For Immediate Release                                                                                                                      Contact: Danny Diaz
Monday, January 29, 2007

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced that Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins will serve as co-chairs of the Arizona Senator’s exploratory committee in Maine and House Republican Leader Josh Tardy will serve as vice chair.

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 Snowe said she admires Senator McCain and strongly supports him.  “I’ve known and respected 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 Snowe.  “He understands the issues facing our nation and has a proven track record of addressing the challenges we face.”

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.

Senator Collins stated she was honored to help lead Senator McCain’s team in Maine and believes he has the leadership qualities to move the country forward.  “Senator McCain’s experience on both domestic and foreign policy issues is unparalleled,” Collins said.  “I can think of no better person to lead our nation than John McCain.”

Representative Josh Tardy is the Republican Leader in the Maine House of Representatives and 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.

Rep. Tardy said it was an honor to join Senator McCain’s exploratory committee.  “John McCain is an American hero,” stated Tardy.  “The Senator understands the importance of winning the War on Terror, and delivering domestic reforms that create jobs and improve government.”

 
Senator McCain stated that he could not be more pleased with his leadership team in Maine.  “I have had the privilege of working with Senators Snowe and Collins for many years and their support means a great deal,” said Senator McCain.  “Olympia, Susan, and Josh make a phenomenal team and ensure our organization in Maine is second to none.”