Why Watson supports McCain

With most of the action on the Democratic side, today should nonetheless be a big day for John McCain and his top Rhode Island supporter, House Minority Leader Bob Watson of East Greenwich. (Watson had also been a strong proponent of keeping the Ocean State primary in March, rather than moving it up to Super Tuesday, sagaciously and presciently reasoning that the later date could enhance the state's relevance.) I recent asked the rep about how he took on his local leading role with McCain. Here's some of what he had to say, via e-mail.

I got to know John McCain in 1999 when I met him at Senator John Chafee’s funeral.

 

At that time, the 2000 Presidential campaign was heating up and I had not yet endorsed a candidate even though most elected Republicans had already signed on with then-Governor George Bush.

 

A week later I was invited to New Hampshire to travel with the McCain campaign for several days aboard the “Straight Talk Express,” going from one Town Hall meeting or house party to the next.

 

At the time in 1999, he was measuring at 3 percent in the polls in New Hampshire, well behind then-Governor George Bush.  

 

Later, Senator McCain asked me if I would chair his campaign here in Rhode Island and I readily agreed to do so.

 

I was impressed with his compelling life story and liked what he had to say on most issues and I believed back then, no less than I do now, that John McCain would make a great president.

What are you chances of getting a job in DC if McCain wins in November? 

My reason for supporting John McCain has nothing to do with me personally other than that I consider him a friend. 

 

I support John McCain for president because I believe his life experience makes him best qualified for the job as our Commander in Chief.

 

I serve as John McCain’s chairman in Rhode Island because he asked me to do so and I expect nothing for my service or support other than perhaps the Senator’s appreciation

 

Were a “President-Elect” John McCain to again ask me for my help, I would obviously be honored and would certainly consider it.