THOMPSON: Fred Thompson Receives the Endorsement of Virginia Society for Human Life

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Jeff Sadosky
December 20, 2007


Fred Thompson Receives the Endorsement of Virginia Society for Human Life

Nation's Oldest Right to Life Organization Supporting Thompson


McLean, VA - Today Fred Thompson received the endorsement of the Virginia Society for Human Life, the oldest right to life organization in the country and the state's affiliate of the National Right to Life Committee. This represents the ninth state right to life organization that has followed the lead of the National Right to Life Committee in endorsing Senator Thompson for President.

"Fred Thompson is a stellar candidate for President of the United States," said VSHL President Brenda Fastabend. "Fred Thompson's one hundred percent pro-life voting record compiled during his eight years of service in the U.S. Senate, speaks volumes for his integrity and statesmanship. In the eyes of Virginians who care about the dignity and sanctity of human life and the most basic freedom upon which our nation was founded , the right to life, Fred Thompson is a leader of great promise for the office of president."

Virginia Society for Human Life, Inc., is a voluntary and non-denominational organization united in the belief that the human being in his innate dignity and worth should be safeguarded by law at every stage of biological development. Through education and legislative activity, the Society's purpose is to promote measures which will insure protection for all innocent human life.

"I'm blessed and honored to have the endorsement of the Virginia Society for Human Life for President of the United States," said Senator Thompson. "Virginia Society for Human Life is the oldest right to life organization in the country, and they know I stood with them yesterday, I stand with them today, and will stand with them tomorrow. VSHL and right to life organizations coast to coast who have endorsed by candidacy know I have the ability to win this election. They know I believe in the sanctity of life and as President I will do all that I can to do to protect life."

Fred Thompson is pro-life. He believes in the sanctity of human life and that every life is worthy of respect. He had a 100% pro-life voting record in the Senate and believes Roe v. Wade was a bad decision that ought to be overturned. He consistently opposed federal funding to promote or pay for abortion and supported the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act, the Child Custody Protection Act, and President Reagan's Mexico City policy. While Fred Thompson supports adult stem cell research, he opposes embryonic stem cell research. He also opposes human cloning.



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THOMPSON: Fred Thompson Receives Endorsement of North Carolina Right to Life PAC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Jeff Sadosky
December 19, 2007

Fred Thompson Receives Endorsement of North Carolina Right to Life PAC

State Affiliate Joins National Right to Life, South Carolina Sister Organization in supporting Thompson


McLean, VA - Today Fred Thompson received the endorsement of the North Carolina Right to Life PAC.

"By endorsing Fred Thompson for President, North Carolina Right to Life PAC wants all North Carolinians to know Senator Thompson's long-standing pro-life record, his unwavering commitment to protecting unborn children from abortion, and our belief in his ability to win," stated Barbara Holt, PAC President. "As President, Fred Thompson will be a strong advocate for life at all stages."

North Carolina Right to Life is the state affiliate of the National Right to Life Committee and the sister affiliate of the South Carolina Citizens for Life, both of which are endorsing Senator Thompson for President.

"I'm blessed and honored to have the endorsement of the North Carolina Right to Life PAC for President of the United States," said Senator Thompson. "Influential right to life organizations from coast to coast continue to vote to endorse my candidacy because they know I have stood with them yesterday, I stand with them today, and will stand with them tomorrow. They know I have the ability to win this election. They know I believe in the sanctity of life and as President I will do all that I can to do to protect life."

Fred Thompson is pro-life. He believes in the sanctity of human life and that every life is worthy of respect. He had a 100% pro-life voting record in the Senate and believes Roe v. Wade was a bad decision that ought to be overturned. He consistently opposed federal funding to promote or pay for abortion and supported the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act, the Child Custody Protection Act, and President Reagan's Mexico City policy. While Fred Thompson supports adult stem cell research, he opposes embryonic stem cell research. He also opposes human cloning.

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THOMPSON: Yet Another Romney Flip-flop: Campaign Finance Reform

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Press Office
December 19, 2007

Yet Another Romney Flip-flop: Campaign Finance Reform


According to an article in today's Weekly Standard, advisers to Mitt Romney have been attacking Fred Thompson on campaign finance reform. This is ironic given Mitt Romney's past support for publically financed elections, campaign spending limits, and abolishing political action committees.


2002: Romney Went Further Than McCain-Feingold And Supported Public Financing Of Campaigns By Taxing Political Contributions. "...he suggested an alternative funding method. Instead of providing campaign funds from state coffers, his plan would tap 10 percent of the fundraising of candidates who choose to raise money privately." (Richard Nangle, "Clean Election advocates keep pushing; Common Cause to ask Romney's assistance," Telegram & Gazette (Massachusetts), 11/14/02)

1994: Romney Wanted To Implement A $6 Million Campaign Spending Limit And Abolish PACs. "Romney also said he advocates spending limits on congressional elections, even suggesting that the current race against Sen. Edward M. Kennedy should have a $6 million spending cap...As for campaign finance reform, Romney called for abolishing political action committees and tightening regulations of the process by which limits on campaign contributions to individuals can be legally bypassed." (Frank Phillips, "Romney, Vowing To Live It, Touts Congress Reform Plan," Boston Globe, 7/7/94)

***Video from 1994: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MM0x8WnI4to
***Hypocritically, Romney has already contributed $17.5 million to his presidential campaign.

Romney's History Of Support For Campaign Finance Reform

The campaign finance provisions Romney supported in 1994 and 2002 were similar to what was initially included in the federal legislation.
Ø "A Boston Globe article from July 1994 reported that Romney publicly advocated placing spending limits on congressional campaigns and abolishing political action committees (PACs). McCain and his allies on campaign finance included similar proposals in the first campaign-finance reform package they introduced in Congress in 1995, said Meredith McGehee, policy director of the Campaign Legal Center, who was at the center of the fight to pass the changes. McCain and his allies later dropped the spending limit s and PAC ban because they proved to be too controversial, she said." (Alexander Bolton, "Romney's About-Face On Campaign Funding," The Hill, 2/8/07)

In fact, Romney's proposals were even more stringent than what was included in McCain's legislation.
Ø "Back then [since his days as a Senate and gubernatorial candidate in Massachusetts], Romney advocated more stringent measures than McCain-Feingold ultimately included, such as a spending limit for federal elections and a tax on political contributions." (Eric Moskowitz, "Romney, McCain Spar On Campaign Finance," Concord Monitor, 4/27/07)

When running for the Senate in 1994 and for Governor in 2002, Romney supported campaign finance restrictions including a 10-percent tax on campaign contributions and the abolition of PACs.
Ø "Massachusetts Romney called for spending limits on candidates and a 10 percent tax on campaign contributions for state elections to finance publicly funded campaigns. Massachusetts Romney wanted to abolish political action committees because they wield too much power, and he bemoaned the influence of money in politics." (Editorial, "Campaign Finance Flip," Washington Post, 5/26/07).

During his 1994 campaign, he bemoaned "the influence of money," spoke out against increasingly larger contribution limits, and called for campaign spending limits.
Ø "These kinds of associations between money and politics in my view are wrong. And for that reason, I would like to have campaign spending limits...I also would abolish PACS...I don't like the influence of money, whether it's business, labor or any other group, I do not like that kind of influence. Lobbyists I want to register, I want to know who they are, I want to ensure that gifts are limited...I think that contributions are fine, I just don't want them to be larger and larger...The kinds of demand s that are being placed on the economics of running a campaign suggest an increasing power on the part of money, and I think it's wrong and we've got to change it." (Mitt Romney for Senate Press Conference Video 1994, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktH1FpNqlOc, accessed 7/19/07)

Specifically, he wanted a $6 million spending cap in his race against Kennedy.
Ø "Romney also said he advocates spending limits on congressional elections, even suggesting that the current race against Sen. Edward M. Kennedy should have a $6 million spending cap...As for campaign finance reform, Romney called for abolishing political action committees and tightening regulations of the process by which limits on campaign contributions to individuals can be legally bypassed." (Frank Phillips, "Romney, Vowing To Live It, Touts Congress Reform Plan," The Boston Globe, 7/7/94)

Ø Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MM0x8WnI4to

In 2002, he was a leading proponent of "clean election" law, which many consider to be a huge violation of free speech as it allows for public funding of candidates for state office who meet strict fundraising requirements.
Ø "Hoping to broker a deal that would stave off a legislative attempt to repeal the Clean Elections law, advocates of public campaign financing are pushing for a meeting with Governor-elect Mitt Romney. Mr. Romney campaigned in favor of Clean Elections, which provides public money to candidates for state office who meet strict fund-raising requirements." (Richard Nangle, "Clean Election advocates keep pushing; Common Cause to ask Romney's assistance," Telegram & Gazette (Massachusetts), 11/14/02)

Also in 2002, he called for a 10 percent tax on campaign contributions for state elections to finance publicly funded campaigns.
Ø "...he suggested an alternative funding method. Instead of providing campaign funds from state coffers, his plan would tap 10 percent of the fundraising of candidates who choose to raise money privately." (Richard Nangle, "Clean Election advocates keep pushing; Common Cause to ask Romney's assistance," Telegram & Gazette (Massachusetts), 11/14/02)

When McCain Campaigned For Romney In 2002, Romney Praised McCain For Standing For "Reform And Change" Saying "Those Are My Values."
Ø "Romney also praised McCain for his general reform campaign when the Arizona senator came to Massachusetts to stump with Romney just before Romney's 2002 election victory in the governor's race. 'He has always stood for reform and change. And he's always fought the good battle, no matter what the odds,' Romney said at the time. 'Those are my values.'" (Eric Moskowitz, "Romney, McCain Spar On Campaign Finance," Concord Monitor, 4/27/07)

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THOMPSON: Fred Thompson Announces Statewide Leadership Team In Iowa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Jeff Sadosky
December 19, 2007


Fred Thompson Announces Statewide Leadership Team In Iowa

Congressman Steve King to Chair Strong Iowa Organization

McLean, VA - Today the Fred Thompson campaign announced its Iowa State Chair and members of its Statewide Legislative Leadership Team. The team is made up of leading conservative legislators from around the state. U.S. Congressman Steve King, representing Iowa's 5th District, will serve as State Chairman of Thompson's Iowa campaign. State Representative Kraig Paulsen and State Representative Sandy Greiner will serve as State Co-Chairs.

"I compared each of the Republican candidates, and after careful consideration, I support Fred Thompson as America's next President," said Congressman King. "Fred Thompson has the sound judgment to appoint our nation's next Supreme Court justices, who will make important rulings that affect the destiny of America. I trust Fred to rebuild our national sovereignty by securing the border and restoring the central pillar of American exceptionalism - the rule of law."

Congressman King served in the Iowa State Senate for six years where he assumed roles as Chairman of the State Government Committee and Vice Chairman of the Oversight Budget Subcommittee. Elected to Congress in 2002 to represent Iowa's fifth district, Congressman King currently serves on the House Agriculture Committee, House Small Business Committee and House Judiciary Committee, where he sits on the Constitution Subcommittee and is the top Republican on the Immigration Subcommittee.

State Representative Kraig Paulsen is currently in his third term in the Iowa House of Representatives and is the House Republican Whip. Since being elected in 2002, Representative Paulsen has championed Association Health Care Plans for small businesses in Iowa and has fought for tax relief. He is a current member of the Commerce, Judiciary and Legislative Council Committees. Representative Paulsen is a former Air Force Officer and also an attorney.

"I've met all of the Republican contenders and I'm most excited about Fred Thompson," said Representative Paulsen. "I believe he can win the nomination. He's no-nonsense and would do an outstanding job leading this nation."

First elected to the Iowa Legislature in 1992, Representative Sandy Greiner has served on a variety of committees the past fifteen years, most recently on the State Government Committee, the Environmental Protection committee, and the Agriculture Committee. Last year she was named Legislator of the Year by the Iowa Agribusiness Association.

"I've studied Fred's positions carefully, and I believe he is well qualified to lead our country," said Representative Greiner. "I'm supporting Fred Thompson because he did not establish his conservative credentials recently. He's always been conservative and has a record to prove it."

"We are honored to have the support of these leading conservatives in Iowa," said Robert Haus, Executive Director of Fred Thompson's Iowa campaign. "These are leaders in our party, leaders in the conservative movement, and leaders who have proven track records, just like Senator Thompson."

Fred Thompson's Iowa Statewide Legislative Leadership team includes:

U.S. Congressman Steve King, State Chair
State Representative Kraig Paulsen, Co-Chair
State Representative Sandy Greiner, Co-Chair
State Representative Clel Baudler
Former State Senator Bob Brunkhorst
State Representative Royd Chambers
State Representative Jeff Kaufmann
State Representative Jamie Van Fossen

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THOMPSON: Fred Thompson Receives Endorsement of California ProLife Council

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Jeff Sadosky
December 17, 2007

Fred Thompson Receives Endorsement of California ProLife Council

State's National Right to Life affiliate supporting Thompson

McLean, VA - Today Senator Fred Thompson received the endorsement of the California ProLife Council.

"There are so many pro-life candidates in the race," said Lawrence Lehr, PAC Chairman. "But Fred Thompson is clearly the one, consistently pro-life candidate with the ability to win in November. It is important that pro-life voters rally around a candidate that can make a difference."

The California ProLife Council is the state affiliate of the National Right to Life Committee. CPLC is a non-profit, non-partisan, non-sectarian grassroots organization dedicated to the cessation of the perceived need for abortion, euthanasia and infanticide. California ProLife Council believes this goal will be accomplished on two fronts: (1) working within the law to change the law and (2) changing public opinion through education.

"I'm blessed and honored to have the endorsement of California ProLife Council for President of the United States," said Senator Thompson. "From the heartland of America, and now coast to coast, right to life organizations have voted to endorse my candidacy because they know I have stood with them yesterday, I stand with them today, and will stand with them tomorrow. They know I have the ability to win this election. They know I believe in the sanctity of life and as President I will do all that I can to do to protect life."

Fred Thompson is pro-life. He believes in the sanctity of human life and that every life is worthy of respect. He had a 100% pro-life voting record in the Senate and believes Roe v. Wade was a bad decision that ought to be overturned. He consistently opposed federal funding to promote or pay for abortion and supported the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act, the Child Custody Protection Act, and President Reagan's Mexico City policy. While Fred Thompson supports adult stem cell research, he opposes embryonic stem cell research. He also opposes human cloning.


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THOMPSON: Statement from Fred Thompson on Endorsement from Iowa Representative Steve King

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Jeff Sadosky
December 17, 2007

Statement from Fred Thompson on Endorsement from Iowa Representative Steve King

McLean, VA - Fred Thompson released the following statement after being endorsed today by Iowa Republican Congressman Steve King:

"Congressman King's leadership in support of the sanctity of life and his efforts in the fight against illegal immigration have made him one of Iowa's great Republican leaders. He's a tireless fighter for the 5th district of Iowa and I'm honored by his support. I look forward to working with Congressman King over the next three weeks and into 2008 in support of the traditional conservative values he and I share."


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THOMPSON: Romney Fact Check on Preserving the Sanctity of Life

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Press Office
December 16, 2007


Romney Fact Check on Preserving the Sanctity of Life

Romney's Claim: "...every piece of legislation which came to my desk in the coming years as a Governor, I came down on the side of preserving the sanctity of life."
- Mitt Romney, Meet the Press 12/16/07

Fact Check

· Romney's health care legislation provides taxpayer-funded abortions for a co-pay of just $50.
o Romney vetoed EIGHT provisions in his health care bill that he deemed objectionable, but he did not veto Planned Parenthoods' guaranteed position on the Advisory Board or ensure that abortions were covered only in medically necessary situations (as required by MA court ruling). All abortions are covered in the Commonwealth Care program with no medically necessary limitation.

· Romney included in his health care legislation a guarantee that Planned Parenthood would have a representative on his MassHealth Payment Policy Advisory Board. No such provision was included for a pro-life representative.

· Romney forced private Catholic hospitals to provide the morning-after-pill, a position applauded by Democrats and pro-abortions groups.


Romney's health care legislation provides taxpayer-funded abortions for a co-pay of just $50. Romney vetoed EIGHT provisions in his health care bill that he deemed objectionable, including the expansion of dental benefits to Medicaid recipients. He did not veto Planned Parenthoods' guaranteed position on the Advisory Board or ensure that abortions were covered only in medically necessary situations (as required by MA court ruling). All abortions are covered in the Commonwealth Care program with no medically necessary limitation. Under the program, abortions are available for a copay of $50. (Menu of Health Care Services: http://www.mass. gov/Qhic/docs/cc_benefits1220_pt234.pdf; "Romney's Health Care Vetoes," Associated Press, 4/12/06)

Romney included in his health care legislation a guarantee that Planned Parenthood would have a representative on his MassHealth Payment Policy Advisory Board. No such provision was included for a pro-life representative. "You cannot be personally opposed to abortion and then contribute money to an organization whose purpose is to provide abortions," said Jerry Zandstra. "Given the Romney family's support of Planned Parenthood, it now makes sense why he mandated that a member of the RomneyCare Policy board be appointed by the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts." (RepealRomneyCare.com, "Pro-Life Leaders Denounce Romney's Planned Parenthood Connections," Press Release, 5/10/07)

Romney forced private Catholic hospitals to provide the morning-after-pill, a position applauded by Democrats and pro-abortions groups. "Governor Mitt Romney reversed course on the state's new emergency contraception law yesterday, saying that all hospitals in the state will be obligated to provide the morning-after pill to rape victims. The decision overturns a ruling made public this week by the state Department of Public Health that privately run hospitals could opt out of the requirement if they objected on moral or religious grounds. Romney had initially supported that interpretation, but he said yesterday that he had changed direction after his legal counsel, Mark D. Nielsen, concluded Wednesday that the new law supersedes a preexisting statute that says private hospitals cannot be forced to provide abortions or contraception. 'And on that basis, I have instructed the Department of Public Health to follow the conclusion of my own legal counsel and to adopt that sounder view,' Romney said..." (Scott Helman, "Romney Says No Hospitals Are Exempt From Pill Law," Boston Globe, 12/9/05)

· Catholic leaders urged hospitals to reject Romney's mandate or risk "compromising their religious integrity and Catholic identity." "C.J. Doyle, executive director of the Catholic Action League of Massachusetts, a conservative Catholic organization, said Catholic hospitals should refuse to abide by the law. 'T he appropriate response for Catholic hospitals is noncompliance. Otherwise, they would be compromising their religious integrity and Catholic identity,' he said." (Steve LeBlanc, "Confusion Over New Emergency Contraception Law Deepens," Associated Press, 12/9/05)


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THOMPSON: Mitt Romney Has Decided To Be The Arbiter Of What's "Republican" or Not, How Ironic...

Today, Governor Romney lashed out at Governor Huckabee for being un-Republican, saying:

"I can't believe he'd say that. I'm afraid he's running from the wrong party...I had to look again...did this come from Barack Obama or from Hillary Clinton? Did it come from John Edwards? No, it was Governor Huckabee.'" (Jim Kuhnhenn, "Romney Slams Huckabee's Critique of Bush Foreign Policy," Associated Press, 12/15/07)

However, Mitt Romney has a long record of running from the Republican Party when politically expedient.

Consider Romney's Previous Comments:

"I'm not running as the Republican view or a continuation of Republican values. That's not what brings me to the race." (Romney Video, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbX4RkGlYnk&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eeyeon08%2Ecom%2F2007%2F09%2F19%2Fromney%2Dreform%2Dma%2Don%2Drepublicans%2F, accessed 9/19/07)

"I wasn't a Ronald Reagan conservative." (Mitt Romney In Interview with Marc Ambinder, "Romney Explains Himself," National Journal, 2/9/07)

"Look, I was an Independent during the time of Reagan/Bush. I am not trying to return to Reagan/Bush." (Mitt Romney, 1994 Senate Debate, Boston, MA, 10/25/94)
Watch For Yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pVqZzHm3Z4

Romney on the Contract With America - "Not A Good Idea" and "A Mistake"
Watch For Yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Jzno_apP1Q

"Hillary Clinton Is Very Much Right, It Does Take A Village, And We Are A Village And We Need To Work Together In A Non-Skeptical, Non-Finger-Pointing Way..." ("For City Problems, Future Solutions," The Boston Globe, 3/1/98)

"I'm not convinced that a state would be better off with all Republicans. As a matter of fact, I've been in a state like that for the last three years. It's not a good thing." (Romney Video, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbX4RkGlYnk&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eeyeon08%2Ecom%2F2007%2F09%2F19%2Fromney%2Dreform%2Dma%2Don%2Drepublicans%2F, accessed 9/19/07)

"I've lived in a place that has had one party state that was primarily Republican. I thought well won't that be nice? The answer is no." (Romney Video, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbX4RkGlYnk&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eeyeon08%2Ecom%2F2007%2F09%2F19%2Fromney%2Dreform%2Dma%2Don%2Drepublicans%2F, accessed 9/19/07)

"I'm very clear I think, to the people across the Commonwealth - my "R" didn't stand so much for Republican as it does for reform." (Romney Video, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbX4RkGlYnk&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eeyeon08%2Ecom%2F2007%2F09%2F19%2Fromney%2Dreform%2Dma%2Don%2Drepublicans%2F, accessed 9/19/07)

"It's always a burden for someone to run with "R" for Republican after their name." (Romney Video, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbX4RkGlYnk&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eeyeon08%2Ecom%2F2007%2F09%2F19%2Fromney%2Dreform%2Dma%2Don%2Drepublicans%2F, accessed 9/19/07)

Romney called himself a "sensible" Republican, in contrast to pro-life social conservatives. "After completing the [NARAL] questionnaire, Romney met with three NARAL executives. In this meeting, NARAL executives recount, Romney evidenced no hesitation about his pro-choice views... those present recall that Romney argued that his election would make him credible in the Republican party nationally and thus help "sensible" Republicans like him overshadow more conservative elements in the GOP." (Jennifer Rubin, "Mitt Romney's Conversion," Weekly Standard, 2/5/07)


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Fred Thompson Receives Endorsement of Wesleyan Leaders

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Jeff Sadosky
December 14, 2007

Fred Thompson Receives Endorsement of Wesleyan Leaders

Reverend Phillip Knight and Dr. Benny Tate Support Thompson

McLean, VA - Today, at a press conference at the State Capitol in Jackson, Mississippi, Fred Thompson received the endorsement of the leaders of the Wesleyan Center for Strategic Studies, the Reverend Phillip Knight and Dr. Benny Tate.

"Senator Thompson is clearly the most capable and the best qualified to lead America," said Reverend Knight. "While some of the other candidates seem to be admirable people with some excellent traits, Senator Fred Thompson has remained consistently conservative regarding our values. In the areas of defense, fiscal policy and moral truth, Fred Thompson has never ventured down the path toward liberalism."

The Reverend Phillip Knight and Dr. Benny Tate founded and lead the Wesleyan Center for Strategic Studies. The idea for the WCSS was formed from the Wesleyan Leaders Summit, an annual meeting of the leaders of the conservative Wesleyan/Methodist denominations from across America. The objective of WCSS is to give the conservative Methodist movement a stronger voice regarding the issues that directly affect the life and soul of America. Groups involved with the WCSS include over thirty different Wesleyan/Methodist denominations and groups.

"Senator Thompson has a history of not wavering or wobbling on issues such as life, lower taxes and a strong defense," said Dr. Tate. "He says what he means and means what he says. I am honored to endorse the man I believe is best suited to be the President of the United States, Senator Fred Thompson."

"I am honored and blessed to receive the endorsement of these two men who represent 40 million people around the nation from 42 different Wesleyan denominations," said Senator Thompson. "I thank Reverend Knight and Dr. Tate for the leadership they have provided in the Wesleyan church. We share the same values and conservative principles and we understand that our basic rights come from God, not government. I look forward to working with these men to spread our shared message of consistent conservatism along the campaign trail."

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Fred Thompson Campaign Apologies

To: Interested Members of the Media
From: Karen Hanretty, Deputy Communications Director
Date: 12/13/2007
Re: Fred Thompson Campaign Apologies

In light of Mike Huckabee's heartfelt apology to Mitt Romney for making reference to Romney's religion in the New York Times Magazine, we at the Thompson Campaign would like to offer Huckabee our own heartfelt apologies for some references we've made about his record as Governor of Arkansas.

We apologize for pointing out that as Governor of Arkansas, Huckabee offered in-state tuition to illegal immigrants. That's something he'd probably just as soon no one talk about.


A recent Washington Post-ABC News Iowa poll of Iowans likely to vote in the Republican caucus stated illegal immigration as their top issue of concern, tied with the war in Iraq.(http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/polls/postpoll_112007.html)

We apologize for pointing out that in 2002 Huckabee wrote Pres. Bush a letter asking him to lift the Cuban embargo. It's easy to see how Huckabee might have missed the finer points of a 40-year embargo. While he obviously knew enough about the embargo to ask that it be lifted, Huckabee clearly didn't know enough to ask that it not be lifted. So for that, we're sorry.


In 2002, Governor Huckabee strongly advocated lifting the embargo against Cuba saying it "harm[s] our own agricultural and business interests," "has not helped the people of Cuba" and has "provided Castro with a convenient excuse for his own failed system of government." (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 3/29/02)

We apologize for referencing that 47% tax increase Huckabee imposed on Arkansas taxpayers when he was governor. That must be really awkward for him, now that he's running in a GOP primary election. We notice he never points it out to voters.


Average Arkansan's tax burden increased by over 47% between 1997 and 2005 (or $933 per person). (Arkansas Democrat Gazette, 10/9/07)

We apologize for telling reporters that a BA in Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University doesn't, in fact, make Huckabee more qualified to fight the war on terror than say...Fred Thompson.


In an interview with CBNNews in November , Huckabee said "...I truly understand the nature of the war that we are in with Islamo fascism. These are people that want to kill us. ... And I don't know if anybody fully understands that. I'm the only guy on that stage with a theology degree." (http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/266712.aspx)



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Fred Thompson Endorsed by Dr. Gary Cass

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Jeff Sadosky
December 13, 2007

Fred Thompson Endorsed by Dr. Gary Cass

Key Florida Leader Supports Thompson

McLean, VA - The Fred Thompson campaign today announced the endorsement of Dr. Gary Gass.

"It is my distinct pleasure to give my personal endorsement to Senator Fred Thompson for President of the United States," said Dr. Cass. "Fred Thompson's natural style and consistently conservative voting record will distinguish him from the others. This powerful combination has gained him the support of the largest pro-life organization in America, the National Right to Life Committee PAC. In an increasingly dangerous world, our nation needs a proven, conservative leader who will stand strong for America and our way of life. Fred Thompson is that leader."

Dr. Gary Cass is the former Executive Director of the late Dr. D. James Kennedy's Center for Reclaiming America. As an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church of America, Dr. Cass is currently Chairman and CEO of the Christian Anti-Defamation Commission. Dr. Cass has been an entrenched pro-life activist for many years. In 2002, Gary received the California Life Coalition's Pro-Life Service Award for demonstrated excellence in his commitment to protecting life.

"I am blessed and deeply grateful for the endorsement of Dr. Cass, who is held in high regard by conservative Evangelical Christians across the country," said Senator Thompson. "I appreciate the confidence that Dr. Cass has placed in me and the ideas I have for our country. As the campaign heats up, his prayers for me and my family offer us great comfort and strength."


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Statement from Thompson for President Communications Director Todd Harris

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Press Office
December 12, 2007


Statement from Thompson for President Communications Director Todd Harris:

Fred Thompson: 1

Debate Format: 0

"I am not sure how these other candidates plan to defeat al-Qaeda when they can't even take on Carolyn Washburn. The format of this debate was more of a joke than a Mike Huckabee foreign policy answer.

"But Fred Thompson easily cut through the clutter. Between marginal candidate outbursts and moderator questions dripping with liberal presumptions, Thompson rose above all of it to be, in a word, presidential.

"It is a three-way race in Iowa and today's debate performance will only solidify Fred Thompson's standing in the top three. We plan to spend almost every day between now and January 3rd proving to the people of Iowa that Fred Thompson is the one consistent conservative in this race who can beat the Democrats in 2008."


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Romney - $50 Abortions in Massachusetts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Press Office
December 12, 2007


Romney - $50 Abortions in Massachusetts

Romney claims to be pro-life. But under his health care plan, Massachusetts residents now have access to taxpayer-funded abortions for $50.

Romney's Health Care Plan:

Provides Taxpayer-Funded Abortions. Abortions are covered in the Commonwealth Care program that Romney created as Governor. Under the program, abortions are available for a copay of $50. (Menu of Health Care Services: http://www.mass.gov/Qhic/docs/cc_benefits1220_pt234.pdf)

Guarantees Planned Parenthood A Seat At The Table. Romney's legislation created an advisory board and guarantees, by law, that Planned Parenthood has a seat at the table. Romney's plan established a MassHealth payment policy advisory board, and one member of the Board must be from Planned Parenthood. No pro-life organization is represented. (Chapter 58 Section 3 (q) Section 16M (a), http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/seslaw06/sl060058.htm)

Romney used his line-item veto authority to strike eight sections of the bill that he found objectionable, including the expansion of dental benefits to Medicaid recipients. Yet, he did not strike Planned Parenthood's guaranteed Board representation and he did nothing to prohibit taxpayer-funded abortions as part of his plan. ("Romney's Health Care Vetoes," Associated Press, 4/12/06)

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Huckabee on Education: No To Vouchers, Let Government Fix It

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Press Office
December 12, 2007


Huckabee on Education: No To Vouchers, Let Government Fix It

Huckabee has consistently opposed school choice vouchers. He questioned "how practical they are" and called them "unrealistic."

Despite a recommendation in support of vouchers from the 1998 Arkansas "Murphy Commission," a commission Huckabee established himself, Huckabee argued that reforming public schools was a better focus than establishing school voucher programs and called a voucher program "unrealistic." ("Governor Takes Issue With Some Recommendations," The Associated Press, 10/1/98)
In 2002, following a Supreme Court decision upholding the constitutionality of vouchers, Huckabee said that he was not convinced that school vouchers would give many Arkansans any real choice for their youngsters and doubted "how practical they are." (James Jefferson, "Huckabee Questions Value Of Vouchers In Arkansas," The Associated Press, 8/15/02)
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported in 2003 that "Huckabee opposes tax-supported school vouchers that allow taxpayer money to underwrite tuition at private or parochial schools." (Michael Rowett, "Accountability Critical To Education Reform, Experts Say," Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 7/19/03)

In addition...

Huckabee called "No Child Left Behind" the greatest education reform effort by the federal government "in my lifetime." (Ralph Hallow, "Huckabee Says U.S. In Spending Mode," Washington Times, 3/1/05)

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Morton Blackwell Endorses Fred Thompson for President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Jeff Sadosky
December 11, 2007

Morton Blackwell Endorses Fred Thompson for President

Virginia National Committeeman Supporting Thompson


McLean, VA - Today the Fred Thompson campaign announced that conservative leader and Virginia Republican National Committeeman Morton Blackwell is endorsing Senator Thompson for President of the United States.

"Of all the candidates who have a chance of winning the Republican presidential nomination, Fred Thompson is my choice," said Morton Blackwell. "Senator Thompson has the most conservative instincts on the public policy issues that are important to America."

Morton Blackwell is well known in conservative circles as the Founder and President of the Leadership Institute, an educational foundation, which trains young conservatives for leadership in the political sphere. Prior to founding the Leadership Institute, Mr. Blackwell was Barry Goldwater's youngest elected delegate to the 1964 Republican National Convention in San Francisco. He was a national convention Alternate Delegate for Ronald Reagan in 1968 and 1976, and a Ronald Reagan Delegate at the 1980 national convention. He currently serves as a Virginia Republican National Committeeman.

"I am grateful for the endorsement of Morton Blackwell, who is one of the most respected leaders of the conservative movement in America," said Senator Thompson. "His long history in the conservative movement matches my own journey. We were both early supporters of Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan and we have been consistent conservatives since. I appreciate Morton's confidence in my commitment to conservative principles, my vision for our country, and my ability to lead it."



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Huckabee Takes a Page From the Romney Playbook

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Press Office
December 11, 2007


Huckabee Takes a Page From the Romney Playbook
-- Reverses Position on Cuba Embargo --
One thing has become abundantly clear after watching Gov. Mike Huckabee abandon his long-held opposition to the Cuba trade embargo after it became politically inconvenient: In all the close rhetorical combat of the campaign, a little bit of Mitt Romney must be rubbing off on Mike Huckabee.
Consider:
Los Angeles Times Headline: "Huckabee does a flip-flop on Cuba"

"Huckabee's Cuba flip-flop" (LAT, 12/11)

CNN Headline: "Huckabee backtracks on Cuba embargo"

"But that hard-line position on Cuba is an about-face for the former Arkansas governor." (CNN, 12/10)

"Although Huckabee previously opposed the Cuban embargo, he has since changed his opinion." (First Read, 12/10)
"But Huckabee's evolving views on certain issues" (LAT, 12/11)

"Huckabee's statement reflected one of the most dramatic reversals by a major presidential candidate on the issue that has defined U.S.-Cuba policy for nearly half a century." (Miami Herald, 12/11)

"Huckabee's conversion also surprised the Arkansas Rice Growers Association" (Miami Herald, 12/11)

"Huckabee now says he has changed his mind" (St. Pete Times, 12/11)

"That represents a marked change from a 2002 letter then-Gov. Huckabee wrote to President George W. Bush asking him to lift the embargo to help Arkansas' flailing rice industry and revive the state's sagging economy." (Palm Beach Post, 12/11)


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Huckabee Rhetoric vs. Record on Destruction of Government Property

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Press Office
December 10, 2007


Huckabee Rhetoric: Destroying Government Documents is Anti-American

Huckabee Record: When leaving office, Huckabee destroyed 83 hard drives and four servers in four locations

Huckabee Should Release Back-Up Copies of Deleted Hard Drives

McLean, VA -- When asked on Fox News Sunday about the destruction of the CIA tapes, Mike Huckabee responded that "[i]f we're covering somebody's rear end, we need to expose their rear end and kick their rear end..." Mike Huckabee is singing a very different tune now that he's running for President, because as Governor of Arkansas he destroyed 83 hard drives and four servers before leaving office. According to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, back-up copies of all deleted information were given to Huckabee's then-chief of staff, but to this day have never been released.

Huckabee on Fox News Sunday, 12/9:
· "So when we start destroying documents, what are we destroying them for? Are we doing it for security purposes or to cover somebody's rear end? If we're covering somebody's rear end, we need to expose their rear end and kick their rear end for doing something that's against the best interest of the United States and the responsibility and the respectability of this country."

83 hard drives and four servers in four locations were destroyed: Governor's office at the Capitol, Governor's Mansion, Huckabee's Washington Office, and the state police hangar.
· "At the instruction of Huckabee chief of staff Brenda Turner, the state Department of Information Systems crushed hard drives for 83 computers and destroyed four servers after some information was downloaded onto backup tapes. The computers were located in the governor's offices at the state Capitol, the Governor's Mansion in Little Rock, Huckabee's Washington office and the hangar for the state police airplane the governor traveled on." (Jon Gambrell, "Ethics Commission Dismis ses Complaint Against Huckabee," AP, 3/16/07)

The destruction cost the taxpayers $13,000, which bankrupted the governor's emergency fund.
· "The former governor spent the remaining $13,000 in the governor's emergency fund to destroy the computer equipment before he left office Jan. 9." (Jon Gambrell, "Ethics Commission Dismisses Complaint Against Huckabee," AP, 3/16/07)

Governor Beebe had to ask for an additional $598,391 to replace the computer equipment and for office maintenance: $335,000 for equipment purchase and $112,245 for maintenance and software support." (Andrew DeMillo, "Beebe Says Crushing Of Hard Drives By Predecessor 'Unusual,'" AP, 1/20/07)

Huckabee's Chief of Staff was given a back-up tape for all of the destroyed computers and servers. "Department of Information Systems Director Claire Bailey said hard drives for 83 computers and four servers were destroyed, or 'crushed,' after information was downloaded onto backup tapes. Underwood supervised it and delivered the backup tapes to Huckabee Chief of Staff Brenda Turner, who had ordered the hard drives crushed, Bailey said." (Seth Blomeley and Michael Wickline, "Huckabee Left Computers, Fund Gutted," Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 1/19/07)
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Thompson Campaign Announces Young Professionals for Fred Leadership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Darrel Ng
December 10, 2007


Thompson Campaign Announces Young Professionals for Fred Leadership

George P. Bush to Chair Young Professionals Organization

McLean, VA - Today the Fred Thompson campaign announced its Young Professionals for Fred Thompson national and local leadership. George Prescott Bush will serve as the National Chair of the organization, while Nicolee Ambrose will serve as the Executive Director of the Young Professionals for Fred Thompson National Steering committee.

"As a young professional, I am pleased to support Senator Fred Thompson because of his consistent conservative record in public service and sincere vision to pursue a reform-based domestic agenda in Washington D.C," said George P. Bush. "From addressing grave forecasts in connection with the efficacy of Social Security to the recent endorsement he received from the National Right to Life Committee, Senator Thompson has demonstrated in short order that he is the most reliable spokesman for conservative values in this presidential election cycle."

George Prescott Bush currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of N3 Opportunity Fund, a Texas-based investment partnership. Prior to joining N3, Mr. Bush practiced corporate law in the Dallas office of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, the nation's 10th largest law firm. After graduating from law school, he clerked for the Honorable Sidney A. Fitzwater, a U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Texas. Mr. Bush received his undergraduate degree from Rice University and obtained his Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas School of Law. In 2000 and 2004, he campaigned as a surrogate speaker on behalf of his uncle, President George W. Bush.

"Fred Thompson is right on the issues and that is one of the many reasons I am proud to support him for President," said Nicolee Ambrose. "As both a working mother and a young professional, I am thrilled Senator Thompson is tackling the tough issues that will most impact America's future: Social Security reform, tax reform, border security, and national defense. Furthermore, it is refreshing to witness Senator Thompson's unshakeable belief that government is not the answer to every question."

Nicolee Ambrose was appointed to the Office of the Chief Financial Officer in the Department of Labor by President Bush in 2002. She currently serves in the Department of Labor in the Employment Standards Administration where she handles management issues relating to financial management, human resources and oversight of programs for the ESA, the Department of Labor's largest agency. Prior to her appointment to the Department of Labor, she was an award-winning Financial Advisor for American Express. A graduate of Johns Hopkins University, Nicolee also earned a Master of Music in Opera Performance from Arizona State University.

"We are so pleased to announce our Young Professionals for Fred leadership," said Randy Enwright, National Political Director. "George P. Bush has been a strong advocate for conservative values throughout his career and I thank him for his leadership in serving as Chair of this organization. I look forward to working with this team as we work to spread Fred Thompson's message of consistent conservatism along the campaign trail."

For more please visit www.fred08.com/youngprofessionals

Young Professionals for Fred Thompson Leadership includes:

CHAIRMAN
George P. Bush

NATIONAL STEERING COMMITTEE
Will Alexander
Nicolee Ambrose, Executive Director
Clay Barclay, Southeast Regional Director
Ken Emanuelson, Southwest Regional Director
Harrison Frist, Northeast Regional Director
Stephen Gele, Chair of Fred Force
Kyle Jones, Western Regional Director
Joseph Konzelmann
Baxter Lee, Chair of Fred Founders
Nick Wahoff, Midwest Regional Director

METRO AREA COORDINATORS

Northeast
Ron Herbison, Washington, D.C.
Dan Iampieri, Baltimore, MD
Neil and Lori-Ann Miller, Northern Virginia
Moshe Starkman and David Cotter, Montgomery Co., MD

Southeast
Michael Wall, Atlanta, GA
Kevin Speed, Birmingham, AL
Andy Gazitua, Miami, FL
Clay Barclay, Mobile, AL
Stephen Gele, New Orleans, LA
Cristen Vehorn, Richmond, VA
Jeff Ripley, Virginia Beach, VA

Midwest
Keely Drucala, Chicago, IL
Heather Harlow, Cincinnati, OH
Morgan McIntosh, Cleveland, OH
Greg Lawson, Columbus, OH
Jeff Witherspoon, Kansas City, MO

Southwest
Dan Garcia, College Station, TX
Julie Baumgarten and Ashley Allen, Houston, TX
Mark Russo, Rockwall, TX
Dorian Jauregui and Monica Rojas, San Antonio, TX

Western
Kyle Jones, Central Valley, CA

www.fred08.com/youngprofessionals


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Huckabee: Mr. President, Lift the Cuban Embargo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Press Office
December 9, 2007

Huckabee: Mr. President, Lift the Cuban Embargo

Summary: In 2002, Governor Huckabee strongly advocated lifting the embargo against Cuba saying it "harm[s] our own agricultural and business interests," "has not helped the people of Cuba" and has "provided Castro with a convenient excuse for his own failed system of government."

"Huckabee, the GOP governor of Arkansas, wrote to President Bush seeking action against the embargo." (Jeffrey Birnbaum, "Business to Bush: Let Us Into Cuba!", Fortune, 5/27/02)

"All four House members, both senators and Governor Huckabee strongly support doing away with the trade embargo." (Kevin Freking, "Legislators Call For Ending Ban On Cuba," Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 3/22/02)
"'The United States' policy of unilateral embargo against Cuba continues to harm our own agricultural and business interests here at home and has certainly not helped the people of Cuba,' Huckabee wrote in his Feb. 14 letter [to President Bush]. It's not right to continue to make American farmers bear the burden of a policy that hasn't worked, he said. Huckabee cited a study by Texas A&M University reporting that the embargo hurt Arkansas more than other states, costing Arkansas lost farm exports of $ 167 million a year and a loss of almost 4,000 jobs." (Michael Wickline, "End of Cuban Trade Embargo Benefits Children, Snyder Says," Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 3/29/02)

"In a letter to President Bush, Mr. Huckabee wrote, 'U.S. policy on Cuba has not accomplished its stated goal of toppling the Castro regime and instead has provided Castro with a convenient excuse for his own failed system of government.'" (Letters, "Time To End Embargo Against Cuba," Washington Times, 2/27/02)


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Statement from Major General James E. Livingston on Mitt Romney's Military Spending Proposal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Darrel Ng
December 8, 2007


Statement from Major General James E. Livingston on Mitt Romney's Military Spending Proposal

McLean, VA - The Friends of Fred Thompson campaign released the following statement from Veterans for Fred Chairman, Major Gen. James E. Livingston about Governor Mitt Romney's military spending proposal he addressed yesterday at Fort Des Moines:

"Governor Mitt Romney's proposal to increase military spending is just numbers with no specifics, no rationale, and no articulation of the challenges our country faces. This plan shows a lack of understanding of what must be done to revitalize our armed forces so they are able defeat the terrorists, deter adversaries, and preserve the peace in the years ahead.

"Our troops, veterans and their families deserve a Commander in Chief who is ready on Day One, not someone who needs on-the-job training when it comes to foreign affairs and national security.

"Fred Thompson will be ready to lead the minute he is sworn in, and that is why I am supporting him for President."

General Livingston is a Medal of Honor recipient who did three tours of combat duty in the Vietnam War and was awarded the Purple Heart and three other awards, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, the Superior Service Medal and the Bronze Star and serves as National Co-Chair of Veterans for Fred Thompson.

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