McCain Launches "Country First" PAC

(AP)

Former GOP presidential candidate and Arizona Sen. John McCain has launched a new political action committee called "Country First."

McCain, you'll recall, used the phrase "Country First" as one of his slogans during that campaign, and the phrase was prominently featured during the Republican National Convention.

McCain sent an email to supporters saying the group will promote Republican causes and candidates and work to help the GOP redefine itself.

"Country First will allow us to strengthen our party, better define our Republican ideals and message, recruit and back strong, dedicated candidates, and continue our efforts to bring real reform to government by always putting our country and the noble ideals she stands for first," he wrote in the email.

The PAC will also, the New York Times points out, likely help lay the groundwork for the 72-year-old senator's 2010 reelection campaign.

The Web site for the group offers an introductory, biographical video reminiscent of McCain's campaign ads and a page asking for contributions.

"The road was a difficult one from the outset," McCain wrote to supporters. "Yet, your faith, your support and friendship never wavered. Just as I have proudly served my country for more than half a century I am as committed as ever to helping see our mission through."

[baigge]

John McCain is one of the few people in politics who are above ego and partisanship, and who are willing to take a stand for what they believe in, even if it doesn''t make them popular. I''m glad McCain started the "Country First" PAC. I joined it right away and hope other people, especially people richer than I am, will do the same.

[joeserocki]

I am a conservative, but after McCain promised to work with the President-Elect, this seems awfully antagonistic.

[thebob-bob]

Doesn''t he need to explain why he chose an Alaskan separatist as a running mate? She didn''t seem to put country first? Is he suggesting that those who disagree with him DON''T put their country first? Why is McCain so divisive when America needs to come together? Real Americans need to unite to solve our problems not accuse others of being unpatriotic. Give it up, my friend. The 20th century is over, your Party has made a mess of the 21st, so far.