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GOP Lawmakers Holding Out on McCain

At least 14 say they won't endorse candidate

By Jonas Oransky,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 12, 2008 2:12 PM CDT
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(Newser) – At least 14 GOP lawmakers are refusing to publicly support John McCain’s White House bid, and more than a dozen more are keeping mum about whether they back the senator, the Hill reports. A few say they are supporting their party’s candidate without going so far as endorsing him. Many refused to say why they were holding out, though some offered as reasons differences on Iraq and energy policy.

A rep for the candidate said it “shouldn't be a surprise that Sen. McCain's bold record of independence on the issues isn't appreciated by every single Republican on Capitol Hill.” Certain factions of either party often won’t support the nominee, but both moderate and conservative Republicans from various parts of the US are reluctant to embrace McCain.

Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., who is among those not publicly supporting John McCain, talks to the media after appearing on CBS' Face the Nation in Washington Dec.. 9, 2007.
Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., who is among those not publicly supporting John McCain, talks to the media after appearing on CBS' "Face the Nation" in Washington Dec.. 9, 2007.   (AP Photo/CBS Face the Nation, Karin Cooper)
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., right, huddles with committee member Sen. Jeff Sessions, R- Ala, who has not publicly endorsed McCain.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., right, huddles with committee member Sen. Jeff Sessions, R- Ala, who has not publicly endorsed McCain.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., laughs. Achieving party unity is a concern for both Democrats and Republicans in this election.
Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., laughs. Achieving party unity is a concern for both Democrats and Republicans in this election.   (AP Photo/LM Otero)
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Iraq • energy • John McCain • GOP • nominee • political endorsement • Pennsylvania primary • Indiana primary • West Virginia primary

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