For Immediate Release
Saturday August 23, 2008

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign today released the following statements from members of the Virginia Statewide Leadership Team on the selection of Senator Joe Biden to be Barack Obama’s vice presidential running mate.

Statements from Virginia’s Statewide Leadership Chairs

Delegate Chris Saxman, Campaign Co-Chair:

“By selecting Joe Biden for vice president, Barack Obama has shown voters that not even Governor Tim Kaine can hide the fact that he is out of touch with the core values held by the hard-working families of Virginia. Virginians deserve a president and a vice president who understand that we need a comprehensive solution to the energy crisis, lower taxes for Virginia’s families and who have a record on strong national security. What Virginia doesn’t want is an inexperienced presidential ticket that will raise taxes on families and industries that are most important to Virginia’s economy. John McCain believes in lower taxes, energy solutions and a stronger national security. Voters in Virginia will support John McCain for president because they always know where he stands.”

Former Attorney General Jerry Kilgore, Virginia McCain Campaign Co-Chair:

“Barack Obama has sent Virginia voters the message by choosing Senator Joe Biden as his running mate that he just wasn’t seeing the momentum in Virginia that he had hoped. Barack Obama spent two full days campaigning in Virginia, and his message is not resonating. There is no question in the minds of voters that he will raise taxes on Virginia families, ignore the energy crisis and continue to support retreat and surrender in Iraq. Voters in Virginia will support John McCain because he is a proven leader and ready to be commander in chief on day one. He believes in lower taxes for Virginia families and has an ‘all of the above’ plan to solve our energy crisis. I am proud to help John McCain to victory in Virginia in November.”

Former Senator and Governor George Allen, Honorary Chairman:

“Congratulations to my friend and colleague in the U.S. Senate, Joe Biden, for being selected as Barack Obama’s running mate. However, I am confident as Virginians continue to get to know Barack Obama’s record and counterproductive proposals they will see he is out of touch with the core values and issues most important to our families. Barack Obama’s plan for our economic competiveness includes raising taxes on individuals, retirees and small business owners; and creating more Carter-era taxes and restrictions on our American energy solutions. John McCain, in comparison, has a proven record of character and putting our country first. Senator McCain will provide the credible leadership America needs for our economic competitiveness, national security and energy independence.”

Virginia Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling, Honorary Chairman:

“At long last, the speculation about who Senator Barack Obama would choose as his running mate is over. I congratulate Senator Biden on being selected to run with Senator Obama in November. However, it is obvious that Senator Biden will do nothing to help Senator Obama’s chances of winning in Virginia. I remain convinced that Virginia will vote for John McCain. He is the only candidate who has the background, knowledge and experience to lead our country at a critical time in our history, and he is the only candidate who has put forth positive solutions on important issues such as national security, economic security and energy security. I look forward to campaigning with Senator McCain to victory here in Virginia this November.”

Attorney General Bob McDonnell, Honorary Chairman:

“Virginia voters will not support an Obama-Biden ticket. This is a ticket that believes in higher taxes, more government, inaction in the face of rising energy prices and that fundamentally fails to understand the true nature of the enemies we face abroad. The contrast between an Obama-Biden ticket and the candidacy of John McCain could not be more stark, or more important. John McCain believes that lowering taxes is the best way to strengthen the economy and create jobs in Virginia, while Barack Obama already voted for higher taxes on Virginia families. John McCain believes that our energy security is dependent on offshore exploration and nuclear power, while Barack Obama’s energy plan is for Virginians to merely inflate their tires. John McCain believes that we should leave Iraq a secure nation, while Barack Obama advocates timetables and surrender. There is a clear choice in this campaign, and Virginians will choos e John McCain this November.”

Vietnam POW Paul Galanti, Honorary Chairman and Veterans for McCain Chairman:

“An Obama-Biden ticket lacks the crucial military experience that voters are looking for. John McCain has received enormous support from military families and the veteran community in Virginia because he has the experience, judgment and character to lead as commander in chief from day one. John McCain served in the military for 22 years, including more than five years as a POW, and has been involved in every major national security issue over the last two decades.

“John McCain has put country first, above self-interest and politics. Barack Obama’s foreign policy is based on political calculations. Our progress in Iraq would be lost if Barack Obama had his way and began to withdraw our forces without concern for ground conditions or the advice of military commanders. The course Barack Obama advocates would weaken our security, put peace further out of reach, and Americans back in harm’s way.”

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(Release Paid for by John McCain 2008)

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