MAJORITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA REPUBLICAN HOUSE MEMBERS ENDORSE SENATOR MCCAIN
ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that the majority of Republican members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are supporting the Arizona Senator. Surrounded by fellow legislators, Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives Bobby Harrell made the announcement in Columbia.
Earlier this month, Speaker Harrell participated in a series of news conferences across the state with Senator McCain to announce his endorsement and support.
At Wednesday's statehouse press conference, Harrell released the names of 40 members who are supporting Senator McCain should he decide to seek the presidency. Harrell called the list "a signal of incredible support for Senator McCain among grassroots Republicans all across South Carolina."
Describing the endorsements as a "history making moment," Speaker Harrell said, "This endorsement shows how important we believe the next presidential election is. A majority of Republican House members want to help make Senator McCain, President McCain." He also said McCain's strong leadership on the war against global terror was a major factor. "John McCain knows that losing the war in Iraq is simply not an option for our country," stated Harrell.
House Majority Leader Jim Merrill, one of the legislators endorsing Senator McCain, said South Carolinians are looking for a leader who can inspire the nation. "People know what they're getting in Senator McCain, and that's a strong, principled leader who tells the truth," said Merrill. "They know where he stands, and they know he won't waver or shift in the face of changing political winds."
Over the last few months, Senator McCain has gained key endorsements from the state's top Republican elected officials and leaders, and the addition of the majority of House Republicans demonstrates his increasing momentum in the Palmetto State.
Senator McCain welcomed the latest additions to his team in South Carolina. "Having the support of a majority of the state's Republican representatives means a great deal," said Senator McCain. "These dedicated men and women will be the strength of our efforts in South Carolina and I am honored to have their support."
