But the four-term senator is battling for his political life
in a race that embodies the volatility of an unpredictable election year. He's
facing former Rep. J.D. Hayworth, a fellow Republican pushing him farther to
the right as GOP voters demand conservative purity in their candidates and
punish those with ties to the Washington establishment.
Two longtime Senate incumbents have fallen — Bob Bennett,
R-Utah, and Arlen Specter, D-Pa. A third — Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark. — could see
her hopes dashed this Tuesday in a runoff amid voter inclination to reward
political neophytes who adhere to party principles over experience.
McCain's popularity fell in Arizona as he spent years
campaigning outside of it, twice for the White House. Hayworth, a radio talk
show host who had been in Congress for a dozen years but lost to a Democrat in
2006, saw a chance for a political comeback.
The behemoth in the race, McCain has a decades-old political
organization, millions in the bank and six campaign offices. He's counting on
his deep ties to Arizona and legions of longtime backers to carry him through.
In contrast, Hayworth has never run statewide, is struggling to raise money and
has just two offices. But he's being fueled by disaffected McCain backers and
voters hungry for new leadership.
"He's been there too long. And he hasn't done anything
for Arizona," Ally Miller says of McCain, 73. "It's time for someone
new."
Among Hayworth supporters, there's a feeling that McCain
hasn't been a loyal Republican, he's ignored Arizona and his time has passed.
Many have voted for him for years — because, they say, there wasn't another
option. With the 51-year-old Hayworth, people fed up with the status quo — and
unwilling to automatically give McCain a new six-year term — have somewhere to turn.
"Hayworth is a true conservative patriot," said a
supporter, John Kessler. "McCain has become a big government,
tax-and-spend liberal."