2012 Presidential Campaign Blog

RNC Chairman Reince Priebus Announces Alec Poitevint As New Convention Committee Chairman

RNC CHAIRMAN REINCE PRIEBUS ANNOUNCES NEW CONVENTION COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

WASHINGTON – Showing he is committed to a successful 2012 National Convention, Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus issued the following statement announcing a new Committee on Arrangements Chairman to head up convention efforts:

“I am thrilled to announce Georgia National Committeeman Alec Poitevint will serve as the new Chairman of the Committee on Arrangements in yet another step towards turning around the RNC and the convention. Alec is a businessman who will help put on a world-class convention worthy of the next President of the United States and do it in a manner that will make our grassroots, donors and delegates proud. We’ve made the necessary changes to get our convention back on track because it is important to our country and to our Party that we bring in top-notch staff and plan a world-class convention. I am thankful for Alec’s long service to our Party and look forward to working closely with him as we prepare to take back the White House and elect Republicans across the country.”

Tony Sutton & Michael Brodkorb Announce Re-Election Bid For Chair & Deputy Chair Of Minnesota GOP

SUTTON & BRODKORB ANNOUNCE RE-ELECTION BID FOR CHAIR & DEPUTY CHAIR OF MNGOP

(St. Paul) - Tony Sutton and Michael Brodkorb today announced in a letter to GOP activists that they will be seeking re-election as State Chair and Deputy Chair of the Republican Party of Minnesota. Below is the text of their letter:

"Serving you in our capacities really is the most rewarding thing we have done in our lives. We have been humbled by the many kind words of encouragement in the weeks since the election. We are very grateful for everything you have done to support our Party and our candidates.

Two years ago, all of us embarked on a political voyage to change the course of our state and together we did it.  After two grueling years of meetings, candidate recruitment and assistance, financial donations, voter ID, phone-calling, door-knocking, lit-dropping, rebar-pounding, and so much more, Republicans now control both chambers of the state Legislature for the first time in modern history and liberty and conservatism now fill the Capitol halls. 

Republicans enjoyed many other victories as well in 2010, re-electing John Kline, Michele Bachmann and Erik Paulsen to the Congress. In one of the most surprising upsets in the country, Chip Cravaack retired Jim Oberstar after 36 years in the US House.  We also saw a resurgence in local Republican endorsed candidate victories, a fact which bodes well for the future.

Without your hard work, this would not have been possible.  Again, thank you and congratulations. 

However, while the election showed we are moving Minnesota in the right direction, it also showed there is still much work to do.

That is why we have decided to run for re-election - because 2012 presents the opportunity to retire Amy Klobuchar, put Minnesota in the Republican column for President, and for the first time in 4 decades maintain Republican majorities in the state House and Senate.  It will not be easy - but we know that if we all work together, we can accomplish these critical goals.

Therefore, we are officially announcing our bid for re-election to our current positions of Chair and Deputy Chair of the Republican Party.  As Chair and Deputy Chair, we promise to continue an open, honest and transparent administration focused on customer service and winning elections. 

We are particularly grateful to have earned the support of all eight congressional district chairs, every Republican member of our congressional delegation, and all of our 2010 statewide candidates.
 
Like the 2010 election cycle, we believe in 2012 we can work with all of the stake-holders to raise the necessary funds, build the best voter-lists in the country, continue to lead the country in technological innovation (such as Project Phoenix) and most importantly, keep our Party at all levels unified and working toward victory.

In the weeks ahead we will be laying out our plans for 2011/2012. We hope we can count on your support for re-election, and of course, we hope we can court on your continued hard work doing what needs to be done to win in 2012."

Mayor R.T. Rybak Congratulates Charlotte On 2012 DNC Selection

Mayor R.T. Rybak Congratulates Charlotte On 2012 DNC Selection

February 1, 2011 (MINNEAPOLIS) — Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak issued the following statement about the selection of Charlotte to host the 2012 Democratic National Convention:

“Congratulations to Charlotte on being selected to host this great event. Any assistance they need, we’re here to help.

“We’re obviously disappointed, but having been a finalist for this selection proves once again that Minneapolis has what it takes to host any major event. Trust me, we’re going to continue to compete for them. Every time Minneapolis vies for this caliber of high-profile event, we strengthen the infrastructure needed to be competitive in attractive conventions and new business to town that in turn create good jobs that grow our economy.”

Charlotte To Host 2012 Democratic National Convention

Charlotte to Host 2012 Democratic National Convention
Unmatched visibility expected to bring new jobs, visitor spending and business investment

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 1, 2011 — The Democratic National Committee today announced that Charlotte has been selected from four finalists to host its 2012 convention. The other three outstanding American cities being considered were Cleveland, Ohio; St. Louis, Mo.; and Minneapolis, Minn.

“We’re honored that the Democratic National Committee chose Charlotte to host its 2012 convention,” said Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx. “Thanks to the hard work and support of so many throughout our community, we have an unmatched opportunity to show the world what a beautiful, energetic, innovative and diverse city we are building in Charlotte. As we tell the story of Charlotte, and what a great place our city, state and region are to live and do business, we also will tell the story of America to our fellow citizens and our neighbors around the world.”

Duke Energy Corp. CEO Jim Rogers, who co-chairs the Charlotte In 2012 organizing committee with Mayor Foxx, added, “Charlotte’s selection clearly elevates our city to a new level in national and world stature. Only a few singular events in the U.S. rival the domestic and worldwide media exposure of a major political convention: a presidential inauguration, a royal wedding, the Super Bowl and the Olympics. The economic and reputational significance of being chosen for this honor cannot be overstated.”

The convention, scheduled during the week of Sept. 3, 2012, will attract an estimated 30,000 to 35,000 delegates, national and international media and key policy and political leaders.

Charlotte’s walkable, well-designed center city will offer delegates and visitors easy access to a wide variety of restaurants, entertainment and attractions, ranging from the four-venue Levine Center for the Arts to the newly completed NASCAR Hall of Fame.

North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue and other political leaders in North Carolina and South Carolina played key roles in supporting Charlotte’s bid for the convention. “Today’s decision is fantastic news for North Carolina regardless of your political party,” said Gov. Perdue, honorary chair of Charlotte In 2012. “A national political convention is a keystone event that will boost North Carolina’s economy, while showcasing Charlotte and our state to the nation and the world. What they will see when they get here is what hundreds of businesses already know – Charlotte’s smart investments in infrastructure, cultural attractions and amenities have produced a climate perfect for work and play.”

Charlotte’s bid also was backed by Republican leaders. “Some issues are partisan. This one is not,” wrote former North Carolina Gov. Jim Martin and former Charlotte Mayor Richard Vinroot in a Charlotte Observer opinion column. “We are proud Republicans. But we are also proud advocates of Charlotte and North Carolina, and believe that bringing the 2012 Democratic Convention to Charlotte represents an unprecedented economic development opportunity.”

Will Miller, acting executive director of Charlotte In 2012, said there will be a multitude of opportunities to participate in planning and hosting the convention.

First Lady Michelle Obama Announces Charlotte To Host 2012 Convention In Email To Supporters

First Lady Michelle Obama Announces Charlotte To Host 2012 Convention In Email To Supporters

I am thrilled to make sure you are the first to hear some very exciting news. Charlotte, North Carolina will host the 46th Democratic National Convention in 2012.

Charlotte is a city marked by its southern charm, warm hospitality, and an "up by the bootstraps" mentality that has propelled the city forward as one of the fastest-growing in the South. Vibrant, diverse, and full of opportunity, the Queen City is home to innovative, hardworking folks with big hearts and open minds. And of course, great barbecue.

Barack and I spent a lot of time in North Carolina during the campaign -- from the Atlantic Coast to the Research Triangle to the Smoky Mountains and everywhere in between. Barack enjoyed Asheville so much when he spent several days preparing for the second Presidential debate that our family vacationed there in 2009.

And my very first trip outside of Washington as First Lady was to Fort Bragg, where I started my effort to do all we can to help our heroic military families.

All the contending cities were places that Barack and I have grown to know and love, so it was a hard choice. But we are thrilled to be bringing the convention to Charlotte.

We hope many of you can join us in Charlotte the week of September 3rd, 2012. But if you can't, we intend to bring the spirit of the convention -- as well as actual, related events to your community and even your own backyard.

More than anything else, we want this to be a grassroots convention for the people. We will finance this convention differently than it's been done in the past, and we will make sure everyone feels closely tied in to what is happening in Charlotte. This will be a different convention, for a different time.

To help us make sure this is a grassroots convention -- The People's Convention -- we need to hear from you. We want to know what you'd like to see at next year's convention, how and where you plan on watching it -- and the very best way we can engage your friends and neighbors.

Please share your input with us right now -- how can we make The People's Convention belong to you and your community?

I can't believe it has been more than two years since my brother Craig introduced me at the 2008 Convention in Denver. It truly feels like it was yesterday.

As I looked out at a sea of thousands of supporters that night, I spoke about my husband -- the man whom this country would go on to elect as the 44th President of the United States. I spoke about his fundamental belief -- a conviction at the very core of his life's work -- that each of us has something to contribute to the spirit of our nation.

That's also the belief at the core of The People's Convention. That the table we sit at together ought to be big enough for everyone. That the thread that binds us -- a belief in the promise of this country -- is strong enough to sustain us through good times and bad.

Barack talked at the State of the Union of his vision for how America can win the future. That must be the focus now, and I know so many of you will help talk about our plans with your neighbors -- that through innovation, education, reform, and responsibility we can make sure America realizes this vision.

But, conventions take time to plan, so please help us make sure that your thoughts and your ideas will ring all the way to Charlotte. Get started now:

http://my.barackobama.com/PeoplesConvention

Looking forward to sharing this together,

Michelle

Dear Member --

We had a tough choice to make this year. In deciding which city should host the 2012 Democratic National Convention, we were presented with strong cases by four of America's great communities. Today, I'm excited to announce that we have made our decision.

On the week of September 3rd, 2012, Charlotte, North Carolina will host the 46th Democratic National Convention.

This process offered some great choices. There were many cities eager for the opportunity to host our convention, and we are thankful for their participation throughout the year. The bid process was thorough. Our Technical Advisory Group conducted extensive site visits, and our allies and political leaders offered lots of important input.

After reviewing feedback from all these individuals, I am confident that Charlotte is an ideal location.

I want to congratulate the people of Charlotte, their mayor, Anthony Foxx, Senator Kay Hagan, Governor Bev Perdue, and every other leader who helped to put together this winning bid. I am looking forward to working with all of them to ensure that the next Democratic National Convention is one that will demonstrate the best of our party and our nation's political process.

In less than two years, I look forward to coming together with you to re-nominate President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden for a second term -- and to help propel them to victory in November 2012.

We’ll keep you updated as we move forward in this exciting process.

Sincerely,

Governor Tim Kaine
Chairman

CPAC 2011 Agenda With Prospective 2012 Presidential Candidates Speaking Times And Dates #CPAC11

CPAC 2011 Agenda With Prospective 2012 Presidential Candidates Listed

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10th
(as of 2-9-11)

** SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE **

9:45 Welcome to the 38th Annual CPAC – Marriott Ballroom
David A. Keene, American Conservative Union CONFIRMED

10:00 Rep. Michele Bachmann (MN) – Marriott Ballroom CONFIRMED
Introduction: David A. Keene, American Conservative Union CONFIRMED

11:00 Rep. Allen West (FL) – Marriott Ballroom CONFIRMED

11:30 Rep. Tim Scott (SC) – Marriott Ballroom CONFIRMED

12:00 Senator Mitch McConnell (KY) – Marriott Ballroom CONFIRMED
Introduction: Chris Ruddy, Newsmax CONFIRMED

12:30 The Hon. Newt Gingrich – Marriott Ballroom CONFIRMED
Introduction: David Bossie, Citizens United CONFIRMED

1:00 Rep. Steve King (IA) – Marshall Ballroom CONFIRMED
Introduction: Kayne Robinson, Former IA GOP Chairman and CONFIRMED
National Rifle Association

1:00 Cut Pentagon Spending, Strengthen America – Virginia Ballroom
Sponsored by Committee for the Republic (2 hours)
Open to all CPAC attendees

1:00 Hon. Newt Gingrich with Callista Gingrich – American Solutions Booth
Book Signing – To Save America: Stopping Obama's Secular-Socialist Machine; Valley Forge:
George Washington and the Crucible of Victory, among other titles.

2:00 Hon. Rick Santorum – Marriott Ballroom CONFIRMED
Introduction: Foster Friess, Jackson, WY CONFIRMED

2:00 America At Risk: The War With No Name – Citizens United’s CPAC Theater – Delaware
Ballroom
Live introduction by co-hosts Newt and Callista Gingrich (1.5 hours)

3:45 Sen. Rand Paul (KY) – Marriott Ballroom CONFIRMED
Introduction: Phil Moffett, KY tea party activist CONFIRMED

4:30 Rep. Paul Ryan (WI) – Marriott Ballroom CONFIRMED
Introduction: Matt Schlapp, American Conservative Union Board CONFIRMED
of Directors

6:15 DIAMOND RECEPTION – Marshall Ballroom
Sponsored by HSP Direct and SarahPAC

6:30 C4L Reception w/ Ron Paul & Rand Paul – Wilson AB
Sponsored by Campaign for Liberty (1.5 hours)
Appetizers and Open Bar
Open to Campaign for Liberty sponsors only

Schedule of Events
7:00 Perfect Valor – Citizens United’s CPAC Theater – Delaware Ballroom
A patriotic salute to Iraq war heroes, narrated by Sen. Fred Thompson (1.5 hours)

8:00 Liberty Forum – Marshall Ballroom
Sponsored by Campaign for Liberty (2 hours)
Speakers: Ron Paul, Rand Paul, Thomas Woods, Jack Hunter
Open to All CPAC attendees

9:00 Rediscovering God In America I & II – Citizens United’s CPAC Theater – Delaware Ballroom
Citizens United Productions’ Double Feature
The critically acclaimed series, hosted by Newt and Callista Gingrich, 120 minutes

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11th

9:30 We Have The Power – Citizens United’s CPAC Theater – Delaware Ballroom
Making America energy independent, hosted by Newt and Callista Gingrich (1 hour)

10:30 Hon. Mitt Romney – Marriott Ballroom CONFIRMED
Introduction: TBA

1:30 Sen. John Thune (SD) – Marriott Ballroom CONFIRMED
Introduction: James Higgins, The Monday Meeting, New York CONFIRMED

1:30 Fire From The Heartland – Citizens United’s CPAC Theater – Delaware Ballroom
The Awakening of the Conservative Woman, Live introduction by co-star Rep. Michele
Bachmann (90 minutes); Following the movie, Fire From The Heartland co-star Phyllis Schlafly
will deliver remarks to CPAC theater audience.

3:00 Hon. Tim Pawlenty – Marriott Ballroom CONFIRMED
Introduction: Rep. Sean Duffy (WI) CONFIRMED

3:30 Rep. Ron Paul (TX) – Marriott Ballroom CONFIRMED
Introduction: Jeff Frazee, Young Americans for Liberty CONFIRMED

3:30 Hon. Tim Pawlenty – Exhibit Hall A
Book Signing – Courage to Stand

4:00 Gov. Rick Perry (TX) – Marriott Ballroom CONFIRMED
Introduction: Ralph Reed, Faith and Freedom Coalition CONFIRMED

4:30 Herman Cain – Marriott Ballroom CONFIRMED
Introduction: Niger Innis, Congress of Racial Equality CONFIRMED

4:30 Book Signing w/ Ron Paul– Campaign for Liberty Booth
Sponsored by Campaign for Liberty
Open to All CPAC Attendees

4:30 Gov. Rick Perry – Exhibit Hall A
Book Signing – Fed Up: Our Fight to Save America From Washington

7:30 RONALD REAGAN BANQUET – Marriott Ballroom
Master of Ceremonies: Phyllis Schlafly, Eagle Forum
Color Guard: Citadel
SPEAKER: Gov. Mitch Daniels (IN) CONFIRMED
Introduction: George Will CONFIRMED

8:00 President Ronald Reagan 100th Birthday Celebration, co-sponsored by Citizens United and Young
America’s Foundation – Delaware Ballroom
Screening of Ronald Reagan short film: Still Point in a Turning World, Live introduction by
Governor George Allen and Kate Obenshain; Unveiling of President Ronald Reagan 100th
birthday cake, presented by Carlo’s Bake Shop from the hit television show “Cake Boss”;
Screening of Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous With Destiny, hosted by Newt and Callista Gingrich,
Live introduction by Governor George Allen

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12th

9:00 Nine Days That Changed the World – Citizens United’s CPAC Theater – Delaware Ballroom
Pope John Paul II’s 1979 pilgrimage to Poland and his role in the fall of Soviet Communism,
hosted by Newt and Callista Gingrich (90 minutes); Followed by Q & A session

9:30 Gov. Haley Barbour (MS) – Marriott Ballroom CONFIRMED
Introduction: David A. Keene, American Conservative Union CONFIRMED

5:15 Straw Poll Results – Marriott Ballroom
Tony Fabrizio, Fabrizio, McLaughlin & Associates CONFIRMED
David A. Keene, American Conservative Union CONFIRMED

5:30 Rep. Allen West (FL) – Marriott Ballroom CONFIRMED
Introduction: David A. Keene, CPAC Chair and American Conservative CONFIRMED
Union Board of Directors

6:00 Adjournment