FORMER TENNESSEE VETERANS FOR THOMPSON LEADERS JOIN MCCAIN CAMPAIGN

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Maj. Gen. Bill Raines (Ret.) and Captain Sam Bartholomew (Ret.) have joined John McCain's campaign and will lead the Tennessee Veterans for McCain Coalition. Raines and Bartholomew, formerly Co-Chairs of Veterans for Fred Thompson, will now contribute to the growing grassroots movement organizing on behalf of John McCain's candidacy in the Volunteer State.
"John McCain stands head and shoulders above those vying to be our next commander in chief," said Retired Maj. Gen. Bill Raines. "John McCain is a principled conservative with a clear record of supporting a strong national defense, fighting for fiscal responsibility, and defending the sanctity of life. More than any other candidate, John McCain understands the profound sacrifices made by the men and women wearing the uniform of our country, and that is why I am proud to support his candidacy."
"John McCain is the best candidate with the experience and credibility to handle our national security challenges," said Retired Capt. Sam Bartholomew. "He has served our country like no other candidate and is truly an American hero. He is a common sense conservative that Republicans can rally around. I am proud to be a part of his campaign."
John McCain stated he was proud to have the support of these respected veterans. "I am so honored to have Bill and Sam's support. They have earned the respect of their country and communities. I look forward to working with them to ensure our campaign's success."
Mr. Raines is a Chattanooga native. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from West Point. His military training included Airborne School, Air Defense Artillery School, Command and General Staff College and the Army War College. He served in Vietnam and in Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Mr. Raines retired in 2001, holding the rank of Major General.
Mr. Bartholomew graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1966, where he was a cadet captain and linebacker on the Army football team. He attended Airborne School and Ranger School, and was commissioned as an Armored Cavalry Officer, serving tours of duty in Europe, Panama and Vietnam. He received his Juris Doctorate from Vanderbilt University School of Law in 1973.
Mr. Bartholomew was Vice Chairman of the 2000 Billy Graham Crusade in Nashville. He also served as the Tennessee Reagan-Bush Chairman in 1984 and was Co-Chair of U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander's Campaign in 2000.