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TOM VILSACK FILES OFFICIAL PAPERS TO DECLARE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDACY
TOM VILSACK FILES OFFICIAL PAPERS TO DECLARE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDACY
Tom Vilsack '08 Committee Established
(Des Moines, IA) -- Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack today took the first formal step toward running for President of the United States by filing documents with the Federal Election Commission to establish his presidential campaign committee, Tom Vilsack for President.
Tom Vilsack for President, will be headquarted in Des Moines, IA and will be publicly launched with a multi-state campaign kick-off tour scheduled to begin in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa on November 30 and include announcement events in New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Nevada and South Carolina.
Tom Vilsack is the longest serving Democratic governor in the United States. As Chair of the Democratic Leadership Council and former Chair of the Democratic Governors Association, he is a recognized national leader on education, healthcare, economic development and renewable energy. Tom Vilsack was the first Democratic governor elected in Iowa since 1968. In 1998, he promised to serve only two terms - a pledge that he kept in 2006 despite healthy job approval ratings in his home state.
"Americans sent a clear message on Tuesday. They want leaders who will take this country in a new direction. " said Vilsack, Iowa's two-term Governor. "They want leaders who share their values, understand their needs, and respect their intelligence. That's what I've done as Governor of Iowa, and that's what I intend to do as President."
"I couldn't be more honored that my wife, Christie, and our sons, Doug and Jess, are committed to joining my effort to offer the people of America and the Democratic Party my vision for the future of our country as a candidate for President," he said. Over the next several weeks, they and the rest of my team will put together the building blocks needed to run a successful national presidential campaign. I invite all Americans to join with us in working for America's future."
Official announcement activities are scheduled to begin in Vilsack's hometown of Mt. Pleasant, IA on November 30 and will be followed by events in New Hampshire, Pittsburgh, PA, Nevada and South Carolina.
A "Gala Celebration of American Community" is schedule in Des Moines on December 2 as the inaugural fundraising event for the campaign.
Vilsack announced several member of his campaign team today:
Craig Varoga, National Campaign Manager
Shari Yost-Gold, National Finance Advisor
Michael Hayden, National Finance Director
Cheryl Parker-Rose, Senior Policy Advisor
Jeff Link, Senior Communications Strategist
Alice Parker, Director of Scheduling
Dusky Terry, Iowa State Director
Roy Behr, Behr Communications will serve as media consultant
Teresa Vilmain, Advisor
Members of his campaign staff will move into the new Vilsack '08 headquarters today. The office is located at 6200 Thornton Avenue, Suite 195, Des Moines, Iowa.
More information about the campaign and how to become involved is available on the campaign's new website: http://www.tomvilsack08.com.
Source: Ton Vilsack for President
TOM VILSACK’S PRESIDENTIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
AS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY
November 30, 2006
Mount Pleasant, Iowa
“Christie, thank you. It sure feels good to be home. I want to thank Christie, Jess, and Doug for their love, support, and inspiration. Without them I would not be here today. As a family we are committed to this campaign and this effort – you can be sure of that. And I want to thank all of you for being here and for your friendship and support for so many years. My life was profoundly changed and made better when you welcomed me into your community 30 years ago.
Three weeks ago, Americans courageously voted to create change. We sent a clear message that we wanted our country led in a new and better direction. But our job is not done. We have more work to do.
Today in the White House, we have a president whose first reflex is to divide and conquer…who preys on insecurities and fears for partisan gain…who has tried to rob us of the very asset that has made the United States the greatest country on earth: Our sense of community, optimism and can-do spirit.
In the last election, Americans were not fooled by political tricks or gimmicks. We said in one voice, from all regions of the country, for our children and grandchildren: Tomorrow does matter.
That is why I am here today -- to bring even bolder change and build an even stronger future for our great nation.
Let us face facts.
The world today is filled with real threats and real problems. Our way of life is at risk from terrorism throughout the world. Here at home, families struggle with skyrocketing healthcare costs and rising college tuition. For too many, home ownership is a fading dream. For others, a secure retirement is an unfulfilled promise. And for many neighborhoods and cities, crime is a daily threat and danger.
Let us also speak truth.
Our way of life and national security have been put at risk by fiscal irresponsibility and by our dependence upon foreign oil and the countries that provide it. In some cases, the governments of these countries take our money -- and yet despise us and harbor terrorists.
By any measure or standard we are less safe and less secure than we were 6 years ago. Our country needs bold leadership guided by the right values and the right experience.
That is why I am here today.
For those of you meeting me for the first time, let me say a few words of introduction.
I have always been the underdog and long shot. And I have always been inspired by stories of ordinary people who struggled, but ultimately succeeded.
I began life in an orphanage in the arms of a stranger. I was adopted into a loving but troubled home. During my early years, my mother battled alcohol and prescription drug addiction. My parents separated. I watched as my father balanced being a single parent while trying to keep his business alive. We struggled and adapted to a declining standard of living. I know what it is to feel alone and forgotten…as if you do not belong.
The deepest hole anyone can dig is addiction and dependency. My mother dug that hole, but she dug herself out. She relied on her faith, family and friends. In doing so she taught me a valuable lesson – that the courage to create change can overcome anything, and that community can give you the support and confidence to succeed.
My parents got back together. And when they did, they taught me never to give up on people, family or community. Their values live here inside me and will always guide me in everything I do.
I have served as a mayor, state senator and two-term governor. I have worked every day in public life to bring people together to create change.
In the past eight years, Iowa successfully changed farm fields into energy fields. We changed the traditional idea of agriculture and became the national leader in renewable fuel and energy production. As a state, we became more economically, environmentally and energy secure. If you drive around Iowa today, you will see a changing landscape marked by new ethanol and bio-fuel production plants and wind farms.
We had the courage to create change in education, health care and government itself. And by having the courage to create change, we provided greater security and opportunity to our people
That is why I am here today – to continue our work, and to bring the courage to create change to America. It will take leadership to create this change. But it also will take an active sense of community.
You do not have to be raised behind a white picket fence to understand the power of community. Some of America’s strongest communities do not have any white picket fences or even yards for that matter.
In these communities, there are countless American success stories - immigrants from every continent who traveled here to farm fields, work in factories and pursue the American Dream. Many of these new Americans faced and overcame discrimination. Our country must always remain a destination for those in pursuit of that dream, for a better life for their family and to live in freedom.
That too is why I am here.
America needs a president who builds and creates…who makes our country more secure… who is bold and has the courage to create change.
I will be that president.
So today, in front of the family and friends I love and here in the community I call home, I announce my candidacy to be the next President of the United States.
Let us have the courage to create the bold change we need. Let us stop the endless debates and empty talk.
Together, with the courage to create change, let us develop a healthcare system that prevents illness, cures diseases and helps people live longer healthier lives -- without taking away every penny in their bank accounts after a lifetime of sacrifice and hard work.
Together, with the courage to create change, let us fight for an education system that helps every child become as inquisitive and creative as God intended them to be. If we are to compete in a tough, global economy, Americans must remain the most innovative people on earth.
Together, with the courage to create change, let us build a 21st Century economy of cutting-edge companies and technologies that lead us to energy security. Energy security will revitalize rural America, re-establish our moral leadership on global warming and climate security and eliminate our addiction to foreign oil.
Together, with the courage to create change let us embrace a new foreign policy that renews friendships, develops alliances and isolates enemies. In Iraq, we must act, take our troops out of harm’s way and allow Iraqis to begin providing their own security.
I am running for President because every America has the right to pursue the American Dream.
I am running for President because every community should contribute to our success. Americans who live in cities, barrios, suburbs and small towns all deserve a president who works for and remembers them.
Most of all, I am running for President to replace the anxiety of today with the hope of tomorrow and to guarantee every American their birthright: Opportunity.
It will take courage to create this change. But by restoring America’s community, optimism and can-do spirit, we will succeed. I ask for your support and your vote. Together let us have the courage to create change in America.
May God Bless our work and the United States of America.”
Source: Tom Vilsack for President
Vilsack Unveils New Interactive Website
Will Encourage Online Dialogue on Iraq War, Energy Security & Other Issues
DES MOINES, IA -- Today, at 4:00PM CST, the Tom Vilsack for President Campaign unveiled a re-designed website at www.TomVilsack08.com. The new interactive website features tools allowing Vilsack supporters and other members of the online community to participate in two-way conversations with Vilsack and the campaign regarding his plans to defund the war in Iraq, end America's dependence on foreign oil and create change in America.
"Our campaign is committed to engaging voters across America show share our vision for ending our dependence on foreign oil and getting our troops out of harm's way in Iraq immediately," said Vilsack. "We'll use our website and cutting edge technology to minimize the barriers of time and space to give our supporters unprecedented access to our campaign."
The website will empower the millions of Americans opposed to the Iraq war by providing a platform of tools to make their voices heard. The first dialogue on the website will encourage Americans to join a discussion of the bold energy-security goals Vilsack articulated in a major policy address yesterday to the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco, California. Vilsack said: "We aren't just looking for support. We're looking for active participation. Our website is now equipped with the technology to give Americans the opportunity to share their ideas about how we achieve the ambitious energy security goals I've laid out."
The new website, www.TomVilsack08.com, includes improved vehicles for interacting with the campaign and other supporters:
A campaign blog with postings from Tom and Christie Vilsack, campaign staff and other supporters.
Tools to allow supporters to build the Vilsack campaign in their local communities by hosting 'Main Street Meetings.'
State-specific hubs, acting as virtual field offices, for online organizing in the early primary states.
The new-look for www.TomVilsack08.com continues the Vilsack campaign's record of innovating on the Internet. Vilsack was the first presidential candidate to engage supporters through social networking, the first to feature a campaign video blog and the first presidential candidate ever to announce on the Internet, a tactic that has been followed by many other Democratic candidates for President.
Tom Vilsack was the first Democratic candidate for President to announce his candidacy, the first to repudiate the Bush-McCain Doctrine of increasing troop levels in Iraq, and the first to demand that Congress stop funding the war in Iraq. Tom Vilsack is a Washington outsider with a proven track record of expanding access to healthcare and early education, as well as making Iowa a national leader in renewable fuel production.
Welcome to Our New Website
Since Tom’s announcement – the first done via video blog of any candidate – we’ve been working hard to make the internet a key piece of the campaign strategy.
We don’t have the big dollars for advertising, list rentals or even to have a videographer with Tom at every stop. In fact, there are many times that our guy is all alone, driving to events himself.
So, yeah, we’re a different kind of campaign. An underdog, an outsider, call it what you will.
But a few months ago we launched a place-holder site just to get the ball rolling, to start the v-blog, to lay the groundwork on the social networking sites and begin regular communications with Tom’s earliest supporters. And it’s working!
With today’s “relaunch” we’re responding to the requests and suggestions of so many of you who have discovered Tom Vilsack and decided that he was your guy for 2008. The issue pages, for example, are not fluff – they contain real ideas, with lots more to come, based on real executive experience.
The video and press archives are great to send to your friends and family to introduce them to our campaign.
There’s a lot more to come, too. As state offices get set up and more and more of you sign up to volunteer, we’ll be rolling out a full set of event tools, groups tools and more to help you build support for Tom in your hometown.
So, help us out today. Let us know you approve. Invite a few (or a few hundred) of your friends to, as others say it, “join the conversation”. Be sure to come back soon as you’ll see a lot of changes in just the first few days. Oh yeah, chipping in a few dollars would help too.
It’s going to be a fun year ahead and I am looking forward it.
posted by: Kevin Thurman on Wednesday, February 14
Source: Tom Vilsack for President
VILSACK WITHDRAWS AS PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
Will Continue Fight to Defund Iraq War, Achieve Energy Security
Organization & Message Trumped by Money
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2007
DES MOINES, IA -- Former DGA Chair and Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack today announced that he is ending his presidential campaign, citing money -- the so-called "invisible primary" -- as the only reason for getting out of the race.
According to Vilsack:
"I am a very luck guy, blessed in love, family, friends, job, and by this campaign.
"I have the boldest plan to get us out of Iraq and a long-term policy for energy security to keep us out of future oil wars. Our campaign has built the strongest organization here in Iowa, with almost 3,000 supporters among Democratic caucus goers. We are organizationally positioned to win the caucuses in January 2008. We have everything to win the nomination and general election.
"Everything except money."
Media-expensive states that have moved, or are considering moving their primaries or caucuses to early February 2008 include: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, New Mexico, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Utah.
Vilsack, a native of Pittsburgh and successful two-term governor of Iowa, vowed to continue fighting for bold changes in America's international and domestic policies:
"I am leaving one campaign, but I am not saying goodbye. I will continue to fight for the outsiders and underdogs who are the backbone of the Democratic Party and our country. And I will continue to fight to end the war, achieve energy security and get our country back on track. So stay tuned. The best is yet to come."
Vilsack, who said that he will not be endorsing any presidential candidate at this time, urged his fellow Democrats to keep the presidential campaign positive and to spend time campaigning in small communities and living rooms across America.
"Retail political events in coffee shops, living rooms and small towns are sometimes dismissed by insiders as relics of the past, but they are wrong. It's critically important to our party and our country that our candidates spend the time and energy visiting the small towns and communities that make America great. And let us focus on the dreams that unite us rather than be distracted by the differences of opinion that sometimes separate us."
As a presidential candidate, Vilsack was the first to announce his candidacy, the first to oppose the Bush-McCain Doctrine of escalating the war in Iraq and the first to demand that Congress use its spending power under the Constitution to bring U.S. fighting to an end in Iraq.
Today, Chris Cillizza of The Washington Post wrote:
"As for the ideas primary, Vilsack continues to issue the most detailed policy proposals of anyone in the Democratic field; the latest example was a comprehensive energy plan. ... [W]e're intrigued by the kind of campaign he is running."
Last week, the San Francisco Chronicle called Vilsack's energy-security plan "the most wide-ranging and detailed energy policy of any of almost two dozen 2008 presidential hopefuls, Democratic or Republican."
Also last week, the Washington Post reported that Tom "has the most gripping personal story -- he was orphaned and grew up in an abusive family -- of any Democratic candidate."
Tom Vilsack was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1950. He never knew his birth parents. Shortly after his birth, he was handed over to nuns in a Catholic orphanage in Pittsburgh, where he stayed until he was adopted. Vilsack was raised in a loving but troubled home. His parents, who successfully triumphed over their problems, have served as a lifelong inspiration.
Vilsack married his college sweetheart, the former Christie Bell, and moved to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa - Christie's hometown -- in the 1975. In the past 19 years, Vilsack served successfully as mayor, state senator and governor.
Thank you e-mail to supporters
Dear Friend,
I am very fortunate -- blessed in love, family, friends, job, and by this campaign.
I have the boldest plan to get us out of Iraq and a long-term policy for energy security to keep us out of future oil wars. Our campaign has built the strongest organization here in Iowa, with almost 3,000 supporters among Democratic caucus goers. We are organizationally positioned to win the caucuses in January 2008. We have everything to win the nomination and general election.
Everything except money.
That is why this morning after discussing with my wife Christie and our sons Jess and Doug we have decided to end our campaign for the presidency.
Thousands of you have given so generously of your time, energy and money. And together, we've built a campaign that has stood up and taken courageous stands on the issues that our country must face. In just the past few weeks, we've shaped the debate on the Iraq War and laid out an aggressive plan to achieve energy independence and security.
I firmly believe that our leadership on these issues -- the defining issues of our time -- will be recognized for years to come.
In recent weeks, just as our message has begun to resonate with voters and pundits alike, our fundraising has suffered. The fact is, each hour I spend with voters, press and policy experts is an hour taken away from our campaign paying bills.
More than any other race in history, this presidential campaign will require candidates to commit more time, energy and influence raising money than developing ideas. I worry that this process, involving hundreds of millions of dollars, holds our democracy hostage to insiders, influence and establishment when we are so in need of just the opposite.
But this is a fact I cannot change with this campaign.
I am leaving one campaign, but I am not saying goodbye. I will continue to fight for outsiders and underdogs who are the backbone of the Democratic Party and our country. Our work is far from over. Because here in Iowa where the first caucus will be held in less than 11 months and all across this great country, voters are longing for bold leadership, big ideas and courage from our elected officials.
We want the war to end -- today.
We want a real plan to provide universal access to healthcare -- today.
And we want policies to keep us secure and environmentally sound by ending our addiction to oil, both foreign and domestic.
Again, thank you for everything you've done. It has been an inspiring few months and I know that, with your continued support, our work is not over.
With great appreciation,
Tom Vilsack
Source: Tom Vilsack for President