2012 Presidential Campaign Blog

Barack Obama 2012 "Iowa Votes Early" Blog Ad 960x300 Page Takeover On Des Moines Register Website #ia2012

Victory Event with Mitt Romney at Worthington Industries in Columbus, Ohio on Thursday, October 25, 2012

Victory Event with Mitt Romney at Worthington Industries in Columbus, Ohio on Thursday, October 25, 2012

Boston, MA – On Thursday, Mitt Romney will attend a Victory event at Worthington Industries in Worthington, Ohio.

Event: Governor Romney Attends Worthington Victory Event

Location:

Worthington Industries
111 Dearborn Drive
Worthington, Ohio

Doors Open: 12:30 PM EDT

Invite Time: 2:30 PM EDT

Program Time: 3:10 PM EDT

Tickets: Tickets may be picked up at the following location during the following times:

Westerville Victory Center
8489 Sancus Blvd
Columbus, OH 43240

Tuesday to Thursday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Tickets may also be obtained by visiting www.mittromney.com/OH

Barack Obama 2012 “Breaking: Obama Wins Debate” Blog Ad Page Takeovers

Larry King to Moderate Free and Equal Elections Foundation Third-Party Presidential Debate Tonight In Chicago

Larry King to Moderate Third-Party Presidential Debate
Broadcast Live on Ora TV, YouTube on October 23; Hosted by Free & Equal Elections Foundation
 
Free and Equal Elections Foundation, the only organization offering a platform to every major candidate, today announced that Larry King, host of Larry King Now on Hulu.com and Ora TV, will serve as moderator for its special 2012 Presidential debate. Hosted by Free and Equal, this debate will take place on October 23 at 9:00pm EDT at the Hilton Chicago. Ora TV, Russia Today, and the Free and Equal Elections Foundation will broadcast the debate live on the Internet.
 
The Free and Equal Elections Foundation has assembled a diverse group of ballot-qualified candidates in order to offer a truly multi-partisan debate for American voters. With sponsoring organizations spanning the ideological spectrum from The Nation to The American Conservative, it is clear that both the left and right in this country agree that the two-party system is broken. Free and Equal’s debate will be the type of open, honest, and solutions oriented discussion that the American people deserve.
 
“We are honored to have Larry King moderate this historic debate,” stated Christina Tobin, Founder and Chair of Free & Equal. “The previous debates between President Obama and Governor Romney have failed to address the issues that really concern everyday Americans. From foreign policy, to the economy, to taboo subjects like our diminishing civil liberties and the drug war, Americans deserve a real debate, real solutions, and real electoral options.”
 
Unlike traditional mainstream debates, viewers will be invited to submit questions via the web and social media, creating the first truly open and democratic debate on record. People can submit questions via Free and Equal’s website, or they can use the hashtag #AskEmThisLarry on Twitter.
 
Mainstream debates are sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates, which executes debate contracts drafted by the Republican and Democratic campaigns containing non-public provisions that sanitize debates, disregard viable third-party and independent candidates, and prohibit participation in other independent debates.
 
“Millions of Americans have already watched political coverage on web outlets like YouTube this campaign season, and we think there will be great interest in hearing from the set of candidates that Free and Equal has brought together” said Ora TV CEO Jon Housman. “The diverse perspectives of the featured candidates, combined with the unparalleled experience of Larry King, will make this a must watch event.”
 
“This is a truly exciting opportunity,” said debate moderator Larry King. “I have interviewed every US President since Nixon, and lest people forget, I helped usher Ross Perot into the national conversation during the 1992 presidential contest. I appreciate the importance of providing a platform to those with real alternative visions for our country’s future.”
 
Libertarian Party candidate Gary Johnson, Green Party candidate Jill Stein, Constitution Party candidate Virgil Goode, and Justice Party candidate Rocky Anderson have all confirmed their participation in the debate.

Free and Equal Elections Foundation Announces Second 2012 Presidential Debate October 30 in Washington, DC

Second 2012 Presidential Debate October 30 in Washington, DC
Viewers of First Debate to Determine Which Candidate Advances to the October 30 Debate via Instant Runoff Voting
 
Free and Equal Elections Foundation today announced that its second 2012 Presidential debate is scheduled for October 30 in Washington, DC, from 9:00pm to 10:30pm Eastern Time. The venue will be announced shortly.
 
As a follow-up to Free & Equal’s October 23 debate at the Hilton Chicago, viewers of the first debate will choose which two candidates advance to the final debate on October 30 via instant runoff voting online. The debate will be broadcast live online and will focus on international issues.
 
Libertarian Party candidate Gary Johnson, Green Party candidate Jill Stein, Constitution Party candidate Virgil Goode, and Justice Party candidate Rocky Anderson have all confirmed their participation in the October 23 debate.
 
Following the initial October 23 debate, viewers can vote for the candidates online, ranking their first and second choices. This form of instant runoff voting (IRV) — a method used in numerous countries, United States jurisdictions, and private organizations — allows voters to submit their top two choices, so they aren’t “throwing away” a vote. Voting ends 24 hours after the end of the debate. The top two candidates with the most votes will be announced Thursday morning and will advance to the final debate on October 30.
 
“This is an example of how a Presidential debate and election should work,” stated Christina Tobin, founder and chair of Free & Equal. “Instant runoff voting removes the spoiler effect and promotes more positive, issue-focused campaigns. This method brings neutrality and fairness to electing the leader of our country and eliminates the “lesser of two evils” problem.”
 
Watch Larry King talk about the first debate.
 
“The Free and Equal Foundation has done a terrific job in bringing together these presidential candidates,” stated Rob Richie, executive director of Fair Vote. “Its plans for a second debate should generate all the more interest, and it’s great to see such a good voting method used to pick the two candidates who will face off in the second debate. Instant runoff voting is a proven means to accommodate voter choice. Just as our board member and 1980 presidential candidate John B. Anderson said in his recent oped, the major parties should stop playing chicken with voters and instead enact instant runoff voting. Using the system to narrow the debate field to two will provide a good example of how it works — and how easy it is for voters.”
 
Free & Equal has assembled a diverse group of ballot-qualified candidates, political parties, media, businesses, musicians, radio personalities, organizations, and individuals across the political spectrum to support an open, honest, unscripted, multi-partisan debate for American voters and the international community. Current sponsors include:The Nation,The American Conservative, Fair Vote,Fair Tax Nation,Humboldt Sentinel,Before It’s News,The Josh Tolley Show,Ballot Access News,Come Home America,Owl Creek Gazette,Free Talk Live,Securing Liberty Radio,1787 Network,Voice of Russia,Freedom’s Phoenix,Muslims for Liberty,National Constitution Party,The Justice Party,Blue Republicans,Restore the Republic,Re-Tea Party,Free the Vote NC,We the People,Grassroots for Liberty,New Progressive Alliance,Libertarian Party of Illinois,Liberty Candidates,Liberty Avengers,Liberty Chat,Cook County Green Party,Marin Libertarian Party,Rockford Tea Party,Dangerous Conversation,End the Lie,Wide Awake News,Freedom Files,Kelly Truth Squad,1787 Flags,The Liberty ViewsLetter,Liberty Hour,Liberty Tree Foundation for the Democratic Revolution. ,Through the Mirror with Larry Sinclair,ROJS Radio Live,Drudge Retort,Freedom Informant Network,Gadsden Rising on Freedomize,Irregular Times,J.D. Nero,The Industry,StopTheLie.com,LulzBot,Ron Paul Flix,Cindy Sheehan’s Soapbox,Elect1.org,Rense Radio Network,Milwaukee Business Promotions,Libertarian Party of Tennessee,Devvy,KCSB, Independent Political Report, Global Political Awakening, andNo Agenda.
 
The October 23 debate will be broadcast live at www.freeandequal.org/live, ORA.tv, RT, Al Jazeera, and Link TV.Click here to RSVP for the online broadcast.
 
The October 30 debate will be broadcast live at www.freeandequal.org/live and other media outlets to be announced.

Gov. Gary Johnson Releases Statement On Proposed Minnesota State Constitutional Amendment On Marriage

LIBERTARIAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE AND FORMER NEW MEXICO GOVERNOR GARY JOHNSON URGES DEFEAT OF MINNESOTA GAY MARRIAGE BAN

Oct. 23, 2012, Chicago — In a statement released Tuesday, Libertarian presidential candidate and former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson urged Minnesota voters to defeat a proposed state constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. The Minnesota Same-Sex Marriage Amendment, referred to voters by the legislature, would define marriage as between one man and one woman.

Stating his opposition to the amendment, Johnson said, “Just last week, a federal court in New York ruled the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional — and that was the correct decision. Denying committed couples the right to marry under the law is discrimination, plain and simple. While different faiths may choose not to perform or recognize same-sex marriage, the government has no business deciding who should be allowed to marry.

“While as a former governor, I am a staunch supporter of States’ Rights, when it comes to what I firmly believe is a constitutionally protected right to equality, the states have no right to discriminate. I do not agree with President Obama that the federal government should defer to states, allowing them to choose to deny their residents the equal right to marry.

“I hope Minnesota voters will reject this attempt to enshrine discrimination in their state’s Constitution, and urge them to reject Amendment 1.

“As a Libertarian, I believe there is much that government does and tries to do to interfere in our personal lives that it simply has no business doing. I am proud to join with Minnesota Libertarians in taking a stand against discrimination and the idea that government should be imposing moral values on free people.

“I also commend Minnesotans United for All Families for their leadership in opposing Amendment 1. The breadth and width of the coalition that has joined to protect equality is truly gratifying, and I am pleased to join with that coalition in this very important battle.”

Mitt Romney Announces Support Of Colorado Rockies First Baseman Todd Helton

MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES SUPPORT OF COLORADO ROCKIES FIRST BASEMAN TODD HELTON

Boston, MA – Mitt Romney today announced the support of Colorado Rockies first baseman and five-time MLB All-Star Todd Helton.

“Todd Helton is a true winner, and I’m proud to have him on my team,” said Mitt Romney. “Like many Americans, he knows that America has seen a lot of adversity over the last four years, but there is nothing that we cannot overcome. I have a plan to get our economy moving again, and I have the experience needed to put that plan in place. Together, with Americans from every walk of life and every background, we will win this election and restore prosperity to the American people.”

“Today, I am proud to announce my support for Governor Mitt Romney and Congressman Paul Ryan for President and Vice President of the United States,” said Todd Helton. “These two leaders possess the strength, the courage, and most importantly, the experience to bring about a real recovery. I know the Romney-Ryan ticket brings a unique understanding of how to turn this economy around and get Americans back to work.”

Background On Todd Helton:

Todd Helton Is The First Baseman For The Colorado Rockies. He is a five-time MLB All-Star and currently holds the team record for home runs, hits, and RBIs. Helton is a three-time Gold Glove award winner and was the National League batting champion in 2000. Helton lives in Brighton, Colorado with his wife Christy and daughters Gentry and Tierney.

Tom Vilsack Announces Wisconsin Rural Leaders for Obama

The Hon. Tom Vilsack Announces Rural Leaders for Obama

EAU CLAIRE – Today, the Hon. Tom Vilsack announced the members of the Rural Leaders for Obama team. Two members of the group, Rep. Ron Kind, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from La Crosse, and State Rep. Chris Danou, a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from Trempealeau, joined Mr. Vilsack at the Eau Claire OFA-Wisconsin office.

The Rural Leaders for Obama is a groundbreaking organizing operation in rural communities. The campaign has the largest presence and largest ground game in rural Wisconsin that any presidential candidate has ever had in the state of Wisconsin. 

This group will work to promote the President’s strong record of supporting rural America and our nation’s small businesses, farmers, working families and students by creating rural economies built to last and rewarding small town values like hard work and fairness. The group will also draw a contrast between the President’s strong record supporting rural communities and Mitt Romney’s out of touch views on the issues that matter most to rural communities.

“This President understands that Wisconsin’s small towns and rural communities were built on the values that America was founded on—family and community come first and if you’re willing to work hard, you can make a good life for yourself and a better one for your kids,” said Rep. Kind. “Under President Obama, we’ve invested in community colleges to put the cost of college within reach for rural families, while ensuring workers get the skills they need for the jobs that are available in their area.”

The Rural Leaders for Obama is comprised of a diverse group of men and women, both young and old, with experience in a range of fields from farming and business, to education public safety.

“I am proud to join this smart, talented and well-respected group of Rural Leaders. Together we will make the difference on November 6,” said State Rep. Danou. “In small towns, we understand what it means to serve and give back to our communities, whether that's overseas in our military or in public service. We work to make sure that we're leaving our communities stronger for the next generation. Those are values that are so important in our small towns and that we’re fighting to maintain.”

The members of the Rural Leaders for Obama include:

· US Rep. Ron Kind, La Crosse, WI: US Representative (3rd Congressional District); member of the Congressional Rural Caucus, the House Rural Health Care Coalition and the Rural Veteran's Caucus. He has received the National Small Business Association “Small Business Star” Award and the National Rural Health Association’s Legislator of the Year Award.

· Kathleen Vinehout, Alma, WI: WI State Senator, 31st Senate District; Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Elections and UW-System; former dairy farmer; member of Wisconsin Farmers Union and Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation.

· Chris Danou, Trempealeau, WI: WI State Representative, 91st Assembly District; member of the Assembly Committee on Rural Economic Development and Rural Affairs; former police officer; member of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and the National Farmers Union. 

· Mary Hubler, Rice Lake, WI: Former WI State Representative, 75th Assembly District.

· Janis Ringhand, Evansville, WI: WI State Representative, 80th Assembly District, member of the Assembly Committee on Rural Economic Development and Rural Affairs; former Evansville Mayor and Alderwoman; former small business owner.

· Janet Bewley, Ashland, WI: WI State Representative, 74th Assembly District; former Ashland Alderwoman; member of the Assembly Committee on Forestry. 

· Tom Lyon, Cambridge, WI: Retired Chief Executive Officer of Cooperative Resources International, former co-chair of Wisconsin's Future of Farming and Rural Leadership project, Former President of University of Wisconsin Board of Regents. 

· Bill Brey, Sturgeon Bay, WI: Dairy farmer, FFA Alumni. 

· Bryce Luchterhand, Unity, WI: Former State Director of USDA Rural Development; Regional Representative for U.S. Senator Herb Kohl, owns and operates a beef farm; member of Wisconsin Farmers Union.

· George Siemon, Viroqua, WI: Co-Founder of the Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools (CROPP); serves on The Organic Center and Global Animal Partnership’s Board of Directors; awarded the Natural Resources Defense Council’s Growing Green Award in the “Business Leader” category and the Social Venture Network’s Hall of Fame Impact Award in the “Environmental Evangelist” category.

· Margaret Krome, Madison, WI: Appointed to the State Board on Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection by Governor Doyle.

· Enrique Figueroa, Milwaukee, WI: Appointed to the State Board on Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection by Governor Doyle; Director of the Roberto Hernandez Center; appointed Administrator of Agriculture Marketing Service and served as Deputy Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at the USDA during President Clinton’s Administration.

· John and Nettie Rosenow, Cochrane, WI: Dairy farmers; John served as the first president of the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.

· Paul Olson, Taylor, WI: Dairy farmer; President of the National Farmers Organization; member of Wisconsin Farmers Union.

· Byron Krueger, Melrose, WI: Dairy farmer; President of the Liberty Milk Co-op.

· Dennis Rosen, Emerald, WI: Dairy farmer; serves on the Wisconsin Farmers Union Board of Directors.

· Wayne Danielson, Cadott, WI: Dairy farmer; serves on the Wisconsin Farmers Union Board of Directors; served on the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board and the World Dairy Exposition Board.

· Sarah Lloyd and Nels Nelson, Wisconsin Dells, WI: Dairy Farmers.  Sarah is President of the Columbia County Farmers Union and is involved in the Columbia County Local Foods Collaborative.

· Karl Klessig, Cleveland, WI: Dairy farmer; serves on the Advisory Committee for Sheboygan Area School Districts Lunch Program and the Board of Directors for the Agriculture Educational Center of Manitowoc County; member of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation.

· Judy Ziewacz, Monona, WI: Served as Deputy Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection under Governor Doyle’s Administration, worked for the Cooperative Development Association and is a Board Member of the National Cooperative Bank.

· James Ziegeweid, Arcadia, WI: Former dairy farmer and District President for the 3rd Congressional District National Farmers Organization. 

· Janet and Julian Nelson, Prairie Farm, WI: Dairy farmers; served on the Wisconsin Farmers Union Board of Directors; active in Barron County Dairy Promoters and local 4H program. 

· Jerry Croes, Deer Park, WI: Dairy and crop farmer; member of the Wisconsin Farmers Union.

· Dave and Laurie Swanepoel, Emerald, WI: Dairy farmers; members of the Wisconsin Farmers Union, Laurie is Director of the Ellsworth Creamery Board.

Victory Rally with Senator Marco Rubio at the Waukesha Republican Victory Center in Waukesha, Wisconsin on Thursday, October 25, 2012

Victory Rally with Senator Marco Rubio at the Waukesha Republican Victory Center in Waukesha, Wisconsin on Thursday, October 25, 2012

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Doors Open 11:00 AM

Program Begins 11:30 AM

Waukesha Republican Victory Center
1701 Pearl St., Suite #2
Waukesha, WI 53186

Romney Campaign Launches Iowa Students For Romney

ROMNEY CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES IOWA STUDENTS FOR ROMNEY

Des Moines, IA – Today, our campaign announced Iowa Students for Romney. President Obama was elected in large part by college students who were hoping that more jobs would be waiting for them upon graduation, but he has failed to deliver the economic recovery he promised. Young people across Iowa are looking to Governor Romney to get this country turned around.

“Four years ago, like so many other young people across this country, I was convinced that Barack Obama was going to deliver on his promises to create new jobs, cut our deficit in half, reduce the cost of education, and bring our country together. I volunteered for his campaign—stuffing envelopes, making calls, knocking doors, and telling all my friends he was the hope and change our generation and our country needed,” said Megan La Suer, Co-Chair of Iowa Students for Romney and a student at the University of Iowa. “But on all these counts, President Obama has failed our generation as half of recent college graduates either can’t find work or are stuck in jobs below their education level. National debt is piling high, college costs and student debt have also skyrocketed, and Washington is more divided than ever. This isn’t the president I worked to elect, and now President Obama won’t tell us what he would do in a second term. I simply can’t support President Obama anymore. I’m campaigning for Mitt Romney because he will deliver a real recovery for young and old alike, with 12 million new jobs, tax cuts to help create a pathway to the middle class, and higher take-home pay for American workers.”

“I am so heartened that young people from around the country are working with me to restore America’s promise,” said Mitt Romney. “Whether it is the fact that half of our recent college graduates are struggling to find good jobs or that our spiraling debt is an enormous burden on our next generation, President Obama has clearly failed young people. Our next generation needs a president who will look out for them and their futures. I will work every day to ensure that our young people will have an even brighter future than their parents had.”

The following are members of Iowa Students for Romney and are helping to organize volunteers and turn out supporters at more than 20 universities and colleges across the state:

State Co-Chairs

Megan  La Suer, University of Iowa
Lucas Draisey, University of Northern Iowa

College and University Chairs and Co-Chairs

Cole Schimelfenig, Briar Cliff University
Shelby  Mendoza, Central College
Hayden Sherwood, Coe College
James Weeks, Coe College
Dan Rowland, Cornell College
Taylor Crow, Drake University
Paul Lemley, University of Dubuque
Rob Howard, Grand View University
Sam Mulopulos, Grinnell College
Hannah Walsh, University of Iowa
Kyle Etzel, Iowa State University
Jon Laudner, Iowa State University
Ryan Koch, Iowa Wesleyan College
Kristen Burton, Iowa Western Community College
Esther Amundson, Kirkwood Community College
Patrick O'Grady, Loras College
Aime Karam, Luther College
Sarah Swan, Morningside College
John Kaufmann, Muscatine Community College
Samantha Welch, University of Northern Iowa
Joleen Wilhelm, Northwestern College
Kyle Hauswirth, Simpson College
Kristin Richert, Simpson College
Chris Stola, St. Ambrose University