FORMER FLORIDA CONGRESSMAN LOU FREY ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that former Florida Congressman Lou Frey has endorsed John McCain for president.

"My closest friend in my Navy squadron was shot down over Vietnam two years before John, and was in the Hanoi Hilton with him," said Representative Frey. "He introduced me to John in 1973 when John was stationed at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. John's intelligence, his energy, his determination and his integrity have not changed in 35 years. The country desperately needs his leadership. The Republican Party needs his ability to attract independent and conservative Democrats. He is the only candidate, in either party, who can unify the country."

John McCain expressed his appreciation of the endorsement, saying, "Lou is a truly great American who I respect immensely and am proud to have as a friend. My campaign continues to build momentum in Florida, and I look forward to Lou's support as we work toward victory on Tuesday."

Congressman Lou Frey represented Central Florida in the U. S. Congress from 1969 to 1979. In his last election, he received nearly 80 percent of the vote. He was elected one of five Republican leaders in the House of Representatives during the 93rd and 94th Congress. He served on the Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee, the Space Committee, and the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control. Congressman Frey received the Watchdog of the Treasury Award in each term for voting to hold the line against inflation and curb excess government spending. He also received the Guardian of Small Business Award. He sponsored legislation to balance the budget, to fight the financial burdens of catastrophic illness and health care, to protect our oceans from pollution, to deregulate the communications industry, and to punish drug pushers. Rep. Frey graduated from Colgate University and the University of Mi chigan Law School.