2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

St. Petersburg Times Endorses John McCain For President

ST. PETERSBURG TIMES ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

"For years, he has been one of the nation's strongest critics of pork-barrel spending and the abuse of earmarks in the federal budget. Refusing to pander for votes and sticking to his convictions are among McCain's greatest strengths. ... His honor, integrity and independence set him apart. Among the Republicans, he represents the best opportunity for changing the culture in Washington, repairing our reputation in the world and rebuilding the trust many Americans have lost in their government. The Times recommends John McCain in Tuesday's Republican primary." -- St. Petersburg Times

McCain For Republicans

Editorial
St. Petersburg Times
Posted January 25, 2008

Florida Republicans have an opportunity Tuesday to provide some clarity in a muddled presidential primary. With a win here, John McCain would build on his victories in New Hampshire and South Carolina and become the clear front-runner heading into the many contests on Feb. 5. The Arizona senator offers the best hope among the Republicans to bring change to the White House and restore America's reputation in the world.

The Philadelphia Inquirer Endorses John McCain

THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN

"Sen. John McCain of Arizona is the best Republican candidate for president. Experience? The four-term senator and Vietnam war hero has it all over his opponents. Character? Again, McCain wins hands down. ... McCain, 71, has personal bravery, political courage and a confident sense of how he would lead this country. He's the authentic candidate in a field of wannabes and flip-floppers." -- The Philadelphia Inquirer

Excerpts From "Inquirer's GOP Endorsement For President: McCain"

Editorial
The Philadelphia Inquirer
January 27, 2008

Sen. John McCain of Arizona is the best Republican candidate for president.

The Chicago Tribune Endorses John McCain

THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN

"To hear McCain speak of honor, of duty, is to wake up the echoes of John F. Kennedy urging Americans to ask not what their country can do for them. A President McCain would engage challenges domestic and foreign with the candid conviction that doing what's right may cost us. ... Mitt Romney has the skill set of a superb Treasury secretary. But, thus far, he hasn't convinced us he would be McCain's equal in confronting that dangerous world of 2008. ... [H]is constancy is that of a man grounded in crisp and clear principles that he doesn't exchange for the popular opinion du jour. ... We endorse him confident that as chief executive and commander in chief, he would meet the honorable standards he has set for himself and our country." -- The Chicago Tribune

Excerpts From "For The Republicans: McCain"

Editorial
Chicago Tribune
January 27, 2008

Florida Governor Charlie Crist Endorses John McCain For President

FLORIDA GOVERNOR CHARLIE CRIST ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- Tonight in St. Petersburg, Florida Governor Charlie Crist endorsed John McCain for President of the United States.
"Senator John McCain is a true American hero and patriot and I am honored to endorse him tonight in St. Petersburg," said Governor Crist. "He is a tremendous statesman, leader and uniter. I am confident that his years of experience will serve our country well when he becomes the next President of the United States."

John McCain thanked Governor Crist for his support, stating, "Charlie Crist has earned the admiration and respect of the people of Florida for his principled, conservative leadership and boundless optimism for the future of the Sunshine State. He's a leader of the new generation of Republican governors who are putting conservative principles to work for the people of America. I am honored to have his support as we work toward victory in Florida on Tuesday."

Senator Howard Baker Endorses John McCain For President

SENATOR HOWARD BAKER ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that former Senator Howard H. Baker, Jr. has endorsed John McCain for president. Senator Baker has a long history of service to our nation as Senator from Tennessee, Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate, Chief of Staff to President Ronald Reagan, and most recently as U.S. Ambassador to Japan. He served as Honorary National Chair to Fred Thompson's campaign for president.

John McCain welcomed Senator Baker's support, stating, "Howard Baker is one of America's finest public servants, having spent virtually all his life in service to our nation. During his time in the Senate, he showed us all how to preserve one's principles and integrity, while accomplishing the business of the country. He was instrumental in proposing and implementing the commission that reformed Social Security. He guided the passage of President Reagan's package of tax cuts and spending restraint that got our economy going again in the 1980s. He gave up his own political aspirations to become President Reagan's Chief of Staff during challenging times. I am honored that a man of his stature and credibility would add his support to my campaign. I pledge that I will continue the Reagan tradition that Howard Baker so ably served."

Senator Conrad Burns Endorses John McCain For President

SENATOR CONRAD BURNS ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that former Senator Conrad Burns (R-MT) has endorsed John McCain for president and will serve as the Chairman of John McCain 2008 for the state of Montana.

"There has never been a time that straight talk and an honest approach to the challenges our nation faces could serve this country better," said Senator Burns. "I didn't agree with John on everything, but I knew I could always count on his word, and I am proud to endorse him for president."

John McCain thanked Senator Burns, stating, "Conrad served his country in the United States Marine Corps, and was a dedicated representative of the people of Montana for more than two decades. I am humbled by his support."

McCain supporters in Montana include Senate Republican Leader Corey Stapleton and Lt. Governor John Bohlinger.

Arizona Leaders Join Supporters of John McCain

ARIZONA LEADERS JOIN SUPPORTERS OF JOHN MCCAIN

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released its Arizona Leadership Team. The leadership team will contribute to the growing grassroots organization on behalf of John McCain's candidacy in the state.

"I am proud to stand with my colleague and friend John McCain in his candidacy for president," said Senator Jon Kyl, Chair of Senator McCain's Arizona campaign. "Senator McCain has a twenty-five year record of fighting for the people of Arizona. I look forward to continuing to work with Arizona leaders to promote Senator McCain's message all over the state."

John McCain thanked the Arizona leaders, stating, "I am excited to have the support of so many fellow Arizonans and look forward to working with them toward victory on February 5th."

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 ARIZONA LEADERSHIP TEAM

Chair Jon Kyl, U.S. Senator and Senate Minority Whip

Co-Chairs Betsey Bayless, Former Arizona Secretary of State and Maricopa County Supervisor 
Tim Bee, Arizona Senate President            
Jan Brewer, Arizona Secretary of State 
Jeff Flake, United States Representative, 6th District 
Mike Gleason, Arizona Corporation Commissioner 
Joe Hart, Arizona State Mine Inspector 
Jeff Hatch-Miller, Arizona Corporation Commissioner 
Mike Hellon, Former Arizona Republican Party Chairman and Republican National Committeeman 
Tom Horne, Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction 
Jane D. Hull, Former Arizona Governor 
Lisa Graham Keegan, Former Superintendent of Public Instruction 
Jim Kolbe, Former United States Representative 
Burton Kruglick, Former Arizona Republican Party Chairman 
Kris Mayes, Arizona Corporation Commissioner 
Mike Minnaugh, Former Arizona Republican Party Chairman 
William Mundell, Arizona Corporation Commissioner 
John Munger, Former Arizona Republican Party Chairman 
Gary Pierce, Arizona Corporation Commissioner 
Rick Renzi, United States Representative, 1st District 
Matt Salmon, Former United States Representative & Arizona Republican Party Chairman 
John Shadegg, United States Representative, 3rd District 
Fife Symington, Former Arizona Governor 
Jim Weiers, Arizona Speaker of the House of Representatives 
Grant Woods, Former Arizona Attorney General 

Campaign Co-Leaders  Kurt Davis, Former Executive Director, Arizona Republican Party 
Wes Gullett, Former McCain State Director 

Campaign Leadership Team  State Senator Carolyn Allen 
Lisa Atkins, Litchfield Park 
Bruce Ash, Tucson 
Former State Representative Stan Barnes 
Eddie Basha, Chandler 
Trey Basha, Chandler 
Former State Senate President Ken Bennett 
State Senator Robert Blendu 
State Representative Jennifer Burns 
Former State Senator Robert Cannell 
Pima County Supervisor Ray Carroll 
Doug Cole, Phoenix 
J. Charles Coughlin, Phoenix 
Maricopa County Integrated Health System Board Member Mike Cowley 
Yavapai County Supervisor Chip Davis 
Pima County Supervisor Ann Day 
Marcus Dell'Artino, Phoenix 
Flagstaff Mayor Joe Donaldson 
State Senator Jake Flake 
Max Fose, Phoenix 
Former State Representative Deb Gullett 
State Senator Tom O'Halleran 
Anne Hamilton, Mesa 
Jay Heiler, Phoenix 
Pete Herder, Tucson 
State Representative Pete Hershberger 
State Senator John Huppenthal 
Former State Senator John Kaites 
Former State Representative Laura Knaperek 
State Representative Bill Konopnicki 
Rick Krug, Flagstaff 
Maricopa County Supervisor Andrew Kunasek 
Former Maricopa County GOP Chairman Tom Liddy 
State Representative Lucy Mason 
Former Corporation Commissioner Diane McCarthy 
State Representative Marian McClure 
State Representative John McComish 
Maricopa County Integrated Health System Board Member Paulina Morris 
State Representative John Nelson 
Sean Noble, Phoenix 
Clerk of the Superior Court Pima County Patty Noland 
State Representative Michele Reagan 
State Representative Bob Robson 
Former Maricopa County Attorney Richard Romley 
Former Page Mayor Gary Scaramazzo 
Maricopa County Supervisor Don Stapley 
State Representative Bob Stump 
Sierra Vista Mayor Bob Strain 
Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas 
Yavapai County Supervisor Tom Thurman 
State Senator Jay Tibshraeny 
State Representative Andy Tobin 
Phil Townsend, Mesa 
Tucson Mayor Bob Walkup 
State Senator Jim Waring 
Maricopa County Supervisor Max Wilson 

Finance Committee Leaders Bettina Nava, Finance Director 
Andrea Evans, Finance Coordinator 

Arizona Finance Committee Joe Abate, Phoenix 
Robyn & Robert Anderson, Phoenix 
Bruce Ash, Tucson 
Paul Baker, Tucson 
Reginald M. Ballantyne, III, Phoenix 
Lisa & Stan Barnes, Phoenix 
Ron Barness, Paradise Valley 
Dawna & Johnny Basha, Chandler 
Eddie Basha, Chandler 
Edward Basha, III, Chandler 
Leslie & Dave Berry, Phoenix 
Steve Betts & Diane Haller, Phoenix 
Michael Bidwill, Phoenix 
Jim Binns, Phoenix 
Rich Boals, Phoenix 
John Bouma, Phoenix 
Drew Brown, Paradise Valley 
Kathy & Ron Brown, Paradise Valley 
Robert Burns, Mesa 
Ben Campbell, Phoenix 
Mark Chadwick, Tucson 
Herman Chanen, Phoenix 
Steven Chanen, Phoenix 
Susan & Paul Charlton, Phoenix 
Jim Click, Tucson 
Connie & Hugh Coble, Sedona 
Joan & Jerry Colangelo, Phoenix 
Bert Coleman, Phoenix   
Dr. Andrei Damian, Paradise Valley   
Jack Davis, Phoenix 
Kurt Davis, Flagstaff 
Denise & Bob Delgado, Phoenix 
David Dewar, Tempe 
Don Diamond, Tucson 
Karie & Richard Dozer, Phoenix 
Doug Ducey, Scottsdale 
Grace & Clyde Edgar, Phoenix 
Max Fose, Phoenix 
Ira Fulton, Tempa 
Samuel Garvin, Paradise Valley 
Dyan & George Getz, Scottsdale   
David Goldstein, Tucson 
The Gomez Family, Paradise Valley 
John Graham, Scottsdale 
Michael Preston Green, Phoenix 
Deb & Wes Gullett, Phoenix 
Sharon & Oliver Harper, Phoenix 
Sally & Tom Hartley, Scottsdale 
Michael Hellon, Tucson 
Steve Hilton, Scottsdale 
Gary Husk, Phoenix 
Donald Isaacson, Phoenix 
Christine Jones, Scottsdale 
John Kaites, Phoenix 
Michael Kasser, Tucson 
Lisa Keegan, Peoria 
William Kelley, Tucson 
Earl "Ken" Kendrick, Paradise Valley   
Dawn & Mike Kennedy, Phoenix 
David Khalaj, Phoenix 
KV Kumar, Scottsdale 
Barton W. LaBelle, Scottsdale   
Bob Lavinia, Paradise Valley   
Larry Lazarus, Phoenix 
Rich Lehmann, Phoenix 
Jason LeVecke, Guadalupe 
Humberto Lopez, Tucson 
Richard Mallery, Phoenix 
Andy McCain, Phoenix 
Pat McGroder, Phoenix   
Cathy & Dave McIntyre, Scottsdale 
Mike Meehan, Tucson 
Jeff Moorad, Phoenix 
Pamela & Phil Morris, Sedona 
Jerry Moyes, Phoenix 
John F. Munger, Tucson 
Francis Najafi, Phoenix 
Jackie Norton, Phoenix 
Chris Palacios, Scottsdale 
Douglas Parker, Paradise Valley 
Bill Perciballi, Phoenix 
William Post, Phoenix 
Patrick Quinn, Scottsdale 
Michael Racy, Tucson 
Terry & Steve Roman, Phoenix 
Sid Rosen, Phoenix 
Michael Rusing, Tucson 
Matt Salmon, Mesa 
Steven Schwarz, Paradise Valley 
Lex Sears, Tucson 
Jeff Shumway, Scottsdale 
John Strittmatter, Phoenix 
Sue & Jay Stuckey, Sedona 
Thomas W. Sullivan, Tucson 
Honorable Fife Symington, Paradise Valley 
Shiree Verdone, Phoenix 
Brad Vynalek, Phoenix 
George Weisz, Scottsdale 
Noreen & Malachy Wienges, Sedona 
Dennis Wilenchik, Phoenix 
Helen & Al Wolfe, Sedona 
Grant Woods, Phoenix 

Senator Mel Martinez Endorses John McCain for President

SENATOR MEL MARTINEZ ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA Today in Miami, Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL) endorsed John McCain for President of the United States.

Senator Martinez issued the following statement on endorsing John McCain:

"John McCain is the only candidate ready to lead as commander in chief on day one. He alone has the experience, character and judgment to confront the challenges we face in a dangerous world. He is the one candidate I trust to deal decisively with the transcendent threat of radical Islamic extremism.

"I trust John McCain to reinvigorate our economy, cut taxes, eliminate wasteful spending and restore fiscal sanity in Washington. He understands that the best cure for our economic ills is to allow American families to keep more of what they earn.

"John McCain has firsthand knowledge of the evils of Communism. For decades, he's led the fight for human rights in Cuba and around the world. I have total confidence that John McCain will be Fidel Castro's worst nightmare.

"John McCain's unmatched national security credentials and strong consistent conservative record make him the best candidate to defeat the Democrats in November and lead Republicans to victory in 2008."

John McCain thanked Senator Martinez for his support, stating, "Over the past few years, I have had the honor of getting to know Mel Martinez. In that time, I have come to admire him for his leadership and his dedication to the people of Florida. His advice and counsel will be critical as we toward victory in Florida on Tuesday."

Former FCC Commissioner Michael Powell Endorses John McCain For President

FORMER FCC COMMISSIONER MICHAEL POWELL ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that former FCC Commissioner Michael Powell has endorsed John McCain for president.

Commissioner Powell issued the following statement on endorsing John McCain:

"As Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, I had the privilege to work with John McCain when he led the Senate Commerce Committee. Senator McCain has a deep and principled understanding of how the digital revolution is transforming the social and economic landscape. More than any other candidate, he knows what is needed to calm the turbulent economic waters and to steer the new economy in a direction that will bring growth, opportunity and prosperity to all Americans."

John McCain thanked Commissioner Powell for his support, stating, "Michael Powell has a distinguished record of service in the U.S. Army, the Justice Department and the FCC. He's a faithful public servant and I am grateful for his support."

John McCain 2008 Launches New Radio Ad, "Grow," in Florida

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW RADIO AD, "GROW," IN FLORIDA

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today launched a new radio ad to run statewide in Florida. The new ad highlights John McCain's preparation to confront America's economic and national security challenges. The 60-second ad is entitled "Grow."

Script for "Grow" (:60-Radio)

ANNOUNCER: Senator John McCain

JOHN MCCAIN: Floridians are concerned about the threat of radical Islamic extremism and their economic security.

There's no one more qualified to meet our national security threats.

I've been dealing with these issues my entire adult life.

I'll make the Bush tax cuts permanent, reduce taxes on 25 million middle class families, and veto wasteful government spending.

ANNOUNCER: John McCain has an economic plan that makes conservative common sense.

A tax cut plan for 25 million middle class families.

He'll make it harder for Congress to raise your taxes by requiring a 3/5 majority to do it.

John McCain knows economic security is a matter of national security.

John McCain is the one man with the judgment and experience to be commander in chief.

He'll stand up to the Islamic extremists and put America first.

JOHN MCCAIN: There is no one who will work harder to protect our shores and protect your pocket books.

I'm John McCain and I approved this message.

ANNOUNCER: Paid for by John McCain 2008.