FORMER REAGAN SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Secretary John Block has endorsed John McCain for president. Block served as President Reagan's Secretary of Agriculture from 1981-1986.

"In the six years that I served as Ronald Reagan's Secretary of Agriculture, I knew John McCain as a loyal supporter of Ronald Reagan's policies," said Secretary Block. "John McCain is a tough budget 'hawk' who has stayed consistent with a strong conservative voting record. John McCain is a straight talker, and that is something we need more of in Washington."

John McCain thanked Secretary Block for his support, stating, "John Block was a leader in the Reagan Revolution and I am grateful for his support. He has dedicated his professional career to the fields of agriculture, food, and health and his counsel on these issues will be a great asset to our campaign."

Secretary Block currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Farm Foundation, Hormel Foods Corporation, and Digital Angel Corp. He is Chair of the Citizens Network for Foreign Affairs Agribusiness Alliance and a member of the Board for the Friends of the World Food Program.