McCain Campaign Letter Cites His Role as 'Most Formidable' Opponent of Obama

My Friend,

The 2010 election offers all Americans - and especially Republicans - a critical choice. We can fight for the principles we believe in, or watch as Barack Obama and the Democrat-controlled Congress take our nation down a costly, destructive path.

I'm ready for that battle. And as one of my strongest supporters, I sincerely hope I can count on you to continue to stand with me as I work hard to win reelection in November.

President Obama and the Democrats in control of Congress have gone too far in their quest to "change" America. Their radical, far left policies are undermining America's founding principles and greatly threaten our nation's future economic health and national security.

It is truly disheartening that in their desire to advance their far left agenda, the Democrats are totally ignoring proven ways to create jobs and get our economy moving again. Our opponents' determined efforts to completely overhaul America's health care system, drive our federal deficit to historic levels, and do serious harm to Medicare - serves as a powerful lesson as to the lengths they will go to advance their radical liberal agenda.

The issues we face today call for real, positive, effective solutions. That is why I am determined to remain in the U.S. Senate.

Today, I ask that you reaffirm your support for our shared values by making an immediate contribution of $25, $50, $100, $250 or more. If you are able to make a donation of $100 or more today, I will send you a personally autographed copy of my book, Faith of My Fathers in appreciation of your steadfast support.

In recent months, a reporter dubbed me the "most formidable opponent of the Obama agenda." For me, the bottom line is this: I will always put my country first and fight for what I believe is in the best interest of the American people.

However, if I am going to win in November and continue to fight for our country, I will need your help and support. Your generous donation will be used to help me continue fighting, and I appreciate any amount you can give today.

Inconceivably the Obama White House and Democratic Congressional leaders continue to tell the national media that they are carrying out the "will of the people" and those who are speaking up against their policies represent only a "small minority" of voters.

You and I know that is not true. Vast numbers of Americans oppose their policies and are saying "No" to more lost jobs, more wasteful spending, more government control, more taxes and more debt.

What the Democrats are advocating is not the kind of change that is good for America and our children's future. I'm proud to lead the fight against these policies and am honored to have you by my side.

Thank you for your ongoing and steadfast support.

Sincerely,

John McCain

P.S. I have always fought on the side of people who want better, more efficient government. Today, I need your help to make sure I can remain in the U.S. Senate to continue that fight, by following this link to make a generous contribution of $25, $50, $100, $250 or more. Remember, if you are able to give $100 or more today, I will personally sign a copy of my book, Faith of My Fathers as a token of my appreciation for your generous support. Thank you.

Charlie Crist Endorsed by Florida Association of State Troopers

From TampaBay.com Another troopers' group backs Crist for Senate

Gov. Charlie Crist on Tuesday picked up the endorsement of the Florida Association of State Troopers in his Republican U.S. Senate primary battle with former House Speaker Marco Rubio. FAST, which claims to represent 1,700 "active, reserve, auxiliar and retired" troopers, joins the Police Benevolent Association and Fraternal Order of Police in backing the governor.

Rep John Murtha Passes

John Murtha passed away today at the age of 77.

From Fox News...

Pennsylvania Democratic Rep. John Murtha, the first veteran of the Vietnam war to enter Congress and one of the House's most powerful lawmakers, died Monday afternoon at Virginia Hospital Center after complications from gallbladder surgery. Murtha was 77.

"Congressman John P. Murtha (PA-12) passed away peacefully this afternoon at 1:18 p.m. at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, Va. At his bedside was his family," read a statement from his office.

A native of New Martinsville, W.Va., voters first elected Murtha to Congress in a 1974 special election that spelled impending doom for President Nixon and congressional Republicans. That fall, Democrats wrestled away 49 House seats from the GOP, reeling from the scourge of Watergate and a presidency in shambles.

Rep. Murtha Dead at 77

China Heavily Invested in the U.S.

China owns a huge amount the United State's debt. Now it is being reported that they are purchasing stock in major American companies too...

Flush with cash despite the global economic downturn, China’s sovereign wealth fund quietly snapped up more than $9 billion worth of shares last year in some of the biggest American corporations, including Morgan Stanley, Bank of America and Citigroup.

Although most of the stakes were small, China Investment Corp., the government’s $300 billion investment fund, now owns stock in some of the best-known American brands, including Apple, Coca-Cola, Johnson & Johnson, Motorola and Visa, David Barboza and Keith Bradsher report in The New York Times.

The detailed list, which contained holdings totaling $9.6 billion as of Dec. 31, was disclosed Friday in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; it lists stakes only in companies traded in the United States.

The filing offers a glimpse of how China is trying to diversify its more than $2 trillion in foreign currency holdings with stock, rather than investing almost entirely in U.S. Treasury bonds and other debt securities issued by governments and by government-sponsored enterprises like Fannie Mae.

Prime Minister Wen Jiabao of China and other officials have repeatedly expressed worry about how the country’s holdings of U.S. Treasury securities could be hurt by inflation or by mounting U.S. debt. By buying the securities of international companies, China is trying to spread its fast-growing wealth more widely. It is also seeking to acquire strategic stakes in companies that could feed its hungry economy with a wide range of commodities.

From NYT Buying Spree Nets China Stakes in Top U.S. Firms

McCain Interview on Debt, Christmas Bomber and DADT

While I have no military background, and no real expertise to speak to millitary issues, I'd hope Senator McCain's mind could be changed about the 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' policy. In particular, it seems unfortunate that service people that are outed can be forced out of the military.

On government spending/debt and the handling of the Christmas bomber, Senator McCain has some extremetly important and valid points to make...

Greta Inteviews McCain

A couple quick points. First, Senator McCain (and Greta) hit the nail on the head about the government spending money on a Super Bowl ad. That's simply money that could be much better spent. Second, you would be hard pressed to find two people like Senator McCain and Secretary Clinton who picked up and moved on any better/faster after a failed presidential bid. There are numerous of examples of politicians who fade into the background after losing the presidency. In this last election the defeated candidates moved on quicker than probably any others in American history.

Finallly, my favorite line paraphrased from the Republican convention was when Governor Palin said, 'Harry Reid said, he can't stand Senator McCain. What I think he meant to say was that he can't stand up to Senator McCain.' Having been their, I can say the crowd gasped then jumped to their feet and cheered, and for good reason.

JohnMcCain.com Re-Launched

Many who supported Senator McCain during his presidential run would have liked to see the features now present at the newly revamped John McCain Dot Com present on his old dark presidential candidate version of John McCain Dot Com, but hey, better late than never. Today the new and improved John McCain.com was launched with the following message...

We are proud to announce our brand new website for the 2010 campaign. This is the place to come for everything you want to know about what Senator McCain is doing, what the issues are that matter to you, and what others are saying as well.