U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign today announced that former California Secretary of State Bill Jones will serve as chairman of the Arizona Senator’s campaign in the state of California.
As chairman, Jones will take the lead on Senator McCain’s political outreach and use his years of statewide experience on major issues to help advise a successful statewide effort.
Bill Jones served as California’s Secretary of State from 1995 to 2003 where he was widely credited for the success of his groundbreaking election and campaign finance reforms. Jones served in the California State Assembly from 1983 to 1995 where he was elected Republican leader in the assembly in 1991. A respected leader on agricultural and water issues, Jones also successfully authored California’s famous "Three Strikes and You’re Out" tough on crime law (Proposition 184). Bill Jones was elected as the state’s Republican Party nominee for the U.S. Senate in 2004.
"John McCain’s established record of leadership will go a long way with California’s Republican voters. He has been a leader on our critically important issues for many years and understands the challenges facing California better than any other candidate," said Jones. "Senator McCain has shown throughout his life that he is capable of making difficult decisions based on a set of core conservative principles and that’s exactly the type of leadership Californians need for the future."
Senator John McCain stated that he was proud of the support and counsel he will receive from the former California Secretary of State. "Bill is a respected public figure in California and I am proud to have him on board," said Senator McCain. "He and I share a belief in the need for renewed leadership in America and I look forward to the discussion with Californians about what our country can be capable of in the future."
Below is a brief video interview I had with Jones at a McCain fundraising event in Orange County.