John McCain Campaigns For Linda McMahon In Danbury

DANBURY, Conn. – U.S. Sen. John McCain told an adoring crowd of Danbury veterans and residents Monday that fellow Republican Linda McMahon, the party’s candidate for the Senate from Connecticut, not only understands the need for a strong defense but also the “dynamics of our economy.”

“Linda McMahon understands what it means to be a fiscal conservative,” McCain said during a packed campaign stop with McMahon and former Rep. Rob Simmons at the Disabled American Veterans facility on Segar Street in Danbury. “She understands what it means to make a payroll, and she understands that the role of government is not to make jobs, that that is what private business does.”

McCain, a Navy veteran who has been one of Arizona’s two senators since the 1980s, spoke for about 10 minutes before a crowd of about 300, many of whom were forced to listen to his remarks from the parking lot outside the building. Prior to his remarks, Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton, a fellow Republican, introduced him and Simmons.

During the Republican primary, McCain endorsed former Rep. Chris Shays – who was in attendance at the Monday event – but he spoke warmly of McMahon, who he said would work with him to repeal “Obamacare” if she is elected.

McCain also blasted President Barack Obama and the administration for its “feckless foreign policy,” particularly as it relates to the recent murder of U.S. Ambassador to Libya J. Christopher Stevens.

“This is disgraceful and it has to change,” he said. “This president never talks about victory, he only talks about withdrawal and leaving. Withdrawal and leaving.” 

McMahon said one of her top priorities if elected would be to help veterans. She remains in a tight race against Democrat Chris Murphy, who is leaving his congressional seat to run for the Senate.

“The best way to get behind our veterans is to make sure they have a job when they come home,” she said, adding that she would also work to reduce taxes on the middle class and small businesses and help create an energy policy that utilizes the nation’s reserves of oil and natural gas. “My jobs plan will make sure that veterans can match their skills with the right employers.”

She also said she would work hard to help Connecticut’s defense contractors, particularly Electric Boat, secure military contracts.

“Twice my opponent voted against defense appropriations,” McMahon said.

Outside of the event, Shays said he did not always believe McMahon could win the election, but he supports her and now believes she can, in part because she’s run an effective campaign.

“Her opponent has shown he’s incredibly vulnerable,” Shays said.

 

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