And the governor's endorsement played no part? If you believe that you're delusional.
Believe what you want. Are you trying to imply that McCain never got voted in without Sarah's support before? Now that's delusional. He's been a mainstay in that state for thirty or so years with no thought from voters as they kept voting for him. I believe he's gone unchallenged for years.
This time McCain had to spend millions to keep his seat and from what I read - his TV advertisements were non stop. His opponent did not have the name recognition nor the money the old shoe had. But Hayworth certainly exposed McCain - and Juan's 'unexpected' energy he showed against a conservative when he was taking something he 'believed' was his. Perhaps, Hayworth won more for his state than he was given credit for. Something woke up AZ voters. If you are hell bent on blaming Sarah - go for it. It's only your wish to blame someone other than his voters. Conservatives pick their candidates and don't listen to anyone. But I can only speak for myself and conservatives I know. I don't know any easily led conservatives but those type of conservatives/so called are certainly here. Besides that - I cannot believe conservatives in that state ever voted for him. McCain didn't have any conservatives policies or values. Rino's are and always was his base.