PRESS RELEASE from Michigan Republican Party
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, January 15, 2007

CONTACT: Bill Nowling   (517) 487-5413

LANSING, MI – Michigan took center stage tonight in the 2008 race for the White House and has set the tone for the upcoming GOP Presidential contests across the nation as the leading Republican contenders made state’s faltering economy and fate of its domestic automotive manufacturers central campaign issues.

In a close-fought victory, native-son Governor Mitt Romney won an important contest here tonight. Governor Romney was able to build on his success as state governor, business turnaround expert, and rescuer of the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics to finish first in Michigan.

“I congratulate Governor Romney on an impressive victory in his boyhood state,” said Michigan Republican Party Chairman Saulius “Saul” Anuzis.  “Michigan has set the stage for the rest of the GOP contests across the country. Governor Romney leads the delegate count and has won here in Michigan, an important swing state in the general election.”

Michigan is the first industrial state to hold a Presidential Primary in the 2008 election cycle.  The state’s economy and socially diverse voters are key tests on how a Republican will fair across the nation in the general election.

Signaling the importance Michigan’s automotive industry has on the economy as a whole, all of the leading Republican candidates toured the coveted North American International Auto Show in Detroit Monday, capping off a whirlwind week of campaigning in the Great Lakes state.  In a departure from the contests in Iowa and New Hampshire, candidates focused in on Michigan’s lagging economy and the future of the state’s homegrown auto manufacturers.

Anuzis added that moving Michigan’s Presidential Primary up to Jan. 15 has been successful in challenging candidates to more succinctly hone their message in this political bellwether state known for its independent-minded voters – and home of the Reagan Democrats.

“Michigan is bellwether for the rest of the country, and today’s ensure that Michigan will be a key battleground state in the general election,” Anuzis said.

The Michigan Republican Party will allocate 60 national delegates to the Republican National convention in Minnesota-St. Paul:  45 regular; 12 at-large; and, three RNC member delegates.

Regular delegates are allocated “winner take all” by congressional district.  Meaning, the winner of each of Michigan’s 15 Congressional Districts will receive the three delegates from that district.  The proportion of the statewide vote that was cast for each candidate allocates the 12 at-large delegates. Candidates need at least 15-percent of the total votes cast to qualify for a portion of the at-large delegates.  Finally, the RNC-member delegates – Chairman Anuzis, National Committeewoman Holly Hughes, and National Committeeman Chuck Yob – are uncommitted delegates to the national convention.

Due to many of the congressional districts overlapping different counties and cities official delegate results will not be announced immediately after the polls close.  Based on a unanimous vote of the Michigan Republican State Committee, the Michigan Republican Party will allocate and send its entire delegation of 60 delegates to the national convention.

Tuesday, Jan 15, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Kevin Madden

Southfield, MI – Tonight, Governor Mitt Romney earned an impressive victory in Michigan as tens of thousands of voters cast their ballot for conservative change in Washington. Elections are about the future and Governor Romney has the experience, vision and values to build a stronger America. Tonight's victory is a victory for optimism over Washington-style pessimism. With the announcement of today's results, Governor Romney made the following remarks to supporters, volunteers and the American people:

Governor Mitt Romney: "Well, tonight, tonight marks the beginning of a comeback, a comeback for America. Only a week ago, a win looked like it was impossible, but then you got out and told America what they needed to hear. You said we would fight for every job. You said that we would fight to get health care for all Americans. You said we'd fight to secure our border. You said you'd fight for us to be able to get lower taxes for middle-income Americans, and Michigan heard, and Michigan voted tonight. Congratulations!

"Tonight proves that you can't tell an American that there's something that they just can't do because Americans can do whatever they set their hearts on. Tonight is a victory of optimism over Washington-style pessimism. Tonight, we are celebrating here in Michigan, I've got to tell you that. Guess what they're doing in Washington? They're worrying, because they realize, the lobbyists and the politicians realize, that America now understands that Washington is broken, and we're going to do something about it.

"America understands that Washington has promised that they'd secure our borders, but they haven't. Washington told us that they would live by high ethical standards, but they haven't. Washington told us that they'd fix Social Security, but they haven't. Washington told us they'd get us better health care and better education, but they haven't. Washington told us they'd get us a tax break for middle income Americans, but they haven't. Washington told us that they'd cut back on the earmarks and the pork-barrel spending, but they haven't. And Washington told us they'd reduce our dependence on foreign oil, but they haven't. And who's going to get the job done? We are!

"Guys, it was not very far from right here that Ann and I and our family behind us began our campaign at the Henry Ford Museum of Innovation. Wow that's powerful, I'll tell you. At the Museum of Innovation, we said that we're going to take innovation and change to Washington, recognizing that there's no way that an insider in Washington is going to turn Washington inside out. But we're going to do that. American voters said that knowing how America works is more important than knowing how Washington works.

"And what we're going to see in the next few days is Democrats saying that they're the party of change. You're going to hear Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama and John Edwards saying that they're the party of change. And I think they would bring change to America, just not the kind we want. I think they take their inspiration from the Europe of old: big government, big brother, big taxes. They fundamentally in their hearts believe that America is great because we have a great government, and we do have a great government, but that's not what makes us the best nation, the strongest nation, the greatest nation on Earth. What makes us such a great nation is the American people. I take my inspiration from Ronald Reagan and George Herbert Walker Bush, who took their inspiration from the American people – hard-working American people, people who believed in opportunity, who loved education, God-fearing people, people who also love their families, people deeply patriotic. It is that characteristic of the American people that makes us the most powerful nation on Earth. Ronald Reagan, George Herbert Walker Bush said we are a great and good people, it's exactly what we are. It's why we will always be the most powerful nation on Earth.

"Now, you heard right here in Michigan, our campaign, we said we were going to strengthen our military with additional troops and better equipment and better care for our veterans when they come home. We also said that we're going to strengthen our families. We said we're going to strengthen the economy. I will never accept defeat for any industry here in America, we'll fight for every job.

"I have a couple of questions for you. Is Washington, D.C., broken?"

Crowd: "Yes!"

Governor Romney: "Can it be fixed?"

Crowd: "Yes!"

Governor Romney: "Are we the team that's going to get the job done?"

Crowd: "Yes!"

Governor Romney: "Alright, let's take this campaign to South Carolina and Nevada and Florida and all over the country, and let's take it all the way to the White House! Thank you so much!"

For Immediate Release
 

Contact: Press Office

Tuesday, January 15, 2008
 

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released the following statement:

Well, my friends, for a minute there in New Hampshire I thought this campaign might be getting easier. But you know what? We've gotten pretty good at doing things the hard way too. And I think we've shown them, we don't mind a fight.

Today, the people of Michigan have spoken. I respect their decision, and I commend them for shouldering their responsibilities as citizens of the greatest nation on earth. I am very thankful for the courtesy and consideration you gave our campaign; for braving the cold and snow to listen to me and to give me the opportunity to listen to you; and especially so to those of you who bestowed upon me the great privilege of your vote. And, of course, I am deeply grateful to our Michigan team and to the many dedicated volunteers who gave so generously of their time and labor and kept us competitive even in some pretty challenging moments. I will not forget you, and I will not let you down.

I want to thank my wife, Cindy and our children for their hard work and for their faith in me. And all of you here tonight, who are ready for the challenge ahead. God bless you all as you have blessed me.

I congratulate Governor Romney on his victory tonight. He and his campaign worked hard and effectively to make sure Michigan voters welcomed their native son with their support. You have won the round and earned your celebration tonight. I salute you, and offer you my genuine good wishes for the night.

We fell a little short tonight. But we have no cause to be discouraged or to second guess what we might have done differently. We did what we always try to do: we went to Michigan and told people the truth. I am as committed now as I have ever been to making sure that no state, whether its Michigan or South Carolina or anywhere in this blessed country, is left behind in the global economy. But that global economy is here to stay and it is, by its nature, constantly changing. To compete more successfully in it we must better prepare American workers and students to seize its opportunities. That is how we will build a stronger and more prosperous America. That is what I told the people of Michigan. And I don't believe I could have honestly told them anything else.

Now, it is South Carolina's turn to decide. I have long admired the deep patriotism of the people of this state. So many of your sons and daughters risk their lives today to keep the rest of us safe, as so many South Carolinians have done in past wars. I am humbled by their example, but proud to claim, that their cause is my cause. I have no intention of giving one inch of ground; tiring of one moment of the fight; or letting the politics of the day stop me from doing what must be done to keep the country we love safe, prosperous and proud. In this great struggle against radical Islamic extremism, I promise you, we will never surrender. They will.

I'm running for President to defeat an enemy for whom no attack is too cruel, and who will not stop attacking us until they are defeated. The challenge will require experienced and proven leadership. And, my friends, I can honestly say, I have prepared my entire life for this moment. In uniform and in office, in war and peace, I have learned how to lead a nation at war. I know how to keep us safe. I have been involved in every major national security challenge of our time. I have met and taken the measure of the world's leaders; those who are our friends and those who are not. I understand the capabilities, the needs and the sacrifices of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces better than any other candidate in this race. And I intend to be a Commander-in-Chief who will provide them leadership that is as strong, principled and tireless as their service to our country. They have earned a thousand times over our gratitude, and, most importantly, our unwavering dedication to making certain that they do not sacrifice in vain. I will not let them down, so help me God.

I am so proud, my friends, to be an American, and never more so than when our country confronts a great challenge. For I have learned through long experience, that while we are stronger than our enemies in men and material, we are stronger still in ideals. I have pledged my life to those ideals, and I run for President to defend them still. Our cause is America. Her greatness is our hope; her strength our protection; her goodness the hope of mankind. It is the cause I have served my entire adult life, and with your help I will keep serving her a little while longer.

Tonight, we congratulate another candidate's campaign. But tomorrow we get up and fight. It is your turn South Carolina. We are going to fight for your votes and we're going to win this primary and the nomination of our party, and we're going to be proud of the way we do it. So stand up, my friends, stand up, stay strong, get busy, keep fighting and lets go win this thing. Thank you and good night.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Press Office
January 15, 2008
 
 

McLean, VA - Thompson for President Campaign Manager Bill Lacy released the following statement on the results of the Michigan Primary:
 

"Tonight's results in Michigan make two things clear:  First, the Republican campaign for President remains wide-open. Our party faithful are still looking for someone who meets all the qualifications they seek: A true consistent conservative with the experience to keep the country safe. Second, Mike Huckabee's campaign to be John McCain's Vice President has hit a snag. He has gone from the mid-thirties in Iowa to 11% in New Hampshire and now about 15% in Michigan.

"On higher taxes and looser immigration, Huckabee has been done his best these past few weeks to mimic McCain.  But this is nothing new.  In fact, while John McCai n was leading the Senate charge to grant amnesty for illegal immigrants, Mike Huckabee was one of the loudest cheerleaders.  And at the same time McCain was voting against the Bush tax cuts, Huckabee was in Arkansas increasing taxes some 21 times.

"As for Mitt Romney, he has been all over the map on virtually every issue important to conservative voters.

"As the contest moves to South Carolina, look for Romney, McCain and Huckabee to face serious questions about their commitment to consistent conservative principles.  Their records are in stark contrast to Fred Thompson, who remains the one true steadfast conservative in this race.

"The bottom line is that tonight is a whole new ball game and tomorrow morning begins a brand new campaign where Republicans are looking for the clear conservative choice."

AUDIO/VIDEO: RNC Chairman Robert M. “Mike” Duncan On Michigan Democrat Primary
 

WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee Chairman Robert M. “Mike” Duncan released the following statement tonight:
 

“Senator Hillary Clinton’s lonely victory doesn’t change the truth about her record: She still talks about fiscal responsibility and putting money in people’s pockets, but proposes massive tax increases and dramatic new government spending.  She still is pushing a health care plan that increases government bureaucracy and takes health care choices away from individuals.  And worst of all, she still promises retreat from the War on Terror.  The end result is the same: we still can’t trust Senator Clinton.”

 January 16, 2008 12:41 pm EST

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA – Kent Snyder, chairman of the Ron Paul 2008 Republican presidential campaign issued the following statement in response to the results of the Michigan primary:

“After beating Rudy Giuliani in Iowa, and Fred Thompson in New Hampshire, Ron Paul has now bested both ‘national frontrunners’ in Michigan, and in the three races held thus far Paul has received over 30,000 votes more than either of the candidates.

“If I had predicted that result when this campaign started almost twelve months ago, I would have been laughed out of the room by the so-called experts.  Currently there is no frontrunner and this race is wide open.

“In Michigan, Dr. Paul’s message resonated with voters because he discusses issues that nobody else will even acknowledge. Dr. Paul is the foremost expert on monetary policy, and he truly understands the crunch that Americans are feeling due to high taxes and high inflation that drives up gas prices and mortgage payments.”

Below are the combined vote totals for Iowa, New Hampshire and Michigan:

Romney - 443,139 Total Votes
McCain - 361,546 Total Votes
Huckabee - 207,308 Total Votes
Paul - 84,554 Total Votes
Giuliani - 50,925 Total Votes
Thompson - 49,198 Total Votes
Hunter - 4,567 Total Votes