WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Co-Chairman Jan Larimer released the following statement today in response to Senator Patrick Leahy’s (D-Vt.) offensive comments regarding gender: “Senator Leahy’s accusations of gender bias on the part of Republicans are outrageous, offensive and outdated. It is startling that he would insinuate that a candidate for our nation’s highest court should not be held to the highest level of scrutiny simply because of her gender. As a member of the Senate’s rapidly-shrinking Old Boys club, you have to wonder if he has also missed the record number of Republican women running for elected office this fall on issues that speak to small business owners, job-creators and entrepreneurs of both genders. Senator Leahy should apologize for failing to understand that women today don’t need throwbacks like he is to protect them. Women today are doing just fine out-performing those who insist on underestimating them.”

  WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “Governor Manchin has been nothing but a lap dog and rubberstamp for President Obama’s liberal tax, spend and borrow policies. Governor Manchin supported President Obama’s budget busting $862 billion stimulus and his government takeover of health care and now West Virginians are all feeling the negative economic effects. “Governor Manchin’s liberal record and ties to the Washington elite have politicians like President Obama and Harry Reid dancing for joy, but people in West Virginia will feel the brunt of their misguided policies.  The Democrat leadership’s binge-spending agenda has resulted in high unemployment, skyrocketing debt, and an out-of-control growth of government. The last thing the U.S. Senate needs is another liberal yes-man in Governor Manchin that will do anything the President asks, even if it will kill jobs and hurt the economy in West Virginia.”

  WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “Governor Manchin has been nothing but a lap dog and rubberstamp for President Obama’s liberal tax, spend and borrow policies. Governor Manchin supported President Obama’s budget busting $862 billion stimulus and his government takeover of health care and now West Virginians are a feeling the negative economic effects. “Governor Manchin’s liberal record and ties to the Washington elite have politicians like President Obama and Harry Reid dancing for joy, but people in West Virginia will feel the brunt of their misguided policies.  The Democrat leadership’s binge-spending agenda has resulted in high unemployment, skyrocketing debt, and an out-of-control growth of government. The last thing the U.S. Senate needs is another liberal yes-man in Governor Manchin that will do anything the President asks, even if it will kill jobs and hurt the economy in West Virginia.”

  WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee today announced Oklahoma’s D2H Victory campaign to establish the grassroots political operation to ensure Republican candidates are successful in November.  In partnership with the Oklahoma Republican Party, the RNC is providing funding and resources to build the in-state GOP structure to support Republican leaders. The RNC will devote the resources necessary to enhance the Oklahoma GOP’s ability to effectively reach Republican voters and tap into the state’s grassroots volunteer base.  This investment in Republican state parties is a critical part of the RNC’s Delaware to Hawaii (“D2H”) strategy to compete aggressively in all fifty states.  “The RNC is excited to be partnering with the Oklahoma Republican Party to provide support at the state and local levels where our grassroots support is energized and growing,” said RNC Chairman Michael Steele.  “The success of the Republican Party starts with the volunteers who knock on doors, make phone calls, attend events, and reach out to Republican voters in their own small communities and neighborhoods.  Oklahoma Republicans will continue to send a clear message to Washington that it’s time to change the business-as-usual backroom deals and the big government policies that are failing to deliver for the American people.” “We are investing in a sophisticated political operation to capture the groundswell of support that we have consistently seen here in Oklahoma,” said Matt Pinnell, Oklahoma Republican Party Chairman. “Oklahoma Republicans are energized and ready to get-out-the-vote in November.  In addition, the Oklahoma Republican Party will focus on expanding the Republican base to include a younger generation of voters by reaching out to college and high school activists, as well young professionals and recent grads, with a winning message of limited government and fiscal responsibility.”At 30 years old, Matt Pinnell is the youngest Republican State Party Chairman in the United States and will play a leading role in bringing younger voters to the Republican Party.  Using innovative social networking and new media tools, Pinnell will be able to spread the Republican message to a wide audience that ranges from first-time voters to up-and-coming Republican candidates.  In 2009, Republicans made 5.8 million voter contacts and put in 165,715 volunteer hours, resulting in victories across the country.  In total, last year Republicans won 26 of 37 special elections and played a major role in more than 30 successful races.  The RNC is building on this success with strategic investments in key states and districts that will help deliver Republican victories in November. 

  WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee today announced the Maine D2H Victory campaign to establish the grassroots political operation to ensure Republican candidates are successful in November.  In partnership with the Maine Republican Party, the RNC is providing funding and resources to augment the in-state GOP campaign structure, support Republican candidates, and promote the conservative messages of low taxes, limited government, and fiscal responsibility. The RNC will devote resources to enhance the Maine Republican Party’s ability to effectively reach Republican voters and tap into the grassroots volunteer base that will be the key to Republican success.  This investment in Republican state parties is a critical part of the RNC’s Delaware to Hawaii (D2H) strategy to compete aggressively in all fifty states.  “The success of the Republican Party starts with the volunteers who knock on doors, make phone calls, attend events, and reach out to Republican voters in their own small communities and neighborhoods.  The RNC is excited to be partnering with Maine Republican Party in this effort to build the Republican Party at the state and local levels where our grassroots support is energized and growing,” said RNC Chairman Michael Steele.  “The RNC’s Victory program will tap into this excitement and help send a clear message to Augusta and Washington that it’s time to end the big government  policies that are failing to deliver for the American people, and restore fiscal restraint, checks and balances, and accountable government.” “With a sophisticated political operation at the state and county level, we can capture the groundswell of support that we are already seeing here in Maine,” said Charles Webster, Chairman of the Maine Republican Party.  “Our volunteers are energized and ready to get-out-the-vote in November.  The resources that Chairman Steele and the RNC are providing to our state will enhance our ability deliver the Republican message and stand up to the big-spending Democrat agenda that has resulted in 8.4 percent unemployment and is failing to addresses our nation’s critical challenges.” Maine is a critical state for the Republican Party in 2010 and Chairman Steele and the RNC look forward to this partnership and delivering Republican victories this fall.   

  WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele today named Connecticut Republican Party Chairman Chris Healy as RNC Members Finance Co-Chairman for the Northeast and Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Chris Devaney as RNC Members Finance Co-Chairman for the Southeast. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of Connecticut Republican Party Chairman Chris Healy as RNC Members Finance Co-Chairman for the Northeast. Chris has been an excellent, principled leader of the Connecticut Republican Party and will undoubtedly continue that record in this important, new role. I look forward to working with Chris to achieve substantial Republican gains this November. “I am also pleased to announce the appointment of Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Chris Devaney as RNC Members Finance Co-Chairman for the Southeast. As Tennessee Republican Party Chairman, Chris has done a remarkable job building a strong state party and I am confident he will do the same on behalf of the Republican National Committee. I am eager to begin working with Chris to continue to build on this past year’s significant electoral successes.” – RNC Chairman Michael Steele

  WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “Recent statements claiming the Tea Party movement is racist are not only destructive, they are not true. Tea Party activists are your mom or dad, your local grocer, banker, hairdresser or doctor. They are a diverse group of passionate Americans who want to ensure that our nation returns to founding principles that honor the Constitution, limit government’s role in our lives and support policies that empower free markets and free enterprise. Enough with the name-calling.”

  WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today following the Alabama primary run-off election results: “Congratulations to state Rep. Robert Bentley and Martha Roby on their victories this evening. “Rep. Bentley is a strong candidate who will no doubt ensure that the Republican Party will continue to hold the Governor’s seat in Alabama. “Martha Roby’s win tonight should put Democrats in the 2nd district on notice. Martha’s consistent record of fighting for lower taxes, cutting spending, and limited government has resulted in an outpouring of support in her district and allowed her to largely out-raise incumbent Rep. Bright in the pre-runoff filing period. Come Election Day, I’m confident that 2nd District Alabamians will elect Martha Roby as their next Representative to the U.S. Congress.”

  WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee (RNC) released a new web page today to highlight President Obama’s penchant for hitting the links while the rest of the country anxiously awaits a solution to the worst ecological disaster in American history. The website, entitled “Golf or Gulf?” can be viewed here: www.Gulforgolf.com. “President Obama’s frustrating tendency to hit the links rather than devote his undivided attention to providing a solution to the worst ecological disaster in American history represents an unacceptable lack of seriousness and focus. While communities along the Gulf Coast are reeling from the devastating economic and environmental impact of the ongoing spill, it is beyond offensive that this president would even think of scheduling a tee time. How much further out of touch can President Obama get?” – RNC Chairman Michael Steele

  WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee (RNC) released a new web page today to highlight President Obama’s penchant for hitting the links while the rest of the country anxiously awaits a solution to the worst ecological disaster in American history. The website, entitled “Golf or Gulf?” can be viewed here: www.Gulforgolf.com. “President Obama’s frustrating tendency to hit the links rather than devote his undivided attention to providing a solution to the worst ecological disaster in American history represents an unacceptable lack of seriousness and focus. While communities along the Gulf Coast are reeling from the devastating economic and environmental impact of the ongoing spill, it is beyond offensive that this president would even think of scheduling a tee time. How much further out of touch can President Obama get?” – RNC Chairman Michael Steele

  WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee (RNC) announced a new television ad today to coincide with President Obama’s trip to Las Vegas, Nevada to help rescue the reelection hopes of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. The ad, entitled “Two of a Kind” can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKJbPY2c8wU. “It would be difficult to find two people who have dealt more blows to Nevada’s economy than President Obama and Harry Reid. As two of the most powerful politicians in Washington, this Democratic duo has schemed and forced their liberal agenda onto the people of Nevada, leading to 14% unemployment in the state, the highest in the nation. Nevadans will surely have a lot of questions for a President and Majority Leader who have sold them out in favor of promoting their failed far-left, tax and spend policies. Unfortunately, Harry Reid’s shameless devotion to President Obama’s job-killing agenda and his thirty year record of putting Washington first will do little to assuage their economic woes.” – RNC Chairman Michael Steele

  WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee (RNC) today announced the West Virginia Victory campaign to establish the in-state political operation to ensure Republican candidates are successful in November.  In partnership with the West Virginia Republican Party, the RNC is providing funding and resources to promote strong Republican leadership grounded in small government, low taxes, and fiscal responsibility.  In addition to staff and resources on the ground, West Virginia Victory will have full access to communications, research, and political support.  By leveraging these tools, Republicans will compete aggressively in West Virginia and deliver a clear message to voters that it’s time to stand up to Barack Obama’s big-government agenda. “The RNC is excited to partner with the West Virginia Republican Party and invest in the Mountain State to provide voters with a clear choice between the tax, borrow and spend agenda of Washington Democrats and the fiscally responsible, pro-growth Republicans.  “West Virginia Victory will tap into the high amount of voter energy, excitement and momentum we are experiencing within the Republican Party and use it to ensure that Republicans are elected across the state,” said Chairman Steele. “I’d like to thank Chairman Steele for providing the West Virginia Republican Party with these essential resources.  They will have a tremendous impact on our ability to deliver the Republican message of lower taxes and fiscal sanity directly to West Virginia voters,” said West Virginia Republican Party Chairman Doug McKinney. “With a sophisticated operation at the state and local level, we can capture the outpouring of support that we are already seeing here in West Virginia.  Our volunteers are energized and ready to stop the tax and spend policies of Democrats across our state.”

  WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “It is unfortunate that President Obama and his administration would rather wage a costly legal battle with Arizona than allow the state to take the concrete steps necessary to secure its border. Arizonans are fed up with waiting for the help promised by Washington that never seems to come. The state of Arizona has the right and the responsibility to provide security and stability for its citizens when the federal government fails to do so. Not only will a lawsuit not solve the problem, it is just another instance of hollow, political gamesmanship from a White House unwilling to take the bold action necessary to solve one of the country’s most pressing issues.

  WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “As we enter the Fourth of July weekend, I proudly remember standing with Maryland National Guardsmen on their way to the Middle East and later stood with the mothers of soldiers lost at war. There is no question that America must win the war on terror. “During the 2008 Presidential campaign, Barack Obama made clear his belief that we should not fight in Iraq, but instead concentrate on Afghanistan. Now, as President, he has indeed shifted his focus to this region. That means this is his strategy. And, for the sake of the security of the free world, our country must give our troops the support necessary to win this war. “As we have learned throughout history, winning a war in Afghanistan is a difficult task.   We must also remember that after the tragedy of September 11, 2001, it is also a necessary one. That is why I supported the decision to increase our troop force and, like the entire United States Senate, I support General Petraeus’ confirmation. The stakes are too high for us to accept anything but success in Afghanistan.” – RNC Chairman Michael Steele

  WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: For the millions of American families that are continuing to struggle, no amount of White House spin can cast 9.5 percent unemployment in a positive light. While a dip in the unemployment rate should be welcome news, this decline should be taken with a grain of salt. The 125,000 jobs lost last month coupled with a sharp drop in employment reflects a labor force that continues to deteriorate. Whether it’s their $862 billion stimulus package that failed to keep unemployment under 8 percent, or their government takeover of healthcare, or their looming national energy tax, the simple fact is that the cumulative effect of this Administration’s policies has yet to foster an economic climate capable of producing sustainable job growth. All businesses are seeing are higher taxes, higher interest rates, more regulation, and more uncertainty. If President Obama and Congressional Democrats would rather double down on their reckless spending and big government experiments than focus on putting more Americans back to work, voters will hire a Republican Congress this November to finish the job.” – RNC Chairman Michael Steele

  June 30, 2010 To Listen To Audio Of Full Conference Call, Please Visit: http://www.gop.com/audio/063010_paulryan.mp3 U.S. Congressman Paul Ryan (WI-1): “…I think the President ought to reassess his own economic policies. Since the stimulus passed, we’ve lost 3.6 million jobs. I think he also ought to reassess, and it sounds like he is with respect to Bucyrus, the practical effects of his policies… “But I think the point is very clear: the kinds of economic policies we’re getting from Washington are the exact opposite of what we need to do to get jobs turned back on in this country … “We have a borrow-and-spend stimulus program, which I said earlier has already since been incepted lost 3.6 million jobs. It’s not doing what it was supposed to do.  It was advertised as keeping unemployment from getting above 8%; it’s been hovering around 10% since the stimulus passed. When you add up the interest costs of the stimulus its $1.1 trillion … “We also need to give businesses certainty that if they take risks, if they invest, if they hire people back, that the economic climate’s going to improve, not get worse, but that is exactly not the signals we’re sending. They see higher taxes, more regulations, more uncertainty; they see credit being restricted, not loosened. And they see an interest rate climb in the future because of debt and Federal Reserve policies that give our economic actors, the small businesses of America, the hirers of America, they give them pause and that is one of the reasons why we’re not getting job creation … “I’ve met with other employers in Racine and Kenosha and in Walworth County and that SE Wisconsin quarter, that are telling me because of the new tax increases that are coming into law, because of the new regulatory problems, they don’t have any plans to hire people back. And so, the constant pulse that I am getting is after our Congress has already raised taxes $670 billion this year, raised spending $1.8 trillion this year, what I’m getting from the job creators, from the small businesses and the big businesses in Southeastern Wisconsin is that they’re sitting on their hands, and they’re riding out the storm, because they don’t see a bright future. And what they do see is either higher taxes, higher regulations, or more uncertainty …”

  WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “It is unconscionable that President Obama would reduce the oil crisis and the people of the Gulf to a ‘talking point.’ Instead of showing executive leadership and answering Senator Alexander’s question, President Obama suggested that it was inappropriate to bring up the oil spill in an energy meeting. Plugging the leak in the Gulf is not a partisan talking point. Americans deserve a President that will put his own political goals aside to find real solutions for the people of the Gulf. Rather than use this crisis to ram through his liberal, job-killing national energy tax, President Obama should put his focus on managing a major environmental disaster.” – RNC Chairman Michael Steele

  WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele today named Maryland RNC Committeeman and Budget Committee Chairman Louis Pope Treasurer of the Committee on Arrangements for the 2012 Republican National Convention and Indiana National Committeewoman Dee Dee Benkie RNC Members Finance Co-Chairwoman. “I am proud to announce the appointment of RNC Committeeman and RNC Budget Committee Chairman Louis Pope as Treasurer of the Committee on Arrangements for the 2012 Republican National Convention. The Committee on Arrangements is charged with putting together the Republican National Convention that will be held in Tampa, FL in the week of August 27, 2012.  Louis has been a conscientious steward of donor money while serving as Chairman of the RNC Budget Committee and his exceptional qualifications will help make the Republican National Convention in Tampa a huge success.” “I am also pleased to announce the appointment of Indiana National Committeewoman Dee Dee Benkie as RNC Members Finance Co-Chairwoman. She has been a tireless advocate of Republican principles and will make a great addition to an already very strong team. I look forward to working with both Louis and Dee Dee to continue to build on this past year’s electoral successes and work towards significant Republican wins this November and in the future.” – RNC Chairman Michael Steele  

  WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee (RNC) released the following statement today: “I am disappointed that the Supreme Court chose not to hear arguments in Republican National Committee v. Federal Election Commission. This was an opportunity to reaffirm our nation’s commitment to the First Amendment and to the right of citizens to join together and speak out for causes and candidates they support. As was proven with the Democratic House's decision to ram through the DISCLOSE Act, the Democratically controlled Congress has a vested interest in passing legislation that protects incumbents at the expense of the American public and their First Amendment rights. If left unchallenged, McCain-Feingold's severe restrictions on party efforts to register votes and get out the vote will continue to result in the unconstitutional encroachment on the rights of citizens to associate with each other and to speak out to express their beliefs. We are greatly disappointed that the Supreme Court is not giving us the opportunity to demonstrate this point before the Court.” – Theodore B. Olson, representing the Republican National Committee in RNC v. FEC

   WASHINGTON – Rep. Paul Ryan (WI-1) released the following weekly Republican address. The address is available in both audio and video format and is embargoed until 6:00 a.m. ET, Saturday, June 26, 2010. NOTE: The address is embargoed until 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 26, 2010. Audio of the address is available here. Video of the address is available here. TRANSCRIPT: “Hello – I’m Paul Ryan – I work for the people of Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District and I serve as the top Republican on the House Budget Committee.  Yes, Congress does have a Budget Committee, but I’m afraid it hasn’t been very busy this year. “In fact, this week the House Majority Leader announced that Democrats are canceling this year’s budget.  Instead of reining in out-of-control spending that has pushed our national debt past $13 trillion, Democrats have made clear their intention to raise taxes on middle-class families to fuel their continued spending spree. “Talk about a recipe for disaster: Democrats are offering no budget, no priorities, and no restraints – yet all their taxing, borrowing, and spending continues unchecked.   “With this budget failure – a first in the modern era – Democrats are missing a critical opportunity to provide the fiscal discipline economists say is needed to create private-sector jobs and boost our economy.  This unprecedented budget collapse also sends a clear signal to American families struggling to meet their own budgets that Washington still doesn’t recognize the severity of its spending problem. “Democrats say their decision is about what’s best for the future of our country.  It’s not.  With the political season upon us, Democratic leaders believe it’s better to take a pass than to pass a budget.  While Americans ask ‘where are the jobs?,’ they seem content to simply run out the clock and let their borrowing binge continue to drain resources from our economy. “The debt is on track to exceed the size of our entire economy in the next 18 months.  We have run out of road to kick the can down.  If this is really about the future of our country, then leaders should make the tough choices they promised they would, put moral obligation before political expedience, and focus on what’s in the best interests of the next generation, not the next election. “This is a time to make tough choices, not run from them.  To that end, Republicans on the Budget Committee have already identified $1.3 trillion in specific spending cuts we would implement right now to make Washington do more with less and help small businesses put people back to work.  These are specific, common-sense ideas, such as canceling unspent TARP bailout funds and ‘stimulus’ money, that would help us focus on creating more jobs, not more debt.  We also propose reducing federal employment and freezing government pay.  Instead of growing government, we need to restart the engine of economic growth. “Of course, this is just a starting point. Much more needs to be done to set our nation on a sustainable economic course.  We need to start reining in unnecessary spending now so that we can boost the economy and work together to address our nation’s long term fiscal challenges. “It is our shared responsibility to take on the challenges before us to make sure that our kids and our grandkids have a better life. Let’s begin this important work today.  Let’s make certain we do not simply retreat to the same failed policies.  Let’s make the tough, forward-looking choices that will restore the promise and prosperity of this exceptional nation - and let’s do it together. “Thanks for listening.”