Free Republic

GOP senator tells Democratic centrists he was there for them when Republicans tried to force judges through in 2005. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) is seeking bipartisan support to block Senate Democrats from using special parliamentary tactics to pass healthcare reform. The Democratic strategy of using reconciliation to pass changes to the healthcare bill is reminiscent of Republican attempts to force President George W. Bush’s judicial nominees through with a simple majority vote, McCain said Thursday. He implored centrist Democrats to think about the consequences. He even invoked President Barack Obama’s own words to make his case. And McCain reminded Democrats...

PHOENIX -- Ariz. Sen. John McCain got in some early campaigning as he appeared Thursday with guest host John Hook on "Ankarlo Mornings" on News/Talk 92-3 KTAR. McCain said he has no problem being challenged by former Congressman J.D. Hayworth in this fall's Republican primary. He said he has always taken every race seriously, always anticipated tough races and always worked hard. McCain, seeking his fifth term in the Senate, said Arizona is "hurting badly right now" and, "The question in this election will be, who can be most effective for the state of Arizona and help the people of...

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Republican National Committee Chairman Sen. Mel Martinez rejected the claim that the new immigration bill will anger conservatives and destroy the GOP's chances to win in the 2008 election.