WORLD / America
McCain to launch exploratory panel
(AP)
Updated: 2006-11-11 09:21
WASHINGTON - Sen. John McCain, considered the front-runner for the 2008
Republican presidential nomination, intends to launch an exploratory
committee next week, GOP officials said Friday.
US Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., remarks on the resignation of US Secretary
of Defense Donald Rumsfeld Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2006, during a news
conference at his his office in Phoenix. [AP]
The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid pre-empting a
public statement from the four-term Arizona senator.
McCain, the GOP maverick who unsuccessfully sought his party's nomination
in 2000, already has opened a bank account for the committee, one
official said.
"The senator has made no decision about running for president," said
Eileen McMenamin, a McCain spokeswoman.
Aides to McCain say the senator will discuss a presidential bid with his
family over the Christmas holiday.
McCain is a former Navy pilot who was a prisoner of war in Vietnam. He
was elected to the Senate in 1986, and served in the House for four years
before that.
If McCain were to run, he would turn 72 on Aug. 29, 2008, at the height
of the campaign. Only President Reagan was older - 73 at the start of his
second term. McCain's health could be another issue. The senator has had
several cancerous lesions removed from his skin.
Since losing to Bush in 2000, McCain has alternately challenged and
embraced the president, building an independent reputation who isn't
afraid to speak his mind. At the same time, he's sought to mend fences
with conservatives he alienated in his first presidential run.
After Republicans lost control of both the House and Senate on Tuesday,
McCain called for a return to the conservative principles he said make up
the foundations of the Republican Party.
"We came to Washington to change government and government changed us,"
lamented McCain. "We departed rather tragically from our conservative
principles."
He urged the party to return to a time when it was known for careful
stewardship of tax dollars, less government, less regulation, lower
taxes, a strong defense, as well as community and family values.
"I'm confident we will do that," he said.
1 2
Top World News
� Official: Britain tracks terrorist plots
� McCain to launch exploratory panel
� Al Qaeda may plan Europe transit attacks - report
� Elections may shift US Iraq war policy
� Democrats, newly in majority, face tests
Today's Top News
� Trade surplus set to reach US$150 billion
� Taiwan recall vote set for November 24
� GM rolls out new Cadillacs in China
� Report: Farmland is polluted
� China expects $150b trade surplus
Most Commented/Read Stories in 48 Hours
Learn Chinese, Learn mandarin, Learning Materials, Mandarin audio lessons, Chinese writing lessons, Chinese vocabulary lists, About chinese characters, News in Chinese, Go to China, Travel to China, Study in China, Teach in China, Dictionaries, Learn Chinese Painting, Your name in Chinese, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese songs, Chinese proverbs, Chinese poetry, Chinese tattoo, Beijing 2008 Olympics, Mandarin Phrasebook, Chinese editor, Pinyin editor, China Travel, Travel to Beijing, Travel to Tibet
No comments:
Post a Comment