McCain Bests Conservative Offensive in SC

Despite an onslaught from uber-conservatives like Rush Limbaugh, John McCain managed to capture a chunk of the Republican establishment to win South Carolina. McCain's victory marked a dramatic difference from the last time conservatives blasted him out of the running in South Carolina in 2000, reports the Washington Post. "I think the people of South Carolina are getting to know John McCain now," said a supporter.

Limbaugh warned that McCain would "destroy" the GOP and former House majority leader Tom DeLay blasted him for working with the "most liberal Democrats." But McCain's future is far from in the bag. So far he has benefited from primaries that allow independents to vote. The coming contest in Florida is open only to registered Republicans, and will test his ability to galvanize a base that may be alienated by any deviance from a conservative party line. (More John McCain stories.)