FORMER FRED THOMPSON NATIONAL FUNDRAISING CHAIRMAN, SCOOTER CLIPPARD, JOINS TEAM MCCAIN

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Scooter Clippard, former National Fundraising Chairman for Fred Thompson, will serve as a National Finance Co-Chair for John McCain 2008.

"John McCain has the wisdom to lead that can only come from a lifetime of experience," said Mr. Clippard. "His life story is heroic. His selfless service stands as an example to each of us, and his commitment to the conservative principles that we hold dear is unquestionable. For more than two decades, John McCain has taken on the system in Washington, fought to lower taxes, to defend the traditional values that made our nation strong, and to keep our families safe from the enemies of freedom. I am pleased to join the McCain Team, and I look forward to working hard to make certain John McCain is our next president."

John McCain thanked Mr. Clippard for his support, stating, "We are honored to have a key leader from my friend Fred Thompson's campaign. Fred made an invaluable contribution to this race and always enriched the discussion of ideas for America's future. Scooter is a tremendous addition to our finance team. A leader in his community and in business, Scooter will expand our fundraising network to help us communicate our conservative message to voters across the country. I am grateful to have his support."

Scooter Clippard resides in Nashville, Tennessee. Currently, Mr. Clippard is a senior adviser on the Board of Directors for Community South Bank and co-founder with his wife Fran of the Center for Living and Learning in Franklin, Tennessee. He is also a Trustee Emeritus of the University of Tennesee.