McCain Explores 2008....
Sen. John McCain will formally open his 2008 presidential exploratory committee by tomorrow a.m., an adviser said today.
The committee has already built a website -- http://www.exploremccain.com/-- and it will stream live a speech McCain plans to give tomorrow about the future of the Republican Party. His live audience will be charter members of GOPAC, a conservative grassroots group with a strong and influential pedigree.
The FEC requires potential candidates to register within 10 days of beginning to test the waters. In an e-mail McCain sent to his political action committee membership list this afternoon, he called the committee "the first legal step" in his personal exploratory process.
Wrote McCain: "Over the past year, I have traveled the country campaigning with candidates running for local, state, and federal office and I've been constantly proud to stand with Republican candidates in supporting a secure homeland, fiscal responsibility, ethics in government, and common sense conservative principles. With the formation of John McCain 2008 - The Exploratory Committee, I will continue my conversation with the American people over the direction of the Republican Party and the future of our country."
More, from McCain's e-mail: "During the next couple of months, I will be talking with my family, friends and supporters about whether to officially announce a run for President; prior to that decision, the formation of this committee is the first legal step in that process. I hope that you will visit my new webpage, www.exploremccain.com, and join me in this effort."
"Our Party suffered an electoral setback last Tuesday, but that defeat was not a repudiation of our values and our beliefs; America remains a conservative country. Rather, the election results were an expression of frustration with Washington gridlock and Washington's lack of touch with real America. In 1994, American voters sent Republicans to Congress to change government; instead, we became government. This Thursday, November 16, I will give a major address on my vision for the Republican Party and how we will get back on the path to victory. Please join me at www.exploremccain.com to watch the speech live online at 7:10 PM. Thank you for your past support and encouragement and I look forward to continuing our efforts together to reform Washington and keep America safe at home and abroad."
Today, McCain endorsed Rep. John Shadegg's minority whip bid, and a key ally, Trent Lott, was elected to the number two position among Senate Republicans. Another McCain ally, Sen. Mel Martinez, was recommended by Pres. Bush to be RNC chair. [MARC AMBINDER]
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