Blood, Sweat, and Gore Gameplay Thread

[Cabbage]

Election Update 2008
with your host, Tom Brokaw

Brokaw: Good evening. I'm Tom Brokaw, and welcome to a new series that will be shown on several news platforms over the next almost two years, Election Update 2008. I'll be your host this evening as we go over the events of the campaign trail and have a special interview.

Brokaw: Well, the first bit of news is obviously the number of candidates we've had announce so far for President: twenty all told just so far. Aside from that, many of them have already received endorsements, including many early state officials, including New Hampshire Governor Judd Gregg, who has endorsed Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr., as well as both Senators from South Carolina, who have split between Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher and Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal.

Brokaw: And now, of course, for our special guest tonight, Virginia Senator George Allen. Senator, how are you tonight?

Allen: I'm good, Tom. Glad to be here.

Brokaw: And we're glad to have you, as well. Now then, businessman Donald Trump’s independent campaign shares with your own a disdain for the liberal policies of the Gore administration. Do you believe Mr. Trump could be a general election spoiler for Republicans, and yourself in particular, and how do you intend to deal with such a case if so?

Allen: Well, Donald Trump is a man I've known for quite a few years, but I don't think he will be a threat to much of anyone in November, and I'm not certain that Mr.Trump will even be on the ballot in November. If he is, I think we will be able to show how over the years has been in favor of the abhorrent practice of abortion, how he has supported the unconstitutional and socialistic universal healthcare plan put forward by Bill and Hillary Clinton, and how he is simply just a fraud the man is not a conservative, but someone trying to push forward the liberal agenda for 4 more years, but the American people know that, so I don't need to tell them. We will win this election in November of 2008, and we will return to the White House, by defeating the big government and radical social agenda put forward by the Gore administration.

Brokaw: Strong confidence regarding such a possibility. Now then, many on the left have been swift to condemn you for your ardently homophobic stance on marriage. What do you have to say in response to these people?

Allen: I am not a homophobe, I do not hate gay people. I believe in the American values that many people do, gay or straight. I think that the left's radical social agenda, Gay Marriage, Abortion For All, and allowing the American Flag to burn, is a betrayal of the American way of life and of American values. As President, we will return our nation to values, we will have no more activist judges because they don't follow the Constitution, they follow their own personal interests. As President, I am pledging a return to normalcy, a return to the time when all Americans including the unborn had the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Brokaw: A strong fighter for conservatism, but not hatred. Now then, assuming you do win the Presidency next year, what would you first 100 days be like?

Allen: When we win the White House in November, we will have majorities in both houses of Congress. My first priority is to pass the Defense of Marriage Amendment to enshrine in our constitution the sanctity of marriage being between one man and one woman. We will then pass tax cuts slashing the amount all Americans pay, because as Ronald Reagan proved lower taxes increase revenue, because people are able to invest more into the economy, and the radical left has put business in a stranglehold not allowing any movement by the hardworking middle and working-class Americans that need some relief from the stranglehold of taxes and regulations. We also need to pass the Balanced Budget Amendment and the Flag Desecration Amendment, because we cannot continue to allow those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our nation to be disrespected by cowards who have never sacrificed anything. For the balanced budget amendment, a country is like a business and I've had a long career in many businesses we can't keep running a deficit because sometimes we're going to have to pay it back, we're gonna balance the budget and we're going to do it in my first term and we're going to constitutionally enshrine the balanced budget in the constitution.

Brokaw: A hearty 100 days to start off a new term. Finally, Senator, if you could say one thing to the American people, what would it be?

Allen: When our nation was founded 200 years ago, America was the land of the free, America was the land of the bold, and America was the land of the beautiful. Under these last 16 years, of far-left economics and a radical social agenda, the American values that many have fought for so long to protect are being trampled by Activist judges, who do not care about the Constitution, when you vote in November I ask you if you want a return to American values if you want less regulation, and lower taxes vote for me because I want a return to normalcy.

Brokaw: Senator Allen, always a pleasure to have you on.

Allen: Always one to be here, Tom.

Brokaw: And that will be all for tonight. Tune in Wednesday when we interview Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher.

Brokaw: Until then, I'm Tom Brokaw, and this has been your Election Update.

[KaiserDave]

Brian Schweitzer Ad: The People's Democrat

Aired in Iowa, Michigan, and New Hampshire

Governor Brian Schweitzer and the author Jag by Humanities Montana, on Flickr

Brian Schweitzer isn't from the Washington political scene. He's from Havre Montana, the grandson of immigrants. He spent his days fishing and hunting, and had a passion for the sciences.

Wikimedia Commons

Brian went to Libya, and Saudi Arabia to apply his knowledge, leading irrigation projects to support local communities. He went into business, learning how to irrigate water for small towns, not filibustering legislation.

Wikimedia Commons

But when Brian came back to Montana, he found the same poverty and unfairness he found abroad back at home. He resolved to do something about it, he worked to create good paying jobs in business, and ran for political office. When he became Governor of Montana in 2004, he committed to fight for ordinary Americans. He invested in good paying jobs, public schools, energy jobs, all without a sales tax. Every time Republicans tried to sell out Montanans to special interests or bankrupt the state, Brian beat them. Every. Single. Time.

Wikimedia Commons

Now he's running for President to change Washington. He's running to end the broken trade deals that have cost America jobs. He's running to stop the politics of usual that makes Wall Street rich and Main Street poor. He's running to guarantee healthcare for all. Brian is the the people's Democrat running for President, and he's not afraid to tell it like it is.

I'm Brian Schweitzer, and I approve this message because the American people are worth fighting for.

[GoTfan]

Sec. Powell announces America United tour

[Credit: Wikimedia Commons]

Today, former Secretary of Defense Colin Powell announced a speaking tour through all 50 states called 'America United'. Intended to sell bipartisan solutions and the danger of populism, Powell will hold several northeastern stops with Senator Susan Collins of Maine, a fellow moderate Republican.

When asked if he was running for President in 2008, Powell replied that a Presidential campaign was not on his mind right now, and that he was focused on the mssage of his tour.

[John King wannabe]

CLINTON CAMPAIGN SCHEDULE - APRIL

April 1st- 3rd | New Hampshire

April 1st:
Rally in Concord, NH
Townhall in Manchester, NH on Drug Abuse

April 2nd:
Meet Concord, NH precinct leaders.
Interview with WMUR-9
Knock on Doors in Concord, NH

April 3rd:
Participate in Food Drive in Portsmouth, NH
Meet with Local and State Democratic Leaders
Meet campaign volunteers.

April 3rd - 4th | Arizona

April 3rd:
Fundraiser in Phoenix, AZ.
Rally in Phoenix, AZ with President Bill Clinton.

April 4th:
Rally in Chandler, AZ
Knock on Doors in Chandler, AZ
Fly to Iowa

April 5th - 12th | Iowa

April 5th:
Rally with Mayor Cownie in Des Moines, IA
Town Hall in Des Moines, IA on Social Security Benefits

April 6th:
Major Rally in Sioux City, IA
Plant a tree in Sioux City, IA

April 7th:
Rally in Cedar Rapids, IA
Meet with Undecided Voters in Cedar Rapids, IA

April 8th:
Attend local church service, give speech.
Roundtable on Economic Struggles in Iowa City, IA

April 9th:
Visit a local middle school.
Major rally in Davenport, IA
Knock on doors in Davenport, IA

April 10th:
Rest Day

April 11th:
Rally with Mayor Cownie in Des Moines, IA
Rally in Ames, IA with President Bill Clinton

April 12th:
Eat breakfast at a local diner.
Give a small speech to local voters in Council Bluff, IA
Fly to Washington D.C

April 13th - 20th | U.S Senate Business

April 21st - 23rd | South Carolina

April 21st:
Town Hall on Criminal Justice Reform
Rally in Charleston, SC

April 22nd:
Rally in Columbia, SC
Roundtable on the effect of Poverty

April 23rd:
Rally in Myrtle Beach, SC
Fundraiser in Myrtle Beach, SC

April 24th - 26th | California

April 24th:
Fundraiser in Los Angeles, CA
Rally in Los Angeles, CA

April 25th:
Rally in Santa Monica, CA

April 26th:
Major Rally in San Francisco, CA
Fundraiser in San Francisco, CA with Senator Dianne Feinstein.

April 27th - 30th | Nevada

April 27th:
Rally in Las Vegas, NV
Meeting Undecided Voters.

April 28th:
Small Speech in Reno, NV
Town Hall in Reno, NV

April 29th:
Rally in Carson City, NV
Roundtable on Economic Struggles

April 30th:
Rally in Boulder City, NV with President Bill Clinton
Fundraiser in Boulder City, NV.

[raymundoflx]

LEE FOR AMERICA

ANNOUNCEMENT SPEECH

Thank you Oakland —

We’re here today to seek justice. We’re here today because we are impatient for that justice. And our sense of urgency, our impatience, comes from the most demanding of values, it comes from love. Love of our families, our communities, our country. Oakland taught me about that love. I learned here that you can’t make progress dividing people, stoking fear, or setting us one against another.  I learned that the only way to overcome the tough challenges is by extending grace, finding common ground, and working together to institute bold changes to an ever so flawed system. And today, so many of us are hurting, so many of us are understandably angry and afraid but I believe we will bring our country together. I believe we will achieve things that other people say are impossible. I believe we will make justice real for all. And that is why I am running for President of the United States of America. I will be a president for all people. I hear you and I will be your voice.

We are a community impatient for justice, we always have been.  We are a community that knew that, in the words of Dr. King, “‘Wait’  has almost always meant ‘never.’” And in communities like ours — and across this country  — “wait” still too frequently means “never.” Wait for clean water. Wait for decent-paying jobs. Wait for better schools. Wait your turn. Wait. Well here in Oakland, we refuse to wait. After decades of our criminal justice system moving in the wrong direction, we need to end the failures of the war on drugs and bring billions of dollars in investment to low-income urban and rural communities that have for too long been left out and left behind. We can’t wait for change. None of us can. We are here today to say we can’t wait. We can’t wait when powerful forces are turning their prejudice into policy and rolling back the rights that generations of Americans fought for and heroes died for. We can’t wait, because we have a criminal justice system that  treats you better if you’re rich and guilty than if you’re poor and innocent. A system so deeply built with bias that it ruthlessly discriminates against Black people, Brown people, low-income people, and people with mental illness and addiction. We can’t wait when we have an economy where people who work two or three jobs, pick up extra shifts, and still can’t pay their bills. Profits are soaring, while wages for most have barely budged. Massive corporations have taken over entire industries — killing off competition, driving out innovation, squeezing out small businesses. Decades of unjust policies have destroyed our economy, extracted money from our common wealth and plowed it into tax cuts for the wealthy and wars overseas we didn’t have to fight; instead of investing in the things we all know grow our economy and create more opportunity for all. And that’s why, when I am President of the United States, we won’t wait.

We won’t wait for criminal justice. We will end the system of mass incarceration in America. We will invest in people — their education, their mental health, and treating addiction. We will end the school to prison pipeline. And we will empower the formerly incarcerated with jobs and opportunity. We won’t wait to legalize marijuana at the federal level — but that is not enough. We will push states to do the same, invest in the communities that have been devastated by the decades-long failed war on drugs, and expunge the records of those who have already been convicted.We won’t wait for more thoughts and prayers for the communities that have been shattered by gun violence. We will pass universal background checks, ban assault weapons, and close the loopholes that allow people who should never have a gun to get one. We won’t wait to meet the crisis of climate change — because we have no other choice. We will build a clean energy economy. We will fight against the onslaught of attacks on workers’ rights. We will build an opportunity economy where there are good-paying jobs and fair wages in every neighborhood and where the dignity of work is respected. And we will close the racial wealth gap, because we can’t be blind to the impact of generations of racism and white supremacy that were written into our laws over centuries. We won’t wait to deliver a great education to every child. We will fully fund public schools, including special needs education. And we will ensure that our public school teachers get the pay increases they deserve, the resources they need, and that their student loan debt is forgiven. We won’t wait to expand pathways to opportunity for all young people. We will make college more affordable, we will invest in and strengthen our HBCUs, and we will create the world’s greatest system of apprenticeships and training programs here in America. We won’t wait to fix our broken healthcare system because in America, healthcare is a right and that's why I will fight for Universal Healthcare. We won’t wait to stop the dangerous assault on women’s rights. Women will have reproductive justice, because women must have the freedom to make decisions about their own bodies and economic futures. We will fight for equal pay, affordable child care, and establish national paid family and medical leave. And we will no longer wait for America to stand up for justice around the world. We will strengthen our alliances and defend human rights, not coddle dictators or squander America’s moral authority.

Generations of Americans have shown us what was possible when they refused to wait. Now it’s our turn. And we have work to do. America — we can’t wait. America — we will not wait. Together, we will run at the tough challenges. Together, we will do the things that other people tell us are impossible. Together, we will fulfill our pledge to be a nation of liberty and justice for all. Together, we will win. And together, America, we will rise.

[McGovernite]

DeMint Throws Support Behind Jindal

Credit Wikimedia Commons

Press Release from Senator DeMint

Senator DeMint has been eyeing candidates vying for the Republican Nomination for President. Under Al Gore's Presidency, our country has been weaker, and less prepared. The Government is attacking the Basic Civil Liberties that are outlined in our Constitution. As Governor of South Carolina, I have fought against this Government Tyranny and supported candidates that will do the same.

After 16 years of Democratic Rule in Washington, people are out of work, the economy is faltering, and our country is close to being in shambles. We need a Strong, One Nation Conservative Leader to take back the White House and propel our country into the 21st Century. Curb inflation, unemployment, and taxes too.

Out of all of the candidates, one candidate has stuck out. One candidate has fought to take action on this Government Tyranny, and stop the Far Left Leaders like Hillary Clinton. This person is Bobby Jindal.

As Governor, Bobby Jindal has changed Louisiana into a haven for businesses, and families. He will work to do the same in Washington, and actually change things. Al Gore will be backing soon, and Bobby Jindal will truly prove that our country is great.

I ask all South Carolinians and Americans to back Governor Bobby Jindal, like I am, for President of the United States.

[RogueThing]

BLANCHE LINCOLN FOR PRESIDENT AD

Blanche Lincoln, Senator, friend, neighbor. Born in a small town, Blanche has been fighting for Americans and small town values since day one; you can trust Senator Lincoln to put your values in the White House just like you can trust her to keep our country safe.

I am Blanche Lincoln, and I approve this message.


Ad aired in the following states:

Missouri, Mississippi, Kansas, Texas.

[zoz]

RON PAUL FEBRUARY SCHEDULE

February 1: Rally/Fundraiser in Austin, TX
                  Rally/Fundraiser in Waco, TX
                  Rally/Fundraiser in Fort Worth, TX

February 2: Rally/Fundraiser in Abilene, TX
                  Rally/Fundraiser in El Paso, TX

February 3: Rally/Fundraiser in San Antonio, TX
                  Rally/Fundraiser in Corpus Christi, TX
                  Rally Fundraiser in Galveston, TX
                  Fundraiser in Sugar Land, TX
                  Fundraiser in Port Arthur, TX

February 4: Rally in Provo, UT
                  Rally/Fundraiser in Salt Lake City, UT
                  Rally in Ogden, UT

February 5: Rally in Reno, NV
                  Rally in Carson City, NV
                  Rally in Silver Springs, NV

February 6: Rally in Sacramento, CA
                  Rally in Yuba City, CA
                  Rally in Redding, CA

February 7: Rally in Stockton, CA
                  Rally in Modesto, CA
                  Rally in Fresno, CA

February 8: Rally in Las Vegas, NV
                  Rally in Henderson, NV
                  Lincoln Day Dinner with Clarke County GOP

February 9: Rally in Winnemuca, NV
                  Rally in Battle Mountain, NV
                  Rally in Elko, NV

February 10: Rally in Boise, ID
                    Rally in Pocatello, ID
                    Lincoln Day Dinner with Idaho Republican Party

February 11: Rally/Fundraiser in Anchorage, AK
                   Lincoln Day Dinner with Alaska Republican Party

February 12: Lincoln Day Dinner with Texas Republican Party

February 13: Rally/Fundraiser in Sioux City, IA
                    Rally/Fundraiser in Council Bluffs, IA
                    Rally/Fundraiser in Omaha, NE

February 14: Rally in Presque Isle, ME
                   Rally in Houlton, ME

February 15: Rally/Fundraiser in Bar Harbor, ME
                    Rally/Fundraiser in Bangor, ME
                    Rally/Fundraiser in Waterville, ME

February 16: Rally in Augusta, ME
                    Rally in Lewiston, ME
                    Rally in Portland, ME

February 17: Rally/Fundraiser in Rochester, NH
                    Rally/Fundraiser in Dover, NH
                    Rally/Fundraiser in Portsmouth, NH
                    Rally/Fundraiser in Hampton, NH

February 18: Rally in Nashua, NH
                    Rally in Manchester, NH
                    Rally in Concord, NH

February 19: Rally/Fundraiser in Rutland, VT
                    Rally in Burlington, VT

February 20: Rally in Grand Forks, ND
                    Rally in Fargo, ND

February 21: Rally in Sioux Falls, SD
                    Rally in Fort Dodge, IA
                    Rally in Mason City, IA

February 22: Rally/Fundraiser in Waterloo, IA
                    Rally in Cedar Rapids, IA
                    Rally in Dubuque, IA
                    Rally in Davenport, IA

February 23: Rally in Iowa City, IA
                    Rally in Ottumwa, IA
                    Rally/Fundraiser in Des Moines, IA

February 24: Rally in Rochester, MN
                    Rally/Fundraiser in Minneapolis, MN
                    Rally in St. Paul, MN
                    Rally in Duluth, MN

February 25: Rally/Fundraiser in Henderson, NV
                    Rally/Fundraiser in Las Vegas, NV
                    Rally in Denver, CO

February 26: Rally/Fundraiser in Irvine, CA
                    Rally in San Diego, CA
                    Rally in Yuma, AZ

February 27: Rally in Medford, OR
                    Rally in Portland, OR
                    Rally in Olympia, WA

February 28: Rally in Reno, NV
                    Rally/Fundraiser in Houston, TX

 In total, Congressman Paul will stump across 18 states, including several early battlegrounds and delegate-rich states. His message will be taken directly to the people, and his campaign will be funded by ordinary Americans. With such an aggressive campaign schedule, Paul's campaign is sure to garner attention and early enthusiasm, which will carry him through to the nomination.

[John King wannabe]

Senator Feinstein endorses Senator Clinton!

Statement by Senator Feinstein

I have known Hillary for over 15 years now and I know she is prepared to be President on day one. She is a fighter for the people and I know she will be a great President. And I officially endorse her.

America needs a fighter as its President. I have worked with Hillary in the Senate for over 7 years and she has done an excellent job, I can't wait for January 20th, 2009 when Hillary officially takes the oath of office as our President!

I will actively campaign with Hillary in California and she will win the state! I am ready to stand for Hillary! It is our time!

Senator Clinton has said she is proud to gain the endorsement of the Senator and is ready to work with her to continue to improve the progress of the past 8 years.

[Evan H]

Pataki Schedule for 2nd Half of February

February 20th-24th Nevada Tour

February 20th
Arrive in Las Vegas
Tour the Strip
Talk to staff of the Excalibur Casino about expanding jobs
Eat at local bar

February 21st
Tour small businesses in Henderson
Scope out a tech expo in Paradise
Gamble at Caesars Palace and talk with fellow gamblers
Talk with staff at Caesars Palace

February 22nd
Have a roundtable discussion with the Culinary Union
Meet with the Active Republican Women of Nevada Group
Eat lunch with the Las Vegas Mayor
Take a roadtrip to rural Nevada while being interviewed by KTNV-TV
Eat dinner at Eddie D's in Nye Co.
Barnstorm in Nye County

February 23rd
Major rally in Reno
Tour small businesses in Reno
Tour Virgnia Street
Meet with the Reno City Council
Unveil the campaign office opening of the Reno office

February 24th
Meeting with leaders of the Reno+Sparks Chamber of Commerce
Meet and greet in Reno
Talk to Republican Campus leaders at Old Northwest-West University
Phonebank with supporters in the Reno office
Hold fundraiser in Reno

February 25th-28th Cedar Rapids Tour

February 25th
Fly to Cedar Rapids
Walk around downtown Cedar Rapids
TV interview with KCRG-TV9 anchor Ashley Hinson

Thank you for having me on. Tonight I want to stress how we need to cut taxes. Taxes can be an extreme burden to hardworking Americans. Under my economic plan I would slash Gores crazy taxes and reduce taxes by at least 20%, to alleviate the concern of high taxes. I also will fight against regressive taxes on items such as soda and fast food, as they are an unnecessary money grab.

February 26th
Listen to parents of fallen soldiers in Waterloo
Come back to Cedar Rapids for a town hall
Meet with NRA in Cedar Rapids
Dinner with Cedar Rapids business leaders

February 27th
Fundraiser in Cedar Rapids
Campaign with local republicans to make Iowas 1st CD Red
Visit a local teen center to talk with expanding recreational development for teen facilities

February 28th
Major rally in Cedar Rapids
Release official statement on supporting our troops
Meet with the Susan B. Anthony Pro-life group on a potential limitation on third trimester abortion
Fly to New Hampshire
Late night barnstorm in Washington New Hampshire
Drink with locals in Washington
Sleep in a Washington hotel

[McGovernite]

Hoekstra Backs Jindal in 08' Primary

Credit to The WikiMedia Commons

Statement to Reporters:

In this age of Far Left Government Takeovers across the country, the GOP needs a nominee that can actually win and restore Conservative Values. Bobby Jindal is the only person in this primary that has a g-damn chance of beating that crook in the White House. I'm proud to endorse him, and I hope Michigan does the same.

[atlas_epideli]

February Schedule | Lieberman 2008

Feb. 1 - Rally in Hartford, CT
Feb. 2 - Rally and Fundraiser in Manchester, NH
Feb. 4 - Meeting and Cook-Out with Local Fishermen in Maine
Feb. 5 - Rally and Meet N' Greet with Locals in Fairfield, CT
Feb. 7 - Southern BBQ & Town Hall with Folks in Richmond, VA
Feb. 8 - Rally and Fundraiser in Pensacola, FL & Rally in Opelika, AL
Feb. 9 - Town Hall and Meet N' Greet in St. Louis, MO

"Folks, we are in a battle for the soul of this country. We must continue on a path of progress and a path of helping America, one America at a time."

Feb. 11 - Flying Back to Connecticut
Feb. 15 - Flying to Georgia and Staying in a Local Hotel, Later Speaking to Locals
Feb. 16 - Rally in Chattanooga, TN - Speaking About Local Issues
Feb. 17 - Town Hall in Springfield, IL - Speaking About Urban Development
Feb. 18 - Trip from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA
Feb. 19 - Rally and Cook Out in Palm Springs, CA
Feb. 20 - Speaking to Local Businesses in Bakersfield, CA and Flying to Eureka to Have a Town Hall
Feb. 22 - Eating Lunch with Locals in Portland, OR -- Discussing Progress in Inner-Cities
Feb. 23 - Rally in Spokane, WA and Having Dinner with Locals at a Hall
Feb. 25 - Town Hall in Bismark, ND and Rally-Speech in Sioux City, SD
Feb. 26 - Rally, Town Hall, and Luncheon in Madison, WI
Feb. 27 - Flying Back to Connecticut
Lieberman in 2008 Key Points for Press
We are running on a campaign of unity and a coalition of all peoples of races, sexuality, religions,and much more. We can not just win off the backs of Democrats, but we must take some folks from the right to help us succeed in our fight.

[RogueThing]

BLANCHE LINCOLN MARCH SCHEDULE

March 1 -
Rally in Miami, Florida
Rally in Jacksonville, Florida

March 2 -
Town Hall in Columbia, South Carolina
Rally in Spartanburg, South Carolina

March 3 -
Rally in Greensboro, North Carolina
Rally in Richmond, Virginia
Rally in Norfolk, Virgnia

March 5 -
Rally in Cheyenne, Wyoming
Rally in Helena, Montana

March 6 -
Rally in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Rally in Carlsbad, New Mexico
Rally in Lubbock, Texas

March 7 -
Rally in Spokane, Washington
Rally in Boise, Idaho

March 8 -
Rally in Des Moines, Iowa
Eat at a Local Diner in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Rally in Independence, Missouri

March 13 -
Rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Rally in Lansing, Michigan

March 14 -
Rally in Detroit, Michigan
Rally in Kalamazoo, Michigan
Rally in Flint, Michigan
Dine with individuals in Flint, Michigan

March 15 -
Rally in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Rally in Traverse City, Michigan

March 18 -
Rally in Las Vegas, Nevada
Rally in Reno, Nevada

March 19 -
Rally in Carson City, Nevada
Dining in a local business in Carson City, Nevada
Rally in Henderson, Nevada

March 20 -
Rally in Mesquite, Nevada

March 22 -
Rally in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Rally in Key West, Florida

March 23 -
Town Hall in Dothan, Alabama
Rally in Mobile, Alabama
Rally in Biloxi, Mississippi

March 24 -
Rally in Apalachicola, Florida
Rally in Florida City, Florida

March 26 -
Rally in Augusta, Maine
Rally in Portland, Maine

March 27-31
Senator Lincoln will take time to go home and rest up for the rest of the campaign.

[John King wannabe]

Sen. Clinton asks Democrats to support eventual nominee

"I am here today to begin a pledge in which I certainly hope all of my fellow Democratic opponents sign onto, and that is we will support the Democratic Nominee for President of the United States and will not make a third-party run."

"It is vital that the Democratic Party show party unity this November, and we need to do everything we can to keep a Democrat in the White House, so I will be the first candidate to sign onto this pledge because it is vital we keep the Republicans from taking this country back."

"So I, Hillary Rodham Clinton am officially saying that I will pledge to support the Democratic Nominee for President in November and will do everything in my power so that they will become the next President of the United States"

"Thank you all so much"

[zoz]

REP. JONES ENDORSES RON PAUL FOR PRESIDENT

Following Ron Paul's presidential announcement, Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC) endorsed Paul.

"Ron is a man of character, determination, and smarts. He never backs down from a fight, no matter how big or powerful his opponents may be. I have had the opportunity to work with Ron many times in the House of Representatives, and I can attest firsthand to his commitment to the Constitution, small government, and responsible politics. There's no one who will do a finer job as president than Ron Paul."

[adamevans]

Ernie Fletcher: "We must preserve the sanctity of marriage."

Excerpt

"Marriage is fundamentally between a man and a woman. That's how it's been defined since marriage was created; it's the most fundamental institution of civilization. Yet it's being redefined by out-of-touch politicians and activist judges. The American Dream is built on the premise that any child can be born into a loving family with a mother and father, with the ability to succeed in a free society just as any other kid. That American Dream is being ripped apart right now by this re-definition of marriage, and the White House has looked the other way. The time is now more than ever for faith-loving patriotic Americans, just like during the Reagan Revolution, to stand up for the institution of marriage to preserve our kids, families and future. I'm proud to stand behind a federal Marriage amendment to protect this most basic institution of family values, one which defines marriage as between a man and a woman.

Not only is the sanctity of marriage a basic fundamental of society, it is routed in the principles of faith that we founded our nation upon in 1776 that our rights are endowed by God, not government, and ultimately, it is faith, all faiths, that declares marriage as one man and one woman. This is not about discrimination. It's about one of the most fundamental building blocks of American society. It's about ensuring every child is born into a loving family with a mother and father. It's about reversing the moral decay our society has witnessed over the past few decades. History has taught us that the commitment of a husband and a wife to love and to serve one another promotes the general welfare of children and the stability of society. Marriage cannot be cut off from it's cultural, religious and natural roots without weakening this good influence on society. Defining marriage as it's natural definition serves the interest of every American citizen, regardless of race, class, sex or nationality.

In our free society, decisions about such a fundamental social institution as marriage should be made by people, not by activist judges. Poll after poll suggests the American people support the sanctity of marriage, and overwhelming, bipartisan majorities, just a decade ago, passed the Defense of Marriage Act. Yet out-of-touch politicians and activist judges have made an assault on traditional marriage and it's sanctity despite the American people reflecting the opposite will. Since 2004, state courts in Washington, California, Maryland and New York have overturned laws protecting marriage in those states. This national question requires a national solution, and on an issue of such profound importance, that solution should be left to people, not courts. A constitutional amendment will accomplish exactly this by allowing people to protect the definition of marriage, as the American people have already reflected their support for in polls and at the ballot box.

President Al Gore has totally looked the other way at the moral decay of our society. He has allowed the military to be less about service and more about sexuality. He has appointed activist justices sympathetic to the redefining of marriage. The people of Kentucky fundamentally reject the notion that marriage is anything but one man and one woman, and the President's supreme court picks should not be allowed to undermine that. It's time to return to the values of Ronald Reagan and the Reagan Revolution, who once again reminded us that our rights come from God, not government. We must re-assemble the Reagan coalition for this very reason, because, as Reagan puts it, 'freedom is never one generation away from extinction.'"

With this speech, Ernie Fletcher is hoping to frame himself as a compassionate social conservative, but a firm one nevertheless. Though a marriage definition amendment is a polarizing topic, it is one that generally gets applause from the conservative crowd. Ernie Fletcher is aiming to define himself early on as a candidate of family values, tradition and preservation of the American way of life in a bid for religious and socially conservative voters, who make up broad swaths of the Republican electorate.

Ernie's Schedule

February 1 to February 8: Ernie Fletcher started his unofficial campaign making the rounds meeting with national religious leaders and activists, expressing his support for the right to life, the sanctity of marriage, and appointing constitutional conservative judges. He would define himself as a social conservative, strongly advocating for family values, and garnering support and fundraising for an expected Presidential run. Social conservatives were stressed as a "core building block" to building a "Reagan-like coalition" to "preserve family values, American tradition and our way of life."

February 9 to February 25: The Governor made his way back to Kentucky to continue the stump for his re-election, touting his accomplishments from balancing Kentucky's budgets to cutting taxes for everyone, along with making Kentucky one of the highest in the nation for job creation. He emphasized "moving Kentucky forward" as a key goal of his 2nd term, pledging to "build upon the economic success we've already made." Fletcher prepared the agenda for the next legislative session, including new tax cuts and right-to-work laws.

February 26 to February 29: After campaigning in his home state, Ernie Fletcher met with oil & gas workers across Michigan, stressing the need to protect and expand natural energy jobs. He lambasted Al Gore's environmental agenda as "job-killing" and "self-destructive," miring these policies at fault for energy dependence and stagnant economic growth. He called for a return to Reagan-era economic policies as a means to escape economic stagnation and boom the American economy; a return to the principle that "government is not the solution, government is the problem."

March 1 to March 2: Governor Fletcher arrived to CPAC on March 1 to begin preparation for the CPAC straw poll. He, and several allies, would meet with high profile members of various conservative political action groups to affirm his conservative views and principles and work to maximize performance in the straw poll. He would then deliver a speech to the conference on the second day, emphasizing the problems of the Gore administration and the necessity to reclaim American family values and tradition. He expressed his doubts with the growth of government, pointing to sixteen years of liberal economy policy as fault for the stagnant economy, calling for a re-ignition of the American economy with a return of conservative supply-side economic policy.

"My fellow conservatives and patriots, just thirty years ago, the Reagan Revolution proved that small government and family values are the most effective ways to build moral societies and a strong economy. Yet over these past sixteen years, we have seen the rejection of those successful policies; we've witnessed big government and social liberalism tear apart the basic fundamentals of our society and stagnate economic growth. Now, more than ever, we must build a conservative coalition to take back our country and the White House.

(full speech out soon)

March 3 to March 12: Fletcher made his way down to South Carolina, meeting with the state's local Chamber of Commerce to discuss economic policy, ranging from tax reform to spending cuts, as well as a plethora of other fiscal policy. He also met with the state's Right to Life Committee chapter, pledging to be a unwavering defender of the right to life. Delivering a speech to a crowd of socially conservative activists, he branded himself as a committed conservative with a passion for traditional values and discussed the need for a "national movement" to undo the work of "out-of-touch politicians, activist judges and President Al Gore." Across the state, he'd meet with various conservative interest groups to pitch this message.

March 13 to March 20: Returned to Kentucky to campaign and resume governor duties. Similar to Feb. 9-25.

March 21: Ernie Fletcher met with Sen. Lindsey Graham to discuss various issues, including a potential endorsement.

March 22 to March 25: Governor Fletcher would carry out a media tour in these days with various conservative news platforms. In an interview with Sean Hannity, he would emphasize as someone "deeply concerned with the way President Al Gore has run things," criticizing him as someone who has "encouraged the re-definition of marriage" and "stagnated economic growth." He articulated that this disappointment in the President's performance "brought him into the question of running for President." He emphasized his belief the need to "fundamentally re-align our politics around family, faith and freedom."

March 26 to March 31: Following his media tour, Ernie Fletcher made his way to Iowa to meet with local agriculture interest groups, where he affirmed his support to repeal intrusive government regulations and taxes affecting the agricultural economy. He pitched the need for repealing regulations regarding ethanol and unleashing the power of the 'alternative energy sources' to strengthen the agricultural market. He called to reverse the past sixteen years of 'job-stifling government intrusion' into the agriculture market.  

Campaign Strategy:
- Brand Ernie Fletcher as the candidate of social conservatism
- Tout conservative record as Governor, successful job growth record
- Tie Fletcher to "Reaganism," stress need to rebuild Reagan coalition
- Stress tax cuts & regulation cuts to alleviate economic stagnation

[raymundoflx]

Lee for America

February - March Schedule

Campaign Key Issues in South Carolina

- Criminal Justice Reform: Ban private prisons, make prison phone calls and other inmate communications free, and audit prison commissaries for price gouging and fees. End the cash bail system and mandatory minimum sentencing. Invest in successful crime prevention, including proven initiatives that get youth and nonviolent offenders back on track. We will increase funding to domestic violence and sexual assault prevention programs. We will strengthen sexual assault and domestic violence laws, support the Violence Against Women Act, and provide job security to survivors.
- Primary Education Reform: Follow the lead of school districts and educators that have pioneered innovative ways to increase teacher pay. Make an unprecedented national investment to provide teachers with better pay and better support to improve their skills, and their students' learning. Reward effective teachers who teach in underserved areas, take on added responsibilities like mentoring new teachers, or consistently excel in the classroom. Address the dropout crisis by investing in intervention strategies in middle schools and high schools and invest in after-school programs, summer school, alternative education programs, and youth jobs. Establish commissions to improve failing public schools predominantly in communities of color and increase funding.
- Higher Education Reform: Make college affordable for all Americans by creating a new tax credit to ensure that the first $4,000 of a college education is completely free for most Americans. Continue to support programs, especially the Pell Grant program, that open the doors of college opportunity to low-income Americans. Enable families to apply for financial aid simply by checking a box on their tax form. Invest in short-term accelerated training and technical certifications for the unemployed and under-employed to speed their transition to careers in high-demand occupations and emerging industries. Strengthen our federal student loan programs and demand all student loans come directly from the federal government.
- Veteran Reform: Ensure that every veteran has access to quality health care for injuries both physical and mental, and require that health professionals screen all servicemembers upon their return from combat. Aggressively address Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury. Ensure that every veteran receives the benefits he or she has earned and the assistance he or she needs by making the disability benefits process more fair, efficient, and equitable. Dramatically reduce the backlog of disability claims. Combat homelessness, unemployment, and underemployment among veterans and improve the transition for servicemen between the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.

Campaign Key Issues in Michigan

- Criminal Justice Reform: Ban private prisons, make prison phone calls and other inmate communications free, and audit prison commissaries for price gouging and fees. End the cash bail system and mandatory minimum sentencing. Invest in successful crime prevention, including proven initiatives that get youth and nonviolent offenders back on track. We will increase funding to domestic violence and sexual assault prevention programs. We will strengthen sexual assault and domestic violence laws, support the Violence Against Women Act, and provide job security to survivors.
- Tax Reform: Shut down "special interest loopholes and tax shelters" and use the money to provide an immediate middle-class tax cut as well as raise taxes on the wealthiest of Americans. Expand the Earned Income Tax Credit
- Jobs: End tax breaks for companies that ship American jobs overseas and provide incentives for companies that keep and maintain good jobs in the United States. Invest in advanced energy technologies and create millions of new, good “green” American jobs
- Financial Regulation: Create agencies to protect consumers and monitor the U.S. economy and new revelations on mortgage lending, credit cards, proprietary trading, derivatives, hedge funds and executive pay.

Campaign Key Issues in California

- Criminal Justice Reform: Ban private prisons, make prison phone calls and other inmate communications free, and audit prison commissaries for price gouging and fees. End the cash bail system and mandatory minimum sentencing. Invest in successful crime prevention, including proven initiatives that get youth and nonviolent offenders back on track. We will increase funding to domestic violence and sexual assault prevention programs. We will strengthen sexual assault and domestic violence laws, support the Violence Against Women Act, and provide job security to survivors.
- Healthcare Reform: Provide Massive Healthcare Reform via Universal Healthcare. Repeal the prohibition on negotiating prescription drug prices, ban drug companies from paying generic producers to refrain from entering drug markets, and eliminate drug company interference with generic competition
- Primary Education Reform: Follow the lead of school districts and educators that have pioneered innovative ways to increase teacher pay. Make an unprecedented national investment to provide teachers with better pay and better support to improve their skills, and their students' learning. Reward effective teachers who teach in underserved areas, take on added responsibilities like mentoring new teachers, or consistently excel in the classroom. Address the dropout crisis by investing in intervention strategies in middle schools and high schools and invest in after-school programs, summer school, alternative education programs, and youth jobs. Establish commissions to improve failing public schools predominantly in communities of color and increase funding.
- Higher Education Reform: Make college affordable for all Americans by creating a new tax credit to ensure that the first $4,000 of a college education is completely free for most Americans. Continue to support programs, especially the Pell Grant program, that open the doors of college opportunity to low-income Americans. Enable families to apply for financial aid simply by checking a box on their tax form. Invest in short-term accelerated training and technical certifications for the unemployed and under-employed to speed their transition to careers in high-demand occupations and emerging industries. Strengthen our federal student loan programs and demand all student loans come directly from the federal government.
- Housing Reform: Work to reform bankruptcy laws to restore balance between lender and homeowner rights. Support the development and preservation of affordable housing in mixed-income neighborhoods throughout the country, restore cuts to public housing operating subsidies, and fully fund the Community Development Block Grant program.
- Reform and Increase the Minimum Wage

South Carolina

February 1st-15th

February 1st-6th: Begin ‘Equality and Justice’ Bus Tour in Charleston, South Carolina. Meet with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and discuss potential endorsement & campaign key issues. Hold multiple town halls highlighting our plans to reform our criminal justice system and take bold actions to ensure African-Americans are being heard and treated equally.

NAACP Endorsement Statement:

“I was incredibly lucky to meet my mentor and lifelong friend, Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, when I was a college student. Working on her presidential campaign showed me the power of unbought and unbossed women of color to change our country and it is in her memory that I was so grateful to announce my candidacy for President and finally attempt to achieve what Congresswoman Chisholm couldn’t do, elect our first black President. One of the cores of our campaign is to address the issues that disproportionately affect black Americans and present key initiatives that will ensure our criminal justice system is truly just. Our campaign is bold in our approach to achieve equality of rights and remove all barriers of racial discrimination, whether it be protecting every single colored persons’ right to vote or ensuring our kids in communities of color have just as fair an opportunity to succeed in school and attain a quality good paying job, I’m glad to have the support of the NAACP in this fight to ensure we bring these essential issues to the front of this primary."

February 7th-15th: Continue the ‘Equality and Justice Bus Tour’ through Myrtle Beach, Columbia, and other cities in South Carolina. Meet community leaders and attend church services, emphasize our plans to invest in the futures of our children and assist in voter registration drives. Open campaign office and discuss with civil rights organizations, ways to get out the African-American vote.

Michigan

February 16th-28th

February 16th-21st: Meet with Detroit activists and community leaders to address racial inequities in the city. Present our plan to ensure automobile companies invest in the city and create good paying jobs. Hold multiple town halls and unveil our plan for tax reform which includes raising taxes on the wealthiest Americans to ensure blue collar middle-class families receive the financial relief they desperately need.
February 22nd: Discuss the need for better relations between communities of color and the police force, discuss our plan to end cash bail and invest in programs that have proven to successfully introduce non-violent offenders back into the community.
February 23rd-28th: Hold fundraisers with democratic candidates throughout Michigan and meet with state party leaders to discuss our plans to fight core racial discriminatory issues. Hold interviews with local radio stations, promoting our plans to eliminate poverty in the United States.

Statement on American Poverty

“Today, millions of our fellow Americans are living in poverty. In the world’s richest and most powerful nation, that’s simply unacceptable. Ending this is personal for me, during a very difficult period of my life I was a young single mother, receiving public assistance while attending college and raising my two sons. I know how hard it is to try and make sure that you and your children have food on the table while at the same time trying to improve yourself not only for you but for the sake of your family. That’s why I have fought to protect bridges over troubled water for struggling families so everyone has the opportunity to live the American dream. I’ve led and will continue to lead the fight to preserve and expand critical safety net programs like unemployment insurance, housing assistance, child care, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Ending poverty in the world’s rich and most powerful nation is a moral and economic imperative. It’s time we truly champion poverty eradication efforts and that’s one of the reasons I entered the race, to push for real solutions to problems facing real Americans. “

California

March 1st-12th

March 1st-6th: Give speeches to civil organizations across the state of California as well as hold fundraisers with key racial leaders. Meet with state party leaders and activists to discuss potential endorsements and open our California campaign headquarters in the home city of Oakland. Introduce our plan to tackle the housing crisis specifically in urbanized cities such as San Francisco, San Jose, and Los Angeles, promise to invest in residences in communities of color and increase funding for public housing as well as key coordination between the national government and local governments in how to properly reduce the amount of homeless and to assist them in building a sustainable life to ensure they don’t return to the streets.
March 7th-12th: Hold multiple town halls and interviews outlining our plan to increase healthcare coverage to every single American all the while ensuring the richest Americans pay their fair share.

Statement on Universal Healthcare

“Today, millions of Americans still don’t have health insurance and even more are underinsured. Even for those with insurance, costs are so high that medical bills are the number one cause of bankruptcy in the United States. Incredibly, we spend significantly more of our national GDP on this inadequate health care system—far more per person than any other major country. And despite doing so, Americans have worse health outcomes and a higher infant mortality rate than countries that spend much less on health care. Our people deserve better. We should be spending money on doctors, nurses, mental health specialists, dentists, and other professionals who provide services to people and improve their lives. We must invest in the development of new drugs and technologies that cure disease and alleviate pain—not wasting hundreds of billions of dollars a year on profiteering, huge executive compensation packages, and outrageous administrative costs. Affordable, accessible, high-quality healthcare is a fundamental human right., access to preventative or life-saving health care should never depend on how deep your pockets are.”

South Carolina

March 13th-21st

March 13th-17th: Hold rallies in Columbia, Charleston, Clemson, and Spartanburg as well as meet with Civil Rights Activists in the state and attempt to recruit them as surrogates. Meet with Representative Jim Clyburn and pitch core campaign ideals/agenda in attempt to secure endorsement. Discuss our plan for veterans which includes ensuring they receive the promised financial compensation they were promised and aggressively tackle PTSD and other common mental health disorders Americans face once they return from war.
March 18th-21st: Hold a televised town hall in Charleston hosted by the NAACP, dealing directly with issues related to the black community. Call out politicians for being present in communities of color for votes but failing to deliver any real action on racial issues, reaffirm our commitment to solving the most pressing issues such as ending the inherently racist structure law officers have demonstrated.

Michigan

March 22nd-31st

March 22nd-March 26th: Strike in solidarity with workers who’ve lost their jobs to the relocation of factories, promise serious actions against companies who outsource such as an outsourcing tax and the ending of federal tax breaks to such companies. Unveil our plan to create millions of green jobs throughout the country by investing in infrastructure projects and undertaking projects that maximize our safety and security and ability to compete, which we will fund as we bring the war in Iraq to a responsible close. The plan additionally calls for the modernization of our power grid, which will help conservation and spur the development and distribution of clean energy, a national transportation policy, including high-speed rail and light rail, and investment in our bridges, roads, and public transportation. Promise to ensure every American has access to high speed broadband.
March 27th-31st: 4 day circuit of Detroit events, meet with city officials and open campaign office. Congresswoman Lee met with the National Organization and other female rights activist groups, Lee established her pro-choice stance on abortion and reaffirmed her commitment to funding key government programs assisting struggling families across the country.

Statement on Social Welfare Programs

“I’ve always supported a woman's right to choose a safe and legal abortion, regardless of ability to pay, and have always opposed any and all efforts to weaken or undermine that right. As a Congresswoman, I was one of the key supporters of access to comprehensive affordable family planning services and age-appropriate sex education which empowers people to make informed choices and live healthy lives all the while helping reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and thereby also reduce the need for abortions. My campaign is one that is bedrock solid in our dedication to a woman's decision to have a child by ensuring access to and availability of programs for pre- and post-natal health care, parenting skills, income support, and caring adoption programs. We need to ensure that the Republican Party doesn’t undermine our a woman's freedom to choose nor cut the valuable programs that are supporting struggling families across the country”

Campaign Messaging

- Establish Congresswoman Lee as a leader on Criminal Justice Reform.
- Position Congresswoman Lee as a new and visionary candidate with a bold agenda of tackling income inequality, women issues, racial issues, and fighting for economic justice.
- Highlight her Congressional experience in leading more than 100 members of Congress in crafting and advancing legislation to lift millions of American families out of poverty and into the middle class.

[John King wannabe]

Hillary's Vision on Gun Control

Senator Clinton has always been an advocate for safe and clear gun control in America, but we need to keep guns out of the hands of those who do not need to have a gun and not mentally stable to have a gun. In Hillary’s first 100 days as President, she will take action on Universal Gun Control nationwide.

Introducing Universal Background Checks when it comes to buying a gun, if you want to buy a gun you must make sure you do not have a past criminal record that is severe or any underlying mental health issues that may cause your owning of a gun to be dangerous.

Re-introduce the assault weapon ban which reduced crime drastically under the first Clinton Administration. We can do this by reintroducing the Brady Bill and banning average citizens from having military-like weapons in their homes.

Hillary also plans to take on the gun show loophole which allows people to simply buy a gun without running a certified background check but simply allowing them to buy a gun with whatever cash they have.

Hillary supports the 2nd Amendment but we all know that it is time to reintroduce some responsibility on our part as politicians to get the job done when it comes to quality gun control. Hillary has been fighting for many of these values for the past 20 years and will continue to do so in the White House.

[John King wannabe]

Hillary's Vision on Criminal Justice Reform

In any just society, citizens should and are expected to be treated fairly and as President, Hillary will get the job done on Criminal Justice Reform on day one. We need to change the system and end the broken policies of the 20th century and move forward to the 21st century.

Pardoning Non-Violent Drug Offenders

On day one of her presidency, Hillary will officially pardon all non-violent drug offenders from prison and work with the new Congress to pass a bill updating the ‘Controlled Substance Act’. This is a bi-partisan issue in which Hillary hopes will encourage Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike to come together for the greater good of this nation.

Ending Mass Incarceration

Hillary plans on delivering her promise of ending Mass Incarceration in her first 100 days. Our justice system has disproportionately targeted young black and Latino men and it must stop. Hillary plans on working with Congressional Leaders across the aisle to end mass incarceration because it is not a crime in America to be a person of color and it is time we stop making it seem that way.

Ending the Death Penalty

The death penalty is an inhumane degenerate form of punishment that should never be used in a modern-day prison system. It is also a flawed system completely as a person can be fully innocent of a crime yet still be on death row. Hillary fully intends on reforming our system in a way that puts a full end to the cruel practice of the death penalty.

Improving Prison Conditions

Although prison is not a place for leisure and kicking back your feet, we should not allow prisoners to be in a situation in which is nearly impossible to maintain sanity. People in prisons have reported being severely abused in a way that no-one wants to hear. People with medical conditions have been denied treatment in prisons and this is now how it should be. Hillary will work to raise the bar on prison standards and way of living to ensure no-one has to continue to suffer this treatment

Criminal Justice Reform is a touchy subject to many politicians but we need to act now if we ever want to see results, Hillary is dedicated to ensuring that we can provide Criminal Justice Reform to every person currently serving under federal and state prison programs.

[zoz]

RON PAUL BLASTS CLINTON, LEE ON POLICY

Today, Ron Paul for President sent the following message in a fundraising email to supporters:

"Folks, in this election we are going up against powerful forces who want to drastically alter the notion of what it means to be an American. People like Hillary Clinton and Barbara Lee of California are proposing dangerous policy plans that will strip away our 2nd Amendment liberties, exert more government control over our healthcare choices, and continue to keep millions of people trapped in poverty due to the welfare system. Even in our own party we have people pushing for larger centralized government. We have already had 16 straight years of failed policy under Clinton and Gore. America needs a new vision, a new philosophy, a new way. Ron Paul is the candidate to fix America, but he can't do it alone. Donate today to Ron Paul for President, and together we can stop this dangerous lurch to the left and away from liberty."

The Paul campaign is relying on an enormous and ever-expanding mailing list to raise the bulk of their campaign funds, as well as experimenting with Internet advertisements to fundraise. Grass-roots activism is core to the Paul campaign, and Ron Paul himself is aggressively raising cash on the campaign trail as well.

[McGovernite]

Bobby Jindal Campaign Speech Excerpt

Credit to Flickr for the Photo

Columbus, Georgia

Georgia, you are apart of the birthplace of the American Conservative Movement. We as Southerners know that we need our guns, we need our trucks, and we need the Government out of our business. We need a Strong Conservative in Washington D.C. to clean up this mess, this swamp that has been there for too long. I'm a Governor, I know what our states and our cities need. I am going to go to Washington, and take a wrecking ball to the corrupt, establishment way of life, and finally fight for our citizens.

Did you hear today Hillary Clinton released her Criminal Justice Plan? Well folks, let me tell you, it isn't pretty. She wants to release all non-violent criminals from prison. Are you kidding me? These people have taken drugs, stolen, vandalized, and a bunch of horrible crimes. This woman wants to let them all out of prison, and let them roam the streets. America won't stand for it. We simply will not stand idly by while Washington releases people with a Criminal Record onto our streets. I am running for President to stop this madness, and restore Law and Order in our country. Let's get it done.

[John King wannabe]

Hillary Clinton responds to attacks from GOP

Excerpt from Senator Clinton's Concord, NH Rally

It is so great to be back here in Concord where we will provide Solutions for America! And I am absolutely honored to be here with this warm group of American patriots alike.

I am sure you all saw the comments made by Governor Jindal and Congressman Paul attacking my Criminal Justice Plan. Now I don't have much to say on the topic except read the facts! Everything I am saying is true! We need to bring bold clear criminal justice reform to the United States and the GOP has neglected to take action!

So I say bring it on! I am running a race based on the issues and I am not afraid to stand up for what I believe in!

[McGovernite]

Rep. Cubin Backs Jindal

Credit to the Casper Star-Tribune

Press Statement

I was elected to serve Wyoming in Washington, and let me tell you, it's bad. The swamp is everywhere, they're pushing their far left agenda that is destroying our country, our businesses, and our families. I went to Washington to clean things up, but we need someone in the White House that actually cares about ending Government Bureaucracy. Al Gore doesn't care about that. Hillary Clinton doesn't care about that. Barbara Lee doesn't care about that. They're all far left lunatics with no plans. I'm endorsing Bobby Jindal for President today because he's going to end the deadlock in Washington.

[KaiserDave]

Defense.gov/Public Domain

In Early States, Montana Governor Pushes Back on Gun Control

While national Democrats have always pushed for federal gun control, including bans on assault weapons, bans on high capacity magazines, opposition to open carry, and even handgun bans, Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer thinks differently. He's running for President on a populist, progressive platform but he's gone against the grain on gun control. He's spoken to the National Rifle Association, and said that he "supports the 2nd Amendment entirely as a fundamental right of American citizenship." He's often spoke about his love of hunting and his support of gun owners. In rural Iowa and New Hampshire, where even Democrats are often armed and many are NRA members, Brian has been sure to discuss this issue. He said at one Iowa roundtable that, "responsible, law abiding gun owners should not have their rights violated by an overbearing federal government." At an NRA meeting he said, "a DHS registry of firearms is a dangerous dangerous thing." In New Hampshire he pushed back on Senator Clinton's plan on reimplementing the Assault Weapons Ban. He said, "I oppose it because it violates the rights of individuals who follow the law every day and are responsible gun owners." However, he made sure to state his total support for background checks. He said in Iowa that, "no criminal, ill, or otherwise dangerous individual should ever get their hands on firearms, handgun, rifle, anything." His website includes a strong support for the NICS and he's constantly stated his support for background checks. He noted in Iowa, "if we get all these prisoners back on the streets with hard drug histories, you can bet we're gonna need an operating background check system."

[zoz]

RON PAUL FOR PRESIDENT RELEASES FIRST CAMPAIGN AD
Today the Ron Paul for President team released their first campaign ad of the election:

"I'm Ron Paul. For years, I fought in the halls of Congress to get intrusive government out of your life and to preserve your Constitutional rights."



"But now, I'm taking the fight to the next level. I'm running for president to bring back the values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness to America."



"This campaign is powered by people, real people who are sickened and tired by what is going on in Washington. I answer to no one but you."



"Unlike some of these other politicians running, I'm not going to tell you that you can't exercise your right to bear arms, or tell you what healthcare you can and can't buy. I'm not going to rack up an unbelievably large debt. I'm going to work so that you are in control of your own life, not Washington."



"America: It's time to take our country back. Join the revolution."







"I'm Ron Paul, I approve this message. Let's get to work."




The Ron Paul for President campaign will be airing this ad on television, radio, and limited internet experimentation in select media markets in the following states. Ron Paul's support and enthusiasm continues to grow, and this ad will only help to bring his patriotic message to more and more Americans.