I am a proven conservative Republican leader. I emphasize that because this is a Republican primary. I have been very active in Republican politics. And I am in my ninth year of elected public office.

I am the only candidate with a proven history of grassroots involvement in the Republican party. And I'm the only candidate who has been elected to public office. I've been elected five times, and my constituents continue to ask me to serve.

In choosing a president, we really don't choose a Republican or Democrat, a conservative or liberal. We choose a leader, ... And in times of danger, as we are now in, Americans should put leadership at the core of their decision. George W. Bush sees world terrorism for the evil that it is, and he will remain consistent to the purpose of defeating it while working to make us ever safer at home.

We wouldn't have called him a conservative as far as being a Texas Republican.

In choosing a president, we really don't choose a Republican or Democrat, a conservative or liberal. We choose a leader.

As the clear and active Republican front runner for 2008, McCain is not just a conservative. Otherwise why would he be so controversial among the party's base?