STRATEGY FOR A STRONGER AMERICA: THE ROMNEY AGENDA FOR TOMORROW

"No one votes for yesterday. We vote for tomorrow. Elections are about the future – our future, our families' future, our nation's future." – Governor Romney

In The Past Year, Governor Romney Has Outlined His Vision For Building A Stronger America And A Brighter Future For Generations To Come. The future is now and the only by changing Washington will we be able to solve the great challenges confronting our country today. Washington is broken and unable to meet the challenges ahead. Governor Romney has proposed a Strategy for a Stronger America that will strengthen our economy, our military and our families.

TO DO: Make America Safer:

Governor Romney Will Strengthen Our Military. Across America, there are thousands of families with members in the Armed Forces, Reserves and National Guard who need more support from Washington. To make America safer, Governor Romney will:

Add At Least 100,000 More Troops To Our Armed Forces.

Commit At Least 4% Of Our Gross Domestic Product To Defense. This will help provide the resources needed for equipment, modernization, training and care for our wounded soldiers.

Ensuring Funds Are Used To Support Our Forces By Eliminating Waste And Washington Pork. Governor Romney will bring together a team of private-sector and defense experts to carry out a stem-to-stern review of military purchasing.

Establish A Special Partnership Force (SPF) To Harness All Elements Of Our National Power In Contested Areas To Defeat Jihadists. The SPF will integrate all elements of national power under a new force with leadership drawn from our Army Special Forces trained to work with civilian governments and intelligence personnel to form a new capability to help defeat the Jihadists.

Create A Permanent Rapid Innovation Force To Ensure Our Troops In Harm's Way Have The Equipment And Technology They Need. The Rapid Innovation Force will rapidly deploy the equipment and innovative solutions our troops need for their success and protection.

Governor Romney Will Strengthen Our Alliances Around The World. America's strength is amplified when it is combined with the strength of other nations. We need to expand alliances such as NATO and efforts among the world's leading nations to face the new threat of radical Jihad and increase our homeland security. To make America safer, Governor Romney will:

Launch A New Type Of Marshall Plan Unifying Non-Military Sources Of Power To Support Moderate Muslims. As President, Governor Romney will call together our Middle East allies and the major nations of the developed world to establish a Partnership for Prosperity and Progress. This Partnership will assemble the resources of all developed nations to assure that threatened Islamic states have public schools, micro-credit and banking, the rule of law, human rights, basic health care, and competitive economic policies.

Build A Global Network Against Terror And Transnational Threats To Link Intelligence From Around The World. The Global Network will link intelligence and law enforcement capabilities around the world to share data about border crossings, biometric indicators, passport fraud, nuclear and biological threats, criminal patterns, human trafficking and drug trafficking.

Governor Romney Will Strengthen Our Intelligence Community. Today, protecting the homeland must begin far from home. Intelligence and law enforcement efforts able to address threats before they reach our shores must be a priority for U.S. and international action. To make America safer, Governor Romney will:

Strengthen Our Intelligence Communities By Eliminating Bureaucracy And Moving Resources To The Field. We need to eliminate duplicative efforts, revitalize recruitment and prioritize efforts in the field, expanding human intelligence.
Maintain The Patriot Act. The Patriot Act has given our men and women in the law enforcement and intelligence communities the tools they need to defend America.
Listen When Terrorists Call Into The United States. Our most basic civil liberty is the right to be kept alive and Governor Romney will use every tool at our disposal to keep America safe.

TO DO: End Illegal Immigration:

Governor Romney Will Enforce Our Laws And Reform Our Immigration System. America's immigration system is broken, but for too long all our leaders in Washington have done is talk about ending illegal immigration. Governor Romney believes we must enforce and reform our immigration laws so that we can end illegal immigration. To end illegal immigraiton, Governor Romney will:

Secure The Border. Governor Romney will follow through on the Congressional commitment to build a physical and technological fence along the southern border, and secure other points of entry throughout the country.

Implement A Mandatory And Enforceable Employment Verification System. Governor Romney will issue a biometrically-enabled and tamper-proof card to non-citizens and create a national database so employers can easily verify the legal status of non-citizens in this country.

Hold Employers Accountable. Governor Romney will make it easier for employers to verify legal status and work authorization of non-citizens through a federal database. Employers will be held accountable if they hire illegal immigrants with stiffer fines and penalties.

Reject Amnesty. Governor Romney opposes amnesty or any special path to citizenship for those here illegally.

End The Magnet Of "Sanctuary Cities." Governor Romney will cut back federal funding to cities that are "sanctuaries" for illegal immigrants.

Oppose Any Special Benefits For Illegal Immigrants. Governor Romney opposes giving driver's licenses or in-state tuition to those here illegally. He believes states should not provide those types of incentives. As President, he will cut back federal funding to states that do so.

Promote State And Local Partnerships With Federal Immigration Officials. More state and local authorities should work with the federal government to enforce immigration laws.

Improve Interior Enforcement. Governor Romney will provide additional resources to enforce existing immigration laws throughout the nation.

Teach English In Our Schools. Governor Romney believes we must teach English in our classrooms because to be successful you have to speak the language of America.
End Chain Migration. Governor Romney believes we should end the policy of chain migration that says if a child is born here to illegal immigrants then, by right, the entire family is brought in based upon that child's citizenship.

Encourage Legal Immigration. Governor Romney will streamline the visa system to recruit and retain skilled workers in high demand by U.S. companies. He will also welcome the best and the brightest from around the world to our universities.

TO DO: Reduce Taxes:

Governor Romney Will Lower Taxes On The American People. Lower taxes are the key to ensuring continued economic growth and job creation. However, our economy is threatened by looming tax hikes. To reduce taxes, Governor Romney will:

Make The Bush Tax Cuts Permanent. Making the Bush Tax Cuts permanent is the first step to ensuring that Americans are able to keep more of their hard-earned money.
Roll Back Tax Rates For All Americans. As President, Governor Romney will cut marginal tax rates across the board, allowing all Americans to save more money.
Make Middle Class Savings Tax Free. Governor Romney's plan will allow middle class Americans to save tax free by changing the tax rate on interest, capital gains and dividends to absolutely 0%.

Kill The Death Tax. It is unfair to tax Americans three times: once when they earn their money; second when they invest it and receive income from those investments; and third when they die.

Lower The Corporate Tax Rate. The United States has the second highest corporate tax rate in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. We cannot afford to have a tax rate that is out of alignment with the other major economies of the world.

Oppose Any Increase In Social Security Taxes. We can strengthen Social Security without resorting to higher Social Security taxes that will impact all Americans. Governor Romney will oppose any proposed increase in Social Security taxes.
Prevent The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) From Hurting More American Families. At the very least, Congress must pass a patch to the AMT that will prevent this tax from affecting more and more families in America.

TO DO: Cut Pork:

Governor Romney Will End Washington's Spending Binge. Americans are concerned about the overspending in Washington. Like the millions of families and businesses across the country, government should also live within a budget. To end Washington's spending binge, Governor Romney will:

Veto Appropriations Bills That Exceed Spending Targets. He will veto any non-defense appropriations bill that grows spending at a rate greater than inflation minus one percent (CPI-1%). This will save $300 billion over 10 years.
Give The President The Line-Item Veto Power Again. Restoring this power to the President would allow us to make tremendous strides in eliminating earmarks and cutting inefficient programs.

Lead An Effort To Review And Reevaluate All Federal Spending Programs. Governor Romney's administration will undertake an exhaustive review of each individual federal program to eliminate and consolidate programs that are no longer useful or are bureaucratic and unwieldy.

Give The Executive Branch The Authority To Spend Up To 25% Less Than Congress Appropriates. The amount of money Congress tells the President to spend should be a spending ceiling, not a final price tag.

Call On Congress To Re-Impose A Three-Fifths (60%) Supermajority Requirement To Raise Taxes. Making it even harder to attempt to increase taxes will help impose the fiscal discipline we need to stop overspending.

TO DO: Better Care For Veterans:

Governor Romney Will Improve Care For Our Veterans And Enhance Aid For Our Military Families. Washington is failing our veterans. Governor Romney believes we must do more to support our men and women in uniform, their families and those who have returned home after serving their country. To enhance care for our veterans and military families, Governor Romney will:

Ensure That The Value Of The Montgomery G.I. Bill Keeps Pace With Rising Educational Expenses. Governor Romney will call for a regular outside review of Montgomery G.I. Bill benefits to ensure that our veterans, active duty military, and their eligible spouses and dependents have the resources they need to pursue the opportunities they deserve.

Ensure Military Dependents Get Access To In-State Tuition At Public Colleges And Universities. Governor Romney will call on every state to extend in-state tuition benefits to military dependents whose parents are stationed there and, furthermore, to permit the continuation of the in-state tuition rate even if their parents are reassigned and forced to leave the state.

TO DO: Health Insurance For Everyone:

Governor Romney Has Proposed A Conservative Blueprint To Make Health Care More Affordable And Accessible. Governor Romney has outlined a comprehensive solution to America's health care ills that expands access to affordable, portable, quality, private health insurance. For too long, too many have talked about reforming health care. To make health care more affordable, Governor Romney will:

Establish Federal Incentives To Deregulate And Reform State Health Insurance Markets So Market Forces Can Work.

Redirect Federal Spending On "Free Care" To Help The Low-Income Uninsured Purchase Private Insurance.

Institute Health Savings Account (HSA) Enhancements And The Full Deductibility Of Qualified Medical Expenses.

Promote Innovation In Medicaid.

Implement Medical Liability Reform.

Bring Market Dynamics And Modern Technology To Health Care.

TO DO: End Dependence On Foreign Oil:

Governor Romney Will Work To Make America Energy Independent. Energy costs that put pressure on household finances are a major concern for families. Yet, for too long, Washington insiders have talked about making America energy independent. To end our dependence on foreign oil, Governor Romney will:

Make Energy Independence A Top Administration Priority. Because energy independence is crucial to our economy and national security, Governor Romney will make it a top administration priority to become energy independent.

Expand Investment In Research, Development, And Demonstration Projects. This investment will encourage the commercialization of alternative energy.

Increase Domestic Production, Including Renewable Sources, Biodiesel, Solar And Wind. Governor Romney will pursue our domestic sources of energy, drawing from our broad and diverse base of options, including opening ANWR.

Increase Focus On Energy Security. Governor Romney will shift federal priorities to emphasize issues of energy security, particularly at the Department of Energy.
Promote Nuclear Technology. Governor Romney will accelerate the construction of new nuclear power plants in order to ensure that nuclear power continues to be a part of a robust, cleaner and more reliable energy mix.

TO DO: Make Government Simpler, Smaller:

Governor Romney Will Cut The Size Of Government. Government in Washington has become duplicative, burdensome and inefficient. Our government is broken and can only be changed with someone from outside of Washington free of any special interest. To make government simpler and smaller, Governor Romney will:

Lead An Effort To Review And Reevaluate All Federal Spending Programs. Governor Romney's administration will undertake an exhaustive review of each individual federal program to eliminate and consolidate programs that are no longer useful or are bureaucratic and unwieldy.

TO DO: Grow The Economy And Keep Our Jobs:

Governor Romney Will Maintain America's Competitiveness In The Global Economy. Governor Romney will work to ensure that America's economy, businesses and workers have the tools they need to compete in this global economy. To grow the economy and keep our jobs, Governor Romney will:

Launch A "Reagan Zone Of Economic Freedom" Among Nations Committed To High Standards and Enforcement: Governor Romney will seek to bring together nations committed to open markets and playing by the rules in the largest ever Free Trade Area, and go beyond traditional trade to promote high standards in areas critical to U.S. competitiveness.

Conclude Existing Negotiations, Like The Doha Round, To Benefit America. The Doha Round and free trade agreements can be huge opportunities for America.

Expand Enforcement And New Frontiers Of U.S. Competitiveness. Governor Romney's vision for expanding trade includes stronger enforcement efforts, multilateral efforts to stop currency manipulation, action against intellectual property rights theft, negotiations to open markets for services, and building food, safety and other standards to protect Americans.

Give The President Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) To Open Markets For America.
Create Worker Empowerment And Training Accounts. These self-managed accounts will give workers the opportunity to take control of their own futures by getting the training and education they need to succeed in the new economy.

Streamline And Enhance Access To Worker Training And Educational Programs. Governor Romney will initiate an audit of all existing worker training and educational programs to ensure that workers are being helped most efficiently.

Provide Employers With Regulatory Relief. As President, Governor Romney will eliminate cumbersome and unnecessary regulations and bureaucracies that hinder economic growth.

Strengthen Our Education System. As President, Governor Romney will emphasize math and science education, while promoting innovative approaches such as charter schools and public-private partnerships.

Invest In Building And Repairing The Nation's Transportation Infrastructure.

TO DO: Fix Social Security:

Governor Romney Will Work To Fix Social Security. By 2050, total entitlement spending by the government will reach nearly 20% of America's GDP. This reality demands action now. Future generations can no longer afford inaction. To fix Social Security, Governor Romney will:

Work With Congress To Reform Social Security. In a forthright and bipartisan manner, Governor Romney will work with Congress to find a bipartisan way to reform Social Security while opposing higher Social Security taxes.

TO DO: Put People Ahead Of Selfish Interest:

Governor Romney Believes Officials In Washington Should Live Up To Higher Ethical Standards. Far too often, the American people have been forced to put up with the ethical problems of our nation's representatives in Washington. Those we elect should live up to a higher standard. To bring a higher standard to Washington, Governor Romney will:

Enact A New Ethics Law That Strips Those Who Violate The Public Trust Of Their Government Pensions. Any elected official or federal official who violates the public's trust should be stripped of the taxpayer funded pensions.

Prohibit Family Members Of Cabinet And Senior Staff Members From Lobbying The Executive Branch. As President, one of Governor Romney's first acts will be to issue an Executive Order prohibiting the immediate family of an Cabinet or Senior Staff member from lobbying the Executive Branch.

Obama under attack ahead of New Hampshire debates

NASHUA, New Hampshire (Reuters) - Barack Obama's bid to be America's first black president is under fire from Democrats and Republicans alike before political debates on Saturday to help voters pick who to vote for in New Hampshire's primary.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080105/pl_nm/usa_politics_dc

Edwards to Supporters

Dear Friend,

We're in the race of our lives -- and I'm asking for your help. We've got incredible momentum coming out of our powerful second-place showing in Iowa. We've been outspent 5-to-1 but John is staying strong because people know he's the fighter who will bring about the change we need. The two celebrity candidates who've raised $200 million are getting ready to throw everything they've got at John. They're going to try and drown out John's message of fighting for change and ending the corporate greed that has taken over our government.That's why I need you to make a contribution now, so we can expand our message and outreach efforts in New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina. We need you now, more than ever.

Click here to make a contribution.

John's a fighter. And he's the one candidate who can carry a message of change to every corner of this country -- and win.But as John said in his speech last night, you're the ones who have created the tidal wave of change that is sweeping from Iowa to New Hampshire, to Nevada and South Carolina. History is being made, and you are a part of it. Please make a contribution now -- and then ask five friends to contribute.

Click here to make a contribution.

I'm asking you to spread the word. I need you to tell everyone you know that finally we have a candidate who has the backbone, who has the strength, who has the courage to stand up for the middle class, and who is willing to stand up to corporate greed.That candidate is John Edwards -- and he's fighting for all of us.

Thanks for all you do.
--Joe Trippi Senior Advisor,
John Edwards for President
January 4, 2008

Bill Richardson Speaks with Pakistani Opposition Leader Regarding Crisis in Pakistan

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif called New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson earlier today and thanked him for supporting immediate democracy in Pakistan.
Prime Minister Sharif and Governor Richardson discussed the modalities of an immediate transition to democracy in Pakistan and the steps necessary to guarantee free and fair elections.
"I think our national security is enhanced, not threatened, when we are true to our principles as Americans," Richardson said. "We supported the Shah of Iran until the bitter end and now our greatest national security threat is Iran. We supported the apartheid regime in South Africa, greatly harming our interests in the entire third world. And we supported numerous dictatorships in South America, making us pariahs in our own Hemisphere.

"You need a long-term strategic vision to protect our national security, not more foreign policy myopia."

Kucinich Files Complaint on ABC Debate

Kucinich Files Complaint on ABC Debate - Added 15 minutes ago
Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich filed a complaint with the FCC on Friday after ABC News excluded him, fellow Democrat Mike Gravel and Republican Duncan Hunter from its prime-time debates on Saturday. ...

Iowa GOP refuses to report Keyes votes

The Iowa Republican Party has neither counted nor reported the number of votes for Alan Keyes in the GOP caucuses held Jan. 3.

"We didn't have the electronic means to record the tallies for Keyes, so we can't yet report to the public how many votes Keyes got," said John Lund at the Iowa GOP headquarters in Des Moines. "We can't report the Keyes votes until we've double-checked each individual paper ballot."

Meanwhile, the Iowa GOP widely reported the vote tallies of all other candidates, including Tom Tancredo, who got 5 votes despite having quit the race.

"I personally traveled with Alan Keyes across Iowa, and we met scores of Keyes voters. It's totally unfair these citizens' votes are now being withheld from the public," said Chaplain Gordon James Klingenschmitt. "This is tantamount to election fraud."

"I voted for Alan Keyes," said Siena Hoefling of Calhoun County. "It's ridiculous they didn't report my vote. Each precinct could have easily called or emailed the vote tallies to headquarters, so they should have been counted by now."

"County election officials showed me a ballot list of 'suggested' candidates, but Alan Keyes' name wasn't on the list," said Hoefling. "When I asked them if they would include Alan's name, they said they'd have to write it in."

One election official apologized to Hoefling that Keyes' name was omitted, saying "these are just the names we were given by [Iowa GOP] headquarters."

Duaine Bollwitt of Monticello said, "Alan Keyes was not on the list of Republican Presidential candidates. My vote for Alan Keyes was treated as a write-in. I thought that was odd, but what do I know."

"A presidential preference poll reporting procedure was given to me, explaining how to report the votes to headquarters," said Michael Walsh, a precinct permanent secretary for Windsor Heights. "When we called in the vote tallies by telephone, an electronic voice asked for the number of votes, candidate-by-candidate."

Whether the electronic voice prompt collecting the votes offered Alan Keyes as a choice is unclear.

Tom Youngwirth, recorder for his Windsor Heights precinct, said, "Now that I think of it, I didn't hear Alan Keyes' name on the voice prompt. But John McCain's name was on the voice prompt."

"I know for sure we reported votes for Alan Keyes to headquarters," said Ron Granzow, precinct chair for Windsor Heights. "I don't know why they wouldn't report his votes to the public."

"This resembles a 'communist-style' approach to electoral politics," said Stephen Stone, chairman of Alan Keyes for President. "In the former Soviet Union, political officials limited voters' choices in a way that created merely the illusion of democracy, without the reality. Any undue interference with free and open elections, of the sort we think we just witnessed, is un-American."

Added Stone, "Alan Keyes has been an announced candidate for president since Sept. 14. Yet the state GOP chose to exclude him from the caucus process, claiming he 'announced too late' to be included, so that his name was not even mentioned on official lists of candidates or in reporting instructions. This disenfranchises Iowa voters."

Fred Thompson Delivers Address Following Iowa Caucuses

"Were going to have a ticket to the next dance... The fight goes on, my friends."

Des Moines, IA - Tonight, Fred Thompson addressed supporters following the Iowa Caucuses at 10:45 p.m. CST tonight. Listen to his address at the following link:
http://fredfile.fred08.com/blog/2008/audio-ticket-to-the-next-dance/

Bill Richardson Makes Final Four

New Mexico Governor and Democratic Presidential candidate Bill Richardson finished in fourth place in today's Iowa caucuses, moving his campaign forward to the New Hampshire primary on January 8th.

"We made it to the final four," Richardson said. "My staff and volunteers worked their hearts out to get us here. Now we are going to take the fight to New Hampshire."

Richardson received 7 % of the vote in entrance polls. After watching the results at a rally in Des Moines, he boarded a plane for New Hampshire.

"It has been an honor to meet with Iowans and be a part of this extraordinary process," Richardson said. "I am the one candidate who has said we must end this war by getting all our troops out of Iraq. We cannot truly change this country until we end this war- and we can only do that by getting every US troop out. Americans who want to get us out of Iraq aren't giving up and neither am I. We cannot end the division in this country until we are out of Iraq and we cannot focus on fixing our problems at home and our image abroad until our troops are out of Iraq. We cannot wait until 2013 or longer."

"Thank you, Iowa. Now we go on to New Hampshire."

Statement from Patti Solis Doyle, Clinton Campaign Manager

Congratulations to Senator Obama and his campaign on their victory tonight. It’s been a hard fought race here in Iowa for the last year and all eyes now turn to New Hampshire.

Hillary is going to continue making the case that in these serious times when America faces big challenges, it will take a leader with the strength and experience to deliver real change.

This race begins tonight and ends when Democrats throughout America have their say. Our campaign was built for a marathon and we have the resources to run a national race in the weeks ahead.

Fred Thompson to Supporters

It's been a long day in Iowa and our supporters were terrific! A special thank you to all of our volunteers in the state and those who phoned for Fred from your homes.

Soon Fred will be heading to New Hampshire, ready to bring his consistent conservative message to voters in the Granite State for two weekend debates before loading the bus back up and heading down to South Carolina.

Fred is working hard! His 50 stop bus tour through Iowa allowed him to take his message directly to the people, and they responded. He will continue working hard and talking about his vision for our country, meeting face to face with the folks who will cast the votes that will decide this election.

Fred's policy proposals and his stances on the issues that matter in this campaign remain the most consistent and impressive of all the candidates. He's got the wind at his back and is poised to make a serious move.

Your support has been vital to our success. Thank you for being a part of the team! Now is not the time to ease up, we need you now more than ever.

Fred is in this race to win. He is working hard. He needs your continued support. Thanks for all you have done.

On to victory!!

Sincerely,
William B. LacyCampaign Manager

Statement from Sen. Joe Biden:

(Des Moines, IA) January 3, 2008 – The Biden Campaign this evening released the following statement from Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. (D-DE):

“I am not going away. I’m returning to the Senate as the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and will continue to ensure that we protect the nation’s security and show our country that Democrats know how to keep America safe, keep our commitment to our troops and restore our country’s respect in the world.”

Note: Biden joins Chris Dodd in stepping out of the Presidential race.

Edwards to Supporters

It was a strong night for us - we finished second in Iowa, beating out the Clinton machine. Change won tonight - the status quo lost. But now the fight is on - and they're going to come after us, trying to drown out our message of change with their hundreds of millions of dollars. That's why I need you to make a contribution to my campaign today.

Click here to make a contribution.

What we saw in Iowa was two candidates who thought their money would make them inevitable. But what the Iowa caucus goers have shown us is that if you're willing to have a little backbone, to have the courage to speak for the middle class, to speak for those who have no voice, and if you're willing to stand up to corporate greed, then that message and the American people are unstoppable, no matter how much money is spent to prevent that message from getting out. That's why I need your support today, so those who believe in the status quo will not stop our message of change that this country so desperately needs.

Click here to make a contribution.

I am so proud of this cause - and so grateful for your support. It is your support that has sustained Elizabeth and me as we have campaigned across this country. You have created a tidal wave of change that will sweep from Iowa to New Hampshire, to Nevada and South Carolina. Continue to stand with me, so that when this wave of change is done, every one of us will be able to look our children in the eye and say, "We did for you what our parents did for us - we left America better for you than we found it."

Thank you for your support - the wave of change has begun.

Sincerely, John

What They Said About Joe Biden in ‘07

8 for ‘08
What They Said About Joe Biden in ‘07

Des Moines Register
Yepsen: Biden's vote for war funding a profile in courage
By DAVID YEPSEN
May 31, 2007

Delaware Sen. Joseph Biden is the only Democratic presidential candidate to have voted for the recent supplemental war-funding bill.

Creators Syndicated
He's Not Pre-Packaged
By MARK SHIELDS
June 23, 2007

Politicians - especially when they choose to duck a race for that next high office they have lusted after for years because they don't believe they can win it - regularly tell us that they "want to spend more time with (their) family." 2008 Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware is one politician who means it.

National Journal
Joe Biden, The Grown-Up In The Race
By JONATHAN RAUCH
September 28, 2007

Here's a fun puzzler for the whole family. The boxes to the right on this page contain quotations from two leading Democratic presidential contenders' plans for Iraq. One column excerpts a July speech in Iowa by Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York; the other, a September speech, also in Iowa, by Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois. See if you can tell which senator is which. (Answers at the end of this column.)


Boston Globe
Biden's gutsy proposal for Iraq
By Scot Lehigh
October 10, 2007

JOE BIDEN is baffled - and one can hardly blame him.

Cedar Rapids Gazette
Biden emerges as Dems’ foreign policy expert
By ROB BOSHART
November 24, 2007

DES MOINES — Six-term Delaware Sen. Joe Biden is aware he might not score the win in Iowa’s leadoff Democratic presidential caucuses in January, but he hopes to grab a much-coveted bounce.

Concord Monitor
Biden a smart guy who has lived his family values ; Tragedy didn't keep new senator from serving nation
By MIKE PRIDE
December 1, 2007

It was three minutes to show time at the Havenwood retirement community the other morning, and most of the chairs stood empty.


The Boston Herald
Op-Ed; '08 Comeback Kid should be Biden; Del. senator in dogged pursuit
By WAYNE WOODLIEF
December 6, 2007

Delaware Sen. Joe Biden, ever the realist, admits he must ``run one, two or three'' - or maybe a closely bunched fourth - in the Jan. 3 Iowa caucuses to stay in the Democratic presidential race.

Washington Post
A Crisis Intrudes On Iowa
By E. J. DIONNE JR.
December 28, 2007

DES MOINES -- The assassination of Benazir Bhutto came as a brutal reminder of the gravity of the decision Iowa's voters will be rendering in their caucuses next Thursday night.

Obama & Huckabee in Iowa

From one of our other blogs, sorry we weren't updating you on the Iowa caucus on this blog!

Fox News just declared Obama the winner on the Democratic side, earlier they called it for Huckabee on the Republican side.

9:10 p.m. Obama is moving slightly ahead but all three top tier are still pretty much neck and neck. Richardson follows.

8:55 p.m. With 33% of the vote in on the Republican side, they're already declaring Huckabee the winner.

8:50 p.m. Republicans: Huckabee is way out there with Romney, Thompson, McCain following in that order with 15% of the vote in Iowa in. It's pretty much a tie on the Democratic side between Clinton, Obama and Edwards.

9:27 p.m. No change on the Dem or Rep sides, 71% of Dem vote in, same 41% of Rep in.

9:19 p.m. Obama 35%, Edwards & Clinton 31% with 62% of the vote in.

9:15 p.m. Huckabee 31%, Romney 23%, Thompson 13%, McCain 12% Obama 35%, Edwards 32%, Clinton 31%, Richardson 2%

9:12 p.m. Huckabee is gaining momentum, widening the spread.

Chris Dodd Drops Out

Chris Dodd has dropped out of the Democratic Presidential race.

SOUTH CAROLINA SENATOR JAKE KNOTTS ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that South Carolina State Senator Jake Knotts has endorsed the John McCain for President of the United States.

"As a Vietnam veteran, John McCain is the only one I'd go to war with," said Senator Knotts. "He understands the dangers facing freedom at home and abroad. John McCain's life story can be summed up in one phrase; courageous leadership. I am proud to endorse this proven leader for president."

John McCain thanked Senator Knotts, stating, "Jake Knotts is a distinguished public servant who has served his community and his country in the United States Navy, as a law enforcement officer, as a state legislator, and as a leader in the Republican Party. I look forward to working closely with him over the next few weeks, and I am grateful to have his support."
Senator Knotts was born in West Columbia, SC. He is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigations Academy in Quantico, VA. He has represented District 23 in the South Carolina Senate since 2002.

Fred Thompson News Roundup

Tricksters Strike on Eve of Vote Washington Post - United States A Fred Thompson supporter reported receiving an anti-Thompson call that starts with a live operator saying, "Do you have a minute to listen to a taped ...

Local campaign donors favor Fred Thompson Clarksville Leaf Chronicle - Clarksville,TN,USA A review of local donations to the presidential candidates, however, reveals one clear preference among Clarksville donors — Republican Fred Thompson. ...

Thompson Campaign Fades in Iowa Wall Street Journal - USA By AMY SCHATZ DES MOINES, Iowa -- As a noncandidate, Fred Thompson could command the Tonight Show with Jay Leno to deliver his political message. ...

Fred Thompson (Republican)ic Wales - United Kingdom As a young lawyer taking part in the Watergate hearings, he uncovered President Nixon’s secret recording system that documented White House conversations. ...

Fred Thompson unfazed by Iowa predictions Fairview Observer - Fairview,TN,USA By BILL THEOBALD CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Fred Thompson entered the Republican presidential campaign later than any candidate. Initially, he campaigned at a ...

Thompson's Iowa push awaits payoff Daily News Journal (subscription) - Murfreesboro,TN,USA By BILL THEOBALD CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Fred Thompson entered the Republican presidential campaign later than any candidate. Initially, he campaigned at a ...

Ron Paul, Fred Thompson Lead Newsmax Poll NewsMax.com - West Palm Beach,FL,USA Pulling solid numbers behind Paul were Fred Thompson with 19% of the vote, and Mike Huckabee, a late rising star, with 16%. Newsmax poll respondents believe ...

Thompson presses conservative credentials on eve of caucusWaterloo Cedar Falls Courier - Waterloo,IA,USABy JENS MANUEL KROGSTAD, Courier Staff Writer WATERLOO --- Republican presidential hopeful Fred Thompson said he believes he can finish above rival John ...

Is Fred Thompson Losing Stigma Of Lazy Campaigner? TransWorldNews (press release) - Monroe,GA,USA Since his early lead as he entered the race for the Republican nomination for president, Fred Thompson has steadily fallen in the polls. ...

Thompson: "We decided to give Iowa voters a break today" Guardian Unlimited - UK Former Tennessee senator, actor and mummy Fred Thompson spent New Years Day watching football. He made one appearance, at a veterans home in Marshalltown, ...

Romney: SEN. MCCAIN: "GIVE THEM NOT ONLY SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS BUT… PROTECTIONS UNDER THE LAW"

Vote Allowed Illegals Who Were Granted Amnesty To Collect Benefits On Work They Did While In This Country Illegally

"The whole thrust of this legislation is to give them not only Social Security benefits but, as importantly, the protections under the law… That is why we are going through this process of letting them earn citizenship." – Sen. John McCain, 2006 (Sen. John McCain, Congressional Record, 5/18/06, p. S4745)

To read Sen. McCain's support of retroactive Social Security after amnesty, see the Congressional Record here: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getpage.cgi?dbname=2006_record&page=S4745&position=all

In His Own Word, Sen. McCain Arguing For Social Security Benefits For Illegals:
Sen. McCain: "The Whole Thrust Of This Legislation Is To Give Them Not Only Social Security Benefits…" SEN. MCCAIN: "Mr. President, very briefly, of course, they didn't expect to receive benefits they had to pay into the system because they were here illegally. The whole thrust of this legislation is to give them not only Social Security benefits but, as importantly, the protections under the law, as they now live in the shadows and are exploited and mistreated in many cases. Of course, they didn't expect to. That is why we are going through this process of letting them earn citizenship." (Sen. John McCain, Congressional Record, 5/18/06, p. S4745)

Sen. McCain: Stated His "Strong Opposition To The Ensign Amendment."
SEN. MCCAIN: "Mr. President, I rise in strong opposition to the Ensign amendment. Under current law, undocumented immigrants are ineligible for Social Security benefits which I think is entirely appropriate. But we all know that millions of undocumented immigrants pay Social Security and Medicare taxes for years and sometimes decades while they work to contribute to our economy." (Sen. John McCain, Congressional Record, 5/18/06, p. S4744)

Sen. McCain: Ensign Amendment Would "Undermine The Work" Of Illegal Workers. SEN. MCCAIN: "The Ensign amendment would undermine the work of these people by preventing lawfully present immigrant workers from claiming Social Security benefits that they earned before they were authorized to work in our country." (Sen. John McCain, Congressional Record, 5/18/06, p. S4744)

Sen. McCain: "If This Amendment Is Enacted, The Nest Egg That These Immigrants Have Worked Hard For Would Be Taken From Them And Their Families." (Sen. John McCain, Congressional Record, 5/18/06, p. S4744)

Sen. McCain: "It Is Fundamentally Unfair" To Disqualify The Taxes Paid By Illegal Immigrants.
SEN. MCCAIN: "It pains me to disagree with my good friend from Nevada on this matter, but I believe the amendment is wrong. It is fundamentally unfair to collect taxes from these workers and then disqualify the taxes paid once the workers achieve legal taxes." (Sen. John McCain, Congressional Record, 5/18/06, p. S4744)

Sen. McCain: Immigrants "Should Be Able To Depend" On Social Security Benefits They Accrued While Working Illegally.
SEN. MCCAIN: "I believe instead of supporting the amendment, we should stand for the principle that people who worked and paid into the Social Security system for years should be able to depend on their retirement income to which they contributed." (Sen. John McCain, Congressional Record, 5/18/06, p. S4744)

Sen. McCain Argued That It Would Cost The Government More If They Did Not Give Social Security Benefits To Immigrants Who Worked Illegally.

SEN. MCCAIN: "What about the fiscal consequences of the amendment? I submit that if Social Security is not available in the future for immigrants, that when they retire or become disabled, then State and local governments and potentially the Federal Government will be forced to absorb significant costs as the Federal Government has refused to provide services and supports paid for by tax dollars of millions of legal immigrants. This amendment would simply continue this trend." (Sen. John McCain, Congressional Record, 5/18/06, p. S4744)

Romney: A STRONG SUPPORTER OF THE MISSION IN IRAQ

"All Americans want U.S. troops to come home as soon as possible. But walking away now or dividing Iraq up into parts and walking away later would present grave risks to the United States and the world. Iran could seize the Shiite south, al Qaeda could dominate the Sunni west, and Kurdish nationalism could destabilize the border with Turkey. A regional conflict could ensue, perhaps even requiring the return of U.S. troops under far worse circumstances." – Governor Romney (Governor Mitt Romney, "Rising To A New Generation Of Global Challenges," Foreign Affairs, July/August 2007)

Governor Romney Has Always Been A Strong Supporter Of The Surge.
On The Same Day The President Announced The Surge Strategy, Governor Romney Stated That He Supported Additional Troops. "I agree with the President: Our strategy in Iraq must change. Our military mission, for the first time, must include securing the civilian population from violence and terror. It is impossible to defeat the insurgency without first providing security for the Iraqi people. Civilian security is the precondition for any political and economic reconstruction. In consultation with Generals, military experts and troops who have served on the ground in Iraq, I believe securing Iraqi civilians requires additional troops." (Romney For President, "Governor Mitt Romney On Iraq," Press Release, 1/10/07)

Governor Romney: "My view is that the troop surge is the right course for us now. I know we've made a lot of errors as a nation in managing the conflict over the last three or four years. But I think the troop surge is the right course." (Howie Carr Show, 8/2/07)

Governor Romney: "A number of mistakes have been made and those mistakes have contributed to some of the challenges we now face. … I’m glad we’re seeing a change in strategy. I’m glad we’re adding to the mission of our military the protection of the safety of citizens in and around Baghdad." (Adam Nagourney, "Romney: Clinton's Wrong About Bush," The New York Times, 1/29/07)

Governor Romney Believes America Must Remain Committed To The Mission In Iraq:
Governor Romney Believes That "Walking Away" From The Conflict In Iraq Would "Present Grave Risks" To The U.S. "All Americans want U.S. troops to come home as soon as possible. But walking away now or dividing Iraq up into parts and walking away later would present grave risks to the United States and the world. Iran could seize the Shiite south, al Qaeda could dominate the Sunni west, and Kurdish nationalism could destabilize the border with Turkey. A regional conflict could ensue, perhaps even requiring the return of U.S. troops under far worse circumstances." (Governor Mitt Romney, "Rising To A New Generation Of Global Challenges," Foreign Affairs, July/August 2007)

Governor Romney: "Well, a President Romney is not going to set a specific timeline that would suggest that we don`t care whether al Qaeda is playing a major role in that country or not. It is critically important to America and the world that al Qaeda not have a safe haven in the nation of Iraq. And, so, to set an artificial deadline which ignores whether or not al Qaeda is being successful is, in my view, a position which would – which should disqualify someone as a potential president -- president of the country." (Fox News' "You World," 9/12/07)

Governor Romney: "We obviously want our troops home as soon as we can have them home, but we don’t want to have them home and lay behind us a safe haven that could become a huge threat to the entire world, and us in particular." ("The Hugh Hewitt Show," 9/14/07)

Governor Romney Traveled To Iraq In 2006 To Meet With The Troops:
In May 2006, Governor Romney Traveled To Iraq. "Traveling under tight security, Governor Mitt Romney yesterday wrapped up an unannounced, one-day trip to Iraq to visit troops from Massachusetts, and warned against a 'cut and run' pullout from the war-torn country." (Frank Phillps, "Romney Makes Surprise Stop In Baghdad," The Boston Globe, 5/25/06)

Governor Romney: "It Would Be A Severed Mistake For Us To Cut And Run." "'It would be a severe mistake for us to cut and run,' the governor said yesterday in a telephone interview from Kuwait City just hours after he arrived from Baghdad. The potential sectarian strife that could ensue if the United States pulled out suddenly, he said, 'could lead to a humanitarian disaster.'" (Frank Phillps, "Romney Makes Surprise Stop In Baghdad," The Boston Globe, 5/25/06)

Governor Romney Believes There Needed To Be Changes In Iraq Strategy:
Governor Romney: "We've removed Saddam Hussein but, afterward, I'm afraid to report that we were underprepared and underplanned and undermanaged and undermanned." (Governor Mitt Romney, Remarks At The Conservative Political Action Conference, Washington, D.C., 3/2/07)

In September 2006, Governor Romney Said "My Inclination Would Be More Boots On The Ground." "During his speech, Romney rejected suggestions that the United States should pull troops out of Iraq, even suggesting that more troops may be needed. 'My inclination would be more boots on the ground, not less,' said Romney. 'If we were to withdraw precipitously, we would have a very significant threat of a full-scale civil war with massive casualties.'" (Mike Glover, "Romney Receives Backing In Iowa For 2006 And Perhaps 2008," The Associated Press, 9/28/06)

In February 2006: Governor Romney Said He Doesn't Believe There Were Enough Troops On The Ground. GOVERNOR ROMNEY: "I think also that we haven't had sufficient troops following the period of major conflict, and so those are not new or novel observations. I think the president would agree there's a benefit that comes with hindsight. And yet I supported the president at the time that he entered into Iraq and believed that he had the kind of information he needed to have to make that decision." (Fox News' "Fox News Sunday," 2/26/06)

In October 2004, Governor Romney Said "Looking Back Over The Last Several Months, I Wish We Had Done Some Things Differently." "Mr. Romney said he regrets some things that have happened in Iraq. 'Looking back over the last several months, I wish we had done some things differently. Of course there are mistakes made in the fog of war, as it is called. Had we known what we know today many things would have been done differently, I am sure,' the governor said." (John J. Monahan, "Iraq War Deepens Political Differences," Sunday Telegram, 10/10/04)

Governor Romney Supported The Persian Gulf War:
In 1994, Then-Republican Senatorial Candidate Mitt Romney Stated His Support For "America's Participation In Gulf War." (Romney For U.S. Senate, Campaign Flier, 1994)

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD, "VOTE FOR TOMORROW"

Today, Romney for President launched its newest television ad, "Vote for Tomorrow." The ad highlights Governor Romney directly addressing the American people about his belief that this election is not about America's past but America's future. In the next ten years, our country will see great progress and change. Governor Romney is the only presidential candidate who can unleash the great promise and innovation of our nation. The future begins now and Governor Romney is asking for the vote.
The ad will begin airing today as part of the campaign's rotation in New Hampshire. Script and viewing link are below.
Script For "Vote For Tomorrow" (TV:30):
GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY: "No one votes for yesterday. We vote for tomorrow. Every election is about the future.
"Many are pessimistic. I'm not.
"In the next ten years, we'll see more progress, more change than the world has seen in the last ten centuries.
"Our next president must unleash the promise and innovation of the American people.
"I'm ready for that challenge. The future begins now.
"I'm Mitt Romney and I not only approve this message, I'm asking for your vote."
To watch "Vote For Tomorrow," please see: http://tv.mittromney.com/?showid=728431

CASPER STAR-TRIBUNE [WY] ENDORSES GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY

"Romney, Obama Should Get Party Nominations"
Casper Star-Tribune Editorial
December 31, 2007

"The wishes of Wyoming voters are usually a moot point by presidential convention time. In each party, someone usually racks up enough wins in the early primaries to ensure the nomination, thus making the conventions a formality.

"This year, thanks to the state Republican central committee's decision to hold its county caucuses Saturday, things are a little different. Several GOP candidates campaigned in Wyoming. While most of these hopefuls were in the lower tier, the move nevertheless gave the state some recognition it hasn't received in other years.

"With Thursday's GOP and Democratic caucuses in Iowa too close to call, a win in Wyoming could boost a candidate's chances in next week's New Hampshire primary."
…
"Our Editorial Board's recommendations aim to identify the candidates who will best represent Wyoming's interests, along with the nation as a whole.

"Mitt Romney stands out in the Republican race as the candidate with the leadership, experience, and conservative political philosophy to be his party's standard bearer.

"Romney traveled to Wyoming twice in the past few months, visiting Cheyenne, Gillette, Jackson and Riverton. He has organized an impressive team of Wyoming supporters.

"The former Massachusetts governor has pledged to oppose any increases in income taxes and is prepared to make spending cuts in our bloated federal budget.

"Romney has called for making the nation more energy-independent. That resonates well in Wyoming, a state with an abundance of fossil fuels and potential for wind and solar power.

"As chief executive of the Olympics, Romney did a masterful job saving the winter games in Salt Lake City. And speaking of Utah, Romney's family ties to that state date back to territorial days. His heritage is rooted in the West, and he's not likely to forget it."
…
"There is no reason Republican voters shouldn't believe Romney when he describes himself as a conservative, pro-life candidate who believes marriage is the union of a man and a woman."
…
"For those reasons, Romney and Obama are our choices for the two parties' nominations. Whether you agree with us or not, we hope you find our observations helpful."
To read the full endorsement, please see: http://www.trib.com

Biden: Growing Crowds

The Biden Campaign is generating real buzz. Our crowds are growing by leaps and bounds:

500+ people yesterday in Des Moines; a “first tier crowd”

300 Biden backers in Mason City

250 enthusiastic supporters in Dubuque; “a scene more typical of the events of democratic front-Runners”

An “energetic crowd” in Waterloo; leads to “an endorsement from a key Black Hawk County Democrat”

200-strong crowd in Council Bluffs

The growing support at these events are evidence of mounting support for the one candidate in the Democratic field that has the rare combination of experience, a history of pushing for change and a real record of action on the most pressing issues of our time.

These events also demonstrate the large pockets of support for Sen. Biden across Iowa. These immense swaths of enthusiastic Biden backers will make the Senator a viable candidate in many parts of the state. Our situation is far more favorable than the position of many Democratic candidates whose support is a mile wide but only so deep. Our rivals will face much larger hurdles with regard to viability tomorrow, as they struggle to garner 15 percent in any one Iowa precinct.

Our deep bench of legislative endorsers and local elected officials who have pledged their support for Sen. Biden are also of critical importance on caucus night. These community leaders have real experience participating in the caucus process and help rally already committed Biden backers as well as sway caucus-goers who are undecided or have to make a second choice when their primary choice does not reach viability.

Our events over the last few days further bolster the significance of our strategy going into Caucus Day. First, Iowans are generally late deciders and the growing ranks of enthusiastic supporters at every one of our recent events means that many Iowans are now choosing Joe Biden. Second, the Senator continues to attract the backing of committed, long-time caucus-goers, who are historically far more likely to caucus. This is an important point of distinction. For example, according to the latest Des Moines Register poll,

“All of the three leaders in Iowa draw a majority of support from new caucus-goers, although Obama benefits the most with 72 percent of his support coming from first-timers.” Each new committed, regular caucus-goer our campaign brings on board is another solid vote for Sen. Biden, and we will not have to worry about the possibility of them not showing up on caucus night.

In short, the Biden Campaign remains committed, forward-looking and optimistic headed into Caucus Day. The wind is at our back.

Clinton, Obama claim $100 million raised

WASHINGTON - Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton will have raised more than $100 million this year for her presidential campaign, aides confirmed Monday evening, setting a historic new threshold in fundraising. Rival Barack Obama's campaign indicated it had reached that record-setting mark as well.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080101/ap_po/clinton_fundraising

Clinton set to ask Iowans for their vote

DES MOINES, Iowa - Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton will make her closing argument to Iowa voters Wednesday evening during a televised message in which she tells them to "take the first step" toward changing the direction of the country by voting for her at the caucuses.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080102/ap_po/clinton_s_pitch

Camped Out Senate Candidate Will Remain on Atlanta Tower

ATLANTA — A television reporter turned political candidate said he plans to remain on a small scaffold near the top of a tower to focus attention on his long-shot bid to unseat a U.S. senator.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,319410,00.html

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW WEB AD, "FULL-SPECTRUM CONSERVATIVE"

Today, Romney for President launched its newest web ad, "Full-Spectrum Conservative." The ad highlights Governor Romney's conservative platform to build a stronger America. Unlike Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Governor Romney supports the President's tax cuts, opposes the McCain-Feingold bill that limited free speech and opposes any amnesty immigration plans. As the National Review wrote, Governor Romney is "a full-spectrum conservative." Script and viewing links are below.

Script For "Full-Spectrum Conservative" (WEB:30):
ANNOUNCER 1: "The National Review had it right."
ANNOUNCER 2: "Senator McCain is 'a hero' and a strong supporter of the war in Iraq."
ANNOUNCER 1: "But McCain 'is not as conservative as Romney.'"
ANNOUNCER 2: "He opposed the Bush tax cuts – twice."
ANNOUNCER 1: "His campaign finance law limits free speech."
ANNOUNCER 2: "He pushed a plan to keep illegal immigrants here permanently.
ANNOUNCER 1: "Mitt Romney, 'a full-spectrum conservative.'"
ANNOUNCER 2: "A supporter of 'limited government.'"
ANNOUNCER 1: "'The preservation of marriage.'"
ANNOUNCER 2: "And a 'foreign policy based on the national interest.'"
GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY: "I'm Mitt Romney and I approved this message."

To watch "Full-Spectrum Conservative," please see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9r6xgw9FFw

AD FACTS For "Full-Spectrum Conservative" (WEB:30):

ANNOUNCER 1: "The National Review had it right."
ANNOUNCER 2: "Senator McCain is 'a hero' and a strong supporter of the war in Iraq."
National Review: "Despite all that and more, he is a hero with a record that is far more good than bad. He has been a strong and farsighted supporter of the Iraq War, and, in a trying political season for him, he has preserved and even enhanced his reputation for dignity and seriousness." (Editorial, "Romney for President," National Review, 12/11/07)
ANNOUNCER 1: "But McCain 'is not as conservative as Romney.'"
ANNOUNCER 2: "He opposed the Bush tax cuts – twice."
ANNOUNCER 1: "His campaign finance law limits free speech."
ANNOUNCER 2: "He pushed a plan to keep illegal immigrants here permanently."
National Review: "John McCain is not as conservative as Romney. He sponsored and still
champions a campaign-finance law that impinged on fundamental rights of political speech; he voted against the Bush tax cuts; he supported this year's amnesty bill, although he now says he understands the need to control the border before doing anything else." (Editorial, "Romney for President," National Review, 12/11/07)
ANNOUNCER 1: "Mitt Romney, 'a full-spectrum conservative.'"
ANNOUNCER 2: "A supporter of 'limited government.'"
ANNOUNCER 1: "'The preservation of marriage.'"
ANNOUNCER 2: "And a 'foreign policy based on the national interest.'"
GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY: "I'm Mitt Romney and I approved this message."

National Review: "Our guiding principle has always been to select the most conservative viable candidate. In our judgment, that candidate is Mitt Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts. Unlike some other candidates in the race, Romney is a full-spectrum conservative: a supporter of free-market economics and limited government, moral causes such as the right to life and the preservation of marriage, and a foreign policy based on the national interest." (Editorial, "Romney for President," National Review, 12/11/07)

To watch "Full-Spectrum Conservative," please see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9r6xgw9FFw

Richardson Earns the Support of Sixty-Five Prominent Granite State Leaders

Grassroots support grows for Governor Richardson as New Hampshire primary approaches

MANCHESTER, NH-- The Richardson for President campaign today announced the endorsements of sixty-five prominent Granite State activists, businesspeople and community leaders, including eight New Hampshire state representatives, five town Democratic chairs, and the Dean Emeritus of Dartmouth Medical School.

In endorsing New Mexico Governor and Democratic Presidential candidate Bill Richardson, State Representative and Sullivan County Democratic Chair John Cloutier cited his record and proven ability to deliver change.

"As a successful governor, diplomat, and global troubleshooter, Bill Richardson has been tested, and he has proven his worth," said Cloutier, a lifelong resident of Claremont. "Bill Richardson can create the change that we desperately need in Washington, and he is ready to lead on day one."

The endorsements are a strong showing of statewide grassroots support for Governor Richardson and provide the latest boost to the Richardson for President campaign in New Hampshire. On Sunday, Governor Richardson was endorsed by the Conway Daily Sun, who called him the "the only heavy-weight" in the Democratic race for President.

Below is a list of the endorsements:

State Representatives:
Rep. John Cloutier, Claremont
Rep. Evalyn Merrick, Lancaster
Rep. Bennett Moore, Hampton
Rep. Fran Potter, Concord
Rep. Dave Scannell, Manchester
Rep. Carole Brown, Epsom
Rep. Pete Salomon, Canaan
Rep. Jeff Goley, Manchester

Democratic Town Chairs:
Jaye Hays, Ossipee
Nancy Martland, Sugar Hill
Pat Kinne, Charlestown
Suzanne Smith, Hebron
Jack Donnelly, Dublin

Business Leaders:
Jeff Stimson, North Haverhill - Davis-Orion Wire Group owner
Howie Wemyss, Randolph - Mt. Washington Auto Road manager, observatory trustee
Pat Haggerty, Franconia - business owner, Vietnam Veteran
Marelna Schilke - Chapel Arts owner
Stan and Sandy Holz, Whitefield - Village Gun Store owners
Luca Paris, Keene - Luca's Restaurant owner
Linda Fernald, Nottingham - Fernald Lumber owner
Elisabeth Dietrich, Etna - business owner
Peg Purcell, Dover - Purcell Management owner
Vasilios and Barbara Georgitsis, New London - NHVT Computer Services owner

Local Activists:
Gary Gilmore, Dover - former State Representative
Nancy Johnson, Milton - former State Representative
H. Thayer Kingsbury, Keene - former State Representative
Richard Eaton, Greenville - former State Representative
Harold "Chip" Rice, Concord - former State Senator
Mary Eisner, Derry - former Town Chair
Jerry Dyer, East Wakefield - Carroll County Democrats Vice Chair
Tom Slater - Portsmouth Democrats executive committee member
Barbara Ward, Portsmouth - Rockingham County Democrats secretary, state library board trustee
Patricia Higgins, Hanover - Hanover Democrats secretary
Joan Farrell, Concord - named "Individual Arts Patron" by Gov. Lynch, 2006
Wil Brassard, Peterborough - decorated Vietnam veteran, peace activist
Kate Cauble, Effingham - retired Army nurse
Kevin Barth, Keene - Cheshire medical
John Markland, Gilford - Chief of Police
Scott Gove, Concord- NH Teamsters advisory committee member
Donald Hartshorn, Concord - labor leader
Jane Taylor, Keene - City of Claremont attorney
Bill Sharp, Lebanon - Grafton County Register of Deeds, retired teacher
David Littlefield, Somersworth - former city council member, former school board member
Dennis Messier, Somersworth - city council member
Dave Richards, Keene - city council member
Dave Carney, Salem - activist, attorney
Dave Micciche, Milford - activist, veteran
Andy William Reynolds, Hanover - Dartmouth College Democrats president
George Iselin, Marlborough - veteran, farmer and ferrier
April Weed, Keene - activist, wife of State Representative Chuck Weed
Eleanor Vanderpool, Langdon - community activist, retired teacher
Barbara Cleveland, Stoddard - substance abuse councilor
Jane Mitchell Ross, Lebanon - peace activist
Jeannie Sy, Westmoreland - community activist
Audrey McCollum, Etna - clinical social worker

Educators:
Bob McCollum, Etna - Dean Emeritus, Dartmouth Medical School
Jim Grant, Peterborough - founder of Staff Development for Educators (SDE), author
Corey Genest, Nashua - Bishop Guertin High School teacher
Malcolm Bownes, Plymouth - former superintendent
Patrick Troy, Tilton - vice principal
Jen White, Keene - Keene high school teacher
Robin Marra, Fitzwilliam - Franklin Pierce University, political science professor
Cathryn Koning, Keene - Franklin Pierce University, environmental science professor
Dick O'Shaunessy, Salem - retired principal

McCain: David Brooks On Mitt Romney: "Road To Nowhere"

"[Romney's] triumph this month would mean a Democratic victory in November." -- David Brooks
Excerpts From "Road To Nowhere"
By David Brooks
The New York Times
January 1, 2008

The most impressive thing about Mitt Romney is his clarity of mind. When he set out to pursue his party's nomination, he studied the contours of the Republican coalition and molded himself to its forms.

Earnestly and methodically, he has appealed to each of the major constituency groups. For national security conservatives, he vowed to double the size of the prison at Guantnamo Bay. For social conservatives, he embraced a culture war against the faithless. For immigration skeptics, he swung so far right he earned the endorsement of Tom Tancredo.

He has spent roughly $80 million, including an estimated $17 million of his own money, hiring consultants, blanketing the airwaves and building an organization that is unmatched on the Republican side. ...

And yet as any true conservative can tell you, the sort of rational planning Mitt Romney embodies never works. The world is too complicated and human reason too limited. The PowerPoint mentality always fails to anticipate something. It always yields unintended consequences.

And what Romney failed to anticipate is this: In turning himself into an old-fashioned, orthodox Republican, he has made himself unelectable in the fall. When you look inside his numbers, you see tremendous weaknesses.

For example, Romney is astoundingly unpopular among young voters. Last month, the Harris Poll asked Republicans under 30 whom they supported. Romney came in fifth, behind Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, John McCain and Ron Paul. Romney had 7 percent support, a virtual tie with Tancredo. He does only a bit better among those aged 30 to 42.

Romney is also quite unpopular among middle- and lower-middle class voters. In poll after poll, he leads among Republicans making more than $75,000 a year. He does poorly among those who make less.

If Romney is the general election candidate, he will face hostility from independent voters, who value authenticity. He will face hostility from Hispanic voters, who detest his new immigration positions. He will face great hostility in the media. Even conservative editorialists at places like The Union Leader in New Hampshire and The Boston Herald find his flip-flopping offensive. ...

If any Republican candidate is going to win this year, he will have to offer a new brand of Republicanism. But Romney has tied himself to the old brand. He is unresponsive to the middle-class anxiety that Huckabee is tapping into. He has forsaken the trans-partisan candor that McCain represents. Romney, the cautious consultant, is pivoting to stress his corporate competence, and is rebranding himself as an Obama-esque change agent, but he will never make the sort of daring break that independent voters will demand if they are going to give the G.O.P. another look.

The leaders of the Republican coalition know Romney will lose. But some would rather remain in control of a party that loses than lose control of a party that wins. Others haven't yet suffered the agony of defeat, and so are not yet emotionally ready for the trauma of transformation. Others still simply don't know which way to turn.

And so the burden of change will be thrust on primary voters over the next few weeks. Romney is a decent man with some good fiscal and economic policies. But in this race, he has run like a manager, not an entrepreneur. His triumph this month would mean a Democratic victory in November.

Read Full Article: David Brooks On Mitt Romney, "Road To Nowhere"

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW WEB AD, "EXPERIENCE"

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today launched a new web ad, entitled "Experience," contrasting Governor Mitt Romney and John McCain's experience on the issues of foreign policy and national security. The web ad will appear on targeted news and information websites in key states.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger and former CIA Director R. James Woolsey issued the following statement:

"We couldn't disagree more with Governor Romney's recent suggestion that foreign policy experience really doesn't matter when it comes to evaluating who should be our next president and commander in chief. America is at war. Our military forces are engaged in Iraq, in Afghanistan and elsewhere against a determined, vicious enemy. We are facing serious challenges, in a nuclear-armed Pakistan, in Latin America with the rise of Hugo Chavez, and in other corners of the globe. In such dangerous times, John McCain has the necessary experience and judgment to strengthen our national security and lead our nation and allies. He has had extensive contact with foreign leaders and military officials. John McCain has been on the ground in many of the world's hot spots, including several trips to Iraq and Afghanistan, and also the tribal areas of Waziristan. As an ex-Navy pilot and POW, he understands first-hand how political decisions in Washington impact those serving in our Armed Forces. On Iraq, John McCain's experience and judgment served him well. For years, despite public opinion, he called for a surge of forces and a new strategy in Iraq to prevail against our enemies -- a strategy that is now succeeding. In contrast, Governor Romney, with no national security experience, was a follower on Iraq, while John McCain showed strong leadership and vision."

VIEW THE NEW WEB AD HERE: http://www.johnmccain.com/tvads/
Script for "Experience" (:30-Web)
ANNCR: "Mitt Romney says the next president doesn't need foreign policy experience.
"John McCain for president."
JOHN MCCAIN: "I'm John McCain and I approve this message."

AD FACTS: JOHN MCCAIN 2008, "EXPERIENCE"

New York Post Today Compares Romney And McCain's Responses To Pakistan Crisis
New York Post Today Mocks Romney's Response To Pakistan Crisis, While Calling McCain "The One Candidate Who Seems To Understand That A Sound Pakistan Policy Requires Something More Than Glib Slogans." "The Pakistani political crisis has presented Americans with a real test of which of the nation's would-be presidents are fit for the Oval Office. Most fail. Certainly, few seemed to appreciate the depth of the crisis. ... Mitt Romney said the 'terrible devastating handiwork' of Benazir Bhutto's assassination demonstrated the continuing threat that terrorism presents. You think? ... That left John McCain as the one candidate who seems to understand that a sound Pakistan policy requires something more than glib slogans." (Editorial, "Candidates & Crisis," New York Post, 1/1/08)

Romney Has Recently Said That The Next President Doesn't Need Foreign Policy Experience
Romney: "If We Want Somebody Who Has A Lot Of Experience In Foreign Policy, We Can Simply Go To The State Department." "Well, if we want somebody who has a lot of experience in foreign policy, we can simply go to the State Department and pluck out one of the tens of thousands of people who work there. They, of course, have been doing foreign policy all their careers. But that's not how we choose a president. A president is not a foreign policy expert." (Fox News' "Hannity & Colmes," 12/29/07)

Romney: "If Foreign Policy Experience Were The Measure For Selecting A President, We'd Just Go To The State Department." CNN'S ANDERSON COOPER: "So foreign policy experience, per se, is not essential, just experience?" ROMNEY: "Well, if -- if foreign policy experience were the measure for selecting a president, we'd just go to the State Department and pick up one of the thousands and thousands of people who've spent their whole life in foreign policy, and frankly, becoming a United States senator does not make one a foreign policy expert, either." (CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360," 12/27/07)

Romney: "That's Not What The Nation Needs In A President." "If the answer for leading this country is someone that has a lot of foreign policy experience, we can just go down to the State Department and pick up any one of the tens of thousands of people who've spent all their life in foreign policy ... That's not what the nation needs in a president. The person that is president of the United States, we look to have leadership skills." (Dave Wedge, "Mitt Still Sees Foreign Expertise As Overrated," Boston Herald, 12/28/07)

· Watch Romney Say That The Next President Doesn't Need Foreign Policy Experience
John McCain's "Experience In Foreign Affairs And In Military Issues Is Unmatched In The Field"

Salmon Press (NH): "[McCain's] Military Record Is Truly Heroic -- In Stark Contrast To Those Of His Opponents ... His Experience In Foreign Affairs And In Military Issues Is Unmatched In The Field." "[John McCain's] military record is truly heroic -- in stark contrast to those of his opponents. As a congressman and senator from Arizona he has exhibited the ability to attract both sides of the political aisle. And yet he is a conservative in the best sense of the word: principled, unwilling to cave for political gain and an unbowed enemy of wasteful spending. His experience in foreign affairs and in military issues is unmatched in the field." (Editorial, "New Hampshire's Salmon Press Endorses Sen. John McCain," Salmon Press, 12/13/07)

New Hampshire Union Leader: "McCain Is By Far The Most Informed Candidate On Military And Foreign Affairs." "McCain is by far the most informed candidate on military and foreign affairs. In our interviews with nearly all of the presidential candidates, only McCain offered a comprehensive and detailed strategic vision for maintaining America's position as the world's lone superpower." (Editorial, "Commander In Chief: McCain Is The Best Choice," New Hampshire Union Leader, 12/25/07)

· Union Leader: "Of All The Candidates For President, It Was John McCain And Only John McCain Who Not Only Opposed Donald Rumsfeld's Iraq Strategy From The Start But Offered A Viable Alternative For Winning ..." "Of all the candidates for President, it was John McCain and only John McCain who not only opposed Donald Rumsfeld's Iraq strategy from the start but offered a viable alternative for winning that ill-fated war. When the Democrats cried 'Retreat!' and other Republicans shouted 'Stay the course!' McCain listened to the commanders on the ground. He discerned the path to victory early, and only after the President finally did what McCain had urged for years did the tide begin to turn in our favor. That is the kind of judgment America needs in the oval office." (Editorial, "Commander In Chief: McCain Is The Best Choice," New Hampshire Union Leader, 12/25/07)

· Union Leader: "America Needs A Leader Whose Own Judgment In Matters Of War And Peace Can Be Trusted Implicitly. John McCain Is That Leader." "There is no greater issue in this election than keeping America safe from its enemies. Romney and other Republicans might have similar foreign policy agendas, but none has the proven judgment on foreign affairs that Sen. McCain has. America needs a leader whose own judgment in matters of war and peace can be trusted implicitly. John McCain is that leader." (Editorial, "Commander In Chief: McCain Is The Best Choice," New Hampshire Union Leader, 12/25/07)

Portsmouth Herald: "[McCain] Is A Strong Military Man Prepared From Day One To Defend Our Nation Against Its Enemies. Of All The Republicans Running, He Is By Far The Best Qualified To Lead Our Country." "John McCain has been leading the country from his seat in the U.S. Senate for 20 years. He is a man of integrity and honor who would help the Republicans rid themselves of the stench of Jack Abramoff and other lobbyists and allow the GOP to reclaim its status as the party of fiscal restraint. He is a strong military man prepared from day one to defend our nation against its enemies. Of all the Republicans running, he is by far the best qualified to lead our country." (Editorial, "Vote Sen. McCain In GOP Primary," Portsmouth Herald, 12/16/07)

Romney "Lacks Any Background In The Military Or Foreign Policy,"

Romney "Lacks Any Background In The Military Or Foreign Policy." "[T]he one-term governor lacks any background in the military or foreign policy." (Jonathan Martin, "McCain Hits Romney On Bin Laden Comment," Politico.com, 4/28/07)

Romney's Iraq Position "Has Been A Study In Flexibility"

The Weekly Standard's Fred Barnes: "[Romney's] Position On Iraq Has Been A Study In Flexibility ..." (Fred Barnes, "McCain Helps Himself," The Weekly Standard, 9/6/07)
In October 2007, Romney Told New Hampshire Union Leader That Iraq Would Not Be "The Big, Dividing Issue" Of 2008 Election And That Hillary Clinton Is "Not Going To Be Demanding A Dramatically Different Course In Iraq Than The Republican Nominee Will." "He predicted that the Iraq war will not be 'the big, dividing issue in 08, believe it or not.' 'Come the fall of 08, for all of Hillary's rhetoric, she's not going to be demanding a dramatically different course in Iraq than the Republican nominee will,' Romney said. He said that by next fall, U.S. troops will 'be playing more of a support role' and 'the gap (between the political parties) will not be as huge.' He said almost all Republican candidates have criticized President George W. Bush's handling of the war, while Clinton, who he assumes will win the Democratic nomination, 'voted to go into Iraq' and should not 'pretend like you were in a different place.' 'I'm not convinced they're going to beat us on this,' he said." (John DiStaso, "Romney: U.S. At Critical Juncture," New Hampshire Union Leader, 10/30/07)

In September 2007, Romney Called The Iraq War "A Mess." "Mitt Romney called the war in Iraq 'a mess' and gave a detailed explanation of how he would end it 'relatively soon' while maintaining stability in the region as he spoke at a town hall meeting in Nashua on Labor Day." ("Romney Shares With Voters His Get-Out-Of-Iraq Strategy," Boston Herald, 9/5/07)
In September 2007, Romney Hedged On Success Of Surge, Saying It's "Apparently Working." ROMNEY: "What I've indicated is very consistent with what the president is speaking about and what we're hearing from Iraq right now, and that is that the surge is apparently working. ... If the surge is working ..." MCCAIN: "Governor, the surge is working. The surge is working, sir." ROMNEY: "That's just what I said." MCCAIN: "It is working. No, not 'apparently'; it's working. It's working because we've got a great general. We've got a good strategy. Anbar province, things have improved." (Fox News Republican Presidential Debate, Durham, NH, 9/5/06)

· The New York Times' Katharine Q. Seeyle: "Mr. Romney Just Demonstrated Why Some Voters View Him As Slick." (Katharine Q. Seeyle, "Live Blogging The G.O.P. Debate," The New York Times' "The Caucus," Blog, 9/5/07

In July 2007, Romney Said "He Is Willing To Change Course In Iraq." "Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney said Saturday he is willing to change course in Iraq -- as some Republican senators have now done -- and is keeping an eye on the recent troop surge there." (Susan Spencer-Wendel, "Romney Says He's Flexible On Iraq," Palm Beach Post, 7/8/07)

In June 2007, Romney Said He "Wants The Administration To Publicize The 'Metrics' It Will Be Using To Evaluate Progress In Iraq This Fall ..." "Romney wants the administration to publicize the 'metrics' it will be using to evaluate progress in Iraq this fall, when several reports on the Iraq involvement are due." (Kenneth T. Walsh, "Romney Sticks With Bush Iraq Policy," US News & World Report, 6/28/07)

In April 2007, Romney Endorsed Plan For Secret "Timetables And Milestones" For Iraq Withdrawal. ABC'S ROBIN ROBERTS: "Do you believe there should be a timetable in withdrawing the troops?" ROMNEY: "Well, there's no question but that the president and Prime Minister Maliki have to have a series of timetables and milestones that they speak about. But those shouldn't be for public pronouncement. You don't want the enemy to understand how long they have to wait in the weeds until you're going to be gone." (ABC's "Good Morning America," 4/3/07)

· Romney "Endorsed Setting 'Timetables And Milestones' For Iraq Policy But Keeping Them Private -- An Approach Notably Supported By Democratic Sen. Mark Pryor (Ark.)." "Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, newly minted winner of the GOP's first-quarter presidential fundraising sweepstakes, on Wednesday endorsed setting 'timetables and milestones' for Iraq policy but keeping them private -- an approach notably supported by Democratic Sen. Mark Pryor (Ark.)." (Elana Schor, "Romney Advocates Non-Public Iraq Benchmarks," The Hill, 4/4/07)

· Watch Romney Endorse Private Timetables For Iraq Withdrawal
In April 2007, Romney Said "It's Not Worth Moving Heaven And Earth Spending Billions Of Dollars Just Trying To Catch" Osama Bin Laden. "[Romney] said the country would be safer by only 'a small percentage' and would see 'a very insignificant increase in safety' if al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden was caught because another terrorist would rise to power. 'It's not worth moving heaven and earth spending billions of dollars just trying to catch one person,' Romney said." (Liz Sidoti, "AP Interview: Romney Says He's Not The Only One Switching Positions, Rivals Do It Too," The Associated Press, 4/26/07)

Romney's Failure to Mention Iraq During January 2007 National Review Summit Speech Called "Bizarre And Just Wrong And Almost Offensive" By Editor Rich Lowry.

"Put aside how rambling and unfocused [the speech] was. Maybe that can be chalked up to a bad night or fatigue. But to speak for 50 minutes or so and not to talk about the Iraq war before a conservative audience at a crucial moment in that war is bizarre and just wrong and almost offensive in my view. This doesn't seem like an oversight. [Romney] went out of his way to check off every conservative box -- except the one that is politically risky at the moment." (Rich Lowry, "The Romney Speech," National Review's "The Corner" Blog, corner.nationalreview.com, 1/29/07)

In Late December 2006, Romney Deferred When Asked About Surge, Saying "I'm Still A Governor." "I'm not going to weigh in. I'm still a governor. I'm not running for national office at this stage. I'm not going to weigh in on specific tactics about whether we should go from 140,000 to 170,000. That's something I expect the President to decide over the next couple of weeks and announce that to the nation. I want to hear what he has to say." (Robert Bluey, "Q&A: Mitt Romney Discusses Iraq War, Reagan's Influence And Gay Marriage," www.humanevents.com, 12/28/06)

GOV. HUCKABEE CAN'T KEEP UP WITH BOTH FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND BRITNEY SPEARS

Defends Ignorance Of NIE Report By Mocking President Bush
No Laughing Matter: A serious look at Gov. Mike Huckabee's record and policy beyond the one-liners.

Gov. Mike Huckabee: "And the ultimate thing is, I may not be the expert that some people are on foreign policy, but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night." (WABC Radio's "Imus In The Morning," 12/4/07)

National Review: "The Holiday Inn Express Candidate." "In sum, conservatives should have worries about the depth and soundness of Mike Huckabee’s foreign-policy views. And staying at a Holiday Inn Express is not going to be enough to allay them." (Editorial, "The Holiday Inn Express Candidate," National Review, 12/10/07)

Gov. Huckabee Attacked Bush To Defend His Not Knowing About The NIE Report:
Gov. Huckabee Defended His Not Reading The NIE Report On Iran By Joking That President Bush Hadn't Read The Report In Four Years. "Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee defended his failure to read the National Intelligence Estimate on Iran in early December, joking in an interview Monday that President Bush didn't read intelligence reports for four years. … 'Maybe I should've said, "Have you read the report?" President Bush didn't read it for four years; I don't know why I should read it in four hours.' His comment about President Bush appears to be a reference to allegations made by Bush's critics that Bush didn't pay close enough attention to intelligence reports, particularly in the early years of his presidency." (Dan Gearino, "Huckabee Pokes Fun At Bush Over Reading Intelligence Reports," Quad City Times, 12/31/07)

Gov. Huckabee Echoed Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV), Who Accused President Bush Of Knowing Four Years Ago That Iran Had Stopped Its Nuclear Weapons Program. "President Bush's heated rhetoric on Iran - including comments about a potential World War III - is even more outrageous now that we know the intelligence community had informed him that it believes Iran had stopped its nuclear weapons program four years ago. This is the latest in a long line of inaccurate and misleading comments that got us into the Iraq war to begin with. They further diminish the credibility of a President with a dangerous record of overstating threats." (Sen. Reid Press Release, US Fed News, 12/4/07)

Gov. Huckabee Claimed The Report Came Out Much Later Than It Actually Did:
Gov. Huckabee Claimed The NIE Report Came Out Just Hours Before He Was Asked About It. "'The whole perception was based on an ambush question on the NIE report,' Huckabee said in an interview Monday with the Quad-City Times. 'From there, it was like, 'Wow.' That was released at 10 o'clock in the morning. At 5:30 in the afternoon, somebody says, 'Have you read the report?'" (Dan Gearino, "Huckabee Pokes Fun At Bush Over Reading Intelligence Reports," Quad City Times, 12/31/07)

But The NIE Report Actually Came Out At Least 36 Hours Before Gov. Huckabee Was Asked About It. "That particular day [when the NIE came out], which I thought it was a little bit ridiculous to talk about, the report came out at 10 in the morning and it was like five in afternoon. [Editor's note: The National Intelligence Estimate report stating that Iran was not pursuing nuclear weapons came out Monday Dec. 3. Huckabee was first asked about it in the evening of Dec. 4]" (Michael Scherer, "Mike Huckabee-The Front Runner Q&A," Time, http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,1699051,00.html, Posted 12/31/07)

Gov. Huckabee Compared Knowing About Foreign Policy To Keeping Up With Celebrity Gossip:
Gov. Huckabee Said That Keeping Up With Foreign Affairs Was As Tough As Keeping Up With Britney Spears Gossip. "When asked to clarify, Huckabee said this: 'The point I'm trying to make is that, on the campaign trail, nobody's going to be able, if they've been campaigning as hard as we have been, to keep up with every single thing, from what happened to Britney last night to who won "Dancing with the Stars."' He said the campaign learned from the criticism related to the Iran report and now he gets regular briefings about developments in foreign policy." (Dan Gearino, "Huckabee Pokes Fun At Bush Over Reading Intelligence Reports," Quad City Times, 12/31/07)

Gov. Huckabee Was Well Versed On The Jamie Lynn Spears' Pregnancy But Had Been "Caught Off-Guard By Breaking News Events." "Baptist minister and anti-abortion supporter Mike Huckabee was asked today about 16-year old celebrity Jamie Lynn Spears' decision to continue her unplanned pregnancy. While the candidate has been notably caught off-guard by breaking news events recently, today he passed a test of pop culture with flying colors." (Mary Hood, "Huckabee's Happy Spears Is Keeping Her Baby," CBS' From The Road Blog, www.cbsnews.com/, Posted 12/20/07)

BAY BUCHANAN JOINS ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT

12/31/07 Today, Bay Buchanan announced that she is endorsing Governor Mitt Romney for President of the United States. Buchanan most recently headed Congressman Tom Tancredo's (R-CO) presidential campaign.

"I am proud to be supporting Governor Romney. Throughout this campaign, he has distinguished himself as the one Republican presidential candidate who not only speaks to the challenges confronting the American people, but can also win. He will secure the border, strengthen the economy and ensure that America remains strong. I believe that with Governor Romney's vision, values and experience, our nation will be stronger for future generations," said Bay Buchanan.

Welcoming Buchanan's support, Governor Romney said, "Throughout her career, Bay Buchanan has distinguished herself as a leading spokeswoman for our conservative values. It is an honor to have her as part of our campaign to build a stronger America."

Background On Bay Buchanan:

Bay Buchanan Has Had A Distinguished Career Advocating Conservative Causes. Under President Ronald Reagan, Buchanan served as Treasurer of the United States from 1981 to 1983. She has managed several presidential campaigns, including most recently, the campaign of Congressman Tom Tancredo. Buchanan has been a regular commentator on CNN. She currently serves as President of The American Cause.

Biden: Thoughts on Electability

DECEMBER 31, 2007

TO: INTERESTED PARTIES

FROM: LARRY RASKY
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
BIDEN FOR PRESIDENT

RE: THOUGHTS ON ELECTABILITY

In the closing days of this race for the Democratic nomination for President, voters and reporters alike have heard former Sen. John Edwards make the same electability case over and over again. Edwards argues that with his southern roots he can compete in more states than any other Democratic candidate in the general election.

Last week in New Hampshire, Edwards said: “I think people want someone they know can win in the general election. I think the evidence is overwhelming that I’m very strong, the strongest general election data. . . . I’m the one Democrat who has won in a Red State, who can go into any place in America and be successful.”

However, the evidence that Edwards is more electable is at best thin and is probably misleading.
The first question mark is that Edwards was unlikely to hold onto to his North Carolina Senate seat in 2003 when he decided not to run for re-election. In short, if John Edwards is so electable, why couldn’t he be re-elected in his home state?

Indeed, Jennifer Duffy of the Cook Political Report noted at the time, “Edwards is not that strong.” [The Herald-Sun (Durham, NC), 2/16/03] Research 2000’s poll for the Raleigh News and Observer taken from July 13-16, 2003 showed that Edwards’s re-election number stood at 34 percent. In that same poll, only 45 percent of North Carolinians approved of Edwards’s job as their junior Senator.

Edwards fared no better as the Democratic Party’s Vice Presidential candidate in 2004. After being selected as John Kerry’s running mate, Edwards said, “I think we will be very competitive in the South, particularly in those states in which national Democrats need to be competitive to be successful.” [Associated Press, 7/10/04] Unfortunately, Edwards failed to carry his home state. Edwards lost his home county—Moore County—by more than eleven thousand votes, 24,714 to 13,555. He also lost his hometown by more than 300 votes, 506 to 191.

At the end of the day, despite repeated assurances, Kerry-Edwards also failed to win a single southern state. So it’s understandable that this time around, even John Edwards’s own people are acknowledging his vulnerability: Rob Tully, a former state party chairman and Edwards backer, said “if he doesn't win Iowa or come very close this time, ‘we're done.’” [USA TODAY, 12/12/07]

In addition, there are serious doubts about Edwards’ message. A recent Edwards ad asserts, “It’s time to tell the truth. These big corporations and their greed, they are stealing your children’s future. We will never change this country unless we are willing to take those people on.” Some are arguing that this will not go over well with general election voters. In a column, respected political analyst Stuart Rothenberg wrote, "Edwards certainly would dispute that there is an inherent contradiction between his populist rhetoric and his alleged middle class appeal. But his approach to problems is likely to frighten many voters, including most middle class Americans and virtually all Republicans." [The Rothenberg Political Report, 12/31/07]

So who has what it takes to carry the southern vote? Well, with so much riding on his southern electability argument, “native son” John Edwards actually fares only 4 points ahead of Joe Biden in the most recent Insider Advantage poll out of South Carolina. And if one thing is certain in the 2008 race, it’s that no Democrat will win using the same 20-plus-five strategy that has failed in the last two elections. In this general election, Joe Biden has set a 15-18 red state strategy, which not only sets him apart from the top tier, but gives him the most realistic shot at victory next November.

Furthermore, Joe Biden has historically and consistently won by large margins. In 1972, Joe Biden staged a huge upset, unseating two-term Sen. Caleb Boggs, a popular former congressman and governor. Since then, Joe Biden has consistently won re-election by over 15 percentage points, and always garnering more than 57 percent of the vote.

Sen. Biden’s victories have also come during times of strong Republican presence in the Delaware, in the form of both a Republican Senator (William Roth) and Republican Governors (du Pont, Castle and Wolf). Rep. Mike Castle consistently wins statewide, earning 57 percent in the last election. The Delaware State House has split leadership, with Democrats controlling the Senate and Republicans controlling the House.

These are the facts.

Wishing you all a happy and thoughtful New Year. Larry

LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS JOIN BIDEN FOR PRESIDENT IOWA STEERING COMMITTEE

Mo-Joe ’08 Draws Crowds, Support, Endorsements for Joe Biden In Homestretch To Caucus Night

Des Moines, IA (January 1, 2008) – Sen. Joe Biden today received the endorsement of a number of prominent local and Democratic Party officials in Iowa who will join the Biden for President Iowa Steering Committee. The committee is instrumental in organizing local support across Iowa on caucus night. Local and Democratic Party officials including Black Hawk County Supervisor Tom Little, Co-Chair of the 4th Congressional District for the Iowa Democratic Party Linda Vaudt, Linn County Democratic Party Chair Mike Robinson, Osceola Mayor Fred Diehl, Elkader Mayor Bob Garm, Louisa County Supervisor Frank Jamison, Keystone Mayor Mark Andresen, Howard County Democratic Party Vice-Chair Lauren Meritt, and Clayton County Democratic Party Secretary Raymond Stassen, all announced their support today, again demonstrating the momentum building behind Sen. Biden over the final days of the race in Iowa.

“The media have the ‘first tier’ and the ‘second-tier’ backwards,” said Louisa County Supervisor Frank Jamison. “Joe Biden has the most experience of anyone in the field. And his values are my values.”

Mayor Fred Diehl, a former small-business owner serving his 6th term as Mayor of Osceola added, “The thing I’m most concerned about is restoring the middle class. Today, American industries are moving outside the United States and Sen. Biden has the foreign policy experience to take hold right away when he first steps foot in the Oval Office.”

Sen. Biden said, “I am proud to have earned the backing of leaders in Iowa who share my concern for restoring our place in the world and protecting the middle class. Grassroots organizing by strong local leaders is what’s going to make the difference on caucus night, and with their help I am confident I am going turn this race upside down.”

The newest members of the Biden for President Statewide Steering Committee join an impressive roster of over 50 other local leaders from across the Hawkeye State. To date, 16 state legislators—and a majority of the House Democratic leadership—have endorsed Senator Biden, including State Sen. Joe Seng (Davenport), House Majority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy (Des Moines), Speaker Pro Tempore Rep. Polly Butka (Clinton), Rep. John Whitaker (Hillsboro), Rep. Doris Kelley (Waterloo), Rep. Lisa Heddens (Ames), Rep. Jim Lykam (Davenport), Rep. Mike Reasoner (Creston), Rep. Dick Taylor (Cedar Rapids), Rep. Roger Thomas (Elkader), Rep. McKinley Bailey (Webster City), State Senator Herman C. Quirmbach (Ames), Rep. Mary Gaskill (Ottumwa), Rep. Bruce Hunter (Des Moines), Rep. Eric Palmer (Oskaloosa), and Rep. Dennis Cohoon (Burlington).

BIDEN DELIVERS CLOSING MESSAGE BEFORE THE IOWA CAUCUSES; MAKES CASE FOR ELECTABILITY

On New Year’s Day, Sen. Joe Biden thanked Iowans in an internet address for their continued support and laid out his case as to why they should caucus for him on January 3rd. All evidence in recent days points to growing instability in the Democratic field going into Caucus Day. At the same time, packed crowds and increasing enthusiasm at Sen. Biden’s events across the state of Iowa have cleared the way for him to break through. Emphasizing Iowa’s strong tradition of defying foregone conclusions, Sen. Biden appealed to Iowans to caucus for the candidate truly best equipped to lead America through the next decade. The entire message from Sen. Biden can be viewed here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=FS6-7DeS6Is.
Below are excerpts:

“The events of the past week have made it clear that there are serious threats to our security all across this globe. I believe I have demonstrated that I'm ready to deal with these threats from Day One.

“And I’m ready to win. We know what the Republicans will throw at us in this election. They'll say we're weak, and soft on national security. They'll appeal to peoples' fears, not their hopes. If I am your nominee that strategy will certainly backfire. “Who can attack me for not having a plan to end the war in Iraq? As the only candidate in either party with a plan to get our troops out without leaving chaos behind, I have the credibility and the strength to take on John McCain on his support of the war.

“Who can attack me for not supporting and protecting our troops? I am also the only candidate who voted to fund and protect our troops and build MRAPS.

“Who can attack me on terror? Rudy Giuliani uses three words in every sentence – a noun, a verb and 9/11. I’ve done more to protect our ports, our trains and our infrastructure than Rudy has ever done.

“I can hardly wait to debate Mitt Romney or Mike Huckabee when they accuse the Democrats of having no moral authority to lead. Where is the morality in providing an addition $85 billion dollar tax cut for those who make an average of $1.4 million a year? And, not providing health insurance for America’s children – or letting American’s who fall pray to a catastrophic illness lose all they have? What is moral about maintaining a prison at Guantanamo Bay and allowing torture as U.S. policy?” …

“So when Caucus goers visualize the election when they ask themselves, ‘who do you want in the ring to go toe to toe with the Republicans’ – I hope you will conclude it is me.’ …

“Happy New Year and may God bless America and may God bless our troops.”

Richardson Urges Independent Investigation into Bhutto Assassination

Says Musharraf has lost all credibility

PERRY, IA-- New Mexico Governor and Democratic Presidential candidate Bill Richardson today reacted to revelations that a Pakistani police chief apparently blocked an autopsy on Benazir Bhutto and to a new video raising doubts about the official Pakistani explanation of her death. Governor Richardson has served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and has extensive diplomatic experience around the world, including in Pakistan and Southern Asia. Below is his statement:

"These reports raise even more questions about Musharraf's credibility. The way forward in Pakistan will require two steps: conducting an independent international investigation into the events surrounding Bhutto's assassination and having Musharraf step down and allow for free and fair elections. I stand with the Pakistan Peoples Party in its call for such an investigation.

"I am extremely disappointed both in President Bush and my fellow Presidential candidates who continue to back the failed dictator Musharraf. The Washington insiders have it tragically wrong. The longer that we back Musharraf, the more likely it is that the world will pay a horrible price. Every day that America is associated with his anti-democratic policies, the greater the likelihood that Pakistan will go the way of Iran.

"The choice between security and democracy is a false one.

"Stability in Pakistan will be achieved only via free and fair elections, and those cannot occur while Musharraf runs the nation. Those who cannot see that reality, those who choose a false and hollow security over human rights, and those who prefer short-term ease at the cost of long-term disaster plainly have not learned the lessons of history.

"Where is the leadership?"

"Bill Richardson, the only heavy-weight in bout for Democratic nomination"

The Conway Daily Sun has endorsed New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson for President, calling him "the only heavy-weight" in the Democratic race.

In their endorsement, the Sun writes: "Richardson has heavyweight credentials for a heavyweight job; Obama, Edwards and Clinton, by comparison, have barely found their way into the ring."

The Sun cites Bill Richardson's successful tenure as Governor, comparing his track record to that of New Hampshire Governor John Lynch.

"Like our own Gov. John Lynch, Richardson is a big hit in his home state, where he is considered one of the nation's most environmentally-conscious governors. In New Mexico, he has raised the minimum wage, given all children under 5 access to health insurance, cut taxes and is pro-business."

With the Sun's endorsement, Bill Richardson becomes the first Democrat outside of Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama to earn the support of a New Hampshire newspaper.

The Conway Daily Sun endorsement follows:

Bill Richardson, the only heavy-weight in bout for Democratic nomination
Sen. Joe Biden, a contender for the Democratic presidential nomination, said in a recent interview that if it weren't for Iowa and New Hampshire, the candidate with the most money would always win.

Retail politics works. And it's not overstating it to say that because N.H. voters see, hear and meet the candidates in person, we are better informed than voters in the rest of country, who rely primarily on electronic media.

The result: N.H. voters often pick winners, and if not winners, candidates who, in hindsight, should have won. How much better off would the Republican Party-and the United States-be today if the rest of the country had followed New Hampshire eight years ago and elected
Sen. John McCain?

In 2000, the Sun was the only newspaper in New Hampshire to endorse McCain in the Republican primary. In 2004, we supported Gen. Wesley Clark over Sen. John Kerry in the Democratic primary. Granted, neither won, but we feel as good about those selections today as we did then.

We live in a world where Russia's leader may rewrite his country's constitution to maintain power, and where violence is often the political tool of choice, as in much of the Middle East. It is remarkable, and a testament to the strength of this country, that the next leader of the free world understands the real power of this country is in its people, and the path to the White House includes running the gauntlet at little N.H. newspapers like the Sun.

The editorial staff of the Sun is extraordinarily fortunate to have had exclusive access to the candidates. Without handlers at their sides or the national media butting in, most of the candidates have given our eight writers and editors an hour to engage in freewheeling question-and-answer exchanges.

Our staff takes seriously its bit part in selecting the next president. It is impossible to completely discount the "electability" factor and screen out mainstream media, but each of us weighs heavily what we observe in these editorial board interviews.

In our opinion, this year's Democrats are stronger than we've ever seen, and out of three that we believe could be good presidents, we endorse N.M. Gov. Bill Richardson.

It boils down to this: Sen. Barack Obama and former Sen. John Edwards are clearly highly principled people of integrity, and in another race the Sun would have supported one of them.
While Obama and Edwards have the big media budgets, neither has the experience of Richardson. And as for Hillary Clinton, this is what fringe candidate and straight-talking former Sen. Mike Gravel says.

"The Clintons should read the Constitution, eight years is all they get."

A handful of years as senator for each of them simply does not stack up to Richardson's powerful resume as a former congressman, energy secretary, U.N. ambassador, and now, governor of New Mexico.

Like our own Gov. John Lynch, Richardson is a big hit in his home state, where he is considered one of the nation's most environmentally-conscious governors. In New Mexico, he has raised the minimum wage, given all children under 5 access to health insurance, cut taxes and is pro-business.

On the national level, his experience negotiating with bad boys like Saddam Hussein, Fidel Castro and the North Koreans is world-renowned. Richardson gained the reputation as Pres. Bill Clinton's top international troubleshooter, and during the '90s humorously referred to himself as the "undersecretary of thugs." His success as a negotiator also earned him four nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Richardson has heavyweight credentials for a heavyweight job; Obama, Edwards and Clinton, by comparison, have barely found their way into the ring.

The knock against Richardson is that he doesn't have the dynamic personality of Ronald Reagan or Bill Clinton, although in person he's funny and engaging. Asked about this rap and to compare himself to Bill Clinton, Richardson says, "Yes, Clinton can electrify a room, but I can get it done." We're convinced he can, and we ask you to join us in voting for him.

To learn more about Richardson, read the Albuquerque Journal's comprehensive series on his life and career at www.abqjournal.com/richardson.