2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Slade Gorton Supports McCain

FORMER WASHINGTON SENATOR SLADE GORTON SUPPORTS MCCAIN

Gorton Will Serve As Honorary Chairman of McCain's Evergreen State Effort 

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that former U.S. Senator Slade Gorton will be the honorary chairman for Washington State as Senator McCain seeks the presidency.

As honorary chairman, Senator Gorton will provide leadership to Senator McCain's exploratory committee in the state.

Gorton spoke of Senator McCain's ability to approach difficult issues. "John McCain understands that in order for our country to regroup and flourish, we need to come together and rise to challenges," said Gorton. "Whether it's strengthening our economy, trimming down government waste or making America safe again, John McCain has the leadership style our country needs."

Senator John McCain praised Gorton's public service and expressed gratitude for his support.  "Slade Gorton is a principled leader that has been committed to common sense conservative policy," said Senator McCain. "Having Slade join my effort means a lot to me personally and serves as a significant addition to our team."

Rockingham County Leaders Join McCain Team

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY LEADERS JOIN MCCAIN TEAM

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that 22 New Hampshire leaders from Rockingham County will support the Arizona Senator as he seeks the presidency.

Senator McCain welcomed the support from the distinguished group of Rockingham County leaders. "Having this kind of support in New Hampshire is invaluable," said Senator McCain.  "I look forward to working with supporters and friends in the Granite State to reform government to the benefit of all our fellow citizens."

Alabama Representatives Join Team McCain

ALABAMA REPRESENTATIVES JOIN TEAM MCCAIN
Ball, Drake and Faust Stand With Arizona Senator

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced three Republican members of the Alabama House of Representatives added their names to the list of supporters backing the Arizona Senator’s exploratory committee in the state.

Rep. Mike Ball of Huntsville, Rep. Owen Drake of Leeds, and Rep. Joe Faust of Fairhope said Senator McCain’s common sense conservative approach to the issues facing our nation led them to make the decision.

“In my opinion, John McCain understands the importance of military infrastructure and technological research to our state,” Rep. Ball said.  “Huntsville needs a strong Republican who understands military issues in the White House and I believe that man is John McCain.”

“John McCain spent his military career protecting the men and women of our nation and being tested as few men are,” Drake said.  “As a fellow veteran, I will be proud to support John McCain.”

“John McCain is the only true Ronald Reagan Republican running for president,” Faust said.  “He shares our conservative Alabama values and I believe his record in public service is one the citizens of our state can support.”

Senator John McCain said he appreciated the support of these elected officials.  “These three men are from very different, very diverse parts of Alabama and I appreciate that they’ve come together to support me,” McCain said.  “They are dedicated public servants and I deeply appreciate their words of encouragement.”

John McCain "I'm Running" e-Mail

John McCain I'm Running e-Mail

Tonight, I will be appearing on the Late Show with David Letterman on CBS.  During this broadcast, I am going to announce that I will be a candidate for President of the United States...  I will make a formal announcement and embark on a tour in April.    

This is an exciting announcement and I hope you will watch CBS tonight at 11:35 PM-12:37 AM, ET/PT. 

Thank you for your support, your generosity, and your ongoing involvement in this campaign. We have a lot to look forward to and I promise you this campaign will make us all proud. 

Sincerely, 

John McCain

Senator McCain Announces Arizona Finance Team

SENATOR MCCAIN ANNOUNCES ARIZONA FINANCE TEAM
Community Leaders To Spearhead Home State Effort

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced the members of the Arizona Senator’s finance team in his home state.

"Senator McCain enjoys the support of a large number of Arizona leaders," said Senator Jon Kyl.  "These individuals are known for their community involvement and interest in good government.  They will be an important part of our Arizona team."

Senator John McCain stated that he was pleased to have these influential leaders on his team.  “Over the years, I have had the privilege to see firsthand the positive impact these leaders have within our Arizona communities,” said Senator McCain.  “I am honored to have in my corner such a fine cross section of fellow Arizonans.”

Governor Tom Ridge To Support John McCain

GOVERNOR TOM RIDGE TO SUPPORT JOHN MCCAIN
First Secretary Of Homeland Security To Serve As National Co-Chair

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that former Secretary of Homeland Security and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge will support the Arizona Senator should he decide to seek the presidency.  In addition, Ridge will serve as a national co-chair to Senator McCain's presidential exploratory committee.

In October 2001, Thomas J. Ridge was appointed Assistant to the President for Homeland Security.  On January 24, 2003, he was sworn in as the nation's first Secretary of the newly-created Department of Homeland Security, where he served until 2005.

Before the events of September 11th, Ridge was twice elected Governor of Pennsylvania, serving from 1995 to 2001.  He was the first enlisted Vietnam combat veteran elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and was overwhelmingly re-elected five times.  While a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army, Ridge earned the Bronze Star for Valor, the Combat Infantry Badge, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

Governor Ridge spoke to the importance of Senator McCain's leadership. "What sets John apart is his ability to form coalitions around a common, principled cause," said Ridge.  "Our country is at a crossroads and John McCain is the leader who fundamentally knows what it takes to move us forward and keep us safe."

Senator John McCain emphasized the significance of having Governor Ridge advising his campaign.  "The key to America's future is maintaining the peace and prosperity we enjoy in our communities," said Senator McCain. "Having Tom Ridge, and his expertise as an innovative governor and national leader, join our push toward a brighter future for our country is invaluable, and I'm grateful for his support."

John McCain 2008 Launches New Online Efforts

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE EFFORTS

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today launched five new online projects to give Americans a new way to interact with the campaign and additional opportunities to learn about and engage John McCain. 

John McCain 2008 announced the creation of two official video sharing channels at YouTube, www.youtube.com/johnmccaindotcom and Veoh, www.veoh.com/channels/johnmccain. These channels will host all the same videos available at JohnMcCain.com.

“Video is an integral part of our website at JohnMcCain.com, and we are happy that YouTube and Veoh are giving us additional opportunities for people to watch John McCain speaking directly to the American people,” said Christian Ferry, National eCampaign Director. “They also allow people to share and embed these videos throughout their online communities.”

In addition, the committee today launched official social networking profiles on Facebook, www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=724875122, and MySpace, www.myspace.com/johnmccain.

“People are fed up with politics as usual and Facebook and MySpace are giving them the opportunity to organize and influence the process in ways that could not have been imagined during John McCain’s last campaign for President,” said Christian Ferry.  “Working in concert with JohnMcCain.com, these networks will only increase the opportunity for people to join Senator McCain’s effort to bring responsibility to government; we look forward to working with them.”

In addition to new social networking and video sharing outlets, John McCain 2008 has also initiated a discussion with Americans about wasteful spending via Yahoo! Answers, http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070225170327AAErCsL. 

“John McCain has long fought for fiscal responsibility and respect for taxpayers in Washington, even if that fight has often been a lonely battle,” said Ferry. “While Congress continues to treat hard earned taxpayer money as a kitty for personal projects and special interest giveaways, Americans realize there are simple solutions to stop this abuse; we are glad to see thousands of Americans responding with their ideas.”

Karl "Butch" Bowers Joins Team McCain

KARL “BUTCH” BOWERS JOINS TEAM MCCAIN
Former South Carolina Election Commission Chairman To Serve As Chief Counsel

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced that Karl “Butch” Bowers, Jr. will join the Arizona Senator’s team as chief counsel to the exploratory committee in South Carolina.

“John McCain has demonstrated time and again the kind of conservative leadership our country needs,” said Bowers.  “I am proud to represent his campaign and look forward to a strong and victorious result in South Carolina.”

Senator John McCain spoke of the key role Bowers will play in his exploratory committee’s operation in South Carolina.  “Butch has proven to be a thorough and deliberate leader in the South Carolina legal community,” said Senator McCain.  “With his experience and expertise in campaign finance and election law, he will be an important asset to our effort.”

McKernan Joins Supporters Of McCain

MCKERNAN JOINS SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN
Former Governor Endorses McCain-Style Consensus Building

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced that former Maine Governor John R. McKernan Jr. will support the Arizona Senator should he decide to seek the presidency.

McKernan spoke of his affinity for John McCain’s record of effectiveness on important issues.  “John McCain has a special and invaluable ability to rally popular support around the principled position,” said McKernan.  “As a Republican, I appreciate that trait, but as an American concerned about the future generations of this country, I believe we need it.”

Senator John McCain said that Governor McKernan’s support was important.  “Having Jock’s support going forward will prove to be a great asset,” said Senator McCain.  “He has made public service a central part of his life and knows that great challenges require collaboration and optimism.  My hope is to take that attitude to the American voter.”

California Legislators Pledge Support To McCain

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATORS PLEDGE SUPPORT TO MCCAIN
Exploratory Committee Adds Influential Republicans 

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced that Republican California legislators state Senator Jeff Denham, Assemblyman George Plescia, Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia, Assemblyman Van Tran, and former state Senator Jim Nielsen will support the Arizona Senator should he decide to seek the presidency.

“Senator McCain is a rare candidate in the sense that he’s a popular figure with voters of various political persuasions,” said Denham.  “I believe his record of service and focus on holding government accountable has bolstered his appeal to people that want more from today’s elected officials.”

“John McCain’s common sense conservative principles have anchored his decision-making process throughout his public service career,” said Plescia.  “California voters understand that in government common sense should prevail and I’m pleased to lend my support.” 

“Senator McCain’s message of personal achievement and prosperity finds a home with California's working families,” said Garcia.  “Californians will benefit from his experience and leadership on issues that matter to us – education, a healthy environment, and quality jobs.”

“I have made fiscal responsibility one of my top priorities in Sacramento and there is no better example of legislative leadership on that issue than Senator McCain,” Tran said.  “I look forward to helping John McCain build a strong and successful organization in California.”   

“John McCain’s natural disposition as a conservative westerner makes him our best chance of returning to traditional principles represented by former President Ronald Reagan,” Nielsen said.  “California, like Arizona, is a place where Republicans prefer less government, fewer taxes, and policies that help nurture America’s entrepreneurial spirit.”   

Senator John McCain said that he was pleased with the addition of these respected Republicans to his California organization.  “I’m proud to have the support of Californians who have earned the respect of their communities,” said Senator McCain.  “These Republican leaders will join me in restoring optimism to the American perspective.”