Times-Republican - John McCain Pays Visit To Gladbrook Area

Press Release

Times-Republican - John McCain Pays Visit To Gladbrook Area

By Margaret Thomsen, Times-Republican

Article Excerpt

Lynn and Claire Handorf of rural Gladbrook hosted a house party Sunday for Republian presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain and his wife Cindy. The purpose of the meeting was an opportunity for those interested to get to know the senator and hear his views.

The afternoon began with a viewing of a DVD, "McCain: Courageous Service," which gave information on McCain and his service in the Navy during the Vietnam era, his critical injuries and his incarceration as prisoner of war. He spent two years in solitary confinement at the "Hanoi Hilton." His devout faith as a Christian was exemplified during this time.

As Lynn Handorf introduced Cindy he said, "This is one of the biggest, proudest moments in my life." Cindy stated she and McCain are the parents of four children. Two of their sons are currently serving in the military.

As those gathered listened intently, McCain answered questions directly and admitted, "This is a tough campaign for the most powerful position in the world."

"We are in difficult times, in the war and the economy - with the stock market gyrations and people lending money and unable to pay it back - the Republicans need to get their house in order," he said. "The Republicans took office in 1994 to change the government, and the government changed the Republicans. We need to get back on track."

McCain addressed pork barrel spending and talked about the bridge collapse in Minnesota. He told the government spent $233 million on a bridge in Alaska to get to an island with 50 people, but had no money to spend on bridge inspections.

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