McCain endorses GOP nominee Jolly in Fla. race

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) endorsed Republican congressional nominee David Jolly on Wednesday in his bid to win a Florida congressional special election.

“The United States Congress needs principled leaders like David Jolly,” McCain said in a statement released by Jolly’s campaign. “David has strong convictions and also believes in civility and working together to get things done.”

As a major proponent of helping military veterans, McCain also said Jolly’s commitment to helping wounded warriors is one he can continue in Congress.

{mosads}“It is a tremendous honor to have the support of Senator John McCain — a true example of steadfast leadership and service to his constituents and the citizens of this nation,” Jolly said in a statement. “A Navy veteran himself, Senator McCain has worked with members of both parties to ensure our nation’s veterans, and the veterans of his home state, have the support they need and deserve here at home.” 

Jolly is running for the seat in Florida’s 13th Congressional District left open by the late Rep. Bill Young (R), who died in October after serving in Congress for 42 years. Jolly had previously worked for Young as his general counsel. But Jolly faces a tough contest with Democratic nominee Alex Sink, the state’s former chief financial officer, in the swing district that voted for President Obama last election.