2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

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John McCain 2008 Announces Iowans Of Faith Coalition Leadership

John McCain 2008 Announces Iowans of Faith Coalition Leadership

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced the leadership of its Iowans of Faith for McCain coalition. The group will continue the campaign's efforts to reach out to Iowa's faith-based community and build on John McCain's grassroots organization in the state.
The Iowans of Faith for McCain coalition brings together people who support pro-life issues, traditional marriage and family values. Its members support John McCain's commitment to pro-life principles, traditional family values and making America a stronger nation. The coalition includes several supporters of former presidential candidate Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS).

"As a pastor and as a former vice president of Iowa Right to Life, I decided to support the candidate most likely to work with Congress to appoint and gain confirmation of strict constructionist judges, ultimately resulting in the reversal of Roe v Wade," said Phil Carroll of Grace Church in Des Moines and Co-Chair of Iowans of Faith for McCain. "That candidate is most assuredly John McCain. This would have been enough for me, but when you add his national security experience, honesty, integrity, and ability to play it straight with the American people, then no other candidate can even come close."

John McCain thanked Pastor Carroll and the coalition, stating, "I am grateful for the support of these community leaders who are committed to traditional families and truly dedicated to service. I look forward to their counsel as we continue to grow our Iowa campaign."

IOWANS OF FAITH FOR MCCAIN COALITION LEADERSHIP

Bob Anderson, Swisher
Julia Anderson, Hubbard
Pat Anderson, Cedar Falls*
Pastor Chuck Austin and Marie Austin, Des Moines
Mary Beltman, Sibley
Mary Bowman, Cedar Rapids*
De Byerly, Mason City
Stacey Cargill, West Des Moines
Pastor Phil Carroll, Des Moines
Sheryl Carter, Sully
Sarah Cutshall, Corwith*
Mark Daggy, Des Moines
John and Kathy Farrand, Cedar Rapids*
Mark Flanders, Muscatine*
Sherrin Gifford, Cedar Rapids*
Lowell and Christina Goemaat, Sioux Center*
Ralph Goemaat, Sioux Center*
Linda Grahm, Garner*
Jay Heine, Urbandale*
Joe and Carol Hill, Rock Rapids
Nola Hirdman, Story City
Former Sen. Julie Hosch, Cascade
Kathy Kasson, Iowa City*
Former Rep. Ralph and Karen Klemme, LeMars
Lee McClure, Clinton
Isaiah McGee, Waukee
Sen. Larry McKibben, Marshall
Dana Phillips, Central City*
Marlys Popma, Colfax
Holly Reilly, Cedar Rapids*
Tim and Emma Rittgers, Des Moines
Tim Rylersdaam, Sioux Center
Nick Schadler, Dubuque*
Maxine Sieleman, Des Moines
Cork Smalley, Des Moines
Fred and Barb Taylor, Waukee
Jerry Tweeten, Forest City
Henry and Alma Veldhuizen, Sully
Ken and Theresa Welch, Slater*
Wendy Wilcox, Cedar Rapids*
Jerry Yancey, Burlington*
Samona Yentes, Clive
Heidi Zalb, Des Moines*

*Former Senator Sam Brownback supporters

John McCain 2008 Announces National Catholic For McCain Leadership Team

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 ANNOUNCES NATIONAL CATHOLICS FOR MCCAIN LEADERSHIP TEAM

ARLINGTON, VA -- A coalition of Catholic leaders from across America today announced their support for John McCain for president. U.S. Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) and former Governor Frank Keating (R-OK) will serve as the National Co-Chairs of Catholics for McCain.

"As Catholics, we are proud to announce our support for John McCain, a genuine American hero with a conservative record who has what it takes to lead this country," said U.S. Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS), National Co-Chair of Catholics for McCain.

Former Governor Frank Keating (R-OK), also National Co-Chair of Catholics for McCain said, "John McCain can uniquely appeal to Catholics with his strong, 24-year pro-life record, his stand for traditional values and school choice, his proven leadership in defending America, and his demonstrated ability to appeal to independent-minded voters. These are exactly the type of qualities that Catholic voters&nbs p;will be looking for in 2008."

In a joint statement, Governor Keating and Senator Brownback added: "In this election, with so much at stake, we need a leader who will help transform history to extend and uphold the rights and dignity of each and every child of God. John McCain is that leader."

John McCain expressed his appreciation and stated: "I am very pleased to have the support of this distinguished coalition of Catholic leaders. I am proud to stand side-by-side with Catholics on many of the most critical issues of our day: defending the sanctity of human life, upholding traditional marriage, expanding educational choice, and defending America from the threats that we face around the globe. I have fought my entire life to protect religious freedom and human rights around the world. I look forward to working with these Catholic leaders in the weeks and months ahead as we take our shared values to the White House."

Catholics for McCain will play an active role in educating and communicating with fellow Catholics about why John McCain is the best candidate to successfully promote Catholic values in the upcoming election.

CATHOLICS FOR MCCAIN NATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM

Catholics For McCain National Co-Chairmen

Senator Sam Brownback, Kansas
Governor Frank Keating, former Governor of Oklahoma

Catholics For McCain National Leadership Committee

Former U.S. Senator Mike DeWine (R-OH)
Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL)
Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL)
Hon. Alexander Haig, Former Secretary of State
Congressman Ray LaHood (R-IL)
Congressman Dan Lungren (R-CA)

Catholics For McCain National Steering Committee

Andresen Blom of Hawaii, former Executive Director, Hawaii Right to Life
Professor Gerard Bradley of Indiana, University of Notre Dame Law School
Mary Brunette Cannon of Virginia, former Executive Director, the Bi oethics Project
Denis Coleman of Florida, former Chairman of Covenant House and Current Chairman of InsideCatholic.com
Martin Dannenfelser of Virginia, former Vice-President for Govt. Affairs, Family Research Council
Robert Reilly of Virginia, Former Director, Voice of America
Warren Sweeney of New Jersey, former Executive Director, National Right to Life Committee
Eugene J. Zurlo of South Carolina, Chairman of the Zurlo Investment Trust and Former President of the Catholic Radio Association

Catholics For McCain State Chairmen

Iowa: Dana Phillips, Former Catholics for Brownback Co-Chairman and Brownback for President Marion County Chairman
New Hampshire: Hon. Maureen Mooney, NH State Representative (R-Merrimack) and former state director of Catholics for Bush/Cheney 2004
Michigan: Chuck Yob, Republican National Committeeman for the State of Michigan
South Carolina: Jim Corbett, Esq., Former State Director, Brownback for President
Florida: Laurence Alvarado, Managing Director of Bearing Point and Contributor to InsideCatholic.com

Catholic Students For McCain National Chairman

Billy Valentine of Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH, former National Chairman of Students for Brownback

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

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

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

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."

Quad-City Times Endorses John McCain For President

QUAD-CITY TIMES ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN:

"Time For A Real Hero"
By Quad-City Times
Editorial
December 23, 2007

John McCain's "Straight Talk Express" plows through where other Republicans steer clear.

Mitt Romney addresses the deficit by exhorting Republicans to "stop acting like Democrats." McCain doesn't resort to name calling. He sets it straight: "Republicans lost the last election, not because of Iraq " he told a crowd in Davenport. "We lost it because of spending We presided over the largest increase in government since the Great Society."

Rudy Giuliani hedges on torture and seeks definitions of waterboarding. McCain clearly says "no" to torture.

Fred Thompson jokes about alien SUVs when asked about global warming. McCain says he's seen the evidence of climate change on trips to both poles. For those who choose to ignore science, McCain offers this compelling, bipartisan appeal: We owe our children a better planet.

On immigration and campaign finance reform, McCain talks like a problem solver, not a n idealogue.

His faith, he has said repeatedly, is a matter between him and his maker. Look for evidence of it in his actions, not campaign speeches.

Those rambling, stream-of-consciousness speeches won't win a rhetoric prize. They simply offer clear insight into a leader whose life experiences, personally, politically and heroically, have tested his mettle for the nation's top job.

We disagree with the senator's stance on the war. We believe he'd be wrong to pull ethanol subsidies, at least right away. But at this critical point in history, America can benefit from an honorable man with a hero's record.

He's survived tough opposition and deplorable campaign tactics, particularly some from his own party. Yet he's never taken the bait.

For Iowa's Republican caucuses, we support John McCain.

Read Quad-City Times Endorsement Of John McCain
 

Boston Herald Breaks Precedent, Endorses Only One Candidate For President: John McCain

BOSTON HERALD BREAKS PRECEDENT, ENDORSES ONLY ONE CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT: JOHN MCCAIN

"There are times in this nation's history so perilous that they cry out for a steady, experienced leader, a person so trusted that we would put the fate of this country in his hands. This is one of those times, and Sen. John McCain is that person. ... [T]his newspaper too will break with its decades-old tradition of endorsing candidates in both the Republican and Democratic primaries. ... The choice this year is indeed clear. John McCain should be the next president of the United States and the Boston Herald is proud to endorse his candidacy." -- Boston Herald

Choice Is Clear: McCain's The One
Editorial
Boston Herald
December 21, 2007

"There are times in this nation's history so perilous that they cry out for a steady, experienced leader, a person so trusted that we would put the fate of this country in his hands.

This is one of those times, and Sen. John McCain is that person."

John McCain 2008 Launches New Television Ad: "My Christmas Story"

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD: "MY CHRISTMAS STORY"

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- At press conferences in Manchester and Columbia today, U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign released a new television ad to run in New Hampshire and South Carolina. The ad, entitled "My Christmas Story," tells the story of the most transcendent and uplifting experience of John McCain's imprisonment.
"This ad tells the inspiring story of John McCain, whose spirit was lifted by the compassion of a Good Samaritan during one of his darkest hours, revealing the true light of Christmas and the holiday season," said Sergeant Major Paul Chevalier (Ret.), Chair of the New Hampshire Veterans for McCain Coalition. "It's a powerful reminder that regardless of how difficult the circumstance, simple acts of compassion can bring hope to us all."

VIEW THE NEW AD HERE: https://www.johnmccain.com/mychristmasstory

Script for "My Christmas Story" (:30-TV)

JOHN MCCAIN: "One night, after being mistreated as a POW, a guard loosened the ropes binding me, easing my pain.

"On Christmas, that same guard approached me, and without saying a word, he drew a cross in the sand.

"We stood wordlessly looking at the cross, remembering the true light of Christmas.

"I will never forget that no matter where you are, no matter how difficult the circumstances, there will always be someone who will pick you up.

"May you and your family have a blessed Christmas and Happy Holidays.

"I'm John McCain and I approve this message."

JOHN MCCAIN: MY CHRISTMAS STORY

As a POW, my captors would tie my arms behind my back and then loop the rope around my neck and ankles so that my head was pulled down between my knees. I was often left like that throughout the night.

One night a guard came into my cell. He put his finger to his lips signaling for me to be quiet, and then loosened my ropes to relieve my pain. The next morning, when his shift ended, the guard returned and retightened the ropes, never saying a word to me.

A month or so later, on Christmas Day, I was standing in the dirt courtyard when I saw that same guard approach me. He walked up and stood silently next to me, not looking or smiling at me. After a few moments had passed, he rather nonchalantly used his sandaled foot to draw a cross in the dirt. We stood wordlessly looking at the cross, remembering the true light of Christmas, even in the darkness of a Vietnamese prison camp. After a minute or two, he rubbed it out and walked away.

That guard was my Good Samaritan. I will never forget that man and I will never forget that moment. And I will never forget that, no matter where you are, no matter how difficult the circumstances, there will always be someone who will pick you up and carry you.

May you and your family have a blessed Christmas and Happy Holidays.

John McCain 2008 Launches New Television Ad, "Not Easy"

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD, "NOT EASY"

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced a new television ad to run in New Hampshire. The ad, entitled "Not Easy," focuses on John McCain's demonstrated record of leadership -- putting America's national security interests over politics to do what's right, not only when it's easy, but when it's hard.
This week, Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT) said:

"John McCain has proven that we can trust him to do what is right for our country, not only when it is easy, but when it is hard; to do what is necessary, not only when it is popular, but when it is not; and to tell us the truth, not only when it is easy to hear, but when it is not. ... When it comes to keeping America safe in this time of war, John has proven that he has the experience, the strength, and the character, to be our commander-in-chief from day one."

"Not Easy" will run on New Hampshire and Boston television.

Script for "Not Easy" (:30-TV)

ANNCR: "One man warned us we were failing in Iraq,

"And told us how we could turn things around.

"More troops and a different strategy.

"He took a lot of heat, but he stood by what he knew was right.

"Today that strategy is working."

JOHN MCCAIN: "I didn't go to Washington to win Mr. Congeniality. I went there to serve my country."

ANNCR: "One man does what's best for America.

"Not what's easy."

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

John McCain Launches First Radio Ad In South Carolina

JOHN MCCAIN LAUNCHES FIRST RADIO AD IN SOUTH CAROLINA

COLUMBIA, SC -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today launched its first radio ad in South Carolina. The ad, titled "Best Prepared," features U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham and highlights John McCain's early support for the troop surge in Iraq and readiness to lead as commander in chief on day one.

Script for "Best Prepared" (:60-Radio):

ANNCR: "Seven months ago, Democrat Majority Leader Harry Reid said the war in Iraq was lost. Well, he was wrong. Listen to South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham."

LINDSEY GRAHAM: "I've been to Iraq nine times. The troop surge is working. Terrorists are on the run, and we need a president prepared to win."

ANNCR: "Only one candidate had the courage to call for the troop surge in spite of the polls, and that's John McCain."

LINDSEY GRAHAM: "John McCain is the only candidate for president prepared to be Commander-in-Chief on day one. No candidate can match his record of service. And as all the polls indicate, he's the only Republican who can beat Hillary Clinton in the general election. So our party and our nation need John McCain."

ANNCR: "When we vote, South Carolina can send a big message: Let our troops win."

LINDSEY GRAHAM: "John McCain is the right choice. He's ready to lead, and he's prepared to win."

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

ANNCR: "Paid for by John McCain 2008."

Senator Joe Lieberman Endorses John McCain For President

SENATOR JOE LIEBERMAN ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- This morning in New Hampshire, Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT) endorsed John McCain for President of the United States. Senator Lieberman issued the following statement on his endorsement:

"I have come to New Hampshire this morning to ask Republican and Independent voters to support John McCain in the first-in-the-nation primary on January 8.

"I know that it is unusual for someone who is not a Republican to endorse a Republican candidate for President. And if this were an ordinary time and an ordinary election, I probably would not be here today. But this is no ordinary time -- and this is no ordinary election -- and John McCain is no ordinary candidate.

"In this critical election, no one should let party lines be a barrier to choosing the person we believe is best qualified to lead our nation forward. The problems that confront us are too great, the threats we face too real, and the opportunities we have too exciting for us to play partisan politics with the Presidency.

"We desperately need our next President to break through the reflexive partisanship that is poisoning our politics and stopping us from getting things done. We need a President who can reunite our country, restore faith in our government, and rebuild confidence in America's future.

"My friend John McCain is that candidate, and that is why I am so proud to be standing by his side today.

"I have worked closely with John for many years on many issues -- from stopping genocide in the Balkans to combating global warming to creating the 9/11 Commission and enacting its recommendations into law. I have seen John, time and again, rise above the negativism and smallness of our politics to get things done for this country we love so much. I have watched him, time and again, work across party lines to make our country safer and stronger.

"John McCain has proven that we can trust him to do what is right for our country, not only when it is easy, but when it is hard; to do what is necessary, not only when it is popular, but when it is not; and to tell us the truth, not only when it is easy to hear, but when it is not.

"As President, John McCain will bring America together again. He will inspire a new American unity and a new American patriotism. He will push all of us to work together to solve our biggest problems, and defeat our most dangerous enemies.

"Throughout our history, succeeding generations of brave Americans have risked their lives for the cause of freedom -- which is America's cause. Throughout his career, from the ranks of the military to halls of the Congress, John McCain has made freedom's cause his own. He learned the ideals of patriotism and service from his father, he taught them to his sons, and he will hold those ideals high as an inspiration for all Americans.

"When it comes to keeping America safe in this time of war, John has proven that he has the experience, the strength, and the character, to be our commander-in-chief from day one. I have traveled the world with John, so I can tell you how much he is liked and admired by leaders across the globe. He will be a President our friends will respect and our enemies will fear, and a President who will lead our nation on the world stage with purpose and principle.

"When others were silent, and it was thought politically unpopular, John had the courage and common sense to sound the alarm about the mistakes we were making in Iraq and to call for more troops and a new strategy there. And when others waivered, when others wanted to retreat from the field of battle, John had the courage and the common sense to stand against the tide of public opinion and support the surge in Iraq, where we are at last winning.

"You may not agree with John McCain on every issue, but you can always count on him to be honest with you about where he stands, you can always count on him to stand for what he believes is right for our country -- regardless of pressure from politicians or vested interests. And you can count on him to be restless in pursuit of progress. In that sense, John McCain is the real change candidate in this race for the Presidency.

"There are many fine people running for President. Many of them are good friends of mine. But I have concluded -- and I hope you will, as well -- that John McCain is the candidate who can best reunite our country and lead us to victory in the war against Islamist terrorism.

"The nomination for President remains wide open, so on January 8th, New Hampshire's voters can -- and I hope will -- make history and send John McCain from the Granite State to victory.

"Thank you."

STATEMENT BY JOHN MCCAIN ON LIEBERMAN ENDORSEMENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain today issued the following statement on receiving the endorsement of Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT):

"I am deeply honored by Joe Lieberman's endorsement. In an era when politicians so often put political expediency ahead of conviction, Joe Lieberman has stood up for what he believes is in America's interest. He has stood tall against the prevailing winds on national security and understands why we must succeed in Iraq and in the broader war against radical Islamic extremism. He is a principled leader, a good friend, and I am proud to have his support."