Statements on New Hampshire First-in-the-Nation and Nevada

STATEMENT from Jon Huntsman for President
October 13, 2011 at 11:01 a.m.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tim Miller
October 13, 2011
Huntsman Campaign To Boycott NV Caucus If It Continues To Threaten NH Primary

Manchester, NH - Statement from Matt David, Huntsman Campaign Manager:

"In an effort to preserve New Hampshire's historic first-in-the-nation primary status, the Huntsman campaign will boycott the Nevada caucus as long as the state continues to jeopardize New Hampshire's primary date. We call on the other campaigns to join us, especially Governor Romney's campaign given their involvement in moving Nevada's date forward."


STATEMENT from Newt 2012
October 13, 2011 at 4:15 p.m.

Newt Committed to New Hampshire as First in the Nation

Atlanta, GA - Newt Gingrich released the following statement today regarding the scheduling of the First in the Nation New Hampshire Primary:  

"As a citizen, I have always supported New Hampshire's First in the Nation Primary. Now, as a candidate for president, I am committed to competing in and maintaining the first in the nation status of the New Hampshire primary. Therefore, I will not compete in a state which holds its contest inside of one week of New Hampshire. I trust Governors Romney and Perry will join me in protecting the New Hampshire primary and campaigning in New Hampshire towards a January 10th primary contest."


STATEMENT from Rick Santorum for President
7:20 p.m.

October 13, 2011
For Immediate Release 
Contact: Matt Beynon

SANTORUM TAKES NEW HAMPSHIRE PLEDGE
TO BOYCOTT NEVADA CAUCUS

Verona, PA - Former Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) made the following statement in support of the New Hampshire pledge to boycott the Nevada caucus.

 

Senator Santorum said, "I will gladly make the pledge initiated by New Hampshire activists, Speaker O'Brien and Senate President Bragdon for the Presidential candidates to boycott the Nevada caucus.  Nevada's move has potentially forced the other early states to have primaries near Christmas - and that destroys the primary process.   I firmly believe that we must protect New Hampshire, the other early primary states and the proven presidential primary process.  

 

To be clear, I will not campaign in Nevada nor participate in the Nevada caucus if it doesn't move its primary date.

 

New Hampshire has a rich tradition of rewarding the messenger with the right message - the candidate who shows a real commitment by listening to voters and outlining their positions in town halls and living rooms.  Conversely, forcing New Hampshire and perhaps Iowa into having their elections in December will reward those like Mitt Romney who prefer to rely on slick TV ads to hide their less than conservative records.

 

If New Hampshire voters are forced to vote during their Christmas shopping - they need to remember who's the culprit of the compressed calendar.  Last week, news reports showed Nevada's former governor admitted that Mitt Romney was pushing the move.  We all want to win the election, but I'm not willing to push a state to break the rules to favor my campaign."


STATEMENT from Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign Committee

For Immediate Release: October 13, 2011
Contact: Gary Howard
Ron Paul Campaign Comments on Nevada Primary Boycott Talk

LAKE JACKSON, Texas – The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign released the following statement regarding talk of candidates boycotting Nevada’s primary. See comments below from National Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton.
 
“Dr. Paul embraces New Hampshire's special place in American politics. That is why his campaign has invested more time and resources in the Granite State than any other candidate and built such a strong in-state organization. Dr. Paul is in this to win, and our campaign will compete for delegates everywhere we think we can win them.
 
“But this talk of boycotts doesn't serve the electoral process any more than the states' jockeying for position and primacy. New Hampshire deserves its rightful place as the first primary in the nation, but we will fight to preserve that place without depriving Nevada or Iowa voters of their say in the 2012 nomination process.”
Statement from Newt 2012
Oct. 14, 2011


Gingrich Spokesman: Newt will Debate on Tuesday, Hopeful States will Work out Schedule

Atlanta, GA - Newt 2012 spokesman R.C. Hammond released the following statement today regarding the Nevada caucus and New Hampshire primary:

"Newt will debate in Nevada on Tuesday and is hopeful a boycott will be unnecessary because states will work out a schedule. With five Tuesdays on the calendar in January, it is still very possible for Nevada and New Hampshire to work out an agreement that allows each of the five early states to hold a January contest. Holding the first five contests in January 2012 is fair to every candidate in the race and would protect each state's important role in the nominating process."

STATEMENT from Jon Huntsman for President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tim Miller
October 14, 2011

Huntsman Campaign to Boycott Nevada Debate; Hold "FITN Town Hall" in New Hampshire

Manchester, NH - Jon Huntsman for President campaign manager Matt David issued the following statement:

"Next Tuesday, Governor Huntsman will boycott the Nevada presidential debate, and instead hold a 'First-in-the-Nation' Town Hall Meeting in New Hampshire, to discuss his bold plans to create jobs and reform America's foreign policy for the 21st Century.

"While Mitt Romney's campaign has tried to game the system by encouraging Nevada to move to an earlier date, Governor Huntsman is sticking up for the Granite State.

“We call on all other campaigns to join us, avoiding typical hypocritical politics by paying lip service to New Hampshire, while campaigning in Nevada.

“New Hampshire plays a vital role in our nominating system in that -- unlike any other primary -- it gives voters the opportunity to engage substantively with the candidates on the myriad issues facing our country.

"To that end, this town hall will provide Granite Staters a substantive alternative to yet another in a long string of sound-bite dominated debates."


STATEMENT from Jon Huntsman for President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tim Miller
October 18, 2011

Huntsman Campaign Responds To Romney Campaign Calling NV Boycott a "Ploy"

Manchester, NH - Paul Collins, New Hampshire Senior Advisor to Jon Huntsman for President, issued the following statement in response to the Romney campaign's comments on the Nevada boycott:

"It is clear that Governor Romney's campaign is not backing away from its efforts to undermine New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation tradition.  While I respect Representative Hess, his comments today regarding the Nevada boycott couldn't be further from the truth. Governor Huntsman has shown leadership by taking a stand for New Hampshire and I'm encouraged that other candidates have followed him by boycotting Nevada's caucuses.  The only ploy at work here is the Romney campaign's ploy to game the primary system to their benefit. Fortunately, Governor Huntsman is willing to stand up for New Hampshire's tradition and importance in the primary process."

Background:

Romney Supporter State Rep. David Hess Called The Nevada Caucus Boycott A “Ploy And Publicity Stunt” Started By Gov. Huntsman. “One of them, 11-term state Rep. David Hess, R-Hooksett a long-time member of House leadership, feels Romney is being unfairly singled out for criticism for not boycotting Nevada. ‘I think we have to wait and see how this Nevada thing plays out,’ said Hess, the assistant majority leader. ‘Mitt Romney has been a resident of New Hampshire for a decade or two. He understands New Hampshire and I don’t think he is going to do anything to diminish its significance or detract from its relevance in the process.’ Hess called the boycott ‘a ploy and a publicity stunt’ started by former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman ‘to try to differentiate himself.’” (John DiStaso, “As Boycott Pressure Mounts, Long-Time NH House Leader Defends Romney,” The New Hampshire Union Leader, 10/18/11)



PRESS RELEASE from NHGOP
Oct. 19, 2011

NH GOP Chairman Statement on Activities to Preserve NH Primary Status

Concord, NH – New Hampshire Republican State Committee Chairman Wayne MacDonald released the following statement today regarding New Hampshire’s fight to retain its role in the Presidential Primary process:


“The discussion of the primary calendar continues on many levels. I have had, and continue to be, in daily calls with our national party leaders in an effort to work this out to everyone's satisfaction in a way that complies with New Hampshire law and tradition. Ultimately, the NH GOP supports whatever steps Secretary Gardner takes to enforce our law to ensure that New Hampshire’s primary is first by a week.

“I continue to remain hopeful that Nevada will move its primary 72 hours to show respect for our law, just as New Hampshire has respected the fact that Nevada, as a newcomer to this process, has a role to play. New Hampshire has been doing this for over 75 years. We also appreciate the support for our law that we have received from Iowa and South Carolina including yesterday's support from Iowa Governor Branstad. We continue to believe that this calendar can be worked out in a way that is best for our candidates, our party and each of the states involved.

“I would like to thank the majority of candidates who have indicated that they will support our law for their strong support--New Hampshire citizens of all political views appreciate it as well.
 

“Finally, I also appreciate the efforts of Speaker O'Brien and President Bragdon to support our primary. While there are many different approaches to encouraging support for our first in the nation primary, their steadfast call to the candidates to stand up for our primary is appreciated. I look forward to working with everyone to ensure New Hampshire keeps its place in the Presidential Primary process.”

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