ARLINGTON, VA - Terry Nelson, Campaign Manager and John Weaver, Chief Strategist for John McCain 2008 issued the following statements:

"This morning I informed Senator McCain that I would be resigning from his presidential campaign, effective immediately. It has been a tremendous honor to serve Senator McCain and work on his campaign. I believe John McCain is the most experienced and prepared candidate to represent the Republican Party and defeat the Democratic nominee next year." - Terry Nelson, Campaign Manager

"As of today, I have resigned my position as chief strategist to John McCain's presidential campaign. It has been my honor and a distinct privilege to serve someone who has always put our country first. I believe that most Americans will come to the conclusion that I have long known there is only one person equipped to serve as our nation's chief executive and deal with the challenges we face, and that person is John McCain." - John Weaver, Chief Strategist

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain issued the following statement today:

"Today, John Weaver and Terry Nelson offered their resignations from my presidential campaign, which I accepted with regret and deep gratitude for their dedication, hard work and friendship. Terry is a consummate professional, who has ably lead this campaign through a challenging political environment. John Weaver has been my friend and trusted counselor for many years and to whom I am greatly indebted. In the days and weeks ahead this campaign will move forward, and I will continue to address the issues of greatest concern to the American people, laying out my vision for a secure and prosperous America."

ARLINGTON, VA - John McCain's campaign today announced that Rick Davis will serve as campaign manager, having previously served as the campaign's chief executive officer. Davis was the campaign manager for Senator McCain's 2000 campaign. Rick Davis issued the following statement:

"This campaign has always been about John McCain and his vision for reducing federal spending, defending traditional values, and winning the war against Islamic extremists. Today we are moving forward with John's optimistic vision for our country's future."

and this e-mail sent out at 5:48 PM

Dear McCain Supporter,
Challenges are nothing new to me. Whether political challenges, physical challenges or even personal challenges - how you stand up, face them and move forward defines your character and your strength.

My friends, it's no secret that we have faced many challenges in this campaign. But I continue to do my best to make you proud by standing on principle and doing the tough things necessary to make our nation proud and strong - it's the only way I know how.

I'm honored that you're standing with me and I'm determined to continue to face our challenges head-on and win. The stakes are simply too high to sit on the sidelines during this important crossroad in our nation's history.

I hope you will join me in welcoming back an old friend, Rick Davis, who will be resuming his role from the 2000 campaign as my campaign manager. Though we have a long, hard road ahead of all of us, I know that with your help, we will prevail.

Now is not the time to be timid or to shy away from our challenges - now is the time to stand up and say what we believe. I'm fighting to make our nation stronger, our government more effective and our world a safer place - and I hope you will continue to join me in this important journey.

Together, I have every confidence that we will be successful and I am honored by your continued support and friendship.

Sincerely,

Senator John McCain