2012 Presidential Campaign Blog

Ron Paul Florida Team Names New ‘Hispanics for Ron Paul’ Nationwide Coalition Members

Ron Paul Florida Team Names New ‘Hispanics for Ron Paul’ Nationwide Coalition Members
Featured Sunshine State supporters of Hispanic ancestry reside in Miami-Dade area

KISSIMMEE, Florida – The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign announced today new members of its active “Hispanics for Ron Paul” nationwide coalition.

The following additions are welcomed from Miami, Hialeah, and Miami Springs and have pledged to spread the word about Dr. Paul among their respective communities.  Strong interest in the campaign’s recent similar announcement garnered local media coverage and warrants expanded efforts.
 
A former consultant for President George W. Bush’s reelection efforts, Saul Escobar led the Miami-Dade operations for the former president’s “get-out-the-vote” efforts and managed the recruitment and training of a staff of more than 100 paid employees, producing results he says are unduplicated in any other county in the nation.
 
Mr. Escobar of Miami endorsed Ron Paul stating, “If Republicans and conservatives really believe in the ideas of limited government and liberty, and wish to have credibility when advocating this message, they will support the only candidate who speaks this message and has the record to back it up.  This candidate is Dr. Ron Paul, and that is why I support him.”
 
Hialeah resident Emmanuel Jose Roman, a senior financial analyst, described his support for Dr. Paul saying, “Ron Paul brings forward the top issues young Hispanics like myself feel the President should be concerned about:  promoting both civil and economic freedoms and defending a constitutional, limited government.  Living in a community where people literally escaped their country for freedom, Hispanics in Miami have the benefit of being constantly reminded that we must never give up our liberties to government for security because you always ended up with neither.”
 
“As a proud Puerto Rican, and more importantly, American, I endorse Dr. Ron Paul for President,” concluded Mr. Roman.
 
Business owner Lazaro Gonzalez of Miami Springs recently sent the campaign’s “Hispanics for Ron Paul” inbox a note of praise.  In the letter, Mr. Gonzalez writes, “You have been a source of enlightenment in my political perception.  You have been my professor and my mentor for the cause of liberty and personal freedom.  It’s not about my freedom, it’s about my kids and future grandchildren to be able to live and experience the true greatness of America.”
 
“I truly believe that you and Senator Rand Paul are the last standing warriors for constitutional freedom.  Thank you for being a fighter,” wrote Mr. Gonzalez.
 
Former Democrat Xilonem Rivera of Miami also joins the coalition, simply pledging to be an active participant in the coalition.
 
Similar to those first joining the coalition during its launch in November, the new members being announced today are leaders in their community who are representative of the support Dr. Paul enjoys from America’s fastest-growing population and voter segment.
 
A recent poll shows Dr. Paul faring better among nonwhite votes than any other Republican candidate when matched against incumbent President Barack Obama.  “Hispanics for Ron Paul,” then, offers the Ron Paul campaign the opportunity to form a larger winning coalition by sharing his message of personal and economic liberty among voters of Hispanic ancestry.
 
As a function of this announcement, Messrs. Escobar, Gonzalez, Roman, and Ms. Rivera are all members of the “Hispanics for Ron Paul” national advisory board with particular focus on its Florida steering committee.

Ron Paul South Carolina Schedule Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Ron Paul on the Campaign Trail in South Carolina on Tuesday
Holds major press conference at State Capitol in Columbia and town hall meetings in Spartanburg and Rock Hill

COLUMBIA, SC – 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul will campaign in South Carolina on Tuesday, January 17th.
 
The 12-term Congressman from Texas will hold a major press conference at the State Capitol and then hold a town hall meeting in Spartanburg.
 
Details of the events are as follows.  All times Eastern.
 
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
 
10:00 a.m.
Press Conference
South Carolina State House
1100 Gervais Street
Columbia, SC 29201
 
2:00 p.m.
Spartanburg Town Hall Meeting
Marriot Spartanburg– Heritage Ballroom E & F
299 North Church Street
Spartanburg, SC 29306
 
4:30 p.m.
York County Town Hall
Holiday Inn
503 Galleria Blvd.
Rock Hill, SC 29730

Gallup National Poll: Romney 37%, Santorum & Gingrich 14%, Paul 12%

Gallup National Poll: Romney 37%, Santorum & Gingrich 14%, Paul 12%

Mitt Romney has climbed to a commanding 23-point lead over his nearest competitor among Republican registered voters nationally, based on interviewing conducted Jan. 11-15. Romney has 37% of the support of Republicans nationwide, while Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich each have 14%, and Ron Paul has 12%. History suggests that Romney is now the probable favorite to win the Republican nomination.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/152060/Romney-Point-GOP-Lead-Nationally.aspx

Romney For President Releases New Web Video: “Huckabee”

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT RELEASES NEW WEB VIDEO: “HUCKABEE”

Boston, MA – Romney for President today released a new web video titled “Huckabee.” Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee defended Mitt Romney’s successful record in the private sector from attacks by fellow Republicans. The Obama campaign would be expected to attack free enterprise, not fellow Republicans.

To View “Huckabee,” Please See: http://mi.tt/xm9d1k

Script For “Huckabee” (Web Video)

VOICEOVER:  “Governor Mike Huckabee”

VIDEO TEXT: “Governor Mike Huckabee”

FORMER ARKANSAS GOVERNOR MIKE HUCKABEE: "Mitt Romney's come under a lot of fire."

· Gov. Mike Huckabee: “Mitt Romney’s come under a lot of fire.” (Gov. Mike Huckabee, The Huckabee Report, 1/10/12)

HUCKABEE: “It’s surprising to see these attacks coming from fellow Republicans.”

· Huckabee: “It’s surprising to see these attacks coming from fellow Republicans.” (Gov. Mike Huckabee, The Huckabee Report, 1/10/12)

VIDEO TEXT: “From Fellow Republicans”

HUCKABEE: “They ought to know, that if downsizing can turn around a failing company, then at least it prevents all the jobs from being lost, and sets up a stronger company that can grow and start re-hiring.”

· Huckabee: “They ought to know, that if downsizing can turn around a failing company, then at least it prevents all the jobs from being lost, and sets up a stronger company that can grow and start re-hiring.” (Gov. Mike Huckabee, The Huckabee Report, 1/10/12)

VIDEO TEXT: “Turn Around A Failing Company”

VIDEO TEXT: “Prevents … Jobs From Being Lost”

VIDEO TEXT: “Sets Up A Stronger Company That Can Grow And Start Re-Hiring”

VOICEOVER: “You'd expect Obama to attack free enterprise, but not fellow Republicans.”

VIDEO TEXT: “You'd Expect Obama To Attack Free Enterprise – But Not Fellow Republicans.”

VOICEOVER: “Mitt Romney: The experience and know-how to put America back to work.”

VIDEO TEXT: “Mitt Romney: The Experience And Know-How To Put America Back To Work.”

Beverly LaHaye Endorses Newt Gingrich for President

Beverly LaHaye Endorses Newt Gingrich for President

Atlanta, GA - Beverly LaHaye has endorsed Newt Gingrich for president and will be joining Gingrich Faith Leaders Coalition as a national co-chair, along with her husband, Pastor Tim LaHaye, who joined last week.

“It appears it will be between two front runners, Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich. I have worked along beside Speaker Gingrich and know he has a history of being a strong conservative,” LaHaye said.

“I have chosen to back him because he supports the key issues and values that I consider most important. I believe he is most capable of defending these beliefsas he exposes the liberalism of this present president.”

LaHaye will join the rapidly growing coalition launched a few days ago, led by Christian market researcher George Barna. It also includes Dr. Jim Garlow, the California pastor behind the Proposition 8 Battle, Congressman J.C. Watts, Don Wildmon of the American Family Association, and Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel.

“I am honored to have the endorsement of Mrs. LaHaye,” Newt Gingrich said. “She is a proven leader from within the Christian community, and our Faith Leaders Coalition will benefit immensely from her guidance and involvement.”

Tampa Bay Times Endorses Mitt Romney for President

TAMPA BAY TIMES: ROMNEY “BEST PREPARED TO MAKE THE REPUBLICANS' CASE THAT CHANGE IS NEEDED IN THE WHITE HOUSE”

“Romney For Republicans”

Tampa Bay Times
Editorial
January 16, 2012

http://www.tampabay.com
…

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, the winner of the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary, is the candidate best prepared to make the Republicans' case that change is needed in the White House.
…

Romney has a breadth of experience and a record of pragmatism that makes him the most viable Republican candidate. He has considerable business experience from his 15 years as head of Bain Capital, the private equity firm that has ironically become a target for his Republican opponents who otherwise champion free enterprise.
…

After running Bain, Romney salvaged the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. By all accounts, the Games were under an ethical cloud and in deep financial trouble when he became head of the organizing committee. Romney turned it around and became the face of those Olympics, raising tens of millions from new sponsors and the federal government, and turning what could have been an embarrassment into a civic success. That experience reflects Romney's ability to surround himself with talent, transform bureaucracies and build public support.

As Massachusetts governor from 2003 to 2007, Romney demonstrated he could work with Democrats and overcome financial challenges.
…

Four years ago, Romney was not our choice for the Republican nomination for president. To his credit, he has become a more polished candidate who has performed well in debates and so far withstood withering attacks from within his own party.
…

Romney has earned his status as the Republican front-runner and the candidate best prepared to engage Obama in a spirited campaign about the direction of the nation. It's time to move toward that debate, with the hope that voters can send a message that helps resolve some fundamental questions at the heart of Washington's gridlock. In the Florida Republican primary for president, the Tampa Bay Times recommends Mitt Romney.

Overstock.com President Jonathan Johnson Endorses Ron Paul for the Presidency

Overstock.com President Jonathan Johnson Endorses Ron Paul for the Presidency
Nationally-recognized Salt Lake City entrepreneur joins ‘LDS for Ron Paul’ nationwide coalition and stands with Ron Paul to Restore America Now

LAKE JACKSON, Texas – 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul was endorsed today by Overstock.com President Jonathan Johnson, who is also joining the “Latter-day Saints for Ron Paul” nationwide coalition.
 
The following statement of endorsement from Mr. Johnson is personal, and does not represent an endorsement on behalf of any companies or organizations with which he is affiliated, including Overstock.com.
 
“The federal government has run roughshod on the Constitution and now intrudes into too many areas of our lives.  Ron Paul’s staunch adherence to the Constitution, defense of individual liberty and vision of a smaller government are the right prescription for our time,” said Mr. Johnson.
 
Jonathan E. Johnson III has been the President of Overstock.com since 2008.  Mr. Johnson joined Overstock.com in 2002 as the Company’s General Counsel and has held various business and legal related positions at the company.  He has been part of Overstock.com’s meteoric growth, as the company has grown from a small start-up to a company with $1.1 billion in sales and over 1,400 employees throughout Utah.
 
Prior to joining Overstock.com, Johnson was with TenFold Corporation in various positions, including CFO and General Counsel.  Before that, he practiced corporate law in Los Angeles with two international law firms.  He also served as a judicial clerk at the Utah Supreme Court.
 
Johnson received a bachelor’s degree in Japanese from Brigham Young University, studied at Osaka University of Foreign Studies in Japan as a Ministry of Education Scholar, and received his law degree from the BYU Law School.
 
Johnson lives in Salt Lake with his wife and five sons, and is active in the Utah Republican Party and a longtime member of the board of governors of the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce.
 
Concerning the active “Latter-day Saints for Ron Paul” coalition, Johnson’s endorsement follows the high-profile support of prominent author and chair of the Utah Tenth Amendment Center Connor Boyack, that of Utah Republican Liberty Caucus Chair Darcy Van Orden, as well as that of everyday LDS Nevadans.
 
All such announcements help present Ron Paul as the conservative alternative to Mitt Romney and demonstrate that no presidential candidate has a monopoly on this crucial western states voter segment.

American Research Group, Inc Florida Poll: Romney 42% Gingrich 25% Santorum 9% Paul 8%

American Research Group, Inc Florida Poll: Romney 42% Gingrich 25% Santorum 9% Paul 8%

Mitt Romney has jumped into a wide lead in the Florida Republican presidential primary. Romney leads with 42%, followed by Newt Gingrich with 25%, Rick Santorum with 9%, and Ron Paul with 8%.

http://americanresearchgroup.com/pres2012/primary/rep/fl/

Florida
Likely Republican Primary Voters	Jan 13-15 2012
Gingrich	25%
Huntsman	5%
Paul	8%
Perry	3%
Romney	42%
Santorum	9%
Other	1%
Undecided	8%

ConservativeHQ Chairman Richard Viguerie Endorses Rick Santorum for President

ConservativeHQ Chairman Richard Viguerie Endorses Rick Santorum for President

MANASSAS, Va., Jan. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Upon returning from a meeting in Texas of leaders of the conservative movement hosted by Nancy and Paul Pressler at their ranch outside of Houston, ConservativeHQ Chairman Richard A. Viguerie issued the following statement endorsing former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) for President:

"This past weekend I attended a meeting of some 150 conservative leaders, convened primarily by leaders of the social conservative movement, to assess whether social conservatives and other conservative movement leaders and activists might coalesce behind one Republican candidate for President.

"Contrary to some media reports of bitterness, suspicion, and acrimony at the meeting, in my 50-plus years in conservative politics at the national level, I have rarely seen a gathering conducted in such a spirit of good will.  While many of the participants came to the meeting strongly, even passionately, committed to one or another candidate, all of us participated in the meeting with the greatest mutual respect and in the prayerful hope for a positive outcome.

"My definition of a positive outcome from the meeting was that the conservative movement would coalesce behind a good candidate.  I went to the meeting supporting former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, but was prepared to support and work for the consensus candidate, whoever that turned out to be.  The strong support shown for Santorum, whom I have concluded is the most electable conservative seeking the Republican nomination for President, is a positive outcome.

"After two ballots the group had narrowed the field to Santorum and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, with Santorum leading.  On the third and final ballot, a number of Gingrich supporters, in a principled effort to achieve unity, switched their support to Santorum.  This resulted in a strong 75 percent consensus of the group in support of Senator Santorum's candidacy.

"This was not an anti-anyone meeting.  Everyone there was united in their commitment to find the best candidate to defeat Barack Obama.  We are long past trying to find the perfect candidate who achieves 100 percent on every conservative scorecard.  Each of the major Republican candidates had their articulate advocates, but after the third ballot, it was clear that there was a strong consensus behind Santorum.

"The group consensus was based on Senator Santorum's character, his principled stands on the issues of life, family, and the conservative agenda in general -- and most importantly on his judgment.  I urge you to join me in supporting Rick Santorum as the most electable conservative in the race for the Republican nomination for President."

Rick Santorum Receives the Personal Endorsement of Penny Nance, President and CEO of Concerned Women for America.

CONCERNED WOMEN FOR AMERICA PRESIDENT PENNY NANCE ENDORSES SANTORUM FOR PRESIDENT
 
Myrtle Beach, SC - The Rick Santorum for President campaign is proud to announce that Rick Santorum has received the personal endorsement of Penny Nance, President and CEO of Concerned Women for America.

Penny Nance said: "I am excited to personally endorse Rick Santorum for President of the United States.   Rick has been a champion for faith, family and freedom for nearly two decades. When a leader was needed on Capitol Hill, we always knew we could go to Rick Santorum to ensure that conservative values were advanced. Rick led the fight to end partial birth abortion, reform welfare, and fight Radical Islam. I have no doubt that the Santorum Administration will continue the fight for conservatism and our founding principles. I am proud to stand with Rick, and I look forward to working with him and his campaign to defeat President Obama."

Rick Santorum said: "Penny has been a true leader for conservatism - fighting for our children, our families, and our founding values. Penny's endorsement is yet another sign that national conservative leaders are coalescing behind our campaign and our positive message of strong conservative values. Leaders like Penny are recognizing we need a bold contrast with President Obama, not pale pastels that do not differentiate ourselves from the Obama agenda. I am excited to work with Penny to make those bold contrasts and defeat President Obama."

Penny Young Nance most recently served as President of Nance and Associates and as Special Advisor for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), where she advised the Chairman and the Commissioners on media and social issues. Mrs. Nance's key responsibilities centered on the protection of children, including broadcast indecency and the media task force on childhood obesity.

Before joining the FCC, Mrs. Nance was founder and President of the Kids First Coalition, a non-profit organization focused on educating Capitol Hill, the media, and the public on a variety of issues related to children. Mrs. Nance has been quoted and featured on the topic of social issues and politics in print media including the New York Times, New York Daily News, Wall Street Journal, USA Today and others. She has appeared on Fox News, C-Span, Lehrer News Hour, MSNBC, CNN and many network affiliates.

Prior to founding Kids First Coalition, Mrs. Nance worked for five years as Legislative Director for Concerned Women for America. She has also consulted for other non-profit organizations including Prison Fellowship Ministries and the Center for Reclaiming America. She served on the Capitol Hill Staff of Congressman Pat Swindall (R-Georgia).

Mrs. Nance has served on Concerned Women for America's national board of directors and the Virginia board of Bethany Christian Services (the nation's largest non-profit adoption agency). In addition, Mrs. Nance formerly volunteered with Birth Mothers, a non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the physical needs of women in crisis pregnancies. She is a graduate of Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.