2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

John McCain 2008 Announcement Iowa Photos

Iowa Leaders Stand With Senator McCain

IOWA LEADERS STAND WITH SENATOR MCCAIN

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that its Iowa leadership team is organized and active for the campaign's official launch in Iowa on Friday, April 27th.

The influential state leadership team will continue to build Senator McCain's Iowa organization in preparation for the Iowa Straw Poll and Iowa Caucus. The group is headed by President Bush's 2004 Iowa Chairman, David Roederer.

"During his career in public service, John McCain has proven himself time and again as an unfailing common sense conservative and a strong leader for our nation and our party," said Roederer. "I am privileged to chair his Iowa campaign and work with this tremendous leadership team to help elect him the next President of the United States.

Former Iowa Attorney General, Major General Curly Hultman cited Senator McCain's foreign policy experience in deciding to chair his Iowa veterans leadership team.

"America needs a Commander-In-Chief like John McCain who will be a steadfast leader in Iraq and in the global war on terrorism," Hultman said. "I look forward to working with my fellow veterans to inform Iowans about John McCain's strong foreign policy credentials and positive vision for our country."

Senator John McCain expressed his confidence in the leadership team's ability. "I am honored to have the support of this extremely talented group of individuals," said Senator McCain. "I am extremely grateful to have their help as we continue to grow our grassroots organization in this critical lead-off caucus state."

Iowa Leadership Organization

Mayor George Andersen
Mayor Rick Anderson
Mayor Mike Blake
Harold Butcher
De Byerly
Mayor William Christensen
Mayor Ron Colling
Mayor Nelson Crabb
Colonel Bud Day (Ret.)
Mayor Darrell Dobernecker
Mayor Darrell Downs
Earl Draayer
Brigadier General Russ Eggers (Ret.)
David Elwell
Major General Merrill B. Evans (Ret.)
Mayor Jeff Fiscus
Lieutenant Colonel Les Folwell
Former Congressman Greg Ganske
Mayor Thomas Ginger
Josh Hansen
Mayor Sandra Hatfield
Mayor Marvin Hearn
Mayor Jim Heavens
Major General Evan "Curly" Hultman
Former State Auditor Richard Johnson
Mayor Dennis Kunkle
Former State Senate President Jeffrey Lamberti
Mayor Lon Larsen
Colonel Chuck Larson, Sr. (Ret.)
Tom Mack
Gene Madson
Commander Stan Marshall (Ret.)
Brian Miller
Mayor Ron Minten
Jerry Moorehead
Mayor Virgil Murray
Mayor John Nieland
Mayor Nels Nord
Mayor Reynold Peterson
Brigadier General Maurice Phillips (Ret.)
Mayor Ruth Randleman
Lieutenant Colonel Dick Rattray (Ret.)
Dave Roederer
Mayor Steve Samuels
Lieutenant Colonel Frank Shaw (Ret.)
Brandon Shepherd
Commander Larry Spencer (Ret.)
Brigadier General W.L. "Bill" Wallace (Ret.)
Major General Gary Wattnem (Ret.)
Captain Pete B. Welch (Ret.)
Chad Workman
Mayor Lary Wyckoff

John McCain "The Future Starts Today" e-Mail To Supporters

My Friend,

Today I formally began my campaign for President of the United States. At a beautiful park in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, I promised the American people that I would do everything I could to provide the leadership and experience to guide our nation through these difficult times.

We've begun this campaign season earlier than many Americans prefer. So soon after our last contentious election, our differences are again sure to be sharpened and exaggerated. That's the nature of free elections. But even in the heat of a campaign, we shouldn't lose sight that much more defines us than our partisanship; much more unites us than divides us. We have common purposes and common challenges, and we live in momentous times. This election should be about big things, not small ones. Ours are not red state or blue state problems. They are national and global.

Please understand that this is not a campaign of one. I am asking you to join me in the fight and to meet, head on, the challenges facing our nation. If you don't believe that the problems facing the country need to be addressed, then I am probably not your candidate. But if you believe our country has an opportunity and obligation to write another chapter of American greatness, I invite you to join our cause.

We face formidable challenges, but I'm not afraid of them. I'm prepared for them. I'm not the youngest candidate, but I am the most experienced. I know how the military works, what it can do, what it can do better, and what it should not do. I know how Congress works, and how to make it work for the country and not just the re-election of its members. I know how the world works. I know the good and the evil in it. I know how to work with leaders who share our dreams of a freer, safer and more prosperous world, and how to stand up to those who don't. I know how to fight and how to make peace. I know who I am and what I want to do.

So I come to you asking for your financial help and hope that you will join with over 51,000 other Americans who have invested in our campaign and our vision for America.

This is a fight we can win if we do it together. I am enormously grateful for you support.

Sincerely,

John McCain

PS. I don't seek the office out of a sense of entitlement. I owe America more than she has ever owed me. Thirty-four years ago, I came home from an extended absence abroad. While I was away, I fell in love with my country. I learned that's what good for America, is good enough for me. I have been an imperfect servant of my country ever since, in uniform and in office, in war and peace. I have never lived a single day, in good times or in bad, that I haven't thanked God for the privilege.

I will do the best job I can. Join with me as a part of this campaign...together we can change history.

John McCain 2008 Announcement Speech Text

REMARKS AS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY:
SENATOR MCCAIN’S ANNOUNCEMENT SPEECH

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain will officially announce his candidacy for the President of the United States today in Portsmouth, New Hampshire with remarks at a 12:00 p.m. EDT rally in Prescott Park. Below are Senator McCain's remarks, as prepared for delivery:

“Today, I announce my candidacy for President of the United States.  I do so grateful for the privileges this country has already given me; mindful that I must seek this responsibility for reasons greater than my self-interest; and determined to use every lesson I’ve learned through hard experience and the history I’ve witnessed, every inspiration I’ve drawn from the patriots I’ve known and the faith that guides me to meet the challenges of our time, and strengthen this great and good nation upon whom all mankind depends.

“We’ve begun another campaign season earlier than many Americans prefer.  So soon after our last contentious election, our differences are again sure to be sharpened and exaggerated.  That’s the nature of free elections. But even in the heat of a campaign, we shouldn’t lose sight that much more defines us than our partisanship; much more unites us than divides us.  We have common purposes and common challenges, and we live in momentous times.  This election should be about big things, not small ones.  Ours are not red state or blue state problems.  They are national and global. Half measures and small minded politics are inadequate to the present occasion. We can’t muddle through the next four years, bickering among ourselves, and leave to others the work that is ours to do. Greatness is America’s destiny, but no nation complacent in its greatness can long sustain it. 

“We are fighting a war in two countries, and we’re in a global struggle with violent extremists who despise us, our values and modernity itself.  If we are to succeed, we must rethink and rebuild the structure and mission of our military; the capabilities of our intelligence and law enforcement agencies; the purposes of our alliances; the reach and scope of our diplomacy; the capacity of all branches of government to defend us.  We need to marshal all elements of American power: our military, economy, investment, trade and technology.  We need to strengthen our alliances and build support in other nations.  We must preserve our moral credibility, and remember that our security and the global progress of our ideals are inextricably linked.

“We all know the war in Iraq has not gone well.  We have made mistakes and we have paid grievously for them.  We have changed the strategy that failed us, and we have begun to make a little progress.  But in the many mistakes we have made in this war, a few lessons have become clear.  America should never undertake a war unless we are prepared to do everything necessary to succeed, unless we have a realistic and comprehensive plan for success, and unless all relevant agencies of government are committed to that success.  We did not meet this responsibility initially.  And we must never repeat that mistake again. 

“We must also prepare, far better than we have, to respond quickly and effectively to another terrorist attack or natural calamity.  When Americans confront a catastrophe, natural or man-made, they have a right to expect basic competence from their government.  They won’t accept that firemen and policemen are unable to communicate with each other in an emergency because they don’t have the same radio frequency.  They won’t accept government’s failure to deliver bottled water to dehydrated babies or rescue the infirm from a hospital with no electricity.  They won’t accept substandard care and indifference for wounded veterans. 

“That’s not good enough for America.  And when I’m President, it won’t be good enough for me. 

“Government spends more money today than ever before.  Wasteful spending on things that are not the business of government indebts us to other nations; deprives you of the fruits of your labor; fuels inflation; raises interest rates; and encourages irresponsibility. 

“That’s not good enough for America.  And when I’m President, it won’t be good enough for me. 

“No government program is the object of more political posturing than Social Security and Medicare. Here’s the plain truth: there are too few workers supporting too many retirees, and if we don’t make some tough choices today, Social Security and Medicare will go bankrupt or we’ll have to raise taxes so drastically we’ll crush the prosperity of average Americans.  Too many politicians want to ignore the problem, and run for re-election by threatening anyone who wants to fix it. 

“That’s not good enough for America.  And when I’m President, it won’t be good enough for me. 

“Our tax code is used to game the system for some at the expense of the many instead of encouraging the thrift, investment, innovation and industry of all Americans.  It’s complexity and waste costs Americans $140 billion in preparation and compliance costs each year. 

“That’s not good enough for America.  And when I’m President, it won’t be good enough for me.

“Our dependence on foreign sources of energy not only harms our environment and economy, it endangers our security.  So much of the oil we import comes from countries in volatile regions of the world where our values aren’t shared and our interests aren’t a priority. 

“That’s not good enough for America.  And when I’m President, it won’t be good enough for me.

“We’re not a country that prefers nostalgia to optimism.  We’re not a country that would rather go back than forward.  We’re the world’s leader, and leaders don’t pine for the past and dread the future.  We make the future better than the past.  Opening new markets to American goods and services is indispensable to our future prosperity.  Lowering trade barriers creates more and better jobs; keeps inflation under control; keeps interest rates low; and makes more goods affordable to more Americans.  We won’t compete successfully by using old technology to produce old goods.  We’ll succeed by knowing what to produce and inventing new technologies to produce it. 

“But open markets don’t automatically translate into a better quality of life for every American.  While most gain, some are forced to struggle with very difficult choices.  Right now we have a half dozen programs to help displaced workers and another half dozen for people who aren’t working at all.  We have an unemployment insurance program that’s right out of the 1950s, designed to assist workers through a few tough months during an economic downturn.

“That’s not good enough for America.  And when I’m President, it won’t be good enough for me.

“These are some of the challenges that confront us.  There are others just as urgent, and during this campaign I’ll travel across the country offering my ideas about how we should address them and listening to the concerns and advice of Americans.  The American people aren’t interested in an election that offers platitudes instead of principles and insults instead of ideas; an election that results – no matter who wins – in four years of unkept promises and a divided government that is little more than a battleground for the next election.  They’re tired of the old politics.  Americans are acutely aware of our problems, and their patience is at an end for politicians who value incumbency over principle, and for partisanship that is less a contest of ideas than an uncivil brawl over the spoils of power.  I want my presidency to be an opportunity – an opportunity to fix what we all know needs to be fixed:

“to strengthen our military, intelligence, diplomacy, and law enforcement and use the power of American ideals and commerce to win the war against violent extremists, and help the majority of Muslims who believe in progress and peace to win the struggle for the soul of Islam;

“to balance the federal budget not with smoke and mirrors but by encouraging economic growth and preventing government from spending your money on things it shouldn’t; to hold it accountable for the money it does spend on services that only government can provide in ways that don’t fail and embarrass you; 

“to save Social Security and Medicare on our watch without the tricks, band-aid solutions, lies and posturing that have failed us for too long while the problem became harder and harder to solve;

“to make our tax code simpler, fairer, flatter, more pro-growth and pro-jobs;

“to reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign sources of oil with an energy policy that encourages American industry and technology to make our country safer, cleaner and more prosperous by leading the world in the use, development and discovery of alternative sources of energy;

“to open new markets to American goods and services, create more and better jobs for the American worker and overhaul unemployment insurance and our redundant and outmoded programs for assisting workers who have lost a job that’s not coming back to find a job that won’t go away;

“to help Americans without health insurance acquire it without bankrupting the country, and ruining the quality of American health care that is the envy of the world;

“to make our public schools more accountable to parents and better able to meet the critical responsibility they have to prepare our children for the challenges they’ll face in the world they’ll lead.

“When I’m President I’ll offer common sense, conservative and comprehensive solutions to these challenges.  Congress will have other ideas, and I’ll listen to them.  I’ll work with anyone who is serious and sincere about solving these problems.  I expect us to argue over principle, but when a compromise consistent with our principles is within reach, I expect us to seize it.  Americans expect us to disagree, but not just to win the next election.  They want us to serve the same goal: to ensure that a country blessed with our matchless prosperity, ingenuity, and strength can meet any challenge we confront. 

“I won’t judge myself by how many elections I’ve won, but by how well I keep my promises to you.  To keep those promises, I can’t just win this election by a few votes in a few counties in a few states.  I need a mandate from you big enough to convince Congress that Americans want this election to be different.  You want to change the politics of selfishness, stalemate and delay; move this country forward and stake our claim on this century as we did in the last.  Then I ask you for the opportunity to devote every day of my presidency to making this government work for you, and for a mandate big enough to get the job done.

“I’ll challenge myself and each member of Congress to wake up each morning and ask ourselves: will we remember today as the finest day of our public life; the day we worked just for you, not for us?  And I’ll challenge the American people to reject phony soundbite solutions that have failed us in the past, and hold us accountable for the work you have given us. 

“We face formidable challenges, but I’m not afraid of them.  I’m prepared for them.  I’m not the youngest candidate.  But I am the most experienced.  I know how the military works, what it can do, what it can do better, and what it should not do.  I know how Congress works, and how to make it work for the country and not just the re-election of its members. I know how the world works.  I know the good and the evil in it.  I know how to work with leaders who share our dreams of a freer, safer and more prosperous world, and how to stand up to those who don’t.  I know how to fight and how to make peace.  I know who I am and what I want to do.

“I don’t seek the office out of a sense of entitlement.  I owe America more than she has ever owed me.  Thirty-four years ago, I came home from an extended absence abroad.  While I was away, I fell in love with my country. I learned that what’s good for America, is good enough for me.  I have been an imperfect servant of my country ever since, in uniform and in office, in war and peace.  I have never lived a single day, in good times or in bad, that I haven’t thanked God for the privilege. 

“You can’t sell me on hopelessness.  You can’t convince me our problems are insurmountable.  Our challenges are an opportunity to write another chapter of American greatness.  We must seize it, and those of us privileged to lead America must remember the principles that made us great, have the faith to stand by them, the integrity to honor our public trust, and the courage to keep our promise to put the nation’s interests before our own.  Don’t tell me what we can’t do.  Don’t tell me we can’t make our country stronger, and the world safer. We can.  We must.  And when I’m President we will. 

“I’m not running for President to be somebody, but to do something; to do the hard but necessary things not the easy and needless things.  I’m running for President to protect our country from harm and defeat its enemies.  I’m running for President to make the government do its job, not your job; to do it with less and to do it better.  I’m not running to leave our biggest problems to an unluckier generation of leaders, but to fix them now, and fix them well.  I’m running for President to make sure America maintains its place as the political and economic leader of the world; the country that doesn’t fear change, but makes change work for us; the country that doesn’t long for the good old days, but aspires to even better days.  I’m running for President of the United States; not yesterday’s country; not a defeated country; not a bankrupt country; not a timid and frightened country; not a country fragmented into bickering interest groups with no sense of the national interest; not a country with a bloated, irresponsible and incompetent government.  I’m running for President of the United States, a blessed country, a proud country, a hopeful country, the most powerful and prosperous country and the greatest force for good on earth.  And when I’m President, I intend to keep it so.”

Alabama Veterans Support John McCain

ALABAMA VETERANS SUPPORT JOHN MCCAIN
Fisher And Day To Lead State Veterans Advisory Committee

ARLINGTON, VA. – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign today announced that United States Marine Corps veteran Don Fisher and Veterans of Foreign Wars State Commander Roland Day have joined the Arizona Senator’s team and will chair his 65-member Veterans Advisory Committee in Alabama.

In addition, Charles Ingram, a retired U.S. Army Major General of Troy, and Hal Pierce of Daphne, a retired Captain in the U.S. Navy, will serve as regional vice-chairs.

Fisher, who also serves on the Veterans for McCain national steering committee, has a background in building coalitions from having served as the statewide grassroots coordinator for Gov. Bob Riley’s 2006 re-election campaign and regional coordinator for his 2002 effort.

“John McCain’s military record proves he has the courage, wisdom, and judgment that are needed to serve as our nation’s Commander-In-Chief,” said Fisher.  “I’m proud to join my fellow veterans in supporting his candidacy and building a grassroots network across the state.”

VFW Commander Ronald Day, another national steering committee member, said Senator McCain’s experience and long record of service to his country make him uniquely qualified to serve as president.

“Few men have served their country as admirably or faithfully as John McCain, and his service continues to this day,” said Day.  “Veterans across the state tell me every day that they are prepared to support John McCain for president and to thank him for the sacrifices he has made for his country.”

Pierce, who served in the Navy for more than 30 years, said McCain’s continuing desire to serve America drew him to support him for president.

“From the Navy, to the U.S. House and Senate John McCain has worked for decades serving his fellow Americans,” Pierce said.  “As president, John McCain will continue his strong record of support for veterans.”

Ingram said his reasons for supporting McCain were simple.

“John McCain can be summed up in two words – American hero,” Ingram said.  “Our nation has seen few men of his caliber come along in our history and we need him leading our country at this time.”

Senator John McCain said he was proud to have the support of veterans in Alabama, and across the nation, and thanked them for their commitment and military service.

“These men and women have fought and worked to spread freedom and democracy around the world and I can never thank them enough for their service,” said Senator John McCain.  “I thank them for their support, and our campaign will be looking to them for input and guidance as we continue to build an unrivaled grassroots network in Alabama.”

South Carolina Leaders Stand With John McCain

SOUTH CAROLINA LEADERS STAND WITH SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign today announced its South Carolina leadership team is organized, active, and prepared for the campaign’s official launch in the Palmetto State on Thursday, April 26th.

The influential leadership team will continue to build Senator McCain’s organization in South Carolina and is led by U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, Speaker of the House Bobby Harrell, and Attorney General Henry McMaster.

"What the people of South Carolina see in Senator John McCain is leadership," said Senator Graham.  "In Congress, he's fought for twenty-four years to reign in government spending, to protect innocent life, to keep our families safe from dangers foreign and domestic, and to ensure American prosperity endures for generations to come. That kind of record speaks for itself. Senator McCain, above all others, is ready to assume the role of Commander-in-Chief beginning day one."

Senator McCain stated he was pleased by the broad base of support he has received from leaders across the state.  “South Carolina is a place where our common sense conservative message is resonating,” said Senator McCain.  “I am proud to have such strong support and I am grateful for the all the hard work conducted by these well respected and highly regarded leaders.”

Jeff Lamberti To Serve As Iowa Co-Chair For John McCain

Jeff Lamberti To Serve As Iowa Co-Chair
Former State Senate President Joins Senator McCain's Growing Iowa Organization

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that former state Senate President Jeff Lamberti will join Senator McCain's Iowa campaign. Lamberti will serve as a co-chair and provide leadership to the campaign in the state.

"I'm committed to electing John McCain because he is a problem solver who believes in smaller government, responsible spending reform, and traditional values," said Lamberti. "John McCain is a proven leader who will make the tough decisions to ensure that future generations are safe and prosperous."

Jeff Lamberti served two terms as an Iowa state Senator and two terms as a state Representative. He was elected president of the Iowa Senate by his colleagues in 2004. Lamberti was the Republican Party’s nominee for United States Congress in Iowa's 3rd Congressional District in 2006. He currently serves on the board of the On With Life Foundation and serves as a board member of the Ankeny Community School District Foundation.

Senator John McCain expressed his appreciation for Lamberti's support. "During his career in public service, Jeff has been a tireless advocate for our shared common sense conservative values," said Senator McCain. "Jeff is a respected Iowa leader and I'm proud to have his support as we continue to build our grassroots organization."

Michigan Veterans Support John McCain

MICHIGAN VETERANS SUPPORT JOHN MCCAIN
Veterans Join State Advisory Committee

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced the creation of the Michigan Veterans Advisory Committee.  The state veterans’ leadership team is made up of former POWs, senior ranking officers and non-commissioned officers, state veterans’ group leaders, as well as elected officials.

“John McCain’s unwavering support for our men and women in uniform in the face of political adversity proves that he is uniquely prepared to be our Commander-In-Chief,” said Army Lieutenant Colonel and Michigan State Senator John Pappageorge.

“We are proud to stand with a fellow POW and support his candidacy for President of the United States,” said former POW Donald “Digger” Odell.  “He is a man of honor and dignity who can lead America’s foreign policy from day one.”

Lieutenant Colonel Hank Fuhs, a 31-year veteran of the Air National Guard and U.S. Air Force, and Secretary of the Michigan Republican Party, will chair the Michigan Veterans Advisory Committee.

Senator John McCain stated that he was proud to have the support of these respected veterans.  “These individuals have earned the respect of their country and communities, and I am thankful for their leadership as we move forward in this campaign.”

James Island Mayor Announces Support For McCain

JAMES ISLAND MAYOR ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR MCCAIN

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign today announced that James Island Mayor Mary Clark has joined South Carolina Mayors for McCain and will help build the campaign’s grassroots network in her community.

Clark joins twenty-six South Carolina mayors who have already publicly signed on to Senator McCain’s team in the Palmetto State.

“John McCain has a proven record of conservative reform,” said Mayor Clark.  “Whether he is standing strong in the defense of this country, beating back wasteful spending, or voting to promote a culture of life, Senator McCain has shown he’s on our side.”

Senator John McCain emphasized the importance mayors are playing in growing local support.  “Mary Clark is a hardworking leader who has earned respect and support in James Island," said Senator McCain. 

New Hampshire Leaders Stand With John McCain

NEW HAMPSHIRE LEADERS STAND WITH SENATOR MCCAIN

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign today announced its New Hampshire leadership team is organized, active, and prepared for the campaign’s official launch on Wednesday, April 25th. 

The influential state leadership team will continue to build Senator McCain’s organization in New Hampshire in preparation for the state’s first-in-the-nation primary.  The team is led by former Executive Councilor Peter Spaulding, who served as Senator McCain’s New Hampshire chair in 2000. 

“John McCain has proven himself as a strong and consistent leader,” said Spaulding.  “It is an honor to again chair his New Hampshire organization and work with this outstanding team to match the success we had here in 2000.  We will help elect John McCain as the next President of the United States.”

Former New Hampshire state party chair Steve Duprey cited Senator McCain’s straight talk on the issues.

“John McCain is an extraordinary leader who can be counted on to stand on principal.  In these challenging times, America needs a Commander-In-Chief who will not be swayed by pundits or polls,” said Duprey.

Senator John McCain expressed his confidence in the organization.  “I am proud to have the support of this experienced group of individuals,” said Senator McCain.  “Their counsel will be critical as we continue to build our grassroots organization in the state.”