2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Marlene Elwell Joins Supporters Of McCain

MARLENE ELWELL JOINS SUPPORTERS OF SENATOR MCCAIN
Conservative Leader To Serve As Deputy Director Of Coalitions & National Director Of Americans Of Faith Coalition

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that Marlene D. Elwell will serve as the Deputy Director of Coalitions, as well as the National Director of the Americans of Faith coalition for the Arizona Senator's exploratory committee.

Elwell has a long record of supporting public service causes. She was actively involved in the presidential campaigns of a number of Republican candidates and served as a member of President Ronald Reagan's National Advisory Council.

Elwell has earned the respect and admiration of government officials and the law enforcement community for her efforts to educate the public on the pervasiveness of pornography on the Internet and the need to protect the innocence of our children.

"Senator McCain has a proven track record of supporting conservative causes, and is the principled voice our party and nation needs," said Elwell. "It will be my privilege to serve the Senator and communicate his message of common sense conservatism nationwide."

McCain stated that he was grateful to have the support of Elwell and looked forward to working with her. "Marlene is a highly respected conservative leader and is an important addition to my team. Her advice, counsel, and networking abilities will be instrumental in communicating my strong record of social and fiscal conservatism."

David Azbell Joins Supporters Of McCain

DAVID AZBELL JOINS SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN
Communications Strategist To Serve As Senior Advisor

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that communications strategist David Azbell has joined the Arizona Senator's team in Alabama and will serve as a senior advisor.

Azbell stated that it is an honor to work with Senator McCain and his team. "Senator McCain's common sense conservative agenda and his commitment to reform is exactly what our nation needs," said Azbell.

Senator McCain said that Azbell is a significant addition to the exploratory committee. "I am pleased that David Azbell has joined our team. David's experience in media relations and communications ensures our conservative message of reform reaches the grassroots."

Majority Of South Carolina Republican House Members Endorse McCain

MAJORITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA REPUBLICAN HOUSE MEMBERS ENDORSE SENATOR MCCAIN

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that the majority of Republican members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are supporting the Arizona Senator. Surrounded by fellow legislators, Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives Bobby Harrell made the announcement in Columbia.

Earlier this month, Speaker Harrell participated in a series of news conferences across the state with Senator McCain to announce his endorsement and support.

At Wednesday's statehouse press conference, Harrell released the names of 40 members who are supporting Senator McCain should he decide to seek the presidency. Harrell called the list "a signal of incredible support for Senator McCain among grassroots Republicans all across South Carolina."

Describing the endorsements as a "history making moment," Speaker Harrell said, "This endorsement shows how important we believe the next presidential election is. A majority of Republican House members want to help make Senator McCain, President McCain." He also said McCain's strong leadership on the war against global terror was a major factor. "John McCain knows that losing the war in Iraq is simply not an option for our country," stated Harrell.

House Majority Leader Jim Merrill, one of the legislators endorsing Senator McCain, said South Carolinians are looking for a leader who can inspire the nation. "People know what they're getting in Senator McCain, and that's a strong, principled leader who tells the truth," said Merrill. "They know where he stands, and they know he won't waver or shift in the face of changing political winds."

Over the last few months, Senator McCain has gained key endorsements from the state's top Republican elected officials and leaders, and the addition of the majority of House Republicans demonstrates his increasing momentum in the Palmetto State.

Senator McCain welcomed the latest additions to his team in South Carolina. "Having the support of a majority of the state's Republican representatives means a great deal," said Senator McCain. "These dedicated men and women will be the strength of our efforts in South Carolina and I am honored to have their support."

Former House Speakers Join Supporters Of McCain

FORMER HOUSE SPEAKERS JOIN SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN
Perricone To Serve On Sportsmen Committee & Johnson On Farmers Committee

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's exploratory committee today announced that former Michigan House Speakers Chuck Perricone and Rick Johnson have joined the statewide steering committee.

Former Speaker Perricone will serve on the Michigan Sportsmen for McCain committee, in addition to the statewide steering committee. Perricone preceded Rick Johnson as Michigan House Speaker. In addition to advising leaders in Lansing, he also serves as executive director of America's largest, state-based organization dedicated to defending the right to own firearms.

"I am honored to be a member of Senator McCain's team and I am eager to help him communicate our shared values," said former Speaker Perricone. "His experience and commitment - in addition to his record of support for a family's right to self-defense - speaks for itself. I am looking forward to recruiting other Michigan leaders and sportsmen to join Senator McCain's team."

In addition to the statewide steering committee, former Speaker Johnson will serve on the Michigan Farmers for McCain committee.

"Much like family farmers, Senator McCain understands the importance of values, hard work, faith, and family," said former Speaker Johnson. "I am honored to be a part of Senator McCain's team and I look forward to helping him communicate his common sense conservative message to farmers throughout Michigan."

Senator McCain stated that he was pleased to have two of Michigan's key Republican leaders on his team. "Speakers Perricone and Johnson bring a tremendous amount of grassroots experience to our team," said Senator McCain. "They understand that defending the rights of gun owners and keeping agriculture competitive are critically important to the future of our society and economy."

Fred Zeidman Joins Supporters Of McCain

FRED ZEIDMAN JOINS SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN
Republican Leader To Serve As National Vice Chair For Jewish Outreach

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that Fred Zeidman has joined the Arizona Senator's team and will serve as National Vice Chair for Jewish Outreach.

Fred Zeidman previously helped lead Jewish outreach for Bush-Cheney '00 and '04 and served as vice chairman of the Dole-Kemp presidential campaign in Harris County.

"Senator John McCain has been a consistent and strong supporter of both Jewish Americans and Israel," said Zeidman. "We are a nation at war and Senator McCain's leadership and commitment to victory are required to protect America from terrorism."

Senator McCain called Fred Zeidman a highly regarded leader that will expand the reach of his exploratory committee. "Fred Zeidman's advocacy on behalf of the Jewish community has made a real impact," stated Senator McCain. "He is someone that represents the best our country has to offer and I look forward to working with him to communicate my conservative principles to Jewish Americans and Texas voters."

Senator McCain Announces U.S. House Whip Team

SENATOR MCCAIN ANNOUNCES U.S. HOUSE WHIP TEAM

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that 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) will serve as members of the Arizona Senator's whip team in the U.S. House.

The members of the exploratory committee's whip team in the U.S. House will work to build on Senator McCain's base of support in the chamber.

Senator McCain stated he was honored to have the commitment of such distinguished leaders and colleagues. "I am extremely proud to have the support of these Republican leaders," said Senator McCain. "I look forward to working with them to communicate our shared values."

Coos County Leaders Join McCain New Hampshire Team

COOS COUNTY LEADERS JOIN SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN
State Legislators Add To Building Momentum In New Hampshire

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that the entire Coos County state legislative delegation has joined the Arizona Senator's team in New Hampshire.

State Senator John Gallus, representing the city of Berlin joins state Representative Fred King, Sr. and state Representative Eric Stohl, both of Colebrook, in announcing their support for Senator John McCain.

In addition to Gallus, King, and Stohl, state Representative Bill Remick of Lancaster and state Representative John Tholl, Jr. of Whitefield will also support Senator McCain.

State Senator Gallus stated he was honored to join his colleagues in supporting Senator McCain and becoming a member of the team. "I am honored and humbled to assist Senator McCain in building his campaign in New Hampshire," said Senator Gallus. "John McCain understands and respects the influence our 'first in the nation' primary status and I am excited to help him energize activists across the state."

Senator John McCain stated he was pleased to the have the support of such distinguished and highly regarded legislators. "I am honored to have the support of these prominent New Hampshire organizers," said Senator McCain. "These men are tireless advocates and each will play a critical role as we continue to reach out to supporters across the state."

Swatek Joins Team McCain In Alabama

DAX SWATEK JOINS TEAM MCCAIN IN ALABAMA
Swatek To Serve As Senior Advisor

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's exploratory committee today announced that Dax Swatek has joined the Senator's team and will serve as a senior advisor to the exploratory committee in Alabama.

Dax Swatek is the president of Swatek & Associates, a governmental and political affairs firm that works with public officials and corporate leaders in the development of both public policy and public affairs programs.

Swatek recently served as general consultant and campaign manager to Governor Bob Riley's re-election campaign. He has also served as a consultant to Rep. Robert Aderholt, Rep. Mike Rogers, and House Minority Leader Mike Hubbard.

Swatek stated that it was his sincere privilege to become a member of Senator McCain's team. "Senator McCain is a strong leader whose brand of common sense conservatism will resonate with voters. It is my honor to join the Senator's team in Alabama."

Senator McCain said Swatek will add important experience to the exploratory committee's Alabama operation. "Dax Swatek has an extensive knowledge of grassroots politics and understands the importance of bringing people together," said Senator McCain. "He will serve as an important member of my political team."

Eileen Wieser Joins McCain Team in Michigan

EILEEN WEISER JOINS SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN IN MICHIGAN

Former State Board Of Education Member To Serve As Education Advisor

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that former state board of education member Eileen Weiser has joined the Arizona Senator's exploratory committee. Eileen Weiser will serve alongside state Senator Wayne Kuipers as a statewide education advisor to the exploratory committee in Michigan.

"Senator John McCain understands the importance of education in creating a bright and competitive future for our children and country", said Eileen Weiser. "It is an honor for me to be part of his team and help make his vision for our future a reality."

"Eileen Weiser has dedicated herself to ensuring that the children of Michigan receive the quality education they need and deserve," said Senator John McCain. "Her advice on education issues is something that I look forward to receiving."

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

Maine Leaders Join Supporters of McCain

MAINE LEADERS JOIN SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN

Senators Snowe And Collins To Serve As State Co-Chairs & Tardy To Serve As Vice Chair

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins will serve as co-chairs of the Arizona Senator's exploratory committee in Maine and House Republican Leader Josh Tardy will serve as vice chair.

Senator Snowe said she admires Senator McCain and strongly supports him. "I've known and respected John for many years from our service together in the House and Senate and I have always found him to be genuine, straightforward, and honest," stated Snowe. "He understands the issues facing our nation and has a proven track record of addressing the challenges we face."

Senator Collins stated she was honored to help lead Senator McCain's team in Maine and believes he has the leadership qualities to move the country forward. "Senator McCain's experience on both domestic and foreign policy issues is unparalleled," Collins said. "I can think of no better person to lead our nation than John McCain."

Rep. Tardy said it was an honor to join Senator McCain's exploratory committee. "John McCain is an American hero," stated Tardy. "The Senator understands the importance of winning the War on Terror, and delivering domestic reforms that create jobs and improve government."

Senator McCain stated that he could not be more pleased with his leadership team in Maine. "I have had the privilege of working with Senators Snowe and Collins for many years and their support means a great deal," said Senator McCain. "Olympia, Susan, and Josh make a phenomenal team and ensure our organization in Maine is second to none."