Rudman, Peterson Hearts McCain

Team McCain Adds New Hampshire Supporters
Leading Granite State Republicans Join McCain's Exploratory Committee


ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential exploratory committee today announced that former U.S. Senator Warren Rudman and former New Hampshire Governor Walter Peterson will assume honorary leadership roles in the Arizona Senator's exploratory committee.

Senator Warren Rudman served in the U.S. Senate from 1980 to 1993 and will be a co-chairman of Senator McCain's national exploratory committee. Prior to his time in the Senate, Rudman served six years as New Hampshire's attorney general. Rudman is also a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Directly after leaving the Senate, Rudman co-founded the Concord Coalition which is a non-partisan organization dedicated to informing the public about responsible fiscal policy. Senator Rudman was appointed by President Bill Clinton to be on the Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board from 1993 until 2001.

In 1998, Rudman was chairman of the Special Oversight Board for Department of Defense Investigations of Gulf War Chemical and Biological Incidents. He then went on to co-chair the U.S. Commission on National Security/21st Century in 2001.

"The citizens of New Hampshire want a more effective federal government, prosperous economy, and a world that is safe for America's next generation," said Rudman. "John McCain's record of accomplishment and his principled service to our country make him that choice for New Hampshire."

Peterson served as New Hampshire's governor from 1969 to 1973 and will be the honorary chairman of Senator McCain's exploratory committee in the state. Prior to his election as governor, Peterson served two years as a U.S. Naval Reserve officer in the south Pacific and was president of Franklin Pierce College for twenty years, also serving as interim president of the University of New Hampshire.

"Senator McCain's superior brand of leadership comes from a passion for the issues and profound commitment to the future of our country," said Peterson. "I consider this an extremely important election and I look forward to telling New Hampshire voters how critical it is to elect John McCain."

The committee members will use their combined years of experience and understanding of New Hampshire's political landscape to provide leadership to Senator McCain's exploratory committee.

Senator John McCain expressed his gratitude for their participation on his behalf. "These men have earned a great deal of respect in New Hampshire and around the country," Senator McCain said. "I am proud to have their support and together I believe we can move toward a stronger, safer nation."