2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

General Norman Schwarzkopf Endorses John McCain For President

GENERAL NORMAN SCHWARZKOPF ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- Today, General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, U.S. Army (Ret.) issued the following statement endorsing John McCain for President of the United States:

"Senator John McCain has served our country with honor in war and in peace. He has demonstrated the type of courageous leadership our country sorely needs at this time. For that reason, he has my complete support."

John McCain thanked General Schwarzkopf for his support, stating, "General Norman Schwarzkopf's distinguished lifetime of service and uncommon devotion to our nation has earned him the respect and admiration of the American people. I am honored by his support."

Senator Alfonse D'Amato Endorses John McCain For President

SENATOR ALFONSE D'AMATO ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- Today in New York City, former Senator Alfonse D'Amato (R-NY) endorsed John McCain for President of the United States.

Senator D'Amato issued the following statement on endorsing John McCain:

"John McCain is a genuine American hero and I am proud to lend him my support. My friendship with John dates back to our days of serving together in the Senate. As a Senator, he stood for fiscal responsibility and an unwavering commitment to defending America in a hostile world. I feel very strongly that John is the only Republican candidate that can defeat the Democrats in a general election and I will do everything I can to make sure he is our next President.

"John stood for fighting Islamic terrorism in Iraq when the war was least popular and the cost to him politically was severe. He called for the surge in Iraq and he was right. And now the American people have rewarded him with a surge of his own.

"If America really wants a leader who will change the landscape in Washington, change the way we do business in government, change the way government spends your money so it defends your interests, change the way America stands in the eyes of the world community, then the only person who can bring about that change in this race and to this nation, the only man who has the courage to stand up for what he believes in, is John McCain."

John McCain thanked Senator D'Amato for his support, stating, "Al D'Amato has dedicated his life to serving the people of New York. His advice and counsel will be critical as we work toward a great victory in New York on February 5th, and I am grateful for his support."

John McCain 2008 Announces New York Leadership Team

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 ANNOUNCES NEW YORK LEADERSHIP TEAM

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced its New York Leadership Team. Ed Cox serves as Chair of John McCain's campaign in New York. He will lead the growing grassroots organization on behalf of John McCain's candidacy leading up to New York's February 5th presidential primary.

"John McCain has a record of leadership and experience unmatched in the area of national security," said Cox. "He is the resolute leader who will fight our enemies with intelligence and resolve to ensure we keep America free, safe, and strong. I am proud to help lead John McCain's campaign here in the Empire State."

John McCain thanked his campaign leadership in New York, stating, "I am pleased to have the support of Ed and so many other committed Republican leaders as our campaign works towards victory in New York."

NEW YORK STATE LEADERS SUPPORTING SENATOR MCCAIN

State Chair
Ed Cox -- Senior Partner, Patterson, Belknap, Webb and Tyler, LLP

Honorary Co-Chairs
The Honorable Henry Kissinger, Former Secretary of State
The Honorable Pete Peterson, Former Secretary of Commerce
The Honorable John Whitehead, Former Deputy Secretary of State

Executive Director
Christopher Nixon Cox -- Founding Partner, OC Global Partners

Steering Committee
Hon. Fernando Acunto -- Former Charlton Town Supervisor
Steve Alfasi -- Former Trustee, State University of New York
Hon. Phil Boyle -- Assemblyman from Long Island
Bob Brown -- Former Vice Chancellor, State University of New York
Will Brown -- NYC District Chairman
Mark Broxmeyer -- Chairman, Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs
Hon. Dan Burling -- Assemblyman from Wyoming County
J. Christopher Callaghan -- Former Saratoga County Treasurer
John Carley -- Senior Vice President, Cendant Corporation
Hon. Jack Carley -- Former Deputy Attorney General of New York State and Former FTC General Counsel and OMB General Counsel under President Reagan
Anthony J. Casale -- Former New York State Assemblyman
Jim Castro-Blanco -- Former President, Puerto Rican Bar Association
Jim Coleman -- Peer Advisory and Executive Coaching, Westchester County Coordinator
Noeline Cuker -- Vice President of Cooper Classics and Co-Chair, New York Women for McCain
Hon. Joseph J. DioGuardi -- Former U.S. Representative
Dany Esquilin -- NYC District Chairman
Richard Farren -- Director, New York League of Conservation Voters
Hon. Michael Finnegan -- Former Counsel to Governor Pataki
Kristen Kelly Fisher -- Board Member, Women's National Republican Club and Co-Chair, New Yo rk Women for McCain
John Fleming -- Executive Assistant to Yonkers Mayor Phil Amicone
Olga Gomez -- Former NYC District Chair
Gordon Gross -- Senior Partner Gross, Shuman, Brizdle & Gilfillan, P.C.
Russ Gugino -- National Account Manager, MACR and Coordinator for Western NY
Kevin Hanratty -- Secretary and General Counsel of the Irish American Republicans
Hon. Amory Houghton, Jr. -- Former U.S Representative from Corning
Robert P. Hovey -- Sergeant, New York State Police
Joe Kasper -- NYC District Chairman
Grant Lally -- Advisory Council Member, Republican National Lawyers Association
Hon. J. Bert Mahoney -- Mayor, Village of Waterford
Annemarie McAvoy -- Former Assistant U.S. Attorney - Eastern District of New York and Co-Chair, New York Women for McCain
Hon. John Meier -- Chairman, Chemung County Republican Party
Joe Misir -- Former candidate for Congress
Colonel Dominic Morelli -- President, Greater New York Statue of Liberty Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army and Chair, Veterans for McCain
Ed Mullins -- President, Sergeants Benevolent Association of New York City
Bill Nojay -- Attorney & Republican Activist, Rochester
Carter Page -- Chief Operating Office, Energy & Power, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
Teddy Roosevelt IV -- Former Chairman of the League of Conservation Voters
Hon. David Rosado -- Former New York State Senator
Damian Stafford -- Vice President, CMA and Volunteer Coordinator
Kay Stafford -- Member, State University of New York Board of Trustees
Edward M. Straw -- Vice Admiral (Ret.), U.S. Navy
Dick Thaler -- Senior Partner, Thaler & Thaler in Ithaca
G. Thomas Trantor -- Former County Chairman, Chemung County

John McCain 2008 Announces New Jersey Leadership Team

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 ANNOUNCES NEW JERSEY LEADERSHIP TEAM

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced its New Jersey Leadership Team. Former Governor Tom Kean, Sr. will serve as the Honorary New Jersey State Chair. State Senator Bill Baroni (R-Hamilton) will serve as State Chair and former Congressman Dick Zimmer will serve as Honorary Vice Chair to lead John McCain's growing grassroots organization in New Jersey leading up to the Garden State's February 5th primary.

"The dangerous times in which we live require proven leadership," said New Jersey State Chair Bill Baroni. "John McCain is the only candidate with the national security experience, record of reform and courage needed to serve as commander in chief from day one."

John McCain thanked his New Jersey leadership team stating, "I am thankful to have the support of so many civic and political leaders in New Jersey. Their leadership and support will prove invaluable as we work towards victory in the Garden State on February 5th."

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 NEW JERSEY LEADERSHIP TEAM

National Finance Co-Chairs
Larry Bathgate
Former Congressman Jim Courter (RNJ)
Lew Eisenberg

Honorary State Chair
Former Governor Tom Kean, Sr.

Honorary State Vice Chair
Former Congressman Dick Zimmer (RNJ)

State Chair
State Senator Bill Baroni, Mercer & Middlesex Counties

State Campaign Coordinator
Rick Mroz, Former Chief Counsel to Gov. Whitman

Veterans Coalition Chair
Capt. Don Marshall, Jr., U.S. Air Force (Ret.)

New Jersey Steering Committee Members
Chairman Keith Davis, Atlantic County
Chairman Rick DeMichele, Camden County
County Clerk Kathleen Donovan, Bergen County
Matt Eventoff, Mercer County
Former Transportation Commissioner and Assemblywoman Hazel Gluck, Ocean County
Former State Senator Bill Gormley, Atlantic County
Deputy Chairman Matt Kazmierczak, Bergen County
State Senator Sean Kean, Monmouth County
Ed McGlynn, Monmouth County
Morris County Freeholder John Murphy
Wayne Councilwoman Ann Mary O'Rourke, Passaic County
State Senator Kevin O'Toole, Bergen and Passaic Counties
Morris County Sheriff Ed Rochford
State Assemblyman David Rible, Monmouth County
State Assemblyman David Russo, Bergen and Passaic Counties
Former Chairwoman Rita Shade, Salem County
Mike Torpey, Mercer County
New Jersey Republican State Party Chairman Tom Wilson

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 ANNOUNCES NEW JERSEY LEGISLATIVE ENDORSEMENTS

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that New Jersey State Senator Kevin O'Toole (R-Wayne), State Assemblyman David Russo (R-Midland Park) and State Assemblyman David P. Rible (R-Wall Township) have endorsed John McCain for president. These legislators will add their combined years of legislative and political experience to John McCain's growing grassroots organization in New Jersey.

"John McCain is the strongest and most prepared Republican candidate to restore Americans' trust in government, to cut wasteful spending, and to protect us from the threat of radical Islamic extremism," said State Senator Kevin O'Toole (R-Wayne), who serves as whip of the Senate Republican Caucus and Chairman of the Essex County Republican Party. "New Jersey voters especially appreciate John McCain's straight talk, his integrity, and his readiness to serve as commander in chief from day one. I am proud to support his candidacy for president."

"I support John McCain because of his unparalleled experience and leadership in the area of national security," explained State Assemblyman David Russo (R-Midland Park). "We need a leader who can face America's challenges and restore trust in our government. John McCain is that leader."

"Now more than ever, our nation needs an American hero like John McCain," said State Assemblyman David P. Rible (R-Wall Township). "John McCain is the only candidate who understands what it takes to keep our families safe and secure. His proven record of leadership on national security issues makes him the right leader for our country."

John McCain expressed his appreciation for Senator O'Toole, Assemblyman Russo and Assemblyman Rible's support, stating, "As representatives at the State House in Trenton, these leaders have displayed their service and commitment to the people of New Jersey. I'm proud to have Republican leaders and dedicated public servants like them as part of our organization as we work toward victory in the Garden State on February 5th."

John McCain 2008 Announces Connecticut Leadership Team

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 ANNOUNCES CONNECTICUT LEADERSHIP TEAM

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced its Connecticut Leadership Team. United States Senator Joseph I. Lieberman (I-CT) and Congressman Christopher Shays (R-CT) will serve as Co-Chairs of John McCain's campaign in Connecticut. They will lead the grassroots organization on behalf of John McCain's candidacy leading up to Connecticut's February 5th presidential primary.

"There is no candidate more experienced or prepared to lead our nation than John McCain," said Senator Lieberman. "I have known and served with John McCain in the Senate and John has proven he can be trusted to do what is right for our country, and not just what is easy. As president, John McCain will bring America together and inspire a renewed patriotism and unity. He will work to restore Americans' trust in government and defeat our most dangerous enemies in these uncertain times."

"This is a critical time for our nation and John McCain's unparalleled leadership and experience is what America needs now more than ever," said Rep. Shays. "The people of Connecticut value the straight talk and independent, maverick spirit John McCain brings to tackling the tough problems facing America. I am proud to stand with John McCain as we work towards victory in Connecticut on February 5th."

John McCain thanked the Connecticut leadership team. "These dedicated leaders reflect the strong, grassroots organization we have in Connecticut and I am grateful for their support as we work towards victory on February 5th."

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 CONNECTICUT LEADERSHIP TEAM

State Co-Chairs
U.S. Senator Joseph I. Lieberman (I-CT)
U.S. Representative Christopher Shays (R-CT)

State Vice-Chair
State Senator Anthony Guglielmo (R-Stafford Springs)

CONNECTICUT STATE SENATOR ANTHONY GUGLIELMO ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Connecticut State Senator Anthony Guglielmo (R-Stafford Springs) has endorsed John McCain for president. Senator Guglielmo serves as the Assistant Minority Leader of the Connecticut State Senate and will serve as Vice Chair of John McCain's campaign in Connecticut.

"John McCain is an American hero who has stood up for fiscal discipline and worked to change the business-as-usual-mentality in Washington throughout his career," said Senator Guglielmo. "Unlike any other candidate, John McCain understands the issues facing our nation and has a proven track record of addressing America's challenges and that's why I am proud to support him for the Republican nomination for president."

John McCain expressed his appreciation for Guglielmo's endorsement, stating, "Tony has been a tireless advocate for the people of Connecticut and I am proud to have his support of as we work towards victory on February 5th."

State Director
Michael Sohn, Fairfield

Grassroots Co-Chairs
Tracy Enders, Coventry
Ben Proto, Stratford

First Congressional District Coordinators
Mike Botelho, Glastonbury
Greg Prentiss, Berlin

Second Congressional District Coordinators
Mike and Tracy Enders, Coventry
Bill Yalen, Mystic

Third Congressional District Coordinators
Ben Proto, Stratford

Fourth Congressional District Coordinators
Mike Rea, Westport
Joe Romano, Greenwich

Fifth Congressional District Coordinators
John Calkins, Torrington
Bob Driscoll, New Milford
Jay Umbarger, New Milford

Women for McCain Chair
Deborah Maagero, Suffield

Youth Chairs
Jon Conradi, Stonington College
Sam Duprey, Yale University Chair
Andrew Provencher, University of Connecticut Chair

Veterans Coalition Chairs
Richard Jones, Madison
Jim LaCoursiere, Past Commander of Connecticut American Legion
Bill Yalen, Mystic

The Tuscaloosa News Endorses John McCain For President

The Tuscaloosa News Endorses John McCain For President

"McCain stands head and shoulders above the rest of the Republican field in terms of stature, honesty and character. ... McCain has a strong record as a critic of earmarking and a champion of budgetary restraint. He's tough, smart and shoots straight. He would never dishonor the high office that he seeks."

"We endorse McCain, Obama as party nominees"

Editorial
Tuscaloosa News
January 20, 2008

We endorse McCain, Obama as party nominees

On Tuesday, Feb. 5, Alabama voters have an opportunity to help change the course of history by selecting a candidate for president who will redirect the nation to an era of progress, peace and prosperity.

We believe Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama offer the best hope among the candidates for effective, positive leadership.

Read Entire Tuscaloosa News Editorial Endorsing John McCain for President.

The Kansas City Star Endorses John McCain For President

THE KANSAS CITY STAR ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

"No one in the still-crowded Republican field has a better claim to the battle cry of 'change' than Sen. McCain of Arizona. He has a very long track record of denouncing business as usual in Washington, which led us to endorse him in the 2000 GOP primary as well. He has been a tireless advocate of campaign finance reform and better ethics in government. Unlike most of his opponents in this year's GOP race, McCain has extensive foreign policy experience -- a critical difference." --The Kansas City Star

Excerpts From "Clinton, McCain Could Lead U.S. Well In The Years Ahead"

Editorial
The Kansas City Star
January 19, 2008

No one in the still-crowded Republican field has a better claim to the battle cry of "change" than Sen. McCain of Arizona.

Read Entire Kansas City Star Editorial Endorsing John McCain for President

North Dakota Leaders Join Supporters Of John McCain

NORTH DAKOTA LEADERS JOIN SUPPORTERS OF JOHN MCCAIN

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

"John McCain is the one candidate running for the Republican nomination who has the foreign policy and national security experience necessary to do the job from day one," said Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem. "John McCain is the most principled, fiscal conservative in this race and he is exactly the kind leader North Dakota Republicans will rally behind. I am proud to be a part of his team as we work towards victory on February 5th."

John McCain thanked the leadership team, stating, "These North Dakota leaders will prove critical to our success in the Bison State. I am grateful to have their support as we work towards winning the Republican nomination and restoring Americans' trust in our government."

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 NORTH DAKOTA LEADERSHIP TEAM

Honorary Chair
Republican State Committee Chair Gary Emineth, Washburn

Chair
Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, Bismarck

Co-Chairs
State Representative Stacey Dahl (R Grand Forks), District 42
Duane Sand, Fargo

Vice Chair
Public Commissioner Tony Clark, Bismarck

NORTH DAKOTA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONER TONY CLARK ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that North Dakota Public Service Commissioner Tony Clark has endorsed John McCain for president. Commissioner Clark will serve as vice chair of John McCain's growing grassroots organization in North Dakota.

"John McCain is the one candidate running for the Republican nomination with the leadership, character, and experience necessary to lead our nation as president on day one," said Tony Clark, North Dakota Public Service Commissioner. "The people of North Dakota, like me, appreciate his common sense conservative record and that's why I am proud to support him for the Republican nomination for President."

John McCain expressed his appreciation for Clark's support. "Tony has been a passionate advocate for increased civic involvement in the state of North Dakota and I am proud to have him supporting my candidacy as we work towards victory on February 5th."

John McCain 2008 Launches New Television Ad In Florida: "Never Surrender"

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD IN FLORIDA: "NEVER SURRENDER"

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released a new television ad to run in Florida. The ad, entitled "Never Surrender," highlights John McCain's record of courageous leadership on the tough challenges facing our country.

"Never Surrender" will run statewide in Florida beginning today and tomorrow.

Script For "Never Surrender" (:30-TV)

ANNOUNCER: "One man sacrificed for his country.

"One man opposed a flawed strategy in Iraq.

"One man had the courage to call for change.

"One man didn't play politics with the truth.

"One man stands up to the special interests."

JOHN MCCAIN: "Stand up. We're Americans, we're Americans and we'll never surrender, they will."

ANNOUNCER: "One man does what's right, not what's easy. John McCain."

JOHN MCCAIN: "I'm John McCain and I approve this message."

McCain Campaign Adds Six Offices In Florida

MCCAIN CAMPAIGN ADDS SIX OFFICES IN FLORIDA
Momentum Builds For John McCain In The Sunshine State

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced the opening of six offices across Florida. Backed by strong support from many of Florida's top business leaders and elected officials, and endorsed by seven major Florida newspapers, John McCain's presidential campaign continues to build momentum in the Sunshine State.

"Momentum for John McCain's presidential campaign continues to grow in Florida due to his strong message on issues valued by Floridians, and a very experienced Florida-based leadership team," said Ambassador Al Hoffman. "John McCain's military experience and strong stance on defense, focus on the economy by ensuring low taxes and unwavering commitment to eliminating wasteful government spending is well appreciated by Floridians. John McCain is the only candidate with the experience both domestically and internationally to lead our country in this time of change."

John McCain has built a strong team in Florida, led by veterans of the successful statewide Republican campaigns of President George W. Bush, former Governor Jeb Bush and Governor Charlie Crist. This leadership team is supported by more than 15 campaign staff, advisors and a growing team of volunteers.

The campaign offices can be found at:

Ft. Lauderdale
908 S. Andrews Avenue
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Jacksonville
1046 Riverside Avenue
Jacksonville, FL

Orlando
234 South Semoran Blvd.
Orlando, FL

Pensacola
744 E. Burgess Road
Unit A-102
Pensacola, FL

Tampa
142 West Platt Street
Tampa, FL

West Palm Beach
505 South Flagler Drive
Suite 1450
West Palm Beach, FL