Edwards to Supporters

Dear Friend,

Just over a week ago, I was in Iowa, directing operations for John Edwards as we came into the caucuses. Thanks to you -- and thousands of folks like you -- we were able to finish strongly in Iowa, beating out one of the $100 million celebrity candidates.Immediately after Iowa, I came to South Carolina where I'm helping to direct operations for John as we close in on the January 26 primary.Because I know, firsthand, how well you responded to my requests for help with Iowa, I'm asking you to come through again for South Carolina.

Click here to help secure victory in South Carolina

The race here is tight. The celebrity candidates are now starting to recognize the importance of South Carolina -- John always has. That's why, today, he's on a four-day bus tour across the state, with his message of "Bringing It Home" being heard by enthusiastic crowds everywhere. This past Thursday, more than 80 South Carolina elected officials and other community leaders endorsed John for president. The challenge now, with just two weeks to primary day, is to turn that momentum into people voting for John on January 26. Your contribution today will help us with our Get Out The Vote ground operation in South Carolina:
$27 pays for drinks and snacks for volunteers working the phone banks over the next two weeks
$53 pays to blanket a neighborhood with literature to undecided voters
$75 helps us expand the reach of our broadcast spots
$102 pays for a van and fuel to help transport our volunteers as they go canvassing door-to-door

Click here to help secure victory in South Carolina

Every dollar you can give today can counter the efforts of the other celebrity campaigns as they start to focus their attention on South Carolina. Your contribution will make a difference for the South Carolina primary on January 26.Thank you for all you did for our efforts in Iowa -- I hope you will come through for John Edwards in South Carolina as well.

Sincerely,--Jennifer O'Malley Dillon
Deputy Campaign Manager,
John Edwards for President
January 12, 2008

Libertarian Party off to a strong start for 2008 races

Out-files and out-raises all national third parties

Quick Quotes:Shane Cory, Executive Director, Libertarian Party

• "We're coming off a 28 percent membership increase, and we're out-raising all other national third parties combined."

• "The Libertarian Party has done very well at the local level by getting many of our candidates elected and creating more competition in election cycles. The major two-parties can no longer ignore the impact of libertarians on politics."Wes Benedict, Executive Director, Libertarian Party of Texas

• "I think we had to work harder to get 210 candidates for the 2008 elections. Many Texas Libertarians are focused on Ron Paul's campaign for president."

Washington, D.C. - Following a successful off-year election, where approximately one in five Libertarians won the races in which they competed, the Libertarian Party looks to make a strong impact in the 2008 election. "We finished strong in 2007, and we look to do well in 2008," says Shane Cory, executive director of the Libertarian Party.

"We're coming off a 28 percent membership increase, and we're out-raising all other national third parties combined," says Cory. "You can expect big things from the Libertarian Party in 2008."

Current Federal Election Commission reports indicate that the Libertarian Party out-fundraised all national third parties combined in 2007. Additionally, the Libertarian Party expects to be on the 2008 ballot in at least 48 states--more than any other third party.

The Libertarian Party of Texas, in the first state in the nation to file candidates, submitted 210 candidates for the 2008 election. For the first time, Libertarian candidates filed for every statewide race. Libertarians filed for 30 of the 32 U.S. House seats, 12 of the 15 Texas Senate seats (a record 80 percent), 102 of the 150 Texas House seats (a record 68 percent), and five of the seven State Board of Education seats (a record 71 percent)."In 2006, 218 candidates filed with the Libertarian Party of Texas," says Libertarian Party of Texas Executive Director Wes Benedict.

"I think we had to work harder to get 210 candidates for the 2008 elections. Many Texas Libertarians are focused on Ron Paul's campaign for president."

"What's remarkable about the slate of candidates in Texas is that they all come during the time that Ron Paul, a libertarian Congressman from Texas, is running for President as a Republican," says Sean Haugh, the Libertarian Party political director.

"All the libertarians who switched their voter registration to Republican in order to vote for Paul in the primary made themselves ineligible to run as a Libertarian in the 2008 election."

Recent surges in Libertarian Party membership and the success of Ron Paul's campaign indicate a rise of libertarian philosophy among American voters. The Libertarian Party expects this so-called "libertarian rising" to translate into higher vote totals, which will elect more candidates and determine the outcome of more races across the nation.The Libertarian Party ran more than 650 candidates in 2006 elections, and garnered more than 13.4 million votes for candidates around the nation.

"We're hoping Texas sets the standard that the rest of our state affiliates will follow," says Cory. "The Libertarian Party has done very well at the local level by getting many of our candidates elected and creating more competition in election cycles. The major two parties can no longer ignore the impact of libertarians on politics.

"The Libertarian Party is America's third largest political party, founded in 1971 as an alternative to the two main political parties. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party by visiting www.lp.org. The Libertarian Party proudly stands for smaller government, lower taxes and more freedom.

Youth turnout increases per University of Maryland CIRCLE

Youth turnout increased dramatically in both the 2008 IA caucuses and the NH primary according to preliminary analysis of entrance/exit poll results and initial vote tallies by CIRCLE.

In Iowa, the youth turnout rate more than tripled and rose to 13 percent in 2008 from 4 percent in 2004 and 3 percent in 2000. Youth supported both winners-Senator Barack Obama (D) and Governor Mike Huckabee (R)-by the largest margins of any age group.

The youth turnout rate in NH rose sharply to 43 percent in 2008 compared to 18 percent in 2004 and 28 percent in 2000. Young people increased their turnout more than the older age group. The youth turnout rate increased by 15 percentage points over 2000 while the turnout rate for those ages 30 and above increased by only six percentage points.

For estimates of youth turnout in IA and NH as well as analysis of IA entrance polls visit www.civicyouth.org.

Edwards to Supporters

Dear Friend,
We're going to win the nomination because people like you are getting the word out about John Edwards and our campaign for change. And there's no better way for you to show your support for John then by visiting the online store.
Click here to go to our online store
Here's your opportunity to buy a T-shirt, a bumper sticker or a campaign sign, and show your support for John and our campaign!All the products available for purchase at our online store are union made and union printed in the USA.And all purchases you make on the John Edwards for President Store are 100% contributions to John's campaign -- and count toward your overall contribution limit. Remember: with John's commitment to public financing, every contribution you make -- up to $250 -- could be matched. Your contribution could have twice the impact for our campaign!Your $20 T-shirt could bring $40 of resources as the campaign expands to additional states.
Click here to go to our online store
And when you've had a chance to check out our online store, please let your family and friends know about it -- and encourage them to make a purchase as well. You'll be showing your support for John and helping the campaign at the same time!
Thanks for your support.
Sincerely,--David Bonior
National Campaign Manager,
John Edwards for President
January 11, 2008

As Clinton and McCain rebound in N.H., races are wide open

WASHINGTON; and CONCORD, N.H. - Hillary Rodham Clinton and John McCain are hardly kids, but their comebacks in the New Hampshire primary mean the race for the presidential nominations, in both parties, is wide open.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0110/p01s05-uspo.html

Few New Yorkers Want Bloomberg for President

NEW YORK -- Fifty-two percent of New York City voters say Mayor Michael Bloomberg would make a good president but only 34 percent would vote for him, a poll released on Wednesday said.
By several measures, the Quinnipiac University poll showed less than majority support for a Bloomberg presidential campaign by voters who twice sent him to City Hall and still give him a 73 percent approval rating.
http://www.newsmax.com/politics/bloomberg_president/2008/01/10/63475.html

Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano Endorses Barack Obama

PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano endorsed Democrat Barack Obama for president on Friday, citing his message of hope in supporting his candidacy over rivals Hillary Rodham Clinton and John Edwards
http://youdecide08.foxnews.com/2008/01/11/ap-arizona-gov-janet-napolitano-to-endorse-barack-obama/

Clinton offers economic stimulus plan

CITY OF COMMERCE, Calif. - Hillary Rodham Clinton on Friday called for Congress to pass an economic stimulus package that could cost as much as $110 billion to help low-income families keep their homes, to subsidize heating costs this winter and perhaps refund some taxes.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080112/ap_on_el_pr/clinton_economy

Current Delegate Count

Republican Delegates (1,191 needed to win nomination)

Rudy Giuliani
0

Mike Huckabee
31

Duncan Hunter
1
John McCain
7

Ron Paul
0

Mitt Romney
29

Fred Thompson
3

Total
71

Democratic Delegates (2,026 needed to win nomination)

Hillary Clinton
24

John Edwards
18

Mike Gravel
0

Dennis Kucinich
0

Barack Obama
25

Bill Richardson
0

Total
67

Senator Barack Obama Receives Endorsement of Senator John Kerry

Remarks of Senator Barack Obama
John Kerry Endorsement
Thursday, January 10th, 2008
Charleston, South Carolina

I want to thank John Kerry for his support in this campaign and for his service to this nation.

This is a man who knows how much people who love their country can change it.

This is the man who sacrificed the comforts of youth to fight in the jungles of Vietnam; the young Lieutenant who extended his hand to a brother in arms, pulling him from a river as the bullets screamed by.

This is the hero who returned to a Washington where politicians continued a senseless war day after day; life after life because they were too afraid to challenge the conventional thinking; too consumed with their own careers and ambitions.

This is the patriot who saw all of this and said, “No more”; who posed a question to our leaders that challenged the conscience of a nation; who believed in his heart that change does not come from the halls of power, but from the power of a movement thousands of voices strong.

John Kerry is a man of courage; a man of conviction; and a man who’s life story has given him an intimate understanding of the kind of change we need right now.

This is a defining moment in our history. Our nation is at war. Our planet is in peril. The dream that so many generations have fought for feels as if it’s slowly slipping away.

I’ve heard from seniors who were betrayed by CEOs who dumped their pensions while pocketing bonuses.

I’ve met Maytag workers who labored all their lives only to see their jobs shipped overseas; who should not be competing with their teenagers for $7-an-hour jobs at Wal-Mart.

And I’ve seen hope in the eyes of a young woman who works the night shift after a full day of college and still can’t afford health care for a sister who’s ill; a young woman who still believes that this country will give her the chance to live out her dreams.

Many of you have experienced these struggles. You’ve seen the cost of Washington’s inaction and indifference in your own lives. And so you’ve come out in record numbers; in lines that stretch block after block because you know that we can’t afford the same old politics anymore. We can’t afford to settle anymore. In this election – at this moment – our time for change has come.

The time has come to tell the lobbyists who think their money and their influence speak louder than our voices that they don’t own this government, we do; and we’re here to take it back.

The time has come for a President who’ll be honest about the choices and the challenges we face; who’ll listen to you and learn from you even when we disagree; who won’t just tell you what you want to hear, but what you need to know.

The time has come to build a new majority that can lead this nation out of a long political darkness – Democrats, Independents and Republicans who are tired of the division and distraction that has clouded Washington; who know that we can disagree without being disagreeable; who understand that if we mobilize our voices to challenge the money and influence that’s stood in our way and challenge ourselves to reach for something better, there’s no problem we can’t solve – no destiny we cannot fulfill. That’s why I’m running in this campaign, and that’s the kind of President I’ll be for America.

I’ll be a President who finally makes health care affordable and available to every single American the same way I expanded health care in Illinois – by bringing Democrats and Republicans together to get the job done.

I’ll be a President who ends the tax breaks for corporations that ship our jobs overseas and puts a middle-class tax cut into the pockets of the working Americans who deserve it.

I’ll be a President who stops sending our children to schools with corridors of shame and start putting them on a pathway to success. I’ll stop talking about how great teachers are and start rewarding them for their greatness.

I’ll be a President who harnesses the ingenuity of farmers and scientists; citizens and entrepreneurs to free this nation from the tyranny of oil once and for all.

And when I am President, we will end this war in Iraq and bring our troops home; we will finish the job against al Qaeda in Afghanistan; we will care for our veterans; and we will restore our moral standing in the world. And I’ll be a President who understands that 9/11 is not a way to scare up votes, but a challenge that should unite America and the world against the common threats of the twenty-first century: terrorism and nuclear weapons; climate change and poverty; genocide and disease.

I’m running because I believe that the size of these challenges has outgrown the capacity of our broken and divided politics to solve them; because I believe Americans of every political stripe are hungry for a new kind of politics, a politics that’s focused not just on how to win but why we should, a politics that’s focused on those values and ideals that we hold in common as Americans; a politics that favors common sense over ideology, straight talk over spin.

And I’m running because I believe the real gamble in this election is playing the same Washington game with the same Washington players and expecting a different result. That’s a risk we can’t take. Not this year. Not when the stakes are this high. Our time for change has come.

This has been our message since the beginning of this campaign. It was our message when we were down, and our message when we were up. And it must have caught on, because now everyone is talking about change.

But for me, change isn’t just the rhetoric of a campaign. It’s been the cause of my life.

It’s what led me to leave a job on Wall Street and take one as an organizer on the streets of Chicago so that I could fight joblessness and poverty when the local steel plant closed. It’s what led me to stand up as a civil rights lawyer for those who were denied opportunity on the job or justice at the voting booth because of what they looked like or where they came from. It’s what led me to take on lobbyists in Illinois and Washington – and win; passing historic ethics reform that no one thought was possible. And it’s the kind of change I will bring to this country as your next President – not just change as a slogan, but real change; fundamental change; change we can believe in.

Now, we have been told we cannot do this by a chorus of cynics who will only grow louder and more dissonant in the weeks to come. We’ve been asked to pause for a reality check. We’ve been warned against offering the people of this nation false hope.

But in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope. For when we have faced down impossible odds; when we’ve been told that we’re not ready, or that we shouldn’t try, or that we can’t, generations of Americans have responded with a simple creed that sums up the spirit of a people.

Yes we can.

It was a creed written into the founding documents that declared the destiny of a nation.

Yes we can.

It was whispered by slaves and abolitionists as they blazed a trail toward freedom through the darkest of nights.

Yes we can.

It was sung by immigrants as they struck out from distant shores and pioneers who pushed westward against an unforgiving wilderness.

Yes we can.

It was the call of workers who organized; women who reached for the ballot; a President who chose the moon as our new frontier; and a King who took us to the mountaintop and pointed the way to the Promised Land.

Yes we can to justice and equality. Yes we can to opportunity and prosperity. Yes we can heal this nation. Yes we can repair this world. Yes we can.

And so as this campaign continues; as we understand that the struggles of the textile worker in Spartanburg are not so different than the plight of the dishwasher in Las Vegas; that the hopes of the little girl who goes to a crumbling school in Dillon are the same as the dreams of the boy who learns on the streets of LA; we will remember that there is something happening in America; that we are not as divided as our politics suggests; that we are one people; we are one nation; and together, we will begin the next great chapter in America’s story with three words that will ring from coast to coast; from sea to shining sea – Yes. We. Can.

Former Dem nominee Kerry endorses Obama

CHARLESTON, S.C. - John Kerry, the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee, gave Barack Obama a timely endorsement Thursday, snubbing Hillary Rodham Clinton as well as his own vice presidential running mate.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080110/ap_on_el_pr/obama_kerry

Giuliani Touts His Tax Cut Plan As 'Largest Ever'

(CNSNews.com) - Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani on Wednesday released details on his "multi-trillion-dollar tax cut" that "would easily exceed the level of the Reagan or Bush tax cuts," his campaign said."This package is the most pro-growth tax cut of any GOP presidential candidate," Giuliani said.

http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPolitics.asp?Page=/Politics/archive/200801/POL20080110b.html

Huckabee, Thompson Face Tough Ground in SC

(CNSNews.com) - Following Sen. John McCain's victory in the New Hampshire primary, the South Carolina primary looms as the next major electoral battle. And two presumptive Republican leaders in the state - former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and former Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee - may face a tougher challenge there than conventional wisdom might believe.

http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPolitics.asp?Page=/Politics/archive/200801/POL20080109d.html

Rove: Obama's 'Smarmy, Prissy' Slap Helped Clinton

(CNSNews.com) - Karl Rove told Cybercast News Service in an interview Wednesday that Sen. Hillary Clinton's New Hampshire campaign was helped when she responded in a smiling, self-deprecating manner when asked during Saturday night's televised debate why some voters had an issue with her "likeability" and that her rival Sen. Barack Obama only enhanced the positive impact for Clinton when he responded like "a smarmy, prissy little guy taking a slap at her."

http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPolitics.asp?Page=/Politics/archive/200801/POL20080109e.html

No Strategy Overhaul for Clinton

The speculation going into the New Hampshire primary ‑ including in her own camp ‑ was that Hillary Rodham Clinton would soon have to shake up her campaign staff and strategy. Just 24 hours later, with a primary victory that even surprised her own campaign, Clinton staff and supporters argue a tactical and stylistic change enabled her to bounce from a disappointing third-place finish in Iowa to her unexpected win in New Hampshire.

http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000002653501

Michigan Democrats Defend Next Tuesday’s Hobbled Primary

SNEN Note: Great article on the election process, well worth a read.

Michigan Democratic leaders held a press conference Wednesday at which they declared their state’s presidential primary next Tuesday as a “historic step” at braking the overriding influence that the “first-in-the-nation” Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary long have held in choosing the parties’ White House nominees.

http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000002653502

Clinton, McCain look ahead after NH wins

WASHINGTON - Presidential contenders turned their attention Wednesday to the grueling primaries ahead, with Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton and Republican John McCain seeking to capitalize on the themes that powered their comebacks in New Hampshire. "Nothing quite as invigorating as a win," McCain said.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080109/ap_po/primary_rdp

Vote Tallies New Hampshire

Clinton won the New Hampshire Democratic primary with 39 percent of the vote to Obama's 36 percent. Edwards 17 percent. New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson trailed with 5 percent.

As of Wednesday morning, Clinton had 110,550 votes to Obama's 102,883. Third-place finisher John Edwards had 47,803 votes.

On the Republican side, McCain had 37 percent, Romney 32 percent, Huckabee 11 percent, Giuliani 9 percent and Rep. Ron Paul 8 percent. Thompson got 1 percent.

Obama Insists He's the Democrat Who Can Deliver

(CNSNews.com) - "We knew this was going to be closer...than some thought," Sen. Barack Obama said of the New Hampshire primary Wednesday morning. "There's a lot of fondness for the Clintons here -- and they ran a terrific campaign." In an appearance on the "Today" show Wednesday morning, Obama congratulated Sen. Clinton for running a "terrific race" that put her three points ahead of Obama in the end.

http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPolitics.asp?Page=/Politics/archive/200801/POL20080109b.html

Romney & McCain

See their separate colunms / blogs for comments on last night's election in New Hampshire.

John McCain

Mitt Romney

Polls

A new Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby poll showed Obama expanding his lead over Clinton to 13 points, 42 percent to 29 percent, with former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards in third at 17 percent.

McCain led Romney 36 percent to 27 percent in the Republican race, with Huckabee at 10 percent.

- From Reuters

Back to the Future: Carville & Begala to join Clinton campaign

MANCHESTER, N.H. - It’s back to the future at Hillary Clinton’s campaign as some of the top advisers to former President Clinton are set to join to Hillary’s faltering campaign as early as tomorrow.Senior Clinton sources tell Fox that Hillary intends to bring in as top day-to-day advisers James Carville and Paul Begala. The campaign could also add other strategists from Clinton’s presidential years, but Carville and Begala are the biggest names and are set to join the campaign after a post-New Hampshire strategy meeting tomorrow.Carville and Begala will serve as top strategists on politics and communication and likely overshadow the current role of Mark Penn...

http://bourbonroom.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/01/08/back-to-the-future/

Press Checks

Unlike in past presidential campaigns, members of the Washington press corps have managed to steer clear of contributing — monetarily, at least — to the 2008 Republican and Democratic candidates.
Otherwise, Illinois Democratic Sen. Barack Obama appears the favorite of those aligned with the press.
An Inside the Beltway review yesterday of Federal Election Commission records reveals no big names from the reporting wing of the Fourth Estate in any of the candidates' camps.

http://www.townhall.com/columnists/JohnMcCaslin/2008/01/08/press_checks

SNEN Note: Great info in this column! Definitely worth a read.

Obama Hopes to Exit N.H. As the Inevitable Nominee

Nashua, N.H. -- For Democrats, the New Hampshire primary may be just as important for who loses as for who wins. Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York may have entered last week's Iowa caucuses as the inevitable nominee, but polls indicate Sen. Barack Obama is now poised to exit New Hampshire as the new candidate of inevitability.

http://www.newsmax.com/politics/Obama_Hopes_to_Exit_N.H._/2008/01/08/62619.html

Rudy Giuliani Campaign Launches Florida TV Ad, “Liderazgo”

The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced the launch of a new television ad entitled “Liderazgo.” The ad begins airing in Florida today.
To view the ad, click here: http://www.blip.tv/file/586277. The script is below.
Script for “Liderazgo”:
Voice Over: “El Presidente Reagan depositó su confianza en él para combatir el crimen. Nueva York lo eligió su alcalde cuando esa ciudad se veía perdida. Rudy Giuliani. Redujo el crimen.”
Chyron: “Redujo el crimen”
Voice Over: “Rebajó los impuestos.”
Chyron: “Rebajó los impuestos”
Voice Over: “Creó nuevos empleos y recortó la burocracia.”
Chyron: “Creó nuevos empleos”
Chyron: “Recortó la burocracia”
Voice Over: “Se pudo en Nueva York y se puede en Washington. Rudy Giuliani: Experiencia, Resultado, Liderazgo.”
Mayor Giuliani: “Soy Rudy Giuliani y apruebo este mensaje.”
English Translation:
Voice Over: “President Reagan trusted him to combat crime. New York elected him mayor when the city seemed doomed (lost). Rudy Giuliani. He cut down on crime.”
Chyron: “He cut down on crime”
Voice Over: “He lowered taxes.”
Chyron: “He lowered taxes”
Voice Over: “He created new jobs and slashed bureaucracy.”
Chyron: “He created new jobs”
Chyron: “Slashed bureaucracy”
Voice Over: “It was done in New York. It can be done in Washington. Rudy Giuliani: Experience, Results, Leadership.”
Mayor Giuliani: “I’m Rudy Giuliani and I approved this message.”

Edwards Reacts To Clinton Campaign Tasteless Attacks

1/6/08 Today, Senator John Edwards today responded to Senator Clinton's aide, Jay Carson's statement that "In order to be president, you need to do more than read articles about people who need help and talk about them," saying Clinton is "somebody who's actually going to help people and not use them as talking points."
Edwards said:
"My reaction is this campaign doesn't seem to have a conscience. This is not about them - it's about families like the Sarkisyans, the Lowes, and the Lakeys, who desperately need a voice.
"I was willing last night to let this issue go and even willing to let it go earlier today. The more I thought about the idea that somehow everything is about them – it's an indication that they have no conscience about what's at stake here. These families are what this is about. It's not about them nor is it about me. It's about whether we're going to actually stand up and fight for these people.
"If she wants to argue with me or the campaign wants to argue with me about my position about some issue, they're totally entitled to do that. But to talk this way about families who have struggled and suffered and want to be heard – the Lakeys, James Lowe, the Sarkisyans - they didn't come here by accident. They believe they have a responsibility to their families and their children to create a better America and make certain that what happened in the Sarkisyan family's case never happens to any other family. I'm proud of them. Everyone should be proud of them."

Three-Quarters Through The 36-Hour "Marathon For The Middle Class": 9 Towns, 540 Miles, Thousands Of Granite Staters

1/7/08 During final 36-hour campaign push leading into the New Hampshire primary, John Edwards highlights proposals to fight entrenched corporate interests on behalf of the middle class
Manchester, NH – John Edwards' 36-hour "Marathon for the Middle Class" is now three quarters over, and the momentum keeps growing. After standing room only crowds in Manchester, Keene and Derry yesterday, John and Elizabeth Edwards hit the North Country late last night and into the early morning hours, then came back down south to Lakeport and Bedford.
"I may be an underdog in this campaign, running against two candidates with $200 million between them, but the real underdogs are the middle class and the voiceless in this country," said John Edwards. "I know that the fight to save the middle class will be an epic battle, and I will never give up. We're going to take the fight to save the middle class all the way to the Convention and the White House. We're going to look our children in the eye and tell them 'we left you a better life than we had.'"
This morning John Edwards held a town hall meeting in Laconia, while Elizabeth Edwards attended a house party in Nashua. In the afternoon, John and Elizabeth were joined by Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon at a house meeting in Bedford before heading to events in Hampton and Exeter.

Claremont Eagle Times Endorses Bill Richardson

Today, the Claremont Eagle Times endorsed New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson for President, and three key Dodd supporters from the Granite State announced that they will be voting for Bill Richardson on Tuesday, January 8th.
In their endorsement, the Times writes: "Richardson is the most qualified candidate in the areas that will matter the most to our country over the next four years ... Democrats have a variety of choices before them Tuesday. None can match Richardson's experience."
The Eagle Times continues: "Presidents of both political parties have called on him to negotiate with foreign leaders in tense times. He has worked with dignitaries in countries ranging from Great Britain to North Korea. On Day 1 of his presidency, he would be able to handle any crisis that comes before the administration."
The Eagle Times endorsement follows Governor Richardson's recent endorsement from The Conway Daily Sun.
In dial groups conducted by WMUR-TV, voters gave Bill Richardson a clear edge over the other Democratic candidates in last night's debate when he discussed his foreign policy experience. Richardson also received high marks for reminding his opponents that they should remain positive and not engage in personal attacks. Click here to view the complete results of last night's dial groups.
Governor Richardson also has earned the support of three influential backers of Senator Chris Dodd's Presidential bid in the Granite State. State Representative and firefighter Dan Sullivan, State Representative Maureen Nagle, and State Representative David Smith all endorsed Richardson today, citing his unmatched experience and clear plan for getting all of our troops out of Iraq quickly and safely.
"I am supporting Governor Richardson because he has the domestic and international experience to create change," State Representative Nagle said. "Governor Richardson speaks with clarity on the war in Iraq and, as President, he will leverage the power of American diplomacy to end it."
Last night's ABC News/Facebook debate will be re-aired on CNN this evening starting at 7 p.m. Eastern Time.
The Claremont Eagle Times endorsement follows:
http://www.eagletimes.com/main.asp?SectionID=4&SubSectionID=12&ArticleID=5963
McCain, RichardsonEvery new president has some degree of on-the-job training but the more experience they bring to the job in important areas such as international diplomacy and national security, the shorter the learning curve and the more effective the policy.
In Tuesday's presidential primary, Republican John McCain and Democrat Bill Richardson are the most qualified candidates in the areas that will matter the most to our country over the next four years.
McCain will bring the sort of experience and integrity to the White House that can re-establish our international standing and repair the polarization in Congress that has come to define the effects of the current administration.
Americans are, of course, tired of the war in Iraq and the easiest campaign promise is to bring the troops home now, regardless of the long-term consequences such an ill-advised move would bring. McCain, a prisoner of war in Vietnam, understands better than any candidate the need for victory in Iraq. Had the calls been heeded to leave when it appeared that no progress was being made on the ground, McCain has correctly stated that al-Qaida would have been announcing that it defeated America. That would embolden our enemies and make our friends less inclined to ever depend on us again. When many were saying leave Iraq, McCain pushed for an alternative strategy that would increase our military commitment and that strategy, commonly referred to as the "surge," has had outstanding results. It is that sort of leadership and understanding of how to win a conflict that our nation will desperately need.
Domestically, McCain's call for smaller government, fewer taxes, secure borders and market-oriented approaches to solving the problem of health care costs represent the positions that reject more government spending as a solution to a sluggish economy.
Voters looking for sound judgment, experience, courage and integrity should cast their vote for John McCain on Tuesday.
Democrats have a variety of choices before them Tuesday. None can match Richardson's experience.
He has served as a congressman where he was known for his ability to reach across the aisle and work with Republicans who respected him - though they often disagreed with his policies. He served as the United Nations ambassador and was secretary of energy in the Clinton administration, where he worked on policies aimed at reducing our dependence on foreign oil.
And he has for six years been governor of New Mexico where he has increased health care opportunities for children while balancing the budget every year.
Presidents of both political parties have called on him to negotiate with foreign leaders in tense times. He has worked with dignitaries in countries ranging from Great Britain to North Korea. On Day 1 of his presidency, he would be able to handle any crisis that comes before the administration.
In his trips to Claremont, he has impressed crowds with his knowledge of all kinds of domestic and foreign issues. He may lack the charisma of other candidates but none can top him in substance.
Voters will be lucky indeed if in November they have a choice between two intellectually honest, experienced men such as John McCain and Bill Richardson.

Former Biden Supporter State Representative Bill Hatch Endorses Senator Clinton for President

State Representative Bill Hatch, a former Senator Joe Biden supporter, today announced his endorsement of Hillary Clinton. Rep. Hatch will introduce President Bill Clinton this afternoon when he speaks at Berlin City Hall, just a day after Biden's former New Hampshire Campaign Chair, Representative Jim Ryan, threw his support behind Hillary.
"As a representative from Berlin, I am especially sensitive to the struggles of middle class families. Hillary Clinton has strong plans to lower taxes and create new, good jobs that will benefit us all," said Representative Hatch. "I'm supporting Hillary because she is the most capable of effecting the real change that we so desperately need."
Representative Hatch, a retired small business owner and Vietnam veteran, was elected to his seat in 2006. He has been involved in Democratic politics for nearly 40 years and is an active volunteer in his local community.
"I am honored to have Representative Hatch's support," said Senator Clinton. "I will look to him to let his friends and neighbors in the North County know that if they stand with me on January 8, I will stand with them every day in the White House."
Building on the momentum from two new endorsement announcements, statewide grassroots activities and a flood of national supporters travelling to local communities, Senator Clinton will continue criss-crossing the Granite State working hard to earn every vote.

New Hampshire for Hillary Campaign Makes Final Grassroots Push

With less than 24 hours until the New Hampshire primary, the New Hampshire for Hillary campaign’s Get Out the Vote Operation is in full swing. Staff, volunteers, and supporters are working around the clock to ensure that New Hampshire voters know that tomorrow they can help pick a president who can hit the ground running on day one.
In the final hours leading up to the primary, over 6,000 volunteers will fan out across the state, participating in more than 200 canvasses and knocking on tens of thousands of doors. In their efforts to reach out to their friends and neighbors across the state, volunteers and staff will walk close to 400 miles.
Staff and volunteers will be joined in their efforts by more than a dozen national supporters including campaign Chairman Terry McAuliffe; Maryland Lt. Governor Anthony Brown; tennis legend Billie Jean King; Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN); Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa; Senior Campaign Advisor Ann Lewis; Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA); Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA); Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-MA); Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX); Congressman Joe Crowley (D-NY); Congressman Bill Pascrell (D-NY); General Wesley Clark; and EMILY’s List President Ellen Malcolm. Along with Senator Clinton and President Clinton, they have made stops in all 10 counties.
Tomorrow, nearly 300 campaign drivers will make sure that New Hampshire voters have transportation to their polling locations. Staff and volunteers will continue working hard until the polls close to convey one message: Hillary Clinton has the strength and experience to make real change happen.

Clinton: Morning HUBdate: Rhetoric vs. Results

* If You Read One Thing Today: Over 3000 people jammed into a high school gymnasium in Nashua yesterday to see Hillary -- and the place was "rocking." David Brody reports: "Shouts of 'Hillary, Hillary' were everywhere. Even when Hillary started to speak, people here wouldn't stop shouting for her." Read it here
* Making News Today: Hillary continues her "Big Challenges - Real Solutions, Time to Pick a President" Tour in New Hampshire, attending a "Conversation with Undecided Voters" event in Portsmouth, as well as "Time to Pick a President" events in Dover and Salem. She also attends a "Time to Pick a President" Rally with President Clinton in Manchester.
* Recapping Yesterday: President Clinton hit the trail for Hillary, telling New Hampshire voters that this election doesn’t come down to change versus experience, but "words versus deeds, talk versus action, rhetoric versus reality"... State Rep. Jim Webber (D-Kensington), a former Biden supporter, announced his endorsement of Hillary, the third New Hampshire state representative to announce his support of Senator Clinton in recent days... Visit http://www.hillaryhub.com/ for more.
* Rhetoric vs. Results, Talk vs. Action:
As we approach the primary, New Hampshire voters are seeing the difference between talk versus action, rhetoric and results.
Hillary Clinton has a real record of making change and getting results for New Hampshire families. If you want to know what kind of change the candidates will make, look at the change they have already made.
She took the lead in the White House on ensuring that 6 million kids nationwide have health insurance, including 7,000 children in New Hampshire.
She worked with Republicans and helped pass legislation that guaranteed that every member of our National Guard and Reserves has access to health care.
As a result 2700 New Hampshire members of the Guards and Reserves have access to health care regardless of their deployment status.
She took the lead in passing legislation that helped ensure that up to 324,000 children in New Hampshire have been vaccinated.
She took the lead in passing legislation that helped double the number of adoptions out of foster care.
Hillary’s real record of action and results for New Hampshire families serves in sharp contrast to her opponents.
At the debate on Saturday it was clear when opponents were asked what change they had made:
Instead of telling New Hampshire voters what he had done for them, Barack Obama defended rhetoric and talk and cited legislation that bans sit-down meals with lobbyists but allows them to stand up and eat together.
Obama talked about government reform, but denied that the co-chair of his New Hampshire campaign is a lobbyist. He talked about energy reform but couldn’t defend his vote in favor of Dick Cheney’s energy plan that gave the big oil companies billions in tax breaks. He talked about his speech against the war, but didn't explain why he voted for 300 billion in funding for the war and why he said as late as 2004 that he didn’t know how he would have voted on the war.
And all John Edwards could point to on behalf of New Hampshire families was legislation that passed the Senate but never passed Congress and was never signed into law.
Hillary said no matter how beautifully presented, words are not action and pointed to real accomplishments that made real change for people.
The choice for New Hampshire voters is clear - Hillary Clinton’s action and results vs her opponents’ rhetoric and talk.

New Hampshire vote dawns with Obama, McCain leading polls

MANCHESTER, United States (AFP) - Democrat Barack Obama appeared poised to deal a second crushing blow to Hillary Clinton's White House hopes Tuesday and boost his quest to become the first black US president as New Hampshire voted in key presidential primaries.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080108/ts_afp/usvote2008

Dixville Notch, New Hampshire Voted...

The first Presidential votes in the country have been tallied and the results are:

Giuliani - 1
Romney - 2
McCain - 4

Richardson - 1
Obama - 7
Edwards - 2

For those who aren't aware of the tradition, Dixville Notch opens their polls at midnight. All of the town's voters come in, cast their vote and then everyone sticks around and waits for the tally.

It's 12:14 a.m. The vote has been in for probably 7 or 8 minutes. As you can see, there's not much involved in the vote!

Tonight, they had 100% turnout. All 17 of 'em.

Just so you don't get too excited, we understand they haven't gotten it right for the vast majority of their elections going all the way back to 1900 or so. Earlier one of the newscasters said they had never gotten it right. Later another newscaster said they had it right twice.

We'll check and let you know... but we wanted to get the votes up for all you midnighters.

One more quick note in case you're wondering about Iowa. They held caucuses, different set of rules and playbook from standard elections.

Here's a link to Wikepedia (skip down the page to read about the vote): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dixville_Notch,_New_Hampshire

Protesters ask Clinton to iron shirts

SALEM, N.H. - Hillary Rodham Clinton's campaign stop was interrupted on Monday when two men stood in the crowd and began screaming, "Iron my shirt!" during one the New York senator's final appearances before New Hampshire voters cast primary ballots Tuesday.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080108/ap_on_el_pr/clinton_laundry

Clinton makes emotional vow to fight on

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. - Hillary Rodham Clinton's eyes welled up and her voice broke repeatedly Monday as she talked with voters in a restaurant about her campaign for the presidency. The former first lady was making a last-minute pitch for support as she spoke on the eve of the state's primary, with polls showing her trailing Democratic rival Barack Obama.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080107/ap_po/emotional_clinton

Edwards to Supporters

Dear Friend,

I'm asking you for some urgent help here in New Hampshire -- I hope you'll take a moment to respond.

Since the Iowa caucuses, more than $1 million has poured into the campaign. Your overwhelming support for John and his message of change has kept us going -- and it will keep us going through to the convention, and then on to the White House.

Right now, I have an immediate need: an additional $100,000 for our Get Out The Vote operation in New Hampshire. Can you make a contribution now to help us raise $100,000 before midnight?

Click here to make a contribution

I know I can count on you to help bring in an additional $100,000 by midnight. That's why I'm going to go ahead and arrange more phone-banking calls to independent and undecided voters encouraging them to vote tomorrow for John.

Because you've come through before for John and our campaign, I'm going to provide increased transportation for our volunteers as they do last minute door-to-door canvassing -- and as we arrange rides to help get voters to their polling places tomorrow.

I'm doing this because, like you, I know how important it is that we elect a candidate of change -- someone who feels passionately and personally about fighting for all of us and standing up to the special interests.

Can you come through for John again between now and midnight?

Click here to make a contribution

John and Elizabeth are on their 36-hour "Marathon for the Middle Class" bus tour across the state. The enthusiasm and the size of the crowds are unbelievable -- we've not seen anything quite like this before.

We know it's a tough race in New Hampshire. But we also know that folks who live in New Hampshire have a strong independent streak -- and that when they vote tomorrow, they will vote for the candidate of real, lasting change: John Edwards.

Your contribution to help us raise $100,000 before midnight to expand our final outreach efforts will allow us to reach those independent and undecided voters.

Thanks for your support -- we're counting on you!

Sincerely,

--Beth Leonard
New Hampshire State Director, John Edwards for President
January 7, 2008

P.S. I thought you might like to see a great video clip from one of the town hall meetings that John had yesterday. Enjoy!

Obama rockets past Clinton in New Hampshire

MANCHESTER, New Hampshire (Reuters) - Democrat Barack Obama rocketed to a 10-point lead over Hillary Clinton in New Hampshire one day before their showdown in the state's presidential primary, according to a Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby poll released on Monday.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080107/pl_nm/usa_politics_poll_dc

Obama surges ahead in New Hampshire

MANCHESTER, New Hampshire (AFP) - Eleventh-hour polls show Democrat Barack Obama surging ahead in New Hampshire, threatening to deal a second painful blow to Hillary Clinton's White House hopes.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080107/pl_afp/usvote2008

Clinton, Obama clash in personal terms

MANCHESTER, N.H. - The leading Democratic presidential candidates clashed Sunday over each other's claim to be the true candidate of change in the final hours of the slushy New Hampshire homestretch. Hillary Clinton told voters they should elect "a doer, not a talker." Barack Obama countered that his rivals are stuck in the politics of the past.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080107/ap_on_el_pr/democrats_rdp

Richardson Demonstrates Clear Difference on Experience, Foreign Policy, and Iraq

At the ABC News/Facebook debate today, New Mexico Governor and Democratic Presidential candidate Bill Richardson once again demonstrated that he is the only candidate with the foreign policy experience and vision to restore America's standing around the world. Governor Richardson also made it clear that he is the only candidate focused on truly ending the war in Iraq.
Once again, it was apparent that Bill Richardson is the only Democratic Presidential candidate with both a strong foreign policy background and the experience to tackle the domestic problems that President Bush will leave to the next President of the United States.
"In any foreign policy decision, I would use diplomacy first," Richardson said. "That means that the last thing we need in the Muslim world is another action like Iraq which is going to inflame the Muslim world in a horrendous way."
When the other three candidates engaged in a squabble over foreign policy, Governor Richardson called upon his diplomatic expertise to lighten the moment, interjecting, "I have been in hostage negotiations that were a lot more civil." Governor Richardson then went on to clearly explain how the United States should handle the governmental crisis in Pakistan.
"Here is an example of a country which is a potentially failed nation-state with nuclear weapons," Richardson said. "What a President must do is have a foreign policy of principles and realism. With Bush's foreign policy, with regard to Musharraf, we get the worst of all worlds. We have a situation where he has not gone after al-Qaeda in his own country, despite the fact that we have given him over $10 billion.
"Musharraf also severely damaged the constitution. He basically has said that he is the supreme dictator. What I would specifically do as President is to ask Musharraf to step aside. There is a provision in the Pakistani constitution for a caretaker government of technocrats. We need diplomacy. We need a Pakistan with free and fair elections and a concerted effort on the part of Musharraf or whoever is in the leadership in Pakistan to go after the terrorists."
A former U.N. Ambassador and diplomatic troubleshooter, Richardson once again presented his plan to safely pull all of the troops out of Iraq within a year and then bring the warring factions together through tough American-led diplomacy.
"Our current policy on Iraq is a massive failure," Richardson said. "There is no military solution; there is a political solution. Have there been any compromises between the Sunni, the Shia, and the Kurds? Zero. Has there been progress in sharing oil revenues? Zero. Has there been progress with regional elections? Zero. Is the Maliki government intensifying its efforts to train the Iraqi security forces more than they have? No. Is there any end to Iran's efforts to bring terrorist activities to Iraq? No. Including Iran and Syria, no one has participated in a regional solution."
Richardson's foreign policy and domestic experience has been key to his growing support across New Hampshire. Campaign Manager Dave Contarino believes that the format of tonight's debate helped to showcase Governor Richardson's unique experience in both the foreign policy and domestic arenas.
"Americans got to see the four top Democratic candidates clearly define their positions and qualifications, and Bill Richardson was the clear winner tonight," Contarino said. "Bill Richardson is the only Democratic Presidential candidate who has run a state, balanced budgets, raised teacher salaries, provided access to health insurance for every child under twelve, and created jobs. Under his leadership, New Mexico has over 80,000 more jobs, and we have the lowest unemployment since we started keeping records.
"The momentum that we are seeing in New Hampshire demonstrates that the American people want a President who also has the diplomatic experience to protect America's interests around the world. Bill Richardson has faced down tyrants, rescued hostages, and negotiated cease fires. He is ready to lead America."

Richardson earns endorsements from key Dodd Granite State supporters

Today, the Claremont Eagle Times endorsed New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson for President, and three key Dodd supporters from the Granite State announced that they will be voting for Bill Richardson on Tuesday, January 8th.
In their endorsement, the Times writes: "Richardson is the most qualified candidate in the areas that will matter the most to our country over the next four years ... Democrats have a variety of choices before them Tuesday. None can match Richardson's experience."
The Eagle Times continues: "Presidents of both political parties have called on him to negotiate with foreign leaders in tense times. He has worked with dignitaries in countries ranging from Great Britain to North Korea. On Day 1 of his presidency, he would be able to handle any crisis that comes before the administration."
The Eagle Times endorsement follows Governor Richardson's recent endorsement from The Conway Daily Sun.
In dial groups conducted by WMUR-TV, voters gave Bill Richardson a clear edge over the other Democratic candidates in last night's debate when he discussed his foreign policy experience. Richardson also received high marks for reminding his opponents that they should remain positive and not engage in personal attacks. Click here to view the complete results of last night's dial groups.
Governor Richardson also has earned the support of three influential backers of Senator Chris Dodd's Presidential bid in the Granite State. State Representative and firefighter Dan Sullivan, State Representative Maureen Nagle, and State Representative David Smith all endorsed Richardson today, citing his unmatched experience and clear plan for getting all of our troops out of Iraq quickly and safely.
"I am supporting Governor Richardson because he has the domestic and international experience to create change," State Representative Nagle said. "Governor Richardson speaks with clarity on the war in Iraq and, as President, he will leverage the power of American diplomacy to end it."
Last night's ABC News/Facebook debate will be re-aired on CNN this evening starting at 7 p.m. Eastern Time.
The Claremont Eagle Times endorsement follows:
http://www.eagletimes.com/main.asp?SectionID=4&SubSectionID=12&ArticleID=5963
McCain, RichardsonEvery new president has some degree of on-the-job training but the more experience they bring to the job in important areas such as international diplomacy and national security, the shorter the learning curve and the more effective the policy.
In Tuesday's presidential primary, Republican John McCain and Democrat Bill Richardson are the most qualified candidates in the areas that will matter the most to our country over the next four years.
McCain will bring the sort of experience and integrity to the White House that can re-establish our international standing and repair the polarization in Congress that has come to define the effects of the current administration.
Americans are, of course, tired of the war in Iraq and the easiest campaign promise is to bring the troops home now, regardless of the long-term consequences such an ill-advised move would bring. McCain, a prisoner of war in Vietnam, understands better than any candidate the need for victory in Iraq. Had the calls been heeded to leave when it appeared that no progress was being made on the ground, McCain has correctly stated that al-Qaida would have been announcing that it defeated America. That would embolden our enemies and make our friends less inclined to ever depend on us again. When many were saying leave Iraq, McCain pushed for an alternative strategy that would increase our military commitment and that strategy, commonly referred to as the "surge," has had outstanding results. It is that sort of leadership and understanding of how to win a conflict that our nation will desperately need.
Domestically, McCain's call for smaller government, fewer taxes, secure borders and market-oriented approaches to solving the problem of health care costs represent the positions that reject more government spending as a solution to a sluggish economy.
Voters looking for sound judgment, experience, courage and integrity should cast their vote for John McCain on Tuesday.
Democrats have a variety of choices before them Tuesday. None can match Richardson's experience.
He has served as a congressman where he was known for his ability to reach across the aisle and work with Republicans who respected him - though they often disagreed with his policies. He served as the United Nations ambassador and was secretary of energy in the Clinton administration, where he worked on policies aimed at reducing our dependence on foreign oil.
And he has for six years been governor of New Mexico where he has increased health care opportunities for children while balancing the budget every year.
Presidents of both political parties have called on him to negotiate with foreign leaders in tense times. He has worked with dignitaries in countries ranging from Great Britain to North Korea. On Day 1 of his presidency, he would be able to handle any crisis that comes before the administration.
In his trips to Claremont, he has impressed crowds with his knowledge of all kinds of domestic and foreign issues. He may lack the charisma of other candidates but none can top him in substance.
Voters will be lucky indeed if in November they have a choice between two intellectually honest, experienced men such as John McCain and Bill Richardson.

Edwards to Supporters

Dear Friend,

John stood out in last night's debate with his strong, passionate calls for change. But don't take my word for it -- here's what people are saying:

George Stephanopoulous (ABC):

"Edwards showed passion and vitality and energy tonight. He was on-message. He had a strategy tonight. I think this was one of his best debates."DailyKos: "Edwards probably had the best performance of the night. He came across as passionate, and was more energetic than the other candidates. With the debate closing on economic issues, he was able to play his populist card to great effect and dominate the closing minutes of the debate."

Click here tocontribute.

AmericaBlog.com: "Edwards is really unparalleled when it comes to connecting policies with people. I certainly find it very effective."Rick Klein (ABC): "Edwards may have turned in the strongest pure performance."Matthew Yglesias (The Atlantic Monthly): "John Edwards gave a fantastic answer about the need to combine short-term effects with a long-term commitment to 'rid the world of nuclear weapons' as part of a broad push to revitalize the non-proliferation framework."New Hampshire Presidential Watch: "The press center is eating-up John Edwards' attack on the status quo."David Schuster (MSNBC): "I thought the guy who stood out the most was John Edwards. Last night Edwards, who does not take money from corporate interests or PACs, hammered that issue again and again."

Click here to contribute.

Rick Klein (ABC): "John Edwards comes back to his message again and again, in an effective way. If a debate could vault him back into the game, he may be having that very debate."Chuck Todd (NBC): "Edwards, by the way, had a very good night."Your contribution today will help John build on this great debate performance and carry his message of fighting for the middle class all across this country!

Thanks for your support.--Jonathan Prince
Deputy Campaign Manager, John Edwards for President
January 6, 2008

P.S. Please take a moment to look at one of the highlights from last night's debate and see why members of the media are raving about John's performance:www.johnedwards.com/watch/debate-reviews

New Candidate Blog - McCain

We've set up a separate blog for John McCain. We will be posting some information on this blog, and on our other political blogs, however the bulk of his info will be at: Georgia Front Page: John McCain.

Thanks for reading our blogs and keeping up with all the campaign news from around the world!

GOVERNOR JIM DOUGLAS ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Governor James H. Douglas (R-VT) has endorsed John McCain in the New Hampshire Primary.

"John McCain is a principled leader whose character, judgment and experience make him the best prepared to lead this country on day one," said Governor Douglas. "John McCain is a reformer who is willing to stand up for taxpayers and against the special interests. I am proud to support his candidacy."

John McCain thanked Gov. Douglas for his support, stating, "The people of Vermont are privileged to have Jim leading their state. I am honored to have his support, and I look forward to working with Jim as we continue my campaign for the presidency."

Governor Jim Douglas has been serving the people of Vermont for more than thirty years, first as State Representative, then Secretary of State, State Treasurer, and now Governor. He is currently serving his third term as Governor of the state of Vermont. The Governor and his wife Dorothy have two grown sons, Matthew and Andrew.

See: Republican Candidates for more McCain updates

REAGAN ALUMNI ENDORSE JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced a group of nearly 100 prominent Reagan Administration alumni who have endorsed John McCain for president.

"As former Reagan Administration officials, we are inspired by the same qualities in John McCain today that we so admired in President Reagan," said former White House Counsel Arthur B. Culvahouse. "John McCain was a foot soldier in the Reagan Revolution, and he understands America's role in the world -- a powerful global leader working to serve as an example and promote democracy and freedom around the world. John McCain has a lifetime record of service to his country. In Congress, he led the fight to limit government, lower taxes, cut spending and keep families strong. John McCain is the only candidate who can rally the Reagan coalition of conservatives, Independents and conservative Democrats needed to defeat the Democratic nominee in the general election next year."

John McCain thanked the alumni, stating, "President Reagan stands out in history as a leader who recognized America's potential and had a vision for her future. I knew President Reagan well, and respected and admired his unwavering leadership in the face of grave challenges, and his fortitude to take on the toughest issues. I am grateful to have the support of so many friends and colleagues who have all worked to build and maintain President Reagan's legacy."

REAGAN ALUMNI SUPPORTING JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT
Grant Aldonas
Stanton D. Anderson
Richard V. Allen
Mary Jo Arndt
William L. Ball III
Ralph Benko
Charles R. Black, Jr.
Judy A. Black
Otis Bowen, M.D.
Ellen Bradley
James H. Burnley IV
Gahl Hodges Burt
Richard Burt
Mark Buse
Frank Cannon
David Chew
Nancy Christy
James W. Cicconi
Former Senator Dan Coats
Chuck Cobb
Carol Crawford
Ron Crawford
Tim Crawford
Dan L. Crippen
Arthur B. Culvahouse Jr.
Richard H. Davis
Mimi Dawson
Rhett Dawson
Stephen I. Danzansky
Frank J. Donatelli
Rebecca Donatelli
Lawrence S. Eagleburger
Marlin Fitzwater
Melinda A. Fitzwater
Alison B. Fortier
HP Goldfield
Mark Holman
Janet Mullins Grissom
Alexander M. Haig, Jr.
Janet Hale
Bryce L. Harlow
Robert Heckman
Warren K. Hendriks, Jr.
Governor Jon Huntsman
Former Governor Frank Keating
Gen. P.X. Kelley
Nancy Kennedy
Bobbie Kilberg
William J. Kilberg
Ann Korologos
Carole Kuhn
Jim Kuhn
Christian Josi
Chris Lehman
John F. Lehman, Jr.
James Lake
Thomas G. Loeffler
Peter Madigan
Fred Malek
Robert C. McFarlane
Robert A. Mosbacher Sr.
Timothy J. Muris
J. Bonnie Newman
Trevor Potter
Anthony J. Principi
William Bradford Reynolds
James Roberts
Patricia O'Connor Roberts
Peter Rodman
John Rogers
Sig Rogich
Nancy Risque Rohrbach
Gen. Ed Rowny
Mark Salter
George Sawyer
Craig Shirley
Zorine Shirley
George P. Shultz
Pamela Stevens
William F. Sittman
Bernie Streeter
Orson G. Swindle III
Lance Tarrance
Mike Thompson
Carol Townsend
Pamela J. Turner
Margaret Tutwiler
Peter Wallison
John Whitehead
Lanny Wiles
Joseph Wright
Chuck Yob
Al Zapanta

Hunter Town Hall Meet Draws Over 3,900

The hot topic was immigration as the Republican candidates spared and sparks flew in the ABC News, Facebook Debate. At the same time Presidential candidate Duncan Hunter, who was excluded by ABC from the debate, was having forum-townhall meeting at the Radisson hotel in Manchester. He was joined by former Senator Bob Smith, war hero General Chuck Yeager and, through a special telephone hook-up, by more than 3,900 New Hampshire residents. The group discussed the fact that there were only three men in America who have Republican delegates for President, and Hunter being one of them. Hunter, Fred Thompson and Mitt Romney won delegates in the Wyoming caucus Saturday. Many were stunned that ABC had not allowed Hunter to participate in the debate.

New Hampshire Republican Party Chairman Fergus Cullen weighed in on the debate when ABC/facebook excluded Hunter from Saturday night’s live broadcast. The network claimed Hunter lacked the support to be included in the broadcast: “Limiting the number of candidates who are invited to participate in debates is not consistent with the tradition of the first-in-the-nation primary. The level playing field requires that all candidates be given an equal opportunity to participate – not just a select few determined by the media prior to any votes being cast.” After unsuccessful attempts to convince Fox and ABC to reconsider, Cullen announced New Hampshire GOP would no longer support the Republican forum scheduled for Sunday on FOX that has also excluded Hunter.

Hunter has been the leader on immigration reform. The townhall audience noted the fact that several other Republican candidates are now “speaking” Hunter’s positions on immigration. Hunter’s position for the last 20 years was quoted, almost verbatim, during the televised debate. Hunter, who built the double fence along the San Diego border is the only candidate that has actually taken action that resulted in securing our southern borders.

Hunter has also been a long-standing supporter of a strong national defense. He is an opponent of NAFTA, and is fighting to bring jobs back to America. He wants a fair trade balance, especially with the Communist Chinese, and he is a lifelong supporter of a Buy-American policy.

Supports are sending request to Fox News Channel to reinstate Hunter in tonight’s debate. Fox can be reached by calling 1-888-369-4762, extension 4, or (212) 301-3000, or emailing at yourcomments@foxnews.com The Fox News Washington, D.C. telephone number is 202-824-6300.

WHAT THEY'RE REALLY SAYING ABOUT GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY AT THE MANCHESTER, NH GOP DEBATE

Fox News' Dick Morris: "I thought that Mitt Romney won the debate." (Fox News' "Live," 1/5/08)

· Morris: "You have to see this debate in two contexts. Partly, it’s a popularity contest but partly its an audition to see who's the toughest fighter, to see who would be the best boxer in the ring with Hillary or with Obama. Then he came across hands down as the toughest boxer." (Fox News' "Live," 1/5/08)

· Morris: "I really felt fundamentally Romney really made the field." (Fox News' "Live," 1/5/08)

National Review's Jonathan Adler: "At his best, [Romney] was persuasive and presidential." (Jonathan Adler, "Re: Spin Room," National Review's The Corner, http://corner.nationalreview.com=, Posted 1/5/08)

National Review's Kathryn Jean Lopez: "Romney showed a steadiness under fire, sounded like a guy who knows what he's talking about on a number of issues, and introduced more of his biography than he has at debates. I thought Romney's performance was a good start to a weekend of debates where he had to do well – if he does very well tomorrow night, kicking it up a notch, he might show he's a turnaround artist yet in this primary process." (Kathryn Jean Lopez, "I Second The Levin Emotion," National Review's The Corner Blog, http://corner.nationalreview.com/, Posted 1/5/08)

· Lopez: "Romney is really in his element talking about substantial policy here. He knows this health-care stuff." (Kathryn Jean Lopez, "They're Doing The Work Of The Free Market," National Review's The Corner Blog, http://corner.nationalreview.com/, Posted 1/5/08)

· Lopez: "I think this seminar format suits Romney, who is a wonk, who loves data and problem-solving (and has even done some of it)." (Kathryn Jean Lopez, "On Domestic Policy," National Review's The Corner Blog, http://corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/5/08)

The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder: "And Romney is in his wheelhouse. He's been very strong so far and seems very eager to get in on every question, but his answers aren't forced. The Real Mitt Romney..." (Marc Ambinder, "Health Care," The Atlantic Blog, http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/, Posted 1/5/08)

Commentary's John Podhoretz: "Mitt Romney is the most impressive performer this evening, striking a judicious tone of urgency and fluency." (John Podhoretz, "New Hampshire: Halfway Through," Commentary Blog, http://www.commentarymagazine.com, Posted 1/5/08)

· Podhoretz: "But as a matter of performance solely, he is far and away the best and he’s delivered it when he needed it most." (John Podhoretz, "New Hampshire: Halfway Through," Commentary Blog, http://www.commentarymagazine.com, Posted 1/5/08)

National Review's Mark Levin: "I thought Romney actually held up pretty well, given the onslaught." (Mark R. Levin, "The Debate," National Review's The Corner Blog, http://corner.nationalreview.com/, Posted 1/5/08)

Riehl World View's Dan Riehl: "If you were looking for substance across the board on issues, I think Romney was the clear winner in tonight's debate. McCain's well-known temperament problems lingered barely below the surface much of the evening, especially when someone dared disagree with him. Except of course, for his hugs for Hillary and slaps on the back for Fred. This is a change election and old hands from the Senate will not get it done." (Dan Riehl, "ABC Debate: It Was Romney's Night," Riehl World View Blog, www.riehlworldview.com, Posted 1/5/08)

· Riehl: "I've been watching the debate on ABC. I guess we can dispense with the nice guy image for Huckabee. He came out with one agenda - attack Romney. Romney handled it well. And as everyone else was on point and not looking to just attack, it left Huckabee looking like a jerk. Maybe he needs bookshelves floating behind him to make the nice guy image work? Just a thought." (Dan Riehl, "The Republican Debate," Riehl World View Blog, www.riehlworldview.com, Posted 1/5/07)

New Candidate Blog

We are receiving more and more campaign releases from various candidates, some more than others. As a result we are in the process of setting up individual blogs for the more prolific candidates. All of their campaign releases plus news stories, commentary and information on the candidate from other campaigns (i.e., attacks) will be posted on those sites.

We will still post some of that same information in this blog and in Republican Candidates, Republican News Sweep and JMac Politics: Fayette County, Georgia and Beyond.Today we have created Georgia Front Page: Mitt Romney.

ABC News & Fox News Debates

Both ABC and Fox have opted to exclude certain candidates from their debates. ABC debates are just finishing as I type this so there's not much point in saying anything. BTW - I just finished watching the Republican and Democratic debate, thought Gibson did a great job and very much liked the format. It would have slowed things down to have others on the stage, however, I would have preferred to hear from the guys who didn't make the cut. It's too early in the race. Who knows, IF the public were to hear their stances it could be they'd pick up enough delegates to be viable.

So, that said it would be good to have the lower tier included in the Fox debate. If you'd like to have all candidates here's the info to call or email:

Fox News Channel can be reached by calling 1-888-369-4762, extension 4, or (212) 301-3000, or emailing at yourcomments@foxnews.com
The Fox News Washington, D.C. telephone number is 202-824-6300.

If you want to express your thoughts on ABC's exclusion of candidates, or just say good job with the debates here's their contact info:

ABC News Political Director David Chalian can be reached at David.Chalian@abc.com (202) 222-7761

Does Obama's win show US is colorblind?

Ray Ballentine was waiting for a sign to throw his support to Barack Obama. And when Obama coasted to victory in Iowa's caucuses, there it was — evidence that the senator had the broad racial appeal to get to the White House.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080105/ap_po/a_black_president

Clinton, Obama in dead heat in NH poll

MANCHESTER, N.H. - Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton are locked in a dead heat for the New Hampshire primary, according to a poll released Saturday that underscores the tight Democratic race after his win in Iowa.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080105/ap_po/democrats_rdp

The Political Wire: Big-Time Obama Bounce

New Hampshire polls are all over the board, but the latest from Rasmussen shows Barack Obama with a big-time bump after his Iowa caucus win Thursday.
The Jan. 4 poll gives the Illinois senator a 10-point lead over rival Hillary Clinton, who placed third in Iowa.

http://youdecide08.foxnews.com/2008/01/05/the-political-wire-dean-says-large-turnout-good-news-for-dems/

Romney wins Wyoming caucuses

CASPER, Wyo. - Mitt Romney captured his first win of the Republican presidential race, gaining most of Wyoming's delegates at stake in GOP caucuses on Saturday.

The former Massachusetts governor won six of the first eight delegates to be selected. Former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson and California Rep. Duncan Hunter won one apiece, meaning no other candidate could beat Romney. Caucuses were still being held to decide all 12 delegates at stake.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080105/ap_on_el_pr/wyoming_caucuses

STATEMENTS BY GEORGE SHULTZ AND RICHARD ALLEN SUPPORTING JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released the following statements by former U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz and former National Security Advisor Richard Allen on John McCain's courage, judgment and experience that uniquely qualify him for the presidency.

George P. Shultz, who served as the 60th U.S. Secretary of State under President Ronald Reagan from 1982 to 1989, today issued the following statement:

"The next President of the United States must be prepared from day one of assuming the office to address the many complex national security issues that confront the United States and our allies. I can think of no candidate who is more prepared for this extraordinary challenge than John McCain. Back during the days of the Reagan Administration, John was a strong ally in our efforts to strengthen America's defenses, promote freedom and undermine communist dictatorships across the globe. He emerged as a leader on national security issues who displayed a profound and first-hand understanding of the world. Today, we are engaged in a struggle with Islamist extremism and we must have a Commander in Chief who needs no on-the-job training. It is my honor to support John McCain, a man of unwavering convictions who will lead America with integrity, strength and courage."

Richard V. Allen, who served as President Ronald Reagan's first National Security Advisor from 1981 to 1982, today issued the following statement:

"We live in dangerous times and face unprecedented and unconventional national security challenges. How shall we deal with conflicts in The Middle East, an increasingly hostile Russia, a rising China, Islamic extremism and terrorism? To meet challenges of this magnitude, we need a seasoned leader with extensive first-hand experience. John McCain is that leader.

"I had the honor to work closely with Ronald Reagan for more than three years prior to his election, and the honor to serve him when he was President. I have been in the Oval Office in times of crisis and when tough policy choices had to be made. I have witnessed real presidential leadership in action, and know that John McCain is the candidate who has the essential leadership qualities to secure America's future. He knows what it is like to be in the cockpit, and will be on the job from Day One to deal with these unprecedented dangers.

"For twenty-two years John McCain has served his country honorably and faithfully, displaying his courage while in uniform, suffering the very real hardships of a prisoner of war and providing staunch support for President Reagan's foreign policy and national security objectives, never wavering in his support for the President's determination to end and win the Cold War. The decades of John McCain's first-hand experience and leadership cannot be acquired with on-the-job training and briefings by advisors; it can only be learned by determined study and perseverance.

"It is my honor to support John McCain in 2008 as the person with the courage, conviction and experience to lead this country from the first day of his presidency."

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.