ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that fifty-seven town, city, and county council members from South Carolina will support the Arizona Senator as he seeks the presidency.

The local elected officials supporting Senator McCain will provide "on-the-ground" guidance to the campaign and play an instrumental role in furthering his grassroots organization in the Palmetto State.

"The thing that sets Senator McCain apart is his deep understanding of the issues facing our country and the fact that he has the necessary experience to do something about them," said Horry County Councilman Carl Schwartzkopf. "There's no learning curve with him. He is ready to lead from day one, and in times like these, that is a crucial distinction."

Spartanburg County Councilman Rock Adams noted Senator McCain's personal character as a chief reason for his support of the Arizona Republican. "John McCain has led a life defined by personal character and integrity," said Adams. "He is someone our children and grandchildren can look up to. I stood with him eight years ago and I am proud to do so again today."

Senator John McCain welcomed the newest additions to his South Carolina team. "It is very encouraging to have the support of so many local leaders. We are putting together a strong grassroots organization in South Carolina and these individuals are critical to its success," said Senator McCain. "I sincerely appreciate their leadership and I look forward to working with them as we strive to advance the principles of common sense conservatism."
 

SOUTH CAROLINA LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS FOR MCCAIN
Rock Adams, Spartanburg County Council
Sandra R. Anderson, Greer City Council
Larry Bagwell, Easley City Council
Billy Baldwin, Darlington County Council Chair
Wanda Barnette, Travelers Rest City Council
Dale Black, Mauldin City Council
Wesley Blackwell, Darlington County Council Vice Chair
Rusty Cater, Westminster City Council
Curwood C happell, York County Council
Ron Charlton, Georgetown County Council
Bob Cook, Mauldin City Council
J.C. Cook, III, Clemson City Council
Randy Crenshaw, Pickens County Council
John B. DuBois, Seabrook Island Town Council
Danny Duncan, Westminster City Council
Robert G. Gecy, Simpsonville City Council
Bob Grabowski, Horry County Council
Clyde Hamrick, Barnwell City Council
Bailey Humphries, Cherokee County Council
Johnny W. Jeffcoat, Lexington County Council
Maida Kelley, West Pelzer City Council
Steve S. Kelly, Jr., Kershaw County Council Chair
Marshall King, West Pelzer City Council
Tony Kobach, Pickens City Council
Billy Love, Gaffney City Council
Marion E. Lyles, Oconee County Council Chair
Adrian Martin, Woodford Town Council
Bill McAbee, Anderson County Council Vice Chair
Walt McJunkin, Liberty City Council
Trelvis Miller, Orangeburg City Council
Reba Moore, Starr City Council
Ronnie O'Kelly, Seneca City Council
Sandra Ragsdale, Pelzer City Council
Barbara Reeder, Gilbert Town Council
Brad Richardson, Johnsonville City Council
Carl Schwartzkopf, Horry County Council
Otis Scott, Williamston City Council
Tom Scruggs, Folly Beach City Council
Alex "Buzz" Shaw, Darlington County Council
Wallace Shaw, Belton City Council
Michael Sheriff, Liberty City Council
Larry Shirley, Charleston City Council
Scott F. Singer, Aiken County Council
Anthony H. Smith, Seneca City Council
Mario Suarez, Oconee County Council
Jack Taylor, Great Falls Town Council
Jerry Taylor, Honea Path City Council
Joe Turner, West Pelzer City Council
Rodney Turner, Lyman City Council
Kim Valentin, Easley City Council
Herbert Vaughn, Greenwood City Council
Jim Waters, Travelers Rest City Council
Dave Watson, Eas ley City Council
Pat Welborn, Pickens City Council
John Wells, Kershaw County Council
Lee Williams, Abbeville City Council
Steve Wilson, Blacksburg Town Council