2012 Presidential Campaign Blog

Gov. Tim Pawlenty's Statement on Jobs Report

Gov. Tim Pawlenty's Statement on Jobs Report

"Today's dismal jobs report is a far cry from the hope and change that President Obama promised on the campaign trail.  Since the President took office, unemployment has risen 17%, the federal debt has increased 37% and gas prices have doubled.  In the last week, the stock market suffered its worst day in years, economic growth was revised down and consumer confidence dropped.  Despite these clear and abundant signs that our economy is floundering, President Obama has still failed to deliver a concrete plan to create jobs and promote growth.  This lack of leadership is inexcusable and driving our economy toward decline.  It's time for a new president to point us back in the right direction, and I am the only candidate who has proposed a specific economic plan that will create jobs and grow our economy. "

Revised: Michele Bachmann Travels Across Iowa August 5-14, 2011 To Rally Voters For The 2011 Straw Poll

Revised: Team Bachmann Travels Across Iowa to Rally Voters
for the 2011 Straw Poll on Saturday, August 13

Urbandale, Iowa – Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann returns to Iowa on Friday, August 5 to rally Hawkeye State voters before the 2011 Iowa Straw Poll.

Friday, August 5, 2011

"Join Me in Ames in 8 Days!" Sign Up Event
12:15 pm CT
Pizza Ranch
1500 W 18th St. S
Newton, Iowa 

Dexter Backyard Chat
5:15 pm CT
Voss Family Home
33464 Delta Trail
Dexter, Iowa 

Spirit Midwest Christian Music Festival
7:00 pm CT
Jordan Park Camp
2251 Fuller Rd.
West Des Moines, Iowa 

Saturday, August 6, 2011

"Join Me in Ames in 7 Days!" Sign Up Event
12:15 pm CT
The Hotel at Kirkwood Center
Ballroom C & D
7725 Kirkwood Blvd. SW
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hometown Town Hall
3:00 pm CT
Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum
503 South St.
Waterloo, Iowa 

"Join Me in Ames in 7 Days!" Rally
5:15 pm CT
Estes St. Town Square
Iowa Falls, Iowa
 

Sunday, August 7, 2011

First Church of the Nazarene Congregation Address
10:30 am CT
First Church of the Nazarene
4703 Douglas Ave.
Des Moines, Iowa

Point of Grace Church Service
10:30 am CT
Point of Grace Church
305 NE Dartmoor Dr.
Waukee, Iowa

Lunchtime Chat
11:45 am CT
Granite City Food and Brewery
12801 University Ave.
Clive, Iowa    
 
Polk County GOP Road to the White House
6:00pm CT
Fort Des Moines Museum and Education Center
75 Army Post Rd.
Des Moines, Iowa 

Monday, August 8, 2011

Atlantic Town Hall
11:45 am CT
Cass County Community Center
Atlantic Room
805 West 10th Street
Atlantic, Iowa

"Join me in Ames in 5 Days!" Rally
2:45 pm CT
Bayliss Park
530 First Ave
Council Bluffs, Iowa
 
Calhoun County GOP Fundraiser
6:30 pm CT
Rockwell Community Center
424 Main Street
Rockwell City, Iowa  

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

"Join me in Ames in 4 Days!" Sign Up Event
9:45 am CT
Stoney Creek Inn - Ballroom
300 3rd St.
Sioux City, Iowa
 
"Join me in Ames in 4 Days!" Event
12:45 pm CT
Cul-de-sac on Water
37 Lake St.
Arnolds Park, Iowa 
 
"Join Me in Ames in 4 Days!" - GOP Picnic
4:45pm CT
331 6th Ave. North
Humboldt, Iowa

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Competitive Edge Tour and Employee Roundtable
11:15 am CT
Competitive Edge
9350 Hickman Rd.
Clive, Iowa 

Thursday, August 11, 2011

GOP Presidential Debate
8:00 pm CT
Iowa State University
Stevens Auditorium
Ames, Iowa 

Friday, August 12, 2011

Indianola Town Hall
11:45 am CT
The Sports Page Grill
1802 West 2nd Ave.
Indianola, Iowa 
 
"Join me in Ames Tomorrow!" Rally
2:15 pm CT
Tulip Town Square
507 Franklin St.
Pella, Iowa 
 
Des Moines Register Soap Box
4:00 pm CT
Iowa State Fair
East 30th St. & East 30th Ave.
Des Moines, Iowa 
 
Welcome Home Reception
4:30 pm CT
IA Living History Farms
2600 111th St.
Urbandale, Iowa 
 
Straw Poll Tailgate Party
8:30 pm CT
Behind Team Bachmann Tent
Lincoln Way & University Blvd.
Ames, Iowa 

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Iowa State Fair
12:45 pm CT
East 30th St & East 30th Ave
Des Moines, Iowa

Thad McCotter 2012 Opens National Headquarters In Plymouth, Michigan

McCotter 2012 Opens National Headquarters No “Inside the Beltway” for a Campaign Dedicated to Citizen-focused Government

Plymouth, MI — Today, the McCotter for President campaign opened its national campaign headquarters located at 614 S. Main St. in Plymouth, Michigan.

“Opening the McCotter 2012 national headquarters in Plymouth, Michigan further proves our commitment to running a winning, grass roots campaign for the Presidency,” said U.S. Representative Thaddeus McCotter. “We in Michigan acutely understand the challenges of a global economy, and the necessity of shrinking Big Government and growing our economy.  Most importantly we share the resilience to ensure that despite all obstacles, our free people will build an America that works, and affirm American Exceptionalism in the 21st Century.”

U.S. Rep. McCotter’s former Chief of Staff Martin Van Valkenburg, will join the McCotter 2012 campaign as the Michigan Director and a senior campaign adviser. Van Valkenburg will manage the day-to-day operations of the national campaign headquarters which will be the hub of operations for the campaign, including its senior staff, coalition and grassroots coordination, and volunteers.

“I am pleased to join the McCotter 2012 team,” Van Valkenburg said. “Thaddeus McCotter is the only candidate who understands the challenges facing Americans today, has the vision to lead them through difficult times; and, most importantly, has the fortitude to make the necessary decisions to govern effectively on behalf of the citizens of our great nation.”

For more information on the campaign, please visit: www.mccotter2012.com # # #

Thaddeus McCotter is the U.S. Representative for Michigan’s 11th district and a Republican candidate for President. More information is available at www.mccotter2012.com

Sarah Nelson and Ryan Erwin Join Romney for President In Nevada

Sarah Nelson and Ryan Erwin Join Romney for President In Nevada

Boston, MA – Romney for President today announced that Sarah Nelson will serve as Nevada State Director and Ryan Erwin will serve as a Senior Adviser.
 
“Sarah and Ryan will be the base for a strong team as Mitt Romney campaigns across Nevada,” said Romney for President Political Director Rich Beeson. “We are excited that they are joining Mitt Romney’s campaign to reverse President Obama’s failed policies and bring jobs back to Nevada.”

Background On Mitt Romney’s New Team In Nevada:
 
Sarah Nelson has worked on campaigns at every level ranging from state legislature to Presidential. During the 2010 election cycle, she served as Deputy Political Director for Meg Whitman’s campaign for Governor of California. In Nevada, Nelson was part of Lieutenant Governor Brian Krolicki’s 2006 campaign team, she worked on Mitt Romney’s 2008 campaign and most recently she helped manage Governor Brian Sandoval’s Inaugural.
 
Ryan Erwin returns as a Senior Advisor for Romney for President, a role similar to that in 2008 when he helped navigate a successful Nevada caucus effort for Governor Romney. Erwin has two decades of political experience guiding campaigns in more than twenty states and has held leadership positions on winning races at nearly every level. He has helped achieve victory for candidates and initiatives in some of the most contested races in the United States and has served as Executive Director of both the Nevada and California Republican Party organizations. Erwin is currently the President of RedRock Strategies, a public affairs and political consulting firm. RedRock Strategies has offices in Nevada and Texas.

ACU Announces Former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman To Address CPAC Florida

ACU Announces Former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman to Address CPAC Florida
Nine Presidential Candidates Now Scheduled to Address Inaugural Regional Conservative Political Action Conference

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The American Conservative Union (ACU) today announced former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman will address CPAC FL – the organization’s first in an inaugural series of regional events expanding on the legacy of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). CPAC FL will be held this fall in Orlando, Florida, on Friday, September 23, 2011.

“As a two-term Republican chief executive of one of the most conservative states in the nation, Jon Huntsman built a strong record of cutting taxes, enacting pro-growth economic policies – from corralling government spending to balancing the state’s budget – and making Utah a leading state for job creation,” said ACU Chairman Al Cardenas. “He’s been a defender of liberty and signed strong pro-life legislation restricting abortions. We look forward to Governor Huntsman’s address at our inaugural regional CPAC.”

Just like the ACU’s marquee gathering in Washington, DC every spring – the nation’s largest annual gathering of grassroots activists – CPAC FL will bring national and state conservative leaders and grassroots activists together for a day of blockbuster speeches, policy discussions and networking opportunities – all celebrating the shared principles of smaller government, a strong national defense and traditional values.

Located at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, confirmed speakers also include Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (R – MN), businessman Herman Cain, ACU Chairman Cardenas, bestselling author Ann Coulter, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson, founder of The Weekly Standard Bill Kristol, Congressman Thaddeus McCotter (R – MI), Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist, former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, Faith & Freedom Coalition Chairman Ralph Reed, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and former Senators Rick Santorum and Jim Talent. Invited speakers include many more conservative heroes.

Tim Pawlenty’s 2nd Campaign Brochure Photo Features Man In Famous Dave’s Hat #iacaucus #iastrawpoll

Tim Pawlenty Announces 2011 Ames Straw Poll Activities, Famous Dave's, Dairy Queen, The Nadas

Tim Pawlenty Announces 2011 Ames Straw Poll Activities

URBANDALE — Gov. Tim Pawlenty's supporters at the Ames Straw Poll will hear two popular bands while eating BBQ and ice cream inside his tent, the Pawlenty campaign announced today.

Governor Pawlenty's tent will feature the popular American Christian worship band SONICFLOOd and local favorites The Nadas. Famous Dave's BBQ will provide meals, and the campaign will offer Dairy Queen Blizzards.

"I am excited SONICFLOOd and The Nadas are joining us for this fun and important day," Gov. Pawlenty said. "I'm looking forward to enjoying an afternoon of great music and food with family, friends and supporters. I know what a commitment it is for our supporters to spend the day at the Straw Poll and we want to make it fun and enjoyable. The Ames Straw Poll is an important benchmark in the process of electing our next president, and I'm confident our campaign will show we have built a strong foundation in preparation for the caucus."

Iowans can join Gov. Pawlenty by signing up at IowaStrawPoll2011.com. Gov. Pawlenty is scheduled to speak to Straw Poll attendees inside the Hilton Coliseum at approximately 1:30 p.m. CDT.

Ron Paul Campaign Announces National “Homeschoolers for Ron Paul”

Ron Paul Campaign Announces National “Homeschoolers for Ron Paul”
Coalition unites school choice advocates for Paul

LAKE JACKSON, Texas– The 2012 Ron Paul Presidential Campaign today announced the national “Homeschoolers for Ron Paul” coalition to energize voters who value educational choice.

“As a homeschooling father of four, I'm proud to support Congressman Paul for the Presidency.  Dr. Paul consistently advocates for the proper role of the federal government in education—that is, no such role – and against both political parties that wish to exercise even greater federal control,” said education choice advocate James Mills.

“Dr. Paul is a champion to families who do not choose the public education option, by introducing legislation that would allow these families to keep more of their money to pay for additional costs they incur.  He has been a stalwart of freedom, always arguing for the right to opt-out of the government system,” said Mr. Mills.

Mr. Mills serves on the “Homeschoolers for Ron Paul” national advisory board and is a Ron Paul campaign co-chairman for the 4th congressional district.

“As a proud homeschool dad my only logical choice for President is Ron Paul,” said David Fischer, Vice Chairman of the Ron Paul 2012 presidential campaign in Iowa and a “Homeschoolers for Ron Paul” national advisory board member.

“Education of our children is the domain of parents, not politicians.  Ron Paul understands the threat to freedom when parental control of education is eroded, and replaced with government control,” said Mr. Fischer.

“Our family has been heavily supportive of Dr. Paul and I will work as hard as practically possible to relay the foundational principals of constitutionally limited government and traditional family values as a means of restoring America,” said education choice advocate David Keagle, father of eight homeschooled children and a “Homeschoolers for Ron Paul” national advisory board member.

“As lifetime members of the HSLDA and 11-year veterans of homeschooling, I am happy to endorse statesman Ron Paul whenever the opportunity arises,” said Mr. Keagle, referring to the Home School Legal Defense Association.

As a first basic step, those wanting to join the “Homeschoolers for Ron Paul” coalition should visit www.RonPaul2012.com/Homeschoolers.

Presidential Candidate Gary Johnson Calls For Fair Tax While Visiting New Hampshire Business Incubator

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE GARY JOHNSON CALLS FOR FAIR TAX WHILE VISITING NEW HAMPSHIRE BUSINESS INCUBATOR

August 4, 2011, Manchester, NH – Meeting Thursday with small business owners at the Amoskeag Business Incubator in Manchester, NH, Presidential candidate and former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson called for abolishing the current income and payroll tax system and replacing it with a consumption-based tax, known as the FairTax.

Endorsed by many U.S. economists, the FairTax Plan is designed to collect the revenue needed for the federal government from a broader tax base at a lower effective rate than the current system of taxing income. Taxpayers and businesses would pay no federal income or payroll taxes, but would pay a 23% tax on goods and services they buy. A “prebate” would be granted to all taxpayers, regardless of income, to offset payment of the FairTax on purchases of necessities up to the federal poverty level.

Johnson said, “There are many ways to describe our current 70,000 page tax code, but ‘fair’ is not one of them.

“It is simple economic common sense that the most equitable and sustainable system for providing the tax revenues we need is one which places the burden on the broadest base at the lowest possible rate.  Taxing income runs fundamentally counter to that goal, and it creates perverse incentives that stifle economic growth and kill jobs.  Changing to a system which taxes consumption, rather than earnings, will encourage savings and investment, provide American families more freedom to spend their hard-earned money as they choose, and put people back to work.”

Johnson continued, “With the ‘prebate’ provision of the FairTax, no one will pay taxes on expenditures for basic necessities, and the average taxpayer will pay a smaller portion of their income in federal taxes than they are now.  The result is an equitable tax that is progressive on the basis not of income, but lifestyle and spending choices.

“Likewise, as we watch the politicians in Washington haggle over whether or not various tax credits and loopholes should be closed, I would strongly suggest that it is time that we simply do away with all of them, and get the government out of the business of picking winners and losers and otherwise using the tax code to manage our behavior.  By treating every taxpayer and business equally, the FairTax will do just that. In fact, the FairTax proposal would abolish the IRS, and provide incentives for the states to actually collect the tax, using their own systems and experience with administering sales taxes.

“And, as the Administration and Congress wring their hands over our unacceptably and persistently high unemployment and talk about reducing the corporate income tax rate and adopting other half-measures, I say we do away with corporate income taxes altogether – which the FairTax would do.  That alone will foster more real job creation than all the stimulus and tax code tinkering that is currently being discussed, and would immediately move the U.S. to the head of the class in terms of global competitiveness.

“Rather than exporting jobs and losing employers to more friendly tax environments overseas, America would become a magnet for job-creating investment both by businesses who are already here and those who would come here.”

The FairTax and its 23% rate are designed to be revenue neutral, generating sufficient revenue to fund all government operations and existing benefits, including Social Security, Medicare and other entitlements.

Michele Bachmann Travels Across Iowa August 5-14, 2011 to Rally Voters for the 2011 Straw Poll *Revised

Revised: Team Bachmann Travels Across Iowa to Rally Voters
for the 2011 Straw Poll on Saturday, August 13

Urbandale, Iowa – Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann returns to Iowa on Friday, August 5 to rally Hawkeye State voters before the 2011 Iowa Straw Poll.
Friday, August 5, 2011

"Join Me in Ames in 8 Days!" Sign Up Event
12:15 pm CT
Pizza Ranch
1500 W 18th St. S
Newton, Iowa 

Dexter Backyard Chat
5:15 pm CT
Voss Family Home
33464 Delta Trail
Dexter, Iowa 

Spirit Midwest Christian Music Festival
7:00 pm CT
Jordan Park Camp
2251 Fuller Rd.
West Des Moines, Iowa 

Saturday, August 6, 2011

"Join Me in Ames in 7 Days!" Sign Up Event
12:15 pm CT
The Hotel at Kirkwood Center
Ballroom C & D
7725 Kirkwood Blvd. SW
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hometown Town Hall
3:00 pm CT
Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum
503 South St.
Waterloo, Iowa 

"Join Me in Ames in 7 Days!" Rally
5:15 pm CT
Estes St. Town Square
Iowa Falls, Iowa
 

Sunday, August 7, 2011

First Church of the Nazarene Congregation Address
10:30 am CT
First Church of the Nazarene
4703 Douglas Ave.
Des Moines, Iowa

Point of Grace Church Service
10:30 am CT
Point of Grace Church
305 NE Dartmoor Dr.
Waukee, Iowa

Lunchtime Chat
11:45 am CT
Granite City Food and Brewery
12801 University Ave.
Clive, Iowa    
 
Polk County GOP Road to the White House
6:00pm CT
Fort Des Moines Museum and Education Center
75 Army Post Rd.
Des Moines, Iowa 

Monday, August 8, 2011

Atlantic Town Hall
11:45 am CT
Cass County Community Center
Atlantic Room
805 West 10th Street
Atlantic, Iowa

"Join me in Ames in 5 Days!" Rally
2:45 pm CT
Bayliss Park
530 First Ave
Council Bluffs, Iowa
 
Calhoun County GOP Fundraiser
6:30 pm CT
Rockwell Community Center
424 Main Street
Rockwell City, Iowa  

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

"Join me in Ames in 4 Days!" Sign Up Event
9:45 am CT
Stoney Creek Inn - Ballroom
300 3rd St.
Sioux City, Iowa
 
"Join me in Ames in 4 Days!" Event
12:45 pm CT
Cul-de-sac on Water
37 Lake St.
Arnolds Park, Iowa 
 
"Join Me in Ames in 4 Days!" - GOP Picnic
4:45pm CT
331 6th Ave. North
Humboldt, Iowa

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Competitive Edge Tour and Employee Roundtable
11:15 am CT
Competitive Edge
9350 Hickman Rd.
Clive, Iowa 
 

Thursday, August 11, 2011

GOP Presidential Debate
8:00 pm CT
Iowa State University
Stevens Auditorium
Ames, Iowa 
 


Friday, August 12, 2011

Indianola Town Hall
11:45 am CT
The Sports Page Grill
1802 West 2nd Ave.
Indianola, Iowa 
 
"Join me in Ames Tomorrow!" Rally
2:15 pm CT
Tulip Town Square
507 Franklin St.
Pella, Iowa 
 
Des Moines Register Soap Box
4:00 pm CT
Iowa State Fair
East 30th St. & East 30th Ave.
Des Moines, Iowa 
 
Welcome Home Reception
4:30 pm CT
IA Living History Farms
2600 111th St.
Urbandale, Iowa 
 
Straw Poll Tailgate Party
8:30 pm CT
Behind Team Bachmann Tent
Lincoln Way & University Blvd.
Ames, Iowa 

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Iowa State Fair
12:45 pm CT
East 30th St & East 30th Ave
Des Moines, Iowa