John McCain 2008 Announces Maine Leadership Team

By newsdesk - Posted on February 1st, 2008

January 31, 2008 -- ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced its Maine leadership team. U.S. Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins will serve as co-chairs, former Governor John McKernan as Honorary Chair, and State Representative Josh Tardy as Vice-Chair of John McCain's growing grassroots organization in the Pine Tree state. In addition to the statewide leadership team, 22 state legislators have endorsed John McCain.

"John McCain has the integrity and experience to lead our nation. I have known John for many years from our service together in the House and Senate, and I have always found him to be genuine, straightforward and honest," stated Senator Snowe. "Unlike any other candidate, he has a proven track record of addressing the challenges we face."

"John McCain is the right man to lead the Republican Party and to unite our nation," said Senator Collins. "He is a leader with a consistent record of standing up for what is right--not just what's easy. I am proud to say that John McCain has my full support, and I look forward to working with him throughout this campaign."

"Senator McCain is the one true fiscal and social conservative in this race and he is the best hope for Republicans to win in November," said Representative Tardy. "His leadership, record and vision make him best prepared to serve as president from day one."

John McCain thanked his Maine leadership team, stating, "I have had the privilege of working with Senator Snowe and Senator Collins for many years and I am honored to have their support. Olympia, Susan, and Josh are respected Maine leaders and I proud to have them leading my campaign in the state."

Senator Olympia Snowe is the senior senator from Maine and only the second woman to represent the state in the U.S. Senate. Prior to her election to the U.S. Senate in 1994, Snowe served the people of Maine for 16 years as their representative in the 2nd Congressional District. She is the fourth woman in U.S. history to be elected to both houses of the U.S. Congress, and the first woman to serve in both houses of a state legislature and Congress.

Senator Susan Collins was elected to represent Maine in the U.S. Senate in 1996. Collins is the ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee and serves on the Armed Services Committee with Senator McCain. She became the first woman in Maine history to receive a major party endorsement for governor after winning the Republican primary in 1994 during her first campaign for public office.

Representative Josh Tardy is the Republican Leader in the Maine House of Representatives and is serving his third term representing the 25th District. During the 121st legislative session, Tardy served on the Joint Standing Committee on Taxation as well as the Apportionment Commission.

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 MAINE LEADERSHIP TEAM

Honorary Chair

Former Governor John R. McKernan

Co-Chairs
United Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine)
United States Senator Susan M. Collins (R-Maine)

Vice Chair
State Representative Josh Tardy (R-Newport)

Legislative Team
Representative James Annis (R-Dover-Foxcroft)
Representative Rich Cebra (R-Naples)
Representative Kathy Chase (R-Wells)
Representative Dean Cray (R-Palmyra)
Representative Phil Curtis (R-Madison)
Representative Harold Ian Emery (R-Cutler)
Representative Stacey Fitts (R-Pittsfield)
Representative Ken Fletcher (R-Winslow)
Representative Jeff Gifford (R-Lincoln)
Representative John McDonough (R-Scarborough)
Representative Everett McLeod (R-Lee)
Representative H. Sawin Millett (R-Waterford)
Representative Gary Moore (R-Standish)
Representative Kerri Prescott (R-Topsham)
Representative John Robinson (R-Raymond)
Representative David Richardson (R-Carmel)
Representative Wes Richardson (R-Warren)
Representative David Savage (R-Falmouth)
Representative Thomas Saviello (U-Wilton)
Representative Joseph Tibbetts (R-Columbia)
Representative Windol Weaver (R-York)