED OFFICIALS ENDORSE JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced Ohio elected officials who have endorsed John McCain for president.

"John McCain is the best prepared candidate to make our nation more secure and our government more accountable," said former Senator Mike DeWine. "John has the leadership experience and tested judgment to unite our party and lead as commander in chief, and we are all proud to support him in his campaign to be our next for president."

John McCain thanked Senator DeWine and the elected officials, stating, "Mike and these leaders have served the people of Ohio with distinction. I am honored to have the support of my Congressional colleagues and elected community leaders across the state."

OHIO ELECTED OFFICIALS FOR MCCAIN

Federal Legislators
U.S. Senator George Voinovich
Former U.S. Senator Mike DeWine
Representative John Boehner, Republican Leader, U.S. House of Representatives
Representative Bob Latta
Representative Steven LaTourette
Representative Deborah Pryce
Representative Ralph Regula
Representative Jean Schmidt
Representative Pat Tiberi
Representative Michael Turner
Former Representative Rob Portman

State Legislators
Speaker Jon Husted
State Senate President Bill Harris
State Senator Steve Austria -- Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives (OH-7)
State Senator John Carey
State Senator Keith Faber
State Senator Tim Grendell
State Senator Bob Spada
State Senator Steve Stivers -- Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives (OH-15)
State Senator Mark Wagoner
State Representative John Adams
State Representative Kevin Bacon
State Representative Lou Blessing
State Representative Matt Dolan
State Representative Clyde Evans
State Representative Larry Flowers
Sta te Representative Bruce Goodwin
State Representative Cliff Hite
State Representative Jay Hottinger
State Representative Matt Huffman
State Representative Jim Hughes
State Representative Shannon Jones
State Representative Ross McGregor
State Representative Thomas Patton
State Representative Barbara Sears
State Representative Arlene Setzer
State Representative Gerald Stebelton
State Representative Jimmy Stewart
State Representative Jeff Wagner
State Representative Shawn Webster
State Representative John White
State Representative Larry Wolpert
State Representative Jim Zehringer
Former State Representative Ben Rose
Former State Representative Tom Raga

State Officials
Betty Montgomery, former Ohio Attorney General and former Auditor of State
Jim Petro, former Ohio Attorney General and former Auditor of State

Wisconsin Democratic State Party Chairman Joe Wineke Endorses Barack Obama

WISCONSIN SUPERDELEGATE ENDORSES BARACK OBAMA
Wisconsin State Party Chairman, Formerly Edwards Supporter, Joe Wineke Backs Obama

Chicago, IL – Today, Wisconsin Democratic State Party Chairman Joe Wineke endorsed Barack Obama today.

Below is Chairman Wineke’s statement:

“Today, I announce my personal endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States.  When this campaign started, I was deeply impressed by the talent level of our Democratic candidates.  I still am.  I was an early supporter of John Edwards and continue to have great respect for Senator Hillary Clinton. 

“On Tuesday, February 19, 2008, the people of Wisconsin spoke through our primary process.  Over 1.1 million of the 1.5 million votes cast went to our Democratic candidates.  Barack Obama won with over 58% of the vote, winning 62 of our 72 counties.  As the Chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party and a delegate to the national convention, I believe that Senator Obama’s convincing win in the Badger state should be rewarded.  Therefore, I pledge my support to his campaign.

“No matter who wins the Democratic nomination, our Party will be united.  After nearly eight long years of the Bush administration, change is in the air.  Senator Barack Obama is the best candidate to make that change happen.”