John McCain Press Releases June 6-9, 2008

John McCain Press Releases June 6-9, 2008 As stated on official John McCain website. Barack Obama's Higher Taxes Agenda ARLINGTON, VA -- Today, with the start of Barack Obama's "Change That Works For You" tour, McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds issued the following statement: "While hardworking families are hurting and employers are vulnerable, Barack Obama has promised higher income taxes, Social Security taxes, capital gains taxes, dividend taxes, and tax hikes on job creating businesses. In fact, during just three years in the U.S. Senate, Barack Obama has already voted 94 times for higher taxes. Barack Obama doesn't understand the American economy and that's change we just can't afford." BARACK OBAMA'S PLATFORM OF HIGHER TAXES WILL FURTHER WEAKEN OUR ECONOMY Barack Obama Has Proposed A Slew Of Tax Increases: Barack Obama Has Called For Higher Income Taxes, Social Security Taxes, Capital Gains And Dividend Taxes, And Corporate Taxes, As Well As "Massive New Domestic Spending." "Obama's transformation, if you go by his campaign so far, would mean higher income taxes, higher Social Security taxes, higher investment taxes, higher corporate taxes, massive new domestic spending, and a healthcare plan that perhaps could be the next step to a full-scale, single-payer system. Is that what most Americans want, someone who will fulfill a Democratic policy wish list?" (James Pethokoukis, "Barack Hussein Reagan? Ronald Wilson Obama?" U.S. News & World Report's "Capital Commerce" Blog, www.usnews.com, 2/12/08) • Barack Obama Also Called For A Tax On Coal And Natural Gas. Obama: "What we ought to tax is dirty energy, like coal and, to a lesser extent, natural gas." ("Q&A With Sen. Barack Obama," San Antonio Express-News, 2/19/08) • Barack Obama Called For A Windfall Profits Tax On Oil Companies. Obama: "I think it is appropriate for us to impose a windfall profits tax on our oil companies." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At A Campaign Event, Charlotte, NC, 5/2/08) "[Obama] Wants To Raise Taxes Even Above The Levels Of The Clinton Era, Including A Huge Increase In The Payroll Tax." (Editorial, "The Obama We Don't Know," The Wall Street Journal, 6/4/08) If Barack Obama Is Elected To The Presidency And Democrats Get A 60-Vote Majority In The Senate, Taxes Will Go Up. "What will happen to the U.S. economy if Barack Obama wins the presidency and he's backed by a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate? Taxes will go up." (Rich Karlgaard, Op-Ed, "Where Will Taxpayers Hide?" Forbes, 6/16/08) Barack Obama's Plan To Raise Taxes During An Economic Downturn Would Only Further Weaken Our Economy: CNBC's Maria Bartiromo Asked Obama: "Why Raise Taxes At All In An Economic Slowdown? Isn't That Going To Put A Further Strain On People?" (CNBC's "Closing Bell," 3/27/08) U.S. News & World Report's Michael Barone Said Obama's Fiscal Policy Is Akin To Herbert Hoover's -- Raising Taxes And Backing Protectionist Trade Policies During An Economic Slowdown. "On fiscal policy, both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton want higher taxes, at least on high earners. They want to let at least some of the Bush tax cuts expire in 2010, as scheduled. On trade, they oppose new free-trade agreements and want to renegotiate NAFTA with Canada and Mexico. As it happens, another president embraced such policies in a time of economic slowdown and financial market turbulence: Herbert Hoover raised taxes on high earners sharply and, ignoring a letter signed by 1,000 economists, signed the Smoot-Hawley tariff in 1930. The results were not pretty. Until now, his example has not commended itself to Democrats. One wonders whether voters will agree that tax increases will stimulate the economy." (M ichael Barone, Op-Ed, "Uncle Sam Pays? Sure, Whatever," U.S. News & World Report, 4/21/08) In The United States Senate, Barack Obama Has Repeatedly Voted For Higher Taxes Barack Obama Voted At Least 94 Times For Higher Taxes In The U.S. Senate. (RNC Research) • To Date, Barack Obama Has Voted For A Tax Increase Approximately Once Every Five Days Congress Has Been In Session. (RNC Research; The Library Of Congress Website, thomas.loc.gov, Accessed 6/8/08) Barack Obama Voted In Favor Of The Democrats' FY 2009 Budget, Which Would Raise Tax Rates For Americans Earning As Little As $31,850: Obama Voted Twice In Favor Of The Democrats' FY 2009 Budget Resolution. (S. Con. Res. 70, CQ Vote #85, Adopted 51-44: R 2-43; D 47-1; I 2-0, 3/14/08, Obama Voted Yea; S. Con. Res. 70, CQ Vote #142: Adopted 48- 45: R 2- 44; D 44- 1; I 2-0, 6/4/08, Obama Voted Yea) The Democrats' Budget Would Raise Taxes On Individuals Earning As Little As $31,850. "Under both Democratic plans, tax rates would increase by 3 percentage points for each of the 25 percent, 28 percent and 33 percent brackets. At present, the 25 percent bracket begins at $31,850 for individuals and $63,700 for married couples. The 35 percent bracket on incomes over $349,700 would jump to 39.6 percent." (Andrew Taylor, "Presidential Hopefuls To Vote On Budget," The Associated Press, 3/13/08) In The Illinois State Senate, Barack Obama Had A Record Of Voting For Higher Taxes In The State Senate, Barack Obama Supported "Hundreds Of Tax Increases." ABC's Terry Moran: "[O]bama was considered a reliable liberal Democratic vote in Illinois. For instance, voting for most gun control measures, opposing efforts to ban so-called partial birth abortions and supporting hundreds of tax increases." (ABC's "Nightline," 2/25/08) In 2004, Barack Obama Voted For A $304 Million Tax Increase On Businesses In Creating The Tax Shelter Voluntary Compliance Act. (H.B. 848, Illinois Senate Floor Third Reading, Passed 30-28-1, 5/20/04, Obama Voted Yea; Dave McKinney, "Blagojevich Threatens Up To 5,000 State Layoffs," Chicago Sun-Times, 5/21/04) • The Legislation "Triggered A Huge Outcry From Business Groups," Which Contended It Would "Drive Companies Out Of State" And Cost Jobs. "The governor's bid to raise taxes and fees by close to $400 million and reel in another $300 million-plus in corporate tax breaks has triggered a huge outcry from business groups, which contend the moves will drive companies out of state and cause Illinois to lose jobs." (Dave McKinney and Leslie Griffy, "Blagojevich Threatens Up To 5,000 State Layoffs," Chicago SunTimes, 5/21/04) In 2003, Barack Obama Voted For A Bill "That Raised A Huge Number Of Fees And Taxes" On Businesses And Licenses. "Obama voted for a bill during the 2003 Illinois General Assembly legislative session that raised a huge number of fees and taxes for businesses and licenses to cover day-to-day expenses of state government." (Terrence L. Barnich, Op-Ed, "4 Partisan Questions For Obama," Chicago Tribune, 7/29/04) • The Legislation Negatively Impacted Illinois' Trucking Industry, Costing The State 25,000 Licensed Trucks In 2005. "Almost 17,000 fewer commercial trucks and 2,700 fewer trucking companies have been registered in Illinois for 2005, fueling the trucking industry's claim that Gov. Rod Blagojevich is driving businesses out of the state with his new fees and business taxes." (Brian Wallheimer, "Governor's New Fees Are Driving Trucking Firms Out Of Illinois, Industry Says," St. Louis Post- Dispatch, 5/5/04) In 2003, Barack Obama Voted To Tax Natural Gas Purchased Outside Of Illinois. (S.B. 1733, Bill Status, www.ilga.gov, Accessed 2/11/08; S.B. 1733: Concurrence In House Amendment #4, Passed 31-27-00, 5/31/03, Obama Voted Yea) • The Natural Gas Tax Made Natural Gas More Expensive For Industrial Buyers Such As Manufacturers. "The natural gas tax. A new policy under Blagojevich's budget will make natural gas more expensive to industrial buyers. Currently, Illinois offers an exemption on the sales tax paid for natural gas, but the new budget ends that exemption, a move that could become a major expense for steel mills and other factories that use large quantities of natural gas." (Kevin McDermott, "Area Dodged Legislative Hit On Schools, Roads," St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 6/8/03) • Barack Obama Voted For The Natural Gas Tax, Which Threatened Jobs, At The Same Time That Illinois Was Leading The Nation In Jobs Lost. "Just as harmful to the state's economy are the large taxes on natural gas brought from outof-state suppliers and the rolling stock sales tax. Both of these taxes will negatively affect important businesses as well as the employees who are dependent on these Illinois companies. I have received phone calls and letters from all sectors of the business community who reported that the projected loss of revenues due to these increased taxes and fees may well cause them to close their facilities in Illinois and move to a more business-friendly surrounding state while still serving Illinois customers. Illinois leads the nation in jobs lost. We cannot afford to drive more businesses from our state." (State Rep. Carolyn Krause, Op-Ed, "Increase Tax Incentives, Not Taxes For Businesses," Chicago Tribune, 6/13/03) In 1999, Barack Obama Voted In Favor Of S.B. 1028 To Create The Illinois First Infrastructure Program, Which Raised 146 Taxes And Fees. (S.B. 1028: Senate Floor Third Reading, Passed, 58-0-0, 3/23/99, Obama Voted Yea; S.B. 1028: Senate Conference Committee Report, Passed, 42-17-0, 5/21/99, Obama Voted Yea; Editorial, "Jack Ryan Woefully Unprepared For Attack On Obama," The State Journal-Register, 4/18/04) For Immediate Release Contact: Press Office June 8, 2008 703-650-5550 John McCain Speaks at the NFIB & eBay 2008 National Small Business Summit ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that John McCain will deliver the keynote address at the NFIB & eBay 2008 National Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, June 10th. Tuesday, June 10 2008 WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA WHO: John McCain WHAT: Keynote Address at the NFIB & eBay 2008 National Small Business Summit WHEN: Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. EDT *Please Note This event is not open to the general public. WHERE: Grand Hyatt Hotel Ballroom 1000 H Street NW Washington, District of Columbia 20001 For Immediate Release Contact: Press Office June 6, 2008 703-650-5550 ICYMI: John McCain's Florida Media Availability John McCain Media Availability Miami, FL June 6, 2008 John McCain On Barack Obama's Changing Position On The Status Of Jerusalem QUESTION: "What's your position on whether Jerusalem should be the undivided capital of Israel and what's your reaction to Senator Obama's remarks on that subject this week?" JOHN MCCAIN: "I can't react to every comment that Senator Obama makes, because it probably will change as it did on sitting down and talking unconditionally with Ahmadinejad and other dictators. But the point is, Jerusalem is undivided. Jerusalem is the capital. And we should move our embassy to Jerusalem before anything else happens. The subject of Jerusalem itself will be addressed in negotiations by the Israeli government and people." Watch John McCain Address Senator Obama's Changing Position On Jerusalem John McCain On Everglades Restoration And The Water Bill JOHN MCCAIN: "I'm glad that Senator Feingold and I worked together on that, and I'm glad that Senator McCaskill, who is one of the national co-chairs of the Obama campaign agreed and voted with me. And I'm disappointed again that Senator Obama became a part of the same old system as he did, not only authorizing pork barrel projects, but seeking additional earmarks, which he has to the tune of tens of millions of dollars in the short time that he's been a member of the United States Senate. So they don't get it. They don't get it that the American people are fed up. They're fed up with the waste of their dollars and the out of control spending that's going to come to a halt when I'm President of the United States. My response is: They don't get it. And we spent trillions, trillions that have exceeded our budget and the American peop le unfortunately, future generations are gonna pay." Watch John McCain On Everglades Restoration Rep. Adam Putnam (R-FL): John McCain Was Right To Vote Against Pork-Barrel Spending MSNBC'S CONTESSA BREWER: "Congressman, here you are from Florida, I know that Senator McCain voted against an Everglades restoration measure, something that, for instance, Governor Charlie Crist from your state strongly supports. Was that a mistake do you think?" REP. PUTNAM: "I want to correct that. He voted against the Water Resources Development Act, which is a hodgepodge of every water project across America, including the Everglades. Senator McCain has been an ally to restore the treasure that is the Florida Everglades. But that's an example of wasteful Washington spending, where the House number came back at one place, the Senate number was higher than that, and the so-called Conference compromise was higher than the two of them. There's really no explanation for that other than dropped earmarks put in at the last second. That's why Senator McCain voted against it, and that's why I voted against it." Watch Rep. Putnam Discuss The Water Bill And Pork-Barrel Spending ### For Immediate Release Contact: Press Office June 6, 2008 703-650-5550 John McCain Launches New Campaign Blog ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's campaign spokesman, Tucker Bounds, today issued the following statement on the launch of a new campaign blog on johnmccain.com: "Today our campaign launched an innovative blog that will provide voters across the country a unique vehicle to keep in touch with the campaign. The blog will offer a fresh perspective and will include quotes, the candidate's schedule and photos not available anywhere else. "As a part of our continual effort to reach voters, allow unprecedented access and bring greater transparency to American politics, our blog 'The McCain Report' will provide a sounding board for all. Please visit our web site at www.johnmccain.com/mccainreport and get in touch with our campaign as we move toward success in November." For Immediate Release Contact: Press Office June 6, 2008 703-650-5550 Statement By John McCain On Today's Jobs Report ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain today issued the following statement on the jobs report: "Today's news about unemployment is a stark reminder of the economic challenges facing American families. As the worst single monthly increase in the unemployment rate in two decades clearly shows, Americans across this country are hurting, and we must act now to support workers, families and employers alike. This means getting our economy back on track by providing immediate tax relief, enacting a HOME plan to help those facing foreclosure, lowering health care costs, investing in innovation, moving toward energy independence and opening foreign markets to our goods. These policies will help small businesses create the jobs that families need today. The American people cannot afford more inaction from Washington. "The wrong change for our country would be an economic agenda based upon the policies of the past that advocate higher taxes, bigger government, government-run health care and greater isolationism. To help families at this critical time, we cannot afford to go backward as Senator Obama advocates." For Immediate Release Contact: Press Office June 6, 2008 703-650-5550 Statement By Governor Charlie Crist On "Citizens For McCain" ARLINGTON, VA -- Governor Charlie Crist today issued the following statement to voters in Florida on joining "Citizens for McCain," a new grassroots effort headed by Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT) to rally Americans of all political parties to support John McCain's candidacy: "Now that we are beginning the general election, I would like to welcome every person, whether they are Democrat, Independent or supporters of Senators Clinton and Obama, to join the McCain campaign. Senator McCain has a long record of reaching across the aisle to work with Democrats to achieve bi-partisan results, and he has enjoyed the support of many Democrats over his years as a senator from Arizona and a candidate for president. We invite you to visit his website at www.johnmccain.com to learn more about John McCain's positions on issues important to you and your family. I know that you will be comfortable supporting Senator McCain, because he will run a respectable campaign against Senator Obama focused on issues important to Floridians and all Americans." Letter from U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman on "Citizens for McCain": To: Fellow McCain Supporters From: Senator Joe Lieberman Date: June 5th, 2008 Today, I asked Senator McCain if I could create and chair a new grassroots organization, "Citizens for McCain." Citizens for McCain is an organization within the McCain campaign for people who put country before political party and support the candidate for President who has a proven record of bipartisanship. As you know, I caucus with the Democrats as a United States Senator and was the Democrat Party's nominee for Vice-President of the United States against President Bush and Vice President Cheney. But first and foremost, I am an American. I have an obligation to do what I think is best for our nation regardless of political party. My love for this country and strong belief in John McCain's character, judgment, and willingness to work with leaders of both parties has convinced me to support him for President. I have worked with John McCain for many years in the U.S. Senate and know from experience that he can unite Democrats, Republicans and Independents like no one else in this country. He did it in the United States Senate and he can do it as President of the United States. But we need help from McCain supporters such as you to reach out to Americans who are not currently involved in the campaign. Will you help us by recruiting your friends, family, and co-workers who may not consider themselves members of the Republican Party and ask them to join the Citizens for McCain organization? I am confident we will find many Democrats and Independents who, like John McCain and me, put country before political party and will support a leader with a real record of bipartisanship. Time and time again John McCain has put his country first. He refused early release when he was held captive in Vietnam. He continued to put his country first as a national leader in the U.S. Senate. He put country before party when he fought to pass campaign finance reform, sought a bi-partisan solution to the immigration problem, and consistently supported pro-environment policies. His courage to stand up to the failed Iraq war plan of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and lead the fight for a new strategy in Iraq will go down in history, and it saved American lives. These were not always the easy things to do. In fact, they were usually very difficult, and often threatened his political career. But John McCain did what was right. He said it best in his speech in New Orleans on Tuesday night: "(The American people) know I have a long record of bipartisan problem solving. They've seen me put our country before any President -- before any party -- before any special interest -- before my own interest. They might think me an imperfect servant of our country, which I surely am. But I am her servant first, last and always." The phones at the campaign headquarters have been ringing with disaffected Democrats calling to say they believe Senator McCain has the experience, judgment, and bipartisanship necessary to lead our country in these difficult times. Many of these supporters are former supporters of Senator Clinton. Senator McCain has had a very good working relationship with Senator Clinton and will continue to do so in the future. In the same New Orleans speech he said: "Senator Clinton has earned great respect for her tenacity and courage. The media often overlooked how compassionately she spoke to the concerns and dreams of millions of Americans, and she deserves a lot more appreciation than she sometimes received. As the father of three daughters, I owe her a debt for inspiring millions of women to believe there is no opportunity in this great country beyond their reach. I am proud to call her my friend." I am proud to call John McCain my friend and ask you to help our friend become the next President of the United States. Please forward this email to your lists today and ask your friends, family, and coworkers who do not consider themselves Republicans to join me in filling out the Citizens for McCain form today. Thank you for your willingness to help me expand this new organization. Together, we will make history. For Immediate Release Contact: Press Office June 6, 2008 703-650-5550 Statement By Governor Tom Ridge On "Citizens For McCain" ARLINGTON, VA -- Governor Tom Ridge today issued the following statement to Pennsylvania voters on joining "Citizens for McCain," a new grassroots effort headed by Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT) to rally Americans of all political parties to support John McCain's candidacy: "Now that we are beginning the general election, I would like to welcome citizens of our great Commonwealth, whether they are Democrat, Independent, or supporters of Senators Clinton and Obama, to join the McCain campaign. "I've known Senator McCain for more than 25 years, since our first days in Congress together. He has a long record of reaching across the aisle to work with Democrats to achieve bi-partisan results. John doesn't think in terms of red or blue; he thinks in terms of red, white and blue -- leadership for the greater good. "I invite you to visit Senator McCain's website at www.johnmccain.com to learn more about this much-respected and experienced leader. I'm confident that you will be proud to support to John McCain, as he continues to run a campaign that is both positive and focused on the issues so vitally important to the good people of Pennsylvania and all Americans." Letter from U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman on "Citizens for McCain": To: Fellow McCain Supporters From: Senator Joe Lieberman Date: June 5th, 2008 Today, I asked Senator McCain if I could create and chair a new grassroots organization, "Citizens for McCain." Citizens for McCain is an organization within the McCain campaign for people who put country before political party and support the candidate for President who has a proven record of bipartisanship. As you know, I caucus with the Democrats as a United States Senator and was the Democrat Party's nominee for Vice-President of the United States against President Bush and Vice President Cheney. But first and foremost, I am an American. I have an obligation to do what I think is best for our nation regardless of political party. My love for this country and strong belief in John McCain's character, judgment, and willingness to work with leaders of both parties has convinced me to support him for President. I have worked with John McCain for many years in the U.S. Senate and know from experience that he can unite Democrats, Republicans and Independents like no one else in this country. He did it in the United States Senate and he can do it as President of the United States. But we need help from McCain supporters such as you to reach out to Americans who are not currently involved in the campaign. Will you help us by recruiting your friends, family, and co-workers who may not consider themselves members of the Republican Party and ask them to join the Citizens for McCain organization? I am confident we will find many Democrats and Independents who, like John McCain and me, put country before political party and will support a leader with a real record of bipartisanship. Time and time again John McCain has put his country first. He refused early release when he was held captive in Vietnam. He continued to put his country first as a national leader in the U.S. Senate. He put country before party when he fought to pass campaign finance reform, sought a bi-partisan solution to the immigration problem, and consistently supported pro-environment policies. His courage to stand up to the failed Iraq war plan of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and lead the fight for a new strategy in Iraq will go down in history, and it saved American lives. These were not always the easy things to do. In fact, they were usually very difficult, and often threatened his political career. But John McCain did what was right. He said it best in his speech in New Orleans on Tuesday night: "(The American people) know I have a long record of bipartisan problem solving. They've seen me put our country before any President -- before any party -- before any special interest -- before my own interest. They might think me an imperfect servant of our country, which I surely am. But I am her servant first, last and always." The phones at the campaign headquarters have been ringing with disaffected Democrats calling to say they believe Senator McCain has the experience, judgment, and bipartisanship necessary to lead our country in these difficult times. Many of these supporters are former supporters of Senator Clinton. Senator McCain has had a very good working relationship with Senator Clinton and will continue to do so in the future. In the same New Orleans speech he said: "Senator Clinton has earned great respect for her tenacity and courage. The media often overlooked how compassionately she spoke to the concerns and dreams of millions of Americans, and she deserves a lot more appreciation than she sometimes received. As the father of three daughters, I owe her a debt for inspiring millions of women to believe there is no opportunity in this great country beyond their reach. I am proud to call her my friend." I am proud to call John McCain my friend and ask you to help our friend become the next President of the United States. Please forward this email to your lists today and ask your friends, family, and coworkers who do not consider themselves Republicans to join me in filling out the Citizens for McCain form today. Thank you for your willingness to help me expand this new organization. Together, we will make history. For Immediate Release Contact: Press Office June 6, 2008 703-650-5550 Statement By Governor Mitt Romney On "Citizens For McCain" ARLINGTON, VA -- Governor Mitt Romney today issued the following statement to voters in Michigan on joining "Citizens for McCain," a new grassroots effort headed by Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT) to rally Americans of all political parties to support John McCain's candidacy: "I was humbled by the support I received from Michiganders on both sides of the aisle during my run for the Republican nomination. Through my father's leadership as governor of the great state of Michigan and during my time spent in business, government and running the Olympics, I learned the important lesson of working with different stakeholders to accomplish great things. I know Michigan voters want a president who is willing to reach across the political aisle to accomplish the goals of protecting our country, growing our economy and reforming our government. "John McCain has proven that, as president, he will put our nation's interests first. Michigan voters who have grown tired of lofty rhetoric and want a real record of reform should visit John McCain's website, www.johnmccain.com, to learn more about his extraordinary record of leadership. I know what it will take to successfully lead our country, and I am asking you to learn a little more about John McCain, a new kind of candidate at a time when we need real leadership." Letter from U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman on "Citizens for McCain": To: Fellow McCain Supporters From: Senator Joe Lieberman Date: June 5th, 2008 Today, I asked Senator McCain if I could create and chair a new grassroots organization, "Citizens for McCain." Citizens for McCain is an organization within the McCain campaign for people who put country before political party and support the candidate for President who has a proven record of bipartisanship. As you know, I caucus with the Democrats as a United States Senator and was the Democrat Party's nominee for Vice-President of the United States against President Bush and Vice President Cheney. But first and foremost, I am an American. I have an obligation to do what I think is best for our nation regardless of political party. My love for this country and strong belief in John McCain's character, judgment, and willingness to work with leaders of both parties has convinced me to support him for President. I have worked with John McCain for many years in the U.S. Senate and know from experience that he can unite Democrats, Republicans and Independents like no one else in this country. He did it in the United States Senate and he can do it as President of the United States. But we need help from McCain supporters such as you to reach out to Americans who are not currently involved in the campaign. Will you help us by recruiting your friends, family, and co-workers who may not consider themselves members of the Republican Party and ask them to join the Citizens for McCain organization? I am confident we will find many Democrats and Independents who, like John McCain and me, put country before political party and will support a leader with a real record of bipartisanship. Time and time again John McCain has put his country first. He refused early release when he was held captive in Vietnam. He continued to put his country first as a national leader in the U.S. Senate. He put country before party when he fought to pass campaign finance reform, sought a bi-partisan solution to the immigration problem, and consistently supported pro-environment policies. His courage to stand up to the failed Iraq war plan of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and lead the fight for a new strategy in Iraq will go down in history, and it saved American lives. These were not always the easy things to do. In fact, they were usually very difficult, and often threatened his political career. But John McCain did what was right. He said it best in his speech in New Orleans on Tuesday night: "(The American people) know I have a long record of bipartisan problem solving. They've seen me put our country before any President -- before any party -- before any special interest -- before my own interest. They might think me an imperfect servant of our country, which I surely am. But I am her servant first, last and always." The phones at the campaign headquarters have been ringing with disaffected Democrats calling to say they believe Senator McCain has the experience, judgment, and bipartisanship necessary to lead our country in these difficult times. Many of these supporters are former supporters of Senator Clinton. Senator McCain has had a very good working relationship with Senator Clinton and will continue to do so in the future. In the same New Orleans speech he said: "Senator Clinton has earned great respect for her tenacity and courage. The media often overlooked how compassionately she spoke to the concerns and dreams of millions of Americans, and she deserves a lot more appreciation than she sometimes received. As the father of three daughters, I owe her a debt for inspiring millions of women to believe there is no opportunity in this great country beyond their reach. I am proud to call her my friend." I am proud to call John McCain my friend and ask you to help our friend become the next President of the United States. Please forward this email to your lists today and ask your friends, family, and coworkers who do not consider themselves Republicans to join me in filling out the Citizens for McCain form today. Thank you for your willingness to help me expand this new organization. Together, we will make history.