Tampa - Hanoi Hilton POW, retired Navy Commander and attack pilot, 15 year medical association executive and frequent motivational speaker Paul Galanti endorsed Bob McCann for State Representative, District 67.

"It has been said that the key to success lies in six essential qualities: 'sincerity, personal integrity, humility, courtesy, wisdom and charity.' During my service in the US Navy and my internment, I learned a lot about what is in the heart of a man and I see these essential qualities in my friend Bob McCann and that is why I am endorsing him", said Galanti. Galanti further states, "As a physician, Dr. Bob has the prescription for what ails us."

Paul Galanti, Senator John McCain and many other brave Americans were prisoners of war in North Vietnam's infamous Hanoi Hilton complex where they were tortured because they refused to become propagandists for North Vietnam. Galanti graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1962 and later received a Master of Commerce degree from the University of Richmond. He retired from the Navy in 1983. His military decorations include the Silver Star, Two Legions of Merit for combat, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Bronze Star for combat, nine Air Medals, the Navy Commendation Medal for combat and two Purple Hearts.

In the 2000 presidential campaign, Galanti served as the Virginia Chair for Senator McCain's campaign and in 2008 he led its Virginia veteran's efforts. Currently, he is active in the Families of the Wounded Fund, a wonderful group that raises funds for the primary next of kin for our Iraq and Afghanistan wounded soldiers. Recognized for his speaking ability (Paul has been described as "The Attitude Adjuster"), Galanti's inspirational message has been delivered to more than 1,300 groups ranging from school children to groups of physicians.

"It is an honor and a privilege to have Paul Galanti's endorsement," said Bob McCann. "Paul Galanti embodies the true spirit of an American hero, sacrificing self for a cause greater than oneself. America owes a great debt of gratitude to men and women like Paul Galanti and I am truly honored to count this patriot as a member of my team," continued McCann.

Galanti is the most recent endorsement to a growing list of leaders supporting Bob McCann including Hillsborough County Tax Collector Doug Belden, former State Senator John Grant, Hillsborough County Commissioners Mark Sharpe and Ken Hagan and Representatives Ed Homan, Ronald "Doc" Renuart and Paige Kreegel.

Bob McCann lives in Bradenton with his wife Rosemarie. Bob McCann is a native of Chicago and served in the U.S. Navy from 1975 through 1979. After completing his naval service, he attended college on the G.I. Bill and went on to graduate from medical school at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri in 1988.

In addition to being a practicing emergency room physician, Bob serves as an adjunct professor of family medicine at LECOM-Bradenton (Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine) and is also a practicing attorney working in the area of medical laws.

State House District 67 covers southern Hillsborough County as well as Eastern Manatee and Sarasota Counties and will be open in 2010. Bob McCann is a registered Republican.

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