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McKinney (center) with his nieces Jackie (to his right) and Brittney (to his left).

McKinney at the podium at the Texas Straw Poll.

Raymond L. "Ray" McKinney (born June 20, 1962) is a mechanical engineer from Savannah, Georgia and a candidate for U.S. Congress. He was also a candidate for U.S. President in the 2008 Republican primary, but withdrew on November 14, 2007.

[edit] Biography

McKinney is a nuclear services manager for Continental Field Systems in Savannah, Georgia. He was voted "most likely to become a nuclear scientist" when he was at Effingham County High School in Georgia, according to an article in the Effingham Herald.^[1]

[edit] Education

McKinney's educational background includes graduating Effingham County Public High School, 2 years Gulfstream Aerospace machinist training, 2 years Tool and Die, CFS machinist training, and (through 1990) 2 years at Savannah for Electro-Mechanical Engineering. He has been in the industry for the last 23 years.

When asked about his educational and work experience as a tool and die maker and a mechanical engineer, McKinney had this to say about his choice of career:

I think I prefer the term "machinist" above all but my wife thinks I put myself down by saying that. It is the proudest part of my skill set though. Her point is that people respect higher education and by telling people that I am a machinist that they have a lower opinion of who I am. Actually, I am quite proud of it.

His thoughts on skilled trades and why they are good knowledge and experience for someone to have:

Having a skill is like hitting the lottto. You will always have a job, you will always be able to earn a living. It is something that no one can ever take away. You can be a manager all you want, but if you ever go back to your tools you will always be able to find work. College is great but coupled with a skill, that is the golden ticket.

[edit] Presidential campaign

McKinney (right) greets the delegation at the Texas Republican Straw Poll September 1, 2007, on stage with Rep. Duncan Hunter (left), Hugh Cort (center), and Tina Benkiser (back turned).

McKinney, in a surprise performance, bested Sen. John McCain, Sen. Sam Brownback, and Rep. Tom Tancredo in the Texas Straw Poll held September 1, 2007, in Fort Worth, Texas. McKinney carried 28 delegate votes, or 2.2%.^[2]

Along with his mother, he gave complimentary blood pressure checks at a booth at the Fort Worth Convention Center during the straw poll, and addressed the delegates during the main session prior to voting along with candidates Rep. Duncan Hunter of California, Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, Alabama psychiatrist Hugh Cort, and Illinois lawyer John H. Cox.^[3]

During his campaign, McKinney often had the highest ranking at U4Prez.com of all candidates registered with the Federal Election Commission. McKinney ended his bid for the presidential race on November 14, 2007, announcing his intention to run for U.S. Congress from Georgia. On July 15, 2008, McKinney lost the Republican primary to John Stone.

[edit] External links

• McKinney's campaign site
• McKinney for Congress MySpace page
• Article in Effingham Herald

[edit] References

1. ^ Effingham Herald, "He's Ray McKinney, and he's running for president", June 25, 2007, page 1
2. ^ http://www.gainesvilleregister.com/local/local_story_247135735.html Gainesville Daily Register, September 7, 2007, page 1
3. ^ Fort Worth Star-Telegram, "Some voters upset at no-shows", September 1, 2007, page 10B

http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/election_results/2008_0715/02801.htm