2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

John McCain Files California Delegate Slate For Republican National Convention

JOHN MCCAIN FILES CALIFORNIA DELEGATE SLATE FOR REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that it has filed the entire slate of 170 Delegates with the California Secretary of State in Sacramento.

"John McCain is the only candidate for president that is prepared from day one to take on the toughest challenges America faces," said California state Chairman and former Secretary of State Bill Jones. "His willingness to lead on difficult issues like government accountability and his foreign policy experience make us proud to support John McCain's candidacy here in California."

John McCain thanked Mr. Jones and the delegates, stating, "I appreciate your support throughout this campaign and I look forward to receiving your votes at the Republican National Convention in September."

DELEGATE SLATE INCLUDES:

Honorable Alan Autry, Mayor of Fresno
Honorable Jim Brulte, former State Senator
Honorable Jeff Denham, State Senator
Honorable Bill Jones, former California Secretary of State
Tirso Del Junco, Former Party Chairman
Honorable Steve Kuykendall, former Member, U.S. House of Representatives
Robert Laurie, Northern California Chairman for John McCain
Honorable Dan Lungren, Member, U.S. House of Representatives
Admiral Ed Martin, U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Charles McDougald, State Veteran's Chair
Mike Montgomery, Former Party Chairman
Honorable Doug Ose, Former Member, U. S. House of Representatives
Honorable Rod Pacheco, Riverside District Attorney
Gerry Parsky
Honorable George Plescia, State Assemblyman
Honorable Jerry Sanders, Mayor of San Diego
Honorable Van Tran, State Assemblyman

Jack Kemp Endorses John McCain For President

JACK KEMP ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Jack Kemp has endorsed John McCain for president.

"I am proud to support John McCain for president," said Jack Kemp. "John McCain is the only candidate who can be trusted to cut taxes, eliminate wasteful spending and enact conservative pro-growth policies to expand the economy. John McCain is the best choice to lead America to a more prosperous and secure future."

John McCain thanked Mr. Kemp for his support, stating, "I appreciate the support of my friend Jack Kemp. As an architect of the Reagan tax cuts and champion of pro-growth policies, I value Jack's advice and counsel."

Jack Kemp served as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President George H.W. Bush and as a member of Congress from New York for 18 years. A strong proponent of supply side economics, Mr. Kemp co-authored the 1981 Reagan tax cuts and later co-founded Empower America, a free-market think tank. He serves as a nationally syndicated columnist on economic and foreign policy issues.

Statement By Campaign Manager Rick Davis Following Fox News Debate

STATEMENT BY CAMPAIGN MANAGER RICK DAVIS FOLLOWING FOX NEWS DEBATE

ARLINGTON, VA -- Rick Davis, John McCain 2008 Campaign Manager, issued the following statement on this evening's Fox News debate:
"John McCain proved again tonight why he is the only candidate ready to lead this nation and the right choice for New Hampshire voters this Tuesday.  John McCain clearly demonstrated that he is the only candidate, Republican or Democrat, with the experience and judgment necessary to lead as commander in chief from day one in the Oval Office.

"With a proven record of leadership, John McCain has been a consistent conservative for change in Washington, a fight he will continue as president.  John McCain stands ready to address America's most pressing challenges.  With a lifetime of courageous service and principled leadership, John McCain has been unwavering in confronting the special interests. It is time for John McCain to bring his reform agenda to the White House.

"John McCain is the leader to confront the challenging issues of our time, with an unequivocal commitment to victory in the struggle against radical Islamic extremists.  Where other candidates were silent, John McCain was a steady voice for change, and America saw that leadership again tonight." 

Reagan Alumni Endorse John McCain For President

REAGAN ALUMNI ENDORSE JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced a group of nearly 100 prominent Reagan Administration alumni who have endorsed John McCain for president.
"As former Reagan Administration officials, we are inspired by the same qualities in John McCain today that we so admired in President Reagan," said former White House Counsel Arthur B. Culvahouse. "John McCain was a foot soldier in the Reagan Revolution, and he understands America's role in the world -- a powerful global leader working to serve as an example and promote democracy and freedom around the world. John McCain has a lifetime record of service to his country. In Congress, he led the fight to limit government, lower taxes, cut spending and keep families strong. John McCain is the only candidate who can rally the Reagan coalition of conservatives, Independents and conservative Democrats needed to defeat the Democratic nominee in the general election next year."

John McCain thanked the alumni, stating, "President Reagan stands out in history as a leader who recognized America's potential and had a vision for her future. I knew President Reagan well, and respected and admired his unwavering leadership in the face of grave challenges, and his fortitude to take on the toughest issues. I am grateful to have the support of so many friends and colleagues who have all worked to build and maintain President Reagan's legacy."

REAGAN ALUMNI SUPPORTING JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

Grant Aldonas 
Stanton D. Anderson 
Richard V. Allen 
Mary Jo Arndt 
William L. Ball III 
Ralph Benko 
Charles R. Black, Jr. 
Judy A. Black 
Otis Bowen, M.D. 
Ellen Bradley 
James H. Burnley IV 
Gahl Hodges Burt 
Richard Burt 
Mark Buse 
Frank Cannon 
David Chew 
Nancy Christy 
James W. Cicconi 
Former Senator Dan Coats 
Chuck Cobb 
Carol Crawford 
Ron Crawford 
Tim Crawford 
Dan L. Crippen 
Arthur B. Culvahouse Jr. 
Richard H. Davis 
Mimi Dawson 
Rhett Dawson 
Stephen I. Danzansky 
Frank J. Donatelli 
Rebecca Donatelli 
Lawrence S. Eagleburger 
Marlin Fitzwater 
Melinda A. Fitzwater 
Alison B. Fortier 
HP Goldfield 
Mark Holman 
Janet Mullins Grissom 
Alexander M. Haig, Jr. 
Janet Hale 
Bryce L. Harlow 
Robert Heckman 
Warren K. Hendriks, Jr. 
Governor Jon Huntsman 
Former Governor Frank Keating 
Gen. P.X. Kelley 
Nancy Kennedy 
Bobbie Kilberg 
William J. Kilberg 
Ann Korologos 
Carole Kuhn 
Jim Kuhn 
Christian Josi 
Chris Lehman 
John F. Lehman, Jr. 
James Lake 
Thomas G. Loeffler 
Peter Madigan 
Fred Malek 
Robert C. McFarlane 
Robert A. Mosbacher Sr. 
Timothy J. Muris 
J. Bonnie Newman 
Trevor Potter 
Anthony J. Principi 
William Bradford Reynolds 
James Roberts 
Patricia O'Connor Roberts 
Peter Rodman 
John Rogers 
Sig Rogich 
Nancy Risque Rohrbach 
Gen. Ed Rowny 
Mark Salter 
George Sawyer 
Craig Shirley 
Zorine Shirley 
George P. Shultz 
Pamela Stevens 
William F. Sittman 
Bernie Streeter 
Orson G. Swindle III 
Lance Tarrance 
Mike Thompson 
Carol Townsend 
Pamela J. Turner 
Margaret Tutwiler 
Peter Wallison 
John Whitehead 
Lanny Wiles 
Joseph Wright 
Chuck Yob 
Al Zapanta 

Detroit Free Press Endorses John McCain For President

DETROIT FREE PRESS ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT
"McCain's steadiness, consistency make him the choice for Michigan Republicans ... [McCain] is the best candidate to carry the GOP banner into the fall." -- Detroit Free Press

Sen. McCain Would Make Strongest GOP Nominee
McCain's steadiness, consistency make him the choice for Michigan Republicans

Editorial
Detroit Free Press
January 6, 2008

Eight years ago, endorsing U.S. Sen. John McCain in the Michigan Republican presidential primary, the Free Press said he was "an articulate hardliner on how the United States should lead the world" and the best candidate in a GOP field that included George W. Bush. ... Eight years later, he is running again, and JOHN MCCAIN is, again, the best candidate to carry the GOP banner into the fall. While the Free Press differs with McCain on a number of issues, the Arizona senator is a smarter, more tested and pragmatic leader who has shown since 2000 that he knows how to build bipartisan alliances around issues. He's a straight shooter, sometimes to his detriment in the political world, where McCain also loses points for persistently championing needed campaign reforms and criticizing pork-barrel spending that benefits special interests. McCain's latest campaign faltered early in this overextended election season. But he has regrouped, and while polls do not show him as the GOP front-runner, they do consistently show that he fares best against any of the leading Democrats. That has to be a consideration for Republican voters with the party expected to lose more ground in Congress next year. McCain, with his appeal to independent voters, looks at this time like the best bet to keep the White House in GOP hands.

Statement By Campaign Manager Rick Davis On This Evening's ABC/WMUR Debate

STATEMENT BY CAMPAIGN MANAGER RICK DAVIS ON THIS EVENING'S ABC/WMUR DEBATE

ARLINGTON, VA -- Rick Davis, John McCain 2008 Campaign Manager, issued the following statement on this evening's ABC/WMUR debate:
"Tonight in New Hampshire, John McCain showed once again why he is the right choice in Tuesday's primary election.  John McCain clearly demonstrated that he is uniquely ready to be commander in chief from day one in the Oval Office.

"The voters of New Hampshire also saw tonight that John McCain is the consistent conservative who will bring change to Washington.  As president, he will not waver or equivocate in tackling America's toughest problems.  John McCain articulated a clear message of conservative change and leadership.  He has the courage of his convictions and a strong record of reform and taking on the Washington special interests.

"John McCain doesn't just talk, but rather has demonstrated courageous leadership time and time again.  When others were silent or equivocated, he advocated a new strategy for success in Iraq that is now working.  That's leadership when it counts.

"John McCain knows you can't buy votes in New Hampshire, negative attacks don't work and integrity matters.  He's the real deal.  He's the one Republican who can win in November against what will be a strong Democratic challenger.  With John McCain, there will be little doubt which candidate is ready to be commander in chief in a dangerous world.  Only he has the tenacity to shake things up in Washington, stop the reckless spending, and keep taxes low.

"John McCain's the man to beat the Democrats, hands down."

North Dakota Republican State Committee Chair Endorses John McCain For President

NORTH DAKOTA REPUBLICAN STATE COMMITTEE CHAIR ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that North Dakota Republican State Committee Chair Gary Emineth has endorsed John McCain for president.

"Recent events remind us we live in a dangerous world. John McCain is the only candidate running who has the foreign policy and national security experience that our next president must possess to do the job from day one," said Mr. Emineth. "John McCain has been a consistent voice for Republican principles throughout his 25 years in Congress. He has proven that he will make the hard choices and provide the leadership necessary keep our country safe, cut spending and lower taxes. I am proud to support him for president."

John McCain thanked Mr. Emineth, stating, "Gary has been a leader in North Dakota's Republican Party for decades. He will be an asset to my campaign and I am grateful for his support."

NH Senate Republican Leader Ted Gatsas Endorses John McCain For President

NEW HAMPSHIRE SENATE REPUBLICAN LEADER TED GATSAS ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

MANCHESTER, NH -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that New Hampshire Senate Republican Leader Ted Gatsas (R-Manchester) has endorsed John McCain in the New Hampshire Primary.

"John McCain is the only candidate with the strength, experience, and character to lead as commander in chief from day one, and that's why I'm so proud to support him," said Sen. Gatsas. "As president, John McCain will cut taxes, eliminate wasteful spending, drive economic growth and win the war on radical Islamic extremism. America needs a leader who knows his core values and will never waver in the face of the prevailing political winds. America needs John McCain."

John McCain thanked Sen. Gatsas for his support, stating, "Ted has been a tremendous asset to the Republican Party here in New Hampshire and he is a crucial addition to our growing grassroots organization. His role as a leader in the New Hampshire State Senate makes him a powerful advocate for my campaign in the Granite State, and I am proud to have his support."

John McCain 2008 Launches New Web Ad, "Leadership"

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW WEB AD, "LEADERSHIP"

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today launched a new web ad in response to Governor Mitt Romney's attack on John McCain's leadership. The web ad, entitled "Leadership," will appear on targeted national and early state news and information websites, including politico.com, unionleader.com and boston.com, among others.

Script for "Leadership" (:30-Web)

ANNCR: "Mitt Romney compares himself to John McCain and their public service and says, 'I've actually been leading.'

"Mitt Romney, leading?

"He'd rather call lawyers."

ROMNEY: "You sit down with your attorneys and tell you what you have to do ..."

"Uh, you know, we're gonna let the lawyers sort out ..."

ANNCR: "And bureaucrats."

ROMNEY: "Well, if we want somebody who has a lot of experience in foreign policy, we can simply go to the State Department ..."

ANNCR: "When it comes to leadership, John McCain doesn't have to call anyone."

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

Statement By McCain Iowa Chair Dave Roederer On The Iowa Caucus

STATEMENT BY MCCAIN IOWA CHAIR DAVE ROEDERER ON THE IOWA CAUCUS

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's Iowa Chair Dave Roederer today issued the following statement on the Iowa Caucus:
"I am extremely proud of the honorable campaign that Senator McCain and the campaign staff and supporters have waged here in Iowa over the last year.  John McCain is a man of tremendous integrity who proven that he stands on principle and honor and does not bend to political pressure.  Our campaign fought admirably, with courage and conviction.
"On a personal level, it has been a privilege to get to know Senator McCain, and I look forward to helping him win Iowa in the general election this fall."