McCain, Ridge host “virtual fundraiser” in Grand Rapids, MI due to inclement weather
On Tuesday, Senator McCain’s national co-chairman - former two-term Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge - was scheduled to address donors who had - according to the Grand Rapids Press - collectively paid $35,000 to hear Ridge talk up McCain in person in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the hometown of the late President Gerald R. Ford.
Unfortunately, Ridge couldn’t make his flight, and so they had to settle for a speaker phone. McCain also joined in via speaker phone. According to the article:
GRAND RAPIDS — Adverse weather grounded his flight miles from Grand Rapids, but former Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge still addressed West Michigan business leaders Tuesday.
The 61-year-old co-chairman of Sen. John McCain’s presidential campaign took questions and championed discussion on the presidential race and homeland security during a conference call from Chicago, where flights were canceled because of thunderstorms.
McCain, R-Ariz., followed up by phoning in to address supporters afterward. A round table of about 35 area business executives stood by to engage in the dialogue at NuSoft Solutions Inc. in Grand Rapids…
As part of a more than $35,000 fundraiser for McCain, locals listened and shared their thoughts on the war in Iraq, immigration and poll results.
Ridge, the former governor of Pennsylvania who joins McCain in supporting the recent immigration bill, said he commends the senator for his consistent political views in a time of controversy.
“One of the biggest problems I see in the United States is immigration, and the senator knows saying ‘no’ doesn’t solve the problem,” Ridge said.
“John maintains courage in his approach to topics, even if it is politically unpopular. He does not shy away from controversial issues.”
Ridge, who like McCain served in Vietnam, said he is supportive of having more “boots on the ground in Iraq.”
McCain called in to echo his gratitude toward Michigan supporters.
Ridge was the first director of homeland security when he was sworn in about one month after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
His duty was to develop and coordinate a comprehensive national strategy to protect against terrorist threats — a job that led to color-coded alert levels.
“We would have loved to have Ridge here in person, but there was definitely a strong connectivity with him by phone,” said John Helmholdt, a finance consultant for McCain’s Strategic Communications Group in Michigan. “We remain optimistic for McCain support in Michigan.”
McCain stopped by Grand Rapids’ McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon in early May to chat with scores of young supporters.
The senator’s popularity has risen in West Michigan, matching support garnered for former New York Mayor Rudy Guiliani and surpassing former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, according to a poll by cookpolitical.com.
Tuesday’s fundraiser was hosted by Keith Brophy, co-owner and president of business development for NuSoft Solutions Inc. and chairman of the Michigan Homeland Security Consortium, and Michael Soimar, President of L-3 Communications.
Read the original article here.
Do you have a question about campaigns, politics, etc.? Or do you have information to pass along? Or both? The Tower welcomes all replies and/or commentary, positive or otherwise. You can contact The Tower at tower@campaignia.org.
g=”EN” style=”font-size: 14pt; font-family: ‘Goudy Old Style’; mso-ansi-language: EN”>Come visit the main site - www.campaignia.org - for more about Campaign 2008 and campaigns in general.