Republican U.S. Sen. John Sununu, in the midst of a tight race for reelection, praised his party's vice presidential pick in a statement Friday afternoon.

Shortly after presumptive presidential nominee U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) announced he was picking Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate, Sununu released a statement lauding the decision.

"No one should be surprised that a maverick like John McCain has made such a strong bold choice for his running mate," Sununu said. "Governor Palin has a well deserved reputation for honesty, toughness, and reform. Like John McCain, she doesn't just talk about change, she's shaken up the system - and America is better served as a result of her hard work.”