2012 Presidential Campaign Blog

And Now, On to 2012 - NYTimes.com

“With all eyes on November, the outcome of Tuesday’s primaries on the 2012 presidential campaign is already being debated.” by Michael D. Shear

And Now, On to 2012 - NYTimes.com

Illinois Republicans To Commemorate Reagan's 100th Birthday

Illinois Republicans to Commemorate Reagan's 100th Birthday

Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady today announced that the state party will host a special tribute to Ronald Reagan in honor of the late President’s 100th birthday. The event is planned for February 6, 2011 in Chicago.

“This will be a great time to celebrate the birthday of Ronald Wilson Reagan, our nation’s 40th President,” said Brady. “Reagan was born in Tampico in 1911, grew up in Dixon and later attended Eureka College. Illinois was pivotal in shaping his values and his vision.”

Brady said that former gubernatorial candidate Adam Andrzejewski will chair the event and that former Reagan Administration officials are among the many dignitaries that will be invited. “This is a perfect time to recall Reagan’s legacy,” said Andrzejewski. “In our world of growing deficits, excessive government spending and high unemployment, we could use some of Reagan’s spirit once again.”

Reagan left Illinois in 1937, moving to California to take up acting. He got his start in politics while serving as spokesman for General Electric. He was originally a Democrat but switched to the Republican Party in 1962.

After serving two terms as Governor of California, Reagan unsuccessfully tried to run for the White House in 1968 and again in 1976. He won the GOP nomination and the election in 1980 and was re-elected in 1984, winning Illinois both times.

Further details about the Reagan celebration will be announced at ReaganCentury.com as they become available.

Republican Party Of Florida Names Dan Conston Communications Director

Republican Party of Florida Names Dan Conston Communications Director

Tallahassee–Republican Party of Florida Chairman John Thrasher today announced that Dan Conston will serve as the Party’s Communications Director.

“Dan is joining the RPOF Team fresh off of a primary victory in Kansas, where he served as the communications director for Jerry Moran’s U.S. Senate campaign,” said Chairman Thrasher. “He previously worked as communications director for Rep. Peter Roskam (R-Ill.) and also in the national press offices of the Fred Thompson Campaign and the McCain-Palin Campaign.

“Dan will make a great addition our staff at the RPOF and we are excited to welcome him to the team,” continued Chairman Thrasher.

Mitt Romney Endorses Christine O’Donnell For U.S. Senate

Mitt Romney Endorses Christine O’Donnell For U.S. Senate

Today, Mitt Romney’s Free and Strong America PAC endorsed Christine O’Donnell, who is running to serve the people of Delaware in the U.S. Senate.  It also is sending her campaign a maximum $5,000 contribution.

“Now is the time for Republicans to rally behind their nominee, Christine O'Donnell. She ran an impressive campaign.  I believe it is important we support her so we can win back the U.S. Senate this fall,” said Romney.

This endorsement is another in a series of state rollouts of the PAC’s 2010 endorsements, which are aimed at electing conservative candidates who will work to lower taxes and spending, restore commonsense principles to healthcare and get our economy moving again. As part of this program, Romney’s PAC also has announced endorsements in Ohio, Missouri, California, Pennsylvania, Hawaii, Nevada, Illinois, Georgia, Texas, Indiana, Idaho, New Mexico, Virginia, Florida, North Dakota, South Carolina, Utah, Maine, South Dakota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Wyoming, Colorado, Michigan, Oklahoma, Oregon, Montana, and Nebraska.

Jerry Brown Issues Statement On President Clinton's Endorsement

Jerry Brown Issues Statement On President Clinton's Endorsement

OAKLAND - Attorney General and Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Jerry Brown today issued the following statement in response to former President Bill Clinton's endorsement:

"I am deeply honored to have been endorsed by former President Bill Clinton, who, after his accomplishment-rich presidency, continues to demonstrate his commitment to bettering our state, our nation, and our world, each and every day."

President Clinton's endorsement, reported today by the Los Angeles Times, included the following statement:

"I strongly support Jerry Brown for governor because I believe he was a fine mayor of Oakland, he's been a very good attorney general, and he would be an excellent governor at a time when California needs his creativity and fiscal prudence...Moreover, the tough campaign we fought 18 years ago is not relevant to the choice facing Californians today. Jerry and I put that behind us a long time ago."

Daniels to decide on presidential bid in 'months' - Ben Smith - POLITICO.com

I’ve said I have no intention or plan to run for president. That is true.

I’ve said I’m not taking any of the steps or going to any of the places that a presidential candidate would go. That is true.

I’ve said that many people have asked to visit with me about a candidacy and about reconsidering my disinclination to run. That is true.

I have said that my priorities and my attention are firmly fixed on my duties here in Indiana. That is true.

I’ve said I’ve made no final decision about running for president and won’t for months, and that is true.

The Politico article and other recent stories confirm the truthfulness and accuracy of each of these statement.

Daniels to decide on presidential bid in 'months' - Ben Smith - POLITICO.com

Mitt Romney Announces Nebraska Endorsements

Mitt Romney Announces Nebraska Endorsements

Today, Mitt Romney’s Free and Strong America PAC announced the endorsement of the following eight Nebraska candidates:

Governor Dave Heineman:  Dave Heineman serves as the Governor of Nebraska and is running for reelection.

Congressman Jeff Fortenberry:  Jeff Fortenberry represents the 1st Congressional District of Nebraska and is running for reelection.

Congressman Adrian Smith:  Adrian Smith represents the 3rd Congressional District of Nebraska and is running for reelection.

Congressman Lee Terry:  Lee Terry represents the 2nd Congressional District of Nebraska and is running for reelection.

Attorney General Jon Bruning:  Jon Bruning serves as the Attorney General of Nebraska and is running for reelection.  

Auditor Mike Foley:  Mike Foley serves as the Auditor of Public Accounts in Nebraska and is running for reelection. 

Secretary of State John Gale:  John Gale serves as the Secretary of State of Nebraska and is running for reelection.

Don Stenberg:  Don Stenberg previously served the people of Nebraska as Attorney General, and is now running to become Nebraska’s next Treasurer.

The PAC also announced that it is sending $5,000 to Heineman’s gubernatorial campaign, and $2,500 each to the Congressional campaigns of Fortenberry, Smith, and Terry.

“At a time when too many of our leaders are more concerned with growing the size of government than getting our economy back on track, it is more important than ever that we elect fiscally conservative candidates who will enact pro-growth policies that will put people back to work.  Nebraska is fortunate to have so many leaders committed to working to turn our troubled economy around, and I am proud to stand with them today,” said Romney.

At Least 17 Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election Field - Washington Whispers (usnews.com)

“Washington political insiders tell us that nine Republicans are almost a lock to run and another eight are considering a presidential bid.” by Paul Bedard

At Least 17 Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election Field - Washington Whispers (usnews.com) Washington Whispers

Newt Gingrich To Speak At FRC Action's Values Voter Summit

Newt Gingrich To Speak At FRC Action's Values Voter Summit

WASHINGTON, D.C. - FRC Action has confirmed that former House Speaker Newt Gingrich will speak at FRC Action's fifth annual Values Voter Summit, which will be held September 17-19 at the Omni Shoreham in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Gingrich joins a Saturday morning session that also includes Dr. Bill Bennett, Gov. Bob McDonnell (R-VA), and David Limbaugh, whose new book, Crimes Against Liberty, has rocketed to No. 1 on the New York Times best-seller list.

Gingrich will provide insight into the current political climate and his evaluation of what might be historic GOP gains in November.

The line-up of speakers at the Values Voter Summit also includes: Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC), former Senator Rick Santorum, Representatives Michele Bachmann (R-MN), and Mike Pence (R-IN), current and former governors Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney, the Duggar family, Phyllis Schlafly, Lila Rose and many more.

Mitt Romney Endorses Jim Huffman For Senate In Oregon

Mitt Romney Endorses Jim Huffman For Senate In Oregon

Former Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney joins a growing list of political and business leaders endorsing Jim Huffman's candidacy for the U.S. Senate.

"Jim Huffman will be a leader fighting for lower taxes, controls on spending and the pro-growth policies that are necessary to create jobs and get our economy moving again. As a constitutional scholar, he understands that big government and liberal spending programs threaten the personal freedom and individual liberty that are at the core of our democracy," said Romney.

Huffman was pleased to receive the endorsement, stating, "I am very grateful to have the full support of one of our country's proven leaders. Mr. Romney and I share the same goals - standing up against the reckless spending, higher taxes and runaway national debt." Huffman added, "He knows what it takes to turn this economy around and I'm proud to have him on my side as we fight to restore accountability to Washington D.C."