Free Republic

John McCain holds a comfortable lead in the contentious Arizona Republican Senate primary, according to the most recent public polling, making him the strong favorite against former Rep. J.D. Hayworth on Tuesday. But it’s been a costly road to a fifth term for the 2008 GOP presidential nominee, and the experience is likely to leave a lasting and unsightly stain on his legacy. It’s not just the $20 million he’s spent already this election or the scorched earth campaign that he’s run. Rather, it’s the choices he’s made and the positions he’s embraced — and what it reveals about him...

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Sen. John McCain hasn't always talked tough on immigration. That haunted his presidential ambitions, and now his political survival hinges on whether he can show that his conversion is genuine. It hasn't been easy. Boycotts, vigils and a legal fight over the state's attempted crackdown on illegal immigrants have kept voters attuned to each nuance in his run for re-election. "Since 2007, I've said we have to secure the border first. I said it in 2008 and 2009 and 2010," McCain told 120 people at a town hall meeting in suburban Phoenix. Leaning against the back wall...

Rand Paul’s latest ad in the Kentucky GOP Senate primary touts the support of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who is bucking the GOP establishment to weigh in on his behalf.Paul first received Palin’s endorsement in February over Secretary of State Trey Grayson, who is viewed as the choice of national Republicans in the race to succeed retiring GOP Sen. Jim Bunning. But Paul, a tea party movement favorite, has led Grayson in recent public polls and even picked up the surprise endorsement of Bunning last week.The 30-second television spot, which began airing in the state’s major media markets Monday,...