Possibly a move to the right before the primary.
I think that is a possibility and I'm not so sure it's a bad one.
Most of the money is on Hillary for 2008, and we all know if she wants the nomination, it's hers for the taking.
I've chatted with some coworkers who are clearly left of center and most of them would vote McCain in a McCain/Hillary match up.
If we think longer term than the 2008 elections, the selection of a good conservative running mate could potentially keep the presidency in GOP hands through 2016.
I expect that McCain will move back right over the next 2 years and try for the nomination again. If he sticks to his guns and we get two good nominees in, the base will back him in 2008. And if he puts a good ticket together, perhaps McCain/George Allen, I think we can fend off whatever the Dems have to offer.
If Kilgore wins in the Virginia Governor's race this year, that means he can appoint another Republican to fill Allen's seat should he move to the Vice Presidency.
It would explain why the GOP is trying to be very careful with Florida and why they are discouraging Harris. From what I remember, there is one more election cycle (2006) where the Dems have to defend more seats than Republicans.
The GOP want to maximise their odds I'm sure.