2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Former Oklahoma Governor Supports McCain

FORMER OKLAHOMA GOVERNOR SUPPORTS MCCAIN
McCain’s Conservative Principles Attract Keating’s Support

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced that former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating will support the Arizona Senator should he decide to seek the presidency.

Governor Frank Keating, the only Republican Governor in Oklahoma’s history elected to two consecutive terms, served from 1995 to 2003.  Prior to his election, Keating had a long career in public service and federal law enforcement.  Keating, a former FBI agent, was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma, Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Treasury, and finally as associate attorney general, the third highest ranking official in the U.S. Department of Justice.

Governor Keating spoke of his admiration for Senator John McCain’s dedication to public service.  “John McCain has been an honored servant of our country and his experience making common sense conservative policy sets him apart,” said Keating.  “Our country learned powerful lessons from President Reagan, and Senator McCain’s conservative convictions and effective approach are a living testament to his philosophies.”

Senator John McCain spoke to his appreciation and enthusiasm for Keating’s support.  “Frank has earned a great deal of respect in Oklahoma and is recognized across the country as an elected official who cares deeply about the direction of our country,” said Senator McCain.  “He is an unwavering supporter of conservative ideas and his help going forward will be invaluable.”

Delaware Leaders Join Supporters Of McCain

DELAWARE LEADERS JOIN SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN
Representative Mike Castle & Speaker Terry Spence Lead State Exploratory Committee

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced that Rep. Mike Castle and Delaware Speaker of the House Terry Spence have joined the Arizona Senator’s team and will serve as the exploratory committee’s leadership team in Delaware.

Rep. Castle, a former two-term Governor of Delaware, will chair the exploratory committee in the state.

“I know John McCain to be a passionate leader who has a profound understanding of how to get things accomplished,” said Rep. Castle.  “I am honored to help his efforts in Delaware.”

Speaker Terry Spence will serve as the co-chairman of Senator McCain’s exploratory committee in Delaware.   

“This country needs a serious leader to confront the challenges we face and John McCain is just that man,” said Speaker Spence.  “Senator McCain is a man of integrity and vision, and I look forward to working on his behalf.”

Senator John McCain said that having the support and counsel of these Delaware leaders will be a great benefit to the exploratory committee.  “Mike and Terry have earned the respect of Delaware voters and I am proud to have them on my side,” said Senator McCain.  “I look forward to their insight and counsel as we move forward.”

DeWine To Lead Team McCain In Ohio

DEWINE TO LEAD TEAM MCCAIN IN OHIO
Former Senator Mike DeWine To Serve As Chair Of Ohio

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced that former Senator Mike DeWine will serve as chair of the Arizona Senator’s exploratory committee in Ohio.

Senator Mike DeWine served in the U.S. Senate from 1995 to 2007.  Prior to serving in Congress, DeWine served Ohio as a county prosecutor, state senator, four-term congressman, and lieutenant governor.

“As a close friend and former colleague of John’s, I can attest to his dedication and devotion to conservative values and the protection of our homeland,” said DeWine.  “Senator McCain is an American hero who will lead our nation with strength.”

Senator John McCain stated that he was honored to have the support of Senator Mike DeWine.  “Senator DeWine has been an instrumental voice in giving law enforcement the tools necessary to keep our country safe,” said Senator McCain.  “Mike is one of my dearest friends and his experience will help us build a grassroots organization that will communicate our shared values.”

Senator Thune Stands With John McCain

SENATOR THUNE STANDS WITH JOHN MCCAIN

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced that South Dakota Senator John Thune will support the Arizona Senator should he decide to seek the presidency.

Senator John Thune was elected to represent South Dakota in the U.S. Senate in 2004.  Prior to serving in the Senate, Thune served three terms in the House of Representatives and was the executive director of the South Dakota Republican Party.

Senator John Thune stated that he was proud to support Senator John McCain.  “Senator McCain has dedicated his life to the advancement of freedom and human rights,” said Senator Thune.  “Senator McCain is a once in a generation leader who has my full support.”

Senator John McCain stated that he admired Senator Thune for his dedication to a social and fiscal conservative agenda.  “Throughout his career, Senator Thune has been a tireless advocate for the people of South Dakota and I am honored to have his support,” said Senator McCain.  “I am fortunate to call John a friend and colleague.”

John McCain Launches New 2008 Website

JOHN MCCAIN LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE

JohnMcCain.Com A Departure From The Traditional Campaign Website

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today released the campaign's new website, www.JohnMcCain.com, initiating an online dialogue and conversation with individual Americans about the stakes of the 2008 election and the issues important to them.

"These are serious times for America as our nation faces the ongoing threat of terrorism and the ongoing challenges of fiscal irresponsibility at home," said Terry Nelson, National Campaign Manager of John McCain 2008 - The Exploratory Committee. "This website conveys the undeniable fact that John McCain is singularly prepared to be President of the United States and face the challenges ahead."

Today's release is the base platform for the thousands of Team McCain online activists to become involved in John McCain 2008. On the site, individuals are empowered as key participants in Senator McCain's campaign to recruit other volunteers, raise money, and participate in a virtual town hall with Senator McCain. The site will continue to grow and evolve as Senator McCain makes a final decision about running for President.

"In 2000, John McCain harnessed the power of the internet in a way that was new and unique to campaigns," said Christian Ferry, National eCampaign Director. "This site continues to build on that experience, recognizing the importance of new media in today's political discourse and the power of technology to inform, involve, and connect individuals to a candidate and a campaign."

"This site is a departure from the traditional campaign website in both design and navigation," continued Ferry. "It is designed to engage users with a different visual experience on every page, giving them unique insight into the rich personal story of John McCain and his years of experience that differentiates him as ready to lead."

Team McCain Announces Florida Advisory Committee

TEAM MCCAIN ANNOUNCES FLORIDA ADVISORY COMMITTEE

McCain's Exploratory Committee Adds Leading Florida Republicans

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that five influential Florida Republicans and political operatives will make up its Florida advisory committee.

The advisory committee will include former Florida Attorney General Jim Smith, immediate past Florida Republican Party Vice Chairman J. Allison DeFoor, former chief-of-staff to Governor Bob Martinez and senior advisor to Jeb Bush's 1994 campaign for Governor, John "Mac" Stipanovich, former Chairman of Governor Jeb Bush's Council of Economic Advisors J. Antonio Villamil, and Cory Tilley, a top public relations adviser and who was deputy chief of staff to former Governor Jeb Bush.

The committee members will use their combined years of experience and understanding of Florida's political landscape to provide strategic guidance and leadership to Senator McCain's exploratory committee in the state.

The Honorable Jim Smith served as Florida's Attorney General from 1979 to 1987, as well as serving two separate times as Florida's Secretary of State.

"Senator John McCain has the right brand of experience and leadership for Florida," said DeFoor. "Senator McCain has dedicated his life to the principles that Republicans know are critical to keeping our country safe."

John "Mac" Stipanovich served as the executive director of President Ronald Reagan's successful Florida re-election campaign in 1984.

"John McCain is a man whose physical courage and dedication to his country was demonstrated in war and whose moral courage and conservative principles have been proven in peace. He is the kind of leader America must have now," said Stipanovich.

"It is an honor to join a leader who is willing to stand up and fight against the misuse and waste of taxpayer dollars," said Villamil. "Senator McCain is a proven fiscal conservative."

"Senator John McCain's common sense conservative values are just right for our state," said Tilley. "Florida Republicans know and understand that Senator McCain has spent a lifetime dedicated to his core principles of service and honor."

Senator John McCain stated that he was pleased with the addition of these highly regarded Florida Republicans. "I'm extremely proud to be joined by such highly regarded and respected Florida leaders," Senator McCain said. "They will be a valuable part of our team and I look forward to working with them."

Lembke Joins Supporters Of McCain

LEMBKE JOINS SUPPORTERS OF TEAM MCCAIN IN ALABAMA

Election Attorney To Serve As Alabama Counsel

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that attorney Matt Lembke, who served as counsel to Gov. Bob Riley, has agreed to serve as legal counsel in Alabama should the Arizona Senator decide to seek the presidency.

"Sen. McCain is the conservative leader we need guiding America with a firm and principled hand," Lembke said. "I look forward to bringing my past experience in election law to Senator McCain's presidential exploratory committee."

Lembke served as state counsel to Bush-Cheney '00 and '04.

Senator John McCain said Lembke brings to the exploratory committee an unmatched depth of experience and knowledge in state election law. "Matt Lembke has one of the best legal minds in Alabama," said Senator McCain. "He has served both Governor Riley and President Bush, and I am proud to call him a member of our team."

Team McCain Grows In New Hampshire

TEAM MCCAIN GROWS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

Matt Mayberry To Serve As Chair of Strafford Count

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that Matt Mayberry will serve as chairman of the Arizona Senator’s exploratory committee in Strafford County, New Hampshire.  Mayberry will also join the New Hampshire steering committee.

Mayberry is a longtime New Hampshire activist and most recently assisted in statewide organizing for former Governor George Pataki.  Previously, Mayberry served as chairman of Strafford County for Bush-Cheney ‘04 and seacoast chairman of Senator Elizabeth Dole's presidential exploratory committee in New Hampshire.  He also served on Senator Lamar Alexander's campaign for President.

“I have great respect for the Senator and his service to our country,” said Mayberry.  “It is an honor to join John McCain’s team.”

"Matt Mayberry is a top-notch organizer and we are very fortunate to have him on our team in New Hampshire," said Senator John McCain.

John Chambers To Join Team McCain

JOHN CHAMBERS TO JOIN TEAM MCCAIN

To Serve As National Co-Chair And Economic And Technology Advisor

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that John Chambers, chairman and CEO of Cisco*, will serve as the Arizona Senator's national co-chair and economic and technology advisor.

In the role of national co-chair, Chambers will help lead Senator McCain's exploratory committee.  As economic and technology advisor, he will provide advice on policies concerning American competitiveness, innovation, and economic growth.

"I believe John McCain is the right leader to move America forward," said Chambers.  "He understands the value that technology contributes to economic prosperity and growth.  I look forward to helping Senator McCain promote his vision for a strong, competitive, and innovative nation." 

Senator McCain called John Chambers a respected leader in global business. "I am very pleased to have John's support," said Senator McCain.  "His knowledge and dedication to improving our global economy is commendable.  I look forward to working with John to establish a dialogue with citizens nationwide about how we can best harness innovation and technology to grow our economy."

* Mr. Chambers is endorsing Senator McCain in his individual capacity and not on behalf of Cisco Systems.

Michigan Leaders Stand With Senator McCain

MICHIGAN LEADERS STAND WITH SENATOR MCCAIN

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that state Senator Randy Richardville, state Rep. Judy Emmons, state Rep. Glenn Steil, Jr., state Rep. Lorence Wenke, state Rep. David Law, Michigan Republican Party Ethnic Vice Chair Andrew Wendt, and former Macomb County Republican Chairwoman Janice Nearon will support Senator John McCain should he decide to seek the presidency.

"This is a critical moment for our nation, which is why we need a principled leader like Senator John McCain in the White House," said Senator Richardville.  "Senator McCain has my full support and I look forward to communicating our shared conservative principles to the people of Michigan."

"Senator John McCain is a leader with conviction and a consistent defender of life.  I am proud to stand with him," said Rep. Emmons.  "Senator McCain is a common sense conservative who has what it takes to win this election."

"Senator McCain is a common sense conservative whose leadership and courage have helped guide our nation through challenging times," said Rep. Steil. "Senator McCain is a proven leader whose track record demonstrates he is the right man to move America forward."

"I am honored to give Senator McCain my full support," said Rep. Wenke. "When times get tough and decisions need to be made, you can always count on John McCain." 

"Senator McCain is committed to fiscal responsibility," said Rep. Law.  "I am proud to support a leader who has been steadfast in protecting our nation and who is committed to reforming government."

"Senator John McCain leads by example and is dedicated to protecting America," said Wendt.  "I will take the Senator's reform message to the voters in Michigan."

Senator McCain has the overwhelming support of Republicans in Michigan," said Nearon.  "I know Senator John McCain is the right candidate, not just for Republicans in Michigan, but across this great land."

Senator John McCain stated that he was proud to have the support of such respected Michigan leaders.  "This group of fine, dedicated public servants represents strong and committed leadership," said Senator McCain.  "I plan to work closely with these leaders and communicate our shared principles."