Troy Record (NY): Local GOP Support Swells For McCain
By Ryan Fitzpatrick, Troy Record
February 5, 2008
ALBANY - National security and the war on terrorism took center stage Monday afternoon as state Republican leaders gathered at the Crowne Plaza hotel to rally support for presidential candidate Sen. John McCain.
As New Yorkers head to the polls today, McCain, who campaigned in New Jersey Monday, has all but guaranteed his victory in the Empire State Republican presidential primary, according to recent polls. In light of McCain’s more than 30-point lead over second-place contender former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, New York Republicans urged their constituents to get out and vote to secure a landslide victory for the Arizona senator.
“I want someone who can win. And John McCain will win, and John McCain will be the next president,” said former U.S. Sen. Alfonse D’Amato. “There’s no question John McCain will carry New York, but let’s carry it with record-breaking numbers.”
According to a Quinnipiac University poll released Monday, McCain leads in New York with the support of 54 percent versus 22 percent for Romney. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee is in a distant third place with 9 percent. The poll, which surveyed 370 likely Republican voters, has a margin of error of 5.1 percent.
Nationally, McCain leads but by a slightly smaller margin of 45 percent versus Romney’s 25 percent, according to a Gallup Poll conducted over the weekend. Huckabee has 17 percent in that survey.
McCain’s military service during Vietnam and his current position in support of the war in Iraq were main themes of Monday’s rally. Supporters touted McCain’s national security credentials and his support of a troop surge in Iraq despite the measure’s initially unpopular reception.
“The people of this country and this state need someone who has the courage of his convictions,” said state Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno. “You all know his war record. There is no one who is more dedicated. There is no one more conscientious ... than Sen. John McCain.”
Waterford Mayor Bert Mahoney and McCain both served aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Oriskany in 1967 after McCain volunteered to transfer to the ship’s VA-163 squadron, also called “The Saints.” Mahoney, who served as an aviation electrician in the squadron, said he attended the rally to lend his support to a fellow veteran and someone he believes has the best credentials to lead the nation as commander in chief.
“His service for our country, his service in the House of Representatives, his service in the Senate. ... I think he’s got the courage, the character, the experience,” said Mahoney. “There’s nobody that can hold a candle to him, that has the experience we need.”
McCain’s aircraft was shot down over Hanoi and taken prisoner while on a bombing mission for the Oriskany. That ordeal and his military service were noted by supporters as evidence of his commitment. Rensselaer County Republican Chairman Jack Casey said how he recalled watching television when he was younger and seeing McCain return home after being released from a POW camp.
“And now he’s decided to pick up the standard and run for president of the United States,” said Casey. “This guy is the real deal.”