S.C. House Republicans are getting a dose of presidential fever. U.S. Sen. John McCain dropped in on their weekly caucus meeting at the State House today.
McCain, the Arizona Republican who is expected to seek his party's nomination for
president in 2008, is in the state for a series of news conferences to announce the endorsement of state House Speaker Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston.
McCain's visit was brief, but he told caucus members to support President Bush's efforts to send additional U.S. troops to Iraq.
Landing Harrell is "the biggest shot of adrenaline we've had" for McCain's bid for the White House, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said today.
Harrell says he's backing McCain because of the senator's character and commitment to win the war on terror. "Time and again, he's placed the needs of his country" ahead of his own, Harrell said of McCain.
McCain stressed the importance of adding Harrell to his team. McCain says he's assembling a stronger campaign than the one he had in 2000 when he lost the pivotal S.C. primary to Bush.
"President Bush had a better political base, better financial base and better campaign. That's why we lost. We intend to have a team that" can win, McCain said.
- Aaron Gould Sheinin
Comments