MCCAIN CATCHES UP WITH DEMOCRATS IN NATIONAL POLLS

Looking ahead to the general election campaign, Sen. John McCain of Arizona vowed Monday to mount a serious and determined effort to win California, the nation's largest state that has been a safely "blue," or Democratic state, in presidential elections for the last 20 years.

"I just want to compete in California and I understand the drawbacks, the cost of media, all of those aspects of it," McCain said aboard his Straight Talk Express bus after a town hall-style event in Waco, Texas. "I think as a Western senator, I understand their issues. I think environmental issues are very important in California. I think I can appeal to the Hispanic voter. I think I can appeal to the Asian voter. I think I can appeal to the independent voter, which is a larger and larger percent of registered voters. I don't think as a candidate that I want to say we're not going to compete in the largest state in America, which is right next door to my home state of Arizona."

California has 55 electoral votes, far more than any other state. It has not gone Republican in a presidential election since George H.W. Bush defeated Walter Mondale in the Golden State in 1988.

California has two Democratic senators, Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, but a Republican governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was re-elected in 2006. Schwarzenegger has endorsed McCain.

McCain outlined his intention to run hard in California while discussing his plan to expand his electoral state strategy beyond that of George W. Bush's when he won in 2000 and 2004.

"One thing I really will insist on is to campaign everywhere," he said. "As you know, sometimes you go to those states that you, quote, have to win. I think we've got to go to as many states as possible and as many areas as possible in the country, including competing in California. I think there are states that we can put in play that were not in play before."

In addition to California, Steve Schmidt, a senior adviser to McCain who worked on Schwarzenegger's 2006 campaign, cited Washington, Oregon, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Maine as states that went Democratic in 2004, but may be ripe for McCain to take in 2008.

"There are states that were not on the table -- blue in 2004 -- very much in play [this year]," Schmidt said. "I don't see any of the red states that were off the table [in 2004] becoming competitive for either Sen. [Barack] Obama or Sen. [Hillary] Clinton."

See the video at: http://abcnews.go.com/print?id=4383724 

Why John McCain?

John McCain is an experienced conservative leader in the tradition of Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and Ronald Reagan. He is a common sense conservative who believes in a strong national defense, a smaller, more accountable government, economic growth and opportunity, the dignity of life and traditional values.

Election 2008: What's at Stake?

We face a dangerous, relentless enemy in the War against Islamic Extremists - We face an enemy that has repeatedly attacked us and remains committed to killing Americans and the destruction of our values. This election is about who is best prepared to lead and defend our nation and its global allies as Commander-in-Chief from day one. This election is about making sure we have the experienced leadership to guide us to victory in this war, protect the nation against future terrorist attacks, and support our troops and first responders who are on the frontlines of the war. This election will decide whether we choose to fight or announce surrender. It will decide whether we have a president who dangerously weakens security or strengthens it; whether we will flinch and retreat or fully engage the enemy on multiple fronts. We need decisive leadership with the vision and experience to guide our country and the world through this challenge. Having a courageous Commander-in-Chief who is willing to lead us in this war, rally our democratic allies and defeat our enemy to secure a broader peace is what's at stake in this election.

America is at an Economic Crossroads - Government spending is out-of-control. A Democrat elected President will join hands with a tax-and-spend Democratic Congress and subject Americans to enormous tax increases. Even now, the tax code is too complex and too burdensome. Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid - the government's promises to seniors and those in need - must be modernized. Too many American workers are unprepared by non-performing schools and shackled by outdated government employment assistance programs. needs experienced leadership to guide the economy to greater prosperity, control government spending, keep taxes low, save Social Security and protect the American worker. Americans want a leader willing to offer straight talk and make the hard calls necessary to ensure a brighter future for our children and grandchildren. The long-term strength of our economy and financial stability of American households are what's at stake in this election.

Americans have lost faith and trust in their government - Americans have lost trust that their government and its elected officials will serve the Nation's interest and not their own. Special interests have too much influence in Washington . Americans want a courageous leader who will stand up to the trial lawyers and labor bosses and other special interests, govern by principle rather than political expedience, keep their promises, and solve problems instead of leaving them for our children. Restoring Americans' confidence in their government is what's at stake in this election.

Americans want judges who will strictly interpret the law and not legislate from the bench - The next president will appoint many federal judges and perhaps even a Supreme Court justice. The recent victory on partial birth abortion is an example of how important the Supreme Court is in protecting our values and interpreting the law as it is written. needs a president who will provide strong moral leadership. A Democrat president will appoint judges who make law with disregard for the will of the people, but to the cheers of those advancing a liberal social agenda. needs a leader who recognizes that that the people and states should decide what's best, not the courts. The future of the U.S. Supreme Court is what's at stake in this election.

What are the Bold Solutions offered by John McCain?

Winning the War Against Islamic Extremists. Radical Islamic extremists are a relentless threat to , its citizens, and the values we share. In the words of the al Qaeda leadership, is the central battleground of this war. We face a fork in the road. John McCain will pursue our opportunity for victory in , strengthen our hand in the larger war against Islamic extremists, and make our nation more secure. Democrats will fold our tents, embolden our enemies, throw the region into instability, and increase the risks faced on our home soil. To concede defeat now would strengthen al Qaeda, empower and other hostile powers in the Middle East, unleash a full scale civil war in that could lead to genocide, and destabilize the entire region as neighboring powers come to the aid of their favored factions. John McCain is best prepared to lead and defend our nation and its global allies as Commander-in-Chief from day one. He has the experience and leadership to defeat our enemy and secure a broader peace.

 John McCain...Courageous Service, Experienced Leadership, Bold Solutions.

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