July 24, 2003--Ken Mehlman was named Bush-Cheney '04 Campaign Manager on May 16, 2003.  He moved over from his position as Director of Political Affairs at the White House. RNC Deputy Chairman Maria Cino described Mehlman as "an individual who eats, drinks, sleeps politics."  Mehlman spoke to RNC members about President Bush's "transformative" leadership.  "He has transformed challenges into opportunities.  He has led our nation to overcome some of the greatest tests in our history," Mehlman said.  In the background is the campaign's political director Terry Nelson.  In his speech, Nelson outlined some of the principles and goals of the campaign.  "Number one, we always assume that the 2004 election will be just as close as the 2000 election," Nelson said.

Copyright © 2003  Eric M. Appleman/Democracy in Action.