2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Corbella Joins Team McCain In Florida

CORBELLA JOINS TEAM MCCAIN IN FLORIDA

 

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that Agustin G. Corbella will serve as senior advisor to the Arizona Senator's exploratory committee in Florida. 

 

"I am honored to devote my time and energy on behalf of Senator John McCain. Florida is McCain country and I look forward to sharing the Senator's vision for a better America," said Corbella.   "Senator McCain is a common sense conservative whose lifetime of service is an inspiration."

 

Senator McCain stated that he was pleased to have Corbella's support.  "Gus Corbella's in-depth knowledge of Florida politics will be very important to our team," said Senator McCain.  "I look forward to Gus's advice on how to best communicate my common sense conservative vision throughout Florida."

Michigan Republican Party Leaders Support McCain

NEWLY ELECTED MICHIGAN REPUBLICAN PARTY LEADERS JOIN SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory
committee today announced the support of new party leadership that was
elected at the Michigan Republican State Convention.

"Michigan grassroots Republican Party leaders are announcing loudly and strongly that we support Senator John McCain to be the next President of the
United States," said 14th District GOP Chairman Bill Beddoes. "Senator
McCain clearly had the best organization at the convention and we will work
hard to win Michigan for Senator McCain in 2008."

Senator McCain expressed his appreciation for the support. "I wish I could
have joined our friends in Michigan at the Republican State Convention,"
said Senator John McCain. "I appreciate the support of grassroots Michigan
Republicans and look forward to working closely with them."

South Carolina College Organization Formed

South Carolina Grassroots College Organization Formed
Student Leaders Join Supporters Of Senator McCain

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory
committee today announced the formation of a statewide grassroots "Student
Leaders for McCain" organization in South Carolina. Senator McCain is the
first prospective presidential candidate to establish a grassroots
organization on college campuses across the state.

Kristen Munsey, co-chair for the College of Charleston said the Arizona
Senator's vision for tomorrow is what appeals most to college students.
"Senator McCain's message hits home with college students because we are
particularly concerned about the future of our country," said Munsey. "We
are thinking about starting our careers and starting a family, and we want a
proven, trustworthy leader in the White House."

As of today, Senator McCain has eighteen chairs and co-chairs on sixteen
South Carolina campuses.

Furman University Chair Taylor Hall said the decision to join Senator
McCain's team was an easy one. "I think this race boils down to leadership
and a commitment to victory in Iraq," Hall stated. "Senator John McCain is
the only candidate willing to make the tough decisions and that separates
him from the rest of the field."

McCain has made tremendous inroads in the Palmetto State recently. He has
garnered support from many of the state's top Republican officials and is
building a strong grassroots team in the state.

University of South Carolina School of Law Chair Charles Appleby sees
today's announcement as a sign of things to come for the McCain exploratory
committee. "Senator McCain understands the importance of having an active,
statewide grassroots organization," said Appleby. "From the top on down, he
has assembled a strong team in South Carolina. I am excited about the
opportunity to get out and spread his message of common sense conservatism."

Senator John McCain said he was encouraged by the support of the student
leaders. "College students and the youth vote play a very important role in
politics," said Senator McCain. "Going forward, I know we will be looking to
our college chairmen for leadership on their respective campuses and across
South Carolina."

Senator McCain Announces Massachusetts Leadership Team

SENATOR MCCAIN ANNOUNCES MASSACHUSETTS LEADERSHIP TEAM

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that former Massachusetts Republican chairwoman Jean Inman will serve as chair of the Arizona Senator's exploratory committee in Massachusetts. 

 

In addition to Inman, state Rep. Paul Loscocco and Sheriff Joe McDonald will serve as co-chairs of the committee in Massachusetts.  Republican State Committee Treasurer Brent Andersen and Republican State Committee Member Ed Bertorelli will also join the McCain team and serve as vice chairs.

 

Inman served as chairwoman of the Massachusetts Republican State Committee from 2002-2003, as well as chairwoman of Senator McCain's 2000 effort in the Bay State.

 

"Senator McCain is a true leader who has the committed, conservative principles to win this election," said Inman.  "I respect the fact that the Senator is a man of his word and sticks by his beliefs."

 

Rep. Paul Loscocco has served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives since 2001.

 

"Senator McCain is a common sense conservative who has fought for fiscal discipline in Congress," said Rep. Loscocco.  "I look forward to communicating our shared conservative principles throughout the commonwealth of Massachusetts."

 

Plymouth County Sheriff Joe McDonald was elected to that role in 2004. Previously, McDonald spent eight years as an assistant district attorney for Plymouth County.

 

"Americans need a leader who knows what it means to fight for their country," said Sheriff McDonald.  "Senator McCain is a dedicated public servant respected in Massachusetts for his commitment to defending America."

 

Brent J. Andersen is currently treasurer of the Republican state committee, as well as a state committee member.

 

"Senator McCain has the experience and track record required to represent our nation in the White House," said Andersen.  "Today's challenges require a serious leader, and John McCain is that leader."

 

Ed Bertorelli is a Republican state committee member, and served as Republican state committee treasurer and interim chairman.  In addition, Bertorelli is commissioner on the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and a member of the United States National Commission on Libraries and Information Science.

 

"I am honored to be part of Senator McCain's team," said Bertorelli. "Senator McCain is a role model for all Americans and an example of a dedicated public servant that has put his nation first."

 

Senator John McCain stated that he was honored to have the support of these key leaders in Massachusetts.  "These distinguished leaders will add knowledge and experience to our team in Massachusetts," said Senator McCain. "I am extremely pleased and honored that they have elected to stand with me."

Team McCain Adds Leading Rhode Island Republicans

TEAM MCCAIN ADDS LEADING RHODE ISLAND REPUBLICANS
House Minority Leader, RNC Committeewoman, State Legislators & GOP Leaders Align With Arizona Senator

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that House Minority Leader and state Rep. Robert Watson will serve as Chairman of the Arizona Senator's exploratory committee in Rhode Island.  In addition, Republican National Committeewoman Eileen Slocum will serve as Honorary Co-Chair of Senator McCain's committee in the Ocean State.

Watson and Slocum join Rhode Island legislators and Republican leaders, which are also endorsing Senator John McCain.

Rep. Watson served as chairman of Senator McCain's team in Rhode Island in 2000.

Rep. Watson stated that he was proud to be part of Senator McCain's team again.  "Senator McCain has the support of many Republican legislators and leaders in the state and today's announcement is just the beginning," said Rep. Watson.  "His support in Rhode Island is tremendous and I look forward to communicating his reform agenda."

Eileen Slocum was a leading supporter of then Governor George W. Bush in 2000.

"Senator John McCain has consistently advocated for fiscal responsibility in the nation's capital, while always sticking to his common sense conservative principles," said Slocum.  "I am honored to be a part of Senator McCain's team and will work to build an organization in our state that is second to none."

Senator John McCain stated he was pleased to have the support of these influential Rhode Island Republicans.  "The support of such respected and trusted leaders, like Bob and Eileen, is a deep honor," said Senator McCain. "These distinguished supporters have a profound knowledge and understanding of grassroots politics in Rhode Island.  These are important additions to my team and I look forward to working with them."

Christopher Shays Endorses Senator McCain

REPRESENTATIVE CHRISTOPHER SHAYS ENDORSES SENATOR MCCAIN

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that Rep. Christopher Shays will support the Arizona Senator should he decide to seek the presidency.

"Senator McCain is a distinguished public servant and a dedicated leader," said Rep. Shays. "It has been my honor to work with Senator McCain and I look forward to helping him communicate his reform message."

"Chris is an independent and principled leader whose service to the people of Connecticut has been exemplary," said Senator John McCain. "I am honored to have his support."

Miami-Dade Mayor Joins Team McCain In Florida

MIAMI-DADE MAYOR JOINS TEAM MCCAIN IN FLORIDA
Alvarez To Serve As National Co-Chair Of Mayors

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez has joined the Arizona Senator's team and will serve as the exploratory committee's National Co-Chair of Mayors.

"Senator McCain is one of our nation's most dedicated public servants. He understands the value of freedom," said Alvarez. "I am honored to be part of Senator McCain's team and I look forward to helping communicate his message of common sense conservative reform."

Senator John McCain stated that he was grateful to have Mayor Alvarez's support. "Mayor Alvarez is a highly regarded leader in the state of Florida and in the Hispanic community," said Senator McCain. "Carlos demonstrates that the American Dream is alive and well in our country. I am very pleased that he has joined our team."

ALGOP Executive Director Joins Team McCain

ALGOP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOINS TEAM MCCAIN
Republican Party's State Field Director Also Aligns With Arizona Senator

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced Alabama Republican Party Executive Director Tim Howe is leaving his post to fill the role of campaign manager for Senator McCain's exploratory committee in the state.

ALGOP State Field Director Sommer Hawthorne is also leaving the state party to serve the Arizona Senator, where she will hold the same title and responsibilities.

"As executive director of the state party, I've come to know the heart and soul of Alabama Republicans as well as anyone, and I am convinced that John McCain is the right man to lead our party to victory," Howe said. "I look forward to helping Senator McCain spread his common sense conservative message to all of the Republicans that I have served over the past few years."

Prior to his tenure with the party, Howe served as campaign manager for Justice Mike Bolin's successful Supreme Court campaign in 2004. He also served as deputy campaign manager for Justice Harold See during his successful re-election campaign in 2002.

The two new staffers will work closely with the exploratory committee's senior advisors Dax Swatek and David Azbell in directing Senator McCain's efforts within the state.

"Our goal is to put together an effective team that has proven it can win in Alabama," said Senator McCain. "With two of the Alabama Republican Party's highest and most capable officials joining veterans of Gov. Riley's successful campaigns, I am confident we are on the right track."

Steven LaTourette Joins Supporters Of McCain

REP. STEVEN LATOURETTE JOINS SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN
Ohio Congressman Aligns With Arizona Senator

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that Rep. Steven LaTourette will support the Arizona Senator should he decide to seek the presidency.

"Senator John McCain is a leader in the Republican Party who is respected for his candor and resolve," said Rep. LaTourette. "Senator McCain is committed to fiscal responsibility, and has proven time and time again that he can bring people together to get the job done."

Senator McCain stated that he was pleased to have Rep. LaTourette's support. "Congressman LaTourette has worked hard to make our federal government smaller and more efficient," said Senator McCain. "I value Congressman LaTourette's support and look forward working with him to promote our shared priorities."

Frederick W. Smith Joins Supporters Of McCain In 2008

FREDERICK W. SMITH JOINS SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN IN 2008
Industry Leader To Serve As National Co-Chair

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that Frederick W. Smith, the current chairman, president, and chief executive officer of the FedEx Corporation* has agreed to serve as national co-chair of the Arizona Senator's exploratory committee. In his role as national co-chair, Smith will help lead Senator McCain's exploratory committee.

"Senator McCain is a proven leader who will deliver for our nation," said Fred Smith. "John understands what it takes to defend America and that makes him uniquely qualified to lead our country in these historic times."

"Fred Smith is someone that has a proven track record of building organizations and teams that achieve success. He will play an instrumental role in my campaign should we decide to move forward," said Senator John McCain. "It is my honor to have the support of such an accomplished and well-respected individual."

* Mr. Smith is endorsing Senator John McCain in his individual capacity and not on behalf of the FedEx Corporation.