News

Address by the President to the Nation on the Way Forward in Iraq

THE PRESIDENT: Good evening. In the life of all free nations, there come moments that decide the direction of a country and reveal the character of its people. We are now at such a moment.

In Iraq, an ally of the United States is fighting for its survival.

Terrorists and extremists who are at war with us around the world are seeking to topple Iraq's government, dominate the region, and attack us here at home. If Iraq's young democracy can turn back these enemies, it will mean a more hopeful Middle East and a more secure America. This ally has placed its trust in the United States. And tonight, our moral and strategic imperatives are one: We must help Iraq defeat those who threaten its future and also threaten ours.

Florida's Democrats Received Money From Tainted Fundraiser

Florida Democrats were among the recipients of money from businessman Norman Hsu, whose sketchy background has triggered one of the largest givebacks of political money ever.

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson received $2,500 from Hsu in December 2005 -- a year before his successful re-election campaign -- and also got $5,000 from associates of Hsu. The Florida Democratic Party received $5,000 in 2004.

Hillary Clinton Embraces Another Embattled Fundraiser in Florida Today

Tallahassee—Following last week’s arrest of Hillary Clinton’s fugitive friend and donor, Norman Hsu, Clinton has enlisted another controversial fundraiser to help her collect cash in the Sunshine State today—the former Mayor of the City of Hialeah, Raul Martinez.

Raul Martinez, who was accused of extortion and racketeering in 1991, is hosting one of Hillary Clinton’s three fundraisers in South Florida today. (“Hialeah Mayor Convicted Of Racketeering, Extortion,” The Associated Press, 3/26/91)

“Considering the controversy that is still swirling from the arrest of Norman Hsu last week, it’s surprising that a politician as calculating as Hillary Clinton would enlist another embattled fundraiser to help line her campaign coffers in Florida this afternoon,” said Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer.

Republican Party of Florida Brings Florida to Political Forefront

For years, it's been difficult for Florida's voice to be heard in the presidential primary process. Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina have traditionally been the first states to vote and by the time Floridians had the opportunity to vote, it was over.

We believe our Legislature's action to move the primary to January finally puts Florida Republicans in their just position to decide who our next nominee will be.

Barack Obama Wrong for Florida, Wrong for National Security

Tallahassee—This week Barack Obama previewed his new Cuban policy in a Miami Herald op-ed prior to his fundraising visit to Tallahassee today. Obama outlined his proposal to send money to Cuba and raise limits on remittances and visitation to the island.

“At a time when the Republican Party of Florida is working to reach out to Hispanic voters, Barack Obama continues to alienate them by announcing that we should infuse Fidel Castro’s regime with money and weaken the Cuban embargo,” noted RPOF Chairman Jim Greer.

“The Republican message of faith, family, and the freedom to pursue economic and educational opportunities resonates with Hispanics and Florida Republicans have backed up that message with concrete results,” continued Chairman Greer. “Yet Democrats like Barack Obama continue to come to Florida and declare that they would implement policies that Florida Hispanics clearly do not approve of—policies that are not in our national security interests.”