For Immediate Release                                                                                                          Contact: Danny Diaz
Monday, February 12, 2007

 
ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced the formation of a statewide grassroots “Student Leaders for McCain” organization in South Carolina.  Senator McCain is the first prospective presidential candidate to establish a grassroots organization on college campuses across the state.

Kristen Munsey, co-chair for the College of Charleston said the Arizona Senator’s vision for tomorrow is what appeals most to college students.  “Senator McCain’s message hits home with college students because we are particularly concerned about the future of our country,” said Munsey.  “We are thinking about starting our careers and starting a family, and we want a proven, trustworthy leader in the White House.”

As of today, Senator McCain has eighteen chairs and co-chairs on sixteen South Carolina campuses.

Furman University Chair Taylor Hall said the decision to join Senator McCain’s team was an easy one.  “I think this race boils down to leadership and a commitment to victory in Iraq,” Hall stated.  “Senator John McCain is the only candidate willing to make the tough decisions and that separates him from the rest of the field.”

McCain has made tremendous inroads in the Palmetto State recently. He has garnered support from many of the state’s top Republican officials and is building a strong grassroots team in the state.

University of South Carolina School of Law Chair Charles Appleby sees today’s announcement as a sign of things to come for the McCain exploratory committee.  “Senator McCain understands the importance of having an active, statewide grassroots organization,” said Appleby.  “From the top on down, he has assembled a strong team in South Carolina. I am excited about the opportunity to get out and spread his message of common sense conservatism.”

Senator John McCain said he was encouraged by the support of the student leaders.  “College students and the youth vote play a very important role in politics,” said Senator McCain. “Going forward, I know we will be looking to our college chairmen for leadership on their respective campuses and across South Carolina.”

Note below listing of McCain College Campus Chairmen.

MCCAIN COLLEGE CAMPUS CHAIRMEN

Caleb Paxton, Chairman
Bob Jones University
 

Neal Patel, Chairman
Charleston School of Law
 

Maribeth Kellenbenz, Co-Chair
Charleston Southern University
 

Matt Murphy, Co-Chair
Charleston Southern University
 

John Gulyas, Chairman
Clemson University

 
Dave Butler, Co-Chair
College of Charleston
 

Kristen Munsey, Co-Chair
College of Charleston
 

Valerie Dowling, Chairwoman
Converse College

 
Taylor Hall, Chairman
Furman University
 

Hilary Brannock, Chairwoman
Lander University
 

Lauren Steele, Chairwoman
North Greenville University
 

Kathryn Mangum, Chairwoman
Presbyterian College
 

Tom Geller, Chairman
The Citadel
 

Viki Alvarez, Chairwoman
University of South Carolina
 

Charles Appleby, Chairman
South Carolina School of Law
 

Michael Berry, Chairman
USC Upstate
 

Natalie Webster, Chairwoman
Winthrop University
 

Stephanie Fontenot, Chairwoman
Wofford College