Name: John McCain

Age: 71

Occupation: U.S. Senator

Office sought: President of the United States

Party affiliation: Republican

Family: Wife Cindy, four sons, three daughters

Elected offices and years held: U.S. Representative, 1983-1987; U.S. Senator, 1987 to present

Other qualifications: Education: Graduated: United States Naval Academy, Naval War College, 1974; government committees: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Chair, Committee on Indian Affairs, 1995-1997, 2005-2007

Candidate’s Web site: johnmccain.com

Republican candidate John McCain on the major issues:

Economy:

“Under (McCain’s) HOME Plan, every deserving American family or homeowner will be afforded the opportunity to trade a burdensome mortgage for a manageable loan that reflects their home’s market value. ... Students face the possibility that the credit crunch will disrupt loans for the fall semester. John McCain calls on the federal government and the 50 governors to anticipate loan problems and expand the lender-of-last resort capabilities for each state’s guarantee agency. ... John McCain will permanently repeal the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) — a tax that will be paid nearly exclusively by 25 million middle class families. Repealing this onerous tax will save middle class families nearly $60 billion in a single year. Under McCain’s plan, a middle class family with children set to pay the AMT will save an average of over $2,700 — a real tax cut for working families.”

Iraq war:

“A greater military commitment now is necessary if we are to achieve long-term success in Iraq. John McCain agrees with retired Army General Jack Keane that there are simply not enough American forces in Iraq. More troops are necessary to clear and hold insurgent strongholds; to provide security for rebuilding local institutions and economies; to halt sectarian violence in Baghdad and disarm Sunni and Shia militias; to dismantle al Qaeda; to train the Iraqi Army; and to embed American personnel in Iraqi police units. Accomplishing each of these goals will require more troops and is a crucial prerequisite for needed economic and political development in the country. America’s ultimate strategy is to give Iraqis the capabilities to govern and secure their own country.”

Gas prices: