2012 Presidential Campaign Blog

New Hampshire Union Leader Joins NBC News Facebook Debate On “Meet The Press”

NEW HAMPSHIRE UNION LEADER JOINS NBC NEWS FACEBOOK DEBATE ON “MEET THE PRESS”

NEW YORK, NY -- OCTOBER 16, 2011 -- NBC News today announced that the New Hampshire Union Leader has joined as a local partner for the network’s next Republican presidential primary debate.

The NBC News Facebook Debate on “Meet the Press,” moderated by David Gregory, will take place on the Sunday before the New Hampshire primary in the historic Chubb Theatre at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord, New Hampshire. It will air on the NBC network as a special edition of “Meet the Press,” and will stream live on Facebook. The debate will also air on MSNBC and NECN.

“New Hampshire voters trust the Union Leader for the news that hits closest to home,” said Mark Lukasiewicz, Senior Vice President of NBC News Specials. “We’re thrilled that this influential journalistic institution has signed on to what will certainly be a historic debate.”

"We are particularly pleased to be a part of this collaboration because it should open up new channels to measure voter issues through Facebook and, on the Sunday before the primary, ‘Meet the Press’' is the perfect venue for voters to measure the candidates," said Union Leader President and Publisher Joe McQuaid.

Governor Jon Huntsman Announces Details of New Hampshire Trip October 17-18, 2011

Governor Huntsman Announces Details of New Hampshire Trip October 17th to 18th
Governor Huntsman to Hold First-In-The-Nation Town Hall on Tuesday

Manchester, NH – Jon Huntsman for President today announced the details of Governor Jon Huntsman’s trip to New Hampshire from Monday, October 17th to Tuesday, October 18th.

Additional event(s) will be added to Tuesday’s schedule and advised tomorrow.

Monday, October 17th:
     *2:00 PM – Files As Candidate for President of the United States with
     New Hampshire’s Secretary of State Bill Gardner
                        New Hampshire State House
                        107 North Main Street
                        Concord, NH 03301
                        *Q&A to follow.

Tuesday, October 18th:
     *7:30 PM – Holds First-In-The-Nation Town Hall
                        Hopkinton Town Hall
                        330 Main Street
                        Hopkinton, NH 03229

Senator Rick Santorum Returns to Iowa in Lieu of Nevada Appearances

SANTORUM SHOWS SOLIDARITY WITH EARLY PRIMARY STATES
Returns to Iowa in lieu of Nevada appearances
 
Verona, PA - Former Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) will return to Iowa on October 16th and 17th for campaign events in lieu of previously scheduled campaign stops in Nevada. Senator Santorum's public schedule is noted below, all times are local and updates will be provides as events are added.

Sunday, October 16:

3:00pm CT:      Senator Santorum will host meet and greet at Smokey Row Coffee Co. in Des Moines, IA.

Location:

Smokey Row Coffee Co.
1910 Cottage Grove Avenue
Des Moines, IA

Michele Bachmann Campaign Announces 3Q Fundraising Total of $4.1 Million

Bachmann Announces 3Q Fundraising Total of $4.1 Million

Urbandale, Iowa - Bachmann for President campaign manager Keith Nahigian announced today a combined 3Q fundraising total of $4.1 million for the campaign's authorized committees. Reports filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) document the more than 97,000 contributions with an average contribution of approximately $42.

"We are especially proud of the fact that we continue to bring in large numbers of small donors who contribute time after time," Nahigian said. "These donors reflect a wave of people who will not settle in this election, and support our efforts to put our country back on track."

Breakdown of 3Q fundraising numbers:

Combined fundraising total: more than $4.1 million
Total combined contributions: more than 97,000
Total combined contributors: roughly 70,000
Total average contribution: $42
Total Cash on Hand: $1.5 million

"We are grateful to each and every donor who has helped us gather the necessary resources to continue reaching out to the people of Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and the rest of the country," Nahigian said.

Bachmann to Host Nationwide Tele-Town Hall with Special Guest Donald Trump, Monday, October 17, 2011

Bachmann to Host Nationwide Tele-Town Hall with Special Guest Donald Trump, Monday, October 17, 2011

Urbandale, Iowa – Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann is offering a special experience to her supporters during a nationwide tele-town hall on Monday, Oct. 17 – a chance to speak with featured guest and real-estate mogul Donald Trump. During the call, Bachmann and Trump will discuss critical economic issues facing American families and businesses, while taking questions from the listening audience. This is the first appearance Trump has made on a tele-town hall with a 2012 presidential candidate.

The tele-town hall will kick off at 8:00 pm ET/7:00 pm CT.

Michele Bachmann Raises $3,907,748.06 in 3rd Quarter 2011

. Cash on Hand at BEGINNING of the Reporting Period	3,379,066.99
7. Total Receipts This Period	3,907,748.06
8. Subtotal (6 + 7)	7,286,815.05
9. Total Disbursements This Period	5,947,630.95
10. Cash on Hand at CLOSE of the Reporting Period	1,339,184.10
11. Debts and Obligations Owed TO the Committee	0.00
Itemize all on SCHEDULE C or SCHEDULE D
12. Debts and Obligations Owed BY the Committee	549,604.07
Itemize all on SCHEDULE C or SCHEDULE D
13. Expenditures Subject To Limitation	0.00
14. NET Contributions (Other than Loans)	5,546,040.48
15. NET Operating Expenditures	5,987,846.38

Summary of Newt Gingrich Third Quarter 2011 FEC Report

Summary of Newt Gingrich Third Quarter 2011 FEC Report

Newt Gingrich's commitment to running a campaign that offers Leadership Now is paying off.

The month of September saw the introduction of the 21st Century Contract with America which Investor's Business Daily said in comparison to other GOP plans, "wins, hands down."

Critiquing Gingrich's debate performance at Ames, Iowa radio personality Steve Deace said, “[Newt Gingrich] put leadership ahead of policy. This was the Gingrich of the 1994 Republican Revolution.”

In New Hampshire, Union Leader Publisher Joseph McQuaid editorialized on Sept. 16th, "The Republican Party and its contenders may want to look to former Speaker Gingrich for the best strategy on Social Security questions and perhaps on many others."

In South Carolina, Newt earned a critical endorsement from the founder of the Columbia Tea Party Allen Olson, who wrote: "There is only one candidate for president who is leading on what I believe are the underlying issues this country faces. Not only is this candidate talking about serious issues, he is providing real solutions."

Looking at every indicator, Gingrich has momentum going into the fall and will be the alternative to the front runner.

• The bulk of the campaign's support is coming from small dollar donors with an average contribution of $76.
• Over the third quarter, the campaign gained momentum and recovered. 50% of contributions in the third quarter came from new donors.
• Gingrich's ranking in national polls rose from 6% to 11% over the course of the quarter.
• Traffic to Newt.org doubled, if not tripled in days following national debates.
• Over 500 people signed up to volunteer in the last two weeks of September.
• The campaign will open headquarters in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina this month.
• October 2011 donations (not included in the current filing) have already surpassed $250,000, coming in at double the pace from the same point in the 2nd quarter.

Raised	$807,962.45
Spent	$776,767.90
Cash on hand	$353,416.71
Average donation	$76
Donations	10,400
Donors	8,800
Debt paid off	$346,000
Remaining debt	$1.1 million

Rick Santorum Announces Fundraising Total of $704,000 for the 3rd Quarter; Eustace Mita Named National Finance Chairman

SANTORUM'S 3RD QUARTER FUNDRAISING REFLECTS MOMENTUM
Eustace Mita Named National Finance Chairman
 
Verona, PA - Former Senator Rick Santorum announced his fundraising totals for the 3rd quarter and he named Mr. Eustace (Euse) Mita to the position of National Finance Chairman.

Hogan Gidley, National Communications Director, said, "It's no secret that Rick hasn't been out there fundraising much. Instead, he's been focused on meeting voters, growing the grassroots base and pushing his conservative message in the early states. However, with strong debate performances and several top finishes in some important straw polls - the strategy is building momentum at the right time and are working to capitalize on the increased support. Appointing Euse is a big part of that. In fact, of the over $704,000 we've raised during the 3rd Quarter of 2011, half of that was raised in the last three weeks."  

This race has never been about high-priced consultants and slick TV ads - it's about the people and getting America back on track. With every town hall, meet and greet and debate, it's clear that the people like the message and they like the messenger."

Euse Mita said, "I am excited to form and lead a talented team of supporters to build the financial network necessary to fund Rick's presidential campaign.  Rick and I have been friends for years, and I can think of no one better prepared to serve as our next commander-in-chief.  We have made great strides since I accepted this role in mid-September, and we are building momentum quickly.  I am anxious to build upon this momentum to help Rick on to victory in the Iowa caucuses and beyond."

Senator Santorum said, "I am thrilled to have Euse on board as our campaign's finance chairman.  Euse is known as one of our nation's leading philanthropists and has led numerous successful fundraising campaigns.  His work and success is renowned, and I am confident that under his leadership, our finance team will ensure that we have the resources necessary to not just compete, but win the Republican nomination."

Euse Mita is Chairman of Achristavest Properties, LLC, a developer of waterfront properties in New Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsylvania; and Chairman of Mita Management, a closely held company with interests in the automotive and real estate industries.  Mita served on the Board of Directors of Penske Automotive Group (PAG:NYSE), Reynolds & Reynolds (REY:NYSE) and Republic First Bank (NASDAQ:FRBK).  Mita will lead a national team of financial supporters to support the Rick Santorum for President campaign.

Buddy Roemer Continues His Campaign for President Throughout New Hampshire October 15-20, 2011

Buddy Roemer continues his campaign for President throughout New Hampshire
 
Manchester, NH – Republican presidential candidate Buddy Roemer will travel throughout New Hampshire to spread his message of free trade and ending the corruptive influence of money in politics. Governor Roemer will also continue his "Free To Lead" Town Hall Tour by hosting a Town Hall at Nashua Public Library in Nashua, NH on October 20. All times are local.
 
Saturday, October 15, 2011

Governor Roemer speaks at 'Honoring Our Heroes' Event
9:45AM
Rockingham Church
90 Newton Road
Plaistow, NH

Governor Roemer visits Greater Salem Rotary Club Oktoberfest Celebration
2:30 pm
Rockingham Park
Salem, NH

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Governor Roemer visits Rockingham County Republican Octoberfest
2:00PM

The Stone Church
5 Granite St.
New Market, NH

Monday, October 17, 2011

Governor Roemer hosts supporter Conference Call
7:00PM 


Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Governor Roemer attends Fundraiser for Mark Nadzan, Manchester Ward 12 Candidate
5:30PM
Private Residence
Manchester, NH
 
Thursday, October 20, 2011

Governor Roemer Hosts "Free To Lead Town Hall"
4:00PM
Nashua Public Library

2 Court Street
Nashua, NH

Governor Roemer will be available afterwards for members of the media

Governor Roemer speaks to Nashua Tea Party
7:30PM
Nashua Radisson
11 Tara Blvd
Nashua, NH

Rick Santorum Cancels Campaign Events In Nevada; Upholds Commitment To Early State Pledge

SANTORUM CANCELS CAMPAIGN EVENTS IN NEVADA
Upholds Commitment To Early State Pledge
 
Verona, PA - Former Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) has postponed planned campaign events slated for October 17th and 18th in Nevada.  Senator Santorum was originally scheduled to hold several campaign events in the Reno and Las Vegas areas; however, these events were postponed in conjunction with the multi-candidate boycott of Nevada as a result of the state's decision to hold its caucus on January 14th and potentially push Iowa and New Hampshire into the Christmas season.

Hogan Gidley, National Communications Director, said: "While Senator Santorum appreciates the hospitality of the people of Nevada, he is concerned that Nevada's decision encroaches on Iowa and New Hampshire's election calendar and may push them into the Christmas season.  Senator Santorum continues to hold out hope that cooler heads will prevail and Nevada will simply move their caucus back a few days to allow a semblance of sanity to be reinstated into the primary process.  Once this occurs, Senator Santorum greatly looks forward to returning to the Silver State.

However, if Nevada refuses to move its primary date, the Senator will not campaign in the state for the duration of the primary. He believes a condensed campaign calendar hurts the presidential process and the nation by placing emphasis on big money TV ads and campaign consultants instead of retail politics."

While the Senator's campaign events have been postponed until Nevada officials re-evaluate their decisions, he fully intends to participate in the CNN Republican President Debate scheduled for Tuesday, October 18th. This is a nationally televised debate with a significant viewing audience allowing the people of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina another chance to see and compare the candidates side by side.