Release embargoed until:                                 Contact: Kevin McLaughlin
4:30 pm EST, February 7, 2008

WASHINGTON D.C.— U.S. Senator John Cornyn, R-TX, made the following statement today in announcing his strong support and endorsement of Senator John McCain to be the next President of the United States:

“In this time of war and economic uncertainty, America must have strong, principled leadership. National security is the first and most important priority of the federal government. We must have a President who will be a leader in the war on terrorism, who will do what is needed to protect our country and its people, and who will not buckle when the political waters become rough. In the Senate Armed Services Committee, and on the Senate floor, I have seen firsthand that John McCain has been right on critical national security issues. He is clearly the man for the job.

“Sen. McCain has also been a real leader on another issue that we have neglected far too long -- wasteful and excessive Washington spending. I have watched John McCain take on the special interests and fight the tough battles on behalf of American taxpayers. While we have had principled disagreements on some issues, including some aspects of immigration reform, I am convinced that John McCain shares my conviction that we must secure our borders and restore respect for the integrity of our immigration laws. I will look forward to continuing to pursue these goals with him when he is President.

“With many of my colleagues, I have been determined to stay out of the primary contests and allow the members of our party to work their will. I now believe, with a number of the other candidates deciding to step aside, that it is time for the Republican Party to come together and stand behind Senator McCain. I am honored to endorse him for President of the United States today and will do whatever I can to support his candidacy.”