By Michelle Westgate
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) spent the week talking to people and doing his job as a senator.
This week is the equivalent of an NFL “bye week” for the Republicans. With a clear party nominee for the national election, McCain has been able to narrow his campaign focus on the general election.
Some analysts believe that while the Democrats continue their battle for a party nominee, time can be used by McCain to smooth out the rough edges with hard-line conservatives on campaign issues, and to narrow his choices for a vice presidential candidate.
McCain’s admission earlier this month that economics are not his strong point has become the subject of headlines and blogs. With the economy being a top concern for Americans, many believe McCain will have to present a clear strategy for a long-term solution to what many fear is an economic downturn.
“Undermined by sagging home values and a national credit crunch, our economy has slowed, presenting challenges to the prosperity of American families,” McCain said in a statement on Wednesday. He explained that the government is not responsible for helping investors, but instead for helping the hardworking homeowners.
McCain said it is important to monitor the steps already taken to boost the economy, and to avoid short-term solutions that will hurt the economy in the long-run.
Earlier on Wednesday, McCain met with employees at Savvis, Inc. in St. Louis, according to KSDK, an NBC-affiliate television station. Workers asked the Senator about the war in Iraq, a controversial Pentagon decision regarding Boeing, health care and the economy.
“I hope the stimulus package and these checks that are coming will have some effect on the economy,” McCain said, according to the KSDK report.
The national economy is not the only money concern for McCain. He has been on the road this week trying to raise funds for his national campaign, including one in New York where he may have raised $1 million. McCain acknowledges the clear advantage held by his Democratic rivals when it comes to campaign funds.
“We’re working hard to try to bring our party together and our fundraisers and raise money, and it is going better,” McCain told reporters.
In addition to raising funds, McCain has been receiving more positive endorsements this past week.
Earlier this month, McCain took some heat from the press over his acceptance of an endorsement from controversial televangelist Pastor John Hagee, who is well known for making inflammatory remarks about other religious views, especially Catholics, Muslims and Jews.
To respond, a group of 100 prominent Catholics have come together to form the National Catholics for McCain committee. Led by Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.), and former Gov. Frank Keating (R-Okla.), the committee is comprised of businessmen and women, students and Catholic leaders from more than 24 states.
Rep. Ron Paul (R-Tex.), was also in the news this week, when rumors appeared that he was officially dropping out of the race as a candidate for the Republican Party. Paul addressed his supporters in a seven-minute video posted on his Web site.
“Many victories have been achieved due to your hard work and enthusiasm,” Paul said. He acknowledged that he could not win the race for the party nomination, but told supporters that he would continue to campaign. “Elections are short term efforts, revolutions are long term projects,” he said.
Rand Paul, son of Rep. Ron Paul, posted a statement Wednesday assuring supporters that Paul did not drop out of the race.