2016 Presidential Campaign Blog

Republican Matt Whitaker to officially announce his candidacy for U.S. Senate on June 3, 2013 in Ankeny, Iowa

Republican Matt Whitaker to officially announce his candidacy for U.S. Senate

ANKENY, IOWA  -  Matt Whitaker will meet with owners, employees and supporters at Accumold Corporation in Ankeny to formally announce his candidacy for U.S. Senate.

“This is going to be a big election with big ideas,” Whitaker said.  “I want to go to Washington to fix what is broken. We must get government out of the way of people’s personal lives, economic decisions, healthcare arrangements, small businesses and Constitutional freedoms.”

Whitaker grew up in Ankeny and played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes, earning Academic All-American honors in 1992. He later became a U.S. Attorney and is now in private practice.

Monday June 3, 2013

10:30 AM CST

Accumold Corporation
Ankeny, IA 50021

VOICES of Conservative Women Statement on Bachmann Retirement

Thank You Congresswoman Bachmann
We thank Congresswoman Bachmann for her service to Minnesota and our Country
 
(Minnesota  - May 29, 2013) –  Today, we learned that Congresswoman Bachmann will not be running for MN6 Congressional seat in 2014.  VOICES of Conservative Women thanks Congresswoman Bachmann for her service to Minnesota and our Country.

Her strong voice regarding fiscal responsibility, limited government principles has been heard from sea to shining sea and has resonated in the hearts and minds of many. 
“Congresswoman Bachmann is a leader. Congresswoman Bachmann never failed to make her voice heard on the issues she cared about and fought to defend.  We thank her for her service and we are confident that she will still contribute to the national dialog on where our country will go in the future,” said VOICES of Conservative Women President Jennifer DeJournett. “Congresswoman Bachmann's light shines bright and we look forward to her continuing lighting the way towards a better tomorrow."

“VOICES of Conservative Women also thanks Congresswoman Bachmann for all she has done to help mentor and support the next generation of women leaders and standing strong each and every day,” said DeJournett.

Statement from Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Keith Downey and Deputy Chairwoman Kelly Fenton on the retirement of Congresswoman Michele Bachmann

Statement from Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Keith Downey and Deputy Chairwoman Kelly Fenton on the retirement of Congresswoman Michele Bachmann
 
Congresswoman Michele Bachmann has been a tireless fighter for the people of the 6th District and for our country. After her announcement today of her impending retirement from Congress, first and foremost we thank Congresswoman Bachmann for her service.

At a time when the public has lost confidence in politicians who say one thing while doing another, during Michele Bachmann’s four terms in Congress we always knew where she stood and what was in her heart. She was never afraid to take a principled stand.

Congresswoman Bachmann brought the same energy and passion to every facet of her job - from the smallest constituent request in Minnesota to leading Congress to overturn Obamacare.

There is no better example of her legacy of hard work than the groundbreaking ceremony yesterday for the new St. Croix River Bridge. Her years of perseverance on behalf of the people in her district made this new bridge a reality.

In the long tradition of national leadership from Minnesota, Michele Bachmann was never afraid to tackle the big issues in Congress. And in the spirit of Minnesota, the woman who raised her family and so many foster children, has stood strong for the families she represents and the ideals she cherishes.

The citizens of the 6th District will lose a strong leader, but we know that the people of Minnesota will benefit from whatever future endeavor she decides to pursue.

Michele Bachmann Announces in Video That She WIll Not Be a Candidate in Minnesota's 6th Congressional District in 2014

Dear Friend,

As a most cherished friend and an immensely loyal supporter, I'm writing you today to say THANK YOU for all you have done both for me and my campaigns.

As a special thank you, I have prepared a personal video just for you that I hope you will view right now. I'm excited to share this important breaking news about a decision I have made with you first.

After watching the video, I hope you will provide me your feedback or leave a comment.

Again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for your continued support. I look forward to working with you in my future endeavors.

Michele

Jennifer Sevilla Korn to join the RNC as Deputy Political Director and National Field Director for Hispanic Initiatives

RNC Expands Hispanic Engagement Efforts With New Hire

WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee is expanding its Hispanic engagement efforts with the addition of Jennifer Sevilla Korn, who will serve as Deputy Political Director and National Field Director for Hispanic Initiatives. On the heels of the release of the Growth and Opportunity Project, the GOP is investing in resources to strengthen meaningful relationships in Hispanic, African American and Asian-Pacific communities, among many others.
 
"I am excited to announce that Jennifer Sevilla Korn will join the RNC as Deputy Political Director and National Field Director for Hispanic Initiatives," said Chairman Reince Priebus. "Jennifer will play a key role in directing our Hispanic engagement efforts to ensure that Republicans are building new relationships in the Hispanic community. Jennifer will help us continue to meet the goals set in the Growth and Opportunity Project of building an inclusive and diverse party. As Director of Hispanic Affairs under President Bush, and most recently Executive Director of the Hispanic Leadership Network, Jennifer's extensive experience makes her exceptionally well-suited to further develop a targeted field operation to engage the Hispanic community and earn the trust and support of more voters. She will work closely with Alexandra Franceschi, our Specialty Media Press Secretary, to ensure our message reaches the Hispanic community.”
 
"We have been successful in the past, and I know we can be successful in the future. I intend to work arduously to reach new heights in growing the Republican Party, and building a Hispanic effort from the RNC that truly reflects the bonds that unite our party and Latinos across the country,” said Korn.
 
Jennifer Sevilla Korn has extensive political campaign experience, having worked in state and local races - most notably serving as National Hispanic Director and Southwest Coalitions Director for the Bush-Cheney presidential campaign in 2004, when President Bush received 44 percent of the Hispanic vote. She served as Director of Hispanic and Women's Affairs in the Bush Administration, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Liaison for the U.S. Department of Justice, and President of JK Strategies. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of the Hispanic Leadership Network, where she worked to build the largest coalition of center-right Hispanic advocates in the United States. In that role, she was also an effective spokesperson on policies affecting the Hispanic community.

Public Policy Poll: 2016 GOP Rubio 16%, Bush/Christie 15%, Rand Paul 14%. DEM Hillary 63% Biden 13%

4 way tie for Republicans, Clinton leads Dems

PPP's monthly look at the 2016 Republican field for President finds essentially a 4 way tie at the top- Marco Rubio has 16%, Jeb Bush and Chris Christie 15% each, and Rand Paul 14%. Paul Ryan at 9%, Ted Cruz at 7%, Rick Santorum at 5%, Bobby Jindal at 3%, and Susana Martinez at 1% round out the potential candidates we tested...

There hasn't been much movement on the Democratic side either. Hillary Clinton leads with 63% to 13% for Joe Biden, 4% for Andrew Cuomo, 3% for Mark Warner and Elizabeth Warren, 2% for Martin O'Malley, and 1% each for Kirsten Gillibrand, Deval Patrick, and Brian Schweitzer.

Marquette Law School 2016 GOP Presidential Wisconsin Poll: Paul Ryan 27% Marco Rubio 21% Scott Walker 16%

Marquette Law School Poll looks at 2016 presidential candidates

MILWAUKEE – A new Marquette Law School Poll finds U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan leading the field in his home state for the GOP presidential nomination in 2016, with support from 27 percent of Wisconsin Republican voters and independents who lean Republican. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio has the support of 21 percent, while Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is third with 16 percent support. Other potential candidates include New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie at 11 percent, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul at 7 percent, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush at 5 percent and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal at 1 percent. Twelve percent said they didn’t know or preferred someone else.

https://law.marquette.edu/poll/2013/05/14/marquette-law-school-poll-looks-at-2016-presidential-candidates-state-budget-issues-and-background-checks-for-guns/

The Republican National Committee names Kristal Quarker as National Field Director for African American Initiatives

RNC Expands African American Engagement With New Staff Hire

WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee continues to expand its minority engagement with the addition of Kristal Quarker, who will serve as National Field Director for African American Initiatives. This addition comes on the heels of the recent release of the RNC’s Growth and Opportunity Project, which outlined a new GOP engagement program to strengthen and grow relationships with more Americans-- including African American, Hispanic and Asian-Pacific voters, businesses, and community leaders.
 
“We’re thrilled to welcome Kristal Quarker aboard as our new National Field Director for African American Initiatives. Kristal will be an asset to the Committee as we work to engage new voters, build relationships in the African American community, and develop an unprecedented grassroots-focused field operation,” said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus. “I am confident in her ability to promote the Republican principles of freedom and opportunity, while building strong relationships that will translate into Republican victories across the country.

“Kristal will work alongside our Director of African American Communications, Amani Council. Together, they will listen to voters’ priorities and build a strategic plan to address the concerns of the African American community. As the Growth and Opportunity Project made clear, we have to be invested in every community and address the concerns of all voters to build our party. We must establish a permanent, ongoing presence in places where we haven’t been in a long time, and Kristal will help us do just that.”

Kristal Quarker has more than eight years of combined political and public policy experience. She served as Professional Staff for the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Director of Business Outreach and Communications for the House Republican Policy Committee, and Senior Legislative Advisor to Rep. Thaddeus McCotter. She began her work in politics as the State Minority Coalitions Director for the Tennessee Republican Party, where she worked to build a strong support base and effective marketing strategy among minorities.

Scott Honour for Minnesota Governor Announces Initial Campaign Team

Scott Honour Announces Initial Campaign Team

Plymouth, MN - “To effectively communicate my results oriented conservative message to all Minnesotans, I need a great team that helps me run a great campaign.  That’s what we’ve started building.

“In our state, you can’t win if you don’t run an innovative campaign that explains to all our citizens how our ideas are going to make their lives better.  No matter how good your ideas or principled your point of view, it doesn’t matter if you don’t run a winning campaign.”

General Consultant and lead strategist - Pat Shortridge;  Longtime GOP consultant and strategist and former MNGOP Chairman.

Finance Director - Shanna Woodbury.  Woodbury is Minnesota’s preeminent Republican fundraiser having worked on numerous statewide, Congressional, and national Republican campaigns.

Deputy Campaign Manager - Valentina Weis;  Weis is a veteran of Republican politics, having recently worked for Congressman Allen West (FL-22), Congressman Francisco Canseco (TX-23), the     Republican National Convention, and Romney for President.

Campaign Coordinator – Brady Dube;  Former Field Director and Research Coordinator at the MNGOP.

Field Manager – Sheldon Anderson;  Former local elected official and District Director for Congressman Chip Cravaack as well as a longtime small business owner and Republican activist.

Media – Scott Howell, Scott Howell & Company.  Scott Howell & Company is one of the most successful political media firms in the country.  Clients include former Senator Norm Coleman, Senator John Thune, and President George W. Bush.

Polling – Linda DiVall, American Viewpoint.  Linda DiVall has provided effective strategies to political clients for 27 years, including Congressional, Senate, Gubernatorial, and Presidential campaigns.

Marketing – Priscilla Pesci; A former Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of MGM Worldwide Television Group. Pesci has extensive experience in social, digital media, television, and music.

Digital – Wesley Donehue, Push Digital. Known as one of the most innovative political tech companies in the nation, Push Digital handles operations for statewide candidates across the country.

Treasurer – Ted Daley; A licensed CPA and MBA, Daley recently served as a state senator from Eagan. He is a West Point graduate who served in Korea, with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and deployed for Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

Controller – Erik Johnson;  A licensed CPA and former treasurer for Sheriff Rich Stanek's campaign, holds bachelors and masters degrees in accounting from the University of Minnesota.

Campaign Chairman – Brian Clark;  A Mound sewer and water small business owner and lifelong friend of Scott Honour.

The Republican Governors Association Names Gail Gitcho Communications Director

RGA Names Gail Gitcho Communications Director

The Republican Governors Association announced today that Gail Gitcho will join the organization as its Communications Director, assuming responsibility for the RGA’s communications strategy in the 38 gubernatorial elections scheduled to take place between now and the end of 2014.

“Gail is one of the top communications professionals for the Republican Party, and her wealth of experience will be an incredible addition for the RGA in the 2013-2014 election cycle,” said RGA Chairman Bobby Jindal. “With 38 governor’s races over the next two years, Gail’s record as an aggressive strategist and talented spokesman will serve the RGA well in promoting the successful results-oriented records of our governors.”

Gitcho previously served as Communications Director for Governor Mitt Romney’s 2012 Presidential campaign. She has also served in the roles of Communications Director for U.S. Senator Scott Brown of Massachusetts in 2010-2011, Press Secretary at the Republican National Committee in 2009-2010, Mid-Atlantic Communications Director for U.S Senator John McCain’s 2008 Presidential campaign, and as a Regional Press Secretary on Governor Mitt Romney’s 2008 Presidential campaign. Gitcho also served as Florida Congressman Clay Shaw's Communications Director from 2004 to 2007.

“Republican Governors are dramatically re-shaping their states, and I’m proud to join the best team in politics for what will be a critical election cycle,” Gitcho said. “I look forward to working hard to defend our majority of 30 Republican Governors.”