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McCain hits ground in Denver

By David Montero, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published March 27, 2008 at 4:04 p.m.
Updated March 27, 2008 at 8:58 p.m.

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U.S. Senator John McCain and Mitt Romney arrive today at Denver International Airport.

Photo by George Kochaniec Jr. © The Rocky

U.S. Senator John McCain and Mitt Romney arrive today at Denver International Airport.

Sen. John McCain finally set foot in Colorado, bringing along the man who clobbered him in the state's caucus and some of the Republican heavyweights who didn't support him then.

They all stood together at the Brown Palace Hotel today before heading off to a fundraiser at the Denver Athletic Club — $1,000 a ticket or $2,300 to have a photo taken with the presumed Republican presidential nominee.

First it was Mitt Romney, who won the Colorado caucus by a two-to-one margin.

"I am proud to be able to support Senator McCain, who this country needs as its next president," Romney said. "It is important for all of us who care about the future of America not to sit back and see how this election turns out, but to be actively involved."

McCain didn't campaign in Colorado before the February caucus and hadn't been to the state since last fall.

McCain only answered a handful of questions — most centering on his ability to woo social conservatives who backed Romney and Mike Huckabee in Colorado's caucus and still appeal to the state's large swath of unaffiliated voters.

McCain passed up an opportunity to take a shot at Sen. Barack Obama's affilation with Rev. Jeremiah Wright — the Chicago preacher who has caused a firestorm with comments such as blacks shouldn't sing "God Bless America" but should instead say "God Damn America."

Clips of Wright's fiery oratory have been a staple on YouTube and a feasting point for conservative radio talk show hosts.

McCain offered a defense of the Democrat he may face in November.

"I can only say that I am sure — knowing Senator Obama — that he does not share the extreme views expressed that I saw on television," McCain said.

That tactic, however, might keep him in hot water with conservatives who have problems with his support of stem-cell research, his acknowledgement of global warming and his hand in the McCain-Feingold bill that tackled campaign finance reform.

To help win over conservatives in a state like Colorado, McCain said he'd lean on Romney.

"I think he can do a much better job convincing them than I can," McCain said. "I think it's very clear when you look at the polls, more Republicans support me than Democrats support Senator Obama or Senator Clinton. We have been able to reunite our party and where Governor Romney can play such an important role is to energize our party."

McCain, flanked by the host of former Romney backers including Allard and former U.S. Congressman Bob Beauprez, said he also felt he might fare well in a state like Colorado because of the rise of independent voters who are dissatisfied with both parties.

The way to appeal to those voters, he said, was lower taxes and less government.

McCain's visit to Colorado was blasted by Democrats, who held a pre-emptive conference call with party chairs from four states — Colorado, Utah, Nevada and Arizona.

Pat Waak, Colorado's Democratic Chairwoman, said she didn't expect a battle with McCain to be "a cakewalk" but also said she thought either Obama or Clinton matched up well with the Arizona senator.

"We think John McCain is the best candidate we could be running against as Democrats," Waak said.

Comments

  • March 27, 2008

    5:08 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    DenverDan writes:

    These two don’t have a clue. Can they do a better job than Jr? Don’t think so. Let’s hope they don’t get a chance. The funny part is some of you voted for Bush twice.

  • March 27, 2008

    6:12 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    El_Supremo writes:

    <IMG SRC=http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg...

  • March 27, 2008

    6:18 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    dirkle writes:

    "McCain Hits Ground .."

    someone should help Grandpa Munster to his feet

  • March 27, 2008

    6:43 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    MO_Listener writes:

    Sorry Gene, I made the same mistake twice and wish I could take my votes back - plus I was living in FL so my vote really helped get W in the White House. That said, I am still looking for a ballot with the option "None of the above". It is sad we have such a poor selection and it only gets worse each election cycle.

    None of these politicians give a damn about American citizens - only about their own parties. What a sad day for America!

  • March 27, 2008

    7:50 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    jcn7vc writes:

    DenverDan, some of us have voted for Bush three times (if you count his dad), and don't regret it.

  • March 27, 2008

    8:02 p.m.

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    elpresidente writes:

    The full press conference is available here:

    http://slapstickpolitics.blogspot.com...

  • March 29, 2008

    5:17 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    chgrbill writes:

    Wow. You liberal idiots have no clue. God bless Pres. Bush & best of luck to Sen. McCain & whomever his runningmate happens to be. Personally, I like Romney, but that remains to be seen. Electing either Barok-o or the Hillebeast is a lesson in futilty. Just watching the dems fall apart is both hilarious & sad, & having to hear both howard dean & pelosi whine about the whole thing is more than should have to bear.