FORMER THOMPSON SUPPORTERS JOIN JOHN MCCAIN

McCain Gains Six Key Leaders From Georgia

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that six key leaders in Fred Thompson's campaign for president have endorsed John McCain, including Steve Croy who served as Thompson's finance chairman in Georgia. Croy was also a member of Thompson's national finance committee.

"John McCain is strong on national security issues, committed to stopping out of control federal spending, and will appoint judges to the Supreme Court that do not legislate from the bench," said Mr. Croy. "Those are the qualities that drew me to Senator McCain, and I am sure they will attract many other Thompson supporters as well."

Mr. Croy, a Richmond Hill businessman, is joined by Representative Buddy Carter (R-Pooler), Mr. Bob Irvin, Mr. Joel McElhannon, Commissioner David Gellatly, and Mr. Bill Knowles in endorsing Senator McCain. State Representative Carter served as Mayor of Pooler for five terms before being elected to the State House. Irvin is the former State House Republican Leader. McElhannon served as Thompson's Regional Political Director following his successful consultancy for Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle's 2006 campaign. Commissioner Gellatly served as Thompson's Chatham County Chairman, and Bill Knowles served as Thompson's Bibb County Chairman.

John McCain thanked the former Thompson supporters who have joined his campaign, stating, "I am grateful to have these fine leaders on our team. I know they will make an immediate impact on our campaign in Georgia, and I look forward to working with them in the weeks ahead."