House GOP Steps Up for McCain

The top three GOP leaders in the House embraced  frontrunner John McCain in a feel-good meeting with House colleagues yesterday aimed at settling lingering doubts about his candidacy. McCain also got three standing ovations, praise for his commitment, and only one question about immigration—the issue on which many of them disagree with him most vehemently—attendees told Politico.

“All of us know Senator McCain has positions that differ from some of us in the party,” House Minority Leader John Boehner told reporters after the meeting. “I stand before you proud to endorse my friend.” House campaign chief Tom Cole added: “Recent elections tell us the decisive political battleground is in the middle. John McCain is the Democrats’ worst nightmare.” The men were joined by the minority whip and Republican conference chairman, who also urged the party faithful to rally around McCain. (More John McCain stories.)