Lead up to the First-in-the-South Republican Party Presidential Debate, May 5, 2011 in Greenville, SC

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Lead up to the First-in-the-South Republican Party Presidential Debate

PRESS RELEASE from Roemer 2012 Exploratory Committee

For Immediate Release May 4, 2011
Contact: Aaron Walker

Statement by Gov. Buddy Roemer on Exclusion from Fox News Debate

Baton Rouge, La – Governor Buddy Roemer issued the following statement today on the decision made by Fox News to exclude Gov. Roemer from the GOP Primary Debate to be held on May 5, in Greenville, SC.

"I am personally disappointed with the decision by Fox News to not be allowed to participate in the presidential debate to be held May 5, in Greenville, SC. I have thoroughly enjoyed campaigning throughout the state and believe we're making inroads among voters there.

It is my belief that when Fox originally issued their criteria for participation, they were put forth as a good faith measure to ensure only those individuals most serious about a candidacy for the Republican nomination participate in the debate.

The criteria that participants garner at least one percent of a national poll is an unrealistic barometer that exclude smaller campaigns such as mine.

As the only candidate who has served both as congressman and as governor, and as the only candidate who has built a $650 million bank in the midst of the worst banking recession in 70 years while refusing bailout money, I am both serious and prepared to debate the issues and alternative methods of resolution. I am the only candidate who not only has the political
acumen, but an understanding the small businesses of Main Street America. Clearly, we meet the good faith requirements of the Fox Debate.

My campaign pledge is to carry out politics in a new way - one that doesn't allow PAC money or large donations from multinational corporations. As such, we haven't spent time traveling across the nation introducing myself to voters. Rather, I've taken an approach of driving through South Carolina and New Hampshire to shake hands and start listening.
In order to be free to lead, our office holders should not be held hostage by the influence of money. That's why I've imposed a cap on contributions. I refuse to buy my way to one percent recognition - I have to earn it. But, it sure becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy when the media will only legitimize my candidacy because of some arbitrary threshold of public recognition.

Thursday night, I will record my answers to the debate questions in real time and post them on my web site at www.buddyroemer.com. I encourage those interested in the political process to follow my responses.”

About Governor Buddy Roemer:

Governor Roemer served four terms in the United States Congress from 1981 – 1988 as a conservative Democrat who often broke ranks with his party to vote with President Reagan, and was Louisiana Governor from 1988-1992 as both a Democrat and Republican. During his tenure in the Governor's office, unemployment in the state dropped by approximately half, the state budget was balanced all years despite inheriting a huge deficit, teacher pay was linked to performance, education accountability standards were enacted, government unions were challenged, and sweeping campaign finance reform legislation was passed. For more information, visit www.buddyroemer.com, or follow Governor Roemer at: @buddyroemer (Twitter), www.facebook.com/buddyroemer , and www.youtube.com/buddyroemer.

PRESS RELEASE from Friends of Herman Cain [Exploratory Committee]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, May 2, 2011

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Ellen Carmichael

CAIN ACCEPTS DEBATE INVITATION
Corporate Executive and Grassroots Favorite Announces Participation in First Presidential Debate

(Stockbridge, GA)- Business executive and conservative leader Herman Cain announced today that he has accepted the invitation to participate in the South Carolina Republican Party/ FOX News Presidential Debate at 9 p.m. EDT, Thursday, May 5, 2011 in Greenville, South Carolina.

"I look forward to participating in the debate Thursday," Cain said. "It gives me the opportunity to share my 'Common Sense Solutions for America,' as well as my private sector experience in balancing budgets and creating jobs."

"We are incredibly pleased that Mr. Cain plans to join our field of candidates for this debate," said Karen Floyd, Chairwoman of the South Carolina Republican Party. "We are eager to hear from him and the rest of our great candidates about their plans for putting our country back on track."

Cain meets all debate qualifications and will file necessary paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission to participate. This is not an announcement of a candidacy. Rather, Cain will use the debate as means to "test the waters" and gauge the reaction to his "Common Sense Solutions for America."

"Americans agree: it's time to change the occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.," Cain said. "That starts with selecting a Republican nominee willing, able and qualified to take on President Obama in 2012 to ensure we restore America to its greatness. It all starts with the first debate in Greenville on May 5."

###

PRESS RELEASE from Pawlenty for President Exploratory Committee
April 29, 2011

Governor Pawlenty Statement on First GOP Debate

"President Obama’s failed policies have seriously jeopardized our nation’s future and it’s time for Republicans to show leadership and engage in the battle of ideas. We have to stand up for America every chance we get, and I for one look forward to doing that on Thursday in South Carolina.

"I appreciate the hard work by the South Carolina GOP and FOX News to organize this debate. My Presidential exploratory committee will file the necessary papers and fees with the South Carolina Secretary of State next Tuesday because it's important that Republicans show up now, talk about their records, and begin the debate on how best we can defeat this President.”

# # #

PRESS RELEASE from America's Foundation

April 1, 2011

For Immediate Release

Contact: Virginia Davis

Santorum Commits to First Presidential Debate

Senator Santorum encourages other potential 2012 candidates to do the same

Atlanta, GA - Former Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) announced today that he will participate in the first scheduled presidential debate on May 5th in Greenville, SC sponsored by the South Carolina Republican Party and Fox News Channel.

"I look forward to participating in the debate process that will allow me to share my views on the issues of the day as well as my vision for the future of our country.   And I hope others considering a run will also commit to this important debate in South Carolina," said Senator Santorum.

"I believe this debate will give each of us an opportunity to demonstrate that we are more than just loud critics; we are leaders offering solutions and alternatives to President Obama's failed policies," Santorum concluded.

Senator Santorum continues to seriously consider a run for president and will make his intentions known as to his presidential plans in the next few months. He will be arriving in South Carolina later today for his 13th visit to the state.

To learn more about former Senator Rick Santorum, please visit www.RickSantorum.com.

###

from Fred Karger for President

Memorandum
TO: Mrs. Karen Floyd, Chair, South Carolina Republican Party
        Mr. Joel Sawyer, Executive Director, South Carolina Republican Party
        Mr. Rupert Murdoch, Chairman and CEO, News Corporation
        Mr. Roger Ailes, President, Fox News Channel

VIA EMAIL

DATE: April 5, 2011

RE:   South Carolina Debate

I am delighted to participate in the May 5, 2011 South Carolina Republican Party and Fox News Channel Debate in Greenville, South Carolina.

I echo Rick Santorum’s sentiment that now is the time that we must fully commit to the primary process so that Republicans nationwide can choose the candidate whose message will best beat President Obama in 2012.

I have spent a lifetime in Republican politics, and during the past thirteen months have travelled all over this great nation. I have made well over 25 trips from my home in California to early primary and caucus states. I am very much looking forward to a return trip to the Palmetto State, my first as a declared Presidential candidate, later this month.

On March 23, 2011, I became the first serious Republican candidate to file for President with Federal Election Commission (U S News & World Report: CLICK HERE). I was the first to announce his intention to consider running in April 2010, and the first to establish an Exploratory Committee back in July 2010. Recently, I became the first and only Republican candidate to pass the FEC’s fundraising threshold to become an official candidate for President of the United States.

My win in last week’s New Hampshire Straw Poll (Forbes Magazine: CLICK HERE) demonstrates that my vision for America strikes a chord with voters. I beat Mitt Romney by 2% points right in his own backyard.

Your debate will allow us to show the nation a wide variety of alternatives to President Obama. Mitt Romney said it best, “The more people we have on the stage in those debates, talking about different ideas and different approaches, the better.”

Last month I met with Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus, Vice Chair Sharon Day and Chief-of-Staff Jeff Larson. They welcomed me to the RNC, and pledged to include my staff in all RNC meetings and briefings for declared and likely Presidential candidates. We are all committed to working aggressively to find the best Republican candidate to defeat President Obama.

I fully support South Carolina’s strong tradition of being the First-in-the-South Primary in the 2012 Republican Primary season.

Best regards,

Fred Karger

from Fred Karger for President
April 21, 2011

Fred Karger Invited to South Carolina Debate!!!
Would Make History

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – Yesterday Fred received an email package of information from Joel Sawyer, Executive Director of the South Carolina Republican Party. Included was a letter that said the following:

The South Carolina Republican Party and Fox News Channel have partnered to host the First-in-the-South Republican Presidential Debate, and we hope you will be part of this truly historic event…

The debate will be held from 9 PM – 10:30 PM on May 5, 2011 at the Peace Center for Performing Arts in Greenville, South Carolina. The debate will be televised live on the Fox News Channel and will be moderated by veteran Fox News anchor and award winning journalist Bret Baier.

“We look forward to your participation in the First-In-The-South Republican Party Presidential Candidates Debate.”

Karen Floyd
Chairman  South Carolina Republican Party

Andy Barr of Politico reported on the historic invitation:

"Fred Karger, the openly gay Republican presidential hopeful, is one step closer to getting into an upcoming debate.

The South Carolina GOP invited Karger to take part in its May 5 face-off, co-sponsored by Fox News, as long as he can meet the requirements..."

To see the full story, Click Here.

Statement from Fred Karger:

I am honored to be invited to participate in the debate that helped catapult my old boss Ronald Reagan to the Presidency in 1980. South Carolina hosts the first debate of the 2012 election cycle – the first where Americans will be able to see the emerging field of Presidential candidates. This debate could well help launch the eventual Republican nominee to run against President Obama on November 6, 2012.

If I am able to step on to that stage in Greenville, South Carolina on May 5th, I will make history as the first out gay person to ever participate in a Presidential debate, and the first Jewish Republican to ever do so as well. It would be an incredibly proud time for our nation, and send a powerful message to all Americans and to the world that in this 235 year old country, anything is possible. We are able to put our differences aside and all work together.

I need your help to pay the $25,000 SCGOP filing fee required to participate in the May 5^th Debate, and help to open up the Republican Party.

PLEASE HELP ME GET INTO THE DEBATE.
SEND ME A GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION TODAY TO GET FRED IN!

I need your help right away. Think how good you will feel to help make history, and give hope to so many Americans. Please send $10, $25, $100 or $500 today to help Get Fred In the South Carolina debate. Please contribute whatever you can to get me in the first debate of the 2012 election.

This is what the First-in-the-Nation Debate should look like

Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee, Fred Karger, Newt Gingrich,  Rick Santorum, Tim Pawlenty and Sarah Palin

One other hurdle remains in order for me to participate in the debate. I will meet four out of the five criteria that the SCGOP and the Fox News Channel have set. Their letter goes on to say that candidates must have satisfied the following:

"5. Garnered at least an average of one (1) percent in five (5) national polls based on most recent polling leading up to the registration deadline."

To our knowledge my name has not been included in any polls as of yet. Our campaign has identified and been in touch with eleven different polling firms as well as their sponsors to discuss this. We are working to rectify the situation.

I am in South Carolina this week and plan to meet with state party officials to clarify this polling question. We will also discuss their requirement that even potential candidates who have not yet filed to run for President with the Federal Election Commission, and have only established an Exploratory Committee, are able to pay the filing fee for the Primary and be in the debate.

FEC regulation states: "Certain activities, however, indicate that an individual has decided to become a candidate and is no longer merely testing the waters, (such as individual) Seeks ballot access. 11 CFR 100.72(b) and 100.131(b)."

How great would it be to have an inclusive debate. South Carolina's favorite son, the late Lee Atwater came up with the term “Big Tent.” I worked closely with Lee on President Reagan’s reelection campaign in 1984. Lee and Ronald Reagan wanted to open up the Republican Party to all. I have always wholeheartedly agreed with this approach. A more inclusive Republican Party is one of the primary reasons for my candidacy. I want to open up the Republican Party to everybody.

My Debate Pledge: I promise to be respectful and to conduct myself with dignity and honor in the fine tradition of Presidential debates. I will bring new ideas, vigor and a centrist approach to the May 5th Presidential Debate.

Let Fred In

RE: South Carolina Debate

VIA EMAIL

First, thank you all very much for my invitation to the May 5, 2011 South Carolina Republican Presidential Debate in Greenville. I was honored to be invited, but your criteria were apparently designed to keep me off of the stage at the Peace Center next Thursday night.

I would like to take issue with two of your five requirements:

You state that in order to be in the South Carolina debate, “one must have garnered at least an average of 1% in five national polls based on most recent polling.”
You state that one “must register a presidential exploratory committee or have announced a formal campaign for president."

Telephone Polling

Michael Clemente, senior vice president of Fox News Network, said in the Los Angeles Times on April 25, 2011 that, “Because the field is forming so late this cycle, there are not as many polls as there were at this stage in previous cycles.”

A random sample of national polls show the difficulty pollsters are having in the current Republican primary cycle. Each poll includes a wide array of different names, many of whom have not indicated the slightest interest in running for President in 2012. Poll results are skewed dramatically, and many candidates and potential candidates are often left off these “traditional polls” completely.

Buddy Roemer and I have been left off nearly every national poll. Neither of us meets your requirement of “garnering 1% in five national polls,” because he and I have not been in five national polls. Yet Buddy Roemer is scheduled to be in Thursday’s debate, and I am not.

Digital and Straw Polling

I have, however, been included in numerous online and straw polls. The reach of these polls is far greater, they are not limited to a small sample of landline participants, they include more younger people and overall better reflect voter opinion.

I won the St. Anselm New Hampshire Straw Poll on March 31, 2011. Voters from eight different states participated. New Hampshire’s WMUR TV reported on my win over Mitt Romney, Donald Trump, Tim Pawlenty, Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum: CLICK HERE

Below are polls that have included me, two of which I won:

White House 2012 Poll April 18, 2011 Fred Karger: 2%
Huffington Post Poll April 15, 2011 Fred Karger: 12%* (3rd of 17)
Huffington Post Poll April 1, 2011 Fred Karger 16%* (2nd of 17)
St Anselm College Straw Poll March 31, 2011 Fred Karger: 25%
SodaHead Opinions March 12, 2011 Fred Karger: 78%
*estimated percentages

If you pay a filing fee, you become a Candidate

According to the Federal Election Commission, an individual may conduct a variety of testing-the-waters activities in the Exploratory Committee phase. Certain activities, however, indicate that an individual has decided to become a candidate. For example, the exemption does not apply if the individual: Seeks ballot access. 11 CFR 100.72(b) and 100.131(b), which is the case with the five or more participants that you have included in your May 5, 2011 debate.

Candidates with Exploratory Committees Cannot Seek Ballot Access

One of the criteria for the South Carolina debate is that participants must form an exploratory committee or a presidential campaign and file with the Federal Election Commission. One of the other criteria is to register with the South Carolina Republican Party to be on the ballot in South Carolina, which includes paying a $25,000 filing fee.

The FEC considers an individual to be in the exploratory phase until he or she has filed as a candidate or has conducted the activity of a candidate. One of the activities that demonstrate to the FEC that an individual has become a candidate is that he "Seek(s) Ballot Access." Federal Election Law 11 CFR 100.72(b) clearly defines this as: "The individual has taken action to qualify for the ballot under State law."

By making debate participants file the paperwork and pay the associated fee to gain ballot access in South Carolina, the FEC would consider these debate participants no longer in the exploratory phase, but candidates for a federal election. Therefore, before paying their filing fee to the South Carolina Republican Party, all debate participants would need to immediately file a statement of candidacy with the FEC.

Buddy Roemer

Already, one invited debate participant who you have announced will participate in the debate next Thursday has begun fundraising to pay the $25,000 filing fee. An April 22, 2011 email to supporters from the official exploratory committee of Buddy Roemer says:

"At this time I have an urgent task for you. There is a presidential forum scheduled for May 5th in South Carolina to be aired on Fox News. To be on the ballot in South Carolina and included in the forum, it requires a fee of $25,000. We need your immediate help to raise $25,000."

Let Fred In

I am the only invited debate participant that has formally filed with the FEC as a candidate for president. Therefore, I should be able to seek access to the South Carolina Republican Primary ballot and be in the dabate.

One week ago I met with Joel Sawyer in the SCGOP Headquarters in Columbia. As the only declared candidate for President who was invited to the May 5, 2011 debate, I offered to write out a check for $25,000 to file for the South Carolina Primary and be in the debate. I was refused, but that offer remains on the table.

Fred about to offer to pay the $25,000 filing fee to be in the South Carolina GOP Debate when he met with Executive Director Joel Sawyer in his office. The SCGOP won't let Fred in!

The contradictory criteria for the May 5, 2011 South Carolina debate invites scrutiny, because of what appears to be the arbitrary way in which the SCGOP and Fox News includes participants to its debate.

Best regards,

Fred Karger
cc: Distribution

April 29, 2011

Fred Karger Hits Magic 1% Threshold in Fox News Poll
One Week before South Carolina – Fox News Debate

DALLAS, TEXAS – In the first Fox News Poll to include his name, Californian Fred Karger garnered 1% in a national poll released today. The poll was conducted by Anderson Robbins Research and Shaw & Company Research (results below).

Karger will be announcing the results and reaffirming his desire to be included in next Thursday’s South Carolina GOP and Fox News Debate at 1:20 pm in a speech today to the Log Cabin Republicans National Convention. The speech will take place at the Hilton Anatole Hotel, 2201 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX.

Karger has been invited to next week’s first-in-the-nation debate in Greenville, SC, but organizers have so far refused to let him participate because he had not been included in any national polls. This should change things significantly. Buddy Roemer has been included in the debate, but did not hit the 1% threshold in today’s poll, the first to include his name.

“I am delighted that in the very first national poll to include me with all other presidential candidates, I hit the 1% number required to be included in the South Carolina Debate,” said Karger. “As the first out gay candidate to ever run for President of the United States, this is truly historic. All the hard work of so many people helping me over the past 14 months has truly paid off. And there is only one way to go but up!”

“I will reach out to the Republican Party of South Carolina and Fox News officials today to again ask them to ‘Let Fred In’ to their debate next week.”

“I also ask today for help from my supporters to help me pay the $25,000 filing fee that is required to participate. Go to: https://fredkarger.netboots.net/contribute to make a contribution today.”

Poll Results: CLICK HERE

Mitt Romney 19%
Mike Huckabee 17%
Sarah Palin 9%
Donald Trump 8%
Newt Gingrich 7%
Ron Paul 7%
Herman Cain 4%
Tim Pawlenty 3%
Michele Bachmann 3%
Rick Santorum 3%
Mitch Daniels 2%
Jon Huntsman 1%
Gary Johnson 1%
Fred Karger 1%
Roy Moore 1%
Buddy Roemer – n/a
Rudy Giuliani n/a
Haley Barbour n/a
(Chris Christie - vol.) - - n/a
(Jeb Bush - vol.) - - 1%
(Someone else) 1%
(Too soon to say) 9%
(Don't know) 4%

May 2, 2011

South Carolina Debate - Fred Should be Included

MEMORANDUM

TO: Mrs. Karen Floyd, Chair, South Carolina Republican Party
        Mr. Joel Sawyer, Executive Director, South Carolina Republican Party
        Mr. Rupert Murdoch, Chairman and CEO, News Corporation
        Mr. Roger Ailes, President, Fox News Channel

VIA EMAIL

DATE: May 2, 2011

RE:   South Carolina Debate

Yesterday many brave Americans in our Special Forces Unit made our nation and the world a far safer place by eliminating Osama Bin Laden. The U. S. Military, Homeland Security and the Central Intelligence Agency worked long and hard to rid the world of its worst terrorist. These American heroes represent a wide array of backgrounds, who all came together for the common good. They send a powerful message that Americans working together can accomplish anything.

As we celebrate victory over our enemy, there is a very important debate about to occur in just four days to help determine who may well be the next President of the United States. The South Carolina Republican Party and Fox News are hosting this first-in-the-nation Presidential debate. I hope that in the same spirit of victory over terrorism, you will open up your debate to send a powerful message that we are all Americans regardless of race, color, creed or sexuality.

We are One Nation

Now is the time to let me into your debate to show the country and the world that there is room on that stage for someone who is different from the rest, who brings a more independent voice on issues and whose long work in politics for President Reagan shares his great optimism for America.

I have been very encouraged about the news coming out of South Carolina regarding my participation in your Debate this Thursday. I am sure you saw the Fox News Poll on Friday that had me at 1%. Since Fox News is hosting and broadcasting the Debate, I would think that you agree that I have now met your threshold.

Buddy Roemer, who has reportedly paid the $25,000 fee and has been announced as a participant in your Debate, has not met the1% threshold in the most recent Fox poll or any others polls that we have seen. As I pointed out in my April 27, 2011 Memorandum to you, if you include Mr. Roemer and not me, my attorneys feel that would be a clear violation of the “objective criteria” requirement of the Federal Election Commission in determining debate participants. This would leave me no other choice than to take this matter up with the FEC.

By your use of “subjective criteria” to pick Debate participants, I cannot think of any reason to leave me out, other than the fact that I am gay. It truly makes no sense.

I Have Tickets to the Debate

I will be in Greenville Thursday evening to either be in the Debate or watch it from the audience.

I have been a registered Republican working for Republican candidates for over 45 years. I have worked on nine Republican Presidential campaigns and dozens more for Governor, U. S. Senate, Congress and state and local candidates. I will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the proceedings, and I should be allowed a place on that stage in Greenville Thursday night.

Tim Pawlenty spoke out regarding this on Saturday, “I hope all of the serious or even potential candidates are going to get in this debate.”

Mitt Romney said on CNN recently, “The more people we have in the debates, talking about different ideas and different approaches, the better.”

And 32 years ago in New Hampshire, when he was running for President, my old boss Ronald Reagan even demanded that the Nashua Debate be opened up to all candidates, and uttered the famous line when the moderator attempted to silence him for objecting to the inclusion of other candidates, “Mr. Breen, I am paying for this microphone.”

I have placed a telephone call today to Joel Sawyer at SCGOP and have reached out to Michael Clemente at Fox News to find out your decision. I will overnight my notarized application in today and am prepared to transfer $25,000 from Fred Karger for President to the SCGOP by your deadline of 5:00 pm tomorrow, Tuesday, May 3, 2011 in order to be included in Thursday’s debate.

I have a web site up with much of the South Carolina and national news coverage about my being left out: www.LetFredIn.com

I hope that you will do the right thing and not treat me differently, and allow me to participate in the South Carolina Republican Party and Fox News Debate on Thursday.

Thank you very much.

Best regards.

Fred Karger
www.FredKarger.com

cc: Distribution

05/04/2011
AP Advisory
GOP Debate, Coverage Advisory

EDITORS:
PHOTO EDITORS:
ONLINE EDITORS:

This is to inform you that The Associated Press is not planning to cover Thursday night's Republican presidential candidate debate in South Carolina because of restrictions placed on media access. The debate sponsors, Fox News Channel and the South Carolina Republican Party, will only allow photos to be taken in the moments ahead of the debate and not during the event itself.

These are restrictions that violate basic demands of newsgathering and differ from other debates where more access was granted. Accordingly, the AP will not staff the event in any format nor will the AP disseminate any pool photos taken by another outlet. This is consistent with longstanding policy exercised in coverage of many events.

Should access conditions change, the AP will reassess this decision and expedite a new coverage advisory if warranted.

The AP

Several of the candidates sought to fundraise around the debate. Ron Paul in particular had a successful money bomb:

Ron Paul WEBSITE at 10 p.m. Eastern...

FUNDRAISING EMAIL from Herman Cain

Dear --,

I am writing to let you know I will be participating in the Republican Presidential Debate, hosted by the South Carolina Republican Party and Fox News, on Thursday, May 5th, 2011. I invite you to watch the debate and learn more about my "Common Sense Solutions" for America.

I look forward to participating in the first debate of the 2012 election cycle. It will provide an opportunity to share my vision for America and to explain why I believe my private sector experience balancing budgets and creating jobs is just what is needed in the Oval Office.

While this is not an announcement of my candidacy, the debate will provide another opportunity to "test the waters" and gauge voter reaction to my proposals and "Common Sense Solutions" for America.

I am asking you to send a strong message of support for the "Common Sense Solutions" that will help America thrive again, by donating just $12 today. It's my goal that in the next 12 hours, we can raise $12,000. Just $12 for 2012...Your support will help us to share our message with more people across the country.

Please do not forget to tune into Fox News on Thursday evening, May 5, at 9:00 PM EST to watch as I share my vision for America.
I hope you will take a moment to let me know you support my "Common Sense Solutions" for our great nation.

Thank you for all your support! Remember...it is not about us, it's about our grandchildren. The next generation of Americans are relying on us to be the "defending fathers" of this great nation. Let us rise to the occasion and help to make their future bright so they may achieve their American Dream.

Thanks Again,

Herman Cain

PS...Will you please do your small part and contribute $12 today to let me know you believe my "Common Sense Solutions" are needed in America? Thank you again for your support.

FUNDRAISING EMAILS from Gary Johnson
May 2, 2011

Last week in New Hampshire, I announced my candidacy for President of the United States. This Thursday, May 5, I will take part in the First-in-the-South Republican Presidential Debate. Fox News will televise the debate live at 9 PM ET from Greenville, SC. Immediately following the debate, I will be a guest on Sean Hannity's show. I hope you'll make time to tune in.

Participation in this debate was contingent on a number of factors, with one of the most important being whether a candidate has filed to be on the ballot in the state of South Carolina. I’m pleased to report to you that I have officially filed as a candidate in South Carolina for its 2012 presidential primary.

Unfortunately, the fee to file in South Carolina is one of the most expensive of any state in the country. Each state sets its own filing fee, and getting on the ballot in South Carolina costs $25,000. In the months ahead, our campaign will have to file similar fees in all 50 states.

Please consider making your most generous donation today: donate.garyjohnson2012.com

I have truly been humbled by your support as we embark on this most important of journeys. As I said on the steps of the Capitol, our campaign will be about issues first and politics last. My goal is to provide a voice for the message that you and I hold so dear: liberty, freedom, and the personal responsibility that comes along with it. It is time that we had a serious national discussion about reducing federal involvement in the economy and balancing the budget.

For too long, politicians of both parties have kicked the can down the road, increasing government spending and leaving problems to be dealt with by new presidents. This, however, I refuse to do. When elected, I will not only engage in public debate on these critical issues, but be sure to dedicate every ounce of my energy to leaving this country a better place. Our very livelihood depends on it.

Thursday’s debate will be the first of many national forums to discuss the issues that are of vital importance to all Americans. Only with your contributions will I be able to get on the ballot in all 50 states and participate in debates like these so our voice may be heard.

Your donation of $50, $100, or more truly makes a difference.

In Liberty,

Governor Gary Johnson

May 5, 2011 (post debate)

If you didn’t get a chance to tune in, you’ll certainly hear all about it during the next few days. I’m referring, of course, to the First-in-the-South Republican Primary Debate.

Tonight, millions of Americans from across the country got their first glimpse of the most qualified candidate for President, Governor Gary Johnson. And you can bet they’ll be talking about his unique plan for a freer, more prosperous America.

It’s been an exciting day-and-a-half for Governor Johnson. Earlier today, before the debate, he addressed the Greenville, SC Tea Party’s Freedom Rally. Let me tell you – the response was fantastic. It’s clear that Americans from all walks of life have a deep desire to rein in government spending and restore fiscal sanity.
If you liked the message that you heard from Governor Johnson tonight, please show him your support with a generous donation.

As you know, Gary Johnson kicked off his campaign for President just two short weeks ago on the steps of the New Hampshire State Capitol. Have a listen to his remarks on our homepage, www.GaryJohnson2012.com.

Governor Johnson’s announcement continues to generate a burst of media coverage. From prominent national and regional appearances on CNN’s John King Live, MSNBC’s The Daily Rundown, and New England Cable News, to feature articles in The Atlantic and National Review Online, the amount of coverage has been nothing short of incredible.

After two full days of interviews and campaign stops, Saturday morning was reserved for Gary the athlete and adventurer: an extreme skiing adventure at Tuckerman Ravine on Mount Washington. I encourage you to have a look at these noteworthy accounts from New Hampshire Public Radio and Outside Magazine.

Yes, America is continuing to learn about Gary Johnson -- the entrepreneur, the former Governor, the athlete, the father, the adventurer. I have known Gary Johnson personally for 17 years, and can tell you from experience that there is no race that he cannot win.

In 1994, when he first ran for Governor of New Mexico, Gary Johnson was underestimated and written off by elites. But in the end, he overcame long odds and was elected Governor in a state with a 2-to-1 Democrat majority. After debating his opponent 28 times in 1998, he was re-elected by an even wider margin than before.

You and I know that Gary Johnson’s record as Governor of New Mexico is like no other. As tonight’s debate showed, it is clear that Gary Johnson is far more than the typical politician. He actually stands for something. America has never seen a presidential candidate like Gary Johnson – one who transcends partisan boundaries and focuses on issues first.

Americans are ready for a President who will balance the budget tomorrow, not decades down the road. They are ready for a leader who will restore integrity to the Oval Office and transparency to the federal government. And you and I are ready to hear a lot more from Gary Johnson on the national political stage, just as we did tonight.

We are engaged in a race for America’s future, and your dedication is vital to our efforts. Gary Johnson will only succeed if you and I support him to the best of our ability. Won’t you join us? This is your campaign. Please contribute today.

For Liberty,
Ron Neilson
Political Director Gary Johnson 2012