HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

Today in Washington, DC, the Republican leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives, House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH), Republican Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Republican Conference Chairman Adam Putnam (R-FL), endorsed John McCain for president.
House Republican Leader Boehner issued the following statement on his endorsement:

"John McCain is an American hero and will make an excellent President of the United States. McCain has a solid conservative record as one of the most vocal opponents of wasteful spending, a staunch defender of America's national security, and a strong believer in the sanctity of human life. He is uniquely suited to lead our country forward as we take on the many opportunities and challenges in the years ahead.

"John has been a vocal advocate for taxpayers who are tired of wasteful pork-barrel projects, the threat of tax hikes, and a government that can't get its fiscal house in order. Eliminating wasteful spending is something Congress needs to address if we ever are going to begin to fix Washington, and John has proven his willingness to lead the fight.

"John McCain will keep America on offense in the War on Terror, which is the single greatest challenge facing our nation. He understands the consequences of failure and complacency, and is committed to ensuring we have the tools and the intelligence necessary to thwart attacks and defeat our enemies.

"And guided by a strong belief in the sanctity of human life, John McCain will nominate Supreme Court justices like John Roberts and Sam Alito -- judges who understand that courts should not be legislating from the bench.

"Furthermore, McCain has a proven ability to attract independent voters who aren't interested in the higher taxes and weakened national security of an Obama or Clinton presidency. He's a man of great character and integrity who understands Washington is broken; together I believe we can fix it."

Republican Whip Blunt issued the following statement on his endorsement:

"As many of you know, I've been involved in presidential campaigns in the past. This year I said my main political focus, after my work, is electing a Republican House in the next Congress. I'm privileged to have lots of friends running for president -- one, Governor Huckabee that is still running.

"However, I believe this contest is over, and I believe it produced the best possible nominee for us to take back the House. A nominee who appeals to Reagan Democrats, a nominee who appeals to independents and a nominee who will unite conservatives in a way that ensures he'll not only be the next President but also work with a Republican majority in the House. And, I too, am glad to join Conference Chair Adam Putnam and others in endorsing John McCain to be the next President of the United States."

Chairman Putnam issued the following statement on his endorsement:

"Senator John McCain is a man of great character and conviction who has done much for this country. There is no candidate better qualified to serve as our nation's next commander in chief. As our Party's standard-bearer, Senator McCain will give no quarter to whichever of the two candidates emerge out of the Democrat field. Their plans to precipitously withdraw our troops from Iraq and return America to the failed tax and spend policies of the past lie in stark contrast to Senator McCain's common sense conservative agenda."

John McCain thanked the House Republican leaders for their support, stating, "I admire our House Republican leaders' commitment to advancing conservative principles and their dedicated service to this nation. I look forward to working closely with them as we continue to unify our Party for victory in November. I am honored and humbled to have their support."