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Revision as of 17:15, 22 November 2003 by Naddy (talk | contribs) (typo)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)John Sidney McCain III (born August 29, 1936) is a Republican Senator from the state of Arizona in the United States.
Brief history
McCain was born in the Panama Canal Zone, the son and grandson of prominent Navy admirals (John S. McCain, Sr. and John S. McCain, Jr.). He followed in their footsteps and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1958, and pursued a career as an aviator. He was shot down over Vietnam in 1967, and was held as a prisoner of war in Hanoi for five and a half years. He was released from captivity in 1973 and retired from the Navy with the rank of Captain in 1981.
McCain was elected as an Arizona representative to the United States House of Representatives in 1982. In 1985, after two terms in the House he was elected to the United States Senate where he is currently serving his third term. In 1997, Time magazine named him as one of the "25 Most Influential People in America." McCain ran in the 2000 presidential election but lost the Republican presidential nomination to George W. Bush. However, he put up a strong challenge to Bush, who was the favorite, managing to win the GOP primaries in New Hampshire, Michigan, Arizona, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Vermont.
Political views
McCain is considered to be one of the more liberal members of the Republican Party. Though conservative on social issues such as abortion, his opinions on fiscal matters are often closer in line with the views of the Democrats. Because he often breaks party lines in the Senate, he is often called a "maverick senator." He fights against pork barrel spending and supports health care and education.
One of McCain's main passions in his political career has been the topic of campaign finance reform. Strongly opposed to what he sees as the destructive influence of soft money in elections, McCain has repeatedly tried to pass legislation that would place a limit on the amount of cash allowed to be contributed to candidates. In 2002, McCain was able to pass a key campaign finance reform bill, the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, co-sponsored by Senator Russ Feingold and hence also known as the McCain-Feingold Bill. Its success has yet to be determined. On September 9, 2003, a case contesting the law was heard by the Supreme Court of the United States.
Military awards
Silver Star -- Bronze Star -- Legion of Merit -- Purple Heart -- Distinguished Flying Cross
Various
McCain lives with his wife Cindy in Phoenix. He has seven children and four grandchildren.
McCain's father was involved in the investigations that followed the Israeli attack on USS Liberty.