Could John McCain Lose Again?

After a presidential defeat, the Arizona senator starts a new run at home.

Phoenix (By Byron York, National Review Online) — “Senator McCain, what do you make of Arizonans who think that for the last ten years you’ve been America’s senator, and not Arizona’s senator?”

That, from a local reporter here in Phoenix, was one of the opening questions last week when John McCain held his first press conference since losing the presidential race on November 4. McCain’s purpose was to announce that he will run for reelection in 2010 and to say, in effect, “Remember me? I’m your senator.” The reporter’s question was to remind McCain that a number of people in this state aren’t entirely happy about that.

“I’m very proud to have served, and I’m proud during that period to have been elected and reelected,” McCain answered. “I will be glad to point to my record as chairman of the Indian Affairs committee, and Armed Services, and all the other issues and legislative accomplishments, ranging from protecting the Grand Canyon to issues affecting our border and our economy. I’m very proud of my record.”