Published: September 05, 2008 04:18 pm      

Letter From Maria Cino, President and CEO of the 2008 Republican National Convention

As the 39th Republican National Convention comes to a close, Americans are energized about our candidate for president – John McCain – and his running mate, Sarah Palin. Over the last four days, we shared John McCain’s unparalleled record of leadership and service to our country with millions of Americans. Tonight, he accepted our party’s nomination for the presidency of the United States. And tomorrow, he and Sarah Palin will be traveling across the country, meeting with voters and talking about their plans to make our nation more prosperous and more secure. As they start the last part of their journey toward November, our convention delegates and guests are eager to return home and share the McCain-Palin message of service, reform, prosperity and peace with their families, friends, colleagues and neighbors.



With tonight’s acceptance speech, John McCain reintroduced himself to his fellow Americans. Long known as the courageous POW who refused early release, a maverick in the Senate, and a devoted reformer, tonight Americans saw John McCain in yet another new light: as our nominee for president. He shared with us his story of courage, his plans to fix Washington, and his desire to strengthen our security – and it is this record, this vision, this experience and ability that compel millions of Americans to support John McCain and Sarah Palin this November.



Last night’s historic and rousing speech from vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin was a prelude to John McCain's powerful address this evening. But before he even took the stage, the audience heard speeches focused on achieving peace in our time. We were reminded that peace – at home and abroad – is dependent upon the leadership of a president who understands how to achieve it. A number of speakers carried this message, including former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge and U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham, Mel Martinez and Sam Brownback. And just before John McCain accepted our party’s nomination, Cindy McCain delivered a touching speech that introduced her husband to the nation on a more personal level.



By the time the balloons dropped just after 10 o’clock here in Saint Paul, John McCain had established, without a doubt, that he is the right leader to guide our country forward to peace and greater prosperity. The convention served as the forum through which he shared that message, and I’d like to thank everyone – our delegates, guests, staff and volunteers – for making this convention a success. Most of all, we appreciate our host cities – Minneapolis and Saint Paul – which have been our partners in this endeavor for nearly two years. Thanks to their hospitality and willingness to work together, this convention has been a tremendous success and an experience that will be remembered for years to come.



My thanks to all who attended the 2008 Republican National Convention and all who participated from home. Together, we will continue the momentum generated this week – and in November, our efforts will help elect John McCain and Sarah Palin as our next president and vice president.



Maria Cino, President and CEO



Highlights from Wednesday Night’s Speeches



In his acceptance speech, John McCain reiterated that he is committed to reforming a broken Washington – a theme that has been a constant throughout his campaign and his career in public office. Sen. McCain discussed the issues and policies that he will address head on with the help of his running mate, Sarah Palin.



John McCain: "I’m very proud to have introduced our next Vice President to the country. But I can’t wait until I introduce her to Washington. And let me offer an advance warning to the old, big spending, do nothing, me first, country second Washington crowd: change is coming."



The Republican Party’s nominee for president also discussed his time as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, and how it informed his love of – and dedication to – our country.



John McCain: “I fell in love with my country when I was a prisoner in someone else’s. I loved it not just for the many comforts of life here. I loved it for its decency; for its faith in the wisdom, justice and goodness of its people. I loved it because it was not just a place, but an idea, a cause worth fighting for. I was never the same again. I wasn’t my own man anymore. I was my country’s.



“I’m not running for president because I think I’m blessed with such personal greatness that history has anointed me to save our country in its hour of need. My country saved me. My country saved me, and I cannot forget it. And I will fight for her for as long as I draw breath, so help me God.”



Cindy McCain gave an emotional speech that not only shared a more personal side of John McCain, but also introduced the country to her passion for helping those less fortunate. Mrs. McCain made sure to that Americans understood the reasons they need to support John in these dangerous times.



Cindy McCain: "If Americans want straight talk and the plain truth they should take a good close look at John McCain...a man tested and true...who's never wavered in his devotion to our country...a man who's served in Washington without ever becoming a Washington insider...who always speaks the truth no matter what the cost...a man of judgment and character...a loyal and loving and true husband and a magnificent father!"



Another of last night’s featured speakers, former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge, expanded on the convention’s overall theme, "Country First," as he discussed John McCain’s unique qualifications for the presidency.



Gov. Ridge: "Where some people see adversity, John McCain accepts a challenge. Where some people see a crisis, John McCain creates an opportunity. Where some people see defeat, John McCain insists on victory. John knows - the purpose of elections is not merely to win. You run to win... but you win to govern."