Todays McCain Blogger Call....

3:00PM Arizona Time:

Senator McCain: We are on our way to an event in Tampa, FL with Gov. Charlie Crist & Sen. Mel Martinez. McCain talked about the article by John Fund article on Justice Alito. Sen. McCain said he played a HUGE roll in getting both Roberts & Alito thru the Senate. "Just ask the White House about my roll", said McCain.

Quote from John McCain on Alito:

"I'm so proud of Justice Alito. I'm so proud of playing a role in
getting his nomination through the United States Senate, he and Justice Roberts.
And I've said many times that my nominees as President will be people like
Roberts and Alito. They're the role model for what we're going to do when I am
President of the United States because I have the greatest admiration for him
and Chief Justice Roberts."

Q & A

Dan Nowicki - The Arizona Republic 'McCain Central' - Asked about the amount of Fundraiser's scheduled in the near future. McCain said they have done a few. Has one scheduled in FL tomorrow. Says the money is coming in and they are raising money (according to numerous articles, the McCain Campaign has raised over $ 7 Million in January 2008 - $3 Million from the Internet).

Jennifer Rubin - The New York Observer - Is FL a must win for you or Mitt Romney? McCain: No doubt that FL is important. I am pleased to have the endorsements from Gov. Crist, Sen. Martinez, and Gen. Schwarzkopf. Rubin then asks if the campaign has gotten negative?
McCain: The robo calls have begun again; the campaign is responding to these attacks. McCain then brought up Romney's MA Economic Record: 3rd Worst Economy - $730 Million in Tax Increases - A $245 Million debt for MA because of Romney's Health Plan.

Jim Geraghty - National Revue : asked about McCain's reaction to the article on Justice Alito. Sen. McCain re enforced his history on helping to get Justice Alito confirmed. McCain said he appoint Justices that strictly interpret the Constitution, not judges who try to re-write laws from the bench.

Mike Goldfarb - The Weekly Standard: Asked if Sen. McCain had any thoughts on Barack Obama's victory in SC? McCain: "I am eager to discuss the issues with any of the potential Democrat nominees." He is eager to discuss with them the 'Raising of Taxes', Health Care takeover by the government, Raising the White Flag in the War on Terrorism, and the fundamental differences between them.

Matt Lewis - Townhall.com: I asked him why Pat Buchanan recently said on MSNBC that they used to be friends. McCain responded:

"I’ve always liked Pat Buchanan…we’ve and some differences over time. I hope that we can maintain – or regain – a cordial relationship. One of the things I really need to do if … or when … I get the nomination is to unite the Republican Party."

Pat Hickey - McCain Victory08 Team Captain: Pat asked Senator McCain how the Bloggers can help the campaign? McCain said that they need to help bring over the Independents & Democrats to win in November. Point out the differences between himself & Hillary Clinton. Clinton wants to pull out of Iraq in 60 days after she is elected. McCain said the soldiers know the sacrifices they are making for their country. Congress needs to work on Social Security & Medicare reform that solves the problems with each.

Senator McCain was asked about President Bush's State of the Union speech tonight. He said he rejoiced when he was told that Bush was cutting Earmarks, (McCain's #1 issue for his entire political career)but disappointed that the President didn't do anything about the 10,000 + Earmarks just passed last December. "At least for the short term, these earmarks will be stopped" said McCain.