How serious is John McCain about running for president? Apparently, serious enough to have his top two people exit as the campaign attempts to turn its fortunes around in time for the primaries. He may also be considering a resignation from the Senate to show his commitment:
John McCain's campaign manager and chief strategist quit Tuesday, the second major staff shake-up in a week for the Republican presidential candidate who trails his rivals in money and polls.In a statement, the Arizona senator said Terry Nelson and John Weaver offered their resignations, "which I accepted with regret and deep gratitude for their dedication, hard work and friendship."
Nelson, a veteran of President Bush's successful 2004 re-election effort, said he stepped down as campaign manager and Weaver, a longtime aide who ran McCain's failed 2000 presidential bid, said he left his post of chief strategist. Both resignations were effective immediately.
Some people may see this as the wheels coming off the campaign, but that has already arguably happened. This looks more like trying to put new wheels in place of the old while the vehicle is in motion. Both men have worked for McCain for years -- Weaver was a key man in McCain's failed 2000 primary bid -- and McCain would not have parted with them if he intends to quit. This signals that McCain wants to rethink his campaign strategy to such an extent that new management will be needed.
Nor could those be the only resignations. Via Michelle Malkin, US News says that McCain's advisors want him to quit the Senate. The argument is that it will show a Cortes-on-the-shore kind of commitment to the race, as well as free McCain from legislating. That would have two benefits -- a freer schedule and an ability to avoid the kind of policy wars like immigration that torpedoed McCain in the last month.
Unfortunately, that would put the seat into the hands of Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano. The Democrat would not likely name a Republican to fill the seat, tilting the balance of power in the Senate even more towards the Democrats. Such a move would not likely endear party stalwarts to McCain, the very people he needs to win back in a retooled campaign. I doubt that his resignation will be forthcoming soon.
But it should be clear that this shakeup underscores McCain's efforts to stay in the race. Whether it helps will be anyone's guess.
Real Clear Politics has an update that says Mark Salter, McCrazy’s longtime closest aide who is also the author of his books has now deserted him—apparently in response to the firing of the other two.
Real Clear Politics has an update that says Mark Salter, McCrazy’s longtime closest aide who is also the author of his books has now deserted him—apparently in response to the firing of the other two.
Ok, since I am just a nobody who could be anyone ... I will guess ... He's Toast!