Bond endorses McCain for president

ARLINGTON, Va. -- U.S. Sen. Kit Bond has endorsed his Republican Senate colleague John McCain as his preference for the party's presidential nominee, according to a news release sent out Thursday afternoon by McCain's campaign.

"I am pleased to support John McCain as our nominee for president," Bond was quoted in the release. "On the critical issue of national security and our safety here at home,John is the only one who recognizes the threat of terrorism and who can lead our country in these dangerous times. We stand shoulder to shoulder on supporting the efforts of our troops abroad and ensuring our intelligence capabilities against all threats."

McCain said Bond has "served the people of Missouri with distinction."