2012 Presidential Campaign Blog

Newt Gingrich Signs Pledge To Repeal ObamaCare #iacaucus Mason City, Iowa, May 17, 20111

Newt Gingrich Mason City Iowa Airport Photos #iacaucus May 17, 2011

Newt Gingrich Mason City Iowa Photos #iacaucus May 17, 2011

Former U.S. Attorney Matt Whitaker to Chair Pawlenty's Iowa Steering Committee

FORMER U.S. ATTORNEY MATT WHITAKER TO CHAIR PAWLENTY’S IOWA STEERING COMMITTEE

URBANDALE – Former U.S. Attorney Matt Whitaker will chair the Iowa steering committee of former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a Republican who has formed a 2012 presidential exploratory committee.

“Tim Pawlenty is a proven leader and a winner. He was elected and re-elected in one of the most heavily Democrat states in the nation, and he did it while remaining true to his conservative values and principles. What that meant for Minnesota voters was a governor who finally stood his ground against higher taxes and spending increases while reforming health care, improving education and making state government more efficient,” Whitaker said. “That’s a sharp contrast to President Obama’s record in Washington. I’m ready to work hard to see that Governor Pawlenty is our next president.”

Whitaker is the managing partner of the Des Moines law firm, Whitaker Hagenow GMBG. He served as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa from 2004 to 2009, prosecuting federal crimes such as mail and wire fraud, public corruption, child pornography, firearms violations, narcotics trafficking, corporate fraud, and terrorism financing.

Whitaker received his undergraduate, master of business administration and law degrees from the University of Iowa, where he was a tight end on the 1990 Big Ten Champion football team and played in the Rose Bowl game and the 1991 team that played in the Holiday Bowl.   Following graduation in 1995, Whitaker moved to the Twin Cities and worked for the law firm of Briggs & Morgan. In 1998, Whitaker joined SUPERVALU, a Fortune 500 grocery company, as corporate counsel. In 2001, Whitaker and his family moved back to Iowa and he joined the law firm of Finely Alt Smith where he remained until his appointment as United States Attorney.  In 2002, Whitaker was the GOP nominee for state treasurer.

“Matt Whitaker is a man who knows what’s important and he gets things done,” Pawlenty said. “That’s been true from his days as a member of the Iowa Hawkeyes team that played in the Rose Bowl to his determination as a U.S. Attorney who prosecuted dangerous criminals and put them behind bars. Iowans know and respect Matt Whitaker.  We’re very happy and blessed to have him on our team.”

Romney For President Exploratory Committee Raises $10.25 Million For Nevada Call Day

Romney for President Exploratory Committee Raises $10.25 Million for Nevada Call Day

LAS VEGAS – The Romney for President Exploratory Committee today announced that it raised $10.25 million in connection with today’s call day fundraiser in Nevada.

Approximately 800 participants from across the nation gathered inside the Las Vegas Convention Center in a space the size of two football fields. The event began at 9am ET and concluded at 5pm ET.

“We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for Governor Romney’s campaign,” said Finance Chair Spencer Zwick. “The results are a strong indication of the national enthusiasm for Governor Romney and his pro-jobs platform. As today’s event makes clear, Governor Romney will have the resources to be competitive and to spread his jobs and economy message. We would like to thank all of the friends, volunteers and supporters who helped make this event a success.”

Iowa GOP Spokesman Casey Mills issues Comment Regarding Status Of The June 10 Iowa Lincoln Dinner.

Iowa GOP Spokesman Casey Mills issued the comment below regarding the status of the June 10 Lincoln Dinner.

"While our invitation to Mr. Trump never hinged on a potential Trump candidacy, Iowans responded enthusiastically and with great interest in his appearance at our annual Lincoln Day Dinner. Today, it is our understanding that Mr. Trump is reassessing his commitment. We anticipate a final decision on his June 10 appearance will be made tomorrow and we will make further comments at that time."

Huckabee 2008 South Carolina Chairman Mike Campbell To Support Jon Huntsman

Huckabee 2008 South Carolina Chairman To Support Jon Huntsman

Today Mike Campbell released the following statement announcing his support for Jon Huntsman. Campbell was the South Carolina Chairman for Mike Huckabee in 2008. He is the son of former South Carolina Governor Carroll Campbell and is currently a businessman in Columbia:

"Like all of us who worked so hard for my good friend Mike Huckabee's 2008 campaign, I was disappointed he decided not to run for president this year.  However, in the quest to replace Barack Obama, we must quickly look to the future.

"On his recent visit to South Carolina, I had the opportunity to meet with Governor Jon Huntsman, and I was extremely impressed.  As Governor of Utah, Jon Huntsman demonstrated he is the type of problem-solver our country needs. He's a proven conservative who cut taxes, grew jobs, passed free-market health care reform, and signed strong pro-life legislation.

"Like my Dad, Huntsman was a popular Governor who kept his promises and left office with a powerful record of achievement. As more South Carolinians get to know Governor Huntsman, I believe they will come to the same conclusion I have — that he is the right leader for our party and our country in this important election.

"Governor Huntsman and I spoke on the phone today, and we had a great conversation. I strongly urged him to run for the Republican nomination for President and offered my enthusiastic support if he does.”

Donald Trump Statement On Not Running For President In 2012

Donald Trump Statement On Not Running For President

After considerable deliberation and reflection, I have decided not to pursue the office of the Presidency. This decision does not come easily or without regret; especially when my potential candidacy continues to be validated by ranking at the top of the Republican contenders in polls across the country. I maintain the strong conviction that if I were to run, I would be able to win the primary and ultimately, the general election. I have spent the past several months unofficially campaigning and recognize that running for public office cannot be done half heartedly. Ultimately, however, business is my greatest passion and I am not ready to leave the private sector.
 
I want to personally thank the millions of Americans who have joined the various Trump grassroots movements and written me letters and e-mails encouraging me to run. My gratitude for your faith and trust in me could never be expressed properly in words. So, I make you this promise: that I will continue to voice my opinions loudly and help to shape our politician’s thoughts.  My ability to bring important economic and foreign policy issues to the forefront of the national dialogue is perhaps my greatest asset and one of the most valuable services I can provide to this country.  I will continue to push our President and the country’s policy makers to address the dire challenges arising from our unsustainable debt structure and increasing lack of global competitiveness.  Issues, including getting tough on China and other countries that are methodically and systematically taking advantage of the United States, were seldom mentioned before I brought them to the forefront of the country’s conversation. They are now being debated vigorously. I will also continue to push for job creation, an initiative that should be this country’s top priority and something that I know a lot about. I will not shy away from expressing the opinions that so many of you share yet don’t have a medium through which to articulate.     

I look forward to supporting the candidate who is the most qualified to help us tackle our country’s most important issues and am hopeful that, when this person emerges, he or she will have the courage to take on the challenges of the Office and be the agent of change that this country so desperately needs.
 
Thank you and God Bless America!
 
Donald J. Trump

Businessman Herman Cain Scheduled For The FAMiLY LEADER’s Presidential Lecture Series On June 6, 2011 In Iowa

BUSINESSMAN HERMAN CAIN SCHEDULED FOR PRESIDENTIAL LECTURE SERIES ON JUNE 6TH  
Schedule of Three-City Tour Released

Pleasant Hill, IA – Businessman Herman Cain will be the featured speaker at The FAMiLY LEADER’s Presidential Lecture Series at Dordt College, Pella Christian High School, and the University of Iowa on Monday, June 6th.  The full schedule is listed below. 

Dordt College, Campus Center, 498 4th Ave. NE, Sioux Center, IA  51250
9:00-9:45 AM - Leadership Roundtable (by invitation only)
10:00-11:00 AM - Lecture

Pella Christian High School, Vermeer Auditorium, 300 Eagle Lane, Pella, IA  50219
12:45-1:30 PM - Leadership Roundtable (by invitation only)
1:30-2:30 PM - Lecture

University of Iowa, Iowa Memorial Union, The Ballroom, 125 N. Madison St., Iowa City, IA  52242
4:00-4:45 PM - Leadership Roundtable (by invitation only)
5:00-6:00 PM - Lecture

The primary purpose of the Presidential Lecture Series is to provide national figures with a pre-planned, full day in Iowa to introduce them to Iowans and to give citizens an educational opportunity to become better informed about the pro-family vision of each speaker.  The lectures will be videotaped, emailed to our comprehensive database, and posted on our website to allow all interested citizens the opportunity to hear and watch the lectures.  The lectures of Governor Pawlenty, Congressman Paul, Congresswoman Bachmann, and Senator Rick Santorum are posted on our website at www.TheFamilyLeader.com .

The FAMiLY LEADER will host the Presidential Lecture Series each month through August 1st.  Former Governor Tim Pawlenty was the featured speaker on February 7th and Congressman Ron Paul provided the lecture in Pella and Iowa City on March 7th.  Congressman Ron Paul also gave his lecture at Dordt College on April 11th along with Congresswoman Michele Bachmann at Pella and Iowa City.  Senator Rick Santorum joined the series on May 2nd.  Former Speaker Newt Gingrich is scheduled for July 11th.  Other invited speakers include former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, Donald Trump, and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.

Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad And Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds Welcome 2012 Candidates To ‘Wide Open’ Republican Caucus

Branstad, Reynolds welcome 2012 candidates to ‘wide open’ Republican caucus

(DES MOINES) – Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today invited current and would-be 2012 Republican presidential candidates to participate in the Iowa caucuses, citing a ‘wide-open’ field.

“Iowa is a full-spectrum state, and everyone in Iowa – including and especially evangelicals – wants someone who will articulate a message of job creation and slashing the federal debt,” said Branstad. “I have traveled to all of Iowa’s 99 counties, and the prevailing questions are on the debt and job creation. I want to welcome all current and potential 2012 presidential candidates to campaign here, meet with Iowans and participate in the full caucus process.”

Branstad also offered a rebuttal to a weekend editorial by former New Hampshire Chair Fergus Cullen, who stated, "Iowa Republicans have marginalized themselves to the point where competing in Iowa has become optional."

“Mr. Cullen could not be more wrong about Iowa,” said Branstad. “I think that as candidates campaign here, they will see a vibrant, growing Republican Party of Iowa. It is a wide open race, and we will welcome all candidates who participate here.”

Lt. Gov. Reynolds added that this is something upon which all Iowans can agree.

“Iowa has a long, proud tradition of hosting the first-in-the-nation caucus, and Iowa activists from both parties take the time to question these candidates, and get to know them in-person,” said Reynolds. “This is not a state where you only send mailers, run ads and expect to win. It takes time to visit our communities, but I think most candidates you’ll speak with find it to be a valuable, rewarding opportunity.”

Branstad and Reynolds made the comments today at their weekly news conference.