Craig Williams hops aboard McCain's 'Straight Talk Express'

There's nothing like a visit by a presidential candidate to stir up some enthusiasm for the entire ticket.

Sen. John McCain is in Pennsylvania Friday.

Craig Williams, a Republican running for U.S. Congress in the 7th Congressional District, took part in a town hall meeting featuring Sen. John McCain.

The event took place in Delaware County, the heart of the 7th District.

Williams vowed to work with McCain to reduce the tax burden on working families; combat wasteful, pork-barrel spending in Congress; address the problem of illegal immigration; and root out terrorism wherever it may exist, according to his campaign.

"We need a true leader in the White House, an individual who will stand strong for America. We need steadfast heroism in this great country of ours, and Sen. McCain is a patriotic hero of the highest order," said Williams, a former federal prosecutor, Marine combat veteran, and former active duty Deputy Legal Counsel to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

"John McCain brings the leadership and experience that we need to reach across party lines and rebuild our nation." Williams added.

Williams spoke before several hundred residents gathered at the Springfield Country Club.

Introducing McCain and Former Secretary of the Navy John Lehman to the crowd, Williams praised McCain's campaign of "Straight Talk" to the American people.

"One thing you always know with John McCain is where he stands on the issues," said Williams. "He does not mince words or simply tell people what he thinks they want to hear. He gives an honest and open opinion, and I respect that in a leader."

In addition to Delaware County, the 7th Congressional District goes into neighboring Montgomery and Chester counties. The seat is now held by Democrat Joe Sestak, who beat longtime GOP Rep. Curt Weldon in 2006.

For more on Williams, visit his campaign Web site, http://craigwilliamsforcongress.com/

(That's McCain greeting supporters as he arrives to speak at a town hall meeting in Springfield Friday/AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)