2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

McCain 2008 Team Adds Michigan Grassroots Chair

McCain 2008 Team Adds Michigan Grassroots Chair

ALEXANDRIA, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee announced today that Michigan Third District GOP Chairman Dave Dishaw will serve as the state grassroots chairman, leading McCain’s team of supporters in Michigan should he decide to pursue the Republican nomination.

“John McCain is the straight-talking, authentic leader our nation needs right now,” said Dishaw.  “He won the Michigan Primary in 2000 and his team will be many times stronger here in 2008.”

Dave Dishaw supported George W. Bush in the 2000 Republican Primary, serving as the statewide Michigan chairman of the Bush-Cheney ‘04 grassroots operation.

McCain said, “Dave Dishaw is one of the very best grassroots organizers in the country and I am proud to have him building our ground organization in Michigan. He is an excellent addition to the team and I look forward to working with him.”

Eight National Finance Co-Chairs Join McCain Team

Eight National Finance Co-Chairs Join Supporters of Senator McCain in 2008

ALEXANDRIA, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee announced today the addition of eight national finance co-chairmen: Donald Bren; Donald R. Diamond; Lewis M. Eisenberg; James B. Lee, Jr.; Thomas G. Loeffler; John A. Moran; Jerry Perenchio; and John Thain.

“Over the years I have become close friends with each of these distinguished men, and I am honored to have their support as we move forward,” Senator McCain said.  “Across the board, they are at the top of their respective professions and their admirable experiences offer a unique perspective to the exploratory committee.  Their dedication to the Republican Party and their renowned financial savvy are essential to any successful campaign, and I am so grateful that they have chosen to bring their talents and wisdom to our team.”

Kathleen Shanahan Joins Senator McCain’s Team

Kathleen Shanahan Joins Senator McCain’s Team
Floridian Will be Part of National Strategy Group

ALEXANDRIA, VA – United States Senator John McCain’s Presidential Exploratory today announced today that Kathleen Shanahan will serve as a member of the national strategy team should the Arizona Senator decide to run for president in 2008.

“Kathleen has a proven record of public service, strong leadership, and sound judgment. I am honored and excited to have her as part of the team,” said Senator McCain.

“John McCain’s inspired background, strength of character, and conservative values make him the ideal candidate for president in 2008,” Ms. Shanahan said.

Mike Cox Named Chairman For McCain 2008

Mike Cox Named National Law Enforcement Chairman and Michigan Chairman

ALEXANDRIA, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee announced today that Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox has agreed to serve as its national chairman of law enforcement and its Michigan chairman.

“I look forward to helping Senator McCain win Michigan again and recruit law enforcement across the country to support him should he decide to run for President,” said Cox.  “Senator McCain is very popular in Michigan and someone who I have always admired for his integrity and straight talk.”

“Attorney General Mike Cox is one of our nation’s preeminent crime fighters and an up-and-coming political leader,” said Senator John McCain.  “I am honored to have him as an important member of our inner circle and look forward to working closely with him as the exploratory committee moves forward.”

Marlys Popma Joins Iowa Supporters Of Senator McCain

Marlys Popma Joins Iowa Supporters of Senator McCain in 2008

ALEXANDRIA, VA – United States Senator John McCain’s Presidential exploratory committee announced today that Marlys Popma has joined a growing group of Iowans who will work for the Arizona Republican if he decides to run for president in 2008.

“John McCain has a conservative record that appeals to me and will appeal to voters in Iowa after getting to know him and evaluating his record,” Popma said.  “He’s a man of strong character and integrity who would make an excellent national leader, is ready to govern day one, and after evaluating the other potential candidates it became evident Senator McCain is the right choice.”

Popma was the national deputy political director for Gary Bauer for President, and previously served as the deputy Iowa campaign manager for Phil Gramm’s presidential race.

“Marlys has been a tremendous asset to the Republican Party in Iowa and across the nation,” McCain said of Popma

John McCain Common Sense Conservatism

The formation of John McCain 2008 - The Exploratory Committee, is the first step toward measuring the depth of my support among America's voters.

As I begin the process of assessing a national campaign for the Presidency of the United States of America, I am turning to friends like you to ask for your personal help.

For me to have a good chance of success in what is sure to be a hard fought contest, my campaign must have strong, solid backing from voters all across America.

I seek your support for my Presidential effort today because I hope that like me, you understand that our country can no longer deny and turn a blind eye to the critical challenges we face. We must go beyond today's obstructive and divisive partisanship to confront and solve our nation's biggest problems.

As I outlined in a speech I gave last night, I believe that to keep America prosperous, strong and growing we, as a nation, must rethink, reform and reinvent the way we educate our children; train our workers; deliver health care services; provide for our citizens' retirement; stimulate research and development; harness new technologies; and protect our citizens and interests here and abroad. (To read and watch this speech please visit www.ExploreMcCain.com.)

We, as a nation, have been through the process of selecting a President many times. But, to use a phrase often associated with a President of my youth, this is no ordinary time.

I believe this truly is a time that we must put self-interest, partisanship and "politics as usual" aside. And that's because I believe that America is genuinely facing some of the gravest and most complex challenges in our history.

That's why we need to elect a leader with strong principles who will begin the presidency by listening - and I mean really listening - to the American people ... a President who will restore trust in the greatness of our democracy and hope for our future.

Everywhere I speak across this great land I try hard to remind Americans that we can no longer afford to play politics with the critical issues that confront our country today.

But beyond any specific policy or program, I believe the American people are looking for a renewed sense of community, a recognition that whatever our differences, we Americans are in this together, that citizenship means service to a cause greater than ourselves...

The 2008 Presidential race is going to be a pivotal moment in our history... Thank you for your continued friendship and loyal support.

Sincerely,

John McCain

John McCain Statement of Candidacy

John McCain Statement of Candidacy filed November 16, 2006.

New John McCain 2008 Exploratory Committee Website

John McCain sent this e-mail to supporters announcing his 2008 Presdential Exploratory Committee Website.

Over the past year, I have traveled the country campaigning with candidates running for local, state, and federal office and I've been constantly proud to stand with Republican candidates in supporting a secure homeland, fiscal responsibility, ethics in government, and common sense conservative principles. With the formation of John McCain 2008 - The Exploratory Committee, I will continue my conversation with the American people over the direction of the Republican Party and the future of our country.

During the next couple of months, I will be talking with my family, friends and supporters about whether to officially announce a run for President; prior to that decision, the formation of this committee is the first legal step in that process. I hope that you will visit my new webpage, www.exploremccain.com, and join me in this effort.

Our Party suffered an electoral setback last Tuesday, but that defeat was not a repudiation of our values and our beliefs; America remains a conservative country. Rather, the election results were an expression of frustration with Washington gridlock and Washington's lack of touch with real America. In 1994, American voters sent Republicans to Congress to change government; instead, we became government. This Thursday, November 16, I will give a major address on my vision for the Republican Party and how we will get back on the path to victory.

Please join me at www.exploremccain.com to watch the speech live online at 7:10 PM. Thank you for your past support and encouragement and I look forward to continuing our efforts together to reform Washington and keep America safe at home and abroad.

Sincerely,

John McCain

John McCain To Begin White House Run

McCain Begins Preliminary White House Run
Formal Announcement Expected Next Month...

By JAKE TAPPER and AVERY MILLER
Nov. 10, 2006 — ...Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and his political team have decided it's full steam ahead for his 2008 presidential campaign. Although no absolute, final decision has been made, sources close to McCain say on Wednesday in Phoenix, he and a half dozen of his top aides huddled and decided to proceed more formally with his quest for the White House.

A presidential exploratory committee will be set up this month -- perhaps as early as next week...

ABC NEWS Story

"Driving Minnesota Forward" John McCain & Tim Pawlenty