2012 Presidential Campaign Blog

Twenty-Five Arkansas Elected Officials and GOP Leaders Endorse Gov. Rick Perry for President

Twenty-Five Arkansas Elected Officials and GOP Leaders Endorse Gov. Perry for President

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today received the endorsement of 25 elected officials and conservative leaders in Arkansas, including 19 state lawmakers, four GOP county chairs, Land Commissioner John Thurston, and National Committeewoman Reta Hamilton.

“The support of these principled conservative leaders will be instrumental in this campaign and I am honored to have their endorsement,” said Gov. Perry. “I look forward to partnering with them as I travel the country sharing my vision for how to get America working again so that we can create the jobs our nation needs and put the country back on track to prosperity.”

"Gov. Perry’s record of executive achievement in Texas is unmatched, and it is clear that he is the leader our nation needs to get America working again after having led Texas to the forefront of job creation over the last decade,” said Arkansas State Representative David Sanders. “America desperately needs his vision, expertise and proven conservatism in the White House.”

The following Arkansas Republican leaders have endorsed Gov. Perry:

Land Commissioner John Thurston
State Representative Duncan Baird
State Representative Nate Bell
State Representative Mark Biviano
State Representative Ann Clemmer
State Representative Charlie Collins
State Representative Bruce Cozart
State Representative Kim Hammer
State Representative Justin Harris
State Representative Mary “Prissy” Hickerson
State Representative Lane Jean
State Representative Josh Johnston
State Representative Allen Kerr
State Representative Andrea Lea
State Representative David Meeks
State Representative Stephen Meeks
State Representative David Sanders
State Representative Gary Stubblefield
State Representative Bruce Westerman
State Representative Jon Woods
National Committeewoman Reta Hamilton
Pulaski County GOP Chairman Cory Cox
Ashley County GOP Chairwoman Jane Johnson
Benton County GOP Chairman Mike Sevak
Sebastian County GOP Chairman Rex Terry

Gov. Rick Perry Announces New Hampshire Steering Committee

Gov. Rick Perry Announces New Hampshire Steering Committee

AUSTIN - Texas Gov. Rick Perry today announced his New Hampshire campaign steering committee, which includes twenty-six Republican leaders representing all 10 New Hampshire counties.

"I have been involved in New Hampshire politics for more than three decades and I have never seen a stronger and more dedicated group of campaign volunteers," said Gordon Humphrey, former U.S. Senator and Perry steering committee member. It speaks to the strength and leadership of Gov. Perry and his message of job creation."

Additionally, the Perry campaign is building a statewide organization of county, city, town, and ward chairs that it will announce later in the year. Last month, Gov. Perry also earned the endorsement of 27 of New Hampshire state representatives in the first five weeks of its campaign, three times more than Mitt Romney had after five years of campaigning in the Granite State.

"These hard-working steering committee members will serve as the nucleus for the first-rate political organization we are building in New Hampshire," said Perry New Hampshire Senior Advisor Paul Young. "We are grateful for their support as well as the enthusiastic support we have received from hundreds of volunteers across the state."

"The strength and breadth of our New Hampshire steering committee is an important addition to our growing campaign organization, " said Perry Campaign Manager Rob Johnson. "They will be instrumental in our efforts to share Gov. Perry's bold ideas about how to change the direction of this country and get America working again."

The 26 members named to the New Hampshire Perry steering committee are:
Sen. Gordon Humphrey - Chichester
Rep. Spec Bowers - Sunapee
Rep. Robert Greemore - Meredith
Rep. Pete Silva - Nashua
Rep. Will Smith - New Castle
Rep. Pam Tucker - Greenland
The Hon. Emile Beaulieau - Manchester
The Hon. Chuck Douglas - Concord
The Hon. Dick Ferdinando - Manchester
The Hon. Sandy Reeves  - Manchester
The Hon. Gregory Slayton - Hanover
Ambassador Joseph and Augusta Petrone - Dublin
Jim Adams - Pittsfield
Peter Angerhofer - Stratham
Robert Chernin - Hanover
Patty Humphrey - Chichester
Cliff Hurst - Manchester
Steve Lewis - Atkinson
Sean Mahoney - Portsmouth
Scott Mason - North Stratford
David McLaughlin - Nashua
Doug Newell - Derry
Marian Noronha - Madbury
John Stephen - Manchester
Maynard Thomson - Freedom
Jack Tulley - Nashua

Gov. Rick Perry Announces Expanding Florida Leadership Team

Gov. Perry Announces Expanding Florida Leadership Team

AUSTIN – Texas Gov. Rick Perry today announced additional field staff in Florida to help organize local campaign efforts around the state.

“I am proud to have these hard-working individuals join our campaign efforts in Florida,” said Gov. Perry. “They are crucial assets to my campaign team as we work together to share my plan to get America working again.”

Ashley McElheny, Southeast Florida Field Director: McElheny most recently served as regional field manager for Marco Rubio 2010. She has been involved in the Republican Party of Florida since 2004 as a field director, then as director of special events. She also served as southwest Florida district director for the Charlie Crist for Governor Campaign, and worked on both President Bush and Governor Rick Scott’s inaugural committees. McElheny is a graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Craig Briscoe, Southwest Florida Field Director: Briscoe most recently served as the regional victory director for Southwest Florida for the 2010 election cycle. He is also a member of the Lee County Executive Committee and served as Lee County Chairman for John McCain’s presidential campaign. Briscoe is a graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University.

Lazaro Fields, South Florida Field Director: Fields is a native of Miami Dade and most recently worked as a field coordinator for Rep. Carlos Trujillo’s successful campaign for the Florida House. A graduate of Belen Jesuit, Fields is currently enrolled at Florida State University.

Todd Lewis, West Central Coast Field Director: Lewis most recently worked for the Marco Rubio for Senate Campaign as the Central Florida regional and coalitions director. Prior to Senator Rubio’s campaign, he served as campaign manager for Sen. Carey Baker’s run for Agricultural Commissioner. Lewis earned a master’s degree in Applied American Politics from Florida State University.

Jose Romano, Tampa Bay Region Field Director: Romano has spent the last four years working in various departments within the Executive Office of the Governor including Economic Development, External Affairs, and Chief of Staff. He is a graduate of Florida State University and a native of the Bay Area.

Mike Shirley, Central Florida Field Director: Shirley most recently served as Central Florida field coordinator for the successful Rick Scott for Governor Campaign. He previously worked as campaign manager for Joe Durso for City Commissioner. Shirley is a graduate of the University of Central Florida.

Ash Mason, Northeast Florida Field Director: Mason is a veteran of legislative races, having worked in various capacities including Speaker Larry Cretul’s 2006 re-election campaign, and the 2008 campaigns of Speaker Pro-Temp John Legg and Rep. Rachel Burgin. He also served as a senior legislative assistant to Speaker-Designate Will Weatherford and Representative Ed Hooper. Mason is a native of the Jacksonville area and graduate of Florida State University

Iowa Business Leader Gary Kirke Endorses Gov. Rick Perry for President

Iowa Business Leader Gary Kirke Endorses Gov. Rick Perry for President

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today received the endorsement of Iowa business leader, entrepreneur and philanthropist Gary Kirke in his campaign for President.
 
“After thoughtfully considering the capabilities and attributes of the fine individuals who are running for the Republican presidential nomination, I have decided to put my shoulder behind Texas Gov. Rick Perry,” said Kirke. “I believe Gov. Perry offers the skills, ideas and conviction we need to be victorious in November.”
 
“I am honored to have Gary’s endorsement and look forward to working with him as I travel the nation sharing my vision for how we will get America working again,” said Gov. Perry. “His guidance and support will be instrumental to our campaign.”

Statement by Texas Gov. Rick Perry on Sarah Palin Announcement

Statement by Texas Gov. Rick Perry on Palin Announcement

AUSTIN – Texas Gov. Rick Perry today issued the following statement regarding Sarah Palin’s announcement earlier today:

“Sarah Palin is a good friend, a great American and a true patriot. I respect her decision and know she will continue to be a strong voice for conservative values and needed change in Washington.”

Gov. Rick Perry Announces Nevada Staff for Presidential Campaign; Jeremy Hughes, State Director, Kristin Vieria, Deputy State Director

Gov. Perry Announces Nevada Staff for Presidential Campaign

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today announced key members of his Nevada leadership team. Jeremy Hughes will serve as state director and Kristin Vieria as deputy state director.

“I am excited to be expanding our campaign operation into Nevada and have full confidence in Jeremy and Kristin as they take the helm of our efforts in this important state,” said Gov. Perry. “I look forward to working with them as I share my vision to get America working again across the state of Nevada and beyond.”

Hughes most recently worked on Mississippi State Treasurer Tate Reeves' campaign for Lt. Governor. He also previously worked for Kentucky Congressman Geoff Davis and was executive director of Freedom Vote, an Ohio-based non-profit, focusing on voter turnout efforts in the state.

Vieria is former deputy director of the 2010 Nevada GOP Victory operation and has worked on other statewide campaigns in Nevada and other western states.

Rick Perry Campaign Raises More Than $17 Million in 49 Days; More than $15M Cash on Hand

Rick Perry Campaign Raises More Than $17 Million in 49 Days
More than $15M Cash on Hand; Donations from all 50 states, D.C., Guam;
51 percent of donors from out of state

AUSTIN – RickPerry.org, Inc. today announced it raised more than $17 million for the GOP primary race between Aug. 13 and Sept. 30 from more than 22,000 unique contributors. Because of his August 13th entry into the race, Gov. Perry raised funds for just 49 of the 92 days in the quarter.
 
“The generous contributions from Americans across the nation prove the overwhelming support for Gov. Perry’s principled, conservative leadership and vision to get America working again," said Perry Campaign Manager Rob Johnson. “The governor will continue travelling the country talking directly to Americans about restoring our economic strength, job creation and putting our country on a path to prosperity and opportunity for future generations.  Gov. Perry deeply appreciates the energetic support and hard work of the thousands of Republican volunteers and activists who’ve helped us build a strong and growing organization in just seven weeks.”
 
Donations were received from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, with 51 percent of donors from outside the state of Texas. As of Sept. 30, the campaign has $15 million cash on hand. All but approximately $50,000 raised will go towards the primary race.

Statement by Gov. Rick Perry Regarding Gov. Chris Christie's Announcement

Statement by Gov. Perry Regarding Gov. Christie's Announcement

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today released the following statement regarding New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s announcement earlier today:

“Chris Christie is a friend, a great governor and rising star in the Republican Party. I'm sure this was an exciting and stressful process for Chris, Mary Pat and his family, but I know they have a bright, successful future ahead of them. Gov. Christie will be a strong asset for the Republican Party as we work to build a national movement to get America working again, reduce the influence of Washington in our lives, and defeat President Obama next year.”

Gov. Rick Perry Announced As The Featured Speaker At The Scott County GOP Ronald Reagan Dinner In Bettendorf, Iowa On November 14, 2011

Gov. Rick Perry Announced As The Featured Speaker At The3rd Annual Scott County GOP Romald Reagan Dinner In Bettendorf, Iowa On November 14, 2011.

QC Waterfront Convention Center

2021 State Street

Bettendorf, Iowa

Rick Perry Iowa Schedule October 7-8, 2011

Rick Perry Iowa Schedule October 7-8, 2011

On Friday, Texas Gov. Rick Perry will travel to Washington, D.C. to speak at the Values Voter Summit. He will then travel to Iowa to speak at the Johnson County GOP Fall BBQ. On Saturday, Gov. Perry will hold meet and greets in Sioux City, Orange City and Spencer.

Friday, Oct. 7

2:15 p.m. ET – Washington, D.C.
Gov. Perry to speak at Values Voter Summit
Omni Shoreham
2500 Calvert Street, NW
Washington, DC 20008

6:15 p.m. CT – Tiffin, Iowa
Gov. Perry to give remarks at Johnson County GOP Fall BBQ
Clear Creek-Amana High School
551 West Marengo Road
Tiffin, IA 52340

Saturday, Oct. 8

9:30 a.m. CT – Sioux City, Iowa
Gov. Perry to hold meet and greet
McCarthy and Bailey’s Irish Pub
423 Pearl Street
Sioux City, IA 51101

12:30 p.m. CT – Orange City, Iowa
Gov. Perry to hold meet and greet
Blue Mountain Culinary Emporium
The Barn
Orange City, IA 51041

2:30 p.m. CT - Spencer, Iowa
Gov. Perry to hold meet and greet
Pizza Ranch
528 Grand Avenue
Spencer, IA 51301