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

ARLINGTON, Virg., Feb. 21 /Standard Newswire/ -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Senator Kit Bond (R-MO) has endorsed John McCain for president.

"I am pleased to support John McCain as our nominee for president," said Senator Bond. "On the critical issue of national security and our safety here at home, John is the only one who recognizes the threat of terrorism and who can lead our country in these dangerous times. We stand shoulder to shoulder on supporting the efforts of our troops abroad and ensuring our intelligence capabilities against all threats."

John McCain thanked Senator Bond for his support, stating, "Kit has served the people of Missouri with distinction. He has worked to protect our economic and national security, and from his seat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, he has fought for our men and women serving in our armed forces. I am honored to have his support."

Senator Bond currently serves as the Vice Chairman on the Senate Select Intelligence Committee and is the ranking member of the Appropriations Subcommittee. Prior to his election to the Senate, Senator Bond served as the 47th Governor of the State of Missouri. He was re-elected to a second term as Governor in 1980. After his second successful term as Governor, he continued his service to Missouri from his newly won seat in the United States Senate. In that 1986 election year, Senator Bond was the only Republican to capture a seat previously held by a Democrat.

Senator Bond is a sixth generation Missourian and lives in Mexico, MO with his wife Linda. Their son, Sam Bond, is a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Marines.