2016 Presidential Campaign Blog

Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus Announces Ali Pardo as Hispanic Media Press Secretary

RNC Hires Hispanic Media Press Secretary to Expand Hispanic Engagement Efforts

WASHINGTON – Today, Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus announced that Ali Pardo will join the RNC Communications Department as Hispanic Media Press Secretary. Continuing to strengthen ties with the Hispanic community, Ali’s hire comes on the heels of the recent announcement of GOP Hispanic engagement teams in eight states. 

“I am excited to announce that Ali Pardo will join our team as Hispanic Media Press Secretary,” said Chairman Priebus. “Ali is part of our effort aimed at building a lasting national field organization, with an emphasis on engaging and building relationships in Hispanic communities throughout our country.
 
“Ali is a great addition to our talented communications team. I am confident that she will work with our Hispanic Media Communications Director Izzy Santa and National Field Director for Hispanic Initiatives Jennifer Sevilla Korn to continue building meaningful ties with the Hispanic community and earning the trust and support of more voters.”
 
Ali joins the RNC from Senator Marco Rubio’s (R-FL) office where she served as press assistant since 2011. Prior to joining the communications team, Ali was a staff assistant in Rubio’s office and intern to his successful 2010 Senate campaign. She is from Miami, Florida, and holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from George Washington University.

Chris Tiedeman elected new National Committeeman by the Republican Party of Minnesota

Chris Tiedeman elected new National Committeeman by the Republican Party of Minnesota

(Blaine, MN…) Chris Tiedeman was elected by the Republican Party of Minnesota State Central Committee today to represent Minnesota on the Republican National Committee as the National Committeeman. Tiedeman begins his new job immediately and will fill the remainder of Jeff Johnson’s term on the committee after Johnson stepped down to run for governor.
 
“I am pleased to welcome Chris’ energy and ideas to the Republican National Committee,” said Keith Downey, Chairman of the Republican Party of Minnesota. “He has earned the respect of Republicans across the state because he has worked with us in the trenches as a party leader, consultant and candidate.”
 
Chris Tiedeman is a longtime Republican activist and campaign strategist. He got his start in politics at St Olaf College as State Chairman of the Minnesota College Republicans and Treasurer of the College Republican National Committee. In 2000 he was a candidate for the Minnesota State House of Representatives. He is a Principle and part owner of Weber Johnson Public Affairs, a Public Affairs and Political Consulting firm located in St Paul where he focuses on grassroots and strategic consulting. Chris serves on the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Adoption Resource Network, a non-profit focused on advocating for kids stuck in the system looking for forever families. He lives in Blaine.
 
"I am excited to get going in this new role with the MNGOP to keep growing the party and help communicate a compelling message of conservative solutions and ideas," said Tiedeman regarding his election.

The Republican National Committee (RNC) Hires Elliott Echols As National Youth Director

The Republican National Committee (RNC) Hires Elliott Echols As National Youth Director
 
WASHINGTON - The Republican National Committee (RNC) is announcing the hire of a National Youth Director, Elliott Echols, as the party continues to strengthen relationships with young voters across the country. Echols will build a grassroots infrastructure with the under-30 community by engaging with young voters in their communities, strengthening the party’s ties with College Republicans and Young Republicans and working with state parties to have a permanent presence across the country.
 
“Today’s announcement is groundbreaking,” said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus. “Bringing Elliot on board in an off-year will help us build relationships with young voters and mobilize students and young professionals to take our message to their peers. This work isn’t just for 2014; it will outlast any one cycle or campaign. Young Americans are independent-minded people who are concerned about getting our nation’s economy back on track and I look forward to getting their input on how we move forward as a country and as a party.”

Iowa GOP's Reagan Dinner with Senator Ted Cruz on Friday, October 25, 2013 is Sold Out

Iowa GOP's Reagan Dinner with Senator Ted Cruz is Sold Out

DES MOINES, Iowa- Today the Republican Party of Iowa announced they had sold out their 2013 Ronald Reagan Commemorative Dinner featuring keynote speaker Senator Ted Cruz of Texas. The dinner will take place at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines on Friday, October 25th. Doors open at 6:00pm with the program to start at 7:00pm.

"The response the Republican Party of Iowa received for this dinner with Senator Cruz was extraordinary," said Iowa GOP Chairman A.J. Spiker. "The house is going to be packed as we get a chance to listen to a great conservative Senator willing to stand up for his values. Senator Cruz and our other VIP's enabled us to raise a significant amount of money for the Republican Party of Iowa's party building efforts."

The dinner is sold out and tickets will not be available at the door. Over 600 Iowa Republicans will attend this year's Reagan Dinner. The event will also feature dozens of local, state and national media, including a live broadcast by C-SPAN.

Congressman Steve King's Annual Col. Bud Day Pheasant Hunt & Defenders of Freedom Featuring Special Guest Senator Ted Cruz

Congressman Steve King's

Annual Col. Bud Day Pheasant Hunt and Defenders of Freedom

Featuring Special Guest
Senator Ted Cruz

Pheasant Hunt
October 26-27, 2013
Hole 'N the Wall Lodge
14396 Diamond Avenue - Akron, Iowa

Defenders of Freedom
October 26, 2013
Le Mars Convention Center - Lower Level
275 12th Street SE - Le Mars, Iowa

 

RNC Announces Orlando Watson as Communications Director for Black Media and Tara Wall as Senior Advisor for Black Media

RNC Announces Orlando Watson as Communications Director for Black Media and Tara Wall as Senior Advisor for Black Media
 
WASHINGTON – Today Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus announced that Orlando Watson will join the RNC Communications Department as Communications Director for Black Media and that Tara Wall has been hired as Senior Advisor for Black Media. Orlando will handle day-to-day media relations for the RNC. Tara will assist the committee in strategy and strengthening relationships with black journalists.
 
“We’re excited to welcome both Orlando and Tara to our communications team,” said Chairman Priebus. “In their new roles, they will work to ensure our message of freedom and equal opportunity is heard throughout the black community. My priority as Chairman is to reach all voters, and that means we’ll continue working diligently to engage with black media outlets in the nation’s capital and in cities and towns across America. It’s essential that the Republican Party fight to earn the trust of black voters and build relationships in the black community.
 
“Orlando has proven himself as a skilled spokesperson and a talented communicator. He brings with him experience on the Hill and on the campaign trail. Tara brings an incredible resume from inside and outside of politics, from non-profits and the private sector. We’re grateful to have such accomplished individuals on our team.”
 
Orlando Watson joins the RNC from Congressman Paul Gosar’s (R-AZ) office where he led the communications team and served as the primary on-the-record spokesperson as Press Secretary. Prior to joining the Arizona congressman’s office, he served as Deputy Press Secretary for Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) from 2011 to 2013. He began his political career as a campaign aide on Senator Rand Paul’s successful 2010 Senate bid in Kentucky. Orlando holds a bachelor’s degree in public policy from the College of William and Mary.

Tara Wall is chairman and founder of the PTP Foundation for Media Arts and owner of a media production agency. The former newscaster-turned-communications executive is experienced in strategy development, media training, public affairs, coalitions-specific marketing campaigns, and new media. Her career spans two decades, and her award-winning portfolio includes work with three presidential campaigns, the RNC, Fortune 500 CEO’s, entertainers, government agencies, media outlets, and non-profits. She most recently served as a senior media advisor to the Romney 2012 presidential campaign. At PTP she oversees editorial content development, new business, digital programming, production and distribution of online videos, digital media, film shorts, and documentaries.

Special Guest Congressman Paul Ryan to headline Iowa Governor Terry Branstad’s Birthday Bash in Altoona

Special Guest Congressman Paul Ryan to headline Iowa Governor Terry Branstad’s Birthday Bash
Annual Birthday Bash to be chaired by Sharon and Kyle J. Krause
 
(URBANDALE, Iowa) – Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced Congressman Paul Ryan (R-WI), the 2012 Republican Vice Presidential Nominee and Chairman of the House Budget Committee, will be the special guest to headline Gov. Branstad’s Birthday Bash fundraiser. The event will take place on November 16, 2013, at 5:30 p.m., at Adventureland Park’s Palace Theatre in Altoona, Iowa.

RNC Hires Jose Orozco as Hispanic Engagement State Director in New Mexico

RNC Hires Hispanic Engagement State Director in New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE - Today the Republican Party of New Mexico, in coordination with the Republican National Committee, announced the hire of New Mexico Hispanic Engagement Director Jose Orozco to head Hispanic engagement efforts in New Mexico. The engagement team will build a grassroots infrastructure and engage with voters at community events, as well as strengthen our ties with Hispanic Republicans. As part of the GOP’s effort to build a permanent ground operation, the Republican Party of New Mexico will work in partnership with the RNC to ensure a year-round presence in Hispanic neighborhoods.

“We are excited to welcome Jose Orozco on board with our grassroots efforts across the state of New Mexico,” said RPNM Chairman John Billingsley. “I am confident that his experience and knowledge will be an incredible asset to our team as we move closer to the monumental 2014 election cycle. This year, we have been focused on starting from the grassroots level to increase involvement, register new voters, and gain momentum to elect strong Republican candidates in 2014, and we know that Jose’s help will only strengthen these efforts.”

“Today’s announcement is unprecedented,” said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus. “This off-cycle effort will ensure our message of ‘opportunity for all’ reaches voters. We are building a ground game that will allow us to compete for every voter and will outlast any one cycle or campaign. I’m certain with these early and unprecedented investments we can achieve Republican victories up and down the ballot now and for years to come.”

Senator Rand Paul to speak in Hot Springs, Arkansas on December 6, 2013

Senator Rand Paul to speak in Hot Springs, Arkansas on December 6, 2013

Little Rock, Ark.—Senator Rand Paul to speak at an event held by the Republican Party of Arkansas at the Hot Springs Convention Center on December 6 at 7:30 pm.

The Arkansas GOP Chairman Doyle Webb issued the following statement regarding the event.

 “I am honored that Senator Rand Paul, a champion for constitutional liberties and fiscal responsibility at the national level, has chosen to become a part of our efforts to grow our conservative majority in Arkansas. I look forward to welcoming Senator Paul to the Natural State as our special guest in December!”

RNC Hires Hispanic State Directors and Hispanic Field Directors in Seven States

RNC Hires Hispanic State Directors and Hispanic Field Directors in Seven States

WASHINGTON – Continuing to strengthen the Republican Party’s relationships in Hispanic communities across the country, the Republican National Committee (RNC) is announcing its Hispanic engagement staff in seven states – California, Florida, New Jersey, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia. The engagement team will build a grassroots infrastructure and engage with voters at community events, as well as strengthen our ties with Hispanic Republicans. As part of the RNC’s effort to build a permanent ground operation, the RNC will work in partnership with state parties to ensure a year-round presence in Latino neighborhoods. Additionally, by the end of the year, the committee will make investments in 11 other states.
 
“Today’s announcement is unprecedented,” said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus. “This off-cycle effort will ensure our message of ‘opportunity for all’ reaches voters. We are building a ground game that will allow us to compete for every voter and will outlast any one cycle or campaign. I’m certain with these early and unprecedented investments we can achieve Republican victories up and down the ballot now and for years to come.”