Contact: Press Office, 703-650-5550; www.johnmccain.com

ARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 28 /Standard Newswire/ -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Sean O'Keefe, former NASA Administrator, endorsed John McCain for President of the United States. O'Keefe has held several leadership positions in the federal government and institutions of higher education for nearly three decades. He led the NASA team from 2001-05 through the Columbia tragedy and the Return to Flight task group.

"John McCain has been my friend for over 25 years -- and over that span of time in the varied leadership roles I have held, I have witnessed John's passion for doing the right thing on behalf of and as a friend to all Americans. I am proud to support him for president," said Chancellor O'Keefe. "John McCain personifies the depth of character and integrity we need in our next president. His candor, service and sacrifice, and leadership experience in every crucial debate over the last 20 years will s erve to inspire the next generation of leaders to serve causes greater than their own self interest. John's commitment to our national security and to exploration and discovery, coupled with his passion to improve our nation's math and science education system to assure American competitiveness, should lead all Americans to conclude that he is the right person to lead our country."

John McCain thanked O'Keefe, stating, "Sean has been a friend and colleague for many years and I appreciate his support. His leadership during a challenging time in the rich NASA history helped put our nation's quest for exploration on track."

O'Keefe is currently the Chancellor of the Louisiana State University. He served as NASA Administrator immediately prior to assuming the Chancellor's post at LSU. His previous public service included appointment as Secretary of the Navy, Deputy Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, Comptroller and Chief Financial Officer at the Department of Defense and on the staff of the US Senate Committee on Appropriations. His prior University postings included faculty and administrative duties at Syracuse University and the Pennsylvania State University.

*Chancellor O'Keefe's endorsement is on his behalf and is not an endorsement by the Louisiana State University and should not be construed as approval by the LSU system or its governing board.