2012 Presidential Campaign Blog

South Carolina Treasurer Curtis Loftis Statement Following Tonight’s Debate in Spartanburg, South Carolina

CURTIS LOFTIS: MITT ROMNEY WILL MAKE THE 21st CENTURY AN AMERICAN CENTURY

Boston, MA – South Carolina Treasurer Curtis Loftis made the following statement following tonight’s debate in Spartanburg, South Carolina:

“Mitt Romney won tonight's debate by articulating a strategy to ensure that the 21st century is an American century. Unlike President Obama, Mitt Romney will conduct a foreign policy that acknowledges America’s exceptional role in the world, and he will do so with clarity and resolve. In a Romney administration, our friends will never question where we stand – and neither will our adversaries.”

Mitt Romney: Open Markets On Terms That Work For America

OPEN MARKETS ON TERMS THAT WORK FOR AMERICA

“As president, I will work aggressively to open new markets for our goods and services by forging relationships with other nations committed to the principles of free trade.” – Mitt Romney

Boston, MA – Last month, at Microsoft’s headquarters, Mitt Romney called for a renewed American commitment to opening global markets for the nation’s goods and services.  Romney criticized President Obama for falling asleep at the wheel on this crucial issue for the American economy.

“Ninety-five percent of the world’s consumers are beyond our borders,” said Romney.  “While we sit on the sidelines, the EU is making deals. China is making deals. And American competitiveness suffers.”

Romney emphasized that free trade only works if all parties adhere to their commitments, open their markets, and embrace competition.  He singled out China as an offender, and committed to confronting it over its continued flouting of international commitments.

“As president, I will present China with a clear choice,” said Romney.  “Either abide by your commitments, open your markets, and respect our property, or else the days of open access to our markets, our ideas, and our companies, are over.”

Romney spelled out the specific policies he would pursue to expand American access to foreign markets, grow exports, and create jobs:

Advance Free Trade Agreements

Promptly submit trade agreements to Congress instead of using them as political bargaining chips, and continue to expand the zone of countries in which American companies are welcomed to compete:

Reestablish the President’s Trade Promotion Authority
Conclude Trans-Pacific Partnership with key Asian allies
Pursue new bilateral agreements, focusing on South America
 
Create A Reagan Economic Zone

Forge a new partnership with like-minded nations genuinely committed to open markets and fair competition:

· Establish agreements focused on areas of particular interest to the United States like services and intellectual property

· Provide unparalleled, mutual market access to all participants

· Welcome the participation of any nation that abides by the principles of free trade and promotes competition on fair terms

· Work together to pressure other nations to play by the rules

Increase Enforcement Resources

Give the Commerce Department, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and Customs and Border Protection the tools and support to vigorously protect American trading interests:

· Crack down on imports that circumvent trade rules or violate intellectual property rights

· Pursue all WTO claims against other countries engaging in unfair trade practices at the expense of American businesses

· Encourage American businesses to come forward with complaints and support their efforts to pursue remedies

Confront China Directly

Lay out a clear series of steps that the Chinese must take to become a responsible participant in the global economy, and a clear series of consequences that would accompany failure to make rapid progress down that path, such as:

· If China continues to block procurement from foreign firms,

o End U.S. government procurement from China

· If China continues to manipulate its currency,

o Formally declare China to be a currency manipulator

o Impose associated countervailing duties

· If China continues to unfairly subsidize its domestic producers,  interfere with foreign competitors, and pursue an “indigenous innovation” policy by coercing and stealing from foreign firms,

o Impose punitive tariffs on Chinese products for which China provides anti-competitive assistance

o Work with other developed nations to impose intellectual property sanctions, blocking the transfer into China of technologies that China has prioritized

· In response to all of these practices,

o Use Reagan Economic Zone to confer benefits on genuine free trading nations from which China is excluded so long as its unfair practices continue

Gov. Rick Perry on China and Cyber Espionage

Gov. Perry on China and Cyber Espionage

China

China continues to be both an economic partner and military competitor. Gov. Perry does not accept China's rise as inevitable.  Ronald Reagan said the Soviet Union would end up on the ash heap of history. The same will happen to communism in China if they do not become a country of virtue. 

This administration has failed to confront China on human rights, and let conditions in our country deteriorate to the point when the President of Coca-Cola says it is easier to do business in China than in the United States of America.

Rick Perry's first order of business is to get our economic house in order and reduce our debt so that we can properly negotiate with China from a position of strength. A good China policy means a good Asia policy: Rick Perry will engage China from a position of strength with strong alliances, economic leadership and a robust military presence in Asia.

Cyber Espionage

Rick Perry believes cyber attacks are an emerging threat and as president, he will view them as serious as a physical attack.  Cyber warfare could target our military, important utilities, and the countless computer systems upon which our economy depends.

The Obama administration has failed to implement a coherent approach to cyber security, and the existing and pending defense cuts threaten any future capability.

Rick Perry believes we must have both defensive and offensive coordinated cyber capabilities so the Chinese, as well as others, know there will be repercussions if they continue this aggression.  Rick Perry will secure all of our borders - including our cyber borders.

Gov. Rick Perry on Afghanistan

Gov. Rick Perry on Afghanistan

Rick Perry believes keeping Afghanistan free from a terrorist-supporting regime remains as vital a strategic interest for the United States today as it was ten years ago.

As president, Rick Perry will make strategic decisions based upon consultation with military leaders on the ground, rather than arbitrary timetables dictated by politics, as has been the policy of the Obama administration.

Rick Perry believes in the clear objective to support and develop Afghan National Security Forces to make Afghanistan increasingly stable and able to defend itself.  As president, Rick Perry will encourage our friends in India to continue their productive support of a free Afghanistan.

Rick Perry wants to bring our brave men and women home as soon as we safely can, based on the advice of military commanders on the ground and after consulting with our allies, including the Afghan leadership.

Rick Perry believes we must get our work in Afghanistan done and done right, because we never want to have to send our sons and daughters back there again.

Gov.Rick Perry on Iran

Gov. Perry on Iran

Rick Perry has repeatedly stated our single greatest threat is Iran.  Iran's leadership has threatened to wipe Israel off the face of the earth, has imprisoned our citizens and carried out terrorist attacks, and as the IAEA recently reported, aggressively continues to seek nuclear weapons.  We now know their actions are not confined to the Middle East.

The Obama administration's policy of engagement has been an abject failure, beginning with its lack of support for the Green Revolution in 2009.  Iran is now emboldened to pursue nuclear weapons and to try to attack us at home. 

Rick Perry will bring every diplomatic and economic effort to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.  As president, Rick Perry will leave every option on the table, including the harshest sanction on the Iranian Central Bank, and military options. The United States must never tie our own hands behind our back.

Fact Sheet: Mitt Romney’s Strategy To End Iran’s Pursuit Of A Nuclear Weapon

FACT SHEET: MITT ROMNEY’S STRATEGY TO END IRAN’S PURSUIT OF A NUCLEAR WEAPON

“For years, I have been warning of Iran’s nuclear ambitions and proposing specific steps to thwart them. It is now clear that our window of opportunity to stop the Iranian nuclear nightmare is quickly closing. To convince Iran to end its nuclear program peacefully, I call on President Obama to impose crippling economic sanctions on the Iranian regime, support the Iranian dissidents, and convey through actions – not just words – that the military option is very real and very credible.  The Iranian regime only understands strength. We can no longer afford President Obama’s policy of trepidation, ineptitude, and weakness toward Iran. The United States must show leadership on the world stage, and do so now, to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power.” – Mitt Romney

Boston, MA – Mitt Romney believes it is unacceptable for Iran to possess a nuclear weapon. For years, Mitt Romney has warned of Iran’s nuclear ambitions and proposed specific steps to thwart the ayatollahs’ nuclear program.  A nuclear-armed Iran will tilt the entire geostrategic landscape of the Middle East toward the ayatollahs, pose an existential threat to Israel, endanger Europe and eventually endanger the United States. It may provoke a nightmarish cascade of proliferation across the Middle East and give Iran’s sponsorship of terrorism a new and terrifying dimension.

As president, Mitt Romney will adopt a comprehensive strategy to end Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear weapon and eliminate these threats.

DEMONSTRATE A CREDIBLE MILITARY OPTION

Mitt Romney will make clear to the Iranian regime through actions – not just words – that a military option to deal with its nuclear program remains on the table. Only if Iran understands that the United States is determined that a nuclear-armed Iran is unacceptable will there be any possibility that Iran will give up its nuclear aspirations peacefully.

Restore Aircraft Carrier Task Force Presence: Mitt Romney will restore the regular presence of aircraft carrier task forces in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Persian Gulf region simultaneously.

Increase Military Cooperation with Israel: Mitt Romney will repair relations with Israel, increase military coordination and assistance, and enhance intelligence sharing to ensure that our allied capabilities are robust and ready to deal with Iran.

Increase Military Cooperation with Arab Allies: Mitt Romney will increase military coordination with our Arab allies in the region and conduct more naval exercises as a demonstration of strength and resolve.

IMPLEMENT CRIPPLING ECONOMIC SANCTIONS

The current regime of sanctions has not been effective in pressuring the Iranian regime. Mitt Romney will therefore increase economic pressure on Iran.

Implement a Fifth Round of Economic Sanctions: Mitt Romney will implement a fifth round of sanctions targeted at the financial resources that underpin the Iranian regime and its Revolutionary Guard Corps. He will do so through the United Nations if possible, unilaterally if necessary.  Sanctions will target the Central Bank of Iran and other financial institutions. They will also be placed on all business activities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which include much of Iran’s petroleum industry. To stanch the flow of the petroleum commerce that supports the Iranian regime, Mitt Romney will pursue sanctions on firms that transport such products to and from Iran.

Bolster Enforcement of U.S. Law: Mitt Romney will step up enforcement of existing U.S. laws that bar commerce with Iran, such as the exportation of refined petroleum products to Iran.

ISOLATE THE REGIME FROM THE WORLD AND THE IRANIAN PEOPLE

Increase Diplomatic Isolation of Iran: Mitt Romney will push nations to deny Iran’s Holocaust-denying president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the trappings and respect offered to responsible national leaders. Mitt Romney will push for Ahmadinejad’s indictment under Article III of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in light of Ahmadinejad’s calls for Israel to be wiped off the map.

Support Iranian Dissidents: Unlike President Obama, who refrained from supporting the nascent Green Movement in 2009 as it was facing a violent crackdown, Mitt Romney will support the emergence of a democratic alternative to the current repressive regime in Tehran. He will work to improve the flow of information to the Iranian population about its own government’s repressive activities and refuse to stand silent while the Iranian regime ruthlessly terrorizes its own people.

Commit to the On-Time Completion of a Fully Capable Missile Defense System

The United States and our European and Middle Eastern allies have a vital interest in establishing a fully operational and effective missile defense system in Eastern Europe to create a protective umbrella against Iranian nuclear weapons. Under pressure from Russia, President Obama early in his term scrapped President Bush’s missile defense plan in favor of a plan that featured a longer development timeline and technologies yet-to-be developed. As president, Mitt Romney will commit to Obama’s plan, but with the following two qualifications.

Reserve Option of Faster Deployment: Mitt Romney will reserve the option of reverting to President Bush's original plan of deploying proven interceptor technology if Iran is making faster progress on developing long range missiles than the Obama plan assumes or if the new technologies on which the plan relies fail to materialize in a timely fashion.

Refuse Russian Attempts to Compromise the System: Mitt Romney will make clear that while he is willing to cooperate with Russia on missile defense in ways that will enhance the overall effectiveness of the missile-defense system, he will not compromise the capability of the system or yield operational control of it. Mitt Romney will never give Russia a veto over our security and that of our allies.

Jon Huntsman Foreign Policy Credentials

DEBATE FACT CHECK ON FOREIGN POLICY CREDENTIALS

"Tonight's debate underscores the need for the next President to be ready for our nation's global challenges. Jon Huntsman alone possesses the foreign policy experience needed to lead America back to preeminence.  Unlike his opponents, Huntsman is prepared to be Commander-in-Chief on day one." - Tim Miller, November 12, 2011

Gov. Huntsman’s Record Shows…

1989-90: Gov. Huntsman Served As Deputy Assistant Secretary Of Commerce, Trade Development Bureau For President George H.W. Bush. (Rebecca Walsh, “Meet Our New Governor,” Salt Lake Tribune, 1/4/05)

1990-1991: Gov. Huntsman Served As Deputy Assistant Secretary Of Commerce For East Asia And The Pacific For President George H.W. Bush. (Rebecca Walsh, “Meet Our New Governor,” Salt Lake Tribune, 1/4/05)

1992-1993: Gov. Huntsman Served As U.S. Ambassador To Singapore—The Youngest In A Century—For President George H.W. Bush. (Ben Leubsdorf, “For Huntsman, Travel Opened Doors,” Concord Monitor, 8/20/11)

2001-2003: Gov. Huntsman Served As Deputy U.S. Trade Representative For President George W. Bush. (Ben Leubsdorf, “For Huntsman, Travel Opened Doors,” Concord Monitor, 8/20/11)

2009-2011: Gov. Huntsman Served As U.S. Ambassador To China For President Barack Obama. (Hans Nichols and Julianna Goldman, “Huntsman Said To Be Resigning As China Envoy In Sign Of Presidential Bid,” Bloomberg, 1/31/11)

Rick Santorum Releases New Radio Ad Addressing Threat Of Iran

SANTORUM RELEASES NEW RADIO AD ADDRESSING THREAT OF IRAN
Santorum Stands As Only GOP Presidential Candidate With A Clear Track Record and Policy Agenda On Dealing With Iran
 
Spartanburg, SC - Former Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) released a new radio ad about the looming threat of a nuclear Iran and a detailed plan on how the Santorum Administration will address this terrorist state.

During his time in elected office, Rick Santorum was the national leader and ahead of the curve on identifying and proposing real solutions to deal with the threat of a nuclear Iran:

Served on the Senate Armed Services Committee for 8 years, where he worked to transform the military from a Cold War force into one prepared to deal with the threats of today and tomorrow;
Author of the Iran Freedom and Support Act, which imposed real sanctions on the Iranian regime and authorized $100 million in annual funding for pro-democracy movements within Iran; and
Author of the Syria Accountability Act to combat the threat Syria posed to Israel.
Compare this track-record with President Barack Obama, who naively and cavalierly once declared Iran as a "tiny country" that did not pose a serious threat.  However, this week's report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) now shows that these radical Islamists are on the verge of having a nuclear weapon.


RADIO AD SCRIPT: "DISASTER"

To Listen To "Disaster":

http://www.ricksantorum.com/blog/2011/11/listen-rick-santorums-newest-radio-ad-iran

NARRATOR: "Some say Barack Obama is a disaster.  The truth, he'd have to dramatically improve to be considered a disaster.  And now, a new report exposes how Iran is moving rapidly to develop a nuclear weapon and once again Obama has no plan.  Unfortunately, the Republican presidential candidates aren't talking about Iran either, except one: Rick Santorum.  But it's not surprising, Rick Santorum served on the Armed Services Committee for 8 years and he wrote tough legislation to help stop Iran's growing aggression.  Even Newt Gingrich said no one has done more than Santorum to alert America to the dangers posed by Iran.  To read Rick Santorum's plan on what we must do to stop the growing threat to America from Iran, visit ricksantorum.com.  Barack Obama, proving everyday - experience matters.  Paid for by Rick Santorum for President."

SANTORUM:"I'm Rick Santorum, and I approve this message."
 

Rick Santorum Returns For Campaign Swing Through Central & Eastern Iowa November 15-21, 2011 *Updated

SANTORUM RETURNS FOR CAMPAIGN SWING THROUGH CENTRAL & EASTERN IOWA

New Events And Day Added To Campaign Swing 
Verona, PA - Former Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) will return to Iowa today, November 15th, for a week long campaign swing that will take him throughout central and eastern Iowa.
 
Additional events have been added to this schedule. All times are local.

Tuesday, November 15:

12:00pm CT: Senator Santorum will host a "Faith, Family and Freedom" Town Hall meeting in Anamosa, IA.

Location:

Lawrence Community Center
600 East Main Street
Anamosa, IA

3:00pm CT: Senator Santorum will host a "Faith, Family and Freedom" Town Hall meeting in Dyersville, IA.

Location:

Dyersville Public Library
320 1st Avenue East
Dyersville, IA

6:15pm CT: Senator Santorum will host a media availability prior to his "Faith, Family and Freedom" Town Hall meeting in Dubuque, IA.

Location:

Star Restaurant
600 Star Brewery Drive
Suite 200
Dubuque, IA

6:30pm CT: Senator Santorum will host a "Faith, Family and Freedom" Town Hall meeting in Dubuque, IA.

Location:

Star Restaurant
600 Star Brewery Drive
Suite 200
Dubuque, IA

Wednesday, November 16:

8:00am CT: Senator Santorum will host a breakfast meet-and-greet in Clinton, IA.

Location:

Happy Joe's
408 South 1st Street
Clinton, IA

10:00am CT: Senator Santorum will host a meet-and-greet in DeWitt, IA.

Location:

DeWitt Community Center
512 10th Street
DeWitt, IA

12:15pm CT: Senator Santorum will hold a media availability at the Student Life Center of Scott Community College in Bettendorf, IA.

Location:

Scott Community College
Student Life Center
500 Belmont Road
Bettendorf, IA

12:50pm CT: Senator Santorum will visit Scott Community College for a classroom visit in Bettendorf, IA.

Location:

Scott Community College
Student Life Center
500 Belmont Road
Bettendorf, IA

3:00pm CT: Senator Santorum will host a meet-and-greet at The Vineyard in Muscatine, IA.

Location:

The Vineyard
224 East Third Street
Muscatine, IA

7:00pm CT: Senator Santorum will be the featured guest at a house party hosted by Fred & Dee Johnson in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Location:

Home of Fred & Dee Johnson
2011 Foxbourne SE
Cedar Rapids, IA

Thursday, November 17:

7:30am CT: Senator Santorum will visit the Historic Hamburg Inn in Iowa City, IA.

Location:

Hamburg Inn
214 North Linn Street
Iowa City, IA

8:15am CT: Senator Santorum will address the Iowa State Association of Counties Fall School in Coralville, IA.

Location:

Coralville Marriott
300 East 9th Street
Coralville, IA

9:15am CT:  Senator Santorum will hold a media availability following his address to the Iowa State Association of Counties Fall School in Coralville, IA.

Location:

Coralville Marriott
300 East 9th Street
Coralville, IA

11:30am CT: Senator Santorum will address the Iowa Association of Business and Industry Board Meeting in Des Moines, IA.

Location:

ABI Office
400 East Court Avenue
Des Moines, IA

5:15pm CT: Senator Santorum will hold a media availability prior to attending a house party hosted by Chad & Jill Kluver in Davenport, IA.

Location:

Home of Chad & Jill Kluver
2133 Dorchester Court
Davenport, IA

5:30pm CT: Senator Santorum will be the featured guest at a house party hosted by Chad & Jill Kluver in Davenport, IA.

Location:

Home of Chad & Jill Kluver
2133 Dorchester Court
Davenport, IA

Friday, November 18:

7:30am CT: Senator Santorum will host a meet-and-greet in West Burlington, IA.

Location:

Broadway Café
113 Broadway Street
West Burlington, IA

10:00am CT: Senator Santorum will host a "Faith, Family and Freedom" Town Hall meeting in Mt. Pleasant, IA.

Location:

Papa Georges Pizza and Steak
225 West Monroe Street
Mt. Pleasant, IA

12:00pm CT: Senator Santorum will host a "Faith, Family and Freedom" Town Hall meeting in Washington, IA.

Location:

Café Dodici
122 South Iowa Avenue
Washington, IA

2:30pm CT: Senator Santorum will host a town hall meeting in Ottumwa, IA.

Location:

Ottumwa Public Library
102 West 4th Street
Ottumwa, IA

5:30pm CT: Senator Santorum will host a "Faith, Family and Freedom" Town Hall meeting in Knoxville, IA.

Location:

Godfathers Pizza
Party Room
1504 North Lincoln Street
Knoxville, IA

Saturday, November 19:

9:00am CT: Senator Santorum will address The Truth Project in Des Moines, IA.

Location:

Grace Church
4200 East 25th Street
Des Moines, IA

12:00pm CT: Senator Santorum will attend the Patriot Outreach event in Des Moines, IA.

Location:

Fort Des Moines
75 East Army Post Road
Des Moines, IA

3:00pm CT: Senator Santorum will participate in The FAMiLY Leader Presidential Forum in Des Moines, IA.

Location:

First Federated Church
4801 Franklin Avenue
Des Moines, IA

6:30pm CT: Senator Santorum will attend Iowa Governor Terry Branstad's 65th birthday party in Altoona, IA.

Location:

Adventureland Park
3200 Adventureland Drive
Altoona, IA
            
Sunday, November 20:

2:00pm CT: Senator Santorum will attend the Fort Des Moines Church of Christ in Des Moines, IA.

Location:

Fort Des Moines Church of Christ
244 East Army Post Road
Des Moines, IA

7:00pm CT: Senator Santorum will be the featured guest at a house party hosted by Steve & Amy Sherman in North Liberty, IA.

Location:

Home of Steve & Amy Sherman
340 Lockmoor Avenue
North Liberty, IA

Monday, November 21:

8:00pm CT: Senator Santorum will host a "Faith, Family and Freedom" Town Hall in Waterloo, IA.

Location:

Cottonwood Canyon Coffee
218 East 4th Street
Waterloo, IA

10:00am CT: Senator Santorum will host a "Faith, Family and Freedom" Town Hall in Waverly, IA.

Location:

Waverly Public Library
1500 West Bremer Avenue
Waverly, IA

12:00pm CT: Senator Santorum will host a "Faith, Family and Freedom" Town Hall in Oelwein, IA.

Location:

Pizza Ranch
125 1st Avenue SE
Oelwein, IA

1:30pm CT: Senator Santorum will host a "Faith, Family and Freedom" Town Hall in Independence, IA.

Location:

Independence Public Library
805 1st Street E
Independence, IA

Michele Bachmann to Participate In The Heritage Foundation and the American Enterprise Institute Debate on November 22, 2011

Michele Bachmann e-mail to Supporters

I am proud to announce my first book, Core of Conviction is being published later this month and will be available in bookstores across the United States.

In Core of Conviction, I open up about myself, and tell the stories that shaped my goals and determination to fight for America. I speak from the heart about my childhood, growing up in Iowa and Minnesota- grounded by my faith and family; about following my dreams- attending college and law school; about starting a successful small business and family in Minnesota; and about my “accidental” career in politics.

Although the book is not in stores yet- I want to send you your own copy today! With a donation of $75, I will send you an autographed copy of Core of Conviction, and with a donation of $125 I will send you a personalized copy.

Upcoming November Debates

November 12: Tonight, I will participate in the debate sponsored by CBS News, The National Journal and the South Carolina Republican Party at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The debate will be broadcast live on CBS at 8pm EST.

November 22: CNN, The Heritage Foundation and the American Enterprise Institute are hosting a debate in Washington, DC, CNN will carry the debate, please stay tuned for more information.