John Bolton endorsed Sen. John McCain’s re-election bid Thursday, touting the Arizona Republican’s belief that the United States must take a more robust approach to national security and foreign affairs.
Mr. Bolton, who served as ambassador to the United Nations under President George W. Bush, announced that his political action committee had contributed $5,000 to Mr. McCain, as well as to Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk’s re-election campaign and Rep. Joe Heck’s push to win the Nevada seat being vacated by Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid.
“In the wake of today’s global security crisis, we need strong and well-informed candidates who understand the reality of the world we live in, and who will stand up to fight ISIL and other threats to our country,” Mr. Bolton said, referring to the Islamic State group. “I’m glad to endorse and support these candidates for re-election who will ensure foreign policy is a priority in Congress.”
Mr. McCain is running for a sixth term in 2016. The 79-year-old serves as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and he is considered as one of the most defense-minded lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
“John’s military background makes him the right leader to represent Arizona in the U.S. Senate,” Mr. Bolton said. “I believe John will keep working diligently to improve the readiness and training of our U.S. Armed forces.”
Mr. Kirk, meanwhile, is widely viewed as one of the most vulnerable Republicans in the Senate. The Senate race in Nevada is being billed as a “toss up.”
In 2014, the John Bolton PAC and John Bolton SuperPAC raised more than $7.5 million, which went to candidates “who demonstrated commitment to strong national security policy” and paid for digital advertising in 14 states, including New Hampshire and Iowa.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.
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