Presidential Campaign

I think Tom made the right choice Thursday in ending his presidential campaign and  endorsing Governor Mitt Romney. I’m glad that he recognizes the same virtues that I do in Governor Romney and has thrown his support behind him. Governor Romney can bring together the multiple facets of the Republican Party and win the Presidency and I’m pleased that Tom and I agree on that important issue.

I have known Chris Dodd for 30-some years and share a special bond with him: we both served in the Peace Corps. For me, and I believe for Chris too, the Peace Corps was the most life-affirming experience we have ever had. It was there that we discovered how strong we could be as we faced daunting third-world environments. It was there that we learned how sensitive we are to the needs of people and how deep our desire to serve. It was there that we came to know that a life of service was our calling.

As I watch my friend Chris – now Senator Dodd – I realize that he has never wavered from that original Peace Corps mission. He is still dedicated to people and their basic needs. He wants to improve the condition of man. And he cares very, very deeply for preserving the face of America around the world as a beacon of democracy and justice.

Chris does this not for himself, but for the American people, the people he loves more dearly than himself. For Chris, it’s all about serving.

I can think of no one better suited to lead America. Chris Dodd is a man of principle, a man of the people, a man of the Peace Corps. That’s enough for me.

I’m confident that Iowa caucus-goers will support Senator Edwards for many of the same reasons I do, including his understanding of, and connection to, rural America. I was proud to endorse Senator Edwards earlier this year because of his detailed plan for reenergizing rural American economies. Whether it’s renewable energy, economic revitalization or rural health care, I know that as President, Senator Edwards will continue to prioritize the needs of families in rural areas across the country.

Mike Huckabee wants you to forget the campaign and remember Christmas and especially the birth of Jesus Christ this holiday season.

Mitt Romney continues to attack Mike Huckabee with another "choice" ad. This time attacking Huckabee on pardons. Make sure to read Sam Youngman's story on the ad.

A new Iowa ad for the Hillary Clinton campaign highlights sections of the Des Moines Register endorsement, hoping to keep riding the good wave of press following the endorsement.

Dorothy Rodham tells viewers that her daughter is a good person in this TV ad released by the Clinton campaign Thursday. The ad is currently airing in Iowa.

"She was never envious of anybody," Rodham says. "She was helpful. And she's continued that in her adult life with helping other women."

The ad also notes, with an on-screen graphic, that Clinton and her mother live together.

Mike Gravel visits the guys from Red State Update to spread some holiday cheer, which of course wouldn't be complete without gifts, mistletoe and Mike Gravel spiking the punch.

Rich Gold of Holland & Knight tells Chris Good that he thinks soured partisan relationships in Washington are ruining the appropriations process.

A new Rudy Giuliani radio ad continues to hammer away at his message on tax cuts. "There is no question," Giuliani says. "Taxes go down, revenues go up."