2012 Presidential Campaign Blog

2012 Republican National Convention Committee on Arrangements Announces Al Concordia as Director of Security

2012 Republican National Convention Committee on Arrangements Announces Director of Security
Concordia brings decades of Federal, private sector experience to convention team

TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Philadelphia, Pa., native Al Concordia has been named director of security for the 2012 Republican National Convention to be held in Tampa, Fla., August 27-30.

Concordia was selected for the position after spending over three decades in public and private sectors of security planning, emergency preparedness and response. He has worked with the Eagles Football Organization and conducted security risk management for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. He has also served as the Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms at the U.S. Senate.

Concordia was a U.S. Secret Service agent for 20 years and provided protection for multiple Presidents of the United States.

"I am confident in our ability to ensure the highest level of protection for the planning and execution of the 2012 Republican National Convention. The safety of our nominee, guests and the surrounding community environment is a priority for our team," Concordia said.

CEO William Harris says convention leaders feel confident tasking Concordia with the job of security planning.

"We know [Concordia] will work side-by-side with the U.S. Secret Service to execute a protected convention. His extensive background in planning and implementing these types of measures speaks volumes to his ability to fill this role," Harris said.

Concordia graduated from Villanova University with a Masters Certificate in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages. He also is a Certified Protection Professional with the American Society of Industrial Security.

Mitt Romney Announces Support Of Michigan Governor Rick Snyder

MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES SUPPORT OF MICHIGAN GOVERNOR RICK SNYDER

Boston, MA – Mitt Romney today announced the support of Michigan Governor Rick Snyder.

“I am humbled to have the support of Governor Snyder,” said Mitt Romney. “Michigan is where I grew up. Getting the state back on track is personal for me. Governor Snyder is a businessman like me and understands first-hand how the Obama Administration has stifled job growth and economic expansion in Michigan. Along with the work of conservative leaders like Governor Snyder, we will be able to restore Michigan’s once-thriving economy and help the state lead a national economic recovery.”

Announcing his support, Governor Rick Snyder said, “Job One in Michigan is jobs. Michigan needs Washington to be an active, innovative and supportive partner in its reinvention so that we can put families back to work and give our children the fulfilling opportunities they deserve. Mitt Romney gets it. He understands the economy and will work with states to create an environment that encourages job growth. Mitt spent his career in the private sector. I am confident that he has the background, courage and vision to get our nation on the path to fiscal responsibility and prosperity. While I respect all candidates in the field, we need someone from outside the broken Beltway system to turn America's economy around. I urge all Michigan voters to support Mitt Romney. Our state deserves a leader like him.”

Background On Governor Snyder:

Governor Snyder Was Elected In 2010. During his time as governor, Snyder has focused on cutting government spending to encourage economic growth in Michigan. Prior to his election, Snyder worked for Gateway computer company and was the founder of an investment firm.

Gary Johnson To Attend the Minnesota/Wisconsin Libertarian Party State Convention on April 14, 2012

Libertarian Party of Minnesota & Libertarian Party of Wisconsin Joint 2012 State Convention

April 14, 2012 - 11:00am - 7:00pm

Ramada Convention Center Eau Claire
205 South Barstow Street
Eau Claire, WI 54701

Tim Pawlenty to Headline Saturday Night Dinner at the California Republican Convention on Saturday, February 25, 2012

Team Romney National Co-Chair and former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty to Headline Saturday Night Dinner

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Republican Party announced today that Tim Pawlenty, Co-Chair of Mitt Romney’s Presidential campaign and former Governor of Minnesota, will headline the Saturday night dinner event at next weekend’s Convention.
 
Pawlenty, who was a Presidential candidate himself, will provide an update on the 2012 Presidential election. He will join Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus for the evening event.
 
He served as Governor of Minnesota from 2003 to 2011, where he eliminated that State’s budget deficit by focusing largely on spending cuts. In 2007-2008, he served as Chairman of the National Governor’s Association. He previously served in the Minnesota House of Representatives (1993–2003) where he was Majority Leader for two terms.

Mitt Romney Campaigns in Michigan, Ohio and Idaho on February 16-17, 2012

Mitt Romney Campaigns in Michigan, Ohio and Idaho

Boston, MA – On Thursday, Mitt Romney will hold a roundtable on fiscal issues and tour a factory in Monroe, Michigan, attend a chamber of commerce lunch in Farmington Hills, Michigan and attend the Cuyahoga County Lincoln Day Dinner in Mayfield Heights, Ohio. On Friday, Mitt Romney will tour a business and hold a grassroots rally in Boise, Idaho.

Thursday, February 16, 2012:

Event:  Mitt Romney Tours National Galvanizing and Holds Roundtable on Fiscal Issues

When:  8:30 AM EST

Location:                 

National Galvanizing
1500 Telb Street
Monroe, Michigan

Event:  Mitt Romney Attends Greater Farmington-Livonia Chamber of Commerce Lunch

When:  11:55 AM EST

Location:                 

Farmington Hills Manor
23666 Orchard Lake Road
Farmington Hills, Michigan

Event:  Mitt Romney Attends Cuyahoga County Lincoln Day Dinner

When:  6:20 PM EST

Location:                 

Landerhaven
6111 Landerhaven Drive
Mayfield Heights, Ohio

Friday, February 17, 2012:

Event:  Mitt Romney Tours Business and Holds Grassroots Rally

When:  1:45 PM MST

Location:                 

Guerdon Enterprises
5556 South Federal Way
Boise, Idaho

Newt Gingrich Announces Support of Conservative Kansas State Legislators

Newt Gingrich Announces Support of Conservative Kansas State Legislators

Atlanta, GA - Newt Gingrich today announced the support of hisinitialteam of 12 current and former conservative State Legislators in Kansas.

“I’m quite proud to have the support of this team of conservative legislators from the Sunflower State,” said Newt Gingrich. “This shows widespread support for my platform of bold solutions found in the 21 st CenturyContract With America.”

Announcing her support, former State Senator and former State Rep. Peggy Palmer said, “Newt Gingrich is a bold leader with a long history of enacting conservative solutions. At a time of enormous challenges, our country needs a President who will, from day one, work to return America into a nation that reduces the power of the federal government and increases the power of citizens."

Kansas Conservative State Legislators Supporting Newt Gingrich

State Senator and former House Majority Leader Ray Merrick State Senator and former State Representative Rob Olson Former State Senator/State Representative Peggy Palmer State Representative Anthony Brown State Representative Marico Goico State Representative Trent LeDoux State Representative Larry Powell State Representative John Rubin State Representative Scott Schwab Former State Representative Bonnie Huy Former State Representative Patricia Lightner Former State Representative Judy Morrison

A large Kansas grassroots team already well under way will be announced soon. The Kansas Caucus is March 10 and will elect 40 delegates to the Republican National Convention.

2012 Republican National Convention Committee on Arrangements Announces Director of Transportation

2012 Republican National Convention Committee on Arrangements Announces Paul Sorenson as Director of Transportation

Sorenson brings experience in Republican National Convention operations

TAMPA, Fla. - Indiana native Paul Sorenson has been named director of transportation for the 2012 Republican National Convention to be held in Tampa, Fla., August 27-30.

Sorenson comes to the position having served in a number of roles during his career in Republican politics; among these includes working as the deputy director of operations for the 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn.

Sorenson began his career working for U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert in Washington, D.C. as a legislative assistant. He is a veteran of numerous congressional campaigns and served as a Republican State Party executive director in 2009.

Sorenson says he is ready for his second convention.

"The convention is such a dynamic event and changes every four years, depending on the city and venue. I am looking forward to helping plan another successful convention and nominating our Republican presidential candidate. I am excited to help create a welcoming atmosphere to enable our participants to enjoy the convention."

Convention CEO William Harris is thankful to have Sorenson heading up transportation.

"Sorenson understands what needs to get done and how a Republican convention functions efficiently - he will be invaluable when the thousands of delegates, media and guests descend upon the Tampa Bay area in August," he said.

A native of Greentown, Ind., Sorenson graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Manchester College. He has moved temporarily to Tampa for his new role.

Newt Gingrich Names Stephen Yates and Christian Whiton as Senior Campaign Advisors and Directors of National Security Staff

Newt Gingrich Names Stephen Yates and Christian Whiton as Senior Campaign Advisors and Directors of National Security Staff

Atlanta, GA - Newt 2012 today announced that Stephen Yates and Christian Whiton have joined us as Senior Campaign Advisors. In addition, Mr. Yates will be the Director of National Security Staff and Mr. Whiton will be the Deputy Director.

Stephen Yates served as Vice President Cheney's Deputy National Security Advisor from 2001-2005. Mr. Yates previouslywas a senior policy analyst at the Heritage Foundation from 1996-2001, and from 1991-1996 was an international affairs analyst at the Department of Defense.

Christian Whiton served as a Department of State official from 2003-2009, first as a special advisor to the Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs, and then as a deputyspecial envoy.

"We need fundamental change in Washington to confront the foreign threats that Barack Obama and our elite foreign policy establishment have allowed to draw ever nearer," Newt Gingrich said. "As we continue the process of building out my campaign team, I am pleased that Steve and Christian will manage an expanded national security staff. They bring foreign policy experience and the determination to challenge the Washington bureaucracy that other campaigns lack."

Herman Pirchner is Chairman of Newt's Foreign Policy Advisory Group, which includes James Woolsey, Robert McFarlane, David Wurmser, Bill Schneider, Norman Bailey, John Fonte, Ilan Berman, Ken DeGraffenreid,Tina Ramirez, Kiron Skinner, Abraham Wagner, Stephen Yates, Christian Whiton, Otto Reich, Angelo Codevilla, Fredo Arias King, George Janis, James E Livingston, Lani Kass, Phil Christianson, and Richard McCormack.

Ron Paul Endorsed By Idaho State Rep. Phil Hart

Ron Paul Endorsed By Idaho State Rep. Phil Hart

BOISE, Idaho – 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul was endorsed today by Idaho State Representative Phil Hart (R-Hayden).  Representing the 3rd District, Rep. Hart serves an area comprising Hayden and the northern part of Kootenai County including parts of Coeur d’Alene.

For the second presidential election in a row, State Representative Phil Hart has endorsed 12- term Texas Congressman Ron Paul for president.

According to Rep. Hart, “Ron Paul is the only candidate who understands our economic problems.  He is also the only frontrunner candidate who is not propped up by those who have caused our economic demise.”

With regard to Dr. Paul’s foreign policy, Rep. Hart said, “Those Americans who understand our foreign policy the best, our active military men and women, support Ron Paul overwhelmingly.  America needs a paradigm shift, and Ron Paul is the only candidate for President who can deliver on that.”

Mr. Hart is owner of an engineering company licensed to perform structural engineering in 14 states and two Canadian provinces.  He graduated with a degree in civil engineering from the University of Utah and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.  Mr. Hart is a proud member of Gun Owners of America and the National Rifle Association, and is active in the chamber of commerce.
 
Rep. Hart is currently serving his fourth term in the Idaho House of Representatives.

Ron Paul Endorsed By Washington State Rep. Matt Shea

Ron Paul Endorsed By Washington State Rep. Matt Shea

BELLEVUE, Washington – 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul was endorsed today by Washington State Representative Matt Shea (R-Spokane Valley).  Representing the 4th District, Rep. Shea serves an area that includes Liberty Lake, Otis Orchards, and Spokane Valley.
 
In making his public endorsement, Rep. Shea issued the following statement:
 
“Ron Paul is right.  A bloated, out of control, unaccountable federal government and Federal Reserve threatens the very existence of our Republic.  America needs a dramatic change in direction...not mere talk.  For 24 years Republican Ron Paul has consistently practiced what he preaches – lower taxes, less government, and more freedom.

“From introducing legislation to exempt restaurant tips from the income tax to demanding an audit of the Federal Reserve, Ron Paul has served by example and changed the debate for a generation.  On foreign policy matters, I support Israel and that is why I support Ron Paul.  He is the only candidate to consistently vote against foreign aid to Israel's enemies and publicly back Israel's right to defend itself without U.S. permission, illustrated by his lone 1981 vote to not condemn Israel for attacking the Iraqi Osirak Nuclear Reactor.  Ron Paul is the only one who has a real plan.”

Matt Shea is a practicing attorney in Spokane Valley.  He is a graduate of Gonzaga University and cum Laude graduate of Gonzaga Law School.  Matt is a decorated United States Army combat veteran having served two tours overseas, including eight months in Bosnia as a platoon leader, and 11 months in Baghdad as a company commander.  He was named "Rookie Legislator of the Year" in 2009 by the Everett Herald and is a leader in the Tenth Amendment movement.