2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Maxine Sieleman Joins Growing List Of McCain Supporters

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

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's exploratory committee today announced the addition of Maxine Sieleman, a social conservative leader, to the growing Iowa grassroots organization. Sieleman was the founder of the Iowa chapter of Concerned Women for America, a group that is dedicated to bringing biblical principles to all levels of public policy. She has also been a leading voice on Iowa Christian radio for the last 25 years.

"After considerable research, reflection, and prayer I determined that Senator McCain was the clear choice for conservatives and Iowa families," Sieleman said. "He is the one candidate who has a consistent record of supporting pro-life, pro-family legislation."

Sieleman also cited McCain's commitment to appointing strict constructionist judges at all levels of the judiciary, as well as his foreign policy experience in deciding to back his potential candidacy.

McCain was pleased to have Sieleman's support should he decide to seek the presidency. "Maxine brings tremendous experience to our Iowa exploratory committee," McCain said. "I'm proud to have the support of someone who has exhibited such dedication to our shared conservative principles."

Bobby Harrell Will Serve As Co-Chair In The Pametto State

SPEAKER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES JOINS SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN
Harrell To Serve As State Co-Chair & National Co-Chair Of Legislators For McCain

ARLINGTON, VA – In a visit to South Carolina, U.S. Senator John McCain held a series of press conferences with Bobby Harrell, Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives.  McCain said Harrell would serve as Co-Chair of the Senator’s exploratory committee in the Palmetto State and National Co-Chair of Legislators for McCain.

Harrell called Senator McCain “a personal hero and common sense conservative.”   He also stated, “Senator McCain is the best qualified candidate to win the war against global terror, reduce government spending, reform the broken power structure in Washington, and reconnect government to the faith and trust of the American people.”

Harrell and McCain were joined at the press conferences by U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham and Attorney General Henry McMaster, who also serve as State Co-Chairs for McCain.  This is considered a major announcement because Harrell is one of South Carolina’s most influential Republican leaders and his support had been sought by other leading Republican candidates for president.

Harrell said he had decided to back the Arizona senator after months of thought and prayer because McCain has “never wavered” from the conservative principles of President Ronald Reagan. 

“My wife, Cathy, and I made this decision together after having discussed it for several months.  She agrees with me that John McCain is the man our country needs to lead us through these dangerous times,” Harrell said.  “In my judgment, John is the single-most, conservative candidate who can win the election.”                                                                                        
McCain welcomed Harrell’s support.  “Bobby is one of South Carolina’s most respected leaders,” said McCain.  “His support is very important to me and my family as we approach the point of making a decision on my candidacy.” 

McCain said Harrell would occupy a role in national leadership as well as in the Palmetto State should he decide to seek the presidency.  “Speaker Harrell is admired and respected throughout South Carolina and by fellow legislators across the nation,” stated McCain.  “I am honored he has agreed to serve as Co-Chair of our efforts in South Carolina as well as National Co-Chair of Legislators for McCain.”

Chuck Yob And Holly Hughes To Co-Chair 2008 McCain 2008 Michigan Committee

Republican National Committeeman Chuck Yob and Republican National Committeewoman Holly Hughes to Co-Chair Michigan Steering Committee

ALEXANDRIA, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s exploratory committee today announced that Michigan Republican National Committeeman Chuck Yob and Republican National Committeewoman Holly Hughes will serve as Co-Chairs of the Michigan Steering Committee and take lead roles recruiting Republican National Committee (RNC) Members across the country.

“John McCain is the common sense conservative in the race who can defeat the Democrat nominee and win Michigan for the first time since 1988,” said Republican National Committeeman Chuck Yob.  “We are putting together the strongest political organization in the country as he completes the exploratory phase of the process.”

“Senator McCain is the only candidate in the race with the foreign policy experience to protect our homeland and lead our country in these difficult times,” said Republican National Committeewoman Holly Hughes.  “I look forward to helping build a grassroots political organization that is second to none.”

“Chuck Yob is one of the best grassroots organizers in the country and long-time leader on the Republican National Committee,” said Senator John McCain.  “He will be a key member of our team as we move forward in Michigan and recruiting RNC Members across the country.”

“Holly Hughes is a rising star in the grassroots of the Michigan Republican Party and has proven to be an effective advocate for our party,” said Senator John McCain.  “I look forward to her counsel and assistance in building our team in the months and years ahead.”

Chuck Yob and Holly Hughes both supported George W. Bush in the 2000 Presidential Primary. 

Attorney General Mike Cox is the Chairman of the Exploratory Committee for Michigan.

Tim Pawlenty To Be National Co-Chair Of McCain 2008 Committee

MINNESOTA GOVERNOR TO BE NATIONAL CO-CHAIR OF MCCAIN EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE

ALEXANDRIA, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced that Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty will serve as National Co-Chair of Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign should he decide to run.

In his role as National Co-Chair, Pawlenty would help lead Senator McCain’s presidential campaign and provide strategic guidance on its direction.

“Senator McCain has been a strong leader and common sense conservative in the U.S. Senate and will continue to be in the White House,” Pawlenty said.  “As our country pursues the War on Terror, we need a seasoned leader with international affairs and national security experience.  I’m honored and excited to help Senator McCain’s efforts to become our next President.”

Senator McCain stated that he deeply appreciated the support of Pawlenty.  “Tim is a good friend and a great leader.  He has implemented a reform agenda that has moved Minnesota forward and has done so with character and integrity.  If I decide to run for president, Tim’s help and advice will be something my campaign will look forward to and rely on.”

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.

South Carolina Secretary Of State Mark Hammond Joins McCain 2008

SOUTH CAROLINA SECRETARY OF STATE JOINS GROWING LIST OF MCCAIN SUPPORTERS

ALEXANDRIA, VA – South Carolina Secretary of State Mark Hammond has joined a growing group of prominent South Carolinians who are encouraging Senator John McCain to run for president in 2008. 

Hammond said he looks forward to actively campaigning for McCain should he make the decision to enter the race. But, for the time being Hammond will serve as an adviser to the exploratory committee in an effort to build grassroots support for McCain in the Palmetto State.

The Spartanburg Republican said McCain’s unparalleled commitment to fiscal responsibility and common sense conservatism resonates with GOP voters.  “John McCain and I both believe it’s critical that the interests of the American taxpayer are protected,” said Hammond. “John McCain is a tried and true conservative and he is our party’s best chance to win the presidency in 2008.” 

Hard-working families in South Carolina and across the country can count on him to help restore fiscal discipline to the federal government.” 

Senator McCain said he was pleased to garner the backing of another key elected official in the Palmetto State. “Mark has a long record of public service in Spartanburg and across South Carolina, and he will make a strong addition to our exploratory committee,” said McCain. “He is well-known and well-respected and I am honored to have him as part of our growing team.”

Georgia GOP Chairman Alec Poitevint Joins McCain 2008

Georgia Republican Party Chairman and National Committeeman Poitevint Joins Supporters Of McCain

Chairman Of Perdue For A New Georgia To Lead Team McCain In The South

ALEXANDRIA, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced that Georgia Republican Party Chairman and National Committeeman Alec Poitevint would serve as the Southern Co-Chair for McCain for President should the Arizona Senator decide to run.

“Senator McCain clearly has the track record and experience to lead our nation and he will energize the Republican Party,” said Chairman Poitevint.  “The Senator’s commitment to common sense conservatism coupled with his unwavering dedication to winning the War on Terror ensures we will have the right leader at the right time.”

Senator McCain stated he was honored to have the support of such a distinguished leader.  “Alec is a committed conservative and public servant.  He has been very effective in leading the Republican Party in Georgia and played an integral role in helping Governor Perdue register an impressive victory last November,” said McCain.  “It is indeed an honor to have someone of his caliber joining the team.”

Trey Walker Will Manage McCain’s Presidential Efforts In South Carolina

Trey Walker Picked to Manage Senator McCain’s Presidential Efforts in South Carolina

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Trey Walker, who has served for the past four years as chief executive assistant to South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster, has been selected by U.S. Senator John McCain’s exploratory committee to manage the Arizona Republican’s potential presidential campaign in the Palmetto State.  South Carolina will hold one of the nation’s key presidential primaries in early 2008.

Walker served as National Field Director for Senator McCain’s 2000 presidential campaign. 

“Trey is a valuable member of our political family,” said McCain.  “I am grateful that he will lend his considerable talent and experience to the management of our efforts in South Carolina, which is an extraordinarily important state in the presidential selection process.”

Walker’s work with McCain’s presidential exploratory committee is effective immediately.  “I am proud and honored to stand with Senator McCain.  He is a personal hero of mine, and I deeply believe he is the right leader at the right time for the future of our nation.”

South Carolina House Speaker Pro Tempore Joins Supporters Of McCain In 2008

SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE JOINS SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN IN 2008

ALEXANDRIA, VA – South Carolina House Speaker Pro Tempore Doug Smith of Spartanburg has joined a growing group of prominent South Carolinians who are encouraging Senator John McCain to run for president in 2008.  Smith was an active supporter of President George W. Bush in 2000.

The South Carolina House of Representatives’ second-ranking officer, Smith said he will actively support McCain if he decides to enter the race.  In the meantime, Smith will work with the exploratory committee to help build support for McCain in the Palmetto State, where a key presidential primary will be held in early 2008.

Smith said he believes McCain’s message has the best chance of winning the presidency in 2008.  “Just like John McCain, I was inspired by the conservative leadership of President Ronald Reagan to become involved in public service,” said Smith.  “John McCain is a true American hero, and his common sense conservatism gives our party the best chance at keeping the White House.”

McCain said he welcomed support from Smith, whom he called a “true conservative leader” in the General Assembly.  “Doug's commitment to public service and our conservative cause is well known,” said McCain said.  “I truly am honored to have a leader of his stature and reputation as an adviser to our exploratory committee.” 

Steve Schmidt Joins Supporters of Senator McCain

Steve Schmidt Joins Supporters of Senator McCain in 2008

ALEXANDRIA, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee announced today that Steve Schmidt has joined the Senator's team.

Schmidt, who most recently worked as the campaign manager for California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's successful re-election bid, will serve as a senior adviser to Senator McCain, should he decide to run for president in 2008.

"Senator McCain is a common sense conservative with a unique brand of leadership that will unite Americans of many different stripes,” said Schmidt. “It will be a great honor to work on behalf of Senator McCain.”

In 2004 Schmidt helped to direct the daily message and response operation for the President’s re-election campaign and was also a member of the campaign’s senior strategic planning group.

“Steve Schmidt’s professionalism, strategic vision and political acumen have brought success to nearly every organization he’s been a part of," said Senator McCain. "I am excited to have him as part of our team."

New York Area Finance Chairs Join McCain 2008

New York Area Finance Chairs Join Supporters of McCain in 2008

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Today, U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee announced the formation of the New York Area Finance Team, a fifty-seven member leadership team working to support McCain in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and across the country. The New York Area Finance Team is the most recent group of notable supporters to join the Senator’s growing grassroots organization for a 2008 presidential run.

The New York Area Finance Team includes four national co-chairs, three honorary New York co-chairs, and fifty New York, New Jersey and Connecticut finance committee members. New members include New York Area National Co-Chair Larry Bathgate and Honorary New York Co-Chair Henry Kissinger.

Senator McCain said, “I am honored to have the support of so many talented and experienced professionals. New York is the heart of the financial world, and this team’s work on behalf of my exploratory committee will be indispensable as we move forward.”