2016 Presidential Campaign Blog

Sherill Whisenand of Des Moines, Iowa Elected New Polk County Co-Chair

Sherill Whisenand of Des Moines, Iowa Elected New Polk County Co-Chair
 
Des Moines, IA — The Polk County Republican Central Committee last night elected Sherill Whisenand of Des Moines as its new co-chairman. 
 
A vacancy recently occurred for the co-chairmanship for the Republican Party of Polk County when Chad Brown resigned earlier this month.  The Central Committee in its unanimous vote declared Whisenand, a party activist, to complete the co-chairman term which ends in January 2014.
 
In accepting the position, Whisenand said, "There are times when a clear opportunity presents itself and you have to know instinctually the timing is right and mission is clear."
 
She continued, "This is the time for our team to continue to pull together, pressing forward with our organizational, financial and communication efforts.  Under the leadership of Chairman Will Rogers, the team is making great strides in all areas - and I welcome the hard work and dedication we demonstrate as the largest Republican County Committee in Iowa."
Whisenand is a lifelong Iowa Republican, raised in Story County, serving as the Story County Republican Party Chairman and the Story County Republican Federated President in the 1980s. She was Iowa State University Young Republicans Chairman;  an alternate delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1984 and served later as the Republican Party of Iowa State Organization Director, coordinating the 99 county caucus movement for Iowa's first-in-the-nation Presidential Caucuses (1986). 
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, she contracted with the National Republican Senatorial Committee,  the Republican National Committee, the National Republican Congressional Committee and the southern states' communications director for the national campaign for Bush-Quayle '88, later serving as a Presidential Appointee at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
 
As a media specialist and campaign manager, her services were enlisted for U.S. Presidential, U.S. Senatorial, U.S. Congressional races in nearly 30 states; six Iowa and Arkansas gubernatorial races (several seasons); California Attorney General's race campaign manager; legislative, county, local and state races in Iowa, Arkansas, Texas, California and greater metropolitan Washington, D.C., as well as national campaign efforts.

In the 1990s, she joined the Walt Disney Companies, Inc. (Burbank Studios - CA), serving for  the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, working tirelessly on state, national and global legislation for Disney's massive media interests. 
In 2009, Whisenand returned permanently to Des Moines and since that time, has resumed her political activities, remaining active in the Polk County Republican Party as an office manager in 2010-11; assisting the financial team with fundraising events; serving on the Polk County Central Committee; the Polk County Advisory Committee for Branstad-Reynolds in 2010 and on his steering committee for the 2014 Branstad-Reynolds Committee; seated as a voting member on the Third District Central Committee; and active in various local, state and national campaigns. 

She is employed as a collegiate enrollment representative with Apollo Group, Inc. in the Des Moines metro area.

Announcing the Launch of Priorities for Iowa

Announcing the Launch of Priorities for Iowa DES MOINES -- A new group is being launched in Iowa to engage in vigorous debate over national and state public policy. Priorities for Iowa (www.prioritiesforiowa.com) is a nonpartisan organization that will tackle big issues and work to inform Iowans about a wide range of public policy. The group’s first effort was to release a video today reminding Iowans of Congressman Bruce Braley’s enthusiastic support for the Affordable Care Act, referred to by most as Obamacare, followed by his questioning of it’s impact on Iowans. “There is an underrepresented majority of Iowans who are looking for a voice and a vehicle to take action on the general drift of the country away from free market principles,” said Sara Craig, who serves as the group’s executive director. “Whether it’s the impending drubbing of small businesses by Obamacare, the doubling of the federal debt over the past five years, or the stifling regulations around energy production, Iowans are looking for a way out of this mess.” Citing polling that suggests that 60% of Iowans think the country is headed in the wrong direction, David Kochel pointed to several key issues that concern Iowans. “They want more domestic energy production, they want to get rid of Obamacare, or at least give individuals the same break President Obama just gave businesses,” said Kochel. “Unfortunately, Congressman Bruce Braley went against Iowans when he voted to delay the Obamacare mandate for corporations but didn’t extend the same rights to individuals.” The group, organized by Sara Craig and David Kochel, and joined by board members Renee Schulte, Chad Airhart and Luke Martz, will also focus on Iowa-based issues, and plans to actively engage voters online through digital advertising and social media. It is organized as a 501(c)4 and relies upon contributions to conduct it’s research and education. You can view the video released today here: www.prioritiesforiowa.com/video

DNC Chair Wasserman Schultz Announces Mo Elleithee as New DNC Communications Director

DNC Chair Wasserman Schultz Announces Mo Elleithee as New DNC Communications Director
 
Washington, DC – Democratic National Committee Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz announced today the hiring of Mo Elleithee as Communications Director for the Democratic National Committee. Elleithee is a seasoned Democratic operative and spokesman.

“We're thrilled to have Mo join our team, bringing with him seventeen years of experience on some of the most high-profile campaigns in the country," said DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz. “Mo's experience working in the public sector, the private sector, on issue advocacy and electoral campaigns at every level will make him an invaluable asset at the DNC and for Democrats across the country. We will build off our success in the years ahead to support the President, ensure that Democrats are elected and reelected in 2013, 2014 and beyond and continue to build a strong Democratic Party in every corner of the country.”

“I’m eager to join Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz and the rest of the outstanding DNC team to help advance President Obama’s agenda and support our great Democratic candidates to secure victories up and down the ticket,” said Elleithee. “Whether it’s implementing health care reform, fighting for an economic agenda that will help the middle class, pushing for comprehensive immigration reform, protecting voting rights, or ensuring equal rights for all Americans – Democrats are leading the way.  This is an exciting time for the Democratic Party, and I’m looking forward to sharing that story far and wide.”

Elleithee will start in his new role at the end of this week.

Mo Elleithee is a 17-year veteran of Democratic politics specializing in communications.  He's worked on four different presidential campaigns, including as traveling press secretary for Hillary Clinton's 2008 bid; worked in senior communications roles for candidates across the country including Tim Kaine (VA), Mark Warner (VA), and Tom Udall (NM); and has advised various Democratic party committees including the DSCC, DCCC and the Democratic Party of Virginia.  For the past three years, he's been on the faculty of the Georgetown Public Policy Institute. He'll be taking a leave of absence from his firm, Hilltop Public Solutions, to join the DNC full-time.

Republican National Committee Announces Alyssa Moyer as State Director for North Carolina

RNC Chairman Reince Priebus Announces Key North Carolina Hire

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the Republican National Committee announced Alyssa Moyer as State Director for North Carolina. The hire, in coordination with the North Carolina Republican Party, is part of the RNC’s efforts to build a robust field operation and a permanent campaign across the country. This month, the RNC announced the first wave of hires, including 12 state directors with more to follow in the coming months.

“The RNC is committed to engaging with voters in their communities earlier than ever before and I’m confident Alyssa with build a top notch operation in North Carolina,” said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus. “I am certain the RNC’s early and strategic investment in community engagement, data technology, and get-out-the-vote efforts will pay dividends in the state. Alyssa will play a key role in building a more permanent community based field operation to be successful in 2014 and beyond.”

Alyssa Moyer ran the Victory Program in Wisconsin in the 2012 Presidential race and was the Deputy Victory Director during Governor Scott Walker's 2012 Recall Election, helping to manage all ground operations and grassroots efforts statewide. Throughout the 2012 Recall Election, Alyssa also served as the Deputy Political Director at the Republican Party of Wisconsin. Prior to that, she served as Absentee Director for the 2011 State Senate Recall Elections in Wisconsin. Most recently, she managed the successful Wisconsin Supreme Court campaign for Justice Pat Roggensack and served as the communications director for Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald in the Wisconsin State Senate.

Tom Latham Breakfast Reception With Special Guest - Senator Rick Santorum on Thursday, August 8, 2013 in Council Bluffs, Iowa

Tom Latham - Please Join Us For A Breakfast Reception
With Special Guest - Senator Rick Santorum

Thursday, August 8, 2013
8:30 AM

Holiday Inn & Suites @ Ameristar Council Bluffs
2202 River Road, Council Bluffs, IA 51501

Tickets $20 per person

The Holiday Inn & Suites @ Ameristar at 2202 River Road in Council Bluffs, Iowa is conveniently located next to Ameristar Casino just off I-29 between I-80 and I-480 at Exit 52.

SCGOP Chairman Matt Moore says "Not in South Carolina!" to Presidential debates produced by CNN and NBC

SCGOP Chairman Matt Moore says "Not in South Carolina!" to Presidential debates produced by CNN and NBC unless they stop producing films celebrating the life of Hillary Clinton

Columbia, S.C. - This morning, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus sent letters to NBC and CNN regarding their intentions to produce films celebrating the life of Hillary Clinton.

In his letters, Chairman Priebus said that if CNN and NBC proceed, he will seek a binding vote of the full Republican National Committee that would bar Republicans from participating in any primary or Presidential debate with the two networks.

S.C. Republican Party Chairman Matt Moore fully supports Chairman Priebus' position and will vote to ratify it at the next Republican National Committee meeting, held this month in Boston, unless the two networks stop producing the films:

"I say, 'Not in South Carolina!' to debates produced by networks that act more like Hillary Clinton's campaign team than unbiased news sources," said Chairman Moore. "Such political favoritism has no place in American journalism. It's unacceptable, and those networks have no business hosting Presidential debates in South Carolina unless they stop production."

South Carolina has hosted the "First in the South" Republican Presidential Primary since 1980. In the 2012 election cycle, five Presidential debates were held in South Carolina.

Senator Amy Klobuchar Mentioned as Possible 2016 Candidate in RNC Letter to NBC and CNN

"This special treatment is unfair to the candidates for the Democratic nomination in 2016 who might compete against Secretary Clinton (including Vice President Biden; Governors O'Malley, Cuomo, and Hickenlooper; Senator Klobuchar and others) and to the Republican nominee, should Clinton compete in the general election."

Iowa GOP Chairman Responds to RNC Letter to NBC and CNN

Iowa GOP Chairman Responds to RNC Letter
RNC Demands NBC & CNN Uphold Journalist Ethics

DES MOINES, Iowa- Today Iowa GOP Chairman A.J. Spiker issued a public statement in response to the RNC's letter to NBC and CNN regarding their decision to announce films celebrating the life of Hillary Clinton. The letter as penned by RNC Chairman Reince Priebus informs NBC and CNN that unless they cancel their plans to produce the films, the RNC will push to have the Republican National Committee refuse to partner with the networks on future Presidential debates. The statement from Iowa GOP Chairman A.J. Spiker reads:

"I stand with Reince Priebus and the RNC. I will not sign the Iowa GOP up to co-sponsor debates with NBC or CNN unless they pull their upcoming films on Hillary Clinton. Given NBC and CNN's decision to move forward on their films, they've attempted to give celebrity status to Hillary Clinton. They are clearly making an effort to influence the Presidential race in 2016 without adhering to their supposed pledge to uphold journalistic integrity. For far too long, Republicans have stood back and watched helplessly as news networks have covered anything but news, instead using their platforms to promote left leaning policies and candidates within the Democratic Party. It's time Republicans pushed back and refuse to let these media outlets decide who our next President will be. The Iowa GOP supports Reince Priebus in his decision and looks forward to helping the RNC start a new chapter in how Republicans across the country stand up to a biased media."

RNC Chairman Calls on NBC and CNN to Stop Promoting Hillary Clinton

RNC Chairman Calls on NBC and CNN to Stop Promoting Hillary Clinton
RNC will not partner with networks in 2016 primary debates
 
WASHINGTON – Today Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus sent a letter to Robert Greenblatt, Chairman of NBC Entertainment, and Jeff Zucker, President of CNN Worldwide, calling on their networks to cancel their attempts to influence Americans’ political decisions. Both networks are airing programs promoting former Secretary Hillary Clinton ahead of her likely candidacy for president in 2016. NBC has announced plans to air a miniseries, while CNN is producing a documentary. If the productions are not canceled prior to the start of the RNC’s Summer Meeting, Chairman Priebus will seek a binding vote of the RNC to prevent the committee from partnering with these networks in 2016 primary debates or sanctioning debates they sponsor.
 
“It’s appalling to know executives at major networks like NBC and CNN who have donated to Democrats and Hillary Clinton have taken it upon themselves to be Hillary Clinton’s campaign operatives,” said Chairman Priebus. “Their actions to promote Secretary Clinton are disturbing and disappointing. I hope Americans will question the credibility of these networks and that NBC and CNN will reconsider their partisan actions and cancel these political ads masked as unbiased entertainment. If they have not agreed to pull this programming prior to the start of the RNC’s Summer Meeting on August 14, I will seek a binding vote stating that the RNC will neither partner with these networks in 2016 primary debates nor sanction primary debates they sponsor.”

The Democratic Party of Wisconsin Names Melissa Baldauff Communications Director

The Democratic Party of Wisconsin Names Melissa Baldauff Communications Director

MADISON -- The Democratic Party of Wisconsin today announced that Melissa Baldauff will assume the role of Communications Director, effective immediately. A member of the WisDems team since 2010, Baldauff has quickly risen through the ranks and established herself as a central member of the State Party's leadership team.

During her tenure with the State Party, Baldauff has worked extensively on research, policy, digital strategy and earned media. For the last two years, she has served as the Party’s Research and Digital Director.

"From the day she first reported to work with us, Melissa has distinguished herself as an exceptional talent with a wide array of abilities. During some of the most pressure-packed, historically significant chapters in Wisconsin's political history Melissa proved herself to be one of the best in the business when it comes to research, policy, and digital strategy," Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate said Monday. "Heading into another momentous year in Wisconsin we received wide interest in filling this position and were thrilled with the caliber of candidates we interviewed. In the end, however, Melissa's performance, perspective, and passion for standing up for Wisconsin's middle-class made her the right choice, and one that we could not be prouder to announce."

A mother of two, Baldauff and her husband reside in Madison, WI.