Houston Blogs: TheVote

President GHW Bush on Joe Paterno

HOUSTON — The following is a statement by former President George H. W. Bush on the passing of former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno:

I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Joe Paterno. He was an outstanding American who was respected not only on the field of play but in life generally — and he was, without a doubt, a true icon in the world of sports. I was proud that he was a friend of mine. Barbara and I send our condolences to his devoted wife Suzanne and to his wonderful family.

Will #SCPrimary Be A Washout?

If the weather in the state capital is any indication, tonight's results may be a washout.

It is raining heavily with gusty winds in Columbia.

And recent polling indicates that Newt Gingrich's momentum may not only carry him to victory, but to a win greater than 4 or 5 points over bitter rival Mitt Romney.

Romney's camp has subtly lowered expectations in the last 72 hours. And he may limp into Florida's primary needing a strong win there to steal Gingrich's most recent dance with positive momentum.

It could be that this ultra-conservative state loved Gingrich's debate performance on Thursday night and it's accompanying assault on the media.

If he wins here, he'll be the third winner in as many contests.

Rick Santorum was affirmed as Iowa's winner in a late night email blast from that state's GOP.

Romney handily won New Hampshire. And seems to be only one of the four remaining candidates with the money and infrastructure to win the nomination.

Should he win here, and prove these last minute polls wrong, it would tough for any of the others to drag the process into late spring.

Should he lose, however, it could be a new, much more intense race, beginning Sunday in the Sunshine State.

The polls close at 7PM EST.

Photos From The Trail in South Carolina

#scprimary #gop2012 #romney #paul #vote #politics

Newt Is A No-Show, Cain's Campaign Manager Sticks With 9-9-9

@Newt2012HQ @TheHermanCain are both mentioned in my quick report at 11AM on Eyewitness News.

Find out why Newt was booed and why Cain may still endorse a candidate running for president.

 

@RickSantorum Says Message Matters, Perry's Exit Helps Him

I just spent a few minutes talking with Rick Santorum here in Charleston, South Carolina.

He told me Rick Perry's exit from the GOP race is already benefitting his campaign.

He says Texas supporters and donors are realigning themselves and he's seeing some of them land his way.

He also says this not a campaign about Mitt Romney vs the field as it is about message and consistency.

Taking a veiled swipe at Romney, he said this is not a race where you choose the candidate who tests the wind to pick positions on issues.

He says he'll do well here and hopes the SC voters like his message of "consistent conservatism" the way those in Iowa apparently did.

Watch for more live coverage on abc13 Eyewitness News throughout the day.

@RonPaul Thinks It Could Come Down To Him & @MittRomney

Texas congressman Ron Paul says he thinks the 2012 GOP race could come down to him and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.

"That's the way it's looking," he told Eyewitness News reporter Tom Abrahams at an event at the College of Charleston in South Carolina. "I don't think Rick Perry (leaving the race) will have much of an effect. He had so little support. I might get some of his votes, Rick Santorum will get some."

His campaign says they could finish third in the first southern primary, despite spending less than a week campaigning here.

The campaign is focused on early February caucuses in Nevada, Minnesota, and Colorado.

Paul, who campaigns on an anti-war, anti-federal reserve platform, says tonight's CNN debate could be a contentious one.

@RickSantorum Declares Victory In #IaCaucus

This from the Santorum campaign. It's a different spin than @MittRomney camp:

Breaking news this morning that the final count is in from Iowa and I was declared the winner of the 2012 Iowa Caucus.

This now means that we have one win and Mitt Romney has one win.

This is shaping up to be a classic battle between the leading moderate candidate – Mitt Romney – and me, the leading conservative candidate.

This incredible news will certainly put fear in the hearts of the establishment and give great hope to every conservative who wants to beat Barack Obama.

@RickSantorum Actually Won #IACaucus

Certified Iowa Caucus Presidential Preference Vote Totals

Des Moines, IA – The Republican Party of Iowa today released the final, certified vote totals of the January 3 Iowa Caucus presidential preference vote. The final, certified vote totals represent 1,766 of the state’s 1,774 caucus precincts, and reflect a record-breaking 121,503 Iowans who participated.

2012 Iowa Republican Caucus Certified vote totals (1766/1774 precincts certified)

Rick Santorum 29,839

Mitt Romney 29,805

Ron Paul 26,036

Newt Gingrich 16,163

Rick Perry 12,557

Michele Bachmann 6,046

Jon Huntsman 739

No Preference 147

Other 86

Herman Cain 45

Sarah Palin 23

Buddy Roemer 17

Total (1766/1774) 121,503

Certified vote totals were unavailable for eight of Iowa’s 1,774 precincts. Full, certified vote totals per precinct are available online at www.iowagop.org.

“Just as I did in the early morning hours on January 4, I congratulate Senator Santorum and Governor Romney on a hard-fought effort during the closest contest in caucus history,” said Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Matt Strawn. “Our goal throughout the certification process was to most accurately reflect and report how Iowans voted the evening of January 3. We understand the importance to the candidates involved, but as Iowans, we understand the responsibility we have as temporary caretakers of the Iowa caucuses.””

As Strawn noted during the January 4 announcement of unofficial caucus night vote totals, Iowa GOP rules provided for a 14-day period by which each of Iowa’s 99 counties were required to submit a Form E document from each of the caucus precincts within the county. The Form E document is the official record of the presidential preference vote in each of Iowa’s 1,774 precincts. The deadline for county Republican officials to submit the Form E documents was 5 p.m. (CST) on Wednesday, January 18. Following Wednesday’s deadline, Iowa GOP officials were able to certify results from 1,766 of the state’s 1,774 precincts.

Strawn noted that a hallmark of the Iowa caucuses is the openness and transparency within which the proceedings occur. Not only do voting Iowans and presidential campaign representatives have the opportunity to observe the vote counting in each of the state’s precincts, but each presidential campaign had senior campaign officials in the Iowa GOP’s official tabulation center on caucus night.

Strawn indicated this openness and transparency will continue during the post-certification period as the Iowa GOP will be making the precinct caucus Form E documents submitted during the certification process available for review to both presidential campaign officials and members of the media.

#IowaCaucus Results Reveal "Virtual Tie"

The Des Moines Register is reporting the following, ahead of the Iowa GOP's official announcement Thursday morning:

THE RESULTS: Santorum finished ahead by 34 votes
MISSING DATA: 8 precincts’ numbers will never be certified
PARTY VERDICT: GOP official says, ‘It’s a split decision’
Rick Santorum – Final total: 29,839 Change: -168
Mitt Romney – Final total: 29,805 Change: -210
It’s a tie for the ages.
There are too many holes in the certified totals from the Iowa caucuses to know for certain who won, but Rick Santorum wound up with a 34-vote advantage.
Results from eight precincts are missing — any of which could hold an advantage for Mitt Romney — and will never be recovered and certified, Republican Party of Iowa officials told The Des Moines Register on Wednesday.
GOP officials discovered inaccuracies in 131 precincts, although not all the changes affected the two leaders. Changes in one precinct alone shifted the vote by 50 — a margin greater than the certified tally.
The certified numbers: 29,839 for Santorum and 29,805 for Romney. The turnout: 121,503.

Also, Mitt Romney's campaign released a statement about these new results:
“The results from Iowa caucus night revealed a virtual tie. I would like to thank the Iowa Republican Party for their careful attention to the caucus process, and we once again recognize Rick Santorum for his strong performance in the state. The Iowa caucuses, with record turnout, were a great start to defeating President Obama in Iowa and elsewhere in the general election.”

This comes as multiple polls show the gap between Romney and Newt Gingrich narrowing in South Carolina. One poll gives Gingrich a small lead in the first southern primary.

On The Ground In South Carolina For The #GOP2012 #SCPrimary

News Photographer Chris Graczyk and I are here in Charleston, South Carolina ahead of Saturday's first in the south ( #FITS ) primary.

This is a turning point in the campaign for several campaigns and it seems to be evolving into Mitt Romney versus the field.

Of the non-Romney's, Newt Gingrich may have the best chance at winning here.  Late Wednesday night, his campaign promoted the results of a new poll that has him leading Romney (tied within the margin of error) with just two full days before the polls open.

Rick Santorum could also do well here, though anything other than the top three may deflate the tires on his post-Iowa bandwagon.

Ron Paul is also in the "top tier" here in the Palmetto State.  And while he may have no realistic shot at the nomination, he could be the last of the non-Romney's standing.

This very well could be Rick Perry's last stand.  He's put all of his remaining eggs into the southern basket, essentially skipping New Hampshire after his dismal finish in Iowa.

A top four finish here for Perry would be a surprise and a small victory.

Of real interest here will be former-candidate Herman Cain.  Not only does he have the support of political comedian/satirist Stephen Colbert, but he says he'll be making an "unconventional endorsement" later today at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference.

You'd think he'd be backing Gingrich, given their friendship and mutual admiration, but that wouldn't necessarily be unconventional...

How will that play?  And will his endorsement mean anything at all?

After Saturday we could be down to four...

Check back for updates throughout the rest of the week.

@BarackObama Statement On #KeystoneXL Denial

Today the president denied construction of a oil pipeline stretching from Canada to #Houston.

Here is his official statement on the decision:

Statement by the President on the Keystone XL Pipeline

Earlier today, I received the Secretary of State’s recommendation on the pending application for the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. As the State Department made clear last month, the rushed and arbitrary deadline insisted on by Congressional Republicans prevented a full assessment of the pipeline’s impact, especially the health and safety of the American people, as well as our environment. As a result, the Secretary of State has recommended that the application be denied. And after reviewing the State Department’s report, I agree.

This announcement is not a judgment on the merits of the pipeline, but the arbitrary nature of a deadline that prevented the State Department from gathering the information necessary to approve the project and protect the American people. I’m disappointed that Republicans in Congress forced this decision, but it does not change my Administration’s commitment to American-made energy that creates jobs and reduces our dependence on oil. Under my Administration, domestic oil and natural gas production is up, while imports of foreign oil are down. In the months ahead, we will continue to look for new ways to partner with the oil and gas industry to increase our energy security –including the potential development of an oil pipeline from Cushing, Oklahoma to the Gulf of Mexico – even as we set higher efficiency standards for cars and trucks and invest in alternatives like biofuels and natural gas. And we will do so in a way that benefits American workers and businesses without risking the health and safety of the American people and the environment.

#IowaCaucus #GOP2012 Results Certified Thursday

From the Iowa Republican Party:

Update on Iowa Caucus Presidential Preference Vote Certification Process

Following the closest vote total in the history of the Iowa Caucuses, Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Matt Strawn today provided an update on the vote certification process, timeline for the public release of results, and the availability of certification documents for public inspection.

As noted during the announcement of the Caucus Night vote totals, Iowa GOP rules provide for a 14-day period by which each of Iowa's 99 counties are required to submit to a Form E document from each of the caucus precincts within the county. The Form E document is the official record of the presidential preference vote in each of Iowa's 1,774 precincts. The 14-day period sets close of business (5 p.m. CST), Wednesday, January 18 as the deadline for county Republican officials to submit the Form E documents.

Iowa GOP staff is working throughout the day to assist counties and precincts in meeting this requirement by today's 5 p.m. deadline.

Timeline for Public Release of Results & Inspection of Form E Certification Documents:

The Iowa GOP will publicly release the certified vote totals of the 2012 Republican Caucuses at 8:15 a.m. (CST) on Thursday, January 19. The certified "Form E" precinct documents will then be made available for inspection by presidential campaign representatives at 9:00 a.m. (CST) at the Republican Party of Iowa Headquarters in Des Moines. The certified "Form E" precinct documents will then be made available for inspection by members of the news media starting at 11:00 a.m. (CST).

The #Flower Czar, Former @WhiteHouse Florist Dies

Former White House florist Nancy Clarke has died.

She was the florist there for close to 25 years.  Here is her personal website with a link to some of her work.

She'd just published her first book in September of last year.

And here's the official statement of former First Lady Barbara Bush:

STATEMENT BY BARBARA BUSH ON THE PASSING
OF FMR WHITE HOUSE FLORIST NANCY CLARKE

HOUSTON — The following is a statement from Barbara Bush on the passing of Nancy Clarke, who headed the White House Flower Shop from 1985 to 2009.

"George and I were so sad to learn of Nancy's untimely death.  She brought a certain magic to the White House, not only at Christmastime; not only for State Dinners and other special occasions, but every single day.  She truly was gifted.  We feel we have lost a close family friend."

@WhiteHouse Plan To Delete The #Commerce Dept

This from The White House:

President Obama Announces Proposal To Reform, Reorganize and Consolidate Government
Plan will make Government leaner, smarter and more consumer-friendly

WASHINGTON, DC – As a follow up to last year’s State of the Union, today, President Obama called on Congress to reinstate Presidential authority to reorganize and consolidate the federal government, which will ensure swift action on his proposals to streamline government to make it work better for the American people while eliminating duplication, waste and inefficiencies.

“We live in a 21st century economy, but we’ve still got a government organized for the 20th century. Our economy has fundamentally changed – as has the world – but the government has not. The needs of our citizens have fundamentally changed but their government has not. Instead, it has often grown more complex. Today, I am calling on Congress to reinstate the authority that past presidents have had to streamline and reform the Executive Branch. This is the same sort of authority that every business owner has to make sure that his or her company keeps pace with the times. And let me be clear: I will only use this authority for reforms that result in more efficiency, better service, and a leaner government,” said President Obama.

Almost every President from Herbert Hoover to Ronald Reagan had reorganization authority. Too often past attempts to streamline government got caught up in beltway politics and power struggles that prevented meaningful consolidation. And more often than not, new agencies were added without taking any away.

Unlike the authority granted in the past, the President’s proposal would initiate new accountability by mandating that any plan must reduce the number of government agencies or save taxpayer dollars. It would also ensure expedient review by Congress.

The President laid out his first proposed use of that authority consolidating six agencies into one more efficient agency to promote competitiveness, exports and American business. Currently, there are six major departments and agencies that focus primarily on business and trade in the federal government. The six are: U.S. Department of Commerce’s core business and trade functions, the Small Business Administration, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the Export-Import Bank, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.

Consolidating these agencies along with other related programs will help entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes grow, compete, and hire, leveraging one cohesive Department with one mission: to spur job creation and expand the U.S. economy.

In his last State of the Union Address, President Obama noted there was more that we must do to give American businesses all they need to succeed. The Federal Government is a maze of Federal agencies with overlapping services and missions, making it difficult for businesses – and especially small ones – to find the assistance they need to export, expand, and hire.

He established the Government Reform for Competitiveness and Innovation Initiative to examine how we can update the Federal government to better support America’s competitiveness in a 21st century global economy. The team reached out to hundreds of businesses, experts, current and former cabinet officials and agency heads, union leaders, Members of Congress and their staff, and thousands of Federal employees to find out what is working and what is not. Across the range of conversations held by the Administration as part of the government reorganization initiative, one theme underscored repeatedly by business owners was that they are confused about where to go for assistance and often are unaware of services that would help them, particularly those trying to break into the export market for the first time.

@WhiteHouse Proposes Federal Worker Pay Increase For 2013

On the same day the unemployment numbers show modest improvement, ABCNews' Mary Bruce reports:

The White House will propose a 0.5 percent pay increase for federal workers as part of its 2013 budget, according to an Office of Management and Budget official.

The modest increase will mark the first uptick in federal compensation since President Obama announced a two-year pay freeze in November 2010, citing the need for federal employees to share in the sacrifice needed to get the deficit under control.

The 0.5 percent increase for civilian federal workers still falls well below the 3.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security and other benefits that went into effect at the start of this year to keep pace with inflation.

The proposal would require congressional approval and puts the president at odds with Republicans who have called for extending the pay freeze.

The White House is expected to put forth its 2013 budget proposal next month.

Iowa Man Says Romney Didn't Win, Iowa GOP Defends Count

An Iowa man told a paper there that he knows @IaCaucus winner Mitt Romney received 2 votes in his precinct, as opposed to the 22 with which he is credited.

If true, it would flip the result of Tuesday's vote, giving Rick Santorum a 12 vote win instead of an 8 vote loss to the former Massachusetts Governor.

From the "Daily Iowegian":

CENTERVILLE — Edward L. True, of Moulton, claims in an affidavit Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's caucus vote total is wrong.

True writes Mitt Romney in his precinct of Washington and Wells township was given credit for 22 ballots when he actually only received two.

According to the Iowa GOP web site, Mitt Romney received 22 ballots for the precinct in question. Romney is credited with beating Rick Santorum by eight votes in the Iowa caucus.

"I talked to Appanoose County officials and their numbers matched mine," True said by telephone Thursday night. "It's the state's numbers that don't match."

True said he was one of three people to count the ballots Tuesday night and said with 100 percent certainty Romney's total is off by 20.

"I hope it's an honest mistake when it was typed in," True said.

As for the Iowa GOP, I received this statement tonight:

Iowa GOP Chairman Matt Strawn statement regarding Appanoose County caucus results:

"Iowa GOP rules provide for a two-week certification process for each of the 1,774 precincts. The Iowa GOP will announce the final, certified results of the 2012 Iowa Causes following this process. Out of respect to the candidates involved, party officials we will not respond to every rumor, innuendo or allegation during the two week process. That said, Iowa GOP officials have been in contact with Appanoose County Republican officials tonight and do not have any reason to believe the final, certified results of Appanoose County will change the outcome of Tuesday's vote."

Perry Stays In

Despite a 5th place finish in Iowa, Texas Governor Rick Perry is heading on to NH and then SC. He told reporters this morning that SC is a place where he feels very comfortable.

Out Of Iowa

The 2012 #Iowa Caucus is behind us. And it may have whittled the #2012GOP field from 7 to 5.

We went to bed (early this morning) knowing that Mitt Romney beat out Rick Santorum by 8 votes, that Ron Paul has momentum, and that Rick Perry is rethinking the campaign back in the heart of Texas.

We woke up (later this morning) to news that last place finisher Michele Bachmann is holding a press conference in Iowa and has cancelled a trip to South Carolina.

She told me Monday that her tickets to SC were bought and paid for. Let's hope they're refundable. All signs point to an early exit after the largest drop in support for any Iowa straw poll winner ever.

Perry won't talk about the campaign publicly until Thursday, foregoing no fewer than ten planned events in South Carolina this week. Not a good sign for a campaign that was essentially conceding New Hampshire's vote next week to make a heroic push in South Carolina.

The losers here are clearly Bachmann, Perry, and Newt Gingrich. Though Gingrich has the backing of the state's largest newspaper in New Hampshire and is already drawing a distinction between himself and a "moderate" Romney.

Romney, Paul (despite a third place finish), and Rick Santorum were the big winners. Money is already pouring in for Santorum, whose appeal to some religious conservatives could serve him well in South Carolina. He'll also be the clear Romney alternative for independent minded voters in New Hampshire.

Then there is Jon Huntsman. He took the John McCain approach by conceding Iowa and focusing on New Hampshire as his big stand. His inclusion in New Hampshire changes the dynamic.

Regardless, the engines have started and the race is on...

@MittRomney Aiming @BarackObama, Not #GOP2012 Rivals

See Live #IowaCaucus Results Here:

Iowhere? Candidates Already Looking Past #IaCaucus

The #Iowa Caucus for 2012 hasn't happened yet.  We're still hours away.  But GOP contenders are already looking beyond tonight's results and on to the next two contests.

Mitt Romney's campaign issued a press release this morning with the former Massachusetts Governor's schedule in New Hampshire and in South Carolina.  He'll be in NH on Wednesday and Thursday, SC on Friday, and then back in NH on Saturday for the ABCNews debate.

Newt Gingrich's camp also sent out an alert for the former Speaker's public schedule tomorrow.  Called the "Newt 2012 Jobs & Growth Tour", there are planned events in Concord, NH, Laconia, NH, and in Manchester on Wednesday.  He then hits four additional towns on Thursday in the Granite State ahead of next Tuesday's primary.

Ron Paul's campaign tells me that after tonight, regardless of the outcome, the Texas congressman will fly to NH on Thursday.

Rick Santorum's team has already purchased air time on television stations in South Carolina, and the former Pennsylvania senator told me Monday that he knows he'll do well in all three contests despite a lack of money. 

Michele Bachmann, a one time front-runner who won this summer's straw poll, is projected to finish last of the six candidates campaigning here.  She told me on Monday that regardless of the outcome tonight, she will roll on to NH and then to South Carolina.

"Our tickets to South Carolina are already bought and paid for," she said during a meet and greet tour of West Des Moines. "You're gonna see our bus!"

Governor Rick Perry is traveling south before hitting New Hampshire.  His campaign says he'll make ten appearances in South Carolina on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.  It's a state Perry likely needs to win if he fails to crack the top three in Iowa and/or NH. 

Jon Huntsman, who declined to compete in Iowa, has gone all in on a strong showing in New Hampshire.  All of his events this week have been there.

@MittRomney: "I am here to collect"

Mitt #Romney stuck to his message this morning and continued his assault on President Obama's first term in office.

He called out what he says is the President's inability to lower unemployment below eight percent, a benchmark he says the President said in 2009 was necessary for him to be elected for a second term.

"I am here to collect," said Romney. "He's out.".

Romney also criticized the President's handling of Iran and that nation's perceived threat to U.S. national security.

Romney, here in Des Moines with his wife and family, repeated a well-honed speech he's delivered countless times here ahead of tonight's caucus.

"These last three years have not been easy," he said. "But they have been a detour, not a destiny."

He also appealed to caucus goers to support him tonight and help him win the state that eluded him four years ago in a failed bid for the 2008 GOP nomination, eventually won by Arizona Senator John McCain.

"I'm going to get America working again," he said as he ended the short speech, taking a line from Texas Governor Rick Perry.

Romney never mentioned a republican opponent by name.

@MittRomney Has Early Start To #Caucus Day

The @MittRomney campaign is calling this a grassroots rally.

The venue certainly has the feel of Americana.

We're on the fourth floor of a music hall Called the Temple Center For The Performing Arts.

It's a room with worn oak floors, plastered columns along the walls and ornate ceilings with inset stained glass.

There is a balcony that wraps three sides of the venue that I'm guessing is maybe 150' x 150'.

And given that it is Romney's only scheduled public event today, it seems every journalist in Des Moines is up early to cover it.

The stage up front has a wooden stool and fronts a trio of Romney "Believe In America" signs. There are two sets of three American flags.

The chairs for the audience are interesting. They are gold colored wooden chairs that look similar to those used for press conferences in the East Room of the White House.

If Romney holds true to form, he attack President Obama this morning without mentioning by name any of his six GOP opponents. That's been his tact throughout this early pre-primary season.

He should feel somewhat confident, with the latest polling showing him among the top three in a state where he was not even competing until weeks ago.

A win here for the former Massachusetts governor would be an enormous boost to a campaign that is already positioned well for next week's primary in New Hampshire.

The only other big event this morning in Des Moines is an event sponsored by Rock The Vote and the Iowa Secretary of State. Ron Paul and Michele Bachmann have both confirmed they'll be at the event and will speak. It'll be full of young people and aimed at getting them to understand the importance of voting.

Interestingly, in Iowa, a caucus goer need not be of legal voting age. However, he or she must be 18 by the date of the general election.

@RonPaul Uncut

One on one interview with the GOP candidate on the even of the Iowa caucuses

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@RickSanorum Uncut

One on one interview with the GOP candidate on the even of the Iowa caucuses

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@RonPaul Report In #Iowa, Backstage Before Overflow Event in Des Moines

@TeamBachmann & @RickSantorum E-Mail Last Minute Appeal To Supporters

Both Rick Santorum and Michele Bachmann are hitting send on last minute emails to supporters Monday night.

Below is the plea from Bachmann, followed the one from
Santorum. They were sent within minutes of each other. Bachmann's is called "24 Hours", Santorum's is "Your blood will boil"

FROM BACHMANN:

Dear Fellow Conservative,

In just 24 hours, Iowans will head to their caucuses and vote for not only our future but the future of our children and grandchildren’s.

Barack Obama has done nearly insurmountable damage to the United States and this election is our last chance to undo the socialist policies he has enacted. I know if we work together we can pass spending cuts, repeal Obamacare, create more American jobs and protect our traditional values.

Fellow Conservative, with just hours remaining, we've seen incredible support pouring in; the Team Bachmann momentum is building and very encouraging as we approach the caucuses, but I need your support tonight.

By supporting our campaign, you will send a strong message that you stand for the following priorities for our country:
Restore our economy and create millions of new American jobs

Support the family, protect life and defend marriage

Achieve deep cuts in spending to reduce America’s debt

Repeal Obamacare and its unconstitutional mandates

Reduce the tax burden on all Americans

Secure the border

I am running for President for every American who has lost their job under the Obama Administration. For our neighbors who are worried about losing their job. For every individual who is fed up with business as usual in our nation's capitol. For every citizen who feels like their voice is lost in Washington.

I hope you'll show your support for our campaign with a generous donation of $25, $50, $100 or any amount you can afford to give up to the legal $2,500 limit.

Many in the Washington "establishment" and liberal media would love to see us stop fighting and sit on the sidelines silently as we allow the Democrats to spend us into a deep recession. I will continue to defend our conservative values at all costs, and I am so grateful to have you on my side.

It’s time to make the tough choices and make the spending cuts necessary to balance our budget. I am running for President of the United States to restore our constitutional conservative values to government and put our nation back on a path towards prosperity.

With less than a day until Iowans head to their caucuses, your immediate support will guarantee our campaign has the resources necessary to reach voters in all corners of the state and ensure our conservative message has been spread to all.

Your encouragement and prayers mean so much to me and I know that just as we made history at Ames, our campaign will make history tomorrow.

Thank you for your continued friendship. May God bless America.

FROM SANTORUM:

What an amazing week it has been in Iowa with every poll showing momentum continuing to trend our way. I am humbled by the enthusiasm and support – but I need your help.

Because of this dramatic political shift, my opponents are frantically using every tool they have to attack me. The media, of course, is glad to highlight them in order to raise their credibility. One robocall asked thousands of Iowans to call my personal cell phone after accusing me of being a liberal. Others are calling me a radical conservative. A volunteer just told me she that she received eight robocalls in a few hours -- and they were all against me. People are literally unplugging their phones. We need your immediate help to stand up against them!

While these seem to be common political attacks by desperate opponents, it is imperative that we respond immediately to set the record straight. Would you make a contribution today of $10, $25, $50 or whatever amount you can give? With your support, we can make sure that no one is deceived by these lies.

Our message of authentic conservative values has been consistent, clear and steady. Let’s surprise them with a strong finish in Iowa. We need your help right now to do just that.

Thank you in advance for being of part of this historic election!

Rick

Some Pics From The Trail In #Iowa

@teambachmann @ronpaul @ricksantorum @thehermancain

@TeamBachmann Pushing Ahead

She may be trailing in the polls, but Minnesota congresswoman Michele Bachmann says she'll surprise people with her string evangelical support in Iowa.

She drew capacity crowds at three stops along a quaint stretch of shops a ND restaurants in West Des Moines, though the throngs may have been as much media as they were supporters.

She says she will be in the race until next fall as the GOP nominee and already has her tickets to South Carolina. That state's primary is in three weeks.

She says she is not discouraged by recent polls showing her in sixth place in a state many consider a must-win for her campaign.

@RonPaul drawing crowds, Talking To Eyewitness News

Presidential hopeful Ron Paul greeted a packed room of supporters at the Marriott in downtown Des Moines. In what's being billed as a "whistle stop tour", the Texas congressman made his first appearance of the day.

The crowd is mostly younger supporters, and they were lined up to get in to what will be an undersized conference room. And when an extra bus load of supporters arrived, the hotel opened up an additional space by removing a partition.

There is also a large media contingent.

In an exclusive interview backstage before the event Paul told Eyewitness News reporter Tom Abrahams he is anxious for the voting to start.

He Says he'd be disappointed with anything other than First or 2nd place.

And he thinks people ate finally catching on to his message because country is broke. But even he is surprised by today's crowd.

Paul is polling in the top three here and could win Iowa if his supporters show up to caucus Tuesday night.

The campaign is using a "phone from home" campaign, asking volunteers to call friends or likely voters from their hones and encourage caucus turnout. It counters the traditional single-location phone bank calls made by most campaigns.

"My campaign is hard at work carrying out the most important part of our Iowa strategy so far - Get Out The Vote (GOTV)," wrote Paul in an email to backers Sunday. "Can I count on you to participate in our Phone From Home Program to help with our GOTV efforts IMMEDIATELY?"

@RickSantorum Fires Back At @GovernorPerry #Iacaucus

In an exclusive interview with Eyewitness News this morning, presidential hopeful Rick Santorum shoved aside Texas Governor Rick Perry's assertion that the former Pennsylvania Senator lacks the national campaign infrastructure to compete and win the nomination.

After an interview on Des Moines radio station KXNO, Santorum saidhe has a campaign of ideas that can win.  He says that nobody can buy voters in Iowa, and that despite Perry's cash infusion into the Hawkeye state, Santorum expects to outperform the Governor at Tuesday's caucus.

"Message matters.  The quality of the candidate and the ability to lead in a courageouss fashion is more important than money," Santorum told KTRK-TV reporter Tom Abrahams. "We're gonna do very well in Iowa and probably spend 1/5 to 1/7 of the money Rick Perry spent in this state."

Santorum also said he's glad to be part of the conversation and enough of a threat to draw the tough questions from reporters as well as the attacks of his opponents. 

Recent polling suggests Santorum could finish no lower than third in the nation's first vote of the 2012 campaign.  And some of that data suggests he is surging at just the right time and might edge out Mitt Romney, Ron Paul, or both.

Click here to see photos from Iowa and Senator Santorum

@TeamBachmann Adds Last Minute #IronLady Ad

Here's an early morning release from Rep Michele Bachmann. She's trailing in polls but feels confident a Tuesday miracle will surprise people and keep her presidential campaign pushing ahead to New Hampshire.

Bachmann Launches New Iowa TV Ad Today

Urbandale, Iowa – Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann announced the launch of her new television ad that will begin running today on cable and network stations all across Iowa. The new ad titled “Iron Lady” features the strength of Bachmann’s character. Whether it’s fighting Obamacare, out-of-control spending or burdensome tax increases, Bachmann has demonstrated she will not waver on conservative principles Americans value most.

“Michele has a strong, consistent record of fighting for the conservative principles Iowans value,” said Iowa Campaign Manager, Eric Woolson. “We need a leader, a fighter who will carry our voices to the White House. Michele is the only candidate that won’t compromise on our values. She says what she means and means what she says.”

To view the ad click this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPNC1tEauHI&feature=youtube_gdata_player

The following is the full text of the ad:

“Born and raised in Iowa, only one candidate has been a consistent conservative fighter who fought Obamacare, who fought increasing our debt ceiling – even as other Republicans were cutting deals with Obama. An expert in tax law who will fight for deep cuts in spending to reduce America’s debt, restore our economy and create real jobs – and she’ll never back down. One of our own… Michele Bachmann for President. I’m Michele Bachmann and I approve this message.”

How Does The #Iowa #Caucus Work? #IaCaucus

A caucus is very different from a primary.  It is not as simple as showing up at a precinct, pulling a level or punching a button, and slapping an "I Voted" sticker on your lapel.

The Iowa GOP has a great website that explains the process for Tuesday night's process. You can also download an Iowa GOP app to your smartphone.

Here's how it explains the vote, which happens at hundreds of caucus sites (1774 of them) around the state:

At the 2012 Iowa GOP caucus, 4 important matters of business are completed:

First, the Presidential Poll is taken. At the beginning of your precinct caucus meeting, the Caucus Chairman will call for the Presidential Preference Poll. Any Presidential candidate or candidate representative will be given the floor to speak on behalf of his or her candidate, and then ballots will be passed out for the poll. You can write your preference on the ballot and the results will be reported to both the precinct caucus and the national media.

Second, leaders are elected to the county central committee. Nominations will be taken and an election will be held for "precinct committee leaders," who will be elected the night of the caucus to represent all Republicans that live in the precinct on your county Republican central committee.

Third, delegates are elected to the Republican County Convention. If you are thinking about running as a delegate for the Iowa Republican State Convention or the Republican National Convention, this is where that process begins. If you're a student that is not of voting age but would like to be a Junior Delegate, you can sign up at the precinct caucus after delegates are elected to the County Convention.

Fourth and last, platform issues for the Republican Party platform are submitted and discussed for consideration at your county's Republican convention.

 

 

In the Workspace in #Iowa

We're here at our workspace at the Polk convention Center in downtown Des Moines.

We're here along with other abc affiliates and the network folks putting together our reports.

Up the stairs and around the corner is our live location. Thankfully it's inside.

The weather here is windy, cold, and dry. The temperatures are in the 30s but there is no no snow on the ground.

Below are some photos of the space, photographer Willie Dixon, and our live shot engineer Leroy Adams. Leroy drove our live truck from Houston.

On The Ground In #Iowa For the #GOP2012 #IACaucus

We're just now landing in Des Moines, Iowa for Tuesday's kickoff to the 2012 campaign. Our live reports begin tonight at 10PM on Eyewitness News.

Courtesy legis.iowa.gov

Photographer Willie Dixon and I are here with Eyewitness News Reporter Ted Oberg and photographer Charles Fisher.  We also have with us abc13 engineers Leroy Adams and Mike Armatta.

Ted and Charles will be traveling with the Perry campaign.  Willie and I will be catching up with the rest of the field.  Leroy and Mike will be facilitating our live shots (as well as those for three other abc owned television stations).

It should be a fascinating few days.

Mitt Romney and Ron Paul come into the final hours as the two favorites (and those with the most consistent base of support).  Rick Santorum has made an enormous push in the last week.  It could be that he's the most recent conservative alternative to Romney to get a bounce (first Michele Bachmann, then Perry, then Herman Cain, then Newt Gingrich).  But he's confident enough that he's bought significant advertising time in South Carolina (its primary is the 21st).

Michele Bachmann seems to be limping into the caucus despite winning the straw poll here last summer.  She is a native Iowan who may not make it past Wednesday if she's not in the top three finishers.

Rick Perry, after rising and falling meteorically, may have settled in and found a spot in the top four.  He likely will not fare as well in New Hampshire next week, but he could parlay a nice finish in Iowa into a top two spot in South Carolina. 

Gingrich has fallen fast.  After stellar debate performances that propelled him to the top of the GOP pack, constant negative attack ads and some gaffes on the trail have his campaign reeling.  Add his inability to raise money and he may be going nowhere fast.

Jon Hunstman is choosing to not compete in Iowa and is putting all of his electoral eggs in the New Hampshire basket.

All of this said--who knows what can happen.

Four years ago, Barack Obama and Mike Huckabee were surprise winners in the Hawkeye State.  Then neither went on to win New Hampshire. 

Look here for more posts with pictures and updates through the next few days.  And then check out TheVote on caucus night.  We'll have a live, streaming look at the results in Iowa as they come in...

What Does The #IowaCaucus Hold For #GOP2012 Contenders?

Here's a preview report from Friday, December 30, 2011

 

Virginia Ballot Lawsuit Is A Joint Affair @va_gop

The Washington Post is reporting that four GOP candidates are joining together in a lawsuit against the Republican Party of Virgina in relation to the party's rules for appearing on the state's ballot.

abcnews
 

The WaPo states:

The presidential campaigns of Rep. Michele Bachmann, Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum and Jon Huntsman have all signed onto an effort begun by Texas Gov. Rick Perry challenging their disqualification from the Virginia presidential primary ballot.

You can click here to: Download the Notice Of Pending Motion To Intervene.

ABCNews reported the lawsuit, filed by Governor Perry's campaign earlier this week, after Perry and others failed to qualify for the ballot with the required number of signatures.

Only Texas Congressman Ron Paul and Mitt Romney qualified for the ballot.

The Virginia GOP initially defended the exclusion of the candidates in a statement that read, in part:

The failure of these two candidates to meet the state requirements does not call into question the accuracy of the Party's certification of the two candidates who are duly qualified to appear on the ballot.

Then the VA GOP Chair issued another statement on the 28th which included the following:

At this point it is necessary to see what the court says on this matter and so neither I nor the party will be issuing any further statements until the judge issues a ruling."

But today, FOX News reported that the state's Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli plans to intervene and allow more candidates on the ballot.

Looks like the VA race may again be wide open...

The latest poll from there, which is two weeks old, has Gingrich with the lead.

Virginia's primary is March 6.

 

@DNC Offers "Humorous" Look At #GOP2012 Candidates Ahead of #Iowa

The #GOP is taking center stage in the opening months of the 2012 political cycle.

It begins in earnest next week as Iowa voters caucus for their choices.  In fact we'll be there in Iowa beginning Sunday.  We'll post here, on @tomabrahams (twitter), on facebook, and on the air for abc13.

But before we saturate the internet and broadcast spectrum with GOP intensive coverage---let us not forget the Democrats.

In fact, today, the DNC Rapid Response team sent us a memorable compilation it calls "a year's worth of ridiculous GOP moments".

Here it is:

Your thoughts?

#Christmas, #Hanukkah Wishes From TheVote And @WhiteHouse

So I got a surprise in the mail this holiday season.  Among the cards sent from various politicians, colleagues, and friends was a first ever card from the White House.

Granted, it's not really signed by the First Family.  But still...it's kinda cool.

Here's a look at the painting on the front of the card (Bo in front of the fire place):

And here's the inside of the card:

On the back of the card, by the way, there is a note that the greeting is paid for by the Democratic National Committee.  So it's not paid for by taxpayers.  It's essentially a political mailer.

Nonetheless, a card from the White House is a card from the White House.

And speaking of greetings, here's a video the White House sent today:

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!

President GHW #Bush On Death Of Former World Leader

STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT GEORGE H. W. BUSH
ON THE DEATH OF FORMER CZECH PRESIDENT VACLAV HAVEL

HOUSTON — Following is a statement by former President Bush 41 on the death of former Czech President Vaclav Havel:

Barbara and I join in mourning the death of Vaclav Havel, a gentle soul whose fierce devotion to the rights of man helped his countrymen cast aside the chains of tyranny and claim their rightful place among the free nations of world. His personal courage throughout that twilight struggle inspired millions around the world, including those of us who worked with him during a historic period of transformation for Europe. Barbara and I were privileged to know this good man.