2012 Presidential Campaign Blog

Romney, Palin At Front Of 2012 GOP Presidential Field

“Mitt Romney and Sarah Palin lead other potential candidates in Republicans' preferences for the party's 2012 presidential nomination. Mike Huckabee, Newt Gingrich, and Ron Paul also receive more than 5% support from Republicans nationwide.” by Jeffrey M. Jones, Gallup

Romney, Palin at Front of GOP Presidential Field

Mitt Romney Announces Additional Tennessee Endorsements

Mitt Romney Announces Additional Tennessee Endorsements

Today, Mitt Romney’s Free and Strong America PAC announced the endorsement of 21 additional Tennessee candidates.  These endorsements follow the PAC’s earlier endorsement of Bill Haslam for Tennessee Governor (www.billhaslam.com).  All told, the PAC has committed a total of $25,000 in support to Tennessee candidates and committees this election cycle.

The additional endorsements include:

Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn:  Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn currently represents the 7th Congressional District of Tennessee and is running for reelection. 

Congressman Jimmy Duncan:  Congressman Jimmy Duncan currently represents the 2nd Congressional District of Tennessee and is running for reelection.  

Congressman Phil Roe:  Congressman Phil Roe currently represents the 1st Congressional District of Tennessee and is running for reelection.
 
State Senator Diane Black:  Diane Black currently serves the people of Tennessee in the State Senate, and is now running to represent the 6th Congressional District of Tennessee.  

Scott DesJarlais:  Scott DesJarlais, a doctor, is now running to represent the 4th Congressional District of Tennessee. 

Chuck Fleischmann:  Chuck Fleischmann, an attorney, is now running to represent the 3rd Congressional District of Tennessee. 

Stephen Fincher:  Stephen Fincher, a small businessman, is now running to represent the 8th Congressional District of Tennessee.

The PAC announced that it is sending Haslam’s gubernatorial campaign an additional $2,500 contribution, bringing its total level of support to $5,000.  In addition, the PAC announced that it is contributing $2,500 each to the Congressional campaigns of Blackburn, Duncan, DesJarlais, and Fleischmann, and that is has previously sent the Congressional campaigns of Black and Fincher each a $2,500 contribution.  Roe’s Congressional campaign does not accept PAC contributions. 

In addition, the PAC announced that it is contributing $2,500 each to the Tennessee Senate Republican Caucus PAC and the Tennessee House Republican Caucus PAC, and that it is endorsing the following State Senate and State House candidates:

Candidate Name
 Office Sought
 
State Senator Mae Beavers
 State Senate
 
State Senator Bill Ketron
 State Senate
 
Don McLeary
 State Senate
 
Gary Steakley
 State Senate
 
State Representative Joe Carr
 State House
 
State Representative Joshua Evans
 State House
 
State Representative Curtis Halford
 State House
 
State Representative Curtis Johnson
 State House
 
State Representative Tony Shipley
 State House
 
State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver
 State House
 
Councilman Jim Gotto
 State House
 
Don Miller
 State House
 
Dennis Powers
 State House
 
Tim Wirgau
 State House

“Too many of our elected officials are more focused on growing the size of government than enacting pro-growth policies that will put people back to work.  Tennessee – and our nation – deserves leaders who will put the public interest before special interests, and that is why I am proud to stand with these candidates today,” said Romney.

Mitt Romney Announces Additional Georgia Endorsements

Mitt Romney Announces Additional Georgia Endorsements

Today, Mitt Romney’s Free and Strong America PAC announced the endorsement of four additional Georgia candidates and said that it is committing a total of $8,500 in support to their campaigns.  All told, the PAC has committed a total of $49,000 in support to Georgia candidates this election cycle.

The additional endorsements are as follows:

Nathan Deal:  Nathan Deal previously represented the 9th Congressional District of Georgia, and is now running to serve as Georgia’s next Governor.

State Representative Mike Keown:  Mike Keown currently serves as a State Representative, and is now running to represent the 2nd Congressional District of Georgia.   

State Representative Austin Scott:  Austin Scott currently serves as a State Representative, and is now running to represent the 8th Congressional District of Georgia. 

Rob Woodall:  Rob Woodall has served as Congressman John Linder’s chief of staff, and is now running to represent the 7th Congressional District of Georgia. 

The PAC announced that it is sending a $1,000 contribution to Deal’s gubernatorial campaign and that it is sending $2,500 each to the respective Congressional campaigns of Keown, Scott, and Woodall.

“At a time when too many of our elected officials are more focused on growing the size of government than growing our economy, it is more important than ever that we elect candidates who are dedicated to enacting conservative policies that will get Georgia – and our nation – back on the right track.  Georgia is fortunate to have so many strong candidates, and I am proud to announce these additional endorsements today,” said Romney.

This is an additional wave of Georgia endorsements announced this year by the PAC.  The PAC has previously endorsed the following federal candidates and Georgia constitutional officers:

Senator Johnny Isakson, who represents the people of Georgia in the U.S. Senate and is running for reelection;

Congressman Phil Gingrey, who currently represents the 11th Congressional District of Georgia and is running for reelection;

Congressman Tom Graves, who currently represents the 9th Congressional District of Georgia and is running for reelection;

Congressman Jack Kingston, who currently represents the 1st Congressional District of Georgia and is running for reelection;

Congressman Tom Price, who currently represents the 6th Congressional District of Georgia and is running for reelection;

Congressman Lynn Westmoreland, who currently represents the 3rd Congressional District of Georgia and is running for reelection;

Casey Cagle, who currently serves as the Lieutenant Governor of Georgia and is running for reelection; and

Sam Olens, a longtime public servant, who is now running to become the next Georgia Attorney General.

In addition, the PAC previously endorsed the following Georgia State Senate and State Representative candidates:

Candidate Name
 Office Sought
 
Senate President Pro Tempore Tommie Williams
 State Senate
 
Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers
 State Senate
 
Sen. Bill Hamrick
 State Senate
 
Sen. Jack Murphy
 State Senate
 
Sen. David Shafer
 State Senate
 
Sen. Cecil Staton
 State Senate
 
Rep. Fran Millar
 State Senate
 
Speaker of the House David Ralston
 State House
 
Speaker Pro Tempore Jan Jones
 State House
 
House Majority Whip Ed Lindsey
 State House
 
Rep. Tim Bearden
 State House
 
Rep. Jon Burns
 State House
 
Rep. David Casas
 State House
 
Rep. Mickey Channell
 State House
 
Rep. Brooks Coleman
 State House
 
Rep. Steve Davis
 State House
 
Rep. Matt Dollar
 State House
 
Rep. Mark Hamilton
 State House
 
Rep. Bill Hembree
 State House
 
Rep. Calvin Hill
 State House
 
Rep. Doug Holt
 State House
 
Rep. Billy Horne
 State House
 
Rep. Chuck Martin
 State House
 
Rep. John Meadows
 State House
 
Rep. Butch Parrish
 State House
 
Rep. Don Parsons
 State House
 
Rep. Matt Ramsey
 State House
 
Rep. Tom Rice
 State House
 
Rep. Carl Rogers
 State House
 
Rep. Lynn Smith
 State House
 
Rep. Richard Smith
 State House
 
Rep. Willie Talton
 State House
 
Rep. Wendell Willard
 State House
 
Rep. Roger Williams
 State House

Mitt Romney Announces Alabama Endorsements

Mitt Romney Announces Alabama Endorsements

Today, Mitt Romney’s Free and Strong America PAC announced the endorsement of the following 24 Alabama candidates and said that it has committed a total of $54,000 in support to their campaigns this election cycle: 

State Treasurer Kay Ivey:  Kay Ivey currently serves as the State Treasurer of Alabama and is now running to become Alabama’s next Lieutenant Governor. 

Senator Richard Shelby:  Senator Richard Shelby currently serves the people of Alabama in the U.S. Senate, and is running for reelection. 

Congressman Robert Aderholt:  Congressman Robert Aderholt represents the 4th Congressional District of Alabama, and is running for reelection.

Congressman Spencer Bachus:  Congressman Spencer Bachus represents the 6th  Congressional District of Alabama, and is running for reelection. 

Congressman Jo Bonner:  Congressman Jo Bonner represents the 1st Congressional District of Alabama, and is running for reelection. 

Congressman Mike Rogers:  Congressman Mike Rogers represents the 3rd Congressional District of Alabama, and is running for reelection.

Mo Brooks:  Mo Brooks has a long history of public service in Alabama and currently serves on the Madison County Commission.  He is now running to represent the 5th Congressional District of Alabama. 

Don Chamberlain:  Don Chamberlain, a businessman, is now running to represent the 7th Congressional District of Alabama. 

Martha Roby:  Martha Roby currently serves on the Montgomery City Council and is now running to represent the 2nd Congressional District of Alabama. 

Young Boozer:  Young Boozer, a former financial executive and former state Deputy Finance Director, is now running to serve as Alabama’s next State Treasurer.

John McMillan:  John McMillan has a long history of public service in Alabama, having previously served in the state legislature and as the state conservation commissioner.  He is now running to become Alabama’s next Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries. 

Luther Strange:  Luther Strange, a successful attorney, is now running to become Alabama’s next Attorney General. 

The PAC announced that it is sending Ivey’s Lieutenant Governor campaign a $5,000 contribution, which is in addition to the $10,000 contributed to her in 2009.  The PAC is also sending $5,000 to Shelby’s Senate campaign and $2,500 each to the Congressional campaigns of Aderholt, Bachus, Bonner, Rogers, Brooks, and Chamberlain.  The PAC has already sent Roby’s Congressional campaign a $2,500 contribution.  In addition, the PAC is contributing $2,000 each to Boozer’s Treasurer campaign and Strange’s Attorney General campaign, and is contributing $1,000 to McMillan’s Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries campaign.

The PAC also announced the endorsements of, and contributions to, the following other state and local candidates:

Candidate Name
 Office Sought
 Contribution Amount
 
State Senator Paul Sanford
 State Senate
 $1,000
 
State Representative Gerald Allen
 State Senate
 $1,000
 
Paul Bussman
 State Senate
 $1,000
 
Bill Holtzclaw
 State Senate
 $1,000
 
State Representative David Grimes
 State House
 $1,000
 
State Representative Micky Hammon
 State House
 $1,000
 
Richard Baughn
 State House
 $1,000
 
Terri Collins
 State House
 $1,000
 
Wayne Johnson
 State House
 $1,000
 
Barry Moore
 State House
 $1,000
 
Kurt Wallace
 State House
 $1,000
 
Lori White
 Montgomery County Board of Education
 $500

“At a time when too many of our elected officials are more focused on special interests than the public interest, it is more important than ever that we elect candidates who are dedicated to enacting conservative policies that will get Alabama – and our nation – back on the right track.  Alabama is fortunate to have so many strong candidates, and I am proud to stand with these candidates today,” said Romney.

Newt Gingrich Endorses Dave Funk For Polk County Supervisor In Iowa

Newt Gingrich Endorses Dave Funk For Polk County Supervisor In Iowa

As early voting starts in Polk County, the Hon. Newt Gingrich’s American Solutions endorses Dave Funk’s bid for Polk County Supervisor.
 
The former Speaker first heard Dave speak at a Polk County Republican Dinner this May.
 
Gingrich said, “I am impressed by Dave’s commitment to bringing open, fair, and honest government back to the people of Polk County. Electing solid conservative leaders like Dave to all levels of government will put our country back on the right track.”
 
Because democrats have leveraged their control of the Polk County Board to gain power all over the state, Gingrich believes “this race has implications that reach far outside of Funk’s Third Supervisor District. By bringing new leadership to Polk County, Dave Funk will help citizens all over Iowa.”
 
Gingrich says he and Funk share a desire to find solutions based on our country’s founding principles, and hopes his endorsement will help bring volunteers and donors to a critical local race.
 
Funk said, “I am humbled to receive the former Speaker’s endorsement. By getting our government back under control, we can make sure that Polk County starts leading the way.”

Daniels' schedule fuels 2012 speculation | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star

“Gov. Mitch Daniels insists the fundraising events he's attending this week in New York have nothing to do with presidential politics.” by Mary Beth Schneider, Indianapolis Star

Daniels' schedule fuels 2012 speculation | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star

Thune: Decision on 2012 presidential run to come by next spring - Rapid City Journal

“U.S. Sen. John Thune said Monday that he will decide by next spring whether to run for president in 2012.“I wouldn’t anticipate anything being formalized until sometime next year,” the South Dakota Republican said. “If I decided I was serious about that, I’d be looking at a winter-spring timeframe.” by Kevin Woster, Rapid City Journal

Thune: Decision on presidential run to come by next spring

Mitt Romney Announces Maryland Endorsements

Mitt Romney announces Maryland endorsements

Today, Mitt Romney’s Free and Strong America PAC announced the endorsement of four Maryland candidates:

Bob Ehrlich:  Bob Ehrlich has previously served the people of Maryland as a Congressman and as Governor.  He is now running to once again serve the people of Maryland as Governor.  

Congressman Roscoe Bartlett:  Congressman Roscoe Bartlett currently represents the 6th Congressional District of Maryland, and is running for reelection. 

State Senator Andy Harris:  Andy Harris, a physician and Maryland State Senator, is now running to represent the 1st Congressional District of Maryland. 

Charles Lollar:  Charles Lollar, a business executive and Major in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, is now running to represent the 5th Congressional District of Maryland. 

Mitt Romney’s Free and Strong America PAC announced that it has already sent Ehrlich $10,000 in support toward his gubernatorial campaign, and that it is sending Bartlett, Harris, and Lollar each a $2,500 contribution toward their respective Congressional campaigns.

“At a time when too many of our elected officials put special interests ahead of the public interest, it is more important than ever that we elect candidates who will focus on turning our troubled economy around and putting people back to work.  That is why I am proud to stand with these candidates today,” said Romney.

In historic first, State of Minnesota moves to Microsoft Cloud - Bright Side of Government - Site Home - MSDN Blogs

“State governments across the country are facing many similar challenges, and improving efficiency and productivity while lowering costs continues to be a top priority. In this budgetary environment, our government customers have been asking me about how cloud solutions can enhance their technology delivery service, and today, Minnesota is leading the charge by becoming the first state in the U.S. to move its communications and collaboration suite to the cloud.”

In historic first, State of Minnesota moves to Microsoft Cloud - Bright Side of Government - Site Home - MSDN Blogs

Mitt Romney Announces West Virginia Endorsements

Mitt Romney Announces West Virginia Endorsements

Today, Mitt Romney’s Free and Strong America PAC announced the following four West Virginia endorsements and committed a total of $12,500 to their individual campaign committees:

John Raese:  John Raese, a successful businessman, is now running to serve the people of West Virginia in the U.S. Senate. 

Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito:  Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito represents the 2nd Congressional District of West Virginia and is running for reelection.

Spike Maynard:  Spike Maynard previously served the people of West Virginia on the state Supreme Court and is now running to represent the 3rd Congressional District of West Virginia. 

David McKinley:  David McKinley, a small businessman and former state legislator, is now running to represent the 1st Congressional District of West Virginia.

The PAC is sending $5,000 to Raese’s Senate campaign, and $2,500 each to the Congressional campaigns of Capito, Maynard, and McKinley.

“Rather than enacting pro-growth policies that will turn our economy around, far too many of our Washington politicians are more interested in growing the size of government and enacting policies like cap and trade that will only make a bad economic situation worse.   West Virginia – and our nation – deserves leaders who will put the people’s interests ahead of the special interests, and focus on getting our economy back on track, and that is why I am proud to stand with these candidates today,” said Romney.