Presidential Candidate Senator John McCain talks Policy at the 2008 National Restaurant Association (Press Release)

Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show restaurateurs hear about the economy, taxes, regulation and the federal budget.

-- Chain Leader, 5/19/2008

(Chicago) U.S. Sen. John McCain, the presumptive Republican Party nominee for president, today addressed a packed ballroom of restaurant and foodservice professionals attending the 89th annual National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show at McCormick Place in Chicago. The Show is the largest gathering of restaurant, foodservice and lodging professionals in the Western Hemisphere.
 
After his remarks, McCain met with a group of restaurant and hospitality industry CEOs and mayors, including National Restaurant Association President and CEO Dawn Sweeney and Michael S. Kaufman, newly elected chairman of the Board of Directors for the Association.

"We couldn't be more pleased to welcome Senator McCain to the Show," said Kaufman. "It is a testament to the vital importance of our industry, to our communities, and the nation's economy that the senator made the time to be with us here today, and a credit to him as well."
 
Kaufman highlighted the senator as an ally of the restaurant industry on immigration and the need for comprehensive reform.
 
"I appreciate the hospitality of the National Restaurant Association and of the city of Chicago," said McCain. "Considering that both of my prospective opponents call this city their home town, I've received a very warm welcome here."
 
"You in the restaurant and hospitality industry know a thing or two about competition and job creation," said McCain. "You and entrepreneurs like you have created 13 million of them, and in a strong economy your industry would likely create another two million jobs over the next decade. But many of those new plans and new jobs will depend on the choices we make in Washington. The American people want to see Republicans and Democrats working together for the good of this nation."
 
In addition to Sen. McCain, Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton also were invited to address the Show, but the continuing presidential primary contest precluded their attendance.