2012 Presidential Campaign Blog

Tim Pawlenty And Freedom First PAC Endorse 2010 Candidates

Tim Pawlenty Endorses 2010 Candidates
PAC looks to grassroots for nominating future endorsements

ST. PAUL, Minnesota – During a first-of-its-kind Facebook town hall tonight, Governor Tim Pawlenty announced the first seven candidates endorsed by his Freedom First PAC and asked supporters to nominate additional candidates for the PAC to endorse in coming weeks.

All the newly endorsed candidates share Governor Pawlenty’s common-sense, conservative agenda and are running for seats that represent Republican pickup opportunities. Candidates selected were nominated online by Freedom First PAC supporters, and share Governor Pawlenty's approach to aggressively contesting Democrat-held states and districts as he has done in Minnesota.

“Washington is headed in the wrong direction. We need to help good people running for office who understand that the federal government is overreaching and are willing to stand up and say, ‘Enough!,’” Pawlenty said. “These candidates share my common-sense approach to governing, and will work to stop the out-of-control spending in Washington.”

The first seven endorsed candidates are:

Tim Burns, running for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 12th District
Robert Dold, running for Congress in Illinois’ 10th District.
Sean Duffy, running for Congress in Wisconsin’s 7th District.
Charles Djou, running for Congress in Hawaii’s 1st District.
Pat Meehan, running for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 7th District.
Gov. John Hoeven, running for U.S. Senate in North Dakota.
Pat Toomey, running for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania.

The Freedom First PAC will endorse dozens of similar, conservative candidates in coming weeks based on nominations and suggestions from Facebook friends and other PAC supporters. Supporters are asked to submit their nominations online at TimPawlenty.com.

“We’re going to allow our friends and supporters to nominate the people they want my PAC to support,” Pawlenty said. “It’s going to be interactive and grassroots. Hopefully a lot of people are going to participate, rather than just a few powerful people in a conference room, as in the past.”

Candidates endorsed by the Freedom First PAC will receive more than the typical PAC ritual of some good words and a financial contribution. Endorsed candidates will benefit from a new donation feature that allows supporters to contribute directly to endorsed candidates through TimPawlenty.com, adding extra value to the PAC’s endorsement beyond what the PAC is permitted to contribute directly.  The Governor will also ask PAC supporters to help direct the PAC’s other activities on behalf of candidates, such as launching targeted fundraising campaigns for specific candidates or deciding where the Governor will campaign.

“New technology opens the doors to whole new ways to engage people and support great candidates,” Pawlenty said. “As we saw in town halls last summer, people are worried about the direction of our country and want to get involved. The Freedom First PAC is using new technology to empower people and elect candidates who share our concerns.”

Republican Party Of Wisconsin Announces Tim Pawlenty And Paul Ryan As 2010 Convention Kickoff Speakers

RPW Announces Convention Kickoff Speakers

MADISON - Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, who has been called “the next generation of leadership in the Republican Party and in America” and Wisconsin’s own Congressman Paul Ryan, ranking member of the House Budget Committee and an emerging leader on fiscal reform, will headline a Chairman’s Reception at the Republican Party of Wisconsin State Convention on Friday, May 21, 2010.

“The Republican Party of Wisconsin State Convention is going to be an opportunity for conservatives to come together and kick off an outstanding campaign season,” said Reince Priebus, Chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin. “I can’t think of two better Republicans than Governor Pawlenty and Congressman Ryan to get participants motivated to actively spread our message of common-sense conservative solutions and fiscal restraint.”

As Governor, Pawlenty resolved Minnesota's historic $4.5 billion budget deficit without raising taxes. During his two terms, Governor Pawlenty has dramatically slowed the growth of state government spending. He also reduced overall spending for the first time in the state’s 150-year history.

Serving as Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, Congressman Paul Ryan is a leading voice for fiscal discipline and accountability in the federal government. He recently introduced “A Roadmap for America’s Future,” a comprehensive reform proposal that tackles the interrelated crises in health care, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, our job-killing and cumbersome tax code, and our exploding debt. 

The Chairman’s Reception will take place from 6 pm – 8 pm at the Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee on Friday, May 21, 2010. Shuttles from the RPW Convention host hotel, the Hyatt Regency, will be available for convention attendees. Admission to the Chairman’s Reception will be free of charge for paid convention attendees and will cost $20 per person for the general public.

Speaker announcements for a banquet honoring County Chairmen on Saturday, May 22, 2010 will follow in the coming weeks.

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann Will Keynote Defenders Of Freedom Event In Iowa

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann will keynote King’s Defenders of Freedom

Sergeant Bluff, Iowa – Congressman Steve King announced his colleague in the U.S. House of Representatives, Michele Bachmann of Minnesota, will be the keynote speaker at his third annual Defenders of Freedom event on April 10, 2010.

“I am honored to have Michele come to western Iowa to share her brand of conservative leadership with us,” King said. “Together Michele and I have led the charge in the U.S. House to fight the Obama/Pelosi/Reid health care nightmare. It was her idea that sparked our ‘Declaration of Health Care Independence’ and am proud to call her a friend, ally in the conservative cause, and fellow warrior in the culture war.”

Defenders of Freedom will be held at the The Bluff’s Area Family Center, 903 Topaz Drive, Sergeant Bluff. Doors will open at 5:00 pm on April 10 with the program to being at 5:30 pm. The event includes a banquet, awards presentations, and speeches by Bachmann and King.

Bachmann made her respect for King clear by telling the Sioux City Journal’s political reporter she would support King for president. “Steve King is mentioned as a potential nominee. I have a very high opinion of Steve King and his ability, so I would encourage him to consider any position for higher office,” Bachmann said.

Elected in 2006, Bachmann is the first Republican woman to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Minnesota. Prior to serving in the U.S. Congress, Bachmann served in the Minnesota State Senate. She also spent five years as a federal tax litigation attorney, working on hundreds of civil and criminal cases. That experience solidified Bachmann’s strong support for efforts to simplify the Tax Code and reduce tax burdens on family and small business budgets.

Bachmann is a graduate of Anoka High School and Winona State University. After earning her law degree, she went on to the College of William and Mary to get an LLM in tax law. Bachmann and her husband, Marcus, live in Stillwater where they own a small business mental health care practice that employs 42 people. The Bachmanns have five children: Lucas, Harrison, Elisa, Caroline, and Sophia. In addition, the Bachmanns have opened their home to 23 foster children.

“I encourage everyone interested in hearing one of our nation’s leading conservative voices to attend my Defenders of Freedom event,” King said.

Congressman Steve King was elected to Congress in 2002 and was re-elected three times. He serves on the House Agriculture, Small Business, and Judiciary committees. Prior to being elected to Congress, King served in the Iowa Senate and founded King Construction, an earth-moving contracting business now owned by his son.

Des Moines To Host 2010 Iowa GOP Convention

Des Moines to Host 2010 Iowa GOP Convention

DES MOINES – The Republican Party of Iowa tonight selected Des Moines to host the 2010 Iowa GOP State Convention, which will be held Saturday, June 26 at the Iowa Events Center.

The 17-member Iowa Republican State Central Committee formally approved the selection of Des Moines this evening.  Sioux City and Cedar Rapids were also finalists.

“All three cities would make great locations for our state convention.  Unfortunately, we can only choose one city,” said Iowa GOP Chairman Matt Strawn.  “I want to thank the leaders of Sioux City and Cedar Rapids for enthusiastically inviting us to their communities. Each community had strong advocates on the Committee, but a clear majority favored our centrally-located Capital city.”

Strawn noted that he was pleased by the competitive and open selection process.  “Ours is not a top-down party and this decision has been guided by Republicans all across Iowa,” he said. “There is little doubt that this convention-selection process has generated more attention and input from Republican activists across the state than at any time in recent history.  This decision is reflective of the will of Republicans statewide.”

The 2010 Iowa GOP State Convention will feature 2,000 delegates and more than 1,000 alternate delegates from around the state who will meet in Des Moines to finalize the Republican Party of Iowa Platform and conduct other party business.

Prior to the State Convention, delegates will attend conventions in each of Iowa’s five congressional districts. Districts two, three and five will meet Saturday, April 24. Districts one and four will meet Saturday, May 1.

SRLC 2010 Announces JC Watts

SRLC 2010 Announces JC Watts

BATON ROUGE, LA- The Southern Republican Leadership Conference announced today that J.C. Watts will join the speaker lineup to address more than 3,000 attendees at the convention in April.

“The Republicans have the plan that will put this country back onto a path of fiscal sanity and regulatory restraint that will help sustain the greatness of America,” Watts said. “The Southern Republican Leadership Conference is an important opportunity for us to shape the vision and articulate the ideas for our party and our country that will lead us to victory in 2010, 2012 and beyond.”

J.C. Watts served as a Congressman from Oklahoma’s Fourth Congressional District for four terms. After, Watts was appointed by President Bush to the Board of Visitors for the U.S. Military Academy. He later created a lobbying and consulting firm, J.C. Watts Companies, located in Washington, D.C. where he fights for the causes he championed in Congress. He wrote an autobiography, worked as a columnist for several publications, became a member of the board of directors for several corporations and served as the chairman of GOPAC.

“We are honored to host J.C. Watts at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference,” SRLC President and CEO Charlie Davis said. “He is an effective leader who has continued to fight for conservatism even after his successful Congressional career.”

Haley Barbour To Headline Connecticut GOP Annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner

GOVERNOR HALEY BARBOUR TO HEADLINE CONNECTICUT GOP ANNUAL PRESCOTT BUSH AWARDS DINNER
 
New Britain, CT – State Republican Party Chairman Chris Healy announces that Mississippi Governor and Chairman of the Republican Governors Association Haley Barbour will be the featured speaker at the 32nd Annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner, Wednesday, May 19th at the Stamford Plaza.
 
“Governor Barbour is one of this country’s most dynamic leaders and we are eager to hear his views on the many issues facing our nation,” Healy said. “As former Chairman of the RNC and current Chairman of the Republican Governor’s Association, Governor Barbour knows how to win and the important role the State Party plays in the process.”
 
Now in his seventh year as Governor, Haley Barbour has put Mississippi on a new path in job creation, education, health care, energy, safer communities and stronger families. Governor Barbour has balanced budgets, implemented the most comprehensive tort reform in the nation, and put new attention new attention on Mississippi as an energy producing state that can help meet America’s energy needs in the future.
 
In addition, Governor Barbour was elected Chairman of the Republican National Committee in 1993. In 1994, during his tenure as RNC chair, Republicans captured both houses of the United States Congress, taking the House of Representatives for the first time in forty years.
 
“Governor Barbour is no stranger to do-or-die election cycles,” said Healy. “As one of the architects of the 1994 takeover of the U.S. Congress Governor Barbour has a lot to offer our Party as we look to do the same in 2010. We are excited to hear his thoughts on how and why Republicans will win in 2010.”
 
Chairman Healy is also pleased to announce the winner of this year’s Prescott Bush Award is Mr. David A. Burke of Darien.
 
“David Burke has been a tireless supporter of the Connecticut Republican Party and our candidates for nearly ten years,” said Healy. “David’s leadership and sacrifice have made our Party better and stronger not just in Connecticut, but across the country. We are excited to present David with our most prestigious award and thank him for his continued leadership and service to our Party.”
 
In addition to the Prescott Bush Award, this will be the inaugural year for the Connecticut Republicans Women’s Leadership Award. This year’s winner is Kathleen O’Connor of West Hartford.
 
“Kathleen has served our state and our Party in many capacities over the last 15 years, paving the way for women candidates and staff alike to participate in the political process,” said Healy. “We are proud to honor Kathleen for her leadership and dedication to Connecticut Republicans.”

Mitt Romney Will Speak At Iowa State On March 29 About His New Book, "No Apology: The Case for American Greatness"

Mitt Romney will speak at Iowa State on March 29 about American greatness

AMES, Iowa -- Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney will talk about his new book, "No Apology: The Case for American Greatness," Monday, March 29, at Iowa State University.

Romney's presentation will be at 7 p.m. in the Memorial Union Great Hall. It is free and open to the public.

In his book, Romney stresses that having a strong America is vital, not only to this country, but to the world. Looking at the lessons of history, he discusses why nations decline, and identifies how America's strength has weakened. Romney's book offers ideas for pathways to American power, solutions for healing healthcare and details on how to develop a free and productive economy.

Romney was CEO of Bain & Co., a management consulting firm, and cofounder of Bain Capital, a private equity investment firm. In 2002, he left the private sector to organize the 2002 Winter Olympics, serving as president and CEO of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee. He was governor of Massachusetts from 2003-07, presiding over a reversal of the state's economy, enacting education reform, and proposing and signing into law private, market-based healthcare reform. In 2008, he ran for the Republican nomination for president.

Romney's lecture is cosponsored by the College Republicans and the Committee on Lectures, which is funded by the Government of the Student Body.

More information on ISU lectures is available at http://www.lectures.iastate.edu, or by calling (515) 294-9935.

U.S. Senator John McCain And Governor Sarah Palin Live Online Streaming

U.S. Senator John McCain And Governor Sarah Palin Live Online Streaming

U.S. Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin will be holding a rally in Tucson on Friday and a rally in Phoenix on Saturday.  If you can't make the events in person, we will be live streaming the Tucson event on Friday, March 26th at noon and the Phoenix event on Saturday, March 27 at 9:00am.

You can watch the events live online here.

http://www.johnmccain.com/live

Rick Santorum Heads to Council Bluffs, IA

Rick Santorum Heads to Council Bluffs, IA

Washington, DC – Former Senator Rick Santorum will address local residents at a Dutch treat luncheon hosted by the Pottawattamie County Republican Party on Tuesday, March 30 from 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM CT in Council Bluffs. The event is open to the public and all are welcome.

“I am thrilled to visit Council Bluffs to discuss the many critical issues -- health care, the economy and national security -- our country is facing. I look forward to sharing my views with local residents about how we can best tackle these challenges,” said former Senator Rick Santorum.

“Following the passage of the health care bill this week, we are especially looking forward to hearing from former Senator Santorum about how he believes we can get our country back on the right track. His conservative values will resonate well in Council Bluffs, and we are excited for the opportunity to hear what he has to say,” said Naomi Leinen, acting Chair of the Pottawattamie County Republican Party.

Who: Former Senator Rick Santorum

What: Dutch Treat Luncheon Hosted by Pottawattamie County Republican Party

Where: Tish's Restaurant, 1207 South 35th Street, Council Bluffs, Iowa

When: Tuesday, March 30 from 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM CT

Governor Tim Pawlenty Will Appear At April 7th Rally With Former Governor Sarah Palin & Rep. Michele Bachmann

Republican Party of Minnesota Announces Governor Tim Pawlenty Will Appear at April 7th Rally with Former Governor Sarah Palin & Rep. Michele Bachmann
 
St. Paul- Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Tony Sutton today announced that Governor Tim Pawlenty will appear at the Party’s April 7, 2010 rally at the Minneapolis Convention Center with former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and Representative Michele Bachmann.

“I am thrilled that Governor Pawlenty is joining us for our April 7th rally with former Governor Sarah Palin and Representative Michele Bachmann.  Governor Pawlenty is a great leader for our state who is sure to energize our wonderful grassroots activists.  With over 7,000 tickets already given away to this one of a kind event, it’s clear Minnesotans are fired up and ready to go for November.”