Mccain in Tampa FL

TAMPA – Republican presidential candidate John McCain started his rally at the Tampa Convention Center with promises for reform.

“We’re not going to waste a moment in changing the way Washington does business.” McCain told the crowd of hundreds.

The Arizona senator immediately started talking about the fallout from the bankruptcy filing of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. and the quickly assembled weekend sale of Merrill Lynch & Co. to Bank of America Corp.

McCain said he knows Americans put a lot of trust in the bankers and brokerage firms, and depend on the financial sector to protect their savings.

“We’re going to put an end to the reckless conduct, corruption and unbridled greed that have caused the crisis on Wall Street,” McCain said. “Government has a clear responsibility to act in defense of the public interest, and that’s exactly what I intend to do.”

McCain was also critical of his Barack Obama’s energy and economic plans.

“I will not raise your taxes, Senator Obama wants to raise your taxes,” said McCain.

McCain criticized Obama for opposing nuclear power and drilling offshore, steps McCain says need to be taken to achieve energy independence.

To close his speech, McCain thanked his supporters. “We need to carry the state of Florida, and with your help we’ll do that.”