Presumptive presidential nominee Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) spoke about his decision to name Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate in an e-mail to supporters Friday morning.

McCain called Palin a "trailblazer and reformer."

"As the first female governor of Alaska, she challenged a corrupt system and has been a tireless advocate for reform - passing a landmark bill on ethics reform," McCain said. "She has taken on the old politics in Alaska and reformed the state's energy industry. She rejects wasteful pork barrel spending. She's fearless - exactly the type of leader I want at my side and the type of leadership we will bring to Washington."

McCain said that he and Palin make the strongest presidential ticket.