2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Tim Pawlenty To Attend Michigan Republican State Convention

GOV. PAWLENTY TO ATTEND MICHIGAN REPUBLICAN STATE CONVENTION

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that National Co-Chairman and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty will be addressing the Michigan Republican State Convention on behalf of the Arizona Senator. Pawlenty will be addressing the convention on Saturday, February 10th.

Governor Pawlenty was elected Minnesota's governor in 2002 and re-elected in 2006. He also currently serves as Vice Chairman of the National Governors Association (NGA) and is slated to become NGA Chairman in the summer of 2007.

"I respect and admire Senator McCain. He is an honest and courageous leader who has dedicated his life to public service," said Governor Pawlenty. "I look forward to helping Senator McCain communicate his common sense conservative principles across this great nation."

Winston Blount Endorses Senator McCain

FORMER STATE CHAIRMAN ENDORSES SENATOR MCCAIN
Winton Blount Touts McCain's Common Sense Conservatism

ARLINGTON, VA - Just days before Alabama Republican Executive Committee members gather to elect a new party leader, former state party chairman Winton Blount III announced his endorsement of Arizona Senator John McCain.

"John McCain has a long record of practicing common sense conservatism, and he has never wavered from the values that we, as Republicans, hold dear," Blount said. "I am proud to add my name to those across the country who stand ready to support Senator McCain should he seek the presidency."

McCain, in acknowledging the endorsement, noted that Blount and his family can be credited with building and growing the Republican Party in Alabama for the past several decades.

"The Blount family laid the foundation for today's Alabama Republican Party, and Winton's tenure as chairman certainly built upon that foundation," McCain said. "I am proud to have Winton Blount's endorsement and appreciate the knowledge and experience that his support brings."

Ric Keller Joins Supporters Of McCain

CONGRESSMAN KELLER JOINS SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN
Orlando Representative Joins Growing Florida Team

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that Rep. Ric Keller (FL-08) will support the Arizona Senator should he decide to seek the presidency.

"Senator McCain is a common sense conservative who is committed to fiscal responsibility," said Rep. Keller. "Senator McCain has worked to build a smaller, smarter, and more efficient federal government. I look forward to reaching out to Florida citizens on his behalf."

Senator McCain stated that he was honored to have the support of Rep. Ric Keller. "Rep. Keller has been a strong, independent voice in central Florida," said Senator McCain. "Ric's dedication to reducing the size of government and protecting Americans is a testament to his strong leadership."

Senator McCain Announces Florida Finance Team

SENATOR MCCAIN ANNOUNCES FLORIDA FINANCE TEAM
Ballard, Fiorentino & Kadre To Lead Efforts In The Sunshine State

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that Brian Ballard will join the Arizona Senator's team as National Finance Co-Chair and Florida Co-Chair. In addition, Marty Fiorentino and Manny Kadre will also serve as Florida Co-Chairs of Senator McCain's finance team in the Sunshine State.

Brian Ballard stated that he was honored to be a part of Senator McCain's team. "Senator McCain is a conservative leader who is dedicated to defending America," said Ballard. "It will be an honor and pleasure to encourage friends and allies to join the Senator's team."

"Senator McCain is a man of conviction and principle," stated Fiorentino. "As we battle terrorists abroad and work to maintain economic growth at home, I can think of no one better equipped to lead our efforts than John McCain."

"The Republican Party and our nation need a committed conservative like John McCain to win this election," Kadre said. "It is a deep honor to join the Senator's team and assist with his efforts in Florida."

Senator John McCain stated that he was fortunate to have the support of these influential Floridians. "Brian, Marty, and Manny are well-respected community leaders whom I look forward to working with," said Senator McCain. "They will ensure we receive strong support from Florida citizens and communicate our message of common sense conservative reform."

Guy Rodgers Joins Supporters Of McCain

GUY RODGERS JOINS SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN
Rodgers To Serve As Deputy Director Of The Americans Of Faith Coalition

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that Guy Rodgers has joined the Arizona Senator's team and will serve as Deputy Director of the Americans of Faith coalition.

Guy Rodgers has been involved in the political arena for over 20 years working on local, state, international, and national campaigns. Rodgers served as the first national field director of the Christian Coalition and coalitions director in Iowa for Pat Robertson's presidential campaign.

"Senator McCain has the best combination of proven character, public service, military experience, and a common sense conservative political philosophy. He will provide the leadership America needs to meet the domestic and global challenges of a post-9/11 world. I am honored to be a part of John McCain's team and I look forward to helping him communicate his conservative message to all Americans of faith."

Senator John McCain called Rodgers a compassionate leader who has been instrumental in the Christian community. "Guy Rodgers is admired and respected throughout the nation as a man of conviction," said Senator McCain. "I look forward to Guy's advice and support as he will be an essential part of the team we are building."

Michigan Representatives Join Supporters Of McCain

MICHIGAN REPRESENTATIVES JOIN SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN
Michigan House Leaders To Serve On Statewide Steering Committee

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that Assistant Minority Leader Kevin Elsenheimer, Minority Floor Leader Chris Ward, and Minority Whip Kevin Green of the Michigan House of Representatives will serve on the Arizona Senator's statewide steering committee.

Representative Kevin Elsenheimer was recently elected assistant minority leader of the Michigan House of Representatives and has represented northern Michigan since 2004.

Minority Floor Leader Chris Ward has served in the state House of Representatives since 2002 and is one of Michigan's youngest legislators. Minority Whip Kevin Green represents the 77th District and previously served on the Wyoming City Council.

"Senator McCain is a strong, principled leader whose common sense conservative message has earned him the respect and support of Republican leadership in Michigan," said Assistant Minority Leader Kevin Elsenheimer. "We are honored to be a part of Senator McCain's team and look forward to helping him communicate his conservative message throughout our state."

Senator John McCain stated he was proud to have the support of a respected group of local leaders. "I am proud to have the support of these fine leaders in the Michigan state house," said Senator McCain. "These gentlemen will offer leadership and experience in building the grassroots organization that will be an integral part of our effort in the state."

Attorney General Mike Cox is the Chairman of John McCain 2008 - The Exploratory Committee for Michigan.

Real Clear Politics Speculates On A McCain-Pawlenty Ticket

McCain-Pawlenty in 2008?
Posted by TOM BEVAN

"Earlier this month Pawlenty signed on as national co-chair of McCain's presidential campaign, so whatever happens the Governor's star is firmly hitched to McCain's presidential wagon."

Real Clear Politics Blog

Social Conservative Leader Joins Team McCain In Iowa

SOCIAL CONSERVATIVE LEADER JOINS TEAM MCCAIN IN IOWA
Byerly Joins Growing List Of McCain Supporters

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's exploratory committee today announced the addition of De Byerly, a key social conservative grassroots activist in Iowa. De has been an influential voice in Iowa Republican politics, and has worked for a wide variety of candidates and conservative causes.

"After fully researching Senator McCain's conservative credentials, I determined that he was the right person to lead our country at this critical time," Byerly said. "Grassroots Republicans will enthusiastically support Senator McCain because of his consistent commitment to life, traditional marriage, fiscal discipline, and a strong national defense."

Byerly served as grassroots coordinator for Bush-Cheney '04 in Iowa. Her past Iowa caucus experience includes work for both John Kasich and Steve Forbes' presidential campaigns.

"De is a tremendous addition to our growing Iowa grassroots organization," Senator McCain said. "I'm proud to be joined in this campaign by someone who has worked so hard to promote our shared conservative values."

Cuban-American Representatives Join Supporters Of McCain

CUBAN-AMERICAN REPRESENTATIVES JOIN SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN
Rep. Ros-Lehtinen, Rep. L. Diaz-Balart & Rep. M. Diaz-Balart Align With Arizona Senator

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-18), Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart (FL-21), and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) will support the Arizona Senator should he decide to seek the presidency.

"Senator McCain is a strong supporter of the U.S. embargo on Cuba and understands that the Cuban people have been living under tyranny for far too long," said Rep. Ros-Lehtinen. "John has been working with us to help bring freedom and democracy to the enslaved island."

"I have known Senator McCain for many years and I know he is absolutely committed to freedom and democracy, particularly for oppressed people everywhere, including Cuba," said Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart. "I look forward to taking his reform message to Floridians."

"Senator McCain is a dedicated and experienced public servant who understands the importance of hardworking entrepreneurs," said Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart. "John is a common sense conservative who stands on principles, and nobody is more prepared for the times we are facing."

Senator McCain stated that he was honored to have the support of these key Republican leaders within the House conference. "Ileana, Lincoln, and Mario appreciate the value of freedom and exemplify the honest, hardworking tradition of the Cuban-American people," said Senator McCain. "I am proud to stand with these representatives and friends as we continue to work toward a free and democratic Cuba. It is a critical time for the Cuban people and we must remain steadfast in our commitment to support the current U.S. policies toward Cuba."

Gallo Joins Supporters Of McCain In Connecticut

GALLO JOINS SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN IN CONNECTICUT
Former State Party Chairman To Serve As State Director

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that George Gallo, the outgoing Chairman of the Connecticut Republican Party, will serve as state director of the Arizona Senator's exploratory committee in Connecticut.

Gallo was active in the Bush-Cheney '00 effort, where he acted as chairman of Victory 2000 for the state of Connecticut.

"Senator McCain is a proven and experienced leader who honestly addresses the challenges we face as a nation," Gallo said. "There is no one more capable to lead America than John McCain and I am excited to manage his efforts in Connecticut."

"George Gallo is one of the most respected and experienced political leaders in the state of Connecticut," stated Senator McCain. "He has a firm understanding of politics at the grassroots level and I am excited to have him as a part of my team."