Ganske goes to McCain camp

Former Iowa Congressman Greg Ganske, the Des Moines doctor who unseated long-time Democratic Congressman Neal Smith in 1994, can be heard on the radio in Iowa’s capitol city touting the benefits of plastic surgery these days.  (Any of you remember the beige 1958 DeSoto that Ganske campaigned in back in ’94 — to illustrate that 1958 was the year Smith was first elected to congress?)  Now, the McCain folks say Ganske may be heard at McCain campaign events as Ganske will serve as co-chair of McCain’s Iowa campaign.

Like McCain, Ganske was often labeled a "maverick" or "moderate" Republican.  During his congressional career, Ganske championed a "Patient’s Bill of Rights" and railed against the "managed care" industry. Ganske ran against Senator Tom Harkin in 2002 and lost.   

Campagin news release after the jump.

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign today announced that former Congressman Greg Ganske will serve as co-chair of Senator McCain’s Iowa campaign.  Ganske is the second co-chair named in Iowa, joining former State Auditor Richard Johnson.

"Senator McCain’s common sense conservative leadership makes him the right candidate to lead our country during these challenging times,” said Ganske.  “He is the true fiscal conservative in this race and I’m confident Iowans will want a leader who is not afraid to take on the special interests.”

Greg Ganske represented Iowa’s 4th Congressional District in the United States Congress from 1995 until 2003.  He was the Republican Party’s nominee for United States Senate in 2002.  Ganske earned a reputation in Congress as an advocate for conservative reform, fiscal responsibility, and increasing access to affordable health care.

Senator John McCain expressed his appreciation for Ganske’s support.  “During his tenure in Congress, Greg demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the people of Iowa,” said Senator McCain.  “I’m proud to have a dedicated public servant like Greg as part of our Iowa organization.”