SENATOR ALFONSE D'AMATO ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

Today in New York City, former Senator Alfonse D'Amato (R-NY) endorsed John McCain for President of the United States.

Senator D'Amato issued the following statement on endorsing John McCain:

"John McCain is a genuine American hero and I am proud to lend him my support. My friendship with John dates back to our days of serving together in the Senate. As a Senator, he stood for fiscal responsibility and an unwavering commitment to defending America in a hostile world. I feel very strongly that John is the only Republican candidate that can defeat the Democrats in a general election and I will do everything I can to make sure he is our next President.

"John stood for fighting Islamic terrorism in Iraq when the war was least popular and the cost to him politically was severe. He called for the surge in Iraq and he was right. And now the American people have rewarded him with a surge of his own.

"If America really wants a leader who will change the landscape in Washington, change the way we do business in government, change the way government spends your money so it defends your interests, change the way America stands in the eyes of the world community, then the only person who can bring about that change in this race and to this nation, the only man who has the courage to stand up for what he believes in, is John McCain."

John McCain thanked Senator D'Amato for his support, stating, "Al D'Amato has dedicated his life to serving the people of New York. His advice and counsel will be critical as we work toward a great victory in New York on February 5th, and I am grateful for his support."