2012 Presidential Campaign Blog

Rick Santorum Establishes Presidential Exploratory Committee With FEC, Will Participate In Fox News-SCGOP Debate On Thursday

Santorum Establishes Presidential Exploratory Committee with FEC
Will Participate in Fox News-SCGOP Debate on Thursday
 
Verona, PA - Former Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) announced today during an appearance on Sean Hannity's radio show that he has established a presidential exploratory committee with the Federal Election Commission, and has met all criteria required to participate in the debate sponsored by Fox News and the South Carolina Republican Party scheduled for this Thursday. 
 
"I am pleased that we have taken this important next step in the process to potentially become a candidate for President of the United States.  The debate this Thursday is a unique opportunity to put forth ideas and solutions to bring our economy back on track, and with Osama bin Laden's death, I look forward to also discussing in depth ways to tackle our many national security challenges," said Senator Santorum.
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Rick Santorum On Sean Hannity's Radio Show Today At 4:35 PM EDT To Discuss SC Debate And Potential Candidacy

Santorum on Sean Hannity's Radio Show Today at 4:35 PM ET
 
Former Senator Rick Santorum will be a guest on Sean Hannity's radio show today at 4:35 PM ET.  He will give reaction to Osama bin Laden's death and discuss our foreign policy challenges in light of his death.  He will also discuss his potential candidacy and his plans regarding Thursday's debate sponsored by Fox News and the South Carolina Republican Party

Gary Johnson To Participate In South Carolina Republican Debate On May 5, 2011

GARY JOHNSON TO PARTICIPATE IN REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE ON MAY 5th
 
Santa Fe, NM – Republican presidential candidate Gary Johnson today announced that he will participate in the Republican Presidential Debate, cosponsored by Fox News and the South Carolina Republican Party and to be held Thursday, May 5th at 9:00pm EST at the Peace Center in Greenville, South Carolina.  Johnson, governor of New Mexico from 1995 to 2003, announced his candidacy for President of the United States in April from the New Hampshire State House.
 
During his tenure as Governor of New Mexico, Gary Johnson eliminated that state’s budget deficit and cut the rate of state government growth in half while reducing the state workforce by over 10% without laying off a single qualified state worker. He earned the nickname “Governor Veto” for vetoing 750 pieces of unnecessary legislation, and used the line-item veto to save millions of dollars.  He has been referred to as the ‘most fiscally conservative Governor' in the country.

Mike Huckabee Will Speak To The 2011 Republican Leadership Conference In New Orleans

Mike Huckabee to Address RLC 2011

We are pleased to announce that Governor Mike Huckabee will speak to the 2011 Republican Leadership Conference.

Press registration for the RLC 2011 is now available at http://rlc.eventbrite.com. This is a credentialed event for all members of the media. For more information about the nation's most prominent Republican event of 2011, please visit our website RonaldReagan.com or RLC2011.com.
 
Mr. Huckabee, who served as Governor of Arkansas from 1996-2007, sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and is also frequently mentioned as a contender for next year. The host of the number one rated weekend program on the Fox News Channel, "Huckabee," he is also a bass guitar player, former Baptist pastor and founder of HuckPac.
 
Governor Huckabee has authored nine books. His latest hit is a New York Times Bestseller entitled, "A Simple Government: Twelve Things We Really Need from Washington (and a Trillion That We Don't)." His syndicated program, "Huckabee Report," is heard on 600 radio stations daily.
 
Mike Huckabee has been recognized by numerous renowned publications and organizations for his accomplishments. Governing Magazine listed him as one of the Public Officials of the Year in 2005. In 2007, he was named one of the five best governors in America by TIME. And AARP has awarded Governor Huckabee its Impact Award.

Mr. Huckabee finished second to John McCain in the race for the 2008 GOP nomination. Most national polls have shown him in first place or near the top among potential 2012 Republican contenders. He also polls well against President Obama in hypothetical general election match-ups, finishing ahead in some surveys and so far Iowa voters have rated him as their top choice. Governor Huckabee has been consistent in stating that he will make a decision regarding his political future later this summer.
 
Additional major speakers are confirming each week. Already confirmed include:
 
- Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the US House of Representatives
- Jim DeMint, US Senator for South Carolina
- Michele Bachmann, Minnesota Congresswoman and Tea Party Caucus Chair
- Ron Paul, Texas Congressman
- Marsha Blackburn, Tennessee Congresswoman
- Rick Santorum, fmr US Senator for Pennsylvania
- Herman Cain, respected business leader/extraordinary speaker
- Bobby Jindal, Louisiana Governor
- David Vitter, US Senator for Louisiana
- Reince Priebus, Chairman of the Republican National Committee
- Tony Perkins, President of FRC Action
- David Bossie, President of Citizens United
- George P. Bush, Texas attorney/real estate developer and son of Gov. Jeb Bush
- Mary Matalin, top Republican strategist
- Star Parker, Founder/President of CURE
- Congressmen Rodney Alexander, Bill Cassidy, Jeff Landry & Steve Scalise
 
RLC 2011 is being produced by the organizers of the 2010 Southern Republican Leadership Conference. SRLC 2010 was also held at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside and featured 3,000 attendees

Herman Cain Statement On Osama bin Laden

HERMAN CAIN STATEMENT ON OSAMA BIN LADEN ASSASSINATION
 
(Stockbridge, GA)- Following the announcement of the successful assassination of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, potential Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain said:

As Americans, we mark this occasion with a somber sense of satisfaction for the families, friends and loved ones who still suffer the pain of irreplaceable loss of life. Justice has been served.

We all owe a deep and abiding gratitude to the men and women in uniform and throughout our intelligence agencies for placing themselves in harm’s way to protect our way of life, while defending the honor and memory of their fellow citizens.

Although eradicating terrorism and those that would carry out its cowardly and despicable ends is far from over, we pause at this time to reflect on the events of September 11, 2001 and pray that those lost on that day know they are far from forgotten by their country.

For them and for America’s future, we remain ever vigilant.

Herman Cain Announces Participation in First Presidential Debate

CAIN ACCEPTS DEBATE INVITATION
Corporate Executive and Grassroots Favorite Announces Participation in First Presidential Debate

(Stockbridge, GA)- Business executive and conservative leader Herman Cain announced today that he has accepted the invitation to participate in the South Carolina Republican Party/ FOX News Presidential Debate at 9 p.m. EDT, Thursday, May 5, 2011 in Greenville, South Carolina.

"I look forward to participating in the debate Thursday," Cain said. "It gives me the opportunity to share my 'Common Sense Solutions for America,' as well as my private sector experience in balancing budgets and creating jobs."

"We are incredibly pleased that Mr. Cain plans to join our field of candidates for this debate," said Karen Floyd, Chairwoman of the South Carolina Republican Party. "We are eager to hear from him and the rest of our great candidates about their plans for putting our country back on track."

Cain meets all debate qualifications and will file necessary paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission to participate. This is not an announcement of a candidacy. Rather, Cain will use the debate as means to "test the waters" and gauge the reaction to his "Common Sense Solutions for America."

"Americans agree: it's time to change the occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.," Cain said. "That starts with selecting a Republican nominee willing, able and qualified to take on President Obama in 2012 to ensure we restore America to its greatness. It all starts with the first debate in Greenville on May 5."

Michele Bachmann Statement on Death of bin Laden

Bachmann Statement on Death of bin Laden

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (MN-06), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement on the death of Osama bin Laden:

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to the men and women of the U.S. military and intelligence community. Their persistence and dedicated service has yielded success in a mission that has gripped our nation since the terrible events of 9/11. Tonight’s news does not bring back the lives of the thousands of innocent people who were killed that day by Osama bin Laden’s horrific plan, and it does not end the threat posed by terrorists, but it is my hope that this is the beginning of the end of Sharia-compliant terrorism.”

Statement Issued by Gov. Buddy Roemer Regarding Osama bin Laden

Statement Issued by Gov. Buddy Roemer Regarding Osama bin Laden

Baton Rouge – Governor Buddy Roemer released the following statement today:

"This is a great day for Americans who have longed for justice from the ruthless attacks of September 11, 2001.

I congratulate and thank the U.S. Military and intelligence communities for their stalwart actions in remaining vigilant in tracking and, ultimately killing Osama bin Laden.  This is a victory for the men and women who have spent countless hours working in the War on Terror.

I am grateful to former President George W. Bush, who demanded that justice be meted out for every victim of the attacks on our country.

I also congratulate President Obama, who allowed the search for justice to succeed, in spite of his opposition to funding the war  while a voting member of the US Senate.

We must continue to remain focused on fighting the war and protecting the freedom of Americans."

Republican Party Of Minnesota Taps Craig Westover As Communications Director

State GOP taps Craig Westover as Communications Director
 
St. Paul – Recognizing the expanding interest in policy and politics and Minnesotans’ increased sophistication and knowledge of political issues, Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Tony Sutton today tapped former Pioneer Press contributing columnist and Minnesota Free Market Institute policy fellow Craig Westover as the party’s communications director. Westover, 61, replaces Mark Drake, who recently accepted a communications position in the private sector. Westover joined the Republican Party of Minnesota staff May 1.

“As an op-ed writer and a think tank analyst, Craig has a solid reputation as a strong, principled voice for conservatism,” said Sutton. “His writing incisively exposes the fallacies and failures of liberal and progressive policies, and he hasn’t been shy about taking on the Republican Party when he’s felt it wandering away from its core values. Craig brings to the communications director position more than just messaging expertise; he personifies the credibility of a Republican Party that is serious about accurately communicating its positions on issues to Minnesotans.”

During his eclectic career, Westover has been a freelance magazine writer, ghostwriter and advertising copywriter and consultant. He worked for NCR in corporate communications, quality process management and marketing and in strategic marketing for AT&T. After leaving AT&T, he set up integrating marketing communications organizations at several small companies and start-up businesses before working his way into op-ed writing and politics. He was a policy fellow with the Minnesota Free Market Institute.

“Tony has described politics as a ‘brawl,’” noted Westover. “But even in a brawl, the fighter with knowledge of martial arts has the upper hand over brute force. An integrated approach to communications gives the MNGOP the upper hand in winning elections. I am a strong believer in the small ‘r’ republican principles of limited, constitutional government that are the reason for being of the Republican Party of Minnesota. Tony offered me the opportunity to help propagate those principles in the messaging of the party – externally to the general public and internally by integrating communications into the strategic planning of the party. That is an offer I can’t refuse.”

Heather Rubash, current interim communication director and new media coordinator, has been promoted to press secretary and will be the point of contact for day to day press relations.

Westover lives in Afton with his wife of 35 years, Tamara. They have two adult children.

Statement by Newt Gingrich on the Death of Osama bin Laden.

Statement by Newt Gingrich on the Death of Osama bin Laden.

The killing of Osama bin Laden is a significant victory in the long struggle between radical Islamists and modern civilization.

This victory is a tribute to the patient endurance of American justice.  I commend both President George W. Bush who led the campaign against our enemies through seven long years and President Obama who continued and intensified the campaign in both Afghanistan and Pakistan.

We should remember to thank those who made this possible.  Without the courage and professionalism of our men and women in uniform and in the intelligence services, this victory would not have been achieved.

This victory is only a milestone in a long war.  We must also recognize the long struggle ahead.  Radical Islamism did not start with bin Laden and it will not end with his death.  This is the 32nd year since the Iranian dictatorship seized our diplomats illegally and held them hostage for 444 days.  It has been 28 years since Iranian-supported terrorists killed 241 servicemen in Beirut in 1983.

As long as there are schools teaching children to hate; as long as there are state-supported terrorist systems; as long as several countries actively recruit children to be suicide bombers; this war will continue.

The world is a better place without Osama bin Laden, but his just demise cannot erase the loss and suffering of the families and friends of those who died on September 11 or died fighting in the war since September 11.  So while we are celebrating this victory, we should take time to remember and pray for them.