News

July 22, 2008

McCain set for W-B

Spokesman: Senator eager to visit

By Bill O'Boyle boboyle@timesleader.com
Times Leader Staff Writer
Bill O'Boyle on Facebook   |   @TLBillOboyle on Twitter

U.S. Sen. John McCain is looking forward to his visit to Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday, according to a campaign spokesman who said the presumptive Republican presidential nominee wants to learn about the area’s people and their concerns.

Paul Lindsay of the McCain campaign said the Arizona senator is eager to meet the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

“Sen. McCain feels this visit is an opportunity for him to hear about the issues confronting the families there,” Lindsay said. “He wants to help create jobs in the region and provide relief at the gas pump.”

Lindsay said McCain can win Pennsylvania in the November general election. He said he will attract independent voters as well as Reagan Democrats. The last time a Republican carried the state was 1988, when George H.W. Bush won against Michael Dukakis.

McCain is opposed by presumptive Democratic candidate Illinois Sen. Barack Obama.

McCain’s first stop will be at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts for a 10 a.m. town hall meeting. Doors open at 8 a.m.

McCain will then head to the Westmoreland Club for a private, invitation-only luncheon fundraiser. More than 250 people are expected to attend the $250-per-ticket event to hear and meet the Arizona senator.

Lindsay said McCain will begin the Kirby event with some remarks and then open it up to questions from the public.

“He enjoys that format,” Lindsay said. “He truly enjoys the free-flowing discussion with people.”

Supporters of McCain gathered in Dallas on Monday evening to make signs and place phone calls for the senator’s visit. The group of volunteers got together at the NEPA Victory Center in the Dallas Shopping Center.

Chris Hackett, Republican candidate for Congress in the 10th Congressional District, was coordinating the event.

Sen. John McCain

U.S. Sen. John McCain has a long career of public service.

• 1958 - Graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and began his career as an aviator. He attained the rank of captain and served until 1981.

• 1967-1973 – Was a prisoner of war in Vietnam

• 1982 - Elected to Congress.

• 1986 - Elected to the U.S. Senate to succeed Barry Goldwater.

• 2000 - Ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for U.S. president. He is the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Armed Services and serves on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.

• Personal – He has seven children and four grandchildren. He and his wife, Cindy, reside in Phoenix

Tweet	Follow @TLnews