JOHN MCCAIN 2008 ANNOUNCES NATIONAL CATHOLICS FOR MCCAIN LEADERSHIP TEAM

A coalition of Catholic leaders from across America today announced their support for John McCain for president. U.S. Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) and former Governor Frank Keating (R-OK) will serve as the National Co-Chairs of Catholics for McCain.

"As Catholics, we are proud to announce our support for John McCain, a genuine American hero with a conservative record who has what it takes to lead this country," said U.S. Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS), National Co-Chair of Catholics for McCain.

Former Governor Frank Keating (R-OK), also National Co-Chair of Catholics for McCain said, "John McCain can uniquely appeal to Catholics with his strong, 24-year pro-life record, his stand for traditional values and school choice, his proven leadership in defending America, and his demonstrated ability to appeal to independent-minded voters. These are exactly the type of qualities that Catholic voters&nbs p;will be looking for in 2008."

In a joint statement, Governor Keating and Senator Brownback added: "In this election, with so much at stake, we need a leader who will help transform history to extend and uphold the rights and dignity of each and every child of God. John McCain is that leader."

John McCain expressed his appreciation and stated: "I am very pleased to have the support of this distinguished coalition of Catholic leaders. I am proud to stand side-by-side with Catholics on many of the most critical issues of our day: defending the sanctity of human life, upholding traditional marriage, expanding educational choice, and defending America from the threats that we face around the globe. I have fought my entire life to protect religious freedom and human rights around the world. I look forward to working with these Catholic leaders in the weeks and months ahead as we take our shared values to the White House."

Catholics for McCain will play an active role in educating and communicating with fellow Catholics about why John McCain is the best candidate to successfully promote Catholic values in the upcoming election.

CATHOLICS FOR MCCAIN NATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM

Catholics For McCain National Co-Chairmen

Senator Sam Brownback, Kansas
Governor Frank Keating, former Governor of Oklahoma

Catholics For McCain National Leadership Committee

Former U.S. Senator Mike DeWine (R-OH)
Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL)
Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL)
Hon. Alexander Haig, Former Secretary of State
Congressman Ray LaHood (R-IL)
Congressman Dan Lungren (R-CA)

Catholics For McCain National Steering Committee

Andresen Blom of Hawaii, former Executive Director, Hawaii Right to Life
Professor Gerard Bradley of Indiana, University of Notre Dame Law School
Mary Brunette Cannon of Virginia, former Executive Director, the Bi oethics Project
Denis Coleman of Florida, former Chairman of Covenant House and Current Chairman of InsideCatholic.com
Martin Dannenfelser of Virginia, former Vice-President for Govt. Affairs, Family Research Council
Robert Reilly of Virginia, Former Director, Voice of America
Warren Sweeney of New Jersey, former Executive Director, National Right to Life Committee
Eugene J. Zurlo of South Carolina, Chairman of the Zurlo Investment Trust and Former President of the Catholic Radio Association

Catholics For McCain State Chairmen

Iowa: Dana Phillips, Former Catholics for Brownback Co-Chairman and Brownback for President Marion County Chairman
New Hampshire: Hon. Maureen Mooney, NH State Representative (R-Merrimack) and former state director of Catholics for Bush/Cheney 2004
Michigan: Chuck Yob, Republican National Committeeman for the State of Michigan
South Carolina: Jim Corbett, Esq., Former State Director, Brownback for President
Florida: Laurence Alvarado, Managing Director of Bearing Point and Contributor to InsideCatholic.com

Catholic Students For McCain National Chairman

Billy Valentine of Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH, former National Chairman of Students for Brownback