2012 Presidential Campaign Blog

Iowa GOP to Host Newt Gingrich in Cedar Rapids

Iowa GOP to Host Newt Gingrich in Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS – The Republican Party of Iowa, along with the Iowa House Majority Fund, will host former House Speaker Newt Gingrich for a Conservative Solutions luncheon in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday, May 26. Gingrich will discuss conservative solutions for Iowa and America. His “Contract with America” led the Republican Party to victory in 1994, winning the majority in the U.S. House.

Gingrich, House Republican Leader Kraig Paulsen and Iowa GOP Chairman Matt Strawn will speak with reporters at 11:20 a.m., prior to the start of the 12 Noon luncheon. The luncheon is open to the media.

Wednesday, May 26

Who: Newt Gingrich, House Republican Leader Kraig Paulsen and Chairman Matt Strawn

What: Media Availability

When:  11:20 a.m.

Where: Kirkwood Center for Continuing Education, 7725 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids

Newt Gingrich To Keynote AFF's Conservative Lecture Series In Iowa Tomorrow

Newt Gingrich To Keynote AFF's Conservative Lecture Series In Iowa
AFF will host the former Speaker of the House at Figge Art Museum In Davenport Tomorrow

(DES MOINES) – American Future Fund (AFF) announced that former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich will deliver an address in Iowa as part of AFF’s 2010 Conservative Lecture Series.

Following the lecture, Gingrich will host a book signing to promote his newest release, “To Save America: Stopping Obama’s Secular Socialist Machine.” The book is scheduled for release on May 17 and will be on sale during the book signing. Event details are as follows:

WHAT: Newt Gingrich Keynotes AFF Conservative Lecture Series

WHERE: John Deere Auditorium, Figge Art Museum, Davenport, Iowa

WHEN: Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at 2:00 p.m.

AFF President Sandy Greiner stated, “AFF is proud to host Newt Gingrich as a speaker in our lecture series. His experience as Speaker of the House and his authorship of the Contract with America makes him a perfect candidate to discuss the triumphs of the Republican party.”

American Future Fund is a grassroots 501(c)(4) that promotes conservative and free-market ideals. The Conservative Lecture Series was launched in 2009 as a way to highlight conservative ideas and leaders from across the country.

SC Keeps First In The South Primary Status

SC Keeps First In The South Primary Status

The Rules and ByLaws Committee of the Democratic National Committee today took the first step toward setting the 2012 presidential nominating calendar, and as part of their work protected South Carolina's "first in the South" Democratic Primary.

"For Democrats in South Carolina, this is recognition of the positive role we played in the nominating process in 2008. We were determined to persuade the committee that we should be allowed to retain our position as the first primary in the South and we have done that," said South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Carol Fowler, a member of the Rules and Bylaws Committee.

The DNC's Rules and Bylaws Committee voted to allow states to hold primaries and caucuses no earlier than the first Tuesday in March, with only Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada allowed to hold their primaries and caucuses in February.

The full DNC will vote on the 2012 rules in August. The Rules and Bylaws committee will meet again before then but is not expected to revisit the issue of early primaries.

Statement From Iowa Democratic Party Chairman On DNC Vote To Retain The Early States In 2012 Presidential Nominating Process

Statement From The Iowa Democratic Party Chairman On The DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee Meeting

DES MOINES, IA - Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan, a member of the DNC’s Rules and Bylaws Committee, released the following statement after this morning’s vote to retain the early states:

“Today, the Rules and Bylaws Committee took another important step in determining the schedule for the next presidential nominating process and it is one, I believe, that will help us ensure that Iowa is First-in-the-Nation once again.

“The Rules and Bylaws Committee voted this morning to retain our status along with that of New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina as early voting states for the 2012 presidential nominating process.

“I am pleased that the Rules and Bylaws Committee voted to retain the early voting states this morning. Serving on the committee and representing Iowa’s interests is a huge responsibility and I am nothing but delighted at today’s votes.”

Republican Party Of Wisconsin Conventioneers Favor Tim Pawlenty For President In WisPolitics.com 2012 Straw Poll #tpaw

RPW conventioneers favor Pawlenty for president, support endorsement process, Tea Party

MILWAUKEE -- Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty had a slight edge over potential GOP rivals Sarah Palin and Mitt Romney in the 2012 presidential race among Wisconsin Republican Party delegates, according to the annual straw poll of activists conducted by WisPolitics.com at the state GOP convention.

Pawlenty, who addressed the convention Friday night, was favored by 85 of the 457 delegates, alternates and registered guests who voted this weekend. Sixty-eight backed Palin, while 65 supported Mitt Romney.

U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Janesville, has repeatedly said he will not run for president in 2012 and was not included in the list of candidates for the straw poll. But 55 voters wrote him in as their favorite in the GOP primary.
 
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich was backed by 45 voters, while 32 supported U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas.

Party activists also overwhelmingly said they supported the state GOP’s endorsement process for statewide candidates and also said they support the Tea Party movement.

Of those who voted, 316 said they supported the endorsement process, while 74 did not. Fifty-eight had no preference. The question was prompted by gubernatorial candidate Mark Neumann's decision to try pulling his name out of the endorsement process.

On the Tea Party question, 425 said they supported the Tea Party movement. Twenty said they did not, while 12 listed no vote.

In last year’s WisPolitics.com straw poll, state GOP activists favored Scott Walker for governor and Superior Mayor Ross for lieutenant governor. WisPolitics did not ask about those races this year because of the party endorsement process.
 
In this year's WisPolitics straw poll at the Wisconsin Republican Party convention in Milwaukee, 457 valid ballots were cast by convention delegates, alternates and official guests. There were more than 1,500 official attendees at the convention, according to state GOP officials.

Mitt Romney Announces Texas Endorsements

Mitt Romney Announces Texas Endorsements

Today, Mitt Romney’s Free and Strong America PAC announced the endorsement of the following 10 candidates in Texas and that it is contributing a total of $32,500 to their individual campaign committees: 
 
Governor Rick Perry:  Texas Governor Rick Perry is running for reelection.
 
Representative John Carter:  Representative John Carter currently represents the 31st Congressional District of Texas and is running for reelection. 
 
Representative Mike Conaway:  Representative Mike Conaway currently represents the 11th Congressional District of Texas and is running for reelection. 

Representative Kay Granger:  Representative Kay Granger currently represents the 12th Congressional District of Texas and is running for reelection. 
 
Representative Sam Johnson:  Representative Sam Johnson currently represents the 3rd Congressional District of Texas and is running for reelection. 
 
Representative Pete Olson:  Representative Pete Olson currently represents the 22nd Congressional District of Texas and is running for reelection.
 
Representative Pete Sessions:  Representative Pete Sessions currently represents the 32nd Congressional District of Texas and is running for reelection. 
 
Representative Lamar Smith:  Lamar Smith currently represents the 21st Congressional District of Texas and is running for reelection. 
 
Francisco “Quico” Canseco:  A successful businessman and philanthropist, Francisco “Quico” Canseco is now running to represent the 23rd Congressional District of Texas. 
 
Bill Flores:  A successful businessman and philanthropist, Bill Flores is now running to represent the 17th Congressional District of Texas. 
 
The PAC also announced that it has sent Perry a $10,000 contribution toward his gubernatorial campaign, and that it is sending Carter, Conaway, Granger, Johnson, Olson, Sessions, Smith, Canseco, and Flores each a $2,500 general election contribution toward their respective Congressional campaigns.
 
“Texans are fortunate to have so many strong Republican candidates running for office who will work to turn around our economy by cutting wasteful spending, keeping taxes low, and fostering job creation.  By electing fiscally-conservative leaders who will say no to higher taxes, higher spending, and higher debt, we will get our economy back on track,” said Romney.
 
These Texas endorsements are another in a series of state rollouts of the PAC’s 2010 endorsements, which are aimed at electing conservative candidates who will work to lower taxes and spending, restore commonsense principles to healthcare and get our economy moving again. As part of this program, Romney’s PAC also has announced endorsements in Ohio, Missouri, California, Pennsylvania, Hawaii, Nevada, Illinois, and Georgia.

United States Mint Launches Franklin Pierce Presidential $1 Coin In Honor Of New Hampshire’s Favorite Son

United States Mint Launches Franklin Pierce Presidential $1 Coin in Honor of New Hampshire’s Favorite Son

CONCORD, N.H. - The United States Mint today introduced the newest Presidential $1 Coin in a ceremony in Concord, New Hampshire.  The coin honors Franklin Pierce, the Nation's 14th President.  

"Starting today, millions of coins bearing former President Franklin Pierce's image will enter into circulation," said Andy Brunhart, United States Mint Deputy Director.  "As these coins move from hand to hand, they will be a reminder of his contribution to our great Nation."

The event, co-hosted by Franklin Pierce College and the Pierce Brigade, took place at Pierce Manse, the former President's historic home.  The event featured a ceremonial pour of thousands of newly minted Presidential $1 coins bearing Pierce's portrait.  Local school children who attended the event received a Franklin Pierce Presidential $1 Coin as a memento. 

The Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-145) directs the United States Mint to issue four $1 coins each year to honor our Nation's Presidents in the order they served in office.  The Franklin Pierce Presidential $1 Coin is the 14th release in the Presidential $1 Coin Program.  The coin's obverse (heads side) features an image of Franklin Pierce designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Susan Gamble and executed by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Charles L. Vickers.  The reverse (tails side) design, by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart, is a dramatic rendering of the Statue of Liberty, which is portrayed on all the Presidential $1 Coins. 
 
Franklin Pierce, our Nation's 14th President, was born in Hillsboro, New Hampshire on November 23, 1804.  After graduating from college, he studied law and entered politics.  He began his career in public service at the age of 24, when he was elected to the New Hampshire legislature, becoming its speaker two years later.  In the 1830s, he went to Washington, first as a representative, then as a senator.  In 1847, he served briefly as a brigadier general in the Mexican-American War.  Largely unknown to the public, Pierce was nominated for President in 1852 by the Democratic Party as a compromise candidate.   Partly because of his strong support for the Compromise of 1850, which attempted to mitigate the slavery issue and preserve the Union, he was elected President, serving from 1853 to 1857.  Denied re-nomination by his party for President in 1856, Pierce retired from politics at the end of his term.  He died on October 8, 1869, in Concord, New Hampshire. 

The United States Mint, created by Congress in 1792, is the Nation's sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage.  Its primary mission is to produce an adequate volume of circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce.  The United States Mint also produces proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins.

Joe Biden To Headline "Choosing A Better Iowa, Choosing a Brighter Future" Event In Cedar Rapids Today

Vice President Joe Biden To Headline "Choosing a Better Iowa, Choosing a Brighter Future" Event In Cedar Rapids Today

DES MOINES -The Culver/Judge campaign announces that Vice President Joe Biden will join Governor Culver and Lt. Governor Judge on the "Choosing a Better Iowa, Choosing a Brighter Future" Tour to headline the event in Cedar Rapids on Tuesday, May 18.

"Vice President Biden's support means a great deal to me and to Lt. Governor Judge. President Obama and Vice President Biden understand that Iowans face a choice this fall to continue moving forward and create a better future or to move backward," said Governor Chet Culver.

Vice President Biden will join Governor Culver, Lt. Governor Judge, and First Lady Mari Culver on the second day of their 5 day, 41 county "Choosing a Better Iowa, Choosing a Brighter Future" tour.

As Vice President, Joe Biden has overseen the implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and chairs the White House Task Force on Middle Class Families.

This event will be held in Greene Square Park in Cedar Rapids at 12:00 PM. It is open to the public

Mitt Romney Endorses Terry Branstad For Iowa Governor

Romney endorses Terry Branstad for Iowa Governor

Today, Mitt Romney’s Free and Strong America PAC endorsed Terry Branstad for Iowa Governor

Terry Branstad served Iowa well in the 1980s and 1990s, compiling an enviable record as a pro-growth fiscal conservative who will make jobs his first priority. Iowa is ready for a comeback, and Terry’s proven leadership is just what Iowa needs to get its economy back on track. I am proud to endorse his candidacy to lead Iowa to a more prosperous future,” said Romney.

Romney’s PAC also has sent Branstad’s campaign a $10,000 primary election contribution.

The Republican Party Of Florida Welcomes 2012 Republican National Convention To Tampa Bay

The Republican Party of Florida Welcomes 2012 Republican National Convention to Tampa Bay

Tallahassee–The Republican Party of Florida today praised the recommendation made by the Convention Site Selection Committee of the Republican National Committee (RNC) to bring the 2012 Republican National Convention to Tampa Bay.

“Florida Republicans are honored to welcome the nation to Tampa Bay for the 2012 Republican National Convention,” said RPOF Chairman John Thrasher. “We are grateful to the members of the Site Selection Committee, Republican elected officials from across the state who supported the bid, the Tampa Bay Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, and thousands of local grassroots volunteers who made this vision a reality.”

The RNC Site Selection Committee presented its recommendation in Prince George’s County, Maryland, as part of the RNC State Chairman’s Meeting taking place this week. Florida’s National Committeewoman Sharon Day, who serves as the Secretary of the RNC, represents Florida on the Site Selection Committee.

“The three finalists, Tampa Bay, Phoenix and Salt Lake City, each presented the Site Selection Committee with compelling packages. Ultimately, Tampa Bay presented the best mix of transportation infrastructure, lodging and dining options, cultural diversity, and of course our beautiful Florida climate, and is a great choice for this important convention,” said National Committeewoman Day. “I appreciate the hard work my colleagues on the Site Selection Committee put into making this recommendation, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with their decision.”

The Site Selection Committee visited each of the three final cities prior to making a final recommendation. Last month, the Hillsborough County Republican Party (HCRP) organized thousands of Republican volunteers to welcome the Site Selection Committee to Tampa Bay for a two-day site visit packed with a detailed tour of the city, multiple options for event space, and a grassroots event at Channelside Bay Plaza.

Vice Chairman Cox-Roush, who serves as Chairman of the HCRP, led a team of grassroots volunteers who participated in the site selection visit and has worked tirelessly both at the local level and across the state to increase awareness and energy surrounding Tampa’s bid for the convention.

“So many people contributed to this bid and worked day and night to ensure that we put our best foot forward,” said Vice Chairman Cox-Roush. “This announcement means so much to our community and our state, and we are honored with this tremendous responsibility. Tampa has a great deal of community pride, and we’re ready to welcome the Republican National Convention to our home!”

“We are looking forward to the work that lies ahead, and we’ll be ready to step in and help in any way that’s needed, but I believe the best way we can do that is by working hard this summer and fall to get out the vote for our Republican slate of candidates,” continued Chairman Thrasher. “We want to send a Republican U.S. Senator to Washington, elect a Republican to the Governor’s Mansion and to critical state cabinet positions, and build on our majorities in the state house and state senate and in Florida’s Congressional Delegation. We want to make sure that we have strong Florida Republican elected officials to welcome the nation to Tampa.”

Florida has previously hosted two Republican National Conventions. The convention was held in Miami in both 1968 and 1972. The full RNC will vote on the recommendation at its Summer Meeting in August, 2010.