THE ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

In many ways he was and is a typical Sunbelt conservative, an Arizonan with a lifetime voting record of 82 percent on positions favored by the American Conservative Union. What makes Mr. McCain different is that devotion to 'being constant to something greater than yourself.'" -- St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Excerpts From "John McCain: A Sense Of Duty"
EditorialSt. Louis Post-DispatchJanuary 26, 2008
Glory is not a conceit. It is not a prize for being the most clever, the strongest or the boldest. Glory belongs to the act of being constant to something greater than yourself, to a cause, to your principles, to the people on whom you rely and who rely on you in return. No misfortune, no injury, no humiliation can destroy it.
So wrote John Sidney McCain III in "Faith of My Fathers," his autobiography, in explaining what he took away from his five and a half years in a North Vietnamese prison camp. That experience defines him, as it would define anyone. He went away to war as a hell-raising 30-year-old hotshot pilot ("Being on liberty with John McCain was like being in a train wreck," one of his Annapolis classmates recalled in Robert Timberg's "The Nightingale's Song"). He came home, his body broken but his spirit formed, a genuine American hero.
His biography helped get him elected to Congress in 1982 and to the U.S. Senate four years later. In many ways he was and is a typical Sunbelt conservative, an Arizonan with a lifetime voting record of 82 percent on positions favored by the American Conservative Union. What makes Mr. McCain different is that devotion to "being constant to something greater than yourself." ...
This editorial board has serious disagreements with Mr. McCain on economic policies and his support of the war in Iraq; a President McCain would require a heavy hand of congressional oversight and, if necessary, restraint. He was a neo-conservative believer in muscular diplomacy, nation-building and the projection of American force long before the neo-cons ginned up a war against Saddam Hussein. Had John McCain and not George W. Bush been in the White House in 2003, U.S. troops still might have invaded Iraq. But they would have done so in force, and much of the misguided chaos of the last five years might have been avoided. ...
But unlike any other candidate in the Republican field, Mr. McCain offers a chance to change the national discourse. He is a Republican in the mold of Barry Goldwater, a principled conservative, not a kleptocratic opportunist. We find former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's ideals to be far too malleable. We find former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani to be cravenly narrow and mean. And as to former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, America doesn't need a theocrat with a bizarre tax plan in the White House, even an affable, guitar-playing, populist one.
Republican voters can be proud of a vote for John McCain.
Read The Entire St. Louis Post-Dispatch Editorial: "John McCain: A Sense Of Duty"

ST. PETERSBURG TIMES ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

"For years, he has been one of the nation's strongest critics of pork-barrel spending and the abuse of earmarks in the federal budget. Refusing to pander for votes and sticking to his convictions are among McCain's greatest strengths. ... His honor, integrity and independence set him apart. Among the Republicans, he represents the best opportunity for changing the culture in Washington, repairing our reputation in the world and rebuilding the trust many Americans have lost in their government. The Times recommends John McCain in Tuesday's Republican primary." -- St. Petersburg Times
McCain For Republicans
EditorialSt. Petersburg TimesPosted January 25, 2008
Florida Republicans have an opportunity Tuesday to provide some clarity in a muddled presidential primary. With a win here, John McCain would build on his victories in New Hampshire and South Carolina and become the clear front-runner heading into the many contests on Feb. 5. The Arizona senator offers the best hope among the Republicans to bring change to the White House and restore America's reputation in the world.
In some respects, McCain is a throwback. At a time when most Americans are rarely asked to sacrifice for their country, his heroic survival for more than five years of torture and isolation in Vietnam prison camps still stirs the soul. While other candidates switch positions based on opinion polls and focus groups, he sticks to his convictions regardless of the political price. McCain is as genuine and unvarnished as some of his competitors are programmed and polished.
While McCain has spent 25 years in Congress, he regularly has challenged conventional political thinking and the Republican establishment. He has told corn-fed Iowans he does not support farm subsidies, Michigan voters that all of the lost jobs in auto plants aren't coming back and Floridians that he does not support a national catastrophe fund to lower property insurance rates. He successfully fought the Republican leadership to bring about campaign finance reform. For years, he has been one of the nation's strongest critics of pork-barrel spending and the abuse of earmarks in the federal budget. Refusing to pander for votes and sticking to his convictions are among McCain's greatest strengths.
That does not mean McCain is unable to reach across party lines, which would be essential for a Republican president dealing with a Congress controlled by Democrats. He has worked with Senate Democrats over the years on issues ranging from HMO regulation to embryonic stem cell research. He was a key member of the so-called "Gang of 14," a bipartisan group of senators that brokered an end to a deadlock over President Bush's judicial appointments. His ability to transcend partisanship and his personal integrity enhances his appeal among independent voters who were critical to his early primary wins.
Only Republicans will vote in Florida's primary, and McCain's biggest challenge remains winning over conservative voters in his own party. Many of those voters remain angry over his lack of emphasis of social issues and his support of comprehensive immigration reform and caps on greenhouse gas emissions. They forget that McCain's overall voting record is more conservative than his maverick reputation suggests - and that immigration and global warming will be high on the next president's agenda.
We have our own disagreements with McCain on some significant issues. He opposes abortion rights, although he does not make that the centerpiece of his campaign. He now says President Bush's tax cuts should be made permanent, but we agree that the alternative minimum tax meant for the wealthy and now targeting the middle class is unfair. McCain also has consistently supported the war in Iraq, where we see little hope of a positive outcome. Instead of suggesting a timetable for withdrawing American troops, he talks about reducing casualties and suggests our troops could have a significant presence there for years to come.
But McCain also was an early critic of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's mismanagement of the war. He regularly called for additional troops, and the Bush administration's surge has reduced the violence even if it has not produced the political changes vital to Iraq's future and our departure. The former prisoner of war also knows something about torture, and he has stood up to the administration and called the waterboarding of suspected terrorists during interrogations what it is: torture. Such straight talk is rare in Washington, and McCain is more of a clear-eyed realist than any of the other Republican candidates.
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani virtually set up housekeeping here and made Florida the key to his entire campaign. But he has offered little beyond recounting his 9/11 experiences, a hurricane catastrophe fund plan that lacks specifics, massive tax cuts and an extension of the Bush administration. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee cannot distinguish public service from his personal religious beliefs as a former Baptist preacher. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney helped steer his state toward universal health care, but he has backtracked on that commitment as a presidential candidate. He has switched positions on so many issues in an unsuccessful attempt to rebuild the Reagan coalition that it is unclear whether he has any core beliefs.
McCain has not compromised his values, but that does not mean he is inflexible. He rebuilt his campaign after it almost collapsed last year, bloated with consultants and nearly broke. After losing the 2000 South Carolina primary to Bush, he spent eight years cultivating relationships that contributed to his victory there this year. He continues to support broad immigration reform despite last year's failed attempt, but he now concedes the borders must be secured before the public debate can refocus on a more comprehensive effort.
At 71, the white-haired McCain is not the typical face of change. He has the resume of a government insider. But his honor, integrity and independence set him apart. Among the Republicans, he represents the best opportunity for changing the culture in Washington, repairing our reputation in the world and rebuilding the trust many Americans have lost in their government. The Times recommends John McCain in Tuesday's Republican primary.
Read St. Petersburg Times Editorial: "McCain For Republicans"

THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN

"Sen. John McCain of Arizona is the best Republican candidate for president. Experience? The four-term senator and Vietnam war hero has it all over his opponents. Character? Again, McCain wins hands down. ... McCain, 71, has personal bravery, political courage and a confident sense of how he would lead this country. He's the authentic candidate in a field of wannabes and flip-floppers." -- The Philadelphia Inquirer
Excerpts From "Inquirer's GOP Endorsement For President: McCain"
EditorialThe Philadelphia InquirerJanuary 27, 2008
Sen. John McCain of Arizona is the best Republican candidate for president.
Experience? The four-term senator and Vietnam war hero has it all over his opponents.
Character? Again, McCain wins hands down. He has consistently taken positions he believes in, without regard to political peril.
McCain, 71, has personal bravery, political courage and a confident sense of how he would lead this country. He's the authentic candidate in a field of wannabes and flip-floppers. The Inquirer endorses John McCain for president in the Republican primary.
The GOP race has devolved frequently into a shameless contest to see who can bash illegal immigrants the loudest. McCain, who represents a border state, has resisted this pandering to the Republican base. He supports giving illegals a pathway to citizenship, when taking a harsher position would clearly win him more primary voters.
The former prisoner of war in Vietnam has stood tall against the Bush administration's condoning of torture for enemy combatants. He dared speak out against former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's mismanagement of the war in Iraq -- although McCain's willingness to keep U.S. troops there indefinitely is wrong, too.
McCain has shown an ability to learn from mistakes. Accused of intervening on behalf of a campaign contributor in the 1980s' savings and loan scandal, he later took up the banner of campaign finance reform. He waged a lonely battle in his party, pushing through the landmark McCain-Feingold law in 2002.
McCain was among the first in his party to treat global warming as a serious problem. He's also been a consistent fiscal hawk in Congress. ...
[R]omney has tried to be so many things to so many different constituencies, he's left voters with little idea of his core beliefs. Is he pro-choice, as he professed while governor, or pro-life, as he now claims? Is he the candidate who supported gun control in 1994, or the one who now bills himself as a committed friend of the NRA? It's not clear whether even Romney knows the answers. ...
For all these reasons and more, John McCain is clearly the strongest Republican for president.
Read Entire Philadelphia Inquirer Editorial: "Inquirer's GOP Endorsement For President: McCain"

THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN

"To hear McCain speak of honor, of duty, is to wake up the echoes of John F. Kennedy urging Americans to ask not what their country can do for them. A President McCain would engage challenges domestic and foreign with the candid conviction that doing what's right may cost us. ... Mitt Romney has the skill set of a superb Treasury secretary. But, thus far, he hasn't convinced us he would be McCain's equal in confronting that dangerous world of 2008. ... [H]is constancy is that of a man grounded in crisp and clear principles that he doesn't exchange for the popular opinion du jour. ... We endorse him confident that as chief executive and commander in chief, he would meet the honorable standards he has set for himself and our country." -- The Chicago Tribune
Excerpts From "For The Republicans: McCain"
EditorialChicago TribuneJanuary 27, 2008
... Many Americans yearn for the holiday-from-history that was the 1990s. The Cold War had ended; the cataclysmic updraft of concrete dust and human DNA hadn't risen from Lower Manhattan.
But there will be no going back. The planet's lone superpower won't again have the privilege of ignoring -- of appeasing with strong words but soft pursuit -- the sworn enemies of this nation and its friends.
One Republican candidate for president dedicated himself to American honor, American duty, long before Sept. 11, 2001. The world of 2008 is the dangerous world John McCain unknowingly spent a military and political career preparing to confront.
To hear McCain speak of honor, of duty, is to wake up the echoes of John F. Kennedy urging Americans to ask not what their country can do for them. A President McCain would engage challenges domestic and foreign with the candid conviction that doing what's right may cost us. Maybe plenty.
His unswerving commitment to victory in Iraq is the likely template. He has never brooked defeatism because the consequences of defeat are so severe. McCain instead urged a troop surge to calm Iraq and, now that it's working, he deflects the credit to the general who executed it. ...
This much we know: If McCain says pork is a battle he'll fight, he'll fight it. And he'll do so in a way that helps Americans understand why Washington's culture of earmarks -- My constituents first! -- softens us as a nation and dooms our children to debt.
McCain, like his fading opponent Rudy Giuliani, projects rigor. Mike Huckabee, stricken with the ambition of so many former governors with nowhere to go, is out of his depth. Mitt Romney has the skill set of a superb Treasury secretary. But, thus far, he hasn't convinced us he would be McCain's equal in confronting that dangerous world of 2008.
Four years ago, in mulling candidates for president, we wrote that U.S. voters often make choices based on their pet causes and economic interests. But, we said, citizens of a nation at war against genuine global threats don't have that luxury. To reinforce the point we quoted a leader who wasn't on the ballot, John McCain: "So it is, whether we wished it or not, that we have come to the test of our generation, to our rendezvous with destiny. ... All of us, despite the differences that enliven our politics, are united in the one big idea that freedom is our birthright and its defense is always our first responsibility. All other responsibilities come second."
Yes, all other responsibilities come second. McCain was correct -- and we were struck to hear him articulate the very same message to Americans in his victory speech after South Carolina's primary on Jan. 19.
McCain isn't a repetitive robot. But his constancy is that of a man grounded in crisp and clear principles that he doesn't exchange for the popular opinion du jour.
That constancy, those principles, convince us that John McCain is the best Republican candidate for president in the Feb. 5 Illinois primary. We endorse him confident that as chief executive and commander in chief, he would meet the honorable standards he has set for himself and our country.
Read Entire Chicago Tribune Editorial: "For The Republicans: McCain"

McCain: STATEMENT BY SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM ON MITT ROMNEY AND IRAQ

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham today issued the following statement on Governor Mitt Romney's remarks on secret timetables for withdrawal from Iraq:
"Governor Romney's statement regarding secret timetables for withdrawal from Iraq could not have come at a worse possible time. April of 2007 was the height of the Democrat effort to mandate withdrawal and it was when the surge was least popular with the American public. Timetables were synonymous with Democrat efforts to withdraw, and if imposed would have led to our defeat.
"As we all now remember, it was in April that Democrat Majority Leader Harry Reid declared the war lost. It is clear that Governor Romney's statement was incredibly counterproductive.
"History will record that it was John McCain's political courage and personal judgment that made the surge possible.
"This is yet another effort by Governor Romney to rewrite history regarding his positions on critical issues, and John McCain has nothing to apologize for."

McCain: STATEMENT BY FORMER CIA DIRECTOR JAMES WOOLSEY ON MITT ROMNEY'S POSITION ON IRAQ

Former CIA Director James Woolsey today issued the following statement on Governor Mitt Romney's remarks on secret time tables for withdrawal from Iraq:

"From the beginning of the war in Iraq, John McCain has been our nation's most outspoken advocate for victory. John McCain has consistently supported our troops and their mission. When public opinion turned against the war, Governor Romney followed suit calling for secret' time tables for withdrawal. As president and commander in chief John McCain will never equivocate. While John McCain had the judgment and courage to call for a change in strategy -- a strategy that is succeeding -- Governor Romney remained silent. Our president must have the judgment and experience to lead from day one and John McCain is the only candidate qualified for the job."

STAPLES FOUNDER THOMAS STEMBERG ON THE NEED FOR A LEADER WITH EXPERIENCE WORKING IN THE ECONOMY

Today, Staples Founder Thomas Stemberg released the following statement regarding Governor Romney's record of growing businesses and creating jobs:
"At this critical time for our economy, the United States needs a leader in Washington who actually has a record in the private sector of creating jobs. That leader is Mitt Romney. He knows what it takes to create jobs because he has done it time and time again. As a businessman, Governor Romney took a chance and invested in the first Staples store. Today, tens of thousands of Staples employees across this country have jobs because of that decision. That's a clear record of action that Mitt Romney repeated time after time. Washington needs leaders who can do more than just talk about creating jobs."

STATEMENT BY JOHN MCCAIN ON MITT ROMNEY AND IRAQ

U.S. Senator John McCain today issued the following statement on Governor Mitt Romney's Iraq position:
"Last April, Governor Romney said he supported 'timetables' for withdrawing our troops from Iraq and keeping them secret. When he suggested secret 'timetables,' General Petraeus' new strategy in Iraq was just starting. Opponents of General Petraeus' strategy all argued that we should not increase troop levels, but establish 'timetables' for withdrawing our forces from Iraq. It was clear at the time that some were hedging their bets on Iraq, positioning themselves politically by being deliberately vague on their support for General Petraeus' new strategy.
"Governor Romney also said that there wouldn't be any real difference on Iraq policy between the Republican nominee and Senator Clinton during the general election. Well, Senator Clinton advocates withdrawal from Iraq within 60 days. Should that be the policy of the Republican nominee in November? Would it be Governor Romney's?
"I understand if Governor Romney has changed his mind given the obvious success of the surge. But the fact is, like on so many other issues, Governor Romney has hedged, equivocated, ducked, and reversed himself.
"The only people who are owed an apology are the men and women fighting for our country in Iraq, who have a right to expect their leaders to stand by them and their mission not just when it is easy, but when it matters most -- when it is hard."

Romney: "SHE AND JOHN MCCAIN ARE VERY CLOSE"

President Clinton On The Relationship Between Two Washington Insiders

"[Hillary] and John McCain are very close. They always laugh that if they wound up being the nominees of their party, it would be the most civilized election in American history, and they're afraid they'd put the voters to sleep because they like and respect each other." – Former President Bill Clinton (Alexander Mooney, "Bill Clinton: John McCain And Hillary Are 'Very Close'," CNN's Political Ticker, Posted 1/25/08)

To watch Pres. Clinton discuss Sens. McCain and Clinton, click here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBYyn8tOIKY

Former President Bill Clinton Says That Hillary Clinton And John McCain "Are Very Close":
Former President Clinton: Sens. Clinton And McCain "Are Very Close." "'She and John McCain are very close,' [President Bill] Clinton said. 'They always laugh that if they wound up being the nominees of their party, it would be the most civilized election in American history, and they're afraid they'd put the voters to sleep because they like and respect each other.'" (Alexander Mooney, "Bill Clinton: John McCain And Hillary Are 'Very Close'," CNN's Political Ticker, http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com, Posted 1/25/08)

CNN: "If Hillary Clinton And John McCain Become Their Party's Presidential Nominees, The General Election Race Is Likely To Be A Love-Fest." "If Hillary Clinton and John McCain become their party's presidential nominees, the general election race is likely to be a love-fest. At least according to Bill Clinton. Campaigning in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Friday, the former president brushed aside suggestions his wife would prove to be a divisive nominee for the Democratic Party, pointing out how she has successfully worked with Republicans in the Senate — including one of the current GOP presidential candidates." (Alexander Mooney, "Bill Clinton: John McCain And Hillary Are 'Very Close'," CNN's Political Ticker, http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com, Posted 1/25/08)

Not Long Ago, Sen. McCain Even Said Hillary Clinton Would Be "A Good President":
McCain: "I Have No Doubt That Senator Clinton Would Make A Good President." "But then he [McCain] said: 'I happen to be a Republican and would support, obviously, a Republican nominee, but I have no doubt that Senator Clinton would make a good president.'" (Anne E. Kornblut, "2008 May Test Clinton's Bond With McCain," The New York Times, 7/29/06)

But Now, Sen. McCain Is Attempting To Distance Himself From Sen. Clinton:
President Clinton's Comments "May Not Be Welcomed By The McCain Camp." "'She and John McCain are very close,' [President Bill] Clinton said. … The comments may not be welcome by the McCain camp — which yesterday faced fire from several of its rivals for winning the backing of the New York Times — a longtime archenemy of conservatives." (Alexander Mooney, "Bill Clinton: John McCain And Hillary Are 'Very Close'," CNN's Political Ticker, http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com, Posted 1/25/08)

Sen. McCain Has Had To "Distance" Himself From Clinton. "A friendly relationship, or just the appearance of one, brings risks and advantages to both, although political strategists agreed it was wise for Mr. McCain to distance himself from Mrs. Clinton. (One reason is that Republicans said they could imagine a photograph of Mr. McCain with Mrs. Clinton, considered one of the most polarizing Democrats in politics, being used in a negative ad during a Republican primary.) Mr. McCain is also weakest among conservative Republicans, who dislike his willingness to take independent stands and work with Democrats." (Anne E. Kornblut, "2008 May Test Clinton's Bond With McCain," The New York Times, 7/29/06)

Don't Forget – President Clinton Has Also Said He And Sen. Hillary Clinton Agree With Sen. McCain's Immigration Plan:

President Clinton: Hillary And I Agree With Sen. McCain's Immigration Bill. PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON: "Thirdly, I think the humane thing to do here is to give the people that are here and are working and have no law problems, except that they're not here legally, a chance to work their way into legal citizenship. You know, the vast majority of these people are completely law abiding, and they pay taxes, even, but they're not here lawfully. … I talk to people, you know, and I try to figure out what's going on. I think that is the fairer system. It's also consistent with the bill that Senator McCain supported in the Senate. I think it's the right thing to do, and so does Hillary." (Pres. Bill Clinton, Hillary For President Campaign Event, Bow, NH, 1/5/08; www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZVmHEji1dc)

Sen. McCain Still Supports His Immigration Plan That America Rejected. QUESTION: "But fundamentally, I'm wondering, don't you still have the same plan for a path to citizenship that you fundamentally held months ago?" MCCAIN: "Sure." (ABC/WMUR, Republican Presidential Candidate Debate, Manchester, NH, 1/5/08; www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LbTSe6uLqI)

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 ANNOUNCES CALIFORNIA LEADERSHIP TEAM

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced its California Leadership Team. Bill Jones, former California Secretary of State, will serve as Chair of the McCain 2008 California campaign. Jones will lead the growing grassroots organization in support of John McCain's candidacy in California.

"John McCain stands head and shoulders above the Republican field of candidates," said Bill Jones. "He possesses the same qualities of courage, integrity, and inspirational leadership that Californians found in Ronald Reagan. John McCain continues to show why he is the most electable candidate and exactly the kind of candidate California Republicans can rally around. He is the most knowledgeable of all the presidential candidates on California's issues, and I am proud to lead his efforts in the Golden State."

John McCain thanked his California Chair stating, "Bill Jones is a respected and experienced political leader, and my campaign will benefit from his support as we work towards winning the support of the people of California."

CALIFORNIA LEADERSHIP TEAM

State Chair
The Honorable Bill Jones - Former California Secretary of State

Honorary Vice Chairs
Mayor Alan Autry, Fresno
Sheriff Lee Baca, Los Angeles County
The Honorable James Brulte - Former California State Senate Republican Leader
The Honorable James Cunneen, Former State Assemblyman, District 24
Dr. Tirso del Junco, Former California Republican Party Chairman
Supervisor Deidre Kelsey, Merced County
The Honorable Steve Kuykendall, Former U.S. Representative (CA-36)
U.S. Representative Dan Lungren (CA-3)
The Honorable James Nielson, Former State Senator, District 2
The Honorable Doug Ose, Former U.S. Representative (CA-3)
District Attorney Rod Pacheco, Riverside
Sheriff Mark Pazin, Merced County

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 ANNOUNCES ALABAMA LEADERSHIP TEAM

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced its Alabama Leadership Team. United States Congressman Spencer Bachus will serve as the Southeastern United States Congressional Chair of the McCain campaign. Alabama Attorney General Troy King will serve as Chair of the McCain 2008 Alabama campaign. Representative Bachus and Attorney General King will continue to lead the growing grassroots organization on behalf of John McCain's candidacy in Alabama.

"Lots of candidates talk about the issues important to conservatives. But, only one candidate has a record to back up his rhetoric, and that's John McCain," said Congressman Spencer Bachus. "For twenty-four years, John McCain has taken bold positions on the cornerstone conservative issues of life, marriage, and limited government. It is with pride and gratitude that I am supporting my friend, John McCain for president."

"John McCain is the best hope for conservatives to succeed in November," said Attorney General Troy King. "He is a principled conservative with a clear record of supporting a strong national defense, fighting for fiscal responsibility, and defending the sanctity of life. John McCain has served our country his entire life, and I am honored to lead his efforts here in Alabama."

John McCain thanked the leadership of his Alabama campaign. "As a representative in the United States Congress, Spencer has displayed his commitment to the people of Alabama," said Senator McCain. "Troy is an outstanding public servant and passionate advocate for the rule of law. Both of these men are dedicated to the principles of limited government and traditional values that we share. I'm proud to have Republican leaders and dedicated public servants like Spencer Bachus and Troy King leading my campaign to victory in Alabama."

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 ALABAMA LEADERSHIP TEAM

Southeastern United States Congressional Chair
Congressman Spencer Bachus, Birmingham

State Chair
Attorney General Troy King, Montgomery

Honorary Chair
Former Alabama GOP Chairman Winton Blount, Montgomery

Legislators for McCain Co-Chairs
State Senator Ben Brooks, Mobile
State Representative Cam Ward, Alabaster

Legislator for McCain
State Representative Warren Beck, Geneva
State Representative Randy Davis, Daphne
State Representative Owen Drake, Leeds
State Representative Joe Faust, Fairhope
State Senator Steve French, Birmingham
State Representative Todd Greeson, Ider
State Representative Mike Hill, Columbiana
State Representative Jim McClendon, Springville
State Representative Allen Treadaway, Morris
State Representative Jack Williams, Birmingham

Veteran Chair
Don Fisher, Montgomery

Veteran Co-Chairs
Roland Day, Birmingham
Gen. Charles Ingram, Troy
Capt. Hal Pierce, Daphne

Mayoral Chair
Mayor Pat Thomas, Dothan

Mayoral Co-Chairs
Mayor Sheldon Day, Thomasville
Mayor Tim Kant, Fairhope

Lawyers for McCain Co-Chairs
Judge Terry Butts, Luverne
Matt Lembke, Birmingham

FORMER CONGRESSMAN STEVE KUYKENDALL ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that former California Congressman Steve Kuykendall has endorsed John McCain for president. Congressman Kuykendall issued the following statement on his endorsement:

"John McCain has my unqualified endorsement for President. As a former U.S. Congressman from California, I have worked with Senator McCain. A strong national economy is critical to the success of every American, and vital to our success in foreign relations. Having spent 20 years in the banking and mortgage banking business before my public service, I understand what it takes to have a strong growing economy. After reviewing each Presidential candidate's economic records and platforms, Senator McCain's previous voting record and plans for the future will provide hard working Americans the best opportunities for economic prosperity and security.

"Senator McCain will repeal the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), which is currently burdening 25 million middle income American families. By eliminating this tax, families will save roughly $2,700 per year...that's every year.



"Senator McCain has also consistently voted against every tax increase during his 25 years of service in Congress. He is the only Presidential candidate who has publicly fought wasteful government spending and legislative earmarks even among his own political party and has pledged to veto any bill that crosses his desk that includes earmark spending. Senator McCain knows that tax "cuts" in the absence of cutting government spending are just tax deferrals, so his economic plan to cut taxes AND reduce government spending is truly best for our economy.

"Senator McCain is a 21st century economist. He advocates a permanent ban on Internet and cell phone taxes; and believes the corporate income tax, particularly for entrepreneurs, should be kept low so American businesses can thrive, provide jobs for Americans, and compete in the global market.

"Having served two tours of duty in Vietnam as a Marine Corps officer, and now with a daughter, serving as a pilot in the Navy, there is no one else I trust to be our Commander-in-Chief. John McCain's straight talk, whether on the economy or military strategy, and willingness to tackle tough issues head on are the qualities of a great leader. And as much as I believe that only Senator McCain is qualified to lead this country against the global war with radical Islamists, I also believe that he is the best candidate to ensure we have the strong, vibrant economy capable of competing across the globe. I urge you to vote for John McCain on February 5th."

Steven T. Kuykendall is a former Republican member of the House of Representatives from California's 36th congressional district. Prior to becoming a congressman, Mr. Kuykendall served in the California State Assembly. He also served on the city council of Rancho Palos Verdes from 1991 to 1994, and held the position of mayor in 1994.

Mr. Kuykendall earned his MBA from San Diego State University. He also served in the United States Marine Corps for two tours in Vietnam.

BURLINGTON COUNTY GOP LEADERS ENDORSE JOHN MCCAIN

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Burlington County GOP Chair Bill Layton, and former Burlington County GOP Chairs Glenn Paulsen, and Garfield DeMarco have endorsed John McCain for president. Layton, Paulson and DeMarco will join the statewide steering committee for the McCain 2008 campaign in New Jersey.

"At a time when our nation needs a leader prepared to face the challenges in an uncertain world, John McCain stands alone ready to lead on day one," said Bill Layton, Burlington GOP County Chair. "New Jersey Republicans are looking for the candidate who can handle our economic and foreign policy challenges and bring about a Republican victory in November. That candidate is John McCain."

John McCain thanked Mr. Layton, Mr. Paulson and Mr. DeMarco, saying, "I appreciate the support of these respected GOP leaders and value the work they have done to build our party in the Garden State. I look forward to their leadership as we build momentum towards Super Tuesday."

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ON BLANCA GONZALEZ

Today, Governor Mitt Romney issued the following statement on Blanca González, the mother of a Cuban political prisoner, sitting in the First Lady's Box at tonight's State of the Union address:

"The President's invitation of Blanca González to tonight's State of the Union Address is a great reminder to the world of the courage of Cuba's growing democratic movement as well as the unfinished business to which they and we are committed. Blanca González, the mother of Cuban political prisoner Normando Hernández González, puts a human face on the continuing tragedy. We must keep the faith with these remarkable Cuban patriots by maintaining the pressure on the Castro brothers until the vestiges of their regime are wiped off that beautiful island and by helping the Cuban people reclaim their country and rebuild their future."

FLORIDA POLICE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that the Florida Police Benevolent Association has endorsed John McCain for president.

"Senator McCain has a lifetime commitment to law enforcement and public safety that began years ago as a U.S. Naval Officer," said Florida PBA's President John Rivera.

"McCain proved his dedication to protect and serve the people of America after spending five and a half years in a Viet Nam prisoner-of-war camp. We need a tested leader at this critical time in American history and Senator McCain is that leader," Rivera continued.

John McCain thanked the Florida Police Benevolent Association, saying, "I am truly honored to have the support of the Florida PBA. Their hard work and dedication keeps families and communities throughout Florida safe and secure. I am grateful for their service and for their support."

The Florida PBA represents 36,000 law enforcement and corrections officers and their families throughout Florida. Established in 1972 by a small group of law enforcement officers, the Florida PBA provides law enforcement and corrections officers with a strong and effective political voice before legislative and local government bodies.