Blunt endorses McCain for president

ARLINGTON, Va. -- Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt is endorsing Sen. John McCain in the Arizona Republican's run to become the next president.

McCain's campaign sent out a news release this morning with details, and the following statement from Blunt:

"I had the opportunity today to talk to Senator McCain and I told him he is the best person to lead our country as President of the United States. John McCain is a revered hero at our shared alma mater. As I have said, he was the commencement speaker when I graduated the Naval Academy and he is held up as a model of heroic leadership in the face of tremendous adversity.

"John McCain is the best person running for president to protect our nation from the radical Jihadists who hate our country, hate our freedom and values, and who are seeking to terrorize Americans and destroy our way of life. We are a nation at war against these terrorists and we cannot afford the risk of Democrat opponents like Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama who should be able to see the same threat, but question whether America is at fault."

Blunt's comments went on to say McCain will "defend our freedom and help spread freedom and democracy around the world."

McCain and Blunt are veterans of the U.S. Navy.

In response to Blunt's comments, McCain called the governor "a fellow midshipman and a true leader in Missouri."