2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Senator McCain Announces Minnesota Leadership Team

SENATOR MCCAIN ANNOUNCES MINNESOTA LEADERSHIP TEAM
Arizona Senator’s Common Sense Conservative Values Attract Local Leaders

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced that conservative and grassroots leaders will join with current and former Republican legislators to make up the Arizona Senator’s leadership team in Minnesota. 

The team will help rally support and provide leadership to Senator McCain’s exploratory committee in the state.

Mayor Dave Kleis of St. Cloud spoke to McCain’s unique qualifications and appeal to Minnesota voters.  “John McCain has an amazing story of service to our country,” said Kleis.  “Senator McCain is a straight talker on the issues and that makes recruiting Minnesota supporters for his effort that much easier.”

Jane Stewart, a Washington County Republican activist and secretary of the Sixth Congressional District Republicans, commented on Senator McCain’s conservative record.  “I’m proud to be on the McCain team,” said Stewart.  “Senator McCain’s common sense conservative principles will prove to be popular with Republican voters in our state.”

Senator McCain welcomed the support of his Minnesota Leadership Team.  “Having this kind of support in the various communities of Minnesota means a great deal,” said Senator McCain.  “These are dedicated Americans and I look forward to joining them in working toward a more dependable federal government based on the conservative principles we share.”

Current Members Of Senator McCain's Minnesota Leadership Team

Jim Abeler
State Rep., Anoka

Bill Belanger
Fmr. State Senator, Bloomington

Tony Bennett
County Commissioner, Ramsey County

Charlie Berg
Fmr. State Senator, Chokio

John Berns
State Rep., Wayzata

DeEtta Bilek
Chair, Wadena County Republicans

Dave Bishop
Fmr. State Rep., Rochester

Joel Carlson
Fmr. State Rep., Moorhead

Tony Cornish
State Rep., Good Thunder

Ray Cox
Fmr. State Rep., Northfield

Carleton Crawford
Chair, Congressional District 5 Republicans

Steve Dille
State Senator, Dassel

Chuck Dimler
Fmr. State Rep., Chanhassen

Ron Eibensteiner
Fmr. Republican State Party Chairman

Dennis Frederickson
State Senator, New Ulm

Pat Garofalo
State Rep., Farmington

Steve Gottwalt
State Rep., St. Cloud

Larry Grewach
Chair, House District 64A Republicans

John Gronewald
Southwest Minnesota State University College Republicans

Jim Gustafson
Fmr. State Senator, Duluth

Rod Hamilton
State Rep., Mountain Lake

John Himle
Fmr. State Rep., Bloomington

Tad Jude
Fmr. State Senator and Rep., Maple Grove

Dave Kleis
Mayor and Fmr. State Senator, St. Cloud

Roger Knauss
Chair, Senate District 15 Republicans

Cal Larson
Fmr. State Senator and Rep., Fergus Falls

Ted Lovdahl
Chair, Congressional District 8 Republicans

Cal Ludeman
Fmr. State Rep., Tracy

Teresa Lynch
Fmr. State Rep., Andover

Mike McGinn
Fmr. State Senator, Eagan

Bert McKasy
Fmr. State Rep., Mendota Heights

Brendon McKeon
Chair, Carlton County Republicans

Lyle Mehrkens
Fmr. State Senator and Rep., Red Wing

Geoff Michel
State Senator, Edina

Connie Morrison
Fmr. State Rep., Burnsville

Scott Newman
Fmr. State Rep., Hutchinson

Ed Oliver
Fmr. State Senator, Deephaven

Bernie Omann
Fmr. State Rep., St. Joseph

Tony Onnen
Fmr. State Rep., Cokato

Dennis Ozment
State Rep., Rosemont

Jerry Paar
Co-Chair, Senate District 41 Republicans

Sydney Pauly
Fmr. State Rep., Eden Prairie

Neil Peterson
State Rep., Bloomington

Linda Presthus
Co-Chair, Senate District 41 Republicans

Art Seaberg
Fmr. State Rep., Eagan

Denny Schulstad
Fmr. City Councilor, Minneapolis

Craig Shaver
Fmr. State Rep., Wayzata

Ron Sieloff
Fmr. State Senator and Rep., St. Paul

Dean Simpson
State Rep., Perham

Jane Stewart
Secretary, Congressional District 6 and Senate District 56 Republicans

Steve Sviggum
State Rep., Kenyon

Jan Sweeney
Deputy Chair, Congressional District 4 Republicans

Barb Sykora
Fmr. State Rep., Excelsior

Andy Van Dam
Vice-Chair, Congressional District 7 Republicans

Senator Warner Joins Supporters Of McCain

SENATOR WARNER JOINS SUPPORTERS OF JOHN MCCAIN

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced that Virginia’s senior senator, John Warner, will support the Arizona Senator should he decide to seek the presidency.

Senator Warner, now serving in his 5th term in the U.S. Senate, has spent the greater portion of his career working with our military, beginning at age 17 enlisting in the U.S. Navy during the last year of World War II, later as a U.S. Marine officer during the Korean War, and then during the Vietnam War serving as Under Secretary and Secretary of the Navy.

During his service as Secretary of Navy, Secretary Warner learned about McCain’s distinguished career, and upon his return from Vietnam, the two met and established their long friendship and professional association. 

“America’s next President will be challenged by a range of diplomatic and security issues of unprecedented complexity largely due to growing, worldwide, terrorist threats.  Senator McCain’s long experience with, and understanding of, our military coupled with his proven, unquestioned courage and leadership, provide him with the essential qualifications for our next President,” said Senator Warner.  “America’s prosperity and personal freedoms at home must be protected from threats beyond our shores.  Security will be the primary issue in the forthcoming Presidential campaign.  I consider it a privilege to join the McCain team.”

Senator John McCain said that he was honored to have the support of such a distinguished public servant.  “Senator Warner has served his country with honor, courage, and commitment,” said Senator McCain.  “His support means a great deal to me as a person, fellow Senator, and veteran.  I look forward to his advice and counsel.”

San Diego Mayor Joins Supporters Of McCain

SAN DIEGO MAYOR JOINS SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced that San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders will support the Arizona Senator should he decide to seek the presidency.

Since 2005, Jerry Sanders has served as Mayor of San Diego.  Previously, Sanders served as chief of police in San Diego, as well as CEO of the United Way of San Diego County.

“I am honored to support Senator John McCain.  His commitment to national security is critical in today’s world,” said Mayor Sanders.  “John McCain is the kind of leader our state and nation need.”

Senator John McCain stated that he was proud to have the support of Mayor Sanders.  “Mayor Sanders is a highly regarded leader in California and has an extensive knowledge of grassroots politics in the state,” said Senator McCain. “It is my honor to call him a friend and supporter.”

Jon Kyl To Chair Senator McCain's Team In Arizona

KYL TO CHAIR SENATOR MCCAIN’S TEAM IN ARIZONA

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced that fellow Senator Jon Kyl will serve as chairman of Senator McCain’s exploratory committee in Arizona.

As chairman, Senator Kyl will provide guidance and leadership to Senator McCain’s exploratory committee in the state. 

“At a time when our country is facing significant challenges across the globe, it is imperative that our nation is led by a tested, experienced, and principled leader,” said Senator Kyl.  “Senator John McCain is that leader and I am honored to serve as Chairman of his exploratory committee in Arizona.”

Senator John McCain praised Senator Jon Kyl’s public service and expressed appreciation for his support.  “I am honored to have Senator Jon Kyl leading my efforts in Arizona,” said Senator McCain.  “Jon has been one of my closest allies in the Senate.  It is with deep pride that I accept his support.”

Attorney General McKenna Joins Team McCain

ATTORNEY GENERAL MCKENNA JOINS TEAM MCCAIN
Attorney General Supports McCain’s Record Of Effectiveness

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced that Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna will support the Arizona Senator should he decide to seek the presidency.

McKenna praised Senator McCain’s record of effectiveness.  “John McCain is an impressive leader with a record of public service that’s beyond reproach,” said McKenna.  “He understands the difficult challenges our country faces.  He has the experience and fortitude to bring people together for solutions we need.”

Senator John McCain spoke of the importance of garnering support from state leaders like McKenna.  “In order to have a meaningful discussion with voters about the choices and challenges ahead, it’s important for me to have thoughtful leaders like Rob on my team,” said Senator McCain.  “He’s a respected public servant and his knowledge of important issues in the state of Washington is going to be invaluable to our effort.”

Mitch Daniels Joins Supporters Of McCain

INDIANA GOVERNOR JOINS SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN
Daniels Endorses McCain’s Common Sense Conservative Values

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced that Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels will support the Arizona Senator should he decide to seek the presidency.

Governor Daniels was elected to be Indiana’s chief executive in 2004.  Prior to serving as governor, Daniels was chief-of-staff to Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN), senior advisor to President Ronald Reagan, and Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for President George W. Bush.  Between his two periods of White House service, Daniels held senior management positions in business, including more than a decade at Eli Lilly and Company

Governor Daniels explained his respect for Senator McCain’s leadership.  “John McCain is a longtime friend.  More importantly, he is a principled leader with a history of integrity, opposing excessive government spending, and dealing honestly with the American people,” said Governor Daniels.  “The term ‘great American’ applies to very few people, but it indisputably fits John McCain.”   

Senator John McCain said that having the support of Governor Daniels will be an incredible asset.  “Mitch is an impressive businessman and public servant who understands that common sense conservative principles and more effective government go hand-in-hand,” Senator McCain said.  “Having the support of Mitch Daniels is important and I look forward to honoring our common values as I move ahead in this process.”

Team McCain Adds New Hampshire Supporters

TEAM MCCAIN ADDS NEW HAMPSHIRE SUPPORTERS
Leading Granite State Republicans Join McCain’s Exploratory Committee

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced that former U.S. Senator Warren Rudman and former New Hampshire Governor Walter Peterson will assume honorary leadership roles in the Arizona Senator’s exploratory committee.   

Directly after leaving the Senate, Rudman co-founded the Concord Coalition which is a non-partisan organization dedicated to informing the public about responsible fiscal policy.   

“The citizens of New Hampshire want a more effective federal government, prosperous economy, and a world that is safe for America’s next generation,” said Rudman.  “John McCain’s record of accomplishment and his principled service to our country make him that choice for New Hampshire.”

“Senator McCain’s superior brand of leadership comes from a passion for the issues and profound commitment to the future of our country,” said Peterson.  “I consider this an extremely important election and I look forward to telling New Hampshire voters how critical it is to elect John McCain.”

The committee members will use their combined years of experience and understanding of New Hampshire’s political landscape to provide leadership to Senator McCain’s exploratory committee.

Senator John McCain expressed his gratitude for their participation on his behalf.  “These men have earned a great deal of respect in New Hampshire and around the country,” Senator McCain said.  “I am proud to have their support and together I believe we can move toward a stronger, safer nation.”

Richard Johnson Joins Team McCain In Iowa

RICHARD JOHNSON JOINS TEAM MCCAIN AS IOWA CO-CHAIR
Former State Auditor Joins Growing List Of McCain Supporters

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s exploratory committee today announced the addition of Richard Johnson, a longtime Iowa State Auditor and influential conservative leader, as a state co-chair.  During Johnson’s twenty-four years as state auditor he was well known as a fiscal watchdog and vocal advocate for responsible spending.

“Our country needs a leader like John McCain who will be committed to winning the global War on Terror, promoting family values, and putting an end to runaway government spending,” Johnson said.  “Without a doubt, John McCain is the candidate who has the common sense conservative credentials to lead our party at this critical time.”

Johnson served as the co-chair of Phil Gramm’s presidential campaign in 1996, and director and treasurer of Senator Charles Grassley’s campaign committee.  He has also served as the president of the Iowa League of Cities, Mayor of Sheldahl, and president of the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers, and Treasurers.  He is a member, and former trustee and treasurer of the Madrid Evangelical Free Church.

“Richard is a crucial addition to our growing Iowa grassroots organization,” Senator McCain said.  “His dedication to our shared conservative values makes him a powerful advocate for my campaign in the Hawkeye State.”

Representative Pickering Supports Senator McCain

REPRESENTATIVE PICKERING SUPPORTS SENATOR MCCAIN
Pickering To Serve As State Chair, Southern Co-Chair & Member Of House Whip Team

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced that Congressman Chip Pickering (MS-03) will serve as Mississippi Chairman, Southern Co-Chairman, and member of the U.S. House Whip Team for the Arizona Senator.

Rep. Pickering joins Rep. Fred Upton (MI-06), Rep. Spencer Bachus (AL-06), Rep. John Shadegg (AZ-03), Rep. John Shimkus (IL-19), Rep. Mark Kirk (IL-10), and Rep. Dan Lungren (CA-03) as a member of Senator McCain’s whip team in the U.S. House.

Congressman Pickering served as co-chairman of Mississippi for Bush-Cheney ’00 and ’04.

“Senator John McCain has proven experience in national security, and has reliable leadership in promoting our conservative values and fighting for fiscal responsibility,” said Congressman Pickering.  “I am honored to support Senator McCain and I look forward to communicating his conservative message with my fellow Mississippians and throughout the South.”

Senator McCain is pleased to have the support of Rep. Chip Pickering.  “The people of Mississippi are fortunate to have such a dedicated public servant fighting for them in Washington, D.C.,” said Senator McCain.  “Chip is a tireless advocate for meaningful reforms.  I look forward to working with him as we share our Republican principles and conservative values around the country.  He will be a valuable member of my team.”

Senator Hugh Leatherman Joins McCain Supporters

SENATOR HUGH LEATHERMAN JOINS MCCAIN SUPPORTERS

ARLINGTON, VA – In a return visit to the Palmetto State, U.S. Senator John McCain hosted a press conference with South Carolina state Senator Hugh Leatherman.  Senator McCain stated that Leatherman would serve as a state co-chair of the Arizona Senator’s exploratory committee in South Carolina and as an adviser on state legislative issues.  In 2000, Senator Leatherman supported then Governor George W. Bush’s bid for the presidency.

Leatherman, a twenty-six year veteran legislator, stated this would be the most important election in a century or more.  “I’m convinced America itself is at stake.  Our way of life, our freedoms, our security all are at-risk as we head into this election,” said Leatherman.  “The next President must be uncommon in every sense of the word because he will face uncommon challenges few Presidents have ever had to confront.  I have concluded that I can confidently entrust the security of my family’s future and our country’s future to John McCain.”

Senators Leatherman and McCain were joined by South Carolina Speaker of the House of Representatives Bobby Harrell.  Harrell announced his support for Senator McCain in a series of press conferences held last month.

Leatherman said this wasn’t the time for on-the-job training.  “We need experience.  We need vision and character.  We need courage.  And that’s why I am announcing my support for Senator John McCain and urging him to declare as a candidate for Commander-in-Chief,” said Leatherman.

Senator McCain said Leatherman’s support was encouraging.  “Hugh Leatherman has earned the reputation of being a dedicated public servant committed to improving the lives of his constituents,” said Senator McCain.  “I am honored to have his support and I sincerely appreciate his counsel on the important issues facing the people of South Carolina.”