2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

John McCain 2008 Announces Tennessee Leadership Team

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 ANNOUNCES TENNESSEE LEADERSHIP TEAM

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released its Tennessee Leadership Team. The leadership team will contribute to the growing grassroots organization on behalf of John McCain's candidacy in the state.

"The Volunteer State is looking for a president who understands what service to our country really means and has the leadership traits to guide us through very uncertain times," said Sam Bartholomew. "John McCain can bring us together as a nation like no other candidate. Americans will sleep well knowing our commander in chief will make wise decisions. His life has been full of bravery, courage and integrity, and I am confident he will do the right thing for our great nation."

John McCain thanked the Tennessee leaders, stating, "I am very proud of the team we have put together in Tennessee, and I am confident that with their hard work and support we will be successful on February 5th."

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 TENNESSEE LEADERSHIP TEAM

Honorary Chair 
Former U.S. Senator Howard Baker. Huntsville

State Co-Chairs
Captain Sam Bartholomew, Nashville
Former Congressman Van Hilleary, Spring City
Fred Smith, Memphis
Former Governor Don Sundquist, Townsend
The Honorable Harry Wellford, Memphis

Tennessee Leadership

Robert Alderson 
CEO Kirklands, Knoxville

Pat Brock 
CEO Brock Candy Co. Ret., Chattanooga

State Senator Tim Burchett 
R-7, Knoxville 

Todd Gardenhire, Chattanooga

Gordon Grigg 
CEO ProTrust Management, Franklin

State Representative Michael Harrison 
R-9, Sneedville

Ron Jackson, Normandy

Preston Lamm 
President River City Management, Chattanooga 

Fred Lawson, Maryville
Former Commissioner of Financial Institutions

David Lillard, Memphis
Shelby County Commission Chairman; Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee for the Tennessee State Republican Party Executive Committee

Albert McCall 
D.T. McCall & Sons, Lebanon 

State Representative Joe McCord 
R-8, Maryville

State Representative Gerald McCormick 
R-26, Chattanooga

Scott McCormick, Memphis
Memphis City Council Chairman

State Representative Steve McDaniel
R-72, Parkers Crossroads

Frank McGill, Oak Ridge 
Former Commissioner of Labor

State Senator Randy McNally 
R-5, Oak Ridge

State Representative Richard Montgomery
R-12, Seymour

Wendell Moore, Nashville 
Former Deputy to Governor Sundquist

Claude Ramsey, Chattanooga 
Hamilton County Mayor

Master Sergeant Kenny Reich, Lebanon
Wilson County Commissioner

Jim Rout, Memphis 
Former Shelby County Mayor

Jack Sammons, Memphis
Former Memphis City Council Chairman

Larry Scroggs, Germantown
Former State Representative

Maida Pearson Smith, Germantown
Former Republican National Committeewoman

Bill Stokes, Knoxville
Former Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Employment Security; Special Assistant to the Governor

State Representative Eric Swafford
R-25, Pikeville

Bill Swann, Morristown

Bill Watkins, Germantown
Former Shelby County RNC Chairman

Buckner Wellford, Memphis
Former Shelby County Commission Chairman

Becky West, Memphis 
President WestRodgers

Steve West, Maryville
Former Mayor of Maryville

Jim Williams, Mount Juliet 
CEO Digital Communications

State Representative Kent Williams 
R-4, Elizabethton

Susan Richardson Williams, Knoxville
Former Tennessee State Party Chairman

Eleanor Yoakum, Tazewell
Former Commissioner of Personnel

Tennessee Veterans for McCain Honorary Chairs
Dr. David Fox, WWII, Nashville 
Col. Roger Ingvalson, Vietnam POW, Chattanooga

Tennessee Veterans for McCain Co-Chairs
1st Lieutenant Harvey Cameron, Jasper
Staff Sergeant Scooter Clippard, Nashville
Lt. Col. Mark Cuttle, Ooltewah
Vice Admiral Ron Eytchison, Chattanooga
Rear Admiral Vance Fry, Chattanooga
Brigadier General Wendell Gilbert, Lebanon
Dr. Mark Green, Nashville 
Major Mark Green, Clarksville
Col. Dan Lindsey, Newburn
Col. Tom McConnell, Chattanooga 
Major General Bill Raines, Chattanooga 
Capt. Gary Roden, Murfreesboro
Dr. Ross Rogers, III, Signal Mountain
Captain Robert Segrest, Ooltewah
Lt. Gen. Robert A. Tiebout, Townsend
Capt. David Townsend, Hendersonville
Major General Jackie "Dan" Wood, Nashville

Tennessee Attorneys for McCain
Melinda Arrington, Franklin
Mike Baisley, Rockwood
Marnee Baker, Nashville
Letitia Baldwin, Nashville
Russ Baldwin, Nashville
Rob Bateman, Clarksville
Dennis Brooks, Knoxville
Christopher Chi, Nashville
Evan Cope, Murfreesboro
Kevin Douglas, Nashville
Renard Francois, Nashville
Ronald Fults, Hermitage
Mark Kenneth Green, Brentwood
Pele Houk, Spring Hill
Chad M. Jackson, Red Boiling Spring
Rockford King, Nashville
Richard E. Ladd Jr., Bristol
William Outhier, Nashville
Courtney Pearre, Nashville
Justin Pitt, Franklin
Brian Roark, Nashville
Charles Sanger, Nashville
Kenneth Sanney, Nashville
Alex Tolbert, Nashville 

Steve Forbes Endorses John McCain for President

STEVE FORBES ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Steve Forbes has endorsed John McCain for president.

"More and more Americans will be impressed by John McCain's efforts to reform our convoluted, growth retarding, anti-opportunity tax code." said Mr. Forbes. "He understands that dollars and decisions are best left to hard-working Americans. John McCain's pro-growth plan to cut taxes, stop wasteful spending and reform our healthcare system will secure our nation's prosperity for generations to come. He is the best candidate to ensure our economic and national security. I look forward to working with him in the days ahead."

John McCain thanked Mr. Forbes, stating, "Steve has been a major contributor to the tax reform movement in our country. He is a successful business leader and an effective advocate for reducing the burden of a heavy-handed government. I appreciate Steve's advice and counsel on the important economic issues facing our nation, and I am grateful to have him on our team."

Steve Forbes currently serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Magazine and Chairman / CEO of its parent company, Forbes Media.

The New York Post Endorses John McCain For President

THE NEW YORK POST ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

"America is at war - in Iraq, and against a global Islamist terror network committed to the nation's destruction. McCain indisputably understands the nature of the threat, and what it will take to defeat it ... Come November, McCain's experience would stand in sharp contrast to Barack Obama's sparse resume. And his candor, character and honor would be the antithesis of a Clinton II candidacy." -- New York Post

Excerpts From "McCain For The GOP"

Editorial
New York Post
February 1, 2008

Residents of 21 states, including New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, go to the polls Tuesday in what amounts to a national primary election.

For Republicans, the choice is clear:

Sen. John McCain of Arizona.

John McCain 2008 Launches New Television Ad: "True Conservative"

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD: "TRUE CONSERVATIVE"

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released a new television ad to air across the nation in the run-up to Super Tuesday. The ad, entitled "True Conservative," focuses on John McCain's commitment to conservative principles on economic, social and national security issues as well as his readiness to lead as commander in chief on day one.
"True Conservative" will run on national cable and in select February 5th states starting today.

Script For "True Conservative" (:30-TV)

ANNCR: As a prisoner of war, John McCain was inspired by Ronald Reagan.

JOHN MCCAIN: I enlisted as a foot soldier in the Reagan Revolution.

ANNCR: Guided by strong conservative principles, he'll cut wasteful spending and keep taxes low.

A proud social conservative who will never waver.

The leadership and experience to call for the surge strategy in Iraq that is working.

John McCain:

The true conservative

Ready to be commander-in-chief on day one.

JOHN MCCAIN: I'm John McCain and I approve this message.

Theodore B. Olson Endorses John McCain for President

THEODORE B. OLSON ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that former Solicitor General Theodore B. Olson has endorsed John McCain for president. Mr. Olson will serve as Co-Chairman of the McCain Judicial Advisory Committee.

"I have long admired John McCain for his courage, character, and integrity," said Mr. Olson. "He is the candidate best prepared to lead as commander in chief from day one. John McCain has a deep-rooted conservative philosophy and I trust him to appoint strict constructionists, like Chief Justice Roberts and Justices Scalia, Thomas and Alito, to judicial positions."

John McCain thanked Mr. Olson for his support, stating, "Ted Olson is among our nation's most distinguished experts on the rule of law. I am honored to have his support, and I look forward to his counsel and leadership on judicial issues."

John McCain 2008 Announces Virginia Leadership

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 ANNOUNCES VIRGINIA LEADERSHIP

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced its Virginia Leadership Team that will lead the growing grassroots organization on behalf of John McCain's candidacy in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

"Thirty-five years ago, when I was Secretary of the Navy during the war in Vietnam, I came to know Commander John McCain well," said Senator John Warner. "We established a bond of strong friendship and respect that has extended through our many years in the U.S. Senate.

"John has a strong and unwavering commitment to the principles that he has so clearly put forward in this campaign. He is a proven leader. It has been a privilege for me to campaign for him and by his side in both South Carolina and Florida, and I look forward to working with this remarkable leadership team right here in Virginia as Senator McCain campaigns for the Presidency of the United States."

John McCain thanked his Virginia leadership, saying, "I thank Senator Warner for his support and friendship. I am very proud of the team of supporters we have in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and I am confident that with their leadership we are well on our way to victory on Super Tuesday."

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 VIRGINIA LEADERSHIP TEAM

Co-Chairs
Former Attorney General Jerry Kilgore
Delegate Chris Saxman
U.S Senator John Warner

Steering Committee
U.S. Representative Tom Davis
Former Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger
Delegate Dave Albo -- Chairman, Courts of Justice 
Delegate Bill Carrico
Delegate Tom Gear
Delegate Phil Hamilton -- Chairman, Health, Welfare and Institutions, Vice-Chairman, Appropriations 
Delegate Clarke Hogan
Senator Robert Hurt
Delegate Terry Kilgore -- Chairman, Commerce and Labor
Delegate Joe May -- Chairman, Transportation
Delegate Don Merricks
Senator Ryan McDougle
Delegate Dave Nutter
Delegate John O'Bannon
Delegate Glenn Oder
Delegate Robert Orrock
Delegate Ed Scott
Delegate Bob Tata -- Chairman, Education Committee

Steven Apicella -- former chairman, Stafford County Republican Party
David Avella -- 8th Congressional District Chairman
Constance Bedell -- Executive Director, Coalition Against the Tax Referendum
Chris Braunlich -- former member, Fairfax County School Board
Bob Calhoun -- former State Senator 
Vincent Callahan -- former Delegate, 20 terms
Paulina Y. "Polly" Campbell -- Secretary, Republican Party of Virginia
Coby Dillard -- Iraq War veteran, USN
Frank and Becki Donatelli 
Wyatt Durrette -- Virginia Republican nominee for Attorney General 1981and 1985 nominee for Governor, 1976 and 1980 Chairman Virginia for Reagan campaign
Tony Elar -- Warren County Republican Party Chairman, former Giuliani coordinator
Paul Galanti -- former Vietnam POW with McCain and retired Navy commander
Jason Gray -- 4th Congressional District Chairman
Jimmy Hazel 
Buzz Hawley -- former member, Virginia State Central Republican Committee
Pete Hegseth -- Executive Director of Vets for Freedom, Iraq War veteran, Bronze Star recipient
R. Christian Hoff
Jim Hyland -- Fairfax County Republican Party Chairman 
Shaun Kenney -- Former Communications Director, Republican Party of Virginia
Bobbie Kilberg 
Bill Kilberg 
Michael Lowe -- Matthews County Republican Party Chairman
Fred Malek -- Finance Chairman, Republican Party of Virginia
Courtney M. Malveaux -- Chairman, Richmond Republican Committee
Bruce Meyer -- 2nd Congressional District Chairman, former Thompson coordinator
Connie Meyer -- Chairwoman, Virginia Republican Professional Network
J. Randall Minchew -- immediate past Chairman, Loudoun Republican Committee
Rick Neel -- former chairman of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County GOP Committee
Wayne Ozmore -- former 4th Congressional District Chairman
Carter Pate 
Ridge Porter 
Daniel Presgraves -- Sheriff, Page County, incoming Page County Republican Party Chairman
Pam Pryor 
Bryan M. Rhode -- Assistant Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney
John Sherman -- retired CEO Scott & Stringfellow
Craig Shirley -- author, Reagan's Revolution
Ed Slavis -- Iraq War veteran, served three tours, fought in 2004 Battle for Fallujah
Chuck Smith -- Virginia Beach Republican Party Chairman
Andrew Shelnutt -- Student Body President George Mason University
Roger Sullivan -- President Virginia Vets Coalition
Lee Talley -- 2nd Senatorial District Chairman
Peter L .Trible, Jr. -- Essex County Republican Committee Chairman
Joseph P. Underwood -- former Fairfax County Republican Party Chairman
Wade Zirkle -- Founder of Vets for Freedom. Iraq War Veteran, Purple Heart recipient

Governor Rick Perry Endorses John McCain for President

GOVERNOR RICK PERRY ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Texas Governor Rick Perry has endorsed John McCain for president.

"Of all the issues the American people must consider as they select a commander in chief, I am convinced that our most pressing concern is the ongoing war on terror," said Governor Perry. "Senator John McCain is the best prepared candidate to guide us to victory in this war and protect our nation against future terrorist attacks. John McCain is a man of principle and a man who has never been afraid of making tough decisions, regardless of the consequences. John McCain has my respect and my endorsement for President of the United States."

John McCain thanked Governor Perry for his support, saying, "Rick's commitment to the great state of Texas is a shining example of public service. He has consistently stood up for the best interests of those who elected him. His dedication to the principles of individual freedom and limited government has made the Lone Star state an even better place to live, to work, and to raise a family. Rick is a great addition to our strong team of supporters, and I am honored to have him on board."

Former Giuliani National Policy Director Bill Simon To Join McCain Campaign As National Policy Co-Chair

FORMER GIULIANI NATIONAL POLICY DIRECTOR BILL SIMON TO JOIN MCCAIN CAMPAIGN AS NATIONAL POLICY CO-CHAIR

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that former Rudy Giuliani National Policy Director Bill Simon has endorsed John McCain for president. Simon will join the campaign serving as National Policy Co-Chair.

"I am very proud to support John McCain to be the next President," said Simon. "John has been a tireless leader for our party for over two decades, and his experience and judgment are precisely the qualities needed in our next Commander and Chief."

John McCain thanked Simon for his support, stating, "I am pleased that Bill Simon has agreed to join our campaign team. I was proud to campaign for him in 2002 and have enormous respect for him as a national conservative leader."

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Endorses John McCain For President

GOVERNOR ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- Today in Los Angeles, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger endorsed John McCain for President of the United States.

"I am endorsing Senator McCain to be the next President of the United States because I am interested in a great future and I think Senator McCain has proven over and over again that he can reach across the aisle to get things done," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "He has also crusaded to end wasteful spending in Washington, which is so important. And John McCain is a crusader with a great vision for protecting the environment, while simultaneously protecting the economy. He has incredible credentials on national security and, of course, he is a fantastic public servant. He is a great American hero and an extraordinary leader."

John McCain thanked Governor Schwarzenegger for his support, stating, "I am honored to have the support of my friend Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. I am very proud that Governor Schwarzenegger has taken the lead in California to protect our environment, an important priority for our nation and the world. I thank him for his leadership. I thank him for being a great American success story. This is a story that is an inspiration not only to young citizens here in California, but all over America and the world. He came to this country without very much, except his strengths, his talents and his ambition. And he is now the governor of the largest state in America, and I am proud to be in his company. I know that he serves as a role model and a guide to millions of Americans and people throughout the world. And that is why I am doubly honored by his endorsement of my candidacy and thankful for his help on the road to the presidency of the United States."

John McCain 2008 Announces Maine Leadership Team

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 ANNOUNCES MAINE LEADERSHIP TEAM

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced its Maine leadership team. U.S. Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins will serve as co-chairs, former Governor John McKernan as Honorary Chair, and State Representative Josh Tardy as Vice-Chair of John McCain's growing grassroots organization in the Pine Tree state. In addition to the statewide leadership team, 22 state legislators have endorsed John McCain.

"John McCain has the integrity and experience to lead our nation. I have known John for many years from our service together in the House and Senate, and I have always found him to be genuine, straightforward and honest," stated Senator Snowe. "Unlike any other candidate, he has a proven track record of addressing the challenges we face."

"John McCain is the right man to lead the Republican Party and to unite our nation," said Senator Collins. "He is a leader with a consistent record of standing up for what is right--not just what's easy. I am proud to say that John McCain has my full support, and I look forward to working with him throughout this campaign."

"Senator McCain is the one true fiscal and social conservative in this race and he is the best hope for Republicans to win in November," said Representative Tardy. "His leadership, record and vision make him best prepared to serve as president from day one."

John McCain thanked his Maine leadership team, stating, "I have had the privilege of working with Senator Snowe and Senator Collins for many years and I am honored to have their support. Olympia, Susan, and Josh are respected Maine leaders and I proud to have them leading my campaign in the state."

Senator Olympia Snowe is the senior senator from Maine and only the second woman to represent the state in the U.S. Senate. Prior to her election to the U.S. Senate in 1994, Snowe served the people of Maine for 16 years as their representative in the 2nd Congressional District. She is the fourth woman in U.S. history to be elected to both houses of the U.S. Congress, and the first woman to serve in both houses of a state legislature and Congress.

Senator Susan Collins was elected to represent Maine in the U.S. Senate in 1996. Collins is the ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee and serves on the Armed Services Committee with Senator McCain. She became the first woman in Maine history to receive a major party endorsement for governor after winning the Republican primary in 1994 during her first campaign for public office.

Representative Josh Tardy is the Republican Leader in the Maine House of Representatives and is serving his third term representing the 25th District. During the 121st legislative session, Tardy served on the Joint Standing Committee on Taxation as well as the Apportionment Commission.

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 MAINE LEADERSHIP TEAM

Honorary Chair
Former Governor John R. McKernan

Co-Chairs
United Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine)
United States Senator Susan M. Collins (R-Maine)

Vice Chair
State Representative Josh Tardy (R-Newport)

Legislative Team
Representative James Annis (R-Dover-Foxcroft)
Representative Rich Cebra (R-Naples)
Representative Kathy Chase (R-Wells)
Representative Dean Cray (R-Palmyra)
Representative Phil Curtis (R-Madison)
Representative Harold Ian Emery (R-Cutler)
Representative Stacey Fitts (R-Pittsfield)
Representative Ken Fletcher (R-Winslow)
Representative Jeff Gifford (R-Lincoln)
Representative John McDonough (R-Scarborough)
Representative Everett McLeod (R-Lee)
Representative H. Sawin Millett (R-Waterford)
Representative Gary Moore (R-Standish)
Representative Kerri Prescott (R-Topsham)
Representative John Robinson (R-Raymond)
Representative David Richardson (R-Carmel)
Representative Wes Richardson (R-Warren)
Representative David Savage (R-Falmouth)
Representative Thomas Saviello (U-Wilton)
Representative Joseph Tibbetts (R-Columbia)
Representative Windol Weaver (R-York)