SCHotline Press Releases

Conversation Focuses on Importance of Judgment and Keeping our Sacred Trust with America’s Veterans
BEAUFORT, SC - Today in Beaufort, South Carolina, U.S. Senator Barack Obama hosted a roundtable discussion with South Carolina veterans about the need for a President that has the judgment to secure our nation and is willing to be held accountable for keeping our sacred trust with those who serve. Senator Obama detailed his comprehensive plan to give all of our veterans the care and support they have earned.

“As a candidate, I know I am running to become Commander-in-Chief – to safeguard our security, and to keep our sacred trust with those who serve,” Senator Obama said.  “There is no responsibility I take more seriously.”

Senator Obama has a proven record of fighting for veterans.  As a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, he has worked to improve care for wounded warriors at Walter Reed, increase time off and benefits for the families of wounded troops, correct disparities in disability benefits, provide more services to homeless veterans, and improve screening and care for troops suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“We also need to recognize that caring for those who serve is not a separate cost – it is a cost of war,” Obama said.  “When I am President, building a 21st century VA to serve our veterans will be an equal priority to building a 21st century military to fight our wars.  No more shortfalls – it’s time to fully fund the VA medical center. No more delays – it’s time to pass on-time VA budgets every year. No more means-testing – it’s time to allow all veterans back into the VA.”

Barack Obama’s comprehensive plan to keep the sacred trust with our veterans will:

•      Improve mental health care at every stage of military service, by recruiting more mental health professionals, strengthening post-deployment mental health screenings, and expanding the VA’s capacity to treat psychological injuries.

•      Fully fund the VA and pass on-time budgets every year, so that the VA has all the resources it needs to make sure all veterans get the best care possible.

•      Fix the Veterans Benefits Administration and reduce the claims backlog by hiring additional workers and developing an electronic records system.

•      Have a “zero tolerance” policy for homeless veterans, providing expanded housing vouchers, and launching a new supportive services housing program to prevent at-risk veterans and their families from sliding into homelessness.

•      Re-invest in and repair the military, by making sure our troops have the technological edge, skills, and training to fight and win 21st century conflicts.

Obama noted that his commitment to veterans is grounded in his experience being raised in part by his grandfather, who served during World War II.

“I will never forget that everyone who wears the uniform deserves the opportunities that my grandfather got – to have a Commander-in-Chief who is accountable, and to have a grateful nation that helps you live the American Dream that you have defended,” Obama said.

Barack Obama’s comprehensive plan to keep the sacred trust with our veterans can be viewed in full HERE.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:          Kevin Griffis                                                     Amaya Smith
803-255-8008, ext. 234           or                     ext. 272 or
803-727-0825                                                 803-873-1478

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, January 17, 2008

Media Contact:
Alice Stewart
501-324-2008 Office

NEWS RELEASE

South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Endorses Mike Huckabee for President

Andre Bauer says Huckabee is Best to Lead America

Columbia, SC — South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer endorsed Mike Huckabee for President, it was announced today. Bauer will join Huckabee as well as Former Governor David Beasley, State Chairman Mike Campbell , Chuck Norris, and Ric Flair on the campaign trail on Thursday.

Bauer stated, “I, like many voters, have been previously undecided, but this election is too important to sit on the sidelines.  This week, I have decided to vote for Mike Huckabee, and I urge all South Carolinians to join me in voting for Mike Huckabee this Saturday. Simply put, I believe Mike Huckabee is the best of several fine candidates to lead America .  As America faces tough times, Mike Huckabee has the character, integrity, and proven leadership to ensure our greatest days are yet to come.”

“Also, I’ve tried to carefully compare each candidate’s position as it relates to issues affecting senior citizens, and I’ve concluded that Mike Huckabee is a sound choice for senior citizens,”  Bauer said.  As Lt. Governor, Bauer heads the state’s office on aging.

Bauer also said he admires Huckabee’s ability to win against the odds, noting that he, too, has a history of winning races considered to be upsets.

“Nobody knows better than I do that it’s the people, not the polls, which determines the winner on election day,” Bauer said.  “I believe the fact that Mike Huckabee has stayed positive while others have waged negative campaigns against him, will sway undecided voters toward him.  I believe it speaks to his character.”

Huckabee stated, “I welcome Andre’s support and am glad to have him on board Team Huckabee. I’m really pleased to have the support of a leader with such a solid record of achievement and a reputation for hard work and being a servant of the people, who shares my commitment to conservative governance.”

Bauer, who is serving his second term as South Carolina’s Lieutenant Governor, has joined Mike Huckabee’s leadership team in South Carolina, which already includes Former Governor David Beasley, United States Congressman Bob Inglis, State Chairman Mike Campbell and the family of Former Governor Carroll A. Campbell Jr., and numerous state legislators including Greenville State Senator David Thomas, Rex Rice, and Liston Barfield of Conway.

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Little Rock, AR – Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee will campaign with martial arts expert and action hero Chuck Norris, as well as former 16-time World Wrestling Champion Ric Flair at the following events in South Carolina on Thursday, January 17, 2008.

NOTE: Subject to change.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

8:30 a.m. ET – Charleston, SC – Addresses employees at Nucor Steel Berkeley located at 1455 Hagan Avenue in Huger, SC. (Nucor employees and press only)

11:00 a.m. ET – Myrtle Beach, SC – Attends “Huckabee for President” Rally at the General Aviation Hangar of the Myrtle Beach Airport, located at 1100 Jetport Road.

12:45 p.m. ET – Florence, SC - Attends “Huckabee for President” Rally at the Powers Aviation Terminal of the Florence Airport, located 500 South McCall Boulevard.

3:00 p.m. ET – Clemson, SC – Attends “Huckabee for President” Rally with martial arts expert Chuck Norris and former 16 time World Wrestling Champion Ric Flair at the Jervey Athletic Center on the campus of Clemson University, located at 100 Perimeter Road.

5:30 p.m. ET – Lexington, SC – Attends Grand Opening of the office of the Lexington County Republican Party, located at 109 Old Chapin Road at The Shoppes at Flight Deck.

7:00 p.m. ET – Columbia, SC – Media Availability at the Capital City Club, located on the 25th Floor of 1201 Main Street.

8:45 p.m. ET – Hilton Head, SC – Meet and Greet with supporters at the Savannah-Hilton Head Island Airport at 1001 Davidson Drive, Suite 150 in Savannah.

JOHN MCCAIN ENDORSED BY OVER 100 RETIRED ADMIRALS AND GENERALS [Watch Video]

ARLINGTON, VA — Today over 100 retired admirals and generals endorsed John McCain for President of the United States at a press conference in Columbia, South Carolina. These distinguished leaders supporting John McCain come from all branches of the armed services and include former POWs, Medal of Honor recipients and former members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

John McCain was joined today in Columbia by five distinguished military veterans: Admiral Leighton “Snuffy” Smith, USN (Ret.); Vice Admiral Mike Bowman, USN (Ret.); Rear Admiral Tom Lynch, USN (Ret.); Rear Admiral Bob Shumaker, USN (Ret.); and Major General Stan Spears, USA, Adjutant General of South Carolina.

“This nation is at war and we’d better damn well understand that fact,” said Admiral Leighton “Snuffy” Smith, USN (Ret.). “John McCain understands it, and he is the only candidate that has not wavered one bit in his position regarding the importance of victory in the war against Islamic extremism or in his commitment to the troops who are doing the fighting. He has consistently demonstrated the kind and style of leadership that we believe is essential in our next Commander in Chief. Our nation faces a growing array of serious foreign policy challenges. John McCain is the ONE candidate who, in our view, truly understands the strategic landscape and is fully prepared to deal decisively and effectively with those who wish to be our friends and, importantly, those who wish us harm.”

John McCain thanked the admirals and generals, stating, “I am deeply honored to have the support of so many distinguished military leaders. I thank them for the trust they have in me, but more importantly, our nation is indebted to their service in defense of our freedom. Our next president will face two wars and an array of national security challenges around the world. My experience, knowledge and background have prepared me to confront these great challenges and lead as commander in chief from day one.”

Retired Admirals And Generals Joining John McCain In South Carolina Today:

Admiral Leighton “Snuffy” Smith, Jr., USN (Ret.): Admiral Smith retired from the Navy after over 34 years of service in positions that took him, literally, around the world. His last active duty assignment was Commander, U.S. Naval Force, Europe, Commander in Chief Allied Forces Southern Europe (NATO) and, concurrently, Commander of NATO’s first ever out of area land operation, the Implementation Forces (IFOR) in Bosnia charged with implementing the Dayton Peace Accords. As a naval aviator Admiral Smith flew carrier-based light attack jet aircraft during multiple deployments to the Mediterranean, North Atlantic, Western Pacific and Indian oceans. These included three cruises in waters off North Vietnam where he flew over 280 combat missions.

Vice Admiral Mike Bowman, USN (Ret.): Bowman spent 36 years in the Navy, attaining the rank of Vice Admiral. Highlights of his Navy career include: Naval aviator with tour tours in Vietnam and Wing Commander during Desert Storm and notable assignments including Squadron command, three Air Wing commands, Senate Liaison for the Secretary of the Navy and later Chief of Legislative Affairs, Carrier Group command, Chief of Naval Air Training and Commander Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Rear Admiral Tom Lynch, USN (Ret.): After a 31-year career of naval service, Lynch retired in the rank of Rear Admiral. His naval service included Chief, Navy Legislative Affairs, command of the Eisenhower Battle Group during Operation Desert Shield, Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy from 1991 to 1994 and Director of the Navy Staff in the Pentagon from 1994 to 1995. Admiral Lynch graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with his Bachelor of Science degree in 1964 and received his M.S. from George Washington University.

Rear Admiral Bob Shumaker, USN (Ret.): After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1956, Admiral Shumaker attended flight training and eventually joined VF-32, a fighter squadron in Jacksonville, Florida. He was a finalist in the Apollo astronaut selection, but a temporary physical ailment prevented his selection. In 1964 he graduated with a masters degree in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School and then joined VF-154 in San Diego, California. In February 1965, he was shot down on a mission over North Vietnam, was captured, and spent the next eight years as a POW. In 1973 he was repatriated and resumed studies, which eventually led to a doctorate degree in electrical engineering. As a Captain he was a government project manager for smart missiles at the Naval Air Systems Command. In 1983 he was promoted to the rank of Commodore and became the Superintendent of the Nav al Postgraduate School. At the Pentagon in 1986, as a Rear Admiral, he was responsible for coordinating the research efforts of the Navy’s air, surface, electronics and space activities. He retired from the Navy in 1989 and became an assistant dean at The George Washington University and later became the associate dean of the Center for Aerospace Sciences at the University of North Dakota, from which he retired in 1991. Admiral Shumaker’s military decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, two Silver Stars, four Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.

Major General Stan Spears, USA: General Spears is Adjutant General of South Carolina. He leads and directs the 10,500-member South Carolina Army and Air National Guard. He serves on the Board of Visitors for the Citadel, the military college of South Carolina. General Spears is the senior Adjutant General in the United States and the several territories. Born and raised in York County, South Carolina, General Spears is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, where he played on the football team. In 1962, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army National Guard. He served as a traditional Guard member for the next 32 years, achieving the rank of Brigadier General and assignment as Assistant Adjutant General.

RETIRED ADMIRALS AND GENERALS SUPPORTING JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nov. 30, 2007

New Details:  Location and Time Now Available

COLUMBIA, SC – The Obama for America campaign announced that Oprah Winfrey will join Barack Obama for a tour through three early voting states on December 8th and 9th.  Winfrey and Obama will hold two events in Iowa, one in South Carolina, and one in New Hampshire.  All events will be free and open to the public.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9

Columbia, SC

RALLY WITH BARACK OBAMA AND SPECIAL GUEST MS. OPRAH WINFREY

The Colonial Center

801 Lincoln Street

Columbia, SC 29208

Doors Open: 12:30 PM

Media Coverage: The events are open press. For credentials, please e-mail media@barackobama.com.  Please include that you are interested in covering the Columbia, SC event in the subject line of the email.

The event is free and open to the public.  However, tickets are required, though there is no reserved seating and seating will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis.  For tickets and for more information, please visit www.barackobama.com or call the Obama for America office near you:

Columbia

803-255-8008

Former AR Governor Will Attend Clemson-Carolina Game with Ric Flair

Little Rock, AR – Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee will return to South Carolina on Saturday, November 24, 2007 for a two-day visit.

Highlights of the trip will include attending the Clemson-Carolina Football Game at the University of South Carolina’s Williams Brice Stadium with World Wresting Champion Ric Flair on Saturday and stop by a Meet and Greet at the home of Senator David Thomas in Greenville on Sunday.

Saturday, November 24, 2007

5:00 p.m. ET – Columbia, SC – Joins supporters and 16-time World Wrestling Heavyweight Champion, The Nature Boy Ric Flair, for a tailgate party in stadium lot spaces 433-434, located just outside the West Entrance to Williams Brice Stadium before the “Battle for the Palmetto State” between the University of South Carolina and Clemson University.  (Contact Adam Piper, 803-237-0974)

7:00 p.m. ET – Columbia, SC – Attends University of South Carolina vs. Clemson University football game at the University of South Carolina. (Contact Adam Piper, 803-237-0974)

Sunday, November 25, 2007 

9:00 a.m. ET – Irmo, SC – Speaks at Gateway Baptist Church, located at 1615 Dutch Fork Rd. in Irmo, SC. (Contact Adam Piper, 803-237-0974)

11:00 a.m. ET – Fountain Inn, SC – Speaks at First Baptist Fountain Inn, located at 206 North Weston St. in Fountain Inn, SC. (Contact Adam Piper, 803-237-0974)

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET – Appears on CNN’s Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer.

1:30 p.m. ET – Greenville, SC – Attends “Meet and Greet” hosted by upstate legislators at the home of Senator and Mrs. David Thomas, 305 S. Weston St. in Fountain Inn, SC (NOTE: Residential address is not for public distribution.) (Contact Adam Piper, 803-237-0974)

4:00 p.m. ET – Spartanburg, SC – Attends a sportsmen’s “Meet and Greet” and skeetshoot at the Spartanburg Gun Club, located at 180 Fretwell Rd. in Spartanburg, SC. (Contact Adam Piper, 803-237-0974)

Monday, November 26, 2007

8:10 a.m. ET – Greenville, SC – Joins Dr. Tony Beam and Gary Miller on broadcast of “Christian Worldview Today” heard live on Christian Talk 660 AM and online at ChristianTalk660.com. Interview will occur in studio, located at 2420 Wade Hampton Blvd. in Greenville, SC.

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