"John McCain is the only candidate prepared to lead our great nation as commander in chief from day one," said Representative Lincoln Diaz-Balart. "Throughout his career John McCain has shown leadership on issues important to the Hispanic community, including expanding economic prosperity and advancing democracy and freedom around the world. "John McCain's leadership on immigration reform proved that while he believes we must secure the borders first, we must also treat all people in our country with compassion."

Representative Illeana Ros-Lehtinen added, "John McCain understands that the Cuban people have been living under tyranny for far too long. John has been a strong supporter of the U.S. embargo and has long been working with us to help bring freedom and democracy to Cuba. We deeply value his commitment and are proud to stand with him."

John McCain thanked Reps. Diaz-Balart and Ros-Lehtinen, along with the advisory board members, adding, "I am proud to have the support of this distinguished group of Hispanic community leaders. I look forward to their support and expertise as I work to take on the tough challenges facing all Americans."

NATIONAL HISPANIC ADVISORY BOARD

Chairs

Mayor Carlos Alvarez, Florida

Honorable Lincoln Diaz-Balart, Florida

Honorable Mario Diaz-Balart, Florida

Pastor Mark Gonzalez, Texas

Honorable Manuel Lujan, New Mexico

Mr. Tony Orlando, Florida

Honorable Illeana Ros-Lehtinen, Florida

Mr. Solomon D. Trujillo, Colorado

Major General Freddy Valenzuela, Florida

Honorable Albert C. Zapanta, Texas

Co-Chairs

Mr. Ruben Alvarez, Arizona

Mr. Greg Celaya, Arizona

Mrs. Veronica Celaya, Arizona

Mr. Blanca Esparza, Arizona

Mr. Jose Esparza, Arizona

Mr. Gary Husk, Arizona

Ms. Alice Lara, Arizona

Mr. Humberto Lopez, Arizona

Mr. Jaime Molero, Arizona

Mrs. Bettina Nava, Arizona

Mr. Andrew Pacheco, Arizona

Mrs. Jessica Pacheco, Arizona

Mr. Jose Rivero, Arizona

Councilman Martin Sepulveda, Arizona

Mr. Leo Cortez, Californi a

Mr. Ben Lubbon, California

Mr. Ryan Morfin, California

Reverend Sam Rodriguez, California

Mr. Jim Serrata, California

Mr. Juan Carlos Benitez, District of Columbia

Reverend Luis Lopez, Florida

Dr. Juan Melgarejo, Florida

Mrs. Ana Navarro, Florida

Mr. John M. Aguilar, Illinois

Mrs. Mary Jo Arndt, Illinois

Mrs. Rose Mary Bombala-Tobais, Illinois

Mr. Noelle Castellanos, Illinois

Mrs. Sunny Chico, Illinois

Mrs. Lydia Gutierrez, Michigan

Mr. Richard Aguilar, Minnesota

Mrs. Zulma Barrios, Nebraska

Mr. Larry Meneses, New York

Mr. Luis Manuel Garcia Passalacqua, Puerto Rico

Mr. John Regis, Puerto Rico

Mr. Raul Lopez, Tennessee

Mr. Robert Amundsen, Texas

Pastor Lynn Godsey, Texas

Mr. Vidal Gonzalez, Texas

Mr. Francisco Hernandez, Texas

Mrs. Becky Armandariz Klein, Texas

Ms. Margaret Martin, Texas

Mr. Manuel Negrete, Texas

Mr. Mario Ramirez, Texas

Ms. Shiree Sanchez, Texas

Dr. Antonio Longo, Virginia