Maine Republican party chairman Mark Ellis issued the following statement in support of U.S. Sen. John McCain's (R-Ariz.) choice of Gov. Sarah Palin (R-Alaska) for vice presidential running mate:

“John McCain’s choice of Governor Palin as his running mate is a truly exciting pick and brings another maverick with a proven record of challenging the status quo to the Republican ticket. John McCain is putting Washington on serious notice with his choice of Governor Palin.  A McCain/Palin team is sure to shake things up and that is exactly what we need in Washington now.”