County Republican leaders host Senator John McCain

The Pinal County Republican Party hosted United States Senator John McCain for a one-hour informal meeting last week.

“It has been a while since Senator McCain has been in Pinal County, and we wanted to have the opportunity to introduce the Senator to the Pinal County Republican Party leaders,” said Marty Hermanson, Chairman of the Pinal County Republican Committee. “The meeting with Senator McCain was not publicized or promoted by design, and the reason for that was to have a private conversation with the Senator.”

A total of 23 members, representing the leadership of the Pinal County Republican Committee and including elected officials, committee board members, former chairs and other leaders in the Party, met with McCain at Central Arizona College in Casa Grande. State House Representative Frank Pratt, District 2 County Supervisor Bryan Martyn, Coolidge Mayor Tom Shope and Maricopa Mayor Anthony Smith were the elected officials in attendance.

Mayor Smith said, “I wish we had more time with the Senator, but we understand his busy schedule. It was nice to be able to spend the time we had with him.” Other business leaders in Casa Grande in attendance were Bill Bridwell, Timothy Lee, Harold Vangilder and former Casa Grande Mayor Chuck Walton.

There were a lot of questions regarding the National Health Care Bill. Senator McCain said, “I have never seen so much anger and passion towards the U.S. Government. Citizens are well-informed, and the citizens do want some reform, but they do not want or trust the government to run it.” Other questions were on the state of Arizona, including border security, mortgages and vacant homes, the state budget and revenues.

“It was nice to have the Senator here in Casa Grande,” Hermanson said. “I am confident that the Senator will come to Pinal County many times before the election in November 2010.”

Senator McCain is working to win his re-election bid as United States Senator, and he is scheduled for many town hall meetings and personal appearances all over the State of Arizona in the coming weeks.

Submitted photo