JOHN McCAIN 2008 - THE EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE  (filed with the FEC to establish on Nov. 16, 2006)
If, as expected, McCain gets in the race.
post Nov. 7, 2006 mid-term election announcements and reports show steady building of a campaign organization on the foundation of Straight Talk America...
NATIONAL

Campaign Manager

Terry Nelson

(reported by ABC News on Dec. 7, 2006)  Served as Senior Advisor to Straight Talk America...more below.
 
 

"to lead the press effort"

Brian Jones

(reported by Chris Cillizza "The Fix" on Dec. 7, 2006) Communications director at the RNC from Jan. 25, 2005.  Jones was a Senior Communications Advisor to Bush-Cheney ’04.  Vice President for Polling and Advertising of Mercury Public Affairs.  Research Director for the NRCC.  He has worked on campaigns at the local, state and national level.
 
 

Member of the National Strategy Team (headed up by Chief Political Advisor John Weaver)

Kathleen Shanahan

(announced Dec. 14, 2006)  CEO of WRS Infrastructure & Environment in Tampa and is serving as the vice chair for Governor-elect Charlie Crist's transition team.  Previously the President of Irish ROSE Consulting, LLC.  Senior consultant to John Thain, CEO of the NYSE, from Feb.-Sept. 2004.  Chief of staff to Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Jan. 2001-Nov. 2003.  Worked for Dick Cheney as his chief of staff on the 2000 campaign and presidential transition.  Senior Vice President Public Affairs/Government Relations with New York based Paine Webber Inc., 1996-2001.  Deputy Secretary of Economic Development with the California Trade Commerce Agency, 1993-95.  Senior Vice President with The Wexler Group, 1989-92.  Special assistant to Vice President George H.W. Bush, and staff assistant to President Ronald Reagan’s National Security Council.  Managed Gov. Pete Wilson's 1994 re-election campaign against Kathleen Brown.  Deputy campaign director for the California Bush-Quayle campaign in 1992.  Deputy GOP Convention director for the George Bush for President campaign in 1988.  Undergraduate degree in biochemistry from University of California, San Diego and M.B.A. from the New York University's Stern School of Management.
 
 

Senior Advisor

Steve Schmidt

(reported by Chris Cillizza "The Fix" on Dec. 20, 2006; announced Dec. 21)  Campaign manager for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's (R-CA) 2006 re-election.  Deputy Assistant to the President and Counselor to the Vice President, responsible for Cheney's press relations and communications.  Point man for the Bush Administration on the confirmations of Judge John Roberts and then Judge Samuel Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court.  Deputy Communications Director/Director of Rapid Response on Bush Cheney '04.  Communications director at the NRCC in the 2002 cycle.  Spokesperson for the House Energy and Commerce Committee.  Communications director on Lamar Alexander's 2000 campaign for the Republican presidential nomination for the first part of 1999.  Press secretary on Matt Fong's 1998 U.S. Senate campaign in California.  From North Plainfield, NJ.
 
 

Communications Strategist

Brett O'Donnell

(reported by the Lynchburg News & Advance on Nov. 16, 2006; to start Jan. 8)  Coach of Liberty University's debate team for 17 years; also president of O'Donnell and Associates, Ltd., a political consulting firm. In 2004 the Bush-Cheney campaign retained O'Donnell to assist President Bush in debate preparation.
 
 

Organizing New England States

Jim Barnett

(reported by The Associated Press on Nov. 16, 2006)  Chairman of the Vermont Republican Party, elected May 2003, served through late Nov. 2006.  Deputy campaign manager on Jim Douglas' successful 2002 campaign for governor of Vermont, then worked on Gov. Douglas' senior staff.  Deputy Associate Director in the Presidential Personnel Office.  Worked at the RNC during the 1998 and 2000 cycles.
 
 

Donald R. Diamond - Chairman of Diamond Ventures, Inc., a real estate investment firm.  Diamond served as vice president of ACLI International in New York City, owner and president of NBC-affiliate KVOA-TV in Tucson, and partner in Arizona Mail Order.  He was a founder, vice president and principal owner of the Phoenix Suns and owned an interest in the Arizona Diamondbacks.  Diamond served as chairman of the United Way, ran its general campaign and in 1995 was the first chairman of the United Way's Tucson Alexis de Tocqueville Society.

Lewis M. Eisenberg -  A co-founder of Granite Capital International Group.  Former partner at Goldman Sachs.  Co-chairman of New York City Host Committee for the 2004 Republican Convention.  Finance chairman of the RNC, Jan. 2002-March 2003.  Named by Gov. George Pataki to serve as a member of the Lower Manhattan Redevelopment Authority.  Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, 1995 to 2001. A Ranger for the 2004 Bush-Cheney campaign.   A key advisor to New Jersey Gov. Christine Whitman.

James B. Lee, Jr. - Vice chairman of JP Morgan Chase; has spent more than 30 years with the firm and its predecessor companies.  During his career, he started many of the Bank’s investment banking businesses, including the loan syndications unit, now the largest in the world.  Lee rose through the ranks to run Chemical Bank’s and then Chase Manhattan's multi-billion dollar investment bank and helped launch the firm's first leadership development program.  Member of the Bank's Executive Committee, and chairs its National Advisory Board.   He is president of the Berkshire Broadcasting Corporation.

Thomas G. Loeffler - Founder and senior partner of The Loeffler Group, LLP, a government affairs and international trade law firm with offices in Washington, D.C., and San Antonio and Austin, Texas.  A Pioneer in the 2000 Bush campaign and a Super-Ranger in 2004.  Loeffler served as Texas co-chairman for the George H.W. Bush presidential campaign, as national finance chairman of Phil Gramm for President, national finance co-chairman in 2000 and South Texas co-chairman in 2004 for George W. Bush for President.  Co-chairman of the RNC's Team 100.  In 1987, President Ronald Reagan named him the principal coordinator for Central America in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs.  In 1978 he was elected for the first of four terms in the U.S. House, representing the 21st CD in Texas.  Began his career as chief legislative counsel for Sen. John Tower and was appointed special assistant for legislative affairs by President Gerald Ford.

John A. Moran - Retired chairman of The Dyson-Kissner-Moran Corporation, a private investment company based in New York City. Is the honorary co-chairman of the Republican Leadership Council of Washington, D.C.  Served as chairman of the Republican National Finance Committee from 1993-95.  National finance chairman of the Dole for President campaign.  He is a member and former director of the Chief Executive's Organization, member and former director of the World President's Organization, former member and director of United Nations Association, founder of the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, and has served as a director of Wynn Resorts since October 2002.

A. Jerrold Perenchio - Since 1992, Perenchio has been the chairman and CEO and controlling shareholder of Univision Communications Inc., the largest Spanish-language communications company in the United States.  From 1973 until the partners sold the company in 1985, Perenchio was a partner and CEO of Tandem Productions and T.A.T. Communications and a partner of Norman Lear and Alan D. Yorkin.  Started his business career as a talent agent, first with Music Corporation of America then formed his own company, Chartwell Artists, which was the fifth largest talent agency in the world.  Three years in the U.S. Air Force.  Graduate of UCLA.

John A. Thain - CEO of the NYSE Group, Inc., effective March 8, 2006.  CEO of the New York Stock Exchange since joining the Exchange on Jan. 15, 2004. Previously president and COO of Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. since July 2003; president and co-COO from May 1999 through June 2003; he had been a director since 1998.  President and co-COO of The Goldman Sachs Group, L.P. in 1999.   From 1994-99, he served as chief financial officer and head of operations, technology and finance. From 1995-97, he was also co-chief executive officer for European operations.  MBA from Harvard University in 1979 and a B.S. degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1977.

IOWA

supporter

Marlys Popma

(announced Dec. 1, 2006)  Currently president of IHS (In His Service) Consulting.  A two-time executive director of the Republican Party of Iowa, as well as its political director and Victory director.  Has served as president of Iowa Right to Life and as executive director of the Iowa Family Policy Center.  National deputy political director for Gary Bauer for President in 1999-2000.  Deputy Iowa campaign manager for Phil Gramm’s 1996 presidential campaign.  Popma has also worked for the campaigns of Congressman Jim Ross Lightfoot, and the gubernatorial campaigns of Terry Branstad and Jim Nussle.  Resident of Lynnville (Jasper County).
 

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Communications Director

Jill Hazelbaker

(reported Dec. 20, 2006 by Wally Edge of PoliticsNH)  Spokeswoman on Tom Kean Jr.'s 2006 U.S. Senate campaign in New Jersey.  Degree in political science and history from the University of Oregon.  From Salem, OR.

Consultant on Coalition Outreach-Paul Young
(reported Dec. 21, 2006 by John DiStaso in "Granite Status")  A founder of Calypso Communications.  Previously principal of Paul Young & Associates for five years.  Served as a Senior National Campaign Advisor to the presidential campaigns of Steve Forbes, Bob Dole and Jack Kemp.
 

MICHIGAN

Chairman

Attorney General Mike Cox

(announced Dec. 14, 2006)  Re-elected to a second term in 2006; first elected in 2002, the first Republican Attorney General of Michigan in 48 years.  Worked in the Wayne County prosecutor's office in Detroit.  Graduated from the University of Michigan Law School in 1989.  Entered the Marines after high school.
 

State Grassroots Chairman

Dave Dishaw

(announced Dec. 19, 2006)  Third District GOP chairman; candidate for state party chairman (to be chosen at the Feb. 2007 state convention).  Has volunteered and worked for Land for Secretary of State, Cox for Attorney General, Abraham for Senate, Dole for President, Bush for President (HW and W), and hundreds of local campaigns.  Resident of Kent County; licensed Michigan real estate broker, mortgage broker, and title insurance producer.
 

State Director, Social Conservatives

Glenn Clark

(announced Dec. 20, 2006)  Ninth District GOP chairman.  Executive director of the Michigan Christian Coalition, 1994-97.  Political director of Romney for U.S. Senate in 1994.
 

SOUTH CAROLINA
South Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers  (announced Nov. 28, 2006)
First appointed Agriculture Commissioner by Gov. Mark Sanford to fill a vacancy in the office; elected Nov. 7, 2006 to a full four-year term.  A third generation dairy farmer, Weathers is co-owner of Weathers Farms, Inc., a 650-cow dairy operation in Bowman, South Carolina.  He also operates Weathers Trucking, Inc., a bulk milk delivery service for over 30 dairies.
 

TEXAS

Chairman

James Huffines

(announced Dec. 14, 2006)  Commercial banker; chairman, Central and South Texas, of PlainsCapital Bank in Austin.  Currently serves as chairman of the University of Texas System Board of Regents.  Major roles in the elections of Gov. Rick Perry, including  chairman of the Perry transition team in 2000-01, co-chairman of the Texas Inaugural Committee in 2003 and 2007, and chairman of Perry’s successful 2006 re-election campaign.  Member of the inaugural committee for then Gov. George W. Bush in 1999.  Huffines began his political career by working on Bill Clements’ successful gubernatorial campaign and served Gov. Clements as appointment secretary, Nov. 1986-June 1990.  Executive at several Dallas banks.  BBA degree in finance from U.T. Austin in 1973 and attended Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University
 

Honorary Chairman

former Gov. William P. Clements

(announced Dec. 7, 2006)  Elected first Republican governor of Texas since Reconstruction in 1978, and elected to another term in 1986.  Deputy U.S. secretary of defense in the Nixon and Ford administrations.  A former chairman of the board of governors of Southern Methodist University.  Co-founder and co-owner of Southeastern Drilling Company, which later changed its name to SEDCO Inc. and became the world's largest oil drilling contracting firm.
 

Honorary Finance Chairmen (announced Dec. 7, 2006)

Robert Mosbacher  Billy Joe “Red” McCombs

McCombs, a renowned philanthropist, is the founder of the Red McCombs Automotive Group and a co-founder of Clear Channel Communications. He is a former owner of the San Antonio Spurs, the Denver Nuggets, and the Minnesota Vikings.  Mosbacher is chairman of Mosbacher Energy Company.  He is the past chairman of the RNC and served as national finance chairman for the campaigns of Presidents Ford and George H. W. Bush.  Secretary of Commerce under President George H.W. Bush from 1989-92.
 

UTAH

National Co-Chairman

Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr. (R-UT)

(see below)
 

State Chairman

Attorney General Mark Shurtleff

(announced Dec. 7, 2006)  A lifelong Utahn and two-term Attorney General.  Prior to serving as Attorney General, Shurtleff was Chairman of the Salt Lake County Commission. He also served in the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps and as an assistant attorney general, a deputy county attorney, and a small claims judge pro tempore in Utah. Graduated from Brigham Young University and the University of Utah School of Law.
 
 
 

STRAIGHT TALK AMERICA
211 North Union Street | Suite 200 | Alexandria, VA

Chief Political Advisor

John Weaver

In 2002 Weaver moved to Manhattan and switched to the Democratic Party.  He worked for years, on numerous races, as a Republican political consultant based in San Antonio, Texas.  Political director on Sen. McCain's 2000 presidential campaign.  National field director on Sen. Phil Gramm's 1996 presidential campaign; after Gramm withdrew he joined Lamar Alexander's campaign.  Executive director of the Texas Republican Party.  Worked on Bill Clements' successful gubernatorial campaign in 1986.  Deputy campaign manager of Phil Gramm's successful 1984 Senate race.  Graduate of Texas A&M University.  Native of Kermit, Texas (near Odessa).
 
 

Executive Director

Craig Goldman

(started Aug. 2005)  Goldman has been in and out of politics.  Managed former Los Altos Hills Mayor Toni Casey's campaign for the 2004 Republican U.S. Senate nomination in California.  Volunteered as needed on McCain's 2000 campaign.  Aide on Sen. Phil Gramm's 1996 presidential campaign after working for him at the NRSC.
 
 

Finance Director

Carla Eudy

Republican fundraising consultant, The Eudy Company, and previously, in the late 1990s to 2002 co-owner and operator of Eudy Nelson & Associates.  Finance director for McCain's 2000 presidential campaign.  Finance director for Phil Gramm's 1996 presidential campaign.
 
 

(managing finances)

Courtney Nahigian

Program Coordinator for the Reform Institute and implements the FEC Reform Project.  Worked for two years as a Legislative Aide to Florida Senate President Jim Scott.  Masters degree in Political Management from the George Washington University; bachelors degree in Political Science from the University of Southern California.
 
 

Senior Advisor

Terry Nelson

(reported by AP's Ron Fournier on March 18, 2006)  Founder and managing partner of Crosslink Strategy Group; also a consultant and member of Akerman Senterfitt's Policy practice group.  Political Director for Bush-Cheney '04, 2003-04 (announced May 30, 2003).  Deputy chief of staff and director of political operations at the RNC from January 2002 until joining the Bush campaign.  In February 2001 Nelson and two partners formed Dawson, McCarthy, Nelson Media, a Washington, DC consulting firm.  Political director for the NRCC during the 2000 cycle, and earlier served as the NRCC's national field director, 1997-99.  Majority staff director of the Iowa Senate, 1997.  NRCC field representative, 1995-96.  Campaign manager for Rep. Jim Nussle, 1992-95.  Graduate of the University of Iowa with a B.S. in Political Science, 1994.  From Marshalltown, Iowa.
 
 

Nicole C. Fenwick ["w" is silent]

(since March 2006)  Previously director with Luntz Research Companies.  Worked at Baker Botts LLP in Washington, DC as a trial attorney specializing in criminal defense.  Graduate of the Harvard Law School, 2003; undergraduate degree in Government  from Harvard College, 2000.
 

More (from July 2006 FEC report)
Kathryn Fox
Michael E. Jaconi
Amber L. Johnson
 
 

Senior Strategist

Lance Tarrance, Jr.

(announced Aug. 2, 2006)  Partner with Thomas Riehle at RT Strategies.  Managing Director, Public Affairs at Burson-Marsteller, starting Oct. 1997.  First Managing Director and President of Gallup China in Beijing, 1993-95.  Member of the Board of Directors of the Gallup Organization, 1987-92.  President and Founder of Tarrance & Associates, a Houston-based national survey research company, 1977-92.  Special Assistant to the Director of the 1970 U.S. Census.  Director of Research for the Republican National Committee and an officer of the 1968 Republican National Convention.  Master's degree in Electoral Behavior from American University in Washington DC; B.A. in European History from Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia.  Author or co-author of five published books about electoral behavior.
 
 
 

National Co-Chairman

Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr. (R-UT)

(reported by Chris Cillizza July 19, 2006: "will help coordinate politics and policy for McCain in Western states.")  Elected governor in Nov. 2004.  A business executive, he has held an number of positions with the Huntsman Corporation, most recenty Chairman and CEO of the holding company.  Under President George W. Bush he was a deputy U.S. trade representative and U.S. trade ambassador.  Under President George H. W. Bush, he was deputy assistant secretary of commerce for trade development, deputy assistant secretary of commerce for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, as well as U.S. ambassador to Singapore (fluent in Mandarin).  Staff assistant to President Ronald Reagan.  Attended the University of Utah and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
 
 
 

IOWA
McCain has a hold on the former headquarters of Jim Nussle's 2006 gubernatorial campaign in Urbandale (reported by DMR staff writer Tim Higgins on Dec. 2, 2006; confirmed by exploratory committee--in the event he gets into the race).  Krusty Konservative reports that several people have signed up with McCain: Tim Miller (worked for Dix and Lamberti in 2006), Scott Will (Lamberti), Jenn Crall (Latham) and Erik Helland (who was recently with Pataki's PAC in Iowa).  This also confirmed by the exploratory committee--in the event he gets into the race.

Iowa Chairman

David Roederer

(announced Sept. 22, 2006)  Chair of the Lamberti for Congress Committee and the Vaudt for State Auditor Committee.  Chaired the Iowa Bush-Cheney 2004 campaign.  Managing partner of StrataVizion, Inc. in Des Moines.  Served as the Economic Development Coordinator for Iowa State University.  Chief of staff for Gov. Terry Branstad, 1991-95; campaign manager for Gov. Branstad, 1990-91.  Director of the Iowa Department of Commerce, 1988-90.  B.A. from the University of Northern Iowa, 1973.  [Also, in the private sector Roederer worked for two and a half years in Saudi Arabia designing a national law enforcement agency for a Lockheed Martin company].
 

Consultant/"National Advisor"

Chuck Larson

(traveled with McCain during his April 13, 2006 Iowa trip).  State Senator (District 19-Cedar Rapids) since 2002, retiring in Dec. 2006; previously served as a State Representative, 1992-2001.  Founder of Families United for Our Troops and Their Mission, a 501(c)(4).  Deployed to Iraq as a major in the U.S. Army Reserve in Sept. 2003 and served there for a year.  Chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa starting Jan. 27, 2001.  General counsel for The ESCO Group, Cedar Rapids, starting in 1999.  Assistant Jones County Attorney, 1997-99.  University of Iowa, JD, 1996; University of Iowa, BA in Economics, 1992.
 

directs day to day ops on the ground

Matthew J. Gronewald

(started June 2006)  Most recently managed State Rep. Bill Dix's congressional campaign in Iowa's 1st CD; Dix finished second to Mike Whalen in the June 6, 2006 primary.  Previously he worked for the State Party's Legislative Majority Fund, and as Rep. Dix's legislative assistant while he was the Statehouse Appropriations Chairman.  From Evansdale, Iowa.

Iowa Legislative Advisory Team
On Oct. 5, 2006, Straight Talk America announced that thirteen state legislators had joined together to form the Iowa Legislative Advisory Team for the PAC.
Sen. Larry McKibben, Sen. John Putney, Sen. Pat Ward, Sen. Mark Zieman; Rep. Rich Anderson, Rep. Dave Heaton, Rep. Steve Lukan, Rep. Mike May, Rep. Rod Roberts, Rep. Bill Schickel, Rep. Doug Struyk, Rep. David Tjepkes, and Rep. Walt Tomenga.
Note: On Oct. 6, 2005 theDes Moines Register's Tom Beaumont reported that Rep. Dave Heaton of Mount Pleasant had not endorsed McCain.  Beaumont wrote that Heaton said he "would remain neutral indefinitely and was 'very disappointed' by the error."

Iowa Veterans Advisory Committee (announced Oct. 30, 2006)

Chairman

Major General Evan “Curly” Hultman AUS (Ret.)

From Waterloo.  Iowa State Veterans chairman for the Bush-Cheney 2004 campaign and a member of the campaign's national veteran's steering committee.  Served two terms as Iowa Attorney General and as executive director of the Reserve Officers Association of the United States.  Started military career in the Army as an infantry private in 1943 and rose through the active and reserve ranks to serve as commanding general of three general officer commands including the 88th U.S. Army Reserve.

Co-Chairman

Richard Goebel

From Dubuque.  Served 33 years in the Army Reserve and retired as a Sergeant Major.  Veteran of the first Gulf War and Somalia.  Currently serves as the VFW state commander.
 
 

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Consultant

Mike Dennehy

Founder and president of The Dennehy Group, based in Concord, NH.  Managed Craig Benson's successful 2002 campaign for governor in New Hampshire.  New England Political Director and New Hampshire Campaign Manager on Sen. McCain's 2000 presidential campaign.  Managed Jay Lucas' 1998 gubernatorial campaign in New Hampshire.  Executive director of the New Hampshire Republican Party, starting in March 1996 through late 1997.  New Hampshire political director on Sen. Phil Gramm's 1996 primary campaign.  Special assistant to Gov. Stephen Merrill (R-NH).  B.S. from Southern New Hampshire University.
 

National Advisors (NH-based)

Steve Duprey and Charles Douglas III

(reported by Granite Status on May 25, 2006)
Steve Duprey - Duprey served a couple of stints as chairman of the NH GOP, most recently during the 2000 cycle (elected Jan. 1997, re-elected Jan. 1999 and served through Jan. 2001).  During his first time as chair he took leave in March 1995 and resigned in Oct. 1995 due to a legal situation with his business (he was general partner of Northeast Community Development Group).
Charles Douglas III - Elected to Congress in 1988 and served one term; defeated in bid for re-election.  Associate justice, New Hampshire superior court, 1974-1976; associate justice, New Hampshire Supreme Court, 1977-1983 and senior justice, 1983-1985.  Practiced law.  J.D. from Boston University School of Law, 1968.  Graduate of UNH, 1965.
 

Consultant

Patrick Hynes

(started as sub-contractor late April 2006, consultant from May 23, announced July 24, 2006)  Founder of New Media Strategics, and account services director for Calypso Communications in Portsmouth, NH; has written, produced, and placed hundreds of television and radio advertisements.  Blogger (Ankle Biting Pundits, formerly Crushkerry).  Started the Crushkerry.com website in January 2004.  Signed on to Orrin Hatch's presidential campaign in June 1999.  Political director for the NH Republican State Committee starting in February 1999.  Political director on Jay Lucas' 1998 gubernatorial campaign.  Worked on the NH GOP's 1994 state Senate campaign effort.  Graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a B.A. in English Literature.  Hynes is also author of In Defense of the Religious Right: Why Conservative Christians Are the Lifeblood of the Republican Party and Why That Terrifies the Democrats (July 2006).
 

Field

Brian Bernys

(reported by Granite Status on Sept. 14, 2006)  Came to Straight Talk America from position as regional field coordinator for northeastern Vermont on Rich Tarrant's 2006 U.S. Senate campaign.  Managed Edward Robinson's unsuccessful campaign for the Republican nomination for delegate in Virginia House District 35 (Vienna, Oakton, central Fairfax) in 2005.
 
 

Advisors (announced Sept. 14, 2006)

Cathy Stacey of Salem  -  President of the New Hampshire Association of Counties
Stuart Trachy of Franklin  -  Merrimack County Treasurer
David Fredette of Nashua  -  Hillsborough County Treasurer
Maureen Barrows of Exeter  -  Rockingham County Commissioner
Dan St. Hilaire of Concord  -  Merrimack County Attorney

More Advisors (announced Sept. 28, 2006)
Former New Hampshire Republican Party chair Rhona Charbonneau (1989-93)
Former New Hampshire Republican Party chair Jayne Millerick (2003-05)

Law Enforcement Advisory Committee (announced Sept. 27, 2006)
Sheriffs Scott Carr (Carroll County), Doug Dutile (Grafton County), Dick Foote (Cheshire County), Jim Hardy (Hillsborough County), Chet Jordan (Merrimack County – outgoing), Scott Hilliard (Merrimack County – Republican nominee), and Gerald Marcou (Coos County).

Veterans Advisory Committee (announced Oct. 9, 2006)
Co-Chairs: Paul Chevalier- Past VFW State Commander/McCain 2000 NH Veterans Chairman and Griffin Dalianis - Bush 2000 NH Veterans Chairman
Committee Members:
Daniel Greenlaw - Current VFW State Commander;
Frank O’Neil, Eugene Pawlik, Donald Caron, William Champagne, Dana Hussey, Robert St. Onge, Michael Annis,  Robert Madigan, Rich Robinson - Past State Commanders;
Beth Castricone - State President of Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW.

Legislative Advisory Committee
(announced Oct. 26, 2006)  50 New Hampshire State Representatives.
 
 

SOUTH CAROLINA

Consultant

Richard Quinn

Principal of Richard Quinn and Associates, consulting firm based in Columbia.  Lead South Carolina strategist for McCain's 2000 campaign (signed on in Feb. 1999).  Consultant to Sen. Phil Gramm's (R-TX) 1996 campaign in South Carolina.
 

Field Director

Chris Allen

(as reported by Hotline On Call) (start July 10, 2006) "former personal aide to Gov. Mark Sanford."
 
 

Co-Chair

Charlie Condon

(announced Aug. 3, 2006)  Now in private practice, Charlie Condon Law Firm, LLC in Mount Pleasant, SC.  Unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in 2004; unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for governor in 2002.  Attorney General of South Carolina, 1995-2002.  Served as Circuit Solicitor of Charleston and Berkeley Counties for more than ten years.  A state chair for Bob Dole’s 1996 presidential campaign, and a Bush-Cheney co-chair in 2000.
 

Co-Chair

Bob McAlister

(announced Aug. 3, 2006)  President of McAlister Communications, a crisis management and media relations firm.  Deputy Chief of Staff, Director of Communications, and Chief of Staff for Gov. Carroll Campbell.  Consultant to the 2000 presidential primary campaign for George W. Bush in South Carolina, a consultant for Carroll Campbell and David Beasley in their gubernatorial campaigns, a consultant for Lindsey Graham’s 2002 U.S. Senate campaign.
 

Co-Chair

Attorney General Henry McMaster

(announced Aug. 10, 2006)  South Carolina Attorney General since 2003; unopposed for re-election in 2006.  Chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party, elected in 1993 and served until 2002.  U.S. Attorney for South Carolina from 1981-85; first U.S. Attorney in the nation to be appointed by President Ronald Reagan.
 

Co-Chair

State Sen. John Courson

(announced Aug. 30, 2006)  First elected to the South Carolina Senate in 1984, and has served there continuously since then; represents District 20 (Columbia area).  Senior Vice President of KeenanSuggs Insurance.  State Chairman or State Treasurer for Sen. Strom Thurmond’s last three re-election campaigns.  Active in the presidential campaigns of George H.W. Bush in 1988, and George W. Bush in 2000.   Republican National Committeeman for South Carolina.  Chair of Reagan’s 1980 and 1984 campaign committees in South Carolina; Reagan delegate to two national conventions; one of South Carolina's presidential electors for Reagan.  Graduate of the University of South Carolina.
 

Co-Chair

Former Congressman John Napier

(announced Sept. 13, 2006)  Resident of Pawley’s Island.  Appointed by President Reagan as a federal judge to the U.S. Claims Court in 1986.  Practiced law in Bennettsville, 1983-86.  Elected to Congress representing the 6th District in 1980 and served one term (defeated in re-election bid).  Practiced law in Bennettsville, 1978-80.  Worked several positions on Capitol Hill, finishing as chief legislative assistant and legal counsel to U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond, 1976-78 and chief minority counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Official Conduct 1977.  A.B. from Davidson College in Davidson, N.C., 1969; J.D. from University of South Carolina, 1972; served in the United States Army Reserve as a first lieutenant, 1969-77.
 

Co-Chair

Strom Thurmond, Jr.

(announced Sept. 28, 2006)  Son and namesake of legendary U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond.  Practicing attorney with Smith, Massey, Brodie, Thurmond & Guynn, in Aiken.  A former U.S. Attorney for South Carolina, appointed to that post by President George W. Bush in 2001.
 

Co-Chair

Carroll A. Campbell, III

(announced Sept. 28, 2006)  Oldest son of the late South Carolina Governor Carroll Campbell.  Businessman with 17 years experience in industries ranging from utilities to biometrics and insurance technology.  Serves on the S.C. State Ports Authority; appointed by Gov. Mark Sanford in 2003.  Key advisor on Sanford's gubernatorial campaign, and was actively involved in the presidential campaigns of both President George W. Bush and former President George H.W. Bush.
 

Co-Chair

State Sen. Glenn McConnell

(announced Oct. 4, 2006)  Elected to the South Carolina Senate in 1980; elected President Pro Tempore, the presiding officer in the Senate, Jan. 9, 2001.  Attorney and businessman; president of CSA Galleries, Inc..  Chairman of the Charleston County Republican Party from 1978-82.  Private practice.  A labor management relations specialist with the Charleston Naval Shipyard.  Staff attorney with the Neighborhood Legal Assistance Program.  J.D. from the University of South Carolina, 1972; B.S. from the College of Charleston, 1969.  Worked on the Goldwater presidential campagn.  Lifelong resident of the Charleston area.
 

Co-Chair

Paula Harper Bethea

(announced Oct. 9, 2006)  Director of external relations for the McNair Law Firm.  Previously director of client relations and development for Bethea, Jordan & Griffin, P.A.. Mrs. Bethea and husband William were named South Carolina Chamber of Commerce 2006 Business Leaders of the Year; she is a former chairperson of the Board of the Chamber.  She was "an early backer and key fundraiser for George W. Bush in 2000."  Attended USC Salkehatchie from 1973-74, completed her BA degree at USC.  Native South Carolinian; resident of Hilton Head Island.
 

Co-Chair

State Sen. Billy O'Dell

(announced Oct. 12, 2006)  Represents parts of Anderson, Greenwood and Abbeville counties; has served in the South Carolina Senate since 1989.  CEO of O'Dell Corp., Inc., a leading cleaning products company (mops, brooms, brushes...).  B.A. from The Citadel, 1960.
 

Co-Chair

State Sen. Mike Fair

(announced Oct. 17, 2006)  Fair has represented Greenville in the South Carolina Senate since he was elected in Nov. 1995 and is Chairman of the Senate Corrections and Penology Committee.  Elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 1984 and served through 1995.  Previously served on Greenville County Council.  Graduate of the University of South Carolina.
 

Co-Chair

Solicitor Trey Gowdy

(announced Nov. 2, 2006)  Of Spartanburg.  Elected chief prosecutor in the seventh judicial circuit in 2000 and reelected in 2004 without opposition.  Former assistant U.S. attorney.  Active in the campaigns of President George W. Bush and U.S Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint.
 

Co-Chair

Solicitor Jerry Peace

(announced Nov. 2, 2006)  Of Greenwood.  Elected chief prosecutor in the eighth judicial circuit in 2004 after serving for many years as chief deputy solicitor for the circuit.
 

Co-Chair

Solicitor Ralph Hoisington

(announced Nov. 2, 2006)  Of Charleston.  Elected chief prosecutor for the ninth judicial circuit in 2000 and reelected in 2004 without opposition.  Former assistant U.S. attorney.  Active in the campaigns of President George W. Bush, Senator Lindsey Graham and Attorney General Henry McMaster.
 

Co-Chair

Solicitor Donnie Myers

(announced Nov. 2, 2006)  Of Lexington.  South Carolina’s senior solicitor; elected chief prosecutor for the eleventh judicial circuit in 1976.  Has successfully prosecuted more death penalty cases than any other prosecutor in the state.  Active in the presidential campaigns of Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush.
 

Law Enforcement Advisory Committee
On October 31, 2006, Straight Talk America announced a South Carolina Law Enforcement Advisory Committee comprising 11 county sheriffs from around the state.
 

South Carolina Youth Advisory Committee
On October 19, 2006, Straight Talk America announced a South Carolina Youth Advisory Committee comprising 11 College Republican leaders from around the state.
 
 

MICHIGAN

Field Director

John Yob

President of Grand Rapids-based political consulting firm Independent Campaign Marketing Inc..  Graduate of the University of Michigan's College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA); former chairman of the Michigan College Republicans.  Youngest son of Michigan RNC Committeeman Chuck Yob.

Straight Talk America Michigan Legislative Advisory Team.
House Co-Chairs (announced Aug. 9, 2006): Majority Floor Leader Chris Ward, Associate Speaker Pro Tempore Kevin Elsenheimer, Rep. Kevin Green, and Rep. Ed Gaffney.

Senate Co-Chairs (announced Sept. 7, 2006): Sen. Jason Allen, Sen. Pattie Birkholtz, Sen. Alan Cropsey, Sen. Tom George, Sen. Mike Goschka, Sen. Wayne Kuipers, Sen.Ron Jelinek, Sen. Michelle McManus, Sen. Laura Toy, and Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom.

Honorary Co-Chairs (announced Sept. 14, 2006): Former Speaker of the House Chuck Perricone, and former Senate Majority Leader Dan DeGrow.

Straight Talk America Michigan Veterans Organizational Committee
Co-Chairs (announced Sept. 20, 2006): 2002 GOP Senate nominee Andrew Rocky Raczkowski, Allegan County GOP Chairman Gerry Hildenbrand, and Michigan Republican Party Secretary Hank Fuhs.

Straight Talk America Michigan Grassroots Leadership Team
On Oct. 3, 2006 Straight Talk America announced its Michigan Grassroots Leadership Team comprising 24 Republican grassroots leaders including two state GOP vice chairmen, the state GOP secretary, four GOP district chairmen, thirteen county GOP chairmen, and three statewide elected officials.
 

Finance Chairman

Jim Nicholson

(announced Sept. 5, 2006)  President and CEO of PVS Chemicals, Inc., an international manufacturer and marketer of water treatment and other chemical products, headquartered in Detroit.  A Bush Ranger in 2004 and a Bush Pioneer in 2000, Nicholson also served as Finance Chairman for U.S. Senate candidate Keith Butler and has held finance leadership roles for a number of Michigan candidates including gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVos, former Governor John Engler, Attorney General Mike Cox, and various Supreme Court candidates.  He ran for the Republican U.S. Senate nomination in 1996.

Michigan Youth Advisory Committee
On October 24, 2006, Straight Talk America announced a Michigan Young Leaders Team comprising 27 young Republican leaders from around the state.
 
 

MORE STATES (alpha by state)
ALABAMA

Co-Chair

Attorney General Troy King

(announced Aug. 30, 2006)  Alabama Attorney General since 2004, when he was appointed by Gov. Bob Riley (R); seeking election to the office in 2006.  Previously a legal advisor to Gov. Riley.  Four years as an Assistant Attorney General to Attorney General Bill Pryor, 1999-2003.  Deputy executive secretary/deputy legal advisor to Gov. Fob James.  J.D. from University of Alabama School of Law, 1994; B.S. in History and Social Sciences from Troy State University, 1990.  From Elba, AL
 

Finance Chairman

Tom Young

(announced Sept. 14, 2006)  CEO of Qualitest Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in Huntsville.  Previously served as executive vice president at Intergraph Corporation, a Huntsville-based software and services company.  Sought the Republican nomination for Congress in Alabama's 2nd CD in 2002.  Twelve years as chief of staff to Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL).  Worked for the King & Spalding law firm and for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee.  Mobile native.

Legislative Advisory Committee
(announced Oct. 11, 2006)  18 Alabama Representatives: Cam Ward (Bibb and Shelby Counties), Warren Beck (Geneva and Houston Counties), Greg Canfield (Jefferson and Shelby County), Spencer Collier (Mobile County), Randy Davis (Baldwin and Mobile Counties), Mac Gipson (Autauga and Elmore Counties), Lynn Greer (Lauderdale County), Todd Greeson(DeKalb County), Mike Hill (Shelby County), Bobby Humphryes (Jefferson County), Jim McClendon (Shelby and St. Clair Counties), Albert Morton (Jefferson County), Jeremy Oden(Blount, Cullman and Morgan Counties), Allen Treadaway (Jefferson County), Jack Williams (Jefferson County), Nick Williams(Choctaw, Clarke and Washington Counties), Randy Wood(Calhoun and St. Clair Counties) and Mary Sue McClurken (Jefferson and Shelby Counties).
(announced Oct. 24, 2006)  7 Alabama Senators: Scott Beason (Blount, Jefferson and St. Clair Counties), Larry Dixon (Elmore and Montgomery Counties), Steve French (Jefferson County), Rusty Glover (Mobile County), Curt Lee (Jefferson, Tuscaloosa, Walker and Winston Counties), Harri Anne Smith (Dale, Geneva, Henry, and Houston Counties), and Jabo Waggoner (Jefferson and Shelby Counties).

Alabama Youth Advisory Committee
On October 23, 2006, Straight Talk America announced an Alabama Youth Advisory Committee comprising 25 College Republican leaders from around the state.
 
 

FLORIDA

Co-Chair

F. Philip Handy

(announced Aug. 3, 2006)  Chief Executive Officer of Strategic Industries, a worldwide diversified service and manufacturing company, since Oct. 2001.  Chairman of the Florida State Board of Education, appointed by Gov. Jeb Bush.  Has chaired eight statewide political races.  State Chairman of Jeb Bush’s gubernatorial campaigns in Florida in 1993-94 and 1997-98; and co-chairman of his 2002 re-election campaign.  Chairman of Limited Political Terms petition effort in Florida in 1991-92.  CEO of ComBanks Corporation, a bank holding company in central Florida.  Vice President for investment banking with Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, Inc. in New York, 1970-76.  Started career as a securities analyst at Fidelity Management and Research in Boston, 1968.  MBA from Harvard Business School; B.A. in Economics from Princeton University.
 
 

NEW JERSEY
Legislative Advisory Committee
(announced Oct. 26, 2006)  Senators Peter Inverso (Mercer and Middlesex Counties) and Bill Gormley (Atlantic County).  Assembly members Bill Baroni (Mercer and Middlesex), Jennifer Beck (Monmouth), Francis Blee (Atlantic), Jon Bramnick (Union, Essex, and Morris), Steve Corodemus (Monmouth), Amy Handlin (Monmouth and Middlesex), Sean Kean (Monmouth), and Samuel Thompson (Monmouth and Middlesex).
 
 

OREGON

Co-Chair

U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith

(announced Aug. 9, 2006)  Elected to the U.S. Senate in 1996 and re-elected in 2002.  Elected to the Oregon State Senate in 1992; elected Minority Leader and then President of the Senate during his first term.  Managed his family's frozen vegetable processing company.  Attorney in private practice.  Law degree from Southwestern University, 1976.  Graduate of Brigham Young University, 1976.  Native of Oregon.
 
 
 

See also: James M. Broder.  "McCain Mines Elite of G.O.P. for 2008 Team."  The New York Times.  Aug. 21, 2006.
 
 

SENATE OFFICE

Administrative Assistant (Chief of Staff)

Mark Salter

Has helped McCain write his four books.  Started working for McCain in 1989 as a legislative assistant.  Previously worked for Jeanne Kirkpatrick when she was UN Ambassador and at AEI.  From Davenport, Iowa.
 
 

Copyright © 2006  Eric M. Appleman/Democracy in Action