WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Supporters of Republican U.S. Sen. John McCain attribute his steady gains in the polls to party operative Steve Schmidt handling strategy and operations.
Since Schmidt's takeover of the campaign months after McCain secured enough delegates to win the Republican party presidential nomination, the focus has become more structured and public appearances more boldly conceived and executed, The Boston Globe reported Friday.
"People are very much encouraged by the new face of the campaign because they were not happy with the original theory of 'I'm not going to be aggressive, I'm not going to attack,' " said Charles Kopp, mid-Atlantic finance chairman for McCain's campaign. "Everybody felt that if (McCain) did that, he would have a tough time winning."
Schmidt, a veteran of President George W. Bush's White House and 2004 campaign rapid-response team, was named in July to a top role overseeing strategy and operations. Schmidt replaced Rick Davis, who also managed McCain's 2000 presidential effort.
