"There's only one candidate in the race for the White House who is ready to serve from day one, and that's John McCain," said Mr. Peterson. "When you couple John McCain's unprecedented service to this country with his unblemished record of fighting for common sense conservative principles, it becomes clear that he stands head and shoulders above the competition. I am proud to endorse him, and excited to do all that I can to make certain he is our next president."

Mr. Peterson is a veteran grassroots operative in the Palmetto State. He served as Director of Marketing at the Republican National Committee under Chairman Lee Atwater. Most recently, served as the Lexington County Vice-Chair of the Brownback for President campaign. In 2006, Mr. Peterson assisted Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer's successful re-election bid as campaign coordinator. Peterson is the former 1st Vice Chairman of the Lexington County Republican Party.

McCain thanked Mr. Peterson saying, "Richard is known throughout Republican circles in South Carolina for his commitment to conservative causes. I am grateful to have his support, and I know he will be a valuable member of our grassroots team in South Carolina."