So, how is the Deal playing in AZ re: McCain?

[johnaries]

A lot of Neo-Cons are fuming over his part in the Filibuster deal. How is this affecting his standing and reputation in AZ?

[poverlay]

1. I can't speak for all of us,

but I'm personally more concerned with defeating John Kyl in '06. He is awful. I've never seen such a suck up in all my life.

[NoodleBoy]

2. I hope what turns out in 2008 is that McCain runs for the Rep. nomination,

loses, then announces his retirement in 2010.

He might be popular with sane Americans--regardless of their ideology, people love consistency-- but the flat-earth Republican base absolutely hate him because he refuses to toe the party line when he thinks they've gone too far.

Of course, though, his rabid support of Bush has hurt his image among independents and people who voted against him.

[blondeatlast]

3. The buzz really hasn't changed. He's wildly popular here

(keep in mind we have many, many independents in AZ) and much respect.

I know he's as popular as a heat rash on DU, but he's far better than most of what AZ could have.

We are the home of John Kyl and (ugh) JD Hayworth, you know.

I think he is still respected by the electorate. Since I don't listen to the local RW chatter, I can't say, but I don't think it matters, really. The voters really don't care what he did.

[hippiegranny]

4. McCain is definitely better than

vile Kyl or that moron JD Hayworthless (hyuk-hyuk), and you are so correct that most people in AZ view him as someone with principles and courage. I was thoroughly disgusted by the way he fellated Bush during the run-up to 11/04, but otherwise, he is sometimes ok, even though most of his views do not agree with mnine.

I agree, AZ voters don't care what he did. Maybe the totally religiously insane, but they really ARE such a fringe minority.

[City Lights]

5. The McCain haters still hate him.

I've seen two nasty LTTE about the compromise, one of which is below. Like the other posters said though, it really doesn't matter because he has broad support among sane repukes, indys and even some Democrats.

McCain's arrogance surfaces again
May. 27, 2005 12:00 AM

Sen. John McCain has succumbed again to his maverick ideology and all-too-common arrogance. He apparently learned nothing when he reached out to Democrats on the campaign finance reform debacle that was quickly rendered useless by their explosive use of the 527 loophole.

Now he has led the compromise that has Dems agreeing not to apply their unprecedented use of the filibuster to stop judicial nominees unless there is "extraordinary circumstances." What a joke!

What will be the basis of a nominee labeled "extreme" by the Dems? Somewhere in the past the nominee will have spoken against abortion, mentioned the Bible, advocated individual responsibility or stated a belief in smaller government.
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Will Republican senators have the gumption to challenge the Dems' definition of "extraordinary circumstances" and accuse them of acting in bad faith? Certainly not those of Sen. McCain's ilk.

Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, Scottsdale

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/0527frilets274.html