WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee (RNC) announced a new website and video today highlighting President Obama’s willingness to place Chicago-style politics over the transparency and open government he promised to give voters. The web page, entitled “Obama’s Chicago Network,” emphasizes the Obama Administration’s deep roots in Chicago politics from its ties to disgraced Illinois ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich to its ethically and legally questionable dealings with Rep. Joe Sestak (D-PA) and Colorado Senate candidate Andrew Romanoff (D-CO). The site can be viewed here: http://www.gop.com/obamaschicagonetwork. “When Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States, he promised to usher in a new era of unparalleled transparency and open government in Washington.  Rather than putting a stop to ‘business-as- usual’, this White House has proved more than willing to employ disreputable, backroom, Chicago-style politics in order to further their own political goals.  Whether it’s senior Administration officials being named in the attempted sale of President Obama’s former Senate seat, the offering of administration jobs and positions to impact federal elections, or the deliberate obfuscation by the White House on all of the above, President Obama has not only fallen remarkably short of the high standards he has set for himself and his administration, but most egregiously, he has broken his word to the American people about bringing real change to Washington.” – RNC Chairman Michael Steele

  WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: "As oil continues to spill in the Gulf and unemployment hovers at ten percent, the President can no longer take his eye off the "Oil". “While it is fitting and appropriate to look at the yachting activities of the BP CEO, with incredulity, it is equally incredible that President Obama finds himself on yet another golf course as oil continues to spew into the Gulf. Until this problem is fixed, no more golf outings, no more baseball games, no more Beatle concerts, Mr. President.  The stakes are too high for President Obama's lackadaisical approach to both his responsibilities and the challenges we face."

  WASHINGTON – National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) Chairman U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) Chairman U.S. Representative Pete Sessions (TX-32), and Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele issued the following joint statement announcing the Congressional Trust, a new joint fundraising agreement between the Republican committees in advance of the 2010 midterm elections: “The 2010 Congressional Trust is proof that Republicans are not only united in our goal of winning back the majority, we are also mutually committed to ensuring that we have the resources necessary to be successful. As with any other joint fundraising committees we are part of, this entity will be used in those races and states where all three committees stand to benefit. “The Congressional Trust is set up to directly benefit House and Senate candidates who will become part of the new leadership that voters are calling for in Washington. We are committed to working together to retire Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi and make sure this Democrat majority pays the price for the radical and unpopular agenda it is imposing.”

  WASHINGTON – National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) Chairman U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) Chairman U.S. Representative Pete Sessions (TX-32), and Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele issued the following joint statement announcing the Congressional Trust, a new joint fundraising agreement between the Republican committees in advance of the 2010 midterm elections: “The 2010 Congressional Trust is proof that Republicans are not only united in our goal of winning back the majority, we are also mutually committed to ensuring that we have the resources necessary to be successful. As with any other joint fundraising committees we are part of, this entity will be used in those races and states where all three committees stand to benefit. “The Congressional Trust is set up to directly benefit House and Senate candidates who will become part of the new leadership that voters are calling for in Washington. We are committed to working together to retire Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi and make sure this Democrat majority pays the price for the radical and unpopular agenda it is imposing.”

  WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee (RNC) announced a new web video today in response to the President’s decision to finally meet with BP executives after 58 days of delay. The web video, entitled “What Took So Long?,” can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6urJsX3KX4 “Over the past 58 days since the Deepwater Horizon rig exploded tragically killing 11 workers, President Obama and his administration have dithered while the worst ecological disaster in American history has unfolded, wreaking environmental and economic havoc up and down the Gulf Coast. Leadership from this White House has been severely lacking. Since April 20th when this catastrophe began, President Obama has made the time to play six rounds of golf, take two vacations, attend two concerts, and go on cross-country fundraising junkets but not to pick up the phone and speak directly with the executives of BP. The Administration’s number one priority needs to be stopping this leak, cleaning up the damage, finding out what went wrong, and making sure nothing like this ever happens again. The American people are looking for Presidential leadership during this time of crisis, not executive finger pointing or backroom political power-plays seeking to force through yet another unpopular Democratic proposal that would only devastate the economy even further.” – RNC Chairman Michael Steele

  WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement this evening: “Manipulating this tragic, national crisis for selfish political gain not only demonstrates President Obama’s inability to aptly lead our nation out of a disaster, but also reveals the appallingly arrogant political calculus of this White House. Exploiting the tragedy in the Gulf to try to ram through a devastating job-killing national energy tax is more of the same Chicago-style politics that has the President’s approval ratings plummeting to an all-time low. Instead of leveraging this crisis to manufacture knee-jerk political support for cap-and-trade energy taxes, President Obama should focus on providing the people of the Gulf with real and honest solutions to this horrible environmental disaster this Administration has been slow in waking up to.” – RNC Chairman Michael Steele

  WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “All of us at the Republican National Committee are deeply saddened by the sudden death of our friend Lance Copsey. Lance was a dear friend and an integral part of my team. I valued his advice and counsel.  Lance could always cut through the noise and provide well thought out insight. “Those of us from Maryland had the pleasure of watching Lance grow from his days as Political Director and then Executive Director of the Maryland Republican Party to an international political consultant with clients around the world and an award winning film producer with Marsh-Copsey Associates. “Nothing demonstrated Lance’s love of life more than his love for and his pride in his family. Our hearts and prayers are with Jenny, Molly and Bess. Lance has left us all too soon.”  

    WASHINGTON – House Republican Leader John Boehner (OH-8) 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 12, 2010. NOTE: The address is embargoed until 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 12, 2010. Audio of the address is available here. Video of the address is available here. TRANSCRIPT: “Hello – I’m John Boehner.  In these tough economic times, American families have done their level best to stay afloat – spending less and working more while trying to map out a financially sound future.  They deserve that same degree of discipline and vigilance from their government. “But instead of bringing fiscal sanity to Washington like he promised, President Obama has spent taxpayer dollars with reckless abandon, refusing to make tough choices and pushing the burden on to future generations.  No price tag has been too high for Washington Democrats, and now we’re all paying the price.  “Unemployment is still close to 10 percent.  The private sector is at a near-standstill.  Our small businesses are still gasping for air.  And having run a small business, I can tell you that the new health care law, with its burdensome mandates and tax increases, is already stalling these engines of our economy. “A new report from the Treasury Department shows that our fiscal situation is much worse than we thought.  Our record national debt – which now tops $13 trillion – is on pace to exceed the size of our entire economy by the middle of this decade.   Economists say that at these levels, our debt is draining enough resources from our country to cost us nearly one million jobs. “We cannot go on like this.  “Real economic growth requires creating jobs in the private sector, and to do that we need to start reining in Washington’s out-of-control spending spree.  Less spending, more jobs – it’s that simple. “Economists agree, and this week, I gave President Obama a statement signed by more than 100 of them urging both parties to take immediate, decisive action to cut federal spending. “Unfortunately, Democrats in Congress are busy making backroom deals so that they don’t have to pass a budget this year.  They’d rather keep on spending than seize this critical opportunity to create jobs and boost our economy.  But every family knows that in tough times, passing a budget is more important – not less important. “Just as troubling is the fact that President Obama hasn’t uttered a word in protest of Congressional Democrats’ failure to produce a budget.   Even after being presented with these economists’ pleas for fiscal discipline, he still won’t press leaders in his own party to fulfill their responsibility to the American people.  “This is a stunning failure of leadership – the kind of leadership President Obama promised to provide. “Too many in Washington forget that we work for the people, not the other way around.  Taxpayers are just fed up, and they want us to stop spending their hard-earned money.  “That’s why, through the America Speaking Out project, Republicans are providing Americans with a megaphone to make their voices heard and help build a better, more responsive government.  If you have an idea to cut wasteful Washington spending, log on to AmericaSpeakingOut.com right now and start a discussion about it.  “Another interactive Republican initiative – YouCut – gives Americans a chance to vote on specific spending cuts that you want to see Congress implement.  And looking forward, Republicans have proposed common-sense solutions to reform the way Washington spends taxpayer dollars, starting with strict budget caps to limit federal spending on an annual basis.  “Waiting and hoping for the best is no longer an option, not when 43 cents of every dollar we spend this year is borrowed from our kids and grandkids.  Our posterity shouldn’t have to foot the bill because Washington Democrats can’t do what they were elected to do or summon the courage to say no to special interests with their hands out. “So while I hope President Obama will work with us to stop this spending spree, if he won’t hold Congressional Democrats accountable, then the American people will.  “Thank you for listening.”

  WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “Congratulations to all Nevada Republican candidates who won their primaries, and especially to Sharron Angle, who will challenge Harry Reid this November.  In Nevada the unemployment rate is 13.7 percent, which is the second highest in the country.  Harry Reid has been more focused on advancing the liberal agenda of government-run health care and cap-and trade than helping the Silver State.  When Angle replaces the fierce partisan from Searchlight, her top priority will be helping the over 193,000 unemployed Nevadans find a job.   “Nevada Republicans also nominated Brian Sandoval for Governor and Joe Heck for the third congressional district, because unlike their Democratic opponents these individuals know that a limited government that is focused on lower taxes is the real solution towards creating jobs.  The Silver State is a top priority for the Republican Party and we will make sure that our candidates have the resources necessary to win in November.”    

  WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “Congratulations to Meg Whitman, Carly Fiorina, and all of the California Republican candidates who won their primaries. Through Meg Whitman’s conservative economic principals she will make the Golden State far more efficient and effective by cutting through the partisan gridlock in Sacramento so California can have a balanced budget.  Carly Fiorina is a proven leader and she will serve as a fresh voice in the U.S. Senate when she replaces Barbara Boxer, whose partisan pandering and extreme economic policies are completely out-of-step with voters in her state. “The Republican Party will make sure our candidates have the resources necessary because these individuals are focused on a limited government that will get California working again.”

  WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “Congratulations to all Nevada Republican candidates who won their primaries, and especially to Sharron Angle, who will challenge Harry Reid this November.  In Nevada the unemployment rate is 13.7 percent, which is the second highest in the country.  Harry Reid has been more focused on advancing the liberal agenda of government-run health care and cap-and trade than helping the Silver State.  When Angle replaces the fierce partisan from Searchlight, her top priority will be helping the over 193,000 unemployed Nevadans find a job.   “Nevada Republicans also nominated Brian Sandoval for Governor and Joe Heck for the third congressional district, because unlike their Democratic opponents these individuals know that a limited government that is focused on lower taxes is the real solution towards creating jobs.  The Silver State is a top priority for the Republican Party and we will make sure that our candidates have the resources necessary to win in November.”    

  WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “Congratulations to Meg Whitman, Carly Fiorina, and all of the California Republican candidates who won their primaries. Through Meg Whitman’s conservative economic principals she will make the Golden State far more efficient and effective by cutting through the partisan gridlock in Sacramento so California can have a balanced budget.  Carly Fiorina is a proven leader and she will serve as a fresh voice in the U.S. Senate when she replaces Barbara Boxer, whose partisan pandering and extreme economic policies are completely out-of-step with voters in her state. “The Republican Party will make sure our candidates have the resources necessary because these individuals are focused on a limited government that will get California working again.”

  WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today:  “Congratulations to all the Iowa Republicans who won their primary races this evening.  Iowa’s strong Republican slate headed by Senator Chuck Grassley and Terry Branstad will stand against the big-government policies of the Obama Administration and provide commonsense solutions to create jobs and improve the economy.  With the unemployment near 10 percent and our nation’s debt exceeding $13 trillion, Iowa voters can move America back on the right track by electing leaders who hold conservative values of small government and low taxes.  I’m confident that in November, Iowa will send a clear message across the United States that the out of control spending and growth of government under the Obama Administration needs to stop.” 

  WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “I would like to congratulate all Republican nominees across Maine who won their primaries today.  With Maine’s unemployment rate steadily hovering around 8 percent, Paul LePage will lead the Republican ticket that will work to create jobs by standing up for the conservative ideals of small government, low taxes, and fiscal responsibility. These Republicans will help bring sweeping victories in November and help get our country back on track. ”

  WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “Tonight, Republicans across New Jersey made their voices heard. They wanted candidates on the ballot who are laser focused on creating jobs and keeping taxes low. And this evening, they did just that by nominating Republicans that are committed to fiscal restraint.  After the election of Republican Governor Chris Christie last November, this all-star team is ready to build on our Republican gains in the state and offer real leadership.  I am confident this November the people of the Garden State will turn out in droves to put our candidates in office. Congratulations to each and every Republican nominee across New Jersey who won their primary today.” 

  WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “Blanche Lincoln’s victory in the Democrat primary ushers in a candidate who has lost credibility with the people of Arkansas. From her liberal voting record in support of the failed stimulus and government takeover of health care, to her transparent political posturing on the campaign trail, Arkansas voters learned that they can no longer trust Blanche Lincoln. “Throughout her campaign, Lincoln has made it clear that she will simply fall in line with President Obama’s big-spending, big-government agenda, putting her vastly out of touch with the majority of Arkansans. I am fully confident that in November, Arkansas voters will stand behind Rep. John Boozman and his positive message of putting Arkansas first, and fighting for limited government, lower taxes, and real sustainable job creation.”

  WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “Congratulations to Kristi Noem on winning South Dakota’s congressional primary.  Like Senator John Thune, Kristi Noem is focused on a limited government that will reduce our national debt, lower the tax burden and focus on creating real jobs in the private sector.  Electing a true conservative such as Kristi Noem is a top priority for the Republican Party, and we are committed to providing the resources necessary to win this seat.”     

  WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “Congratulations to Governor John Hoeven and State Representative Rick Berg on winning their respective primaries.  In North Dakota the unemployment rate is 4.9 percent – the lowest unemployment rate in the country and a testament to both John’s and Rick’s strong leadership for the Peace Garden State.  “With a national unemployment rate hovering around 10 percent, Washington needs their fiscal conservative leadership to create jobs and get our country working again.  The Republican Party is committed to providing the necessary resources to help these two outstanding candidates defeat their Democratic opponents this fall.”

  WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “Congratulations to Tom Graves who was victorious in Georgia’s special election run-off this evening. Georgia’s 9th District will be well represented by another conservative Republican who is committed to limited government and reigning in out-of-control government spending.”

  WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “I would like to congratulate all Republican nominees across Maine who won their primaries today.  With Maine’s unemployment rate steadily hovering around 8 percent, Paul LePage will lead the Republican ticket that will work to create jobs by standing up for the conservative ideals of small government, low taxes, and fiscal responsibility. These Republicans will help bring sweeping victories in November and help get our country back on track. ”